Monthly Archive for March, 2011

Sink or Swim 6 – Meet Homicide Investigator Harry Reznik

Today’s contestant on the fictional reality game show Sink or Swim is Harry Reznik, homicide investigator from Stephen Brayton’s book Night Shadows. Here’s a recap of the rules: the three literary characters with the highest number of unique commenters to their post will be chosen as winners at the end of the year, so be sure to leave Harry a comment. Here are his answers to the Sink or Swim 6.

1. Tell us about the book or series you’re from.
There have been several murders in the Des Moines metro. I’ve had the misfortune to investigate two of them. On the morning of the latest incident, I meet Lori Campisi, a federal agent, who proceeds to turn my life upside down with talk about killer shadow creatures and an ancient grimoire. Cripes, I have pregnant wife. I don’t need some kooky, unemotional fed getting in my way. However, we end up working together to stop the slaughter.

2. What is something about yourself that no one else knows?
I like walks by the river and, uh, lilacs. All right, my wife likes them but I go with her to Ewing Park every spring to enjoy the lilacs in bloom.

3. Tell us about an unusual job or hobby that you’ve had.
As a patrolman I ran escort for a funeral procession where a punk car-jacked the hearse carrying the casket was car-jacked. I chased him all over Des Moines only to have him smash into another hearse at a different funeral. What a mess!

4. What is the strangest or most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?
This may sound cliché, but the most exciting thing for me was meeting my true love. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life while attending Iowa State until I met Misty Stokes one day in the library. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a cop and I wanted to be with Misty.

5. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
Quit the force, buy a boat, and head south. Anything to get away from these damn Iowa winters. Aw, who am I kidding? I like being a cop and I’d probably get bored two weeks away from the job. I might still buy the boat, however.

6. Please tell us briefly about your author and list websites.
He’s Stephen Brayton and he’s a decent enough guy once you get to know him. He’s got a pretty good sense of humor and he’s also a Fifth Degree Black Belt in taekwondo. You can find more information about him at www.stephenbrayton.com and his blog at http://stephenlbrayton.blogspot.com/. Don’t forget about his contest for Night Shadows, details to be found in the February 18th post.

For newcomers, this on-line “game show” is inspired by the mystery novel Sink or Swim.

Sink or Swim 6: Meet Ashriel Delaney from Smitten & Giveaway

Today’s contestant on the fictional reality show Sink or Swim is Ashriel Delaney of Five Oaks, Colorado, from the Silke Juppenlatz book Smitten. Now I must say, I’m extremely honored that Ashriel is taking the time to participate on my little game show because get this, Ashriel is an angel. Well, a failed angel, but that’s beside the point. In fact, he sent me a note: Hi Stacy, Here is my application. I would, of course, be a heavenly contestant. Exactly what you need. Not that I’m biased, or anything. Best, Ash

Even better, Ash is giving away one PDF copy of Smitten to a lucky commenter. The deadline is March 26 at 11:59 p.m. , EST. +1 Retweet this post. +1 Share on Facebook. Don’t forget to leave your email address. But first, here are Ashriel’s answers to the Sink or Swim 6. Here’s a quick recap of the rules: the three literary characters with the highest number of unique commenters to their post will be chosen as winners at the end of the year. That means Ash needs your comments.

1. Tell us about the book or series you’re from.
I’m from the fantastic anthology A Passionate Christmas, or more precisely from Smitten. All of us live in Five Oaks, which is really Five Stumps, because, well, I had a little accident. Don’t tell the residents. Please. I’m still on probation with my boss. The only downside to Five Oaks is Jo Button, another mistake of mine, but I intend to rectify that one. You can find out if I succeed by grabbing Smitten from here.

2. What is something about yourself that no one else knows?
Well, I’m a failed Angel, but a few people (and vampires) know about this. Here’s one no one knows: I’m a huge Yoda fan, and I’ve collected Yoda memorabilia since the first movie. I have pretty much everything from little squishy toys to coasters. I own a life-size statue of him, complete with light saber, which sits in my office at home. In case you wondered — he’s 28 inches tall.

3. Tell us about an unusual job or hobby that you’ve had?
I’m a veterinarian. You should meet some of my patients. There is nothing “usual” about a Great Dane with a fetish for eating tin soldiers. I used to be Vengeance Angel, but I sucked. My aim isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and instead of smiting the demons I chased, I usually set fire to everything else. Including my own wings. It kind of got me fired, if you pardon the pun.

4. What is the strangest or most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?

Having my butt saved by a vampire has to rate as one of the strangest. I don’t mean he saved my life, I can’t die, after all. I do mean he saved my butt. From a Rottweiler. I know, I know. I shouldn’t hang out with vampires (or angry Rottweilers, apparently), being an angel, and all. But Ty is a good friend now, so I tend to overlook his eating habits and those teeth.

5. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
Make up for former mishaps. Unfortunately no one can fix the oaks in the square, I messed it up properly. The church I accidentally burned down is a different matter, I can fix that. And help out a few people who struggle, invest in some businesses around town. If any money is left over, I would build a wildlife recovery center next to my clinic, Mostly Paws.

6. Please tell us briefly about your author and list web sites.
My author is Silke Juppenlatz, and she did a fantastic job bringing the town to life around me. Unfortunately she’s also responsible for me messing up with Jo Button, but since I’m benevolent and all that, I’ll forgive her. She has a website, appropriately named Evil Author, where she blogs using that devious mind of hers.

Please stop by to leave Ash a comment to help him “fly” to the finals and don’t forget to enter the giveaway! Check out the book on Kindle below!

For newcomers: readers, I hope you’ll follow the blog closely via one of the follow options in the sidebars such as Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Goodreads or Kindle. At the end of the year, the characters that drew in the most unique visitors to their interview will be declared the winners. For more information on the mock online season of Sink or Swim, inspired by the mystery novel of the same name, you can view the rules and application form here.

Sink or Swim 6: Meet Kevin “Red” Davis from By A Thread

Today’s contestant on the fictional reality show Sink or Swim is Kevin “Red” Davis, 21, Barnabitengasse 12, Vienna, Austria, a character from Marty Beaudet’s book By A Thread. Marty will be giving away one paperback copy of the book. The giveaway is open to the U.S. Deadline is Saturday, March 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST. +1 Retweet this post. +1Share on Facebook. Don’t forget to leave your email address.

But first, let’s meet Kevin. Here’s a recap of the rules: the three literary characters with the highest number of unique commenters to their post will be chosen as winners at the end of the year. Here are Kevin’s answers to the Sink or Swim 6:

1. Tell us about the book or series you’re from.
My book is By A Thread, a political thriller with a heart.

2. What is something about yourself that no one else knows?
I had a crush on Bucky Denton, one of my missionary companions.

3. Tell us about an unusual job or hobby that you’ve had?
I moonlighted for the CIA for a few weeks.

4. What is the strangest or most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?
I ran away with a Kuwaiti terror suspect.

5. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
I would build a house in British Columbia and travel the world.

6. Please tell us briefly about your author and list web sites.
My author, Marty Beaudet, spent eight years getting to know me, visiting my hometown of Prineville, Oregon many times, and coming to visit me in Vienna. He has introduced me to numerous memorable and interesting characters. You can read interviews with him at our blog.
Learn more about my story at this link.

For newcomers: I hope you’ll follow the blog closely via one of the follow options in the sidebars such as Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Goodreads or Kindle. At the end of the year, the characters that drew in the most unique visitors to their interview will be declared the winners. For more information on the mock online season of Sink or Swim, inspired by the mystery novel of the same name, you can view the rules and application form here. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below and leave Kevin and Marty some comments to help them advance in the contest! And while you’re here, also stop by my other giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Book Review Block Party – 21 Reviews in 1 Week and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

I’m very excited to announce my Book Review Block Party! A few months ago, I contacted book bloggers seeking several individuals willing to review Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and/or Sink or Swim during the first week in March. Rather than doing a traditional blog tour, where I would write guest posts at various blog stops, I wanted to do a book review tour. I assured the bloggers that I was seeking honest, but fair reviews and explained that I wanted to see whether a flurry of Internet publicity in one week would make an impact. A burst of sales at one time can affect rankings and prompt retail sites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble to feature a book more, causing additional readers to stumble across it.

Boy, are book bloggers wonderful! I was fortunate to find nearly two dozen reviewers who were willing to meet my time-frame and help get the word out. Not only did they follow through on meeting the time-frame, but they all wrote lengthy, in-depth reviews giving ample information for their audiences to decide for themselves whether it was a book they might wish to read. Many reviewers also cross-posted their reviews on sites such as Goodreads, Library Thing, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Shelfari. Below are the reviewers who participated in my experiment, along with snippets from their reviews. I’d like to thank them for taking the time not only to read my work, but also to write about my work and introduce my words to their readers.

If you like to read, I hope you’ll check out and follow the below blogs as you’ll find an abundance of reviews. As many of you know, I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card in the Buzz My Books Giveaway– two if I reach 500 GFC blog followers by March 19 at 11:59 p.m. If you tweet or share any of the below reviews, please leave me a comment on the contest post and you can receive an entry for each sharethere you’ll find a list of shortened URLs, which includes the links below, for easy copying, pasting and sharing on sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Just leave a separate comment on that post for each share so that your entries will all be counted. That post will also walk you through other simple ways to gain entries, such as following the blog.

Sink or Swim Reviews:

The Minding Spot – “Stacy Juba pens an entertaining tale with just the right mix of suspense. The pages flew by quickly as I found myself immersed in Cassidy’s story. The characters are vibrant and well developed set against a realistic reality show. The stalker isn’t easy to pinpoint either! Ms. Juba navigates us through twists and turns and surprises that will leave you with a highly satisfied conclusion. A very gratifying read!”

Juniper Grove – “Sink or Swim is a quick read and is one of those books that sucks you in and won’t let you stop reading until the very end. Will you guess right as to who the stalker really is? Read Sink or Swim to find out!”

My Reading Room – “If you enjoy a good mystery with great characters then Sink or Swim is the book for you. The reality show element is really in the background so if you hate reality shows don’t let this put you off of an excellent book. If you love reality shows, this is a great book with the reality show in the background. Either way – it’s a good book and will entertain you for several hours.”

Tic Toc Reviews – “This is a great whodunit mystery with a thread of romance throughout. Be careful what you wish for, it may not be what you expect when you are gifted just that.”

Tifferz Book Review – “This was a fun mystery that kept me captivated from the first few chapters. The plot was great and the story moved right along. I found myself rooting for Cassidy she seemed so real to me.The characters in Sink or Swim were well developed with a great mix personalities. Whether you like reality TV or not I think you will enjoy this book.”

Kelsey’s Book Corner – “Love, love Cassidy! She is a very believable character. Juba has done a great job making this book seem like something that had actually happened. I never knew who the actually stalker was (which is a HUGE plus in my book). Cassidy also never made those irritating classic air-headed decisions that really annoy me. The book has a few twists and turns that keep it interesting and builds up to a great conclusion. I definitely recommend this book…:)”

Peeking Between the Pages – “This novel really surprised me and had me flipping pages faster than ever to find out what was going to happen. It’s a thriller, mystery and just a plain good read all rolled into one that kept me guessing throughout.”

Emeraldfire’s Bookmark – “I really enjoyed this story. I must admit that I am not really into the reality show craze, but this held my attention throughout. I give it an A+!”

Once Upon A Twilight – “Overall I recommend this book because it’s a good story.”

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Reviews:

The Romance Reviews – “A satisfying mystery with a layered plot. The characters are believable and memorable. They are so well crafted that the villains also leave you wondering where their off-page story may lead them. Using her characters, Ms. Juba builds a suspenseful mystery that also manages to delve deeply into the complexities of family dynamics, grief, guilt and forgiveness. She also paints a wonderfully realistic portrait of small town life and the activity of a small town newsroom.” Review by Veronica Marie Beaumont.

Tic Toc Book Reviews – “This is a story of murder, but also the story of hope. Well written, the drama and the story flow is excellent. I love a good whodunit, and this story does not disappoint. The characters are wonderful, people you would meet anywhere. Kris is bold and intuitive, and yet she still has a vulnerability that draws you in. And what good is a great mystery without a love story. This book has it all.”

Becks Book Picks – “Stacy Juba weaves a wonderful story and mystery. She shows us who Diana Ferguson really was and not just what people read in the newspaper article. This is a great book and anyone who is looking to get lost in a good mystery will definitely enjoy this one.”

Surrounded By Books Reviews – “Twenty-Five Years Ago Today delivers mystery, intrigue, and will hound you like a Greek Fury after you’re finished with it to read more from this fantastic author.”

The Caffeinated Diva Reads – “The supporting characters were easily as intriguing as the lead, particularly those in Diana’s family. Juba does a very good job of creating believable characters.The conclusion made the story for me. It was so unexpected for me and I absolutely love the element of surprise in a genre that all too often can be too formulaic. A great read that should NOT be overlooked!”

Cheryl’s Book Nook – “This is a wonderful story! Well written, great personality in the lead character and a mystery that doesn’t let up. The scenarios have you thinking someone did it, but he really didn’t. Someone else did, though and the end is a total surprise. My favorite kind!”

I’d So Rather Be Reading – “I really enjoyed this mystery. I liked the writing style, I liked the character development, and I liked the twist at the end, which I was not at all expected. The pacing made for a fast read and kept me reading long past when I meant to stop reading!”

Once Upon a Twilight – “Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is a murder mystery with a splash of romance and a surprise ending. Stacy Juba does a wonderful job giving you just enough details through the book to keep you guessing all the way to the end.”

Tifferz Book Review – “Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance. I loved that I was guessing who the killer is till the end.”

Reading Through Life…One Page At A Time - “Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is a well written story with a well written plot and wonderful imagery. Stacy Juba was able to write a fascinating story that was easy to fall into and become consumed with.”

CMash Loves to Read - “The suspense held my interest during the entire book. It was well written with relateable characters. However, my thoughts throughout the book was how believable could the story line be with an editorial assistant cracking a 25 year old cold case that seasoned professionals couldn’t? My question was answered with the explosive ending of the book. When I thought that the killer was finally exposed, or was it the real killer, and the story was winding down there was much more to come!! !! Surprising!!!! Well done!!!!”

book’d out – “The plot is solid, with the conclusion a striking twist.”

Remember, if you’d like to be entered into my $10 Amazon gift card giveaway, stop by the contest post for a list of URLs to share, then leave a separate comment on that post for each share. Books can be ordered through your local bookstore, or can be purchased online through a variety of retailers on my store tab. The books are available in gift quality trade paperback from Mainly Murder Press, as well as in multiple e-book formats. Thanks for visiting my Book Review Block Party!

Radio Interview Tonight On The Rad Reality Show-Manic Monday With Big Brother Fan Favorite Michelle Costa

To listen to this archived interview, visit the episode’s link for a fun chat. My interview is 15 minutes into the show, but I’m sure you will enjoy the whole show and possibly discover a new favorite program.

I’m delighted to be doing a special radio interview tonight with Michelle Costa, former contestant and fan favorite of Big Brother 10. Michelle was kind enough to read an early reader’s copy of Sink or Swim and provide a cover endorsement for the book.

“After being on a reality show, Big Brother 10 on CBS and Showtime, reading Sink or Swim made me feel like I was Cassidy,” she said. “People don’t ever know what happens behind the scenes. I thought it was a great read and kept me in suspense.” As some of you know, Sink or Swim is about a personal trainer and former reality show contestant who attracts a stalker after returning to her normal life.

I’ll be discussing Sink or Swim tonight from 7:15-7:30 with Michelle and Ron Rad on The Rad Reality Show- Manic Monday. If you miss it live, you’ll be able to catch it on the archives. Holly Hoffman of Survivor will also join the show, which runs for 90 minutes.

To learn more about Michelle, check out this interview with her – and I’ll also be interviewing her on my blog in the near future. If there’s anything you ever wanted to ask a reality show star, post in the comments and I’ll add that to my list of questions for when it’s my turn to do an interview!

Celebratations Galore – Read An E-Book Week and The Romance Reviews Giveaway Party

Lots of fun going on in cyberspace this week if you’re a book lover! In honor of Read An E-Book Week, I’m offering a 99 cent special for my mystery/romantic suspense novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today on Smashwords, where you can download the book into the format of your choice, including Kindle, Sony and Nook compatible formats. Visit the book’s Smashwords page and then type in this coupon code at checkout: BU97L.

For 25 years, Diana Ferguson’s killer has gotten away with murder. When editorial assistant Kris Langley investigates the cold case of the artistic young cocktail waitress who was obsessed with Greek mythology, she must fight to stay off the obituary page herself. Finding out the truth about that long ago night may shatter Kris’s present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately her life. For more special offers, poke around Smashwords and also visit the Read An E-Book Week web site.

In other fun news, The Romance Reviews is holding its grand opening this month through March 31. They are giving away more than 200 prizes worth over $2,000. Visit http://www.theromancereviews.com/ for fun, games, and to meet your favorite authors – and visit frequently for new contests throughout the month. You can also enter for a $100 gift card, and on March 10 and 18, watch for my scavenger hunts.

$10 Amazon Gift Card – Tweet Kindle Links for Bonus Entries!

As many of you know, I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card on my blog – two gift cards if I reach 500 Google Friend Connect followers before the promotion ends on March 19 at 11:59 p.m. I noted in the post that there are ways to gain bonus entries. My mystery novel Sink or Swim is being featured today on Kindle Nation Daily, a wonderful site for Kindle users to learn about new books. I’m also having a Kindle campaign on Twitter this weekend, trying to get as many people to download the Kindle book as possible, which will lower the Amazon ranking and lead to more readers stumbling across the book.

I would appreciate any help with getting the word out to Kindle users. (of course, I’d appreciate any help with getting the word out about the other editions also, such as the print book!) But, today my focus is the Kindle edition. If you have a chance to put out any of these messages on Twitter or Facebook, I’d be very grateful.

1.Sink or Swim featured at Kindle Nation Daily @stacyjuba http://bit.ly/eVtw0x
2.Sink or Swim by @stacyjuba $2.99 #Kindle http://amzn.to/i8ZRqX

Once you share one or both of those, please visit the post for my $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway and let me know in the comments that you shared the Kindle message. Leave a separate comment for each time you shared so you will receive multiple entries, and if you read the post, there are also several simple things you can do to receive additional entries. Thank you for your support!

Sink or Swim 6: Meet Nestor Maronski From Cutting The Fat & Giveaway

Today’s contestant on the fictional game show Sink or Swim is none other than despised book reviewer Nestor Maronski, age 64, visiting from The Maronski Estate. It’s possible that Nestor may get some rather unsupportive comments today…future Sink or Swim contestants, don’t worry about getting a nasty reception to your post. Once you learn more about Nestor, you’ll understand! He is truly a character!

Maria Savva and Jason McIntyre, two of my Bestseller Bound buddies, are giving away 5 pdf copies of Nestor’s story Cutting the Fat. To enter, please leave a comment and your e-mail address by March 9 at 11:59 p.m. +1 Share this post on Facebook. +1 Share on Twitter.

In the meantime, here are Nestor’s responses to the Sink or Swim 6. Responses to his interview are quite welcome – just please, no violence. This is a PG rated show…

1. Tell us about the book or series you’re from.
I am the Nestor Maronski. World renowned book reviewer for The Post, a prestigious newpaper, which I am sure you have heard of. I am not a character in a book. People on Twitter and Facebook have been labelling me as ‘fictional’. I think the misunderstanding has arisen because a couple of indie authors, Jason McIntyre and Maria Savva, took it upon themselves to write a book about my life called ‘Cutting The Fat’. Have you ever heard a more ludicrous title for a biography? I haven’t read the book, and nor do I intend to. My lawyers have read it, on my instruction. They have reported to me that there is nothing libellous contained therein, I am therefore not going to take any legal action against the authors, although I do reserve my right to do so at a future date. They’re probably not worth suing anyway. Indie authors are always penniless.

I’m told you can buy the book from Amazon, only on kindle. Well, that’s not a real book anyway, is it? It has a hideous cover, have you seen it? And it’s on sale for $0.99. So cheap. That just goes to show they are desperate and talentless. They know nobody is going to pay real money for the book, so they are practically giving it away.

2. What is something about yourself that no one else knows?
Beginning in 1984 I, Nestor Maronski, was crowned roller derby king of the Intercontinental Roller Derby Championship in Des Moines, Idaho. Three years in a row! That’s right, I was a mean machine on the track and could take out the biggest, baddest skaters. I was know as the “Maudlin Maronski, King of the Ring.” My home rink even made up a song about me: “Bad, Bad Nestor Brown” It wasn’t entirely original, but it was catchy.

3. Tell us about an unusual job or hobby that you’ve had?
I collect garments from international furriers: mink, fox, polar bear, camel and basset hound. Since the activists and environmentalists got on the case of genuine fur coat makers, my pass time has become increasingly difficult to maintain. Luckily, I have in my employ a team of hunters who’ve each been granted special international clearance to hunt and skin the animals whose coats make the best products. My collection is vast and because of the limited supply, it’s worth has now exceeded the GDP of many small nations.

4. What is the strangest or most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?
I have recently purchased a multi-million dollar space flight on the Russion Soyuz rocket. This is not the silly anti-gravity flights you hear about; this is the real deal. I will be participating in a mission into orbit around the earth where our craft will dock with the International Space Station. It’s a very rare launch comprised of millionaire industrialists, entrepreneurs and exceptional thinkers: space tourists, we’re called. I’m in very good company. My sperm and those of my counterparts will be extracted and cryogenically frozen prior to the mission to ensure the Maronski DNA –along with that of the most powerful men alive– will survive…should some idiot on the crew make a mistake which results in my untimely death.

5. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
Only a million? Well, you can’t do much with that these days, can you? I am a multi-millonaire, you know. A million dollars to me is mere pocket money. I’d spend that in a day. But, okay, I’ll play along with your silly game. If I won a million dollars I’d probably put it towards another fur skin to add to my collection, or maybe a work of art. I’m a fine art collector, you know.

6. Please tell us briefly about your author and list web sites.
Hmm… well, I have been keeping an eye on them recently, while my lawyers were checking out the book, so I do know their website details. Jason McIntyre, can be found on The Farthest Reaches (the farther away from me he is the better!) Maria Savva’s website is http://www.mariasavva.com
They also frequent a message board for indie authors called Bestseller Bound. I know they’re always talking about me on there…

For more information on the mock online season of Sink or Swim, inspired by the mystery novel of the same name, you can view the rules and application form here. Don’t forget to leave a comment and your e-mail address below to be entered for a free PDF of Cutting the Fat where you can learn much, much more about the Nestor Maronski.

Amazon Gift Card Bonus Entry #1 – Share Interview and Leave Extra Entry

As many of you know, I am holding a Buzz My Books contest on my blog in which I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card – two gift cards if I reach 500 GFC blog followers. As I mentioned in that post, there will be a few opportunities for bonus entries. Here is one of them.

I am being interviewed by Alexander M Zoltai on the site Notes from An Alien about my long path to writing. Here’s how you can obtain an extra entry.

1 .Visit that link and use the share icons on the right side of the Notes from An Alien blog to share the post on Facebook or Twitter. While you’re there, feel free to say hi or leave me a question in the comments.

2. Then come back to my Feb. 25th Amazon Card blog post and let me know in the comments that you shared my interview. If this is the first time you’re hearing about the gift card contest, there are also many other opportunities for additional entries listed in that blog post.

There will be two more opportunities for extra entries starting on March 5 and 9 if you follow my blog posts. Have fun and thanks for reading!

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