#GUEST REVIEW and #EXCERPT: Barbra Streisand: on the Couch by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.

Barbra Streisand: on the Couch by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.

Publisher: Bancroft Press (Oct 1, 2017)
Category: Literary Fiction, Celebrities, Barbra Streisand
Tour dates: Oct/Nov, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-61088-211-8
Available in Print, 308 pages

We all know Barbra, the star, but how well do we know Barbra, the woman? In the latest installment of my On the Couch series, Dr. Darcy Dale, a renowned, pioneering Manhattan psychiatrist, is confronted by Barbra, who is dismayed after thirty years of minimally successful therapy. Over the course of a year, Dr. Dale conducts an intimate psychoanalysis, breaking through Barbra’s defense mechanisms and repressions to delve deep into the heart and mind of one of America’s last remaining superstars. Published at the same time as Streisand’s own, long awaited memoir, Barbra Streisand: On the Couch is an essential companion, a sensitive, objective, pitch-perfect opportunity to look behind the voice and image, and to understand and fully appreciate Barbra Streisand, the human being.

GUEST REVIEW:

I was so excited to be invited to read ‘Barbara Streisand: On the Couch’.  I am a big fan of Streisand both as a movie star and singer.  I learned things about her from this book that I didn’t know.  She lost her father at an early age.  I also lost my father at a young age so can empathise with her.  We were both raised when parents fell mostly to the mother but you can’t under estimate the impact of losing a father had, even then.

Alma H. Bound is an excellent writer and with the aid of her meticulous research has really penned an entertaining book that gives us a peek into Streisand’s life and psychological struggles. Using fiction instead of biography has given her poetic license to write about a social icon in a fresh way.  She doesn’t over do the fiction but just adds to Barbara Steisand’s persona.  I loved this book and recommend you pick it up.  I think it would also make an excellent gift for a Barbara Streisand fan!

I give this book 5 stars! I receive this book for an honest review.

Review by Betty G. 

EXCERPT:

Barbra came in with an eerie expression on her face. Looking down as she came into the room, she said almost shyly, “I had the most incredible dream.”
 “Good” I said with great anticipation (I love dreams). Tell me.
 “I almost can’t.  It is too overwhelming.”
 “Try.”    
 “Well, I’ll see what I can do..” She took her usual position on the couch.
 What dream could be so incredible that she has to announce it with all that fanfare? I leaned forward expectantly.
 She began hesitantly, “There is a knock on the door. I open it. There is a blinding light, so that I can hardly see who is there.  I put my hands over my eyes to shield them, and see that it is Sarah Bernhardt. She says, ‘Congratulations on making The Prince of Tides,’ Barbra. It is a wonderful movie.’

"I say in all humility, ‘Yes, it went very well.’"
 She turns her head around to me and says, “What do you think it means, Doctor?”
 “What do you think it means, Barbra?”
 “I’m afraid to say.
 “Try.”
 She said hesitantly, “I think the dream is saying that I’m going to go down in history as a great actress, as majestic as Sarah Bernhardt..... Do you think that’s what it means?
 “I know that’s what it means.”
 She smiled, and said, “So do I.”

 “Barbra,” I said, chastisingly. “I read something important in the newspapers about you that you never told me.”
 “Yeah? What’s that?”
 “I read that in 1986, you founded The Streisand Foundation that has donated over sixteen million dollars for noteworthy causes like nuclear disarmament, civil rights, voter education, and women’s issues. Sixteen million dollars! Very few of us even see that much money in a lifetime, let alone donate it to charity. It is really wonderful of you. What a good woman you are!  But how come you never told me about it?
 Looking shyly at the floor, she said, “I was afraid you would raise my fee.” 

Praise Barbra Streisand: on the Couch by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.

"Thoroughly enjoyable."—Kitty Kelley, author of mega bestselling biographies on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan, the British Royal Family, the Bush family, and Oprah Winfrey
“Absolutely delightful … and wonderful … with fabulous insight … Fans of Barbra Streisand [will] love this book . . . It’s impossible to come away from [it] with anything but a warm, fuzzy feeling for this . . . adored songbird… Underneath is [an] . . . insecure little girl who lost her daddy . . . and never truly got over it.”—Readers Favorite
“This will appeal to anyone who enjoys discovering information about such a celebrity, how she feels about the ups and downs of her life, and other juicy details of her storied sex life and stellar career. [...] The book has a can't-put-it-down quality; the juiciness of the gossip, the emotional insights into her joy and pain, and the remarkable triumphs and failures of her long career are completely fascinating. Although the book is fiction, the author lists in a bibliography the numerous books and articles from which she garnered the very factual events and many of Miss Streisand's own words from interviews that she used to create the sessions...”-Midwest Book Review
"I’ve been a fan of Bond’s On the Couch series for years, but this one is absolutely her best. Barbra Streisand--with all her foibles and charms--comes alive on the pages of this book. Bond digs deep into Streisand’s psyche to give the reader a close-up look at a mega-star. Instead of a tell-all novel that dishes out the dirt on her many costars, we follow along with Streisand as she herself recounts her many projects, affairs, and early history. Instead of a public relations–approved biography that glosses over Streisand’s need to be in control of her projects, this book revels in it, explores the reasons for a demanding actor/musician/director to behave as she does, shows the reader just how dedicated to her craft Streisand is. If you’re a fan of her acting, her music, her career, or her activism, this is definitely a book you should read. Even if you’re not a fan, chances are you will be by the time you finish the book.”- Ann Beardsley

About Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.

Award winning author, Alma Halbert Bond received her Ph.D. from Columbia University, and became a highly successful psychoanalyst in private practice for 37 years in New York City. She "retired" to become a full-time writer. Barbra Streisand: On the Couch is currently in production with Bancroft Press, who publish the On the Couch series. Hillary Clinton: On the Couch was published a few months ago, and received a Best Books Award Finalist book award. Jackie O: On the Couch, the first of her On the Couch series to be published by Bancroft Press, was published on August 15, 2011, and received a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Best Books Award Finalist USA Book News, and International Book Awards Finalist. . Margaret Mahler, a Biography of the Psychoanalyst was published by McFarland Press in 2008. It received two awards, Best Books Award Finalist USA Book News and Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist. Michelle Obama, a Biography, was recently published by Greenwood Press. Dr. Bond has had 20 other books published. Among other organizations, Dr. Bond is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Dramatists Guild, PEN, the International Psychoanalytic Association, and the American Psychological Association. She taught psychoanalysis at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, where she is a fellow, and also has been a faculty member of WritersSchool, where she taught Psychology and Literature. Website is http://almabondauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlmaHBond Twitter: https://twitter.com/almabond

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#GUEST POST: Love or Justice by Rachel Mannino

  

  Laurie Shelton is the only person alive who can identify Hawaii’s most notorious mob boss… After stumbling into a deadly kidnapping, Laurie’s life is in grave danger, and it falls to US Marshal Dante Stark to keep her safe until she testifies against Kaimi Quamboa—assuming he can be captured. Dante knows he’ll lose his job if he becomes romantically involved with a witness… But when he has to comfort her through constant nightmares, he finds it nearly impossible to fight his attraction to the beautiful, strong young woman he is sworn to protect. Laurie feels it too, but aware she’s in a high-stress situation and that when the danger is past she’ll never see Dante again, she tries to ignore his easygoing smile and the security he offers. Laurie and Dante are forced to flee again… When Kaimi’s men descend on their hideaway, they escape to a second safe house, only to be tracked down there as well. Dante now knows there’s a mole inside the US Marshal Service, and the only thing left to do is disappear. Kaimi will never stop looking for Laurie, and if he’s caught, showing up to testify could be the last thing she ever does. With each choice as dangerous as the next, Dante and Laurie must confront the boundaries of what they’re willing to sacrifice, and which is more important… Love or Justice.

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 Character Interview with Laurie

By: Rachel Mannino

Laurie is ripped away from her life and her friends when she accidentally stumbles across Hawaii’s most notorious mob boss and his kidnapping victims. Under protective custody, Laurie is still the target of hit men, while U.S. Marshal, Dante Stark tries desperately to save her. Deep in hiding, Laurie found time to sit down with her author to talk about her traumatic ordeal.

RM: Laurie, you’ve been through so much already. How do you keep going?

LS: Well, I have to, you know. I can’t go backwards. I can never go back to Hawaii. I can’t see any of my friends there. You just have to keep moving forward with your life. Dante helps me with that. Being with him, finding him in the midst of this terrible ordeal, has been the best thing that ever happened.

RM: And what first attracted you to him?

LS: Well, when we first met, he was so straight-laced. He called me ma’am. He played by the rules. Little by little, he relaxed. He let go. He let me into his life and his heart. I guess I was attracted to the fact that he took life seriously, but not so seriously that he couldn’t have fun and bend the rules a little.

RM: Do you like bending the rules?

LS: What rules? No, I’m kidding. Dante thinks that I never listen to him and that I do the exact opposite of what he tells me on purpose. I don’t. Not really. I guess I just act from gut instinct sometimes, and it’s not always in line with “the rules.”

RM: I imagine that running for your life makes you rely on your instincts. You must constantly be on edge. Can you talk about that?

LS: Ugh! We can hardly go out to get groceries without me looking over my shoulder every minute. I’ve been attacked so many times in Hawaii, I’ve lost count. We were running from one safe house to the next. We could barely catch our breaths. When Dante told me there was a mole in the Marshal Service, I thought he had lost his mind. I thought the pressure had gotten to him. I was nearly on the verge of a meltdown myself. But he had a plan and what he said made sense. It’s quiet here, where we’ve escaped to. It’s nice. We can finally breathe a little, but I know we can’t stay in hiding forever.

About the author:

Rachel Mannino is a passionate writer who creates characters and settings that allow readers to explore power dynamics in relationships, the empowerment of women, and the ethical and moral dilemmas love can create in our lives. Rachel also uses her writing skills to raise thousands of dollars for entities that enrich our lives and create community change around the world.  She has worked for the Peace Corps; the Humanities Council of Washington, DC; Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; and the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events in Boston, MA. Her first novel, Love or Justice, was published by Limitless Press in November 2016. Her second novel, Fractal, will be published by eTreasures publishing in the spring of 2016. Rachel has a BA in theatre studies and writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College, and she has used it every day since graduation.  She lives with her husband, author Christopher Mannino (http://www.christophermannino.com/), and their adorable dog and cat in College Park, Maryland.  

Facebook | Author Page (FB) | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Literary Addicts | Goodreads 

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#GUEST POST and #GIVEAWAY: The Has Been Series by Kat Desalle and Kristin Leigh Jones

 

G-Strings, fake bodies, what lubricant to use, and which angle looks best on camera, these are all things Tony knows. What he doesn't know is how to pursue a real relationship, one outside the industry that's making him retire and leaving him behind. Tony DiMarco, aka Ting Tang Tony, made a big name for himself-- regardless of being small--in an industry where size truly does matter. He's had a long career hiding behind a camera lens where his shortcomings didn't affect him at all. At 38 he's forced to find a real life where hopefully size doesn't matter. The last place he thought his life would change is in Florida. Tripping over the gorgeous and upstanding, Emily Grant, snaps him out of the pity-pot he is just about to take a bath in. However, having never dated outside the industry has him second-guessing everything. How would someone possibly want his "little engine that could"? Can Tony open up about his playboy-style career, and more importantly, can he overcome the insecurities that he's shoved aside his whole life? Tony's got his work cut out for him, he needs to penetrate the walls Emily's built to protect herself and her own insecurities. Will she be able to handle Tony's crazy double life he's trying to hide from her, the one he lives back home in L.A.? There's a small chance it might work, that it might fit—something Tony certainly isn't used to. This may be his one opportunity to find that missing puzzle piece he's only been able to fantasize about. The whirlwind journey these two set out on will keep you rooting for the underdogs, and teach you that it's not always the size of the package that's important—it's what's inside that matters most. Genre: Romantic Comedy

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  Rod Stick—though his birth certificate says Rodney Moore— has everything a top-notch porn star ever wanted. Friends are his new family, money satisfies his every wish, and endless lines of willing and ready women fulfill any voids his jaded childhood left behind. Drugs and alcohol patch the remaining leaks those things can’t fix. However, things are beginning to change. His friends and their bachelor lifestyle are fading in the hot L.A. sun. Irresponsible decisions and self-destructive actions have his career on the rocks. Like his best friend, Tony, he worries he’s going to be the next “has-been.” To complicate things further, a certain sexy and dangerous amber-haired stripper is changing him into another person—one that he isn't sure he can handle. They say you can’t make a “ho into a housewife.” But two hoes? There are better odds in Vegas. Can Rod find the solace he searching for in his own private dancer, Crystal Amber? Settling down with her might close the door on that dark chapter of his life forever—the one he’s been running from since he was a kid. Or, will he lose himself and everyone else around him instead creating his own version of hell? Sometimes our own light is hiding in dark places. Will Rod find his? Genre: Romantic Erotica

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GUEST POST:

Mock Playboy Interview with Ting Tang Tony:

***Disclaimer: this mock interview is a work of complete fiction. It in no way represents playboy or any of its affiliates and has been created for promotional entertainment.***

June 2014 issue of Playboy magazine featuring an exclusive interview with Ting Tang Tony, Tony DiMarco

Playboy: Well, Tony, we are happy to have you here and meet the man behind infamous dick. Although, I must admit you are a whole lot of man without much to hide behind … you stand out with your good looks, and height. What are you, about 6’4”?

Tony: laughs. I’m 6’5” actually. And, I’m happy to be here today, Ashley. Even with dick jokes abound.

Playboy: I see you brought—a friend? Does this mean we can let our readers and your fans know that you are officially off the market?

Tony: Laughs again and throws his arm around a dapper, grey-haired gentleman to his left. This handsome, son-of-a-bitch? Nah, he is my best friend though. You all know him as Rod Stick. He couldn’t

pass up a trip behind the closed doors here at Playboy. He pats Rod’s back. Yup, he and I are just a bunch of lonely, single old men. He smirks over at his friend.

Rod: Speak for yourself. He snorts. I may be single but I am—sure as hell—never lonely.

Playboy: I laugh at both of them and their playful demeanor. Moving on. Tony, you have a big milestone for your adult film career coming soon, the 20th anniversary of your introductory film, Ting Tang Tony: And the Tale of the Little Erection That Could. Quite an accomplishment for a man of your … traits.

Tony: Yes, quite, I assume … considering all things. But that also means that I just know how to get the job done in many creative ways. He winks, and wags his brows.

Playboy: Blushing, I conceal a knowing giggle. Care to share how you got into the business?

Tony: Oh, you know, it just happens. Things led to one thing, and then another—I was young, the money was good. Not much to tell. He runs a hand across his buzzed head.

Rod: Looks at Tony, then me, and clears his throat. Oh yeah, the money is really good. Especially when you get your own title films or series.

Playboy: Right. Tony, you’ve starred in many but also seem to cameo quite a bit. You are brought in for shock and awe?

Tony: In the beginning and yes, some still, but I’m known for other things now as well. I have my talents.

Rod: Makes rude gestures with his hands in a “V” over his mouth.

Tony: Slaps Rod in the mouth. Surely you’ve done your research and watched some of my films. I don’t ever have an unsatisfied female co-star. I take pride in my craft—in my art. Something other people I know don’t put as much stock in. He jabs Rod in the ribs.

Playboy: Well, I think everyone knows about the famous Tony tongue. I believe Barbara did an interview a while back with us, and she spoke—no—raved about it. I suppose when you have a legend like that bragging about it, it must be something special. I fan myself. I think it’s getting hot in here.

Tony: Laughs and shifts in his seat, looking smug.

Playboy: So back to your work … Pride. Huh? Not something that usually goes hand in hand when you think about your profession. Any plans for the future—for after your glow in the ‘red lights’ fade?

Tony: I have plenty. Actually Rod and I are getting ready to leave for Florida for a shoot. It’s a 4th of July themed film titled: Out With a Bang. It should be great. Barbara Booberella, Rod, myself, Ric Gasher and Levi Johnson are featured. Plus, I have a few private business ventures in the works. I don’t foresee myself ever not being in this business. It’s become my life, and my family. All my friends are in this world and once you are here there’s not much room for you on the outside. The adult industry is like that bad tattoo you got in Mexico. It never goes away and you’re at least glad you got it someplace where people

will only see it if you’re naked—not something to share with your grandkids. I’m not ashamed about what I’ve done, or who I’ve done. I live with no regrets and take care of me and mine.

Playboy: ‘Me and mine.’ Does that mean, there’s a ‘someone’ in your life?

Tony: No, not like … that. As I said, I’m single.

Playboy: Hmm … Interesting. Well, that sounds like a good plan. Speaking of tattoos … And Mexico … Do you?

Tony: Of course, who doesn’t love a good margarita in the sand?

Playboy: So where is it?

Tony: Mexico? Hmm, well, you could get there driving south for a little over 2 hours or so depending on traffic. He smiles.

Playboy: Right, and the tattoo?

Tony: Tattoo? You were talking about Mexico. The corner of his mouth turns up.

Playboy: Yes, and tattoos.

Tony: Well.

Playboy: Ting Tang Tony …

Tony: Yes.

Playboy: That’s an interesting one.

Tony: Well, you know. He shrugs

Playboy: Ok, let’s wrap up with one final question: if you had to buy lingerie for a partner what would you buy?

Tony: Laughs.

Rod: Well, I can tell you it wouldn’t be latex inspired. Makes a crack the whip sound.

Playboy: Oh, no?

Tony: I do occasionally enjoy the whip and tickle. But, I’d have to say the thought of a woman in one of my tee shirts, completely comfortable with herself and me, is really hot. Besides, I’d just be taking it off anyway, and what’s underneath is sexier than any lingerie. Grins.

Playboy: Oh, and you’re a sweetheart to boot.

Tony: I’m just being honest.

Playboy: And I just made the big guy blush. You will make one special lady very happy someday, Tony. I know that for sure. That’s it, my work is done. We can’t wait to see Out With a Bang, the special 20th Anniversary Edition of Ting Tang Tony: And the Tale of the Little Erection That Could, and see what else is in store for you, Tony. Thank you for taking the time with us today.

Tony: Thank you for having me, and letting this guy tag along. He slaps Rod’s arm.

Rod: Hey, someone had to liven the party up. Thank you, Ashley, and Playboy. Now, where do they hide the Bunnies in the corsets? 

The guys laugh and continue their banter as they get up to leave.

********************************

About the Authors:

Kat DeSalle is one half of the crazy writing duo that created the HAS BEEN SERIES. Born and raised in California, she graduated with a degree in Fine Art, which introduced her to a number of creative outlets. She dabbled in various jobs ranging from teaching art, to working in the finance industry. Ultimately, she found her passion in writing. Now, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and children, where she follows her dream of writing romance novels. Friend Kat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kat.desalle Tweet Kat here: @KatDeSalle Follow on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8346774.Kat_DeSalle

Kristin Leigh Jones is the wearer of many hats—not literally—although she does look good in one. From being a full-time mom, wife, chef, maid, dog walker, litter box scooper to owning a photography business and working as a freelance editor ... She now adds writer to her long resume. Between juggling all these tasks she squeezes in as much time as possible for snuggling her babies, reading, and watching football on Sundays in the fall. Da Bears! Hailing from the Midwest her whole life, she fully appreciates the change of seasons but admits to really only enjoying it less than 5 months of the year. Kristin is very thankful to have found another half of her brain in her dear friend Kat. Who, might be thousands of miles away, is never farther than a text or a phone call. Together they make up the dynamic duo writing and producing the hilariously romantic and sexy Has Been Series. Friend Kristin on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.leigh. Tweet Kristin here: @k_leigh_jones Follow on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8352892.Kristin_Leigh_Jones

For updates, contests, and news on the Has Been series check out these awesome links:

Like the Has Been Series Fan Page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ED-Productions/1507805652772415 Kat & Kristin's Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/KatDeSalleandKristinLeighJones Follow our blog here: http://execdprodz.blogspot.com/

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#REVIEW and #GUEST POST: Survivor by Pauline Creeden

Survivor

*Novella companion to Sanctuary What if the Biblical End Times unfolded in a way no one told you about and the rapture didn’t happen before the tribulation began… Aliens have attacked and Rory’s mother is missing, but none of that matters much to him. He’s safe in his apartment complex, has his friends and his twin sister, Hailey. But as supplies start to dwindle, it becomes obvious that he needs to do something to make sure they all survive…even if it means he has to brave going outside through the Shisa and the zombies people have become. As long as they are safe, that’s all that matters, right? Kindle Paperback Start the series with award winning Sanctuary

MY RATING: 4 1/2 stars

My Review: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Once again we are faced with the Shisa, the dog/monkey/human alien that has invaded the world, destroyed the sun, poisoned the world's water supply. Here we are in an apartment complex seeing the day to day struggles of a band of people of varying ages, from trying to find enough water and food, to how they deal with the physical aspects of death.

While some of the writing I found was so detailed it did seem to yank the story to a crawl, the author did a spectacular job of keeping the plot moving. The action parts of it were heart-pounding, the emotional parts made me cry. I didn't find this novella to be as overtly Christian as the previous book, it isn't so "This is the end of the world as presented in the Bible", however, with society being as it is, many may not see it from a religious point of view, instead, seeing it as a survival situation. That in itself made it more realistic in my view.

Another wonderful job of writing by the author, and I can't wait to read more from her.

Guest Post: The Yellowstone Caldera

My husband and I homeschool our fourteen-year-old son. Because he’s in high school now, we do a lot of our studies out of college text books because they are more readily available. Last year, we were studying geology when I first learned about the Yellowstone Caldera.

It’s surprising that something so peaceful looking could be so deadly.

Did you know that there is a super volcano beneath the park in Wyoming that is scheduled to erupt sometime in the future? Many geologists believe the eruption might even be overdue. Now I’m not trying to sound like a conspiracy theorist, or even to raise an alarm, but when I first heard of this, it reminded me of one of the scriptures about the End Times:

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light… (Matthew 24:29)

I’ve often wondered exactly how this would play out.

But if there were several volcanic eruptions, or even one gigantic one, it’s possible for the sky to be covered in ash and possibly for a long time for much of the world. So in the Sanctuary End Times series, the Yellowstone Caldera makes an appearance, and the scripture in Matthew is fulfilled by it.

Like any good science fiction, it has a little bit of truth added to the fiction to make it hit home a little harder. For Hugh, Rory, and the rest, it means a constant grey sky, and ash falling down in constant flurries.

Sanctuary

Left Behind for the Hunger Games Generation In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what s left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth s population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it… When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going? Audible Kindle Paperback Watch Sanctuary's Book Trailer
  Sanctuary crosses boundaries and borders and incorporates elements of all kinds of action and intrigue, from thriller-like adventure to a post-apocalyptic tale of life after aliens invade. Thus it will delight readers seeking something truly different, while disappointing those who anticipated a shallow, one-dimensional subject and story line.”  

Pauline Creeden

Pauline Creeden is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Follow Pauline Creeden: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

#GUEST POST: Why Start a Series by John O Riley

   

Inheritance

Episode 1 of the Wizards of Seattle Serieseattle Series

Jason wonders if his luck has finally turned around when he discovers he will inherit a luxurious home infused with ancient magic and a sizable fortune from a relative he’d never known existed. Of course, there’s a catch. His younger brother and his cousin will inherit equal parts of the inheritance and it is stipulated in the will that they must live together first before they gain possession of the estate.

All three of them are potential White Knights with the rare ability to practice advanced white magic. They must learn to use their new power and defend themselves from a secret organization that is armed with potent, black magic. This novella is the first installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and IBookstore.

Click here for a free book excerpt.

Caretaker

Episode 2 of the Wizards of Seattle Series

Jason has recently discovered his new category six wizardry was a result of a genetic experiment performed by a secret organization called the Ebullio. Now that he has broken free of their mind control enchantment, suppressed memories float to the surface and he remembers the terrifying abductions and genomic therapy that he and his younger brother, Benjamin, endured. Meanwhile, the Valituras have set their sights on Jason, unleashing powerful curses designed to kill him and his family. As Jason learns more about the Ebullio and the Valituras, he realizes that danger lurks behind every corner and the enemy could be hiding in plain sight. This novella is the second installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.

Caretaker is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and other book retailers.

GUEST POST:

People often ask me what was my inspiration to start a particular book or series. It is usually a combination of things. For the Wizards of Seattle, I thought back to the great recession where unemployment was very high and I had struggled to find a new career. Right after I managed to find a good job, one of my friends was laid off from a failing company where she ended up unemployed for over a year. I felt so bad for her and I was thinking about both her experience and mine. During that time period when I had been job hunting, I had sometimes fantasized about inheriting a house and a boatload of money from a distant, undiscovered relative. It was so much fun picturing all of the details of this wonderful dream house.

One of the things about me is that my mind goes off on wild tangents so when I was ruminating on this fantasy, the sardonic side of myself thought it would be an ironic twist if I had a couple of other relatives I didn’t know that well who were also inheriting the house and what if we all had to live there for years before we could gain possession of this fortune? This is how the idea for the series was born and since I had already written four books in another series about wizards, I decided I should make the Wizards of Seattle a spinoff series with completely different characters in another part of the world. It is a fun, action-packed fantasy adventure with dollops of humor.

In the Wizards of Seattle, Jason develops a new power when he inherits the home and gains the attention of very powerful enemies. With the help of his younger brother and a mysterious light being who lives in a guesthouse in the backyard, can Jason learn to master his new ability in time to thwart the nefarious plans of an ancient society of dark wizards?

John O'Riley began writing at a very early age. In fact, he's been writing for as long as he can remember. He is an award winning writer of novels and screenplays in the category of urban fantasy, comedy, mystery, science fiction and young adult. His movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout. He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently resides in Washington state and owns a very friendly parakeet named Amy who helps spark his imagination.  

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#GUEST POST and #GIVEAWAY: Favorite Supporting Character by Belinda Frisch

Title: The Missing Year

Author:  Belinda Frisch

Published:  November 17th, 2014

Word Count:   72,000

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Thirty-four-year-old Blake Wheeler was everything Lila had ever wanted. A rising-star surgeon with his whole life ahead of him, Blake gave Lila ten perfect years of marriage before plunging her into the hardest year of their lives.

When a late night shooting leaves Blake in a coma, Lila is faced with a difficult decision: continue life support or let him go.

One year later, Lila remains unwilling to speak, in a private mental health facility where she refuses to move on.

Dr. Ross Reeves knows firsthand about loss, having spent the better part of five years burying himself in his work. Tasked with the challenge of breaking Lila’s silence, Ross investigates Lila’s past and her husband’s death, finding more to Blake’s murder than meets the eye. A series of mysterious coincidences has Ross wondering if Lila is acting out of grief … or guilt.

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Guest Post: Favorite Supporting Character by Belinda Frisch

Who is your favorite supporting character? Why?

My favorite supporting character in The Missing Year is Camille, hands down. I’ve never written a 

witty trickster or sarcastic troublemaker, though those personality traits are close to my heart. I did a 

brief stint in a high school theater troupe, and somehow that seemed the perfect fit for her. Camille 

is a bit of the folks I knew back then. She is a chameleon and lives to play a role. Unfortunately for 

my main character, Dr. Ross Reeves, that usually means pulling him out of his comfort zone and 

embarrassing him. 

In addition to her comic value, Camille’s suffered from the loss of Ross’s wife, her best friend, Sarah. 

The emotions she brings out in Ross help him erase years of focusing on Sarah’s illness, on her end, 

which have made him forget the woman he fell in love with. It’s easy when someone dies to focus on 

the most recent memories first. Camille is instrumental in Ross’s healing.

Camille is a mixed bag, and I like that about her. She stands up for and defends Sarah despite the fact 

that she’s gone. She realizes when she goes too far and always does the right thing. Is she passive-

aggressive? Maybe. But her intentions are always good. I love that about her. I hope readers will, too.

About the Author:

*Runner-up Halloween Book Festival 2012 and optioned for film, Cure *Honorable Mention New York Book Festival 2014, Better Left Buried *Amazon Top 100 Medical Thriller, Fatal Reaction

After fifteen years of working in healthcare, Belinda Frisch’s stories can’t help being medicine influenced. A writer of dark tales in the horror, mystery, and thriller genres, Belinda tells the stories she’d like to read. Her fiction has appeared in Shroud Magazine, Dabblestone Horror, and Tales of the Zombie War. She is the author of Cure, Afterbirth, Fatal Reaction, Better Left Buried, and The Missing Year. She resides in upstate New York with her husband and a small menagerie of beloved animals.

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Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• 10 Kindle copies of Fatal Attraction or The Missing Year (winner's choice)
• 10 ACX audiobook codes for Fatal Reaction
• A $25.00 Amazon gift card

Giveaway is International.

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#GUEST POST and #GIVEAWAY: Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold

Title: Burnt Edges  

Author:  Dana Leipold

Published:  October 21st, 2014

Word Count:  56,000

Genre:  Women’s Fiction

Content Warning:  contains sexual abuse and domestic violence

Recommended Age:  18+

Synopsis: Abuse or an uncertain future. This is Laurel Lee Page’s choice when she is faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 18. Born into a broken family, all she has ever known is guilt and shame. No matter what she does or who she meets, Laurel appears to be living a condemned life but she is determined to find independence and freedom in spite of her family’s legacy of hatred and self-contempt. Can Laurel see that she is in a powerful position, poised to break the cycle of abuse? Set in Southern California during the tumultuous 1960s era, Burnt Edges is based on true events and proves that strength can be found even in the most horrific situations.

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Excerpt:

Laurel decided that Rusty was Mother’s favorite child. The afternoon in the garage had been proof. But because he often took the brunt of Father’s anger, she felt a bizarre kinship with him. She also loved the stories he would tell when they had nothing to do. He would make up tall tales like the one about spacemen who came to Earth to taste hamburgers because they had none on Mars. He described them as little green men with antennae. “Whenever they come to visit, people find their hats missing, because the Martians steal them to conceal their antennae,” Rusty said. “That’s just silly,” Laurel said. Gerry sat in the dirt, playing with rocks and half-listening. Laurel thought he’d rather be playing football or punching some kid, so he sometimes got bored of the stories. “No, it’s true, really.” “What did they do to hide their green skin?” Laurel asked. “They also steal women’s pancake makeup and put it all over their faces. Helps them blend in.” “Ew, they wear girl’s makeup?” Gerry said, sticking out his tongue. Laurel giggled, imagining Martians wearing makeup and hats just to get a taste of a hamburger. “Why don’t they just steal the recipe and learn how to make hamburgers on Mars?” Laurel thought she’d caught Rusty off guard with this question. “They tried that once, and it was a disaster,” he said, picking up rocks and throwing them against the fence in their backyard. “Yeah, it almost wiped out the whole Martian race.”

“What’d they do, get all sick and throw up?” Gerry laughed at his answer. Rusty threw a rock at Gerry but missed him. “No, moron.” He kept throwing rocks without saying anything. Laurel thought he was trying to come up with a good story. She waited another moment. “Well, what happened?” she asked. “I’ll tell ya! Don’t rush me!” He stopped throwing rocks and sat Indian style, his elbows resting on his legs, hands clasped together so he was leaning forward a bit. “The explorer Martians who had just come back from Earth brought the hamburger recipe to the King of Mars. They told him about the most delicious food they’d ever tasted and that they had brought the secret to it. The king was excited and told his royal cook to make up a batch, but they don’t have meat on Mars.” Rusty paused, and Gerry rolled his eyes, waved his hand, and climbed the rope up to the tree house. Rusty watched him, but Laurel was listening, waiting for Rusty to tell the rest of the story. “Go on,” she said. “Nah, no one cares about the dumb old story,” he said. “I do! Tell me!” “All right, but it’s horrible!” “I don’t care. Tell me!” “Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Rusty paused and then he began again. “So the cooks tried to figure out what to do. They didn’t want to tell the king that there was no meat. Once a cook had told the king he was all out of Martian mush-rooms and the king executed him. They thought and thought about what to do, and then they called in the royal jester.” “The jester? What does he know about cooking?” Laurel asked. “Exactly.” Laurel looked confused. “So the jester came in, and the cooks smashed him on the head and put him in a boiling pot. Once the Jester was done cooking, they ground him up into bits and fed him to the king.” “Yuck!” Gerry must have heard about the cannibalism. He peeked his head through the hole in the tree house. “That’s disgusting,” he said, loud enough for Rusty and Laurel to hear. “The king loved it and ordered the cooks to make more. So they did. This time they called in the royal guard, bopped him on the head, boiled him up, and fed him to the king. The king couldn’t get enough of those hamburgers, so he made a royal decree stating that the official food of Mars was hamburgers.” Gerry had the tree house door open and was sitting on the floor with his legs hanging out. Laurel shook her head. “The cooks went through the whole Martian Royal Army, the royal court, and most of the Martian population before the king caught on. He ended up executing the cooks, but now the King of Mars comes to visit Earth himself, because he loves hamburgers.” “That’s the dumbest story I ever heard,” Gerry said. “If it’s so dumb why did you listen to it?” Rusty answered back. “Hamburgers aren’t that good,” Laurel said. “Not as good as pizza.”

 

About the Author:

Dana Leipold is a freelance writer, author, and member of the Association of Independent Authors and Creativity Coaching Association. She has self-published two books: a collection of limericks in Dr. Seuss-style for adults entitled, Stupid Poetry: The Ultimate Collection of Sublime and Ridiculous Poems, and a non-fiction book entitled, The Power of Writing Well: Write Well. Change the World, to help writers get their message heard, create stories that connect, and leverage the power of writing well. In addition, she coaches other writers on story structure, messaging, and writing skills so they can achieve their dreams to become published authors. Leipold lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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 GUEST POST: Hardest Scene To Write by Dana Leipold

Burnt Edges is a book I had to write, not one I wanted to write. I often tell people who ask me how I wrote this book that I feel like I didn't write it. I just sat at the keyboard and typed. Since most of the book is based on real events, I wanted to make it as realistic as possible but also infuse it with dramatic elements to entice the reader. I spent a lot of time researching facts and culture from the 1960s, like slang terms. The most difficult scene to write was when the main character, Laurel, is molested by her father. I had to maintain a balance between realism and being too explicit. My goal was to not be too graphic but really get into the feelings of shame and detachment that abuse victims often experience. I learned that detachment is a defense mechanism for survival. It was extremely emotionally draining to write that scene. I remember it was pouring rain that day but I didn’t care, I had to go outside and “wash” myself while taking a walk to get it out of my head. My hope is that readers will experience this same emotion and connect at a deeper level with the main character.

Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• 5 Lucky Winners will each receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Giveaway is International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway