Hi everyone!
I don’t usually come on here to write personal updates, and I want to start changing that. Tomorrow I will have at least two if not more reviews going live, but for today I just wanted to share this small post to announce my new YouTube channel, Author Anthony Avina.
My first new video is now live on my website, and in it I start a brand new series of vlogs where I share my writing behind the scenes of each new book project. I hope you enjoy it!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A local herbalist and healer finds herself imbedded into a local murder investigation in author Judy Fishel’s “Murder of the Obeah Man”.
The Synopsis
When the owl hooted just outside her window, Jeenya cringed. She knew what it meant. When she was a girl her Granny, up in the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, taught her the omens. This was a sign that someone was dying. It was probably MURDER.
They found his body in the morning. Josiah Overman had been the richest, the most important, the most respected and loved man in Jamaica Lakes. He had built Jamaica Lakes. He was also their Obeah Man. No Jamaican would dare kill the Obeah Man. They all knew that his duppy (a vengeful ghost) would come after them, torture them, and perhaps kill them. It had to be a stranger.
Jeenya Birdsong, herbalist, healer, and spiritual advisor knew her old friend wasn’t perfect but, even with her knowledge of the people in this Jamaican community, even with her ability to look people in the eye and know what they were thinking, she still could not imagine why anyone would do this.
Jeenya knew she would need to help the detectives find the killer. She remembered dreaming of being a detective but now she wasn’t sure. Would she really be able to help? Her husband would worry, thinking it was too dangerous. She worried about getting in the way or even making a total fool of herself.
The Review
A fantastic read! The author has crafter a wonderful story that really delves into the murder mystery genre. The atmosphere and tone of the tale immediately grab the readers attention, setting up that classic sleuth story fans of the genre love.
What really stood out to me was the author’s use of setting to bring more depth to the characters and story. The setting of Jamaica Lakes was a character all its own, breathing life into the cast of characters, including the protagonist Jeenya.
The Verdict
A breath of fresh air in the murder mystery genre, author Judy Fishel’s “Murder of the Obeah Man” is a must read novel of the summer! Engaging, thoughtful and full of rich characters, this novel will not only keep readers on the edge of their seat, but will educate readers on history and lore from the Jamaican culture and people. It’s a fun read that will not disappoint you, so be sure to grab your own copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Judy Fishel grew up in Florida, just across the river from Palm City. She and her grandfather often looked for wildflowers along the citrus groves. She also remembers the terrible freezes that killed the citrus trees. It made sense to set her story there. She started work on this book fifteen years ago but it just wasn’t working. She then wrote Straight A’s Are NOT Enough – study skills for college students. Finally, last summer she returned working on Murder of the Obeah Man. When one of her characters, Jeenya Birdsong, began appearing in her dreams, all the pieces began fitting together. Now, Judy likes to say that Jeenya is her spiritual advisor.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman searching for a way out of her current life finds herself experiencing a historic moment in time in author Sea Gudinski’s “1969”.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole without ever leaving the comfort of your living room…This is a novel in which history meets science fiction and psychedelics meet spirituality through a seamless blend of fact and fantasy. 1969: A Brief and Beautiful Trip Back is one girl’s account of her fantastic and unique experience of the hippie counterculture and how it changed her and those around her for the rest of their lives. From a run-of-the-mill existence in the ultra-conservative town of Fresno, California, formerly naïve teenager and rock devotee Rhiannon Karlson takes the trip of a lifetime after a drug dealer sells her a particularly potent and mysterious substance, sparking her unparalleled journey of soul-searching, consciousness-expansion, and unyielding search for the Truth. The rest, you may say, is history.
This was a beautiful and well written story that really did an amazing take on the historical fiction genre. The story does a great job of capturing the era of the period, both the highs and the lows.
The cast of characters really stole the show with fully fleshed out storylines and histories that made them come alive off the page. The protagonist goes on a fully realized journey of growth and understanding that many readers will recognize as a journey they themselves took. It’s a wonderfully relatable story for a historical fiction novel.
An engaging, lengthy yet powerful story, author Sea Gudinski’s “1969” is a must read book that speaks to the heart and spirit of the era. A brilliant historical fiction, this is the perfect book for fans of rock music, historical moments of the past century and emotional storytelling with relatable and powerful characters. Be sure to grab your copy of this book today.
Rating: 10/10
Sea Gudinski is a life-long native of the small town of Holmdel, New Jersey. She has written prolifically since the age of ten, producing six novels and one collection of poetry. 1969: A Brief and Beautiful Trip Back is her first published work. She is an avid reader and a lover of all things historical. With a wide breadth of knowledge and an unquenchable desire to learn she has delved into several eras in recent history with the hope of shedding some light on the issues faced in todays world. Her works are a delightful marriage of fact and fiction, peopled with vibrant characters, each with a unique and meaningful story to tell. She writes with depth and passion in the hope that her work will inspire others the way other literary works have inspired her.Sea graduated Holmdel High School with high honors; however, she chose not to go to college and manages her family business instead. When she is not writing, she enjoys listening to old radio programs and live music and playing gin rummy.
As a child in school, I loved creative writing and even remember some of my compositions. Then, during my junior year of college, I considered changing my major from Elementary Education to Journalism, though I would have had to stay in school longer to fulfill requirements and I was not about to dothat. So, I became a teacher like many women of my era. During my short stint in the classroom, creative writing was, again, my favorite subject though now I was teaching it. My students enjoyed the odd topics I gave them to write about, my favorite being to pretend they were a door knob and write how it felt having hands grabbing them constantly. After only two years, I left the profession and started my own fitness business. I did do some writing, penning fitness articles for local magazines and newspapers, both in print and on-line. I never even considered writing fiction, though, as an avid reader, I always said I wished I could write a novel. And then, as I was nearing my sixtieth birthday, my creative side begged for more. Choreographing aerobic dance routines, needlework, and gardening weren’t enough. I started playing around with photography and while looking for a class to improve my picture taking, I discovered a writers workshop in a nearby town. That was it! I signed up and since then my fingers have been flying across the keyboardcreating stories.
I was sitting on a beach in Hilton Head Island with my sister-in-law and another friend. Roni, my sister-in-law, whose middle name is Carolyn (hence my protagonist’s name) was telling us the story of what happened while she was preparing to sell her mother’s home, the home where she had grown up. There was a painting that had hung on the living room wall practically her entire life and though Roni didn’t have an empty spot to hang it in her own home, and no one else in the family wanted the portrait, tossing or selling it in an estate sale was not an option. She came up with an idea and Googled the artist, found her living in San Francisco and decided to return the painting to her. Hearing that, I turned to my friend, Ingrid, who was relaxing on a sand chair next to me. We locked eyes. Mine were wide-open. Ingrid said, “What a great idea for a story.” I nodded and my mind took off in all sorts of directions. And, Disharmony was born!
I hope readers will contemplate the true meaning of family. Each will have their own opinion, though I’d love them to consider that “family” is more than blood.
Writing upmarket women’s fiction was not a conscious decision. I gravitate to that genre – to novels that are layered and where the focus is on the main character’s emotional journey. I enjoy reading those kinds of stories, therefore that’s what I write.
When writing the novel, it took me a long time to decide how it was going to end. Ultimately, it was Carolyn, the protagonist, who led me to the words on the last page. I know that sounds strange, yet it is true. Her voice was strong and I had been wavering with what she was going to do with the secret she had uncovered. Although I am the writer, I would like to sit down with Carolyn and discuss her reasons, weigh the pros and cons, and ask her if she is really satisfied with the decision she made.
The Disharmony of Silence just came out on March 5, so it’s too early to judge. If I were to guess, I’d say, at this point, Facebook. Between my author page and several groups I’m part of, especially The 2020 Debuts which is made up of over one hundred debut authors with wonderful novels coming out this year, I believe my readership has grown.
Don’t give up! Hone your craft, keep writing, revise, revise, revise – keep your dream alive.
Presently, I am writing a novel set on a hillside vineyard in the Hudson River Valley in the 1960s. It is upmarket women’s fiction, populated by a sisterhood of women, each who grows in her own way, as they break in to the all-male fraternity of wine makers. I’m having a great time developing the characters, both male and female, with all their strengths and weaknesses, conflicts and struggles plus, I’m learning how to make wine!
In her desperate quest for family, Carolyn Lee is determined, against all advice, to reveal the shocking eighty-four-year-old secret she uncovered…until she realizes that “family” means more than blood.
In 1915, jealous, bitter Rebecca Roth cuts all ties with her life-long friends, the Pearls. Eight years later, Rebecca’s son and young Lena Pearl begin keeping company in secret. Rebecca agrees to a truce when the couple marries. But the truce is fragile. Rebecca’s resentments run deep.
In 2010, Carolyn Lee, fitness instructor and amateur photographer, must come to grips with the fact that her mother’s imminent death will leave her alone in the world. While preparing her childhood home for sale, she realizes for the first time that her mother’s antique brooch is identical to the one pinned to the lady’s dress in the painting hanging above the fireplace. Coincidence or connection? Carolyn is determined to find out. What she discovers has the potential to tear lives apart or to bring her the closeness and comfort she longs for. It all depends on how she handles her newfound knowledge.
Print Length:
Genre: Women’s Upmarket Fiction
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
ISBN-10: 1684334306
ISBN-13: 9781684334308
The Disharmony of Silence is now available to purchase at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Praise for The Disharmony of Silence
“Linda Rosen spins an intriguing tale of long-held family secrets, an emotional search for identity, and a painting that may just be the key to untangling the complicated past. The bittersweet mystery kept me reading rapidly until the last page!” —Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Winemaker’s Wife
Rosen paints a vivid picture of a family torn apart then shows us what true family means. – Pamela Taylor, author of the Second Son Chronicles
A wonderful novelist . . . Ms. Rosen’s writing is both tender and inspiring. The Disharmony of Silence unfolds with emotional and wise insights. – Bunny Shulman, author of After Aida
“A family torn apart by jealousy and reunited by love is devastated again when tragedy strikes. A poignant and moving debut novel about the fragility of life, the power of love, and the cost of keeping a secret.” Gina Sorell author of Mothers and Other Strangers
Linda Rosen, fitness professional turned writer, lives with her husband splitting their time between New Jersey and Florida. She was a contributor to Women in the Literary Landscape: A WNBA Centennial Publication for the Women’s National Book Association and has had stories published in Foliate Oak and Crack the Spine, both in their online magazine and print anthology. Follow her at www.linda-rosen.com.
March 2nd @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us as we celebrate the launch of Linda’s blog tour The Disharmony of Silence. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book too!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
March 4th @ A Writer’s Life
How much does setting matter in a novel? Author Linda Rosen talks about this very subject over at Caroline’s blog today. You can also enter to win a copy of her book The Disharmony of Silence.
http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
March 6th @ 12 Books
Make sure you visit Louise’s blog and read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
March 7th @ Lori Duff Writes
Be sure to stop by Lori’s blog today and you can read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/
March 8th @ Bring on Lemons
Visit Crystal’s blog today and you can read a review written by her daughter Carmen about Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. Don’t miss it!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
March 10th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today where you can read his interview with author Linda Rosen.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
March 11th @ A Storybook World
Blogger Deirdra Eden spotlights Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
March 13th @ Lori’s Reading Corner
Stop by Lori’s blog today and you can read a fitness inspiring post by author Linda Rosen! She shares some tips about strength training while reading audiobooks. You can also enter to win a copy of Linda’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com/
March 14th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Stop by Linda’s blog today and you can read her interview with author Linda Rosen. Don’t miss it!
http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/
March 15th @ Choices
Make sure you stop by Madeline Sharples’ blog today and read Linda Rosen’s blog post about inspiring your creative self by getting outdoors. Don’t miss it!
March 16th @ Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog where she interviews author Linda Rosen about her book The Disharmony of Silence.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
March 17th @ Coffee with Lacey
Grab some coffee and join Lacey over at her blog today. She reviews Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
March 18th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again today and read his review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. Don’t miss it!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
March 19th @ AJ Sefton’s Blog
Make sure you visit author AJ Sefton’s blog today and read a review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
https://www.ajsefton.com/book-reviews
March 20th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Looking for a new book to add to your reading list? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today and read her review of “The Disharmony of Silence.” You’ll want to add it to your list!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
March 21st @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog today and you can read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
March 22nd @ 12 Books
Are you part of a book club? Author Linda Rosen shares fun activities you can do for your book club. Don’t miss this fun, inspiring post!
March 23rd @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Make sure you visit Cassandra’s blog today and read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/
March 25th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
What do you do if you are writing about a made-up setting? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today and you can read Linda Rosen’s guest post where she shares her advice.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
March 26th @ Lady in Read Writes
Stop by Vidya’s blog today and you can read her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
March 27th @ Jessica Belmont’s Blog
Over at Jessica’s blog today, you won’t want to miss her review of Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
March 28th @ Bookworm Blog
Stop by Anjanette’s blog again today and you can read her interview with author Linda Rosen.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
March 30th @ It’s Alanna Jean
What does your writing space look like? Author Linda Rosen shares her tips for setting up your writing space over at Alanna Jean’s blog.
April 3rd @ Joyful Antidotes
Make sure you stop by Joy’s blog today where she reviews Linda Rosen’s book The Disharmony of Silence.
April 5th @ Teatime and Books
How much do you love revising? Does it spark joy? Linda Rosen shares her thoughts on the joy of revising over at the blog Tea Time and Books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A couple tells their story of love and addiction through passionate love letters in author Sarah Dickinson’s “Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction”.
Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction takes an intimate and raw look at the current face of addiction and recovery. Talking about the current opioid epidemic, we follow a young couple while one of them goes through the recovery process. Told through letters, we get an understanding of their relationship as it struggles through his addiction and resulting recovery. From detox, rehab, sober living and the 12 steps of A.A, you get a raw and honest look at the effects of addiction and how they affect relationships.
AUTHOR NOTE: There is explicit and graphic content.
A wonderfully written book, the author has done a marvelous job of creating a realistic and emotional story of love, addiction and the pain that comes with it.
The story really does a fantastic job of showcasing the painful reality of both sides of addiction, from the addicts struggle to overcome the addiction to the loved ones who must struggle to support their loved ones and the hope they must hold that they will overcome their need.
A powerful story and evenly paced novel, this book is a must read fiction of a very real problem in our world. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copies today!
Rating: 10/10
Print Length: 380 Pages
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN-13: 978-1717868947
ISBN-10: 1717868940
Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction is now available to purchase at Amazon.com.
Sarah Dickinson is a lifelong resident in beautiful upstate New York. Mother of two amazing daughters and three equally awesome rescue dogs, she is the author of Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction. She currently attends college and is in the midst of switching careers. When she isn’t doing it all, she reads comic books, blogs, and takes weekend getaways.
You can find the author online at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Silver-Spoons-Ones-Journey-Through-Addiction-916257075228829/
Blog: https://wordpress.com/stats/day/sarahvdickinson.art.blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahdauthor/
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19325669.Sarah_Dickinson
January 27th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Visit our blog today and you can read an interview with the author of Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction and also enter to win a copy of the book!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
January 28th @ 12 Books
Stop by Louise’s blog today and read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
January 29th @ Joyful Antidotes
Make sure you visit Joy’s blog today and read her review of the book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
https://www.joyfulantidotes.com
January 30th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog again where you can review Sarah Dickinson’s guest post about 5 reasons why you should consider a change in lifestyle.
February 1st @ Author Anthony Avina Blog
Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today where he shares a spotlight of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
February 2nd @ A Storybook World
Deirdra will be highlighting Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction with a spotlight post.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
February 3rd @ Jill Sheets’ Blog
Visit Jill’s blog today and read Sarah Dickinson’s guest post about 5 reasons to consider a change in your relationships.
http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
February 4th @ Coffee with Lacey
Join Lacey over at her blog today and read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
February 10th @ To Write or Not to Write
Visit Varsha’s blog today and read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
https://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.com/
February 10th @ StoreyBook Reviews
Make sure to visit Leslie’s blog today and check out an excerpt of the book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
https://storeybookreviews.com/
February 12th @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily’s blog today and read her review of the powerful book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
http://www.thefaeriereview.com/
February 13th @ Author Anthony Avina Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again where you can read a guest post by author Sarah Dickinson. Make sure you check out her easy self-care tips to add to your daily routine.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
February 14th @ Jessica Belmont’s Blog
Visit Jessica’s blog today and you can read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
February 16th @ And So She Thinks
Make sure you visit Francesca’s blog today and read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction. You can also read an interview with the author!
https://andsoshethinks.wordpress.com/
February 18th @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog and you can read Sarah Dickinson’s guest post about how to be self-aware in your writing.
February 19th @ It’s Alanna Jean
Make sure you visit Alanna’s blog and read a guest post by Sarah Dickinson called, “5 Reasons to Consider a Change in Career.”
http://ItsAlannaJean.wordpress.com
February 20th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog today and you can read her review of the book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction by Sarah Dickinson. Also, win a copy for yourself too!
February 21st @ The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn’s blog today and you can read Sarah Dickinson’s guest post about how to raise a confident (but not arrogant) child.
February 23rd @ Author Anthony Avina Blog
Stop by Anthony’s blog and you can read his review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
February 24th @ Armed with a Book
Visit Kriti’s blog today and read her review of Sarah Dickinson’s book Silver Spoons: One’s Journey Through Addiction.
https://www.armedwithabook.com/
February 25th @ Armed with a Book
Make sure you visit Kriti’s blog again when she interviews the author Sarah Dickinson.
As part of the amazing new Women on Writing Blog Tour for author Barbara Barth’s novel “The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later”, I am honored to shared this guest blog post from the author today on writing anthologies. I hope you all will enjoy this as much as I did.
I wish I planned better. I’ve always jumped right in doing something without much thought to it. The idea I can do this always crosses my mind first and then I ask myself, what was I thinking? Publishing anthologies (now I have done two with a third on its way early 2020) has been a learning process for me. I’m delighted to say you can teach an old dog new tricks and I’ve made progress in the planning department.
The first two anthologies A Cup of Christmas (2014) and A Cup of Love (Valentine’s 2018) were beasts to conquer in a short timeframe. I contacted writers I knew, sent guidelines for stories and formatting. I didn’t want to hinder anyone’s style, so I was open to memoir, fiction, recipes, and poetry. Some great things came in, some not so great. Some of the best writers sent in first drafts, not finished projects. I’m not an editor for punctuation, I’m more about continuity. The good news, many flushed out their stories, and for those that didn’t, well I did my own haphazard editing. The anthologies were to benefit a charity, First Book that does wonderful things for children in need with reading and learning materials. The writers pulled together and both anthologies, last-minute ideas, were completed in six weeks each. An awesome task but we got it done. I also have a wonderful book designer, my sister, who knows how to knock it out of the park with a fabulous looking product. Those two anthologies were eBooks only.
I joked, if I ever do this again, I’d call it A Cup of Cyanide. I was over all the work I’d brought on myself with the others, and you get my drift with the cyanide! Never crack a joke like that with a group of writers. They loved the title, and so a third anthology is in the works. A bit of murder and mayhem. This time it’s being done differently. It’s our Walton Writers project. We’re taking our time. The group members will design the cover and interior, edit the stories, and learn the book formatting process. It’s the focus of our monthly meetings. This anthology is a grand way for everyone to be involved, make the decisions, and ultimately have a book (both paper and eBook) that is their product. Our non-profit this time is The Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts, where we meet each month. We plan to have a big launch party at the Art Center when we finish.
The bottom line, it’s all been great. The writers (from never published to award-winning) gave freely and quickly to the first two anthologies. Writers giving back. I love that. And the excitement of our writing group for the new anthology is infectious. I learn something new myself at every meeting, because it’s all a learning process, to be better writers.
So, if you think you want to publish an anthology and don’t know how, I didn’t either. Don’t let that stop you.
Tour Begins November 11th
Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. Join her on the ride of her life, from owning an antique shop to moving to a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, and all the follies in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own superhero facing life’s good and bad moments.
Print Length: 374 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, LLC
ASIN: B07YBNHXZG
The Unfaithful widow Ten Years Later is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon.com
Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed ten years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her.
Visit her website at https://www.barbarabarthwriter.com/, follow her on Twitter @writerwithdogs, and follow her Amazon author page.
— Blog Tour Dates
Today @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us in celebrating the launch of Barbara Barth’s new book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
November 12th @ All Things Audry
Author Barbara Barth is a guest writer over at Audry’s blog today and will be talking about women friendships.
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/
November 13th @ Words from the Heart
Stop by Linda’s blog and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about publishing anthologies.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
November 14th @ Thoughts in Progress
Visit Mason’s blog today and you can read Barbara’s guest post about starting a writing group. Don’t miss it!
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/
November 15th @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com
November 16th @ Lori Duff Writes
Stop by Lori’s blog today where you can read her interview with Barbara Barth and read her review of Barbara’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/
November 16th @ Jill Sheets Blog
Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s guest post about self-publishing.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com.
November 17th @ A Storybook World
Be sure to stop by Deirdra’s blog today and check out her spotlight of the book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later and enter to win a copy of the book!
http://www.astorybookworld.com
November 18th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Be sure you visit Bev’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about starting over at 70. You won’t want to miss this!
http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
November 19th @ Look to the Western Sky
Be sure to visit Margo’s blog and read her interview with author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
November 20th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about publishing anthologies.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
November 21st @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Stop by Cassandra’s blog today and read her review of The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/
November 22nd @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog
Join us at Karen Brown Tyson’s blog where you can read a guest post about self-publishing by author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
November 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Visit Bev’s blog again and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
November 24th @ Choices
Be sure to stop by Madeline’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post that will be talking about women friendships.
November 25th @ Wild Woman Writer
Visit Anne’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s blog guest post about starting over at 70.
https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/
November 26th @ Life Like A Galaxy Girl
Stop by Alanna’s blog today and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/
November 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog today and you can read her interview with author Barbara Barth and find out more about this incredible author!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
November 28th @ Bibliotica
Stop by Melissa’s blog and make sure you read Barbara Barth’s guest post about grief over the years and finding happiness again.
November 29th @ Stranded in Chaos
Visit Sara’s blog and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://strandupdate.blogspot.com/
November 30th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again and read his review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
December 1st @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com
December 2nd @ Women’s Writing Circle
Stop by the blog Women’s Writing Circle and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about adopting dogs while all her friends are having grandkids. Don’t miss this one!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A rescue mission for two missing comrades takes a drastic turn in author Joseph Lewis Tamone’s Shadow of the Demon.
The exciting sequel to Fusion World.
A world on the brink. A team divided.
It’s been months since Vai and Edam disappeared through the portal created by the destruction of the Fusion World machine. Unfortunately the machine contained the last known Dark Orb, the critical component to interdimensional travel. Luckily, a prototype is found in the vault of its creator, Dr. Charles Vindia. Vint SawWood, Vindia’s protégé, is pressed into service and can reactivate the device. But it is decades old and may be a one way ticket. There is no way to know.
Undaunted, Sajaeler and Raven lead a mission to find and rescue their missing teammates. What they discover is a world in the midst of a civil war. A shapeshifter has rallied an army of disaffected citizens to his cause and will stop at nothing until he subjugates the planet. To make matters worse, Raven becomes gravely ill. Visiting this world of mythical foes and allies has triggered something within her. She must face the trials in order to survive.
With the war boiling over, the team at odds, and Raven on death’s door, can Vai, Edam, Sajaeler and a new band of friends save the world and each other?
A powerful read that capitalizes on a vast mythology, author Joseph Lewis Tamone does it again. A book that readers will definitely need to read book 1 of, this sequel to Fusion World is a fantastic read.
What the author has accomplished with this book is an equal amount of world building, character growth and mythology in a blend of sci-fi and fantasy. The healthy mix of larger than life, grand scale adventure and personal character battles characters like Raven undergo are what really drive the plot forward.
A lengthy yet engaging story, Shadow of the Demon was a wonderful novel that built upon the world building of the first novel while creating more personal and engaging character growth and a whole new world that further expands this growing universe. If you’re a fan of epic sci-fi and fantasy, then grab your copy of Shadow of the Demon by Joseph Lewis Tamone today!
Rating: 10/10
I got into writing through journalism. For several years I wrote for newspapers and magazines as a freelancer. My specialty was music journalism, which is good training for writing fiction. Writing about music is almost impossible to do!
I was (and am) inspired by the place where I live: the seasons, the people, the history. The material is very rich for writing.
Live life to the fullest, and be tolerant of others. Also, have a sense of humor!
This book is not easily pegged to be a specific genre. For marketing purposes, it is called science fiction, and it does have sections of sci-fi, but there is more contemporary fiction in it than anything else.
I’d love to talk to Tai-Keiko because she is from another millennium. I would ask her to describe life in her time to ours.
The jury is out on this one. I think that the social media platform called “word of mouth” is the best of all.
Don’t be afraid to take chances.
I have just finished my next book, “Dangerous Crossing.” It takes place on the border between the US and Mexico, and is concerned with contemporary issues, such as immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking and sports gambling. It is due out early in 2020.
Print Length: 195 Pages
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Beeline Press (June 19, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1645400646
ISBN-13: 978-1645400646
Welcome to Maravilla is now available to purchase on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.
R. Douglas Clark was born in Vermont, grew up in Colorado, attended college in Chicago, and received a Master’s degree in music from Brown University. Seeing no future for himself in academia, he spent a year in the Oregon woods, living in a primitive cabin, writing music reviews and cultural commentary for magazines and newspapers. Next stop, Eugene, Oregon where he spent 20 damp years as a bootstrap businessman, father and musician. On a vacation trip, he and his wife, Shelley, fell in love with sunny northern New Mexico and subsequently moved there. After four years running Boys and Girls Clubs in Chimayó and Abiquiú–and another four, running a U-pick raspberry farm–he retired to write fiction full time.
Find R. Douglas online: https://www.rdouglasclark.com/
— Blog Tour Dates
October 14th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us as we celebrate the launch the blog tour for author R. Douglas Clark’s book Welcome to Maravilla. Read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
October 15th @ Book Santa Fe with Crystal Otto
Crystal Otto shares her thoughts about the sci-fi book Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark.
http://www.booksantafe.info/booksantafeblog
October 16th @ Bring on Lemons with Carmen Otto
Middle Schooler Carmen Otto reviews R. Douglas Clark’s Welcome to Maravilla and explains to her friends why this is a great book for even young readers.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
October 17th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark and delights readers at World of My Imagination with an opportunity to learn more about this fast-paced sci-fi novel!
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
October 17th @ Selling Books
Don’t miss today’s author interview with R. Douglas Clark as Cathy Stucker finds out more about his latest release Welcome to Maravilla.
October 21st @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Today’s guest author at Memoir Writer’s Journey is R. Douglas Clark with an article about _________. Join Kathleen Pooler’s audience as they learn more about Clark and his latest book Welcome to Maravilla.
October 22nd @ To Write or Not To Write
Sreevarsha reviews Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clarks and delights readers at To Write or Not To Write with her thoughts about this excellent novel!
http://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.co.at/
October 23rd @ World of My Imagination
Learn more about R. Douglas Clark and his new book Welcome to Maravilla as he shares a few thoughts in an interesting interview with Nicole Pyles at World of My Imagination.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
October 24th @ Look to the Western Sky
Visit Margo’s blog today where you can catch today’s author spotlight and learn more about R. Douglas Clark and his latest book Welcome to Maravilla.
October 25th @ A StoryBook World
Don’t miss today’s publicity post at A Storybook World as readers at Dierdra’s blog are introduced to “Welcome to Maravilla” by R. Douglas Clark.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
October 28th @ Breakeven Books
Today’s Book Spotlight at Breakeven Books is Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark – don’t miss this great opportunity to add this lovely new novel to your collection!
October 28th @ Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton interviews R. Douglas Clark about his latest novel Welcome to Maravilla . Readers will delight in learning more about this science fiction story with it’s courageous characters!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
November 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina
Author Anthony Avina interview R. Douglas Clark about his latest novel Welcome to Maravilla
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
November 12th @ Author Anthony Avina
Author Anthony Avina shares his thoughts after reading Welcome to Maravilla by R. Douglas Clark – don’t miss this review!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
November 13th @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst
Wisconsin mother and book lover shares her review of R. Douglas Clark’s latest Welcome to Maravilla with readers at Bring on Lemons.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
I am honored to be able to share this next guest blog post with you all. Writer Greg Josselyn from Reedsy has reached out with a brand new post on the Blurb Factor to share with aspiring authors and writers out there. Enjoy and be sure to follow Greg’s work on Reedsy.
When romance writer Alessandra Torre uploaded her first book on Amazon eight years ago, she only sold three on the first day. And for the next few months, she averaged a still-disappointing 15 – until one night, she looked at her book description and said: “I’m going to re-write this.”
That re-write sparked a renaissance. First, it was 100 books sold in one day. Then 300. Then 2,000. That’s when she started ranking as a top seller in the Romance category, and offers from agents and publishers came flooding in. Now, Torre is an Amazon International bestselling novelist, with over a dozen books to her name.
We can’t pin Torre’s success entirely on a book blurb – she is a good writer, after all! But we would be remiss not to poke around the subject, especially since this is a great Amazon self-publishing success story. The fact is, without the social credit and marketing budget of a big publishing house, the seemingly small things we usually save for last – like book descriptions – will make or break you.
If you’re a writer who’s planning to self-publish, this post will help improve your book description (or back cover text) and grow your profitability on Amazon. But even if you aren’t quite at that stage yet, you can apply these techniques to query letters and pitches for your book. After all, it’s never too early to start selling people on your ideas.
Hook, hook, hook. That seems to be all writers and editors ever talk about, and yet, most of us still wonder what it really means. When we say “hook”, we mean like a fish hook, with – you you guessed it – bait. This is particularly important in the sea of distractions that is Amazon.com. But what are the raw materials that will make up your hook and bait? You’ll require:
Try to think of your book description in the most succinct terms possible. This isn’t a school book report; it’s like more like an elevator pitch. In other words, don’t blurt it out – blurb it out!
And when it comes to blurbs, our friend Torre is the master. If she didn’t revise the blurb for her first book, she may have switched careers instead of rising to the New York Times best seller list, which is why we always refer aspiring writers to her video tips on the subject. But in brief, she stresses these two essential facts:
One strong way to do that is to employ the classic proposition “but.” For example: “Will Byers lived a normal life in a boring suburban town. But when a mysterious alien creature shows up, his life turns upside down. Will it ever turn right side up again?” (Read More…)
You’ve done it all so far: The blurb is short enough for a social media share. Your first three sentences set up a key question and further dilemma. You’ve omitted unnecessary details, like your character’s middle name or their township’s population.
And yet, potential readers are still scrolling to click on other book titles in your category. Yes, it could be other factors like book cover design and reviews, but still – there’s one last ingredient needed to seal the deal on your blurb. This is, of course, why the book matters to the potential buyer. What does your book provide for them? How will it make an impact on their life? Advertisements do it all the time, so why not utilize this technique to sell your book?
For example, if your book is self-help, be sure to mention that they’ll never think the same way about X problem ever again. Or if it’s fiction, show how your main character is relatable to readers, and how they overcome problems that many of us experience in our own lives.
If you have reviews or testimonials to prove this, even better: up the social proof to the max. And if you’re new to self-publishing, drawing comparisons to pre-existing works is one great way to do it (e.g. “This Gender Bending Historial Fantasy is Games of Thrones meets Queer Eye), or just stress how it’ll change the reader’s way of looking at the world (“fantasy fans and fashionistas will never be the same again…”).
In order to make a successful book blurb, be sure to include:
There are endless ways to play around with these elements. Try out different options – at least three – and test them with friends and family, as well as pro beta readers. Ask: which description pulls you in? Which one doesn’t do it for you? And why? Or, do an A/B test in Amazon: swap out the different descriptions and see which one performs the best.
Still no sales? Keep re-writing and testing until you do, like Alessandra Torre. Otherwise, accept that the marketplace just may not be ready for this particular book, and start re-examining your content from the ground up.
Greg Josselyn is a writer for Reedsy, a curated marketplace dedicated to empowering authors. When he’s not covering KDP Select, he writes short fiction and makes podcasts.
Author Anthony Avina's Blog 