Archive for the 'Amazon Bookstore' Category

Web Site Revamping and Mysteries, Murder & More Blog Now on Kindle

Published on December 27, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

My regular visitors may have noticed that things look a little different lately. In mid-December, I did some major restructuring to my web site and blog. My blog now has a menu bar at the top, with links to my web site. Since blogs tend to draw more traffic than web sites, it made sense to better connect the two by adding a menu bar to the blog. That way, new visitors can more easily learn about my books – which is why this blog exists in the first place.

If you’re an avid Kindle user, you can also now subscribe to this blog on Kindle. I recently learned that Amazon was seeking blogs to offer for Kindle users. My first thought was, why would anyone pay to follow a blog, however, Amazon believes Kindle readers will subscribe to blogs because of the convenience. Some of my author friends began offering a Kindle subscription to their blogs, and I decided to do the same. In 2011, I’ll be hosting a mock season of my fictional reality show Sink or Swim, in which literary characters will compete during the year. I’ll also continue offering the “What were you (or your character) doing 25 years ago feature?” on a less frequent basis. From time-to-time, I will offer giveaways and post about what I’m reading. And of course in addition to the Kindle option, you can still follow via Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Goodreads and RSS feeds. All choices can be found in the sidebars.

My web site has also gone a significant revamping. I loved the previous design, however, it was becoming impossible to maintain by myself due to the difficulty of the software program. Now that my career has evolved into multiple books, the web site needed maintenance much more frequently. I’m pleased that the new format will be easy for me to maintain without any help. I hope you’ll also take a few minutes to check it out. The Books tab will lead you to short descriptions of my current books, Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Sink or Swim, and The Flag Keeper, and bring you to links for longer descriptions, book trailers, reviews, and book club discussion questions.

The Store tab features retail links for the print and e-book versions of my books. Also via this tab, you can access my Amazon store which features authors who have been showcased on my blog in the past. As an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small commission on sales made via any of the Amazon links on my web site, even if buyers purchase something else entirely such as a pair of jeans…this year, the commission from the odds and ends purchased through my Amazon links was enough to buy me an ink cartridge for my printer and some computer paper. Not much, but I appreciate any opportunities to defray expenses. So by all means, purchase your jeans after clicking on one of my Amazon links! Receiving notification of a small deposit into my account a couple times per year, when enough purchases add up for Amazon to issue payment, is always a pleasant surprise.

You can also check out my list of upcoming News and Events, including an Author Chat on Library Thing, future giveaways, and the Sink or Swim Blog Tour. As always, thanks for visiting! If you read Kindle books, please check out my limited time special 99 cent Kindle offer which expires sometime on January 3rd.

Haunted Disney World: Review of Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole

Published on October 26, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

When I first heard about the short story collection Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole, Tales from Haunted Disney World, I had to read it. I love Disney World and firmly believe that it is the most magical place on earth. Where else can you go and have all your day-to-day stress disappear from your mind?

For those happy days, your most pressing problem becomes which ride should you go on first? Can you use your Big Thunder Mountain FASTPASS and still make it in time for the character parade down Main Street, U.S.A.? Which remembrance is better, the Mickey Mouse sweatshirt or the ears?

I’ve been to Disney theme parks many times, starting in fourth grade with my parents. Many years later, my husband and I got engaged at Epcot (on a bench near Norway after watching the fireworks.) After we got married, we visited Disneyland Paris on our honeymoon. Unfortunately, I ate a bad hamburger and spent the afternoon nauseated on a hill overlooking the castle. Let’s just say, my souvenir bag on the subway ride back to the hotel came in handy for more than just storing T-shirts. I was much healthier, thankfully, for our trip to Disneyland in California a couple years later.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Magic Kingdom at Halloween-time and see my favorite characters parading by in costumes. I’ve read that they even have a Halloween fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky. If you can’t make it to the Magic Kingdom for Halloween, then Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s new book is the next best thing.

Her truly imaginative book Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole, Tales from Haunted Disney World, features six chilling ghost stories set in Disney Parks. Among the treats in store for readers, a thief is haunted by her sticky-fingered past, a woman wants an angry spirit to stop torturing her, and a teenager demands her parents expel her wicked sibling. But, each will discover exorcism isn’t as easy as going to Disney World.

I usually prefer novels to short stories, however the premise of tales from Haunted Disney World intrigued me. Kristi Petersen Schoonover is a talented writer with a flowing, easy-to-read style. Her troubled characters and spooky storytelling captivated me and I read this book in a day and a half, always eager for when I could return to it. I found the references to Disney Parks in each story vivid and fun. Anyone who enjoys ghost stories will want to get a copy of this book, and this is must-reading for adult Disney Park fans.

I enjoyed all the stories, but if I had to choose, my favorites were All This Furniture and Nowhere to Sit, and Charlotte’s Family Tree. In the former, a wife goes nuts bidding on expensive Disney memorabilia such as a Small World boat, a monorail cabin, and cars from the Peoplemover. As the house turns more and more into a deserted amusement park, eerie things begin to happen. In Charlotte’s Family Tree, a mother must confront the ghosts of her past in the Swiss Family Treehouse.

Behind the haunting tales is the profound message that a person can escape from the world for a few days, but can never really escape himself. I can’t wait for more books in this delightful series. You can read more about the book and Kristi at http://haunteddisneytales.com/ and http://www.kristipetersenschoonover.com. Her book is available in paperback from retailers including Amazon under the imprint Admit One Literary Theme Park Press, and it is due out on Kindle and other electronic platforms in the next couple of months.

I’ve been all work and no play the last few weeks, but Kristi’s stories provided me with a welcome break, transporting me to a magical place far away from the daily stress. Just like Disney World itself.

Happy Columbus Day Weekend! Celebrating Patriotic Children’s Book Release With $50 CSN Stores Giveaway

Published on October 9, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 166 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Columbus Day Weekend marks the online launch party of my patriotic children’s picture book The Flag Keeper! To celebrate, CSN Stores is generously offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner to spend on anything from dinnerware, to dog beds, to suitcases and diaper bags. With over 200 online stores to choose from, the winner will definitely find something to spend the one-time-use CSN $50 gift certificate on!

If you’d like to submit your name for the drawing, then please post a comment and include your email address. You may blog about this giveaway to receive an extra entry – just remember to leave me another comment. Deadline to enter is Oct. 13 at midnight.

Also, if you purchase The Flag Keeper on Amazon or through the Flag Keeper e-store between now and Oct. 13, and email your receipt to stacy (at) stacyjuba.com, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a free red, white or blue patriotic teddy bear for a special child in your life. If you order multiple copies, you’ll receive an entry for each copy ordered.

Columbus Day Weekend seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate the release of my brand new patriotic picture book The Flag Keeper.

Elizabeth may be a little bear, but she treats the American flag with big respect. Elizabeth wakes up the American flag in the morning and puts it to bed at night. She acts as her father’s “flag keeper,” helping him with his daily tasks of raising the flag and retiring it for the evening.

She soaks up the etiquette facts that Dad teaches her, including don’t leave the flag out in the dark without a spotlight. When Dad leaves for a business trip, it frustrates Elizabeth that their flag will be stuck in a boring garage. Every flag she sees reminds her of her job as flag keeper, and Elizabeth grows determined to make her father proud.

Written by myself and illustrated by Larry Drumtra, this book is designed to educate children about U.S. flag etiquette through an educational fiction story. It includes discussion questions, flag facts, and an activity. Check out The Flag Keeper web site and Facebook page.

It can be purchased on Amazon,
which I’m happy to report just discounted the book to $8.63 this week, a $3.36 savings off the cover price. I’m not sure how long that discount will last as Amazon prices tend to bounce around a bit, so
alternatively, you can use this special coupon code: HB8C68KK to purchase it for $8.63 in The Flag Keeper online store. Remember to e-mail your receipt by Oct. 13 to enter the teddy bear drawing. Here are some endorsements that the book received:

“The Flag Keeper is unique in its approach to younger children…complex issues such as patriotism, personal responsibility, honor and faithfulness are presented easily, graphically and with a sweetness and gentleness that belies the weight of these issues. I would encourage all true patriots with children to purchase a copy to start their “little patriots” off on the right foot.” Steve Van Buskirk, Director of Programs, VFW National Headquarters

“A wonderful story about Elizabeth, who through life’s day-to-day adventures learns how to care for and display the flag. An excellent read!” Mike Buss, Deputy Director, Americanism, American Legion National Headquarters

Please help get the word out about this little book by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter and emailing the web site link to any friends who might be interested in a patriotic children’s book. Don’t forget to post a comment below (with your e-mail address) so that you can be entered in the drawing for the CSN Stores giveaway!

Thank you to the following sites for promoting my giveaway: West of Mars – Win A Book, CashNet Sweepstakes, www.contestbeat.com, www.online-sweepstakes.com, and www.contestguide.com. And thank you to CSN Stores for making this giveaway possible!

Buy Killer Recipes and Support the American Cancer Society

Published on September 17, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

What better way to end “Fun With Food Week” than with a recommendation for a great recipe book? Killer Recipes, (L & L Dreamspell) compiled by author Susan Whitfield, is now available and features a variety of delicious recipes from mystery writers. Three of my recipes are included in the book: Terrormisu, Chicken Picatta and Tangy Cocktail Franks.

I have to admit, my husband is very amused that my name and recipes are included in a cookbook. We already established earlier in the week that I don’t like to cook. I’ve had some mishaps in the kitchen in the past, like Stupid Pizza. Don’t even ask. One time we were watching the King of Queens, the episode where Doug loans out Carrie to cook for his best friend the week before Thanksgiving. My jokester husband said he couldn’t do that to one of his friends…

But when I told him the recipes that I submitted for the cookbook, he verified that yes, Terrormisu is delicious and always a hit at cookouts. Chicken Picatta is the meal that he requests every year on his birthday. He admitted that was a good one and acknowledged that I’ve even modified the original recipe over the years, truly making it my own. He laughed outright about the Tangy Cocktail Franks, though, as it only has a couple ingredients and even a monkey can make it. He flipped through the pages of Killer Recipes and pointed out that my recipe had the least amount of ingredients of any in the book. Well, every cookbook needs some easy recipes in it!

And luckily, the book reflects the recipes of numerous authors so you just get my good recipes, not the bad ones! Best of all, all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Here is a sampling of the recipes and authors included in this fabulous book.

Lou Allin

* Bushwoman’s Bannock

Elaine Alphin

* Guilty Greek Shrimp

Cash Anthony

* Torn Spinach and Berry Salad
* Coo-Coo Coq au Vin
* Maced Moussaka

Allan Azouz

* Bourekas de Spinaka y Kezo

Linda Berry

* Ogeechee Pecan Bites
* Ogre’s Roll-ups

Maggie Bishop

* Twisted Pimento Cheese

Raven Bower

* Raven’s Apple Break
* Deadline Pintos & Corn Break
* Vampire-Free Pasta
* Daring Shepherd’s Lentil Pie

Pat Browning

* Spice-a-Roni
* Crabby Jambalaya

H.L. Chandler

* Dazed Angel Biscuits
* Bloody Marys
* Ghostly Gooseberry Pie
* Insomniac’s Overnight Coleslaw
* Hot tamale Pie

D.K. Christi

* Reckless Sailor’s Key Lime Dip

Mary Deal

* Stuffed-in-the- Trunk Mushrooms
* Mean Oatmeal Cookies
* Bleeding Hawaiian Breadfruit
* Slippery Elbows
* Vicious Vegetarian Lasagna
* Nut-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Kathleen Delaney

* Decadent Applesauce Cake

Jodi Diderrich

* Crushed Pineapple Torte
* Sliced Sweet Potato Apple Bake

Laura DiSilverio

* Bishop’s Bread

Keith Donnelly

* Clandestine Cheese Puffs
* Walloped Black Jack Pie
* Don’s Caesar Salad
* Mountain Center Diner’s French Fry Casserole
* Mary’s Country-Style Backbones

Conda V. Douglas

* Serial Killer Snicker Doodles

Carola Dunn

* Smashed Yams

Janet Durbin

* Suspect Peanut Butter Cookies

Elysabeth Elderling

* Lethal Fudge (no bake)

Melinda Elmore

* Deviled Eggs
* Radical Meatloaf

L. C. Evans

* Evil Gazpacho

Christy Tillery French

* Wacky Zucchini Bread
* Crazy Pumpkin Crisp
* Split Banana Cake
* Pretzeled Salad
* Perverted Pineapple Casserole

Bente Gallagher

* Warped Whoopie Pies

Marilyn Gardiner

* Grave-Robber’ s Coffee Mix
* Ornery Nut Spread
* Sherbert Smoothis Salad
* Corn Pone Pie

Betty Gordon

* Breakfast Before Mayhem

Amy Grech

* Audacious Shrimp Scampi

Beth Groundwater

* Fanatic’s Fruitcake Cookies
* Battered Vegetable Pancakes

Lynette Hall Hampton

* Cracked Coconut Pie
* Chilling Corn Salad
* Pepperocini Roast

Angelica Hart and Zi

* Killer Doll Dip
* Snake Dance Marinade

Michelle Hollstein-Matkins

* Howling Hot Apple Crisp
* Unfathomable Flourless Chocolate Cake
* Schizophrenic Sweet and Sour Pork
* Copious Cheesy Potatoes

Caitlyn Hunter

* Stirred-Up Apple Raisin Bread
* Creamed Cheese Dip
* Wicked Strawberry Pie
* Asian Pork Bites
* Shredded Apple Raisin Cole Slaw

Stacy Juba

* Cocky Franks
* Terrormisu
* Skinned Chicken Piccata

Teresa Leigh Judd

* Pumpin’ Bread
* Tell-Tale Tortoni

J.J. Keller

* Tainted Taco Soup

Susanne Marie Knight

* Murderous Sour Cream Muffins
* Tainted Tea Mix
* Feisty Mandarin Chicken Salad
* Dangerous Diner’s Chili
* Murder By Potato

Vicki Lane

* Ba’s Pound Cake
* Drowned Fish Chowder
* Plunger Mayonnaise
* Chopped Picadillo
* Filleted Catfish in the Manner of Vera Cruz
* Bold Butternut Squash

Joyce and Jim Lavene

* Mad Russian Tea

Miss Mae

* Meat Cleaver’s Taco Dip

Harol Marshall

* Flipped-Out Adirondack Flapjacks
* Jail House Asparagus or Broccoli Casserole
* Nut Case Tilapia
* Stolen Green Beans and Bacon

Tim Marquitz

* Demon-Fire Burritos
* Third-Degree Chicken Melt

James Mascia

* Assassin’s Apple Cabbage Soup
* Malevolent Buffalo Chicken Soup
* Potent Vegetarian Taco Soup
* Tetchy Garlic Tomato Sauce
* Ruthless Mediterranean Eggplant Lasagna

Iona McAvoy

* Clobbered Peach Cobbler

Mike Nettleton

* Sinister Scones

Judy Nichols

* Intense Cincinnati-Style Chili
* Kate’s Working Mom Pizza

Ernesto Patino

* Tortured Tortillas and Eggs

Anne Patrick

* Fiendish Fiesta Dip
* More Thrilling than Sex Cake
* Burglar’s Lasagna

Twist Phelan

* Pinnacle Peak Fry Bread

Cindy Keen Reynders

* Lawless Lexie’s Taco Salad
* Paws-itively Guilty Goulash
* Cop-a-Plea Pork Roast
* Gabe’s Jailhouse Ribs
* Saucy Lucy Spaghetti

Denise Robbins

* Pizza Witches
* Tipsy Chocolate Truffles
* Whipped Spezerillo

Carolyn J. Rose

* Mushrooms to Die For

Mark Rosendorf

* Sinful Sweet Potato Pie
* Wicked Tomato Basil Soup
* Cantankerous Corn Pudding
* Naughty Noodle Pudding
* On the Lamb Chops

Penny Rudolph

* Bueno New Mexican Posole
* Feuding New Mexico Black Bean Soup
* Horsing-Around Slaw
* Brazen New Mexico Salmon
* Tequila Chicken

T.L. Ryder

* Ruptured Dates
* Zombie’s Roast Turkey

Cindy Sample

* Outrageous Hot Chipotle Cake
* Trifled-With Chocolate

L. J. Sellers

* Lethal Three-Layer Fiesta Dip

Jacqueline Seewald

* Killer Cornbread Recipe
* Mystery Meatloaf

Kim Smith

* Cagey Breakfast Casserole
* Riveting Garlic Bread
* Easy Prey Rollups

Sylvia Dickey Smith

* Cutthroat Chocolate Pie

Morgan St. James

* Deadly Sisters Blueberry Breakfast Bake
* Illegally Easy Salad

Marta Stephens

* Flamed Indiana Fried Cabbage

Jane Toombs

* Bread Machine Finnish Limpa

J. D. Webb

* Mean McLean’s Famous Mac ’N Cheese
* Sauced Shepherd’s Pie

Loretta Wheeler

* Malicious Mosquito Toast

Susan Whitfield

* Cold Shot Brandy Alexander
* Nutty Brie
* Brittle Bones
* Evil Chocoholic’s Pie
* Pistol-Whipped Peacns
* Black-Eyed Salad
* Freaky Fried Apples
* Peppered Relish
* Egged Asparagus Casserole
* Grated Seafood Casserole
* Speared Broccoli Casserole
* Seedy Korean Beef
* Shotgun Chili
* Cracked Eggplant Parmesan
* Drunken Baked Bean
* Electrocutioner’ s Zucchini Sticks
* Pop-Eyed Spinach Pie

Karen Wiesner

* Breaded Pork Chops

Gayle Wigglesworth

* Coffin-oozing Brie (Baked Brie)
* Deadly Chocolate Pudding Cake
* Killer Cookies

Nancy Means Wright

* Boozed-up Figgy Pudding
* Guillotine Tuiles

Suzanne Young

* Deadly-icious Cracker Spread
* Sin-sational Shrimp Pasta

Convinced yet? You can check out Killer Recipes in my Amazon bookstore here. The book is available in print and ebook formats.

And if you missed the earlier posts in Fun with Food Week, here they are:

Meet Norma Huss, author of Yesterday’s Body
Norma’s book excerpt and her recipe for Garlic Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Noodles and Vegetables
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today excerpt and recipe for apple French toast
Meet Avery Aames, author of A Cheese Shop Mysteries

‘The Flag Keeper’ Patriotic Book Trailer Now On You Tube

Published on September 12, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

I just wanted to share the book trailer video for my new patriotic children’s picture book The Flag Keeper, a story designed to educate children about U.S. flag etiquette. It includes discussion questions, flag facts, an activity and an educational fiction story. The book is perfect for parents to share with their children, as well as for classroom use and to share with Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.

Elizabeth may be a little bear, but she treats the American flag with big respect. After Dad leaves for a trip, Elizabeth pledges to raise the flag all by herself and create her own Independence Day. More details about the The Flag Keeper will be coming soon, but in the meantime, the book is already available for purchase through Amazon and through The Flag Keeper e-store.

I hope you enjoy the video below.

Summer Almost Over, Most Writing Goals Accomplished

Published on August 27, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It has been a productive summer and I’m proud that I accomplished most of my writing and publishing goals.

I made my trade paperback novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today available in ebook format, uploading it to Kindle and arranging for Smashwords to distribute it to multiple ebook retailers including Barnes&Noble, Sony, Apple’s iPad Store, Diesel and Kobo.

My children’s picture book The Flag Keeper went into production and now has a web site and Facebook page. I also collected wonderful back cover blurbs from Steve Van Buskirk, Director of Programs, VFW National Headquarters, and Mike Buss, Deputy Director, Americanism, American Legion National Headquarters.

I’m in the process of working on a large review mailing related to my reality TV show-themed mystery suspense novel Sink or Swim, which will be officially released New Year’s Day, 2011. Also this summer, I collected endorsements about the book from Stephenie LaGrossa, owner of GiGI Restaurant & Lounge, Philadelphia PA, Television personality and fan favorite Survivor: Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains; Shawne Morgan, contestant CBS’s The Amazing Race 16 and entrepreneur; and Michelle Costa, contestant Big Brother 10.

I’ve also signed on as one of the moderators at a fabulous new message board forum called Bestseller Bound which connects readers and indie authors. Stop by and join the discussion.

In August, some terrific writers have visited the blog so far. We heard from: Matthew Dicks, Mary Deal, J.R. Lindermuth, Gerry Charbonneau, Suzanne Young and Patricia Gulley.

Coming up, we’ll hear from authors: Loni Emmert, Timothy Hallinan, Norma Huss, Avery Aames, Caitlyn Hunter, Barbara Ross, Kenneth Weene and Monica Brinkman. During the week of Sept. 12, I’ll host my first theme week “Fun With Food Week,” in which every post will tie into characters who enjoy cooking. Late September also marks the release of The Flag Keeper and a special giveaway. Stay tuned!

Rollercoaster Month: Blog Woes, Book News & Hot Authors

Published on July 30, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore and General News. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It has been a rollercoaster month blog-wise. Some of my regular readers may have noticed that for the past few weeks, my blog has had some pretty weird stuff going on. In fact, it went totally haywire. Luckily, I’m on a new server now and the days of error messages are over. Whew! On a brighter note, I just finished taking the Blog Book Tours class and found it very educational. Thanks to the class, I made a few subtle tweaks to help make my blog more user-friendly.

Among the changes, you can find links to my 2009-2010 Virtual Book Tour for Twenty-Five Years Ago Today in the right margin under My 25 Years Ago Blog Tour Stops. Browse through the posts to discover my interviews, columns and excerpts on the host blogs.

Book-wise, things have been quite busy. The Smashwords summer sale runs through July 31st, and until then, you can purchase the ebook version of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today in multiple formats for just $2.24. Don’t forget to use the code SWS25 at checkout.

Production on my picture book The Flag Keeper will start in the next week or two. More on that in the coming weeks.

Here on the blog, in July, we celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary with mystery author Steve Liskow and his wife; mystery, children’s and fantasy author Camille LaGuire recalled writing her swashbuckler novel; zoo mystery author Ann Littlewood reflected on a time of career transitions; and Jenny Milchman told us about her start as a teenage writer.

In August, Unexpectedly, Milo author Matthew Dicks will admit to getting in trouble in high school; Mary Deal will give us an Aloha from Hawaii and share a fictional moment about her Down to the Needle characters; and J. R. Lindermuth will talk about his days of balancing parenthood, a newspaper career and his own personal writing. Also, my Mainly Murder Press pals Suzanne Young and Loni Emmert will drop by in August. Suzanne will let her character Edna Davies share a moment from the past, and Loni will dish about the music biz.

Check out all their books in my Amazon bookstore. Let’s hope for smoother sailing in August!

Summer News: E-Books, Flags & 25 Years Ago Columns

Published on July 5, 2010 in 25 Years Ago Today and Amazon Bookstore. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It has been a busy summer so far, both on and off my blog. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is now in e-book format. It will be available at the price of $2.99 for a limited time, and through July 7, you can use this coupon code to purchase it for $1.99 at Smashwords: PF84F. It’s already on sale for $2.24 at Smashwords for the month of July, but using the above coupon you can get it for $1.99 for a very limited time. The book is also in the Amazon Kindle Store and in trade paperback.

Over the next few weeks, the e-book version will begin popping up on many other online retailer sites through various distribution channels, including Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Apple. You can read more about the book here.

My children’s picture book The Flag Keeper, which I gave away here as a PDF from Flag Day through July 4, will soon be coming out in paperback. You can receive updates by following the brand new Flag Keeper Facebook page. Look for a book trailer and red, white and blue web page in the near future.

A scene from The Flag Keeper, written bt Stacy Juba and illustrated by Larry Drumtra

Thanks to Tisha Berg for featuring my recent interview at bizmommy.com. She has an incredibly inspirational site for mothers who want to start their own business.

In June on my own blog, we met mystery/suspense author Darcía Helle’s Miami Snow character Nick Donovan; literary and contemporary fiction author Maria Savva told us about the mysterious Red Man from her childhood; and novelist and short story author Stephen D. Rogers shared what working for a direct mail company taught him about writing.

Also, Beth Kanell, author of the young adult book The Darkness Under the Water, shared a powerful memory about a life-changing year in Vermont, and Lynne Murray, author of the romantic comedy Bride of the Living Dead and the Josephine Fuller mystery series, recalled writing her very first mystery novel.

In July, we’ll share a special anniversary with mystery author Steve Liskow; mystery, children’s and fantasy author Camille LaGuire will look back at writing her swashbuckler novel; zoo mystery author Ann Littlewood will tell us about a time of career transitions; and Jenny Milchman will tell us about her start as a teenage writer. In the meantime, check out all their books in my Amazon bookstore and hope you’re having a great start to your summer.

Talented Authors Share Special 25 Years Ago Today Moments

Published on June 2, 2010 in 25 Years Ago Today and Amazon Bookstore. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Coming from a newspaper reporter background, I was trained to write “advance” stories and “follow-up” pieces. As a result, I plan to write a monthly blog entry that touches on the highlights from the previous month and that looks ahead at coming attractions.

Kris Langley as seen in the Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Book Trailer. Click on the picture to view You Tube trailer.

In May, my Twenty-Five Years Ago Today heroine Kris Langley was “interviewed” on author Darcia Helle’s blog “A Word Please.” Read Kris’s interview and learn more about what makes this inquisitive obit writer tick.

Eric Soares as seen in the Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Book Trailer.

Also in May, Saturday Evening Romance featured a steamy scene between Kris and Eric from Twenty-Five Years Ago Today.

May also marked the beginning of my regular guest blog feature, with authors answering the question “What were you (or your character) doing 25 years ago?

In case you missed the posts, mystery/romance author P.Q. Glisson recalled working as a bank teller and starting a family. Child Finder Trilogy author Mike Angley shared a special vignette about his meeting with General Jimmy Doolittle.

Susan Whitfield, author of the Logan Hunter Mystery series, reminisced about teaching high school English while her son was a shortstop on her head coach husband’s high school baseball team.

Lastly, Beth Solheim revealed how her fictional character, Sadie Witt, owner of the Witt’s End Resort, greeted yet another guest to Cabin 14. A dead guest, that is, who unsuspectingly witnessed the 1975 disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

If you’d like to read any of these stories, please click on the author’s name. In June, we’ll read several more 25 Years Ago Today moments. We’ll meet mystery/suspense author Darcía Helle’s Miami Snow character Nick Donovan; literary and contemporary fiction author Maria Savva will tell us about the mysterious Red Man from her childhood; and novelist and short story author Stephen D. Rogers will share what working for a direct mail company taught him about writing.

Beth Kanell, author of the young adult book The Darkness Under the Water, will share a powerful memory about a life-changing year in Vermont, and Lynne Murray, author of the romantic comedy Bride of the Living Dead and the Josephine Fuller mystery series, will tell us about writing her very first mystery novel. Stop by in June and see what these talented authors were doing 25 years ago. You can also browse all of their books on Amazon.

Also, don’t miss the very special giveaway of my patriotic children’s picture book The Flag Keeper. In celebration of Flag Day and the Fourth of July, I’ll be giving away an unlimited number of fully illustrated PDF copies of this special manuscript from June 10-July 4. My very talented father, Larry Drumtra, did the illustrations. Stay tuned for more details!

Amazon Bookstore Open For Business

Published on May 7, 2010 in Amazon Bookstore. Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

I’ve recently established an online Amazon bookstore and will feature books written by authors who have appeared, or are scheduled to appear, on my blog. If you like to discover new authors, please stop by frequently and browse. Titles will be added to the bookstore each month.

As a start, the current selection features an array of novels penned by my first group of guest authors. P.Q. Glisson, Mike Angley, Beth Solheim, Susan Whitfield, Darcía Helle, Stephen D. Rogers and Maria Savva will all be visiting over the next several weeks to answer the question “What were you (or your character) doing 25 years ago?” I hope you’ll stay tuned for their fascinating responses and to ask them some questions during their scheduled days. In the meantime, enjoy browsing their titles, book descriptions and reviews.

Check out the Amazon store.

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