In God's Hands You Go - Original Song by 13 year-old Lacee Jenkins

By Cindy R. Williams

This blog is all about writers. This includes music writing as well.

This is incredible. The young lady in this video is one of my guitar students. In her lesson last week I asked her to write a Christmas song, and then the horrible tragedy happened at the Elementary School Friday, December 14, 2012. Lacee wrote this. She is just that amazing.

Her mother told me Lacee's heart was aching for the children and their families. Her little brother is in kindergarten so it hit home. This song can bring great comfort. I hope it reaches those left behind with broken hearts.

This is really worth three minutes to have your heart strings played.

May we all be a little more kind and hold our loved ones close this Season.

Merry Christmas to all and peace to your hearts.

SPINSTER'S FOLLY, Marsha Ward's Long Awaited 4th Book of the Owen Family Saga Is Finally Here!

Author and friend, Marsha Ward, is hosting a celebration for her fourth book

of The Owen Family Saga.

SPINSTER'S FOLLY

It is ready to venture out into the wide world on

November 10, 2012.*

You can join the fun by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/events/333393153425853/336142156484286/

Here is some information directly from Marsha.

 

Are you excited?

Ready to dive into another world?

Eager to stay up all night to read a suspenseful tale peopled by the Owen Family and their neighbors, and perhaps a few vecinos, too? (For those among us who speak only English, vecinos are also neighbors, but they mostly speak Spanish.)

Here's a little description to whet your appetite even more:

"Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely than wedded bliss.

"Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family.

"Marie's mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers."

Whew!

Prizes available at the Release will include several print books from other authors, and yes, ebook and print copies of Spinster's Folly!

I can hardly wait!

* (Foul Weather Contingency Plan: If I get knocked off the grid on Saturday due to a heavy storm due to arrive here on Saturday, we'll have the party on November 17. In that case, go search on Amazon and smashwords.com under my name, Marsha Ward, for ebook copies of Spinster's Folly. I won't hold off on releasing the book if it storms. I'll just do the celebrating a tad bit later.)

 

 

American Night Writers Association Writers Conference 2013- TIME OUT FOR WRITERS

Announcing the Premier Writing Conference of the year

 

ANWA Writers Conference February 21 - 23, 2013

at the Hilton Hotel in Mesa, Arizona

Faculty two full days with industry professionals including: agents, editors and many authors, local and national.

This writers conference caters to beginning writers as well as advanced, men, women, youth, all nationalities and faiths.

There are opportunities offered to pitch your work to well known literary agencies.

Author book signings and sales.

Enter the BOB contest (Beginning of Book)

REGISTER HERE

 

Brought to you by ANWA - American Night Writers Association. For more information and to sign up see www.anwa-lds.com

No Holly For Christmas by Julie N. Ford

Hi Writers Mirror Readers,

Here is the blogging info received for a new release titled "No Holly for Christmas."

No Holly for Christmas is a women’s fiction/romance with elements of suspense.

It’s the second novel by fiction author Julie N. Ford, a talented new writer who had three novels released in 2011, including No Holly for Christmas and the Whitney Award nominated, Count Down to Love. Visit her website at JulieNFord.com.

Synopsis:No Holly for Christmas

Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn’t due to her husband’s untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas.

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he’s ever loved, he’s all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA’s office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter—and romance blossoms.

Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for ADA, Brian McAlister, and social worker, Holly Winter, when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice.

A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone’s holiday reading list.

 

 

There is a book bash and give-away. Send email to: bloggers@vbooktours.com

 

A few comments about "No Holly for Christmas" from Writers Mirror."

It is evident that Ms. Ford knows how to write characters that are supposed to likable inspite of their flaws. She also knows how to write the bad guys, bad enough to scare you.

Bridget, Holly's little girl, was particularly adorable. She jumped off the page with her endearing banter.

Although Holly began as quite a snob, her character arch brought her the understanding of what is really important in life. Brian, the other protagonist, seemed like quite a hunk, although his views of life in general were on a different plane.

There were a few uncomfortable swings taken at conservative Bible believing people for not accepting the morality views of world. A character with an alternate life style voiced her opinion that her sister, with higher standards than the general populous, was self-righteous.  

Ms. Ford takes the reader on a journey where characters do some serious soul searching in order to make a better life for themselves and those around them.

A Few Great Quotes

Masterpieces are not written, they are edited.

James Owen - Author

Don't cry because it's is over. Smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss

All your dreams can come true if

you have the courage to pursue them.

Walt Disney

What a Ride!

by Cindy R. Williams

My last blog two weeks ago was a detailed walk through what I consider one of the greatest horrors to a writer . . . the crash of your hard drive on your the most critical writing tool, the revered lap top.

If you read that post, you know that after several long days of panic as I worked to capture all my files and emails, it all came together. Note after all my many hours of working with Sony, my talented 22 year old nephew showed up at my house. He just happens to be a computer genius and was able to pull things out of my hard drive that other companies bid at $900 - $3,500. Thanks to Yuri Burkinshaw, said nephew, I have recovered EVERYTHING! Everyone needs a Yuri Burkinshaw. What an amazing young man.

This week brought another challenge, as life will right? On Monday afternoon, my husband came home early from work. That's not the challenge, although, it is quite unusual. He said he felt he needed to be home. Then at 3:55 pm, just like flipping a switch, the right side of my abdomen and back started screaming --it might have been me doing the screaming. I know the exact time because I teach guitar, piano and harp, and my next student was due to arrive at 4. Two of my sons were home from school and while my husband rushed me to the ER my sons contacted the rest of my students to cancel music lessons for the rest of the week.

I won't go into detail about my enforced hospital vacation and surgery over the next four days. Suffice it to say that I am the proud mother of a kidney stone named Isaac, after the hurricane.

As I lived every slow motion painful minute this week, I prayed and often. I received more peace and comfort from prayer than I did from any medicine. Feeding my spirit became more important than feeding my body.

My lament over my computer hard drive crashing two weeks ago paled compared to this new adventure. I wonder what the next two weeks will bring before I post again.

A Writers Nightmare

by Cindy R. Williams

The tools of a writer used to be pencil or pen and paper. Simpler times, yes, but I find hand writing messy and disorganized since you can't delete, copy, cut and paste with just a touch of your finger tip. On paper you have to shuffle papers, cross out, circle and draw arrows, or cut the paper and tape paragraphs here and there. I like order too much, so this makes me crazy, although I do keep notebooks everywhere to jot ideas down as the pop into my head.

The most current tool of a writer today is, of course, the computer. We not only use computers to type our stories on, but as Internet research along with email others for information. Then we use the computer as our storage facility for our working stories and our completed babies. We won't even venture into the marketing ability of computers. That's another blog.

However, these wonderful, convenient and ingenious computers have a HUGE black whole.

The hard drive crashes.

If you've been a victim of a hard drive crash, you know exactly what chaos this causes. If you're not prepared, you could lose your entire book, years and years of work.

This week was my THIRD crash of my hard drive in five years --three different lap tops, three crashes.

I could have kept the computers and purchased a new hard drive to the tune of $430, along with a $50 replacement disc plus a $200 battery (the old battery has worn out and only holds a 10 minute charge.) But, now I'm up to $780 to repair my computer.

Or . . . I can purchase a new computer for around $600 with all the bells and whistles and the new technology and most current *Word System.

I did my research, and ordered a . . . drum roll please ############

sea shell pink *- - - - , - - - - E 15.5" screen E Series. It weighs five pounds and is amazing. I think the pretty pink color will inspire my muse. Plus, I'm the only girl left in the house--three sons at home, my darling dear, two gigantic boy gold fishies, and two goofy boy doggies. None of them will try to steal my PINK computer.

I now give an EXTREMELY DIRE WARNING: PLEASE USE AN OFF-SITE BACK-UP SYSTEM!

Sure, go ahead and use flash drives, but remember, flash drives are easily damaged and sometimes fail. What if there's a house fire? One of my good friends copied her novel to a flash drive then put it in a safe place . . . so safe, she can't find it.

You can also email your stories as attachments to a friend. But, now you have to rely on them to create a file and guard your WIP's, and you have to do this often because if your computer crashes, you will have to back to what you last sent them. Also consider that their computer can crash.

You can email your stories and novels to yourself. Again, you must do this on a weekly schedule if you write often so that you will have your recent work to fall back on.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR COMPUTER IS CRASHING?
Sometimes you hear grinding of the mysterious innards, not me though. I was forewarned in each of my three computer crashes by the dreaded "blue screen of death." Your computer shuts down on its own and then when it restarts, a blue screen appears with white text that tells about checking this and that. You can still work for awhile, but the shut downs and blue screen appearances get more frequent.

My first computer crash, I had adhered to the practice of emailing stories often to my husband on his office computer so I had a back up.

Before my second crash, I had become complacent, feeling that hard drives crashing were much like lighting strikes, I had been hit once, so I was now safe. Not so. It cost $500 to have a professional service pull my files out of the dead hard drive plus the cost of a new lap top.

This third time, the blue screen of death warned me and I acted. First I contacted my lap top technical service and we tried an online patch. It not only didn't work, but gave the error code 332 - which translated means "hard drive failure." So I contacted a company that extracts files from dead hard drives. The rates have gone up. They wanted from $900 to $3,500, depending on how many pictures and files I needed rescuing. After I picked my mouth and stomach off the floor, I chose to spend the day trying to salvage what I could. I emailed all my files to my hotmail.com, live.com and my husband's office computer once again. I also purchased a 64 GB flash drive for $40 and downloaded all my files and 4,000 pictures. I could have downloaded all of these things in about an hour and half if my computer had been functioning properly. I was actually very lucky that I could get my computer to work for two or three minutes at a time, because it was just enough time to email a group of files before crashing again. This went on for a solid 12 hours, much like labor pains, when my computer finally TOTALLY DIED. I'm lucky once again. I have ALL my files.

Not so lucky about my emails though. I had all my son's two years of mission emails saved in one of my emails. They are GONE as are all the pictures he emailed me. I'll call *email company and see if they can hook me up with their back-up system to retrieve them. If not, my son has the pictures on disc, and I have three binders with all of his emails I printed out each week.

I will now be without a computer for TWO WEEKS. Thank goodness my two college sons have computers along with my husband so I can at least get my three articles written and turned in for the * newpaper I write for, but my writing will be on hold.

This is killing me. I write everyday. I am more of a "pantser" than a plotter (Scottsdale writer, Larry Brooks, would scold me for sure.) However for this next two weeks, I will be a model student and plot. I have several story not written for my Seven Scary Stories book - you know, scary campfire like stories. I'll plot the other three out. I'll plot my latest MG fantasy adventure.

I'm putting this in writing . . . I WILL NEVER LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN. I have researched and am going to set up a back up plan with *- - - - -.

PLEASE, MY WRITER FRIENDS, BACK UP YOUR FILES AND PICTURES. Don't let this happen to you.

*I was just warned not include commercial messages, so I can't write company names here. Email me if you would like to know.

Ray Bradbury - A Great Inspiration!

By Cindy R. Williams
(Also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends Blog)

One of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury passed away on June 5, at the transit of Venus. He was 91 years old.

If you are Ray Bradbuy fan, that will make sense to you.


If you don't know his books, you probably know the hit TV series based on his works - Star Trek.

Many I know are "Trekies" including myself.

I don't know too many facts about the man's personal life other than the only person he ever dated became his wife and they had four daughters. He won a Pulitzer. He wrote many, many books and seemed to be nice fellow.

I do know he said some inspiring things about writing.

Here are a few:

“I don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously.”
"If you don't like what your doing, then don't do it."

"My stories run up and bite me on the leg- I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off."

" I spent three days a week for 10 years educating myself in the public library, and it's better than college. People should educate themselves - you can get a compolete ecucations for no money. At the end of 10 years, I had read every book in the library and I'd written a thoughsand stories."

"I don't need an alarm clock. My ideas wake me."

“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.”

"Remember: Plot is more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations."

My favorite line of all time from Star Trek is said with two fingers, pointer and tall man, split in a "V" . . . "Live long and prosper."

Open letter from FIREFLY- A Hot New Musical Group With Incredible Talent

Dear Family and Friends,

We are seriously so excited about the opportunity to write and record with Grammy Award winning producer Chad Carlson and engineer Mills Logan in Nashville this summer!

To fund the project we have launched Kickstarter campaign..we have just 30 days to meet our goal... SO, if you have a moment today please...

Visit Kickstarter (see the link below) and watch our video (not pro, but with clips and pictures from our journey)

• Pre buy your cds and other fun stuff
• Post on Facebook and email your friends--inviting them to light up their summer too with Firefly!!
• Visit the Kickstarter site often to see how close we to reaching our goal!!

We have learned so much over the past 4 years—and feel so incredibly thankful for YOU!! We could not have come this far without your support.

Love and gratitude,

Melanie, McKenzie, and Madelyn
Firefly

Here's the link to the Kickstart project:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album>

http://iheartfirefly.com

Firefly
PO Box 9158
Chandler Heights, AZ 85127

Management and Booking
gaylene@iheartfirefly.com
602-570-5727
480-455-7503

Note from Writers Mirror

 

The staff of Writers Mirror has spent time with the three Marchant sisters and their family.  Several hours were spent watching them rehease and create a new song. A word Cindy suggested was actually used in one of their new songs. Not a big deal, but fun anyway. These three sisters are amazing. Their voices blend as only siblings voices can. Their harmonies are tight. They are lovely with gifted voices and incredible talent on many different musical instruments. Follow them to the stars!

Writing Contest - Deadline: Midnight August 15, 2012

Writers Unite to Fight Cancer 1st Annual Charity Writing Contest

                        "Courage to Thrive"

<http://writersunitetofightcancer.com/events/wufc-1st-annual-writing-con\test>

Submission Guidelines:

1.) A Separate Cover Sheet for each entry
should include:
     a) Full Name and Date of Birth
     b) Email address and Phone Number
     c) TITLE (IN ALL CAPS PLEASE)
     d) Indicate the category you are submitting to

Accepting all topics including cancer:
*Women's Fiction/Chic Lit / Romance*General Fiction / Mystery / Westerns / Suspense /
Thriller*Science Fiction / Fantasy / Paranormal *Young
Adult General / Speculative / Dystopian *Non-Fiction /
Inspirational / How to / Editorials *Memoirs / Essays / Biographies
*Poetry / Lyrics*Non-Fiction Children's Picture Books – Middle Grade
*Children's Literature - Fiction (Picture Books - Middle Grade)

2.)Manuscript to be submitted separate as a Word or RTF document either
via e-mail at writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ANWABulletin/writersunitetofightcancer@gm\
ail.com>
or
snail-mail to:
Writers Unite to Fight Cancer Charity
Writing Contest
1146 N. Mesa Dr. #102-233
Mesa, AZ 85201.

3.)All contestants must be eighteen (18) years of age.

4.) All Entries must be received by midnight August 15 th, 2012.

5.) Do not mention your name on the manuscript portion. Use double space
formatting with 1 inch margins and number the pages. Place Title on the
left side of header and page # on the right side of every page.

6.) Submit only 4000 words. Entries exceeding this limit will be
disqualified.

7.) Sponsor reserves the right to combine categories due to
insufficient numbers.

8.) Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry with lewd, obscene or other inappropriate content. We will not read / judge erotica or horror.

9.) Pay the $30.00 entry fee on-line using PayPal on the web page OR send in your check with your manuscript
via snail-mail. Returned checks automatically disqualify the entry.ï‚· Winning contestants must be willing to work with WUFC editors to prepare their project for publication in the WUFC Writing Contest Anthology.ï‚· Contestants may submit as many entries in any or all categories.
Each entry is $30.00 which will be donated to the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.ï‚·

Contact for Questions:
Margaret L. Turley
WUFC Administrator
 480-586-7902 cell /480-773-7087 phone
writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ANWABulletin/writersunitetofightcancer@gm\
ail.com>

Writers Unite to Fight Cancer <http://writersunitetofightcancer.com/>

Donate to Cancer Research
<https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T8\
K58BVWKV7DG>

Twitter: @ WritersCanFight <https://twitter.com/#!/WritersCanFight>

FB page for Writers Unite
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writers-Unite-to-Fight-Cancer/10887827253\
2346>

Linked-In Group: Writers Unite
<http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Writers-Unite-Fight-Cancer-3102952?trk=m\
yg_ugrp_ovr>

writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com
mailto:writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com

A House Divided Against Itself

Review by Cindy R. Williams

Today's Book Review is A House Divided Against Itself.

Book Blurb: 

It was often said that during the American Civil War, brothers fought against brothers. Mostly they fought on opposite sides but they didn't see each other at the same battle.

This book tells of a rare exception and follows two brothers, one in the 2nd Virginia, Stonewall Brigade, CSA and the other form the 87th Pennsylvania, USA as they fought against each other in two battles in the Shenandoah Valley during1861-1863.

The story is based on over 90 letters from the participants and other members of their regiments, the regimental records, and official records of the conflict

The story is not new, but it has never been told in this manner, starting from their enlistments, and ending back in their home town. It is about Wesley and William Culp, both originally of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, of their friend, Jack Skelly, and of Jack's girlfriend, Mary Virginia Wade.

It is historical fiction, but it is also mostly true.

Praise for A House Divided Against Itself.

“Period historians who have read about the Culp family and have knowledge of some of Bob O’Connor’s characters will find this book intriguing and exciting. O’Connor shows us how a family’s inner struggle resembled our national conflict in a very readable fashion.”
James C. Price, Historian Laureate Town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia

The official author bio Writers Mirror was given follows:

Bob O’Connor, a native of Illinois who now lives near Harpers Ferry, WV, has been a life-long student of both the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. As a 7^thgrader he attended the Centennial of the Lincoln Douglas debates at Galesburg, Illinois. One year later he portrayed Lincoln in his school play. Today he is the author of six Civil War era books. His subjects are Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard, John Brown the abolitionist, the U.S. Colored Troops and brothers fighting against brothers.

O’Connor’s books (two non-fiction and four historical fiction) depict real people and real events. His research has uncovered a never before published drawing of the hanging of John Brown and a complete 500 page unpublished manuscript written by Lincoln’s bodyguard. He has made over 500 appearances in 18 states and the District of Columbia in the last six years to talk about his books.

Writers Mirror Review

First off, let me tell you that I am not a Civil War buff. However, people fascinate me, family dynamics are intriguing and this story is chalk full of interesting people making their way in life doing the best that they can. O'Connor does a great job getting into the four main characters heads.  He tells a story of what it was like to live through one of the most difficult times and situations a family could face.  I

It is evident that O'Connor has done his research. This book taught me more about the Civil War than any of my AP Honors American Heritage classes did in three years. O'Connor knows his stuff. He makes history fascinating. Too bad this book isn't recommended reading for students. 

Free Preview available at Amazon                 

A House Divided Against Itself is published by Infinity Publishing.

For more information on Virtual book tours: www.walkerauthortours.com        

The Opium Equation - A Cat Enright Mystery by Lisa Wysocky

Walker Author Tours  (click for more info)

Review by Cindy R. Williams

Before I review The Opium Equation - A Cat Enright Mystery by Lisa Wysocky, let me give you the blurb and some shout outs from the back of the book.

A horse trainer, retired move star, juvenile delinquent, song-writer, eccentric client of a certain age with electric blue hair, and a (possibly) psychic horse lead this Southern equestrian mystery into a fast paced, lightly comic read. Lisa Wysocky is an exciting new voice in mystery fiction.

Praise for The Opium Equation

• "From the first page to the last, The Opium Equation will keep you engaged and wanting more, horse lover or not."     Glenn the Geek, founder, Horse Radio Network.
• "Great edge-of-your-seat story! Who's a friend? Who's and enemy? Only the river knows."

Chuck Dauphin, The Dauphin Files

• "The Opium Equation engaged me at every turn of the page. I highly recommend it as a classic mystery based in a realistic horse world."     Geoff Tucker DVM

• "As usual, Lisa Wysocky writes with skill and nearly unparalleled knowledge of the equines she dearly loves. Here, she kicks it u a notch in a page-turning mystery that keeps you riveted."   Tess Vanattia, publisher, Horse South

Although I'm named after his favorite horse, Cindy, I don't consider myself an equestrian. There was allot of info about horses, most interesting throughout the book. Many chapters end with a horse tip from Cat, the lead character. Example: 

• Cat's Horse Tip #3  "Horses hear and smell things that humans physically can't." 
• Cat's Horse Tip #5  "The safest way to lead a horse through a gate is to push the gate the same direction you are going." 
• Cat's Horse Tip #13  "A bad attitude is the first sign a horse is sore or hurting."

Good common sense right? Pretty much for horse or human, and life is general. Lots of good insight.

The main character, Cat, is a likable single lady making her way as a horse trainer at her own stables she purchased with a small inheritance.  She has a big heart and the local ten year old riff-raff, Bubba, often finds his way into her neck of the woods. When a murder of a famous Hollywood star upsets business or . . . trotting as usual, mystery and intrigue set in. Soon Bubba is missing, presumed either kidnapped or dead and things continue to spiral with many twists and turns.

Cat is one tough lady, yet a marshmallow inside. Her understanding of horses relates to the world around her. My favorite character is Agnes Temple. She is a kook. She thinks that one of her horses is physic, and by the end of the story, I agree.

The Opium Equation was Honored with a Mom's Choice Awards. Because of this, I was a bit surprised by the sprinkling of cuss words. I know tweens and teens hear foul language at school and become accustomed to it. The taking of the Lord's name in vain is uncomfortable for many.

Lisa Wysocky is an award winning author, editor, clinician, riding instructor, and a horsewoman who helps humans grow through horses. She is also a PAT International instructor who trains horses for therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities and therapies. Lisa is available for book signings, speaking engagements, and equestrian clinics. For more information see www.LisaWysocky.com or contact cooltitles@comcast.net.

Shinar 54 by D. Corey Sanders

by Cindy R. Williams

I met Corey Sanders, the author of Shinar 54, at a book signing in Thatcher, AZ this past Spring.  Sitting across from him, I saw a quiet and thoughtful man with a ready smile. Sanders wears many hats. He serves as a Judge and a Stake President. As I asked him about his book, he became animated as he described the Shinar society. Our visit was fascinating. I expected the book to be full of surprises, much like the man. I was not disapointed. Shinar 54 has many story strings, each intertwining and bringing intrigue to the fabric of the book.

Here's the back of the book blurb:
Jona MaCracken is a broken ex-Marine with PTSD and a host of other personal issues. He stumbles upon a website promising relief from all his ills. The only catch is that he must immigrate to Shinar 54, a Utopian city in the Nevada desert to obtain the wonder cure and to meet Lisa, his enchanting recruiter.

Shinar is the enclosed haven for millions of people who have overcome sickness and pain. The outside world believes Shinar is a powerful and dangerous doomsday cult. Shinar prepares its people for the next life with a singularity of purpose that impoverishes the United States and sets the two nations on a collision course. As the political and economic tensions ratchet up, the world spirals down into an epidemic of fear, bigotry, and propaganda. World war is imminent. Jona and Lisa find themselves in the middle of it.

Marco Frano, Jona's friend and confidant is on his own mission to rescue his younger sister,(Keniesha) from certain death. Can he do it through intrigue and alliances?

Set in the not-too-distant future, Shinar 54 is a story of conflict between good and evil, truth and lies, and the clash of opposing values. Ultimately, it is a tale of renewal, redemption and reconciliation.

How to categorize this book? A book review of Shinar 54 on Smashwords labeled it: mystical, fantasy, apocalypse, cult, dystopia, allegorical, truth, utopia, allegory, apocalyptic, end of the world, good vs evil, escape, conservatism, liberalism, moderate, yin yang, political ideology. Like I said, the book is many things.

Shinar 54 is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

The Most Important Catch by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

by Cindy R. Williams

The back blurb:

Run or die!

She knew too much, and she'd seen too much. And the police refused to help. Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.

When the weather turned cold, she turned south. She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn't know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe from him. Or was she?

His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn't nearly as lethal as his attractions. He kept her safe and protected. All except for her heart.

If you like a good adventure with high stakes including a clean romance, this is your book.

Ever sense I read "The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham, I have toyed with stories where the hero was innocent, but thought guilty, or maybe the hero knew too much so had no choice but to run. It is a fun challenge to figure out how to be prepared --how to hide a stash of cash, clothes, food, scissors and hair dye, a couple of different cell phones and some wasp spray. Wasp spray? Yes wasp spray. You get it at any hardware store. It shoots about 15 feet and burns the eyes. It's better than pepper spray. 

However, the lead character, Kelly, in THE MOST IMPORTANT CATCH, doesn't doesn't do any preparation. She could have put a few things together when she first suspected there was something fishy going on, but she didn't. Instead, when caught looking at a file with too much damaging information, she knows the jig is up and she only has about two hours to get out of town. She takes nothing with her. She shows moments of brilliance when she stages her own kidnapping, blood and all, then takes off on a motorcycle. Fun twist.

The story is intriguing. It is a "lose sleep" fun read. It also has a fun romance, and stays clean.

Writers Mirror recommends THE MOST IMPORTANT CATCH as a good summer read.

Available on Amazon, Kindle edition. See more about Jaclyn and her books on JaclynMHawkes.com

SURVIVING DENMARK on a bag of peach rings by Tina Scott

by Cindy R. Williams

Get this book free with the coupon Code ZC64M, available until May 28, 2012.

Today's author interview is Tina Scott

WM:  Hi Tina why did you write a travel book?

Tina:  My book has two purposes. I wanted to entertain readers with some of my experiences, and I wanted to share things that I learned about being prepared when traveling. I also rate the places we stayed at and the sites we visited, so I guess that’s three purposes.

WM:  Why should a person buy your book instead of a more popular travel guide?

Tina: Surviving Denmark isn’t intended to replace books like, The Rough Guide to Denmark. I wrote it as a personal accompaniment. The Rough Guide is full of useful information, but there are hundreds of places listed, and all un-objectively. It’s like reading a textbook, and because none of the places are rated, it’s hard for a novice to know which sites to choose for a vacation.

WM:  What if I’m going on vacation somewhere other than Denmark?

Tina:  I believe that many of the travel tips in my book can be used for any vacation. Some, of course are specific to Europe.

WM:  The economy is pretty tight right now. What if readers can’t go on an expensive vacation?

Tina:  Because of the travel experiences and the pictures included, I think readers will enjoy my book even if they aren’t traveling to Denmark or Europe. Plus, I’ve heard that cyber-vacations are becoming more popular these days.

Here’s the link:  Surviving Denmark by Tina Scott

If this doesn't open, here is the long chain to the link:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Surviving+Denmark+on+a+bag+of+peach+rings

Author:  Tina Scott

Anna del C. Dye's New Book: A Royal Elf of Abalon

A Book Buzzing Babes Pick

Writers Mirror: Hi Anna! Thanks for being in my blog this week.

Anna: It is my pleasure to be here.

Writers Mirror: So, tell us what’s happening with you?
Anna: My life has been quite busy lately. I am getting ready for the “Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Festival” which will take three of my weekends in May. I take my books and have fun being a princess for three weeks. I really love it.

Writers Mirror: That does sound fun. Tell us about your upcoming release.

Anna: After the great success of “The Curse of the Elfs,” I’ll release: “A Royal Elf in Abalon” this May.

Writers Mirror: Where can we find this book?

Anna: Amazon, B&N, and my website will all have the links to buy it.

Writers Mirror: What inspired you to write this book?

Anna: Amathis, the queen in the story. She is a selfish, demanding, and cruel woman. She forced me to write it.

Writers Mirror: What fantasy bug bit you and got you started writing these mystical tales?

Anna: It was a great masterful bug and it bit me hard a few years ago—The name of the bug J. R. R. Tolkien. I love Lord of the Rings and that is my inspiration for my Elf Series.

Writers Mirror: Intriguing, so tell us what is this book about?

Anna: A princess of a mankind kingdom, who is so sheltered by her mother that she makes some unsafe choices growing up. They will change her life and that of her kingdom as she faces challenges that she isn’t prepared for. It also tells of a young Elf who feels an unsafe fascination about the nearby mankind kingdom. Against his elders’ wishes, he ventures there, finding heartaches, betrayal, and murder. 

Writers Mirror: Now I want to read this tale. Tell us what’s the first rule in building a fantasy world?

Anna: To stay true to the rules. If you say beings in that world don’t do something, don’t have them doing it later without explaining what changed so that now they can do what you said they couldn’t.

Writers Mirror: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

Anna: Your characters are the most important parts of your book. So, if they want to go left you go left, even if you wanted to go right. If you don’t, it will be quite hard to make them change and your tale will feel forced. I want my tales to go smoothly, so I don’t fight the characters, they know better than me. 

Writers Mirror: Sometimes people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. Tell us what’s the most unglamorous thing you’ve done in the past week?

Anna: Change dirty diapers and keep my little Alexis happy. She didn’t feel to good. I love taking care of her though.

Writers Mirror: What's your favorite music?

Anna: Romantic, hands down. The Platters, The Stylistics, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, soft rock, lots of oldies. More recent artists: Il Divo, Julio Iglesias, Celine Dion, etc.

Writers Mirror: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Anna: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I am a big believer of paying it forward.

Writers Mirror: What other fantasy tale are you weaving for us?

Anna: I am ready to finished The Flying Elf, which will be my Elf book for next year.

Writers Mirror: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Anna.

Anna: Thank you for inviting me to come. I had a wonderful time visiting with you.

Writers Mirror: If you’d like to find out more about Anna please visit: http://www.annadelc.com
and to read reviews of Anna’s books visit http://ning.it/dIqC6n

PROMISES by Carolyn Twede Frank

Cindy R. Williams

Here's the back of the book blurb:

Hattie is barely twelve when her pa's "business adventures" move her family to the new town of Tropic, Utah. Her pa views the town as opportunity. Hattie is hopelessly shy and views it wit apprehension. More than anything else, Hattie wants to be like her father---note afraid of meeting new people, talking to strangers, and sanding up for herself. So it is with trepidation that she accepts her pa's challenge and promises to make new friends.

Hattie forms more promises as she struggles to make friends, finding companionship in places she wouldn't have expected and learning that there is a difference between complaining and standing up for one's self.

Promises is a heart-warming story of friendship with a touch of mystery and adventure set in the days before Bryce Canyon became a national park. Drawn from the memoirs of early Utah settlers, it is a realistic glimpse into the past and a delightful story for readers ages eight to eighty.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book at first look. It seemed like this little Hattie girl was going to be a little whimp. However, I knew it would be interesting to take a peek into what the Bryce Canyon area was like back in the settlement days so I gave it a go.

I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Hattie. What a charming character. It was fun to see her grow and learn to speak up for herself. Sometimes I wanted to get after the villain on Hattie's behalf--you know how the mothering instinct thing kicks in when you see someone picked on--but alas, I had to sit back and mind my own business and read the book.

Frank does a nice job in her descriptions of the area. I would love to explore the cave she writes about. If the cave is really there, it sounds like it would be one of those town secrets that only the residents know about.

It was interesting to get a glimpse into the LDS Church at that long ago time. The members had the same problems that are dealt with today, just with a different twist.

Promises is another fun summer read.

PROMISES is pulished by August Corp Press, Kaysville Utah.
Visit Frank at  http:www.carolyntwedefrank.com