Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Allbooks Review July 2010 Newsletter

Hot and steamy summer time

Nominate us for a listing in Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites
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to: writersdig@fwpubs.com Subject "101 Sites".

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ALLBOOKS REVIEW IS NOW ON iFOGO. Be sure and join the Albooks Review Author’s Group where we can share our success and our mistakes. Also join iFogo and get www.booksonfilm.com. Great promo for a great price, post audio, book trailers, contact with agents and producers and much more. Be sure and let them know Allbooks Review sent you and join our group.
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FEATURE
Provide waiting room Copies

When you receive your shipment of books from the printer, open the boxes and hand check each book for flaws. Set side those copies that are less than perfect and negotiate a partial refund from the printer. Place flawed books in waiting rooms throughout your city/county. I've left copies of my Ojai history book in several doctors', dentists', veterinarians' attorneys' and accountants' waiting rooms locally as well as in the lobby of the hospital. Place copies of your novel in the lounge at large companies.

Mark these books "waiting room copy." And, just inside the front cover, tape a list of local bookstores and specialty shops where the book can be purchased.

Is there value in placing books where so many people have access to them? Will people still want to buy your book when they can read portions of it for free? I say, "Yes." After all, how far can they get into a 375-page book in just ten or even twenty minutes? If the book is of any interest to the reader at all, he'll surely want to have his own copy. In fact, the receptionists in those offices where I've left copies of my Ojai book say that they get inquires every week from folks wondering where to purchase it.

from Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book (Matilija Press 2000) by Patricia L. Fry

SUCCESS STORIES
We love to hear of your success stories, submit them to us at: allbookreviews@aol.com
Remember to post your book signing, guest speaker events on our Bookstore page. Simply send us an email with details of your events and we will be happy to post them. Just part of the Allbooks service to our authors.

Congratulations to:
Wyndano's Cloak is highly recommended by Kirsten Bussière, Allbooksreviews. Author's Website: www.arsilverberry.com, Publisher: Tree Tunnel Press, Publisher's Website: www.treetunnelpress.com
Retail Price: $21.95,I.S.B.N: 978-0-9841037-6-8
Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Young Adult Fiction
Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Adventure
• Winner of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Children's Cover Design
What Can We Do Next? The Adventures of Lexie & Lolly" was reviewed by your reviewer "Margaret Orford" back in October of 2008 . . . I'm happy to mention that my book has won FOUR Awards, and was a Finalist in a fifth competition, so that's pretty exciting for me.

What's New at Allbooks Review
Read our Inspirational column each month on the Inspiration Feature of the Month page in Review Showcase. This column is by Deb Scott, author of Award winning: The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue.
Inspiration http://www.allbookreviews.com/Default.aspx?tabid=560




Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW: (Please put your answers in black)

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Mark Whiteway, Storrington, West Sussex, England.

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Title - Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms
Publisher - Virtualbookworm

Tell us about yourself:
Mark Whiteway lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. A lifelong devotee of H G Wells and Jules Verne, this is Mark’s first science fiction novel, built around the concept of negative matter–an extension of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Mark lives with his wife Sandra.

When was the book released?
April 12 2010

Give us an overview of your book.
Ail-Kar–a white hole–a portal from another universe ejects a stream of material into the Kelanni System, raining meteoroids on to the planet’s surface. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, changing Kelanni`s society, it’s religion and it’s people.

Now the land is ruled over by a mysterious "Prophet". With the aid of the fearsome Keltar in their flying cloaks, the Kelanni are put to forced labor to mine the lodestones, whilst the Prophet is building a machine of terrible destructive power.

Shann, an orphan with a fiery disposition, witnesses a battle between a Keltar and a stranger bearing a similar flying cloak. Fleeing the Prophet’s soldiers, she sets out to track down the stranger. She learns of the technology behind the Keltars’ power, and joins him on a mission to free the slaves and cut off the Prophet’s supply of lodestones.

Meanwhile, Keris, a Keltar, is sent on a mission to track down the rebels. She is attacked by a flying creature and saved by the enigmatic Chandara. At their Great Tree, she receives a message from the distant past that the Prophet is out to destroy the Kelanni. She must travel to the other side of her world to retrieve a device, designed to disable the Prophets machine. She races to save the rebels from a trap set for them, joining the party.

They flee to a tower containing a displacement transporter, pursued by Keltar. The tower is destroyed as they are attempting to use it. They then make for the coast in a desperate attempt to cross the barrier of storms that divides their world. After surviving a battle with an immense creature, they arrive at the coast and modify a ship to carry them through the barrier. Following a titanic battle at sea, Shann is washed up on a distant shore, where a world shaking revelation awaits.

What inspired you to write this book?
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity predicts a number of strange consequences for our understanding of reality. One of these is the possible existence of negative matter. Although negative matter has never been found, we know from the math involved that it would have some highly peculiar properties, including negative inertia. My thought was “What might happen to an alien society that was exposed to a source of negative matter and the power it offered?” The result has been the Lodestone series of books.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?
As far as I am aware, no previous Science Fiction series has comprehensively explored the concept of negative matter in this way. In addition, the series weaves in alien life cycles, ultrasonics, electro and gamma ray laser technology, null space transporters, the “action at a distance” effect of particle physics, black holes and time dilation in a gripping action oriented story involving complex and engaging characters.

Where can people buy your book?
Direct from the publisher Virtualbookworm, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com or any good bookstore. Links appear below.

http://www.virtualbookworm.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=bookstore&Product_Code=Lodestone_Book_One&Category_Code=

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=lodestone+book+one

http://www.amazon.com/Lodestone-Book-One-Sea-Storms/dp/1602645469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272215579&sr=8-1

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
The second volume in the Lodestone series, subtitled “The World of Ice and Stars” is now complete and is already at the publishers, receiving its final edit prior to publication. I am very excited about it. The characters really come into their own and there are a lot of twists and turns along the way. I am hoping that those who enjoyed the first book will be swept up in the story as it progresses. I anticipate a publication date of August/September 2010.

I am now writing the third volume, “The Crucible of Dawn.” Look for it during the first half of 2011.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
The route I took amounts to something of a middle way between self and traditional publishing. Virtualbookworm only accept manuscripts of suitable quality. Once my work was accepted, I found them generally very helpful and would have no hesitation in recommending them to authors like me who are starting out.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
See above.

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
Well my first book has only just been published, so it’s a little early. However, can I say that my Allbooks review has already attracted a fair amount of attention?

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I googled you (like everyone else).

I will be sending you my second book for review as soon as it’s ready. I’m confident you will give it the same careful consideration as you gave the first.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
That sounds exactly like the sort of question that an American would ask!

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

www.allbookreviews.com Your one stop author promo and review source since 2000.

Monday, June 14, 2010

The Majic of Old Man Pouring Rain

Author: Janet Davis

The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain is an engaging children’s book that weaves a story about the appreciation of precipitation. The title of this story was intriguing and creative. Who would’ve been able to create an aging raindrop along with 10 spunky little raindrops? This story is simple and understandable and it teaches children to be fond of rain. It has a good moral as well. As the story says, rain nurtures the Earth and helps provide crops for humans. The plot is started with the wise Old Man Pouring Rain, sitting on the clouds creating little raindrops to drop down on Earth and to teach kids about the rain. Being successful with his agents, the Old Man Pouring Rain orders the group of raindrops to fly from the sky. They have many exciting adventures. When the raindrops leave, the children on Earth learned something new, and the raindrops made new human friends. The vocabulary of this book was humorous and easy, perfect for youngsters to read. This read is an impressive attempt from Janet Davis, and I am sure it will intrigue many young readers.

Janet Davis is a budding authoress as well as a busy mother of two girls. She takes care of her mom and her mentally challenged brother. Davis is hoping to write more adventures about these raindrops and uses the money she earns from her sales to donate to the Leukemia Society. Her kind loving, personality shines very well in this book. She is a lovely author and I hope to read some of her other books! Highly Recommended, Reviewer: Iris Park, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

ISBN: 978-1-936046-28-7

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Culture of Excess

Genre: Business/politics

Title: The Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self-Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success

Author: J.R. Slosar

“Can Generation Me, become Generation We?”

The seemingly sudden onset of the Great Recession has led many people to ask questions about what caused this massive economic downturn. Clinical psychologist J.R. Slosar tries to answer this question more broadly by investigating the influence narcissism and excess have had in shaping a generation of Americans.

J.R. Slosar is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Irvine, Ca. He is an adjunct asst. professor at Chapman U, Orange. Ca. Drawing upon his own experience as a college professor to enrich the academic research, Slosar draws together disparate elements ranging from childrearing and grade inflation to foreign policy in Iraq to demonstrate how a desire for instant gratification and sense of entitlement have led to moral ambiguity, reckless deregulation, and ultimately the financial collapse which dominated the end of the 2008 Presidential election.

The net the author casts is broad, when he speaks to his psychological training, his ability to synthesize existing research into his hypothesis is excellent. Readers will make up their own mind about passages on the science behind weapons of mass destruction and the stock market, The Culture of Excess is nevertheless a well-thought-out explanation of the forces driving our society down in recent years. More information and Book available at: www.cultureofexcess.com

Terence P. Ward, Allbooks Review. www.allbookreviews.com

Publisher: Pre pub

Step Back In Time

Genre: Poetry coming soon
Author: Sharla Lee Shults

Step Back in Time is a collection of both meaningful and educational poems written in chronological order that are based on historical facts starting as early as the 17th century up until the present day. The compilation of Sharla Lee Shults’ poems is a timeline of everything our ancestors have lived through within the last four centuries; this includes everything from war, politics, and the fight against racism to fashion, music, and the evolution of television.

The author is able to create this image of a timeline by writing about different scenes from different parts of our history. At times, some of her word choice can seem a bit confusing since the targeted audience is of a younger age. In addition, at first glance her poems appear brief; however, she is still able to grasp the readers attention by writing catchy titles and incorporating both humorous and serious poems in her compilation.


But, what about the popcorn?

Were pilgrims the early munchers

Of that puffed corn treat,

Or someone else the launcher?

(1676)



At dawn, despite the warnings of icebergs

The ship became swallowed by the sea.

Hundreds of cries echoed across the icy cold

As watery graves silenced each plea.

(1912)

Sharla Lee Shults was born in Dothan, Alabama and graduated from Troy State University. Upon graduation, she became an educator but after only four years, ventured out into the business world and worked for St. Andrews Railway Company. After eleven years, Shults returned to teaching and now lives in Panama City, Florida with her husband and is retired from the Beacon Learning Center.

The author definitely knows how to pull at a readers heartstrings; all the while being informative yet entertaining. Not only will young readers instantly fall in love with her poetry, but also with history. Highly Recommended for readers who on their own time, want to learn more about their ancestors but who don’t necessarily want to have to open a text book.

Author: Sharla Lee Shults
ISBN: -
Publisher: - PRE PB

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills

Genre: Film Reference

AUTHOR: John Howard Reid

For all you movie buffs out there, this is an outstanding reference book. Subtitled Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD, this is one of the most comprehensive and detailed summaries of the genres (as indicated by the subtitle) that I’ve seen compiled to date. Written in two parts, the first 300 pages provides short but concise descriptions of well over 200 titles on currently released on DVD. Sorted alphabetically, each mini-review provides detailed information on the cast, the film crew and studio, a synopsis, interesting production notes and a critical summary of the film itself. The book is illustrated by a couple hundred photos–mostly stills from the actual movies–, which work nicely to break up the text in this extensive project.

A pseudo-historical essay on film noir dominates the second part. (I use “pseudo” here, as it’s neither chronological, nor dominated by industry facts). The main vehicle for the education is a discussion of the actors and directors, and comments about the films themselves. This combination provides revealing and colorful insights on the evolution of this long-lived era of film. This includes sub-genres such as musical noir, comic noir and mysteries and thrillers themselves. Also included are interesting (albeit much shorter) essays on film noir character icons such as Sherlock Holmes and The Thin Man; and the screen adaptations of author Raymond Chandler.

It is clear from the writing that Reid knows his stuff. Most of the work concentrates on films from the late 20’s to the 50’s, which includes a mix of no holds-barred criticism and scholarly interpretation of the industry. The author has a crisp and concise writing style that is both rich and at the same time interesting and easy to digest.

If I have one criticism for this book, it’s very minor. I would have liked to see an introduction by the author to introduce the two parts and how they were written. I’m sure that this would have been as fascinating as the rest of the work.

Professional film critic, John Howard Reid, examined over 1,200 DVD’s in the mystery/suspense field, resulting in more than 700 film reviews.

For film aficionados of the genre, this is a must read and fine contribution to your library. I’d recommend reading the essays first (the last 150 pages), then place this next to your DVD player for constant enjoyment.

Reviewer: Gregg J. Haugland, Allbooks Reviews.

Title: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills
Author: John Howard Reid
Publisher: Lulu Books
ISBN: 978-0-557-12223-3
Pages: 468
Price: $24.50
Jan. 2010

Boys with Cars

Genre: Fiction/Women
Author: Pamela Swyers

“It was one of those evenings I’d always dreamt of, surrounded by everyone I loved”.

Adison and Ronnie, are the projected characters in this captivating, fictional life story. Growing up in a small town, situated near an air force base and Oklahoma City, the two girls become best friends. Raised by their fathers, they create a bond stronger than some twins, feeling each other’s jubilations, as well as the inevitable pain reality presents along life’s journey.
Just as time flies, so does this story. I abandoned my usual note taking, to allow myself the pleasure of becoming part of the flow. To feel the emotion and memories the author, Pamela Swyers, coaxes out of the reader.
Beginning as young teens, this duo survive the magic, along with heartache, of first love, and the thrill of ‘cruising down main street’, an activity which seems to transcend generations. They experience the emotional terror of traumatic events, such as David Koresh’s ranch under siege in Feb. 1993. They feel the sadness of saying goodbye to friends in order to move on with life.
These friends support each other through one of Mother Nature’s cruelest losses, and one of the greatest joys, birth. Feel the raw emotion of terror, when threatened with physical danger or imminent death!
As adulthood descends upon them, they marry, living their lives to the best of their abilities. Through trial and error, ultimately learn, you need to find your own peace, to be at peace with others.
The author, Pamela Swyers grew up in the small town Oklahoma. She has experienced the marvel of birth 3 times, the devastation of divorce, and the loss of their home due to Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Florida 1992. She and her husband Bill Swyers, relocated with their 3 children to Dacula, Georgia, where today they are proud of their 21 years of marriage.
I would say my review reflects my feelings. This novel had me hooked from the prologue through the acknowledgments, not to mention the dedication, which were all written from the heart. Anyone would be proud to be a part of her immediate or extended family. I believe Pamela has just begun to tap into her talent.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Available through www.amazon.com or your local book seller.
Title: Boys with Cars
Authors: Pamela Swyer
Publisher: Swyers Publishing (paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9843113-0-9
Pages: 234
Price: $9.34 US January 2010