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Interview with angel expert & children’s book author Michelle Beber
Michelle Beber has certifications as an Angel Intuitive and Angel Oracle Card Reader from renowned “angel lady,” Doreen Virtue, as well as certifications as a Spiritual Teacher and Archangel Life Coach from Doreen’s son, Charles 
Virtue.
In 2008, Michelle’s life changed when she attended a spiritual retreat and learned about angels and how they communicate through repetitive number sequences known as “angel numbers.” Little did she know that this insight would lead her on an amazing spiritual journey that would directly connect her with angels and result in the discovery of her life purpose.
Always grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received, Michelle looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has gained to inspire others, especially children. Michelle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Her latest book is the juvenile fiction/children’s picture book, Angels, Angels, Everywhere.
For More Information
- Visit Michelle Beber’s website.
- Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.
- Find out more about Michelle at Goodreads.
- Visit Michelle’s blog.
- Contact Michelle.
About the Book:
Title: Angels, Angels, Everywhere
Author: Michelle Beber
Publisher: Balboa Press
Pages: 30
Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Children’s Picture Book
Format: Paperback/Kindle/Nook
Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a non-denominational, multiracial book written in delightful rhythm and rhyme and accompanied by charming illustrations. The themes of constant support and unconditional love are designed to help children deal with everyday experiences in life.
By developing children’s faith in knowing that they are not alone and building their trust that they are consistently watched over, cared for, and loved, children will become empowered to deal with life’s challenges. The book also lets children know that angels are there in good times as well, sharing in their joy.
For More Information
- Angels, Angels, Everywhere is available at Amazon.
- Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
- The book can also be purchased at Balboa Press.
- Visit the book’s official Facebook page.
- Watch the book trailer at YouTube.
- Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Michelle Beber. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?
Angels, Angels, Everywhere is my first published book.
Q: When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route?
I chose to self-publish with vanity publisher, Balboa Press, the self-publishing division of Hay House Publishing, because I wanted to align myself with a company who had the same spiritual and metaphysical philosophy as mine. There are many options available to writers, and I recommend that authors do a lot of research to determine which choice is best for their particular circumstances.
Q: How long did it take you to get published once you signed the contract?
It took nine months, just like having a baby! This was definitely “the birth of my first child.” It would’ve taken less time if I wasn’t such a perfectionist, but I was more interested in having a quality product versus rushing it into the marketplace.
Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?
It was amazing! I’ll never forget holding the book in my hands for the first time. It was an incredible feeling to see all the hard work that I’d put into something become a reality. I danced around the living room with my book in my hands, saying, “I did it! It’s real!”
Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?
It seemed like I did so many things at once, it’s hard to recall, but it was probably setting up my Amazon Author Central page. Setting up that page was highly recommended since Amazon is the largest retailer of books in the world.
At that time, I was also looking into website development and setting up my social media accounts. Needless to say, you must have an online presence.
Q: Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author?
I have a much better understanding of what it takes to put a book together and have learned that the production of the book was the easy part. The hardest part begins after the book is printed. Whether you publish traditionally or independently, you will need to do your own marketing and promotion, so be prepared to put in the necessary time and effort because your book will only be as successful as you make it.
Q: What has surprised or amazed you about the publishing industry as a whole?
What has amazed me is the vast amount of supportive organizations out there to help authors learn and grow. I’m a member of the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and have found their workshops very helpful. If you do a Google search, you can find lots of beneficial networking groups, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a published author?
The most rewarding thing about being a published author is reading the beautiful reviews that people have left about my book. It’s so heartwarming to know that I’ve had a positive impact on people’s lives, especially children.
Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?
Never give up! If you’re passionate about writing, don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dream. It’s what you were meant to do. Stay positive, work hard, and have patience. It can take a long time to put your book into the marketplace, but once you do, it’s the most gratifying feeling you’ll ever have. And finally, don’t forget to ask the angels for help!
ITGIRL4LIFE Release Day Blitz!
We welcome Tamara Branch as she celebrates the release day of her YA/Self-Esteem book, ITGIRL4LIFE!
Title: ITGIRL4LIFE
Author: Tamara Branch
Publisher: Heart Project Publishing
Pages: 98
Genre: YA/Self-Esteem
Format: Paperback/Kindle
BUY LINKS:
ITGIRL4LIFE is available at Amazon.
Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
Book Summary:
Writer, artist and speaker, Tamara Branch serves up 40 bite-sized chapters on how to build unshakable self-confidence, honor your life, and shine bright in the world, in ITGIRL4LIFE: How to bring out your special something and so much more. Packed with sage advice, life-changing insights and affirmations to help you soar, ITGIRL4LIFE offers ideas, tools and principles that you can reference and build upon, supporting you in becoming your best. Get ready to fall in love with your own wisdom, beauty and strength.
Excerpt:
YOU have IT. IT is the GREATNESS you were born with. IT is that unique special something that is all yours. Nothing and nobody can take IT away from you. IT is not something that you have one day and lose the next. IT is not fleeting. IT is not temporary. IT does not depend on the judgment or approval of others. IT is here to stay. Your job is to tap into IT. Your ITGIRL4LIFE adventure starts NOW. It’s about loving yourself, being authentic, taking charge and making a difference. You will need a great attitude, an open mind, the desire to grow and expand, the courage to create the life you want and the willingness to be your best self.
Are you ready? Your special something and so much more is right this way.
About the Author:
“I believe in the power, beauty, strength and amazing potential of girls. I believe girls deserve to feel extraordinary. I believe that when girls shine their light, they are unstoppable!” – ITGIRL4LIFE by Tamara Branch
Tamara Branch is from New York, born and raised in the Bronx. She is thrilled to share her first book release, ITGIRL4LIFE, kicking off the ITGIRL4LIFE self-esteem movement to empower girls to stand up, stand out and shine bright in the world.
Tamara has worked as a professional model and actor for almost two decades. She strutted down the runway for designers Calvin Klein, Donna Karen and Christian Dior, acted in a few independent films, co-hosted PBS New York’s education series, “What’s up in Technology” and appeared T.V. commercials and print ads for Levi’s, Old Navy, Hershey’s, Colgate, Kellogg’s Special K, Revlon, Hanes, Nike and many others. A Penn State alumnus and lifelong student of personal development, Tamara is deeply passionate about uplifting the human spirit.
After graduating from Institute for Integrative Nutrition, studying under Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil and some of the top health and wellness experts in the world, she was inspired to raise the bar on her own ‘self care’ and support others in living more vibrantly. She is an abstract artist and teaches a dynamic dance class, where she gets to fuse her varied background, having trained in everything from jazz, ballet and modern to Afro-Caribbean and Salsa.
Tamara was recently asked to become a Female Visionary Author guest blogger for The Brave Heart Women Global Community. She’s a SAG/AFTRA member since 1998, a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and is represented by Abrams Artists Agency.
Tamara currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband of seven years and offers ITGIRL4LIFE workshops to assist girls on their self empowerment journey.
Her latest book is the YA/self-esteem book, ITGIRL4LIFE.
For More Information
- Visit Tamara Branch’s website.
- Connect with Tamara on Twitter.
- Find out more about Tamara at Goodreads.
- Visit Tamara’s blog.
- Contact Tamara.
This release day blitz has been brought to you by:
Book Blitz! Climbing for Roots by Alan Noble
Title: Climbing for Roots
Author: Alan Noble
Genre: Religion/Spiritual Growth/Christian Life
Publisher: Axiom
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/climbing-for-roots-alan-noble/1118630853
Alan R. Noble is a born-again Christian, schooled in the Word since childhood. He was fortunate to sit under capable preaching and teaching throughout his life. His passion for the spiritual welfare of young people grew out of his years of work experience, and his understanding of the Scriptures. He realizes that young Christians need instruction in the meat as well as the milk of the Word (Hebrews 5:12-14).
Mr. Noble was educated at William Paterson University, a liberal arts institute in Northern New Jersey, and received a B.A. in education, with a certificate to teach elementary school. Later, he received an M.A. in Communication Arts, and a certificate in supervision. He worked as an educator for 31 years.
After his retirement from public education Mr. Noble enjoyed teaching in Christian Schools in New Jersey and Texas.
These days find Alan and his wife Kathie enjoying their travels between Kansas City and northern New Jersey as they visit their daughters’ families that include six beautiful grandchildren.
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive the prize.
• This giveaway begins November 3 and ends on November 28, 2014.
• Winner will be contacted via email on December 1, 2014.
• Winner has 72 hours to reply.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Character Interview: Savannah Evans from Gary Rodriguez’s Tween/YA Adventure Novel, ‘Escape Through The Wilderness’
Thank you so much for this interview, Savi. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
I do think I was portrayed fairly and accurately throughout the book. I believe I am a strong and compassionate person who values friendships and holds deep spiritual convictions. The book did a good job of showing my inclination toward leadership, my passion for faith, and my feelings about friendships. The story also revealed why I’ve been carrying some deep hurt inside of me the last several months.
I’d also like to make sure the readers know that I feel badly about what I did to Jade during the elk stampede. Especially, after I found out all she’d been through before arriving at Camp Arrowhead. I wish there was a way I could take that moment back. That was a real low point for me.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
I’d have to say my faith. Some people are ashamed to let others know they believe in God and read the Bible. I’m not ashamed of that at all. As a matter of fact, I’m proud of it.
Life is full of challenges. When I face trouble, I know where to turn for help. It has always been a comfort to know that I don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone.
In today’s culture, being a Christian, especially from the South, often has a stigma attached to it. But I love who I am and where I’m from, and I’m grateful for my conservative southern upbringing. But I try not to be a “preachy” person. I think it’s more important to live out what I believe than just to talk about it. That said, when my friends ask me questions about my faith, then I’m happy to share with them.
Worse trait?
I get impatient at times. My impatience was evident when I thought Jade was asking me too many questions during a particularly trying situation.
When I look back on the incident I know she was just scared, like we all were, and needed some help and reassurance. I could have handled myself a lot better.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part, if your book were made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
The most important thing for me is that the actress portrayed my faith and values accurately. That would ensure they would represent me, in a way, that is credible and in keeping with who I am.
If I had to pick a random person I’ve never met, I think I’d choose either Shailene Woodley, an American actress, starring in Divergent or Ella Purnell, an English actress, you may have seen in Maleficent.
They’re both great actresses, and I’d be honored to have either of them choose to play me in the movie version of Escape Through The Wilderness.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
Honestly, I was nervous from the time we started the river-rafting trip, especially after the accident. It was very scary for the four of us to be alone in the wilderness and so far away from camp. But things really got bad after Rico and Conner got hurt. That’s when I started to think “there’s no way we’re going to make it back to camp alive.” However, I decided it was best to keep those thoughts to myself.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I think I’d have to say Conner. When I first met him, he was a bully, and I detest bullies. Then he seemed weak and ineffective when we got in trouble on the river. Eventually, he changed into someone I actually liked. But if I had to choose, he’s the one I’d least want to be.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
It was a difficult but awesome ending. It leaves readers uncertain about the outcome until the last few pages. It’s one of those dramatic and suspenseful endings that I wouldn’t change for the world. I’m convinced that readers will love it. There’s no way you can guess how things will turn out. Even I was fooled.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if he decided to write another book with you in it?
Create another thrilling adventure. Escape Through The Wilderness was so exciting and intense. I’d like to see the sequel match the level of intensity found in the first book. I think readers will expect that. I happen to know the author quite well, and he listens to my input. I’ll make sure he makes the sequel at least as good as Escape Through The Wilderness.
Thank you for this interview, Savi. Will we see more of you in the future?
I’m not trying to be elusive, but you’ll have to read the first book to find out. I will say this is the first book in the series. Look for the second book sometimes around the summer of 2015.
Before I go, I want to thank you for taking time to interview me. I hope your readers enjoy the book.
Finally, Escape Through The Wilderness is the kind of book that was written to impact and inspire readers. If you read the book and enjoy it, please consider buying a copy for a friend. Good friends have given me several of my favorite books. Sharing a good story is a special way to bless someone.
Thanks again for your time.
Savi Evans
Gary Rodriguez is president of LeaderMetrix Inc., a consulting company that specializes in senior-level executive coaching, organizational development and conflict resolution. He is the author of the new adventure novel Escape through the Wilderness scheduled for release in June 2014.
His first book Purpose-Centered Public Speaking was an instant hit and recently republished by Tate Publishing.
His extensive resume includes eighteen years as an executive in the radio business where he spent several years as one of the original managers of Infinity Broadcasting. He was twice nominated as medium market manager of the year by the Bobby Poe report, a national media publication.
For over thirty-five years, Gary has spoken in public both nationally and internationally. Gary’s resume includes a season in the U.S. Army where he was highly decorated as the youngest Drill Instructor in the Army’s history at age 18 years. He was also awarded the Silver Star (the nation’s third highest award for valor) while serving in Viet Nam.
For more information about Escape Through The Wilderness please visit: http://ettw.tateauthor.com or http://leadermetrix.com/authorspeaker/
Interview with Author Marilyn Horowitz
Author Marilyn Horowitz
BIO: Marilyn Ida Horowitz is a producer, writing coach, and award-winning professor of screenwriting at New York University. From her books on her trademarked writing system—now standard reading at NYU—to her appearances at Screenwriters World and The Great American Screenwriting Conference & PitchFest, Marilyn has guided the careers of literally hundreds of writers. She is currently featured in the Now Write! Screenwriting Anthology (Tarcher/Penguin) and in the upcoming The Expert Success Solution (Morgan James). Her production credits include And Then Came Love (2007), starring Vanessa Williams.
Follow Marilyn at her website, http://www.marilynhorowitz.com
@marilynhorowitz
Connect with Marilyn on Facebook
INTERVIEW:
Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Marilyn. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?
A: This is my first published novel but I have self-published my non-fiction books on screenwriting for over fifteen years. Two of these books are textbooks at New York University where I teach.
Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?
A: I wrote a thriller entitled, The Cold Room, which was optioned before it was ever published.
Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?
A: I was very fortunate that after eight months and many rejections, I found a home at Koehler Books.
Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?
A: I didn’t take it personally. Rather, I used the feedback to improve the book. It’s important to remember that something that is original hasn’t been seen before, and people need time to get used to it.
Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?
A: I self-published my books on screenwriting because I had an audience and could make more money that way.
Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?
A: I’m a writer. I was relieved not celebratory. I was immediately worried about the next one.
Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?
A: As I said, I had a built in audience, but I did expand my website and got on Facebook and twitter.
Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?
A: No, I believe everything works out for the best.
Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?
A: My new book, The Book of Zev, is coming out in December, and I am in the middle of a new one. I hope my writing is improving every day.
Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?
A: I would have written better, and I would not have relied on agents etc.
Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?
A: The book isn’t out so I will keep you posted, but hopefully the answer will be the newest book.
Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?
A: “Heiress” would have been good.
Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?
A: Even if I ever get that lucky, I would never stop writing.
Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?
A: Prolific, happy, healthy, successful, respected and financially secure.
Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?
A: Don’t get it right, get it written – then get it right!
The Book of Zev
The Book of Zev Synopsis
The Book of Zev is a psychological thriller that tells the story of two gentle people who change the course of history. Zev Bronfman, a strapping 32-year old-virgin, angry atheist, refugee from a religious Jewish life, and former engineer for the U.S. Patent Office in Alexandria, Virginia, drives a cab and sleeps around in New York City. After a bitter divorce, Sarah Hirshbaum, a beautiful, redheaded, depressed, God-hating kosher chef, seesaws between yoga and too much red wine. Independently, the two consult the same psychic who inadvertently sends Sarah Zev’s session tape. When Sarah contacts Zev to pick up the recording, a series of events forces them to connect with a powerful terrorist in order to thwart his plans to destroy the UN and Israel.
Pre-order from Amazon
About the Book
• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Koehler Books (December 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1940192781
• ISBN-13: 978-1940192789
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
The Book of Zev Book Excerpt
What a fool she had been to fall in love with a man, any man. For a brief time the way Michael had made her feel thwarted her chronic nihilism. He had filled her with that most evil thing— hope. Michael resembled Clark Kent from Superman. He was tall and muscular. Dark, curly hair fell forward on his high forehead, framing an intelligent face with a cleft chin. Horn-rimmed glasses topped off his profile. Sarah had hoped the marriage vows would be kept, and furthermore that the two of them would always inhabit that euphoric state known as “being in love.” It had lasted for a year or two, and then somehow, the connection had slipped away. Sarah found herself living with a man who would do anything for her except the one thing she needed.
In short, he had stopped making love to her for over a year before the end. Once she saw that the magic was gone forever, she ended the marriage although her married friends all seemed to have accepted that it was natural for the romance to end, and that a descent into a comfortable sort of brother-sister arrangement was fine. They didn’t understand why she would give up such a good and decent man and risk being alone. Was it “good and decent” not to try to meet the other half of a relationship halfway? She wanted a life filled with romance—and she had never felt as alone as she did on those sexless mornings. The worst was knowing that he hadn’t wanted to try. He kept saying that he couldn’t, but a book she read to try to understand his behavior stated bluntly that “couldn’t” meant “wouldn’t.” She keenly remembered the dreadful recognition when she’d read those words.
Today was the worst so far. Well, it was a Sunday. She felt like the Little Match Girl in the fairytale, who is not allowed to come in out of the snowstorm until all of her matches are sold. The child dies, unloved and unnoticed. Sarah felt the Little Match Girl’s pain and could not comfort herself. She just had to wait it out, and usually this agony would pass into her unconscious because she was too busy prepping a new cooking job. Thanksgiving was the beginning of one of her busy seasons.
Guest post: The Inspiration Behind ‘When Shmack Happens’ by Amber Neben
Where did I get the inspiration to write When SHMACK Happens? I hit the wall, and I hit it HARD!! My life, my goals, and my next steps were redirected in a span of a few seconds. Prior to impact, I was on target to win that huge race at The Tour of California, and I was plotting ahead to more cycling goals, maybe even the 2016 Olympic Games. After the impact, I laid on the pavement while my body screamed at me because it hurt… SEVERELY. Blood poured out of my nose and other parts of me. I was scared and messed up. But I was awake, and I could move.
In the midst of the pain and fear that filled me on the side of the road and then in the ambulance, I clung to Jesus. I didn’t understand why or what had just happened. I didn’t want to be headed to a trauma center, and I definitely didn’t want to have my dreams cut short by another obstacle. But I clung. And He filled me with His strength.
Honestly, it was a miracle to walk away, and a miracle how fast I recovered. But even more incredible was that in the aftermath of the crash, I had a peace and a stillness of spirit that was beyond me. I was very limited to what I could do. Simply moving was difficult for a few weeks. However, in spite of the physical trauma I was dealing with, my mind was incredibly clear and crisp, and my heart was not anxious.
I began to think about writing my story, and then God began to pound on my heart “write the story that I have written into your life.” I had always wanted to write a book, but I had never felt the inspiration to do it until the initial days after the crash. Although there was a definite tug on my heart to write, I still continued to doubt that I could do it. I also wasn’t completely convinced I was hearing God accurately, and I only wanted to embark on the journey with His help. So for two weeks, I prayed often about the idea.
Finally, or desperately, after two weeks of talking to God about everything, I prayed a Gideon like prayer at 5AM. I know it was 5AM, because I remember checking my phone before getting up to use the bathroom. My prayer when I laid back down was, “God, if I am hearing you correctly, have Jenna Sampson email me.” Jenna had written some articles about me for Sports Spectrum, and she would occasionally check on me. She had promised almost 7 years prior that she would help me write if I ever wanted to. I hadn’t hea
rd from her in almost a year, but when I got out of bed that same morning, I had an email from Jenna arriving at 5:16AM. Confirmed. I needed to write.
And yes, I needed to write! There was no way a ghost writer or another author could truly understand my journey or share those intimate lessons I had learned as I had been walking, struggling, or standing firm in Christ through all the storms. So I met with Jenna, who agreed to act as my editor, I started praying for words and eloquence, and I embarked on writing WHEN SHMACK HAPPENS.
Link to crash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z_6qDX_Yh8
Amber Neben is a decorated international road cyclist with victories in 11 countries and multiple UCI Category 1 stage race wins. She is a 2x Olympian, 2x World Champion, 2x Pan American Champion and 2x National Champion. She holds a B.S. from The University of Nebraska and an M.S. from UC Irvine. Amber and her husband, Jason, reside in Lake Forest, CA. For information on speaking engagements or coaching visit amberneben.com.
Character Interview: Mama Ringtail from Sylvie Michaud’s Bedtime Story ‘Book of Dreams’
We’re thrilled to be talking to Mama Ringtail from North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Thank you so much for this interview, Mama Ringtail. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
I like how I was portrayed. The author set me in an environment that I feel comfortable with, natural and green, so I could be myself. Raccoons are very family oriented, so being able to spend so much time with my son and partner exploring the natural world felt great!
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
My strongest trait is my ability to live in a world that is constantly changing but stay in the present moment at the same time.
Worst trait?
Oh, I suppose I could be better at making plans for the future.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Angelina Jolie as a voice over.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
I can’t say that I felt nervous. There were no warning signs that our adventures were going to go sideways. Although, I was a bit concerned when Papa and Baby Ringtail were so close to the grizzly bears.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I think it would be hard to be Baby Ringtail. Children are so dependent on the environment they find themselves growing up in. It’s a wild world out there!
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
It ends as it should, with a feeling of security and safety.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
I would say to keep true to the heart and let that guide the story.
Thank you for this interview, Mama Ringtail. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Yes you will. In fact, I can be found in the two other titles that make up the Ringtail Series, the Book of Love and the Book of Wishes.
Purchase at:
Amazon soft cover: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family/dp/0978295587
Amazon digital: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family-ebook/dp/B00BTPBX0Q
B&N soft cover: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-of-dreams-the-ringtail-family-sylvie-michaud/1110202903
Sylvie Michaud is a North Vancouver, BC based writer and graphic designer. After years as a writer, editor and designer for The Canadian Red Cross Society newsletter, “The Responder”, Sylvie has gone on to write for several other groups & magazines including Pacific Yachting, GardenWise and the North Shore’s own Lynn Valley Literary anthology, “Wintertide.”
In 2011, Sylvie won the Lynn Valley Literary Society’s short story contest for “Fire and Fortune.”
In addition to her literary background, Sylvie is the ower of Blackbarn Crafts where she designs, produces and sells handmade crafts for crafts shows and other online venues.
Learn more about Sylvie Michaud and the Ringtail Family collection at www.craftycanuck.com and http://shop.craftycanuck.com/
Character Interview: Arkas from K. Madill’s YA Fantasy Novel ‘The Stolen Herd’ – Win $25 Amazon Gift Card
We’re thrilled to be talking to Arkas from Green Forest, Deep Forest, The Silver City, Harshlands, Azure Caves, Elphinstone Mountains…hey, he has wings – he gets around.
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00068]](https://beyondthebooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/the-stolen-herd.jpg)
Thank you so much for this interview, Arkas. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
Arkas: It was moderately accurate. She (the author) missed how utterly terrified Mandamus and Luco were when we first met. It was their own fault. They blundered into my territory, so I attacked them. It was written a little more comically than it actually was. Those two were scared out of their minds. I thought that human, Luco, was going to cry and Mandamus may look like a big, tough horse but he was shaking in his hooves.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
Arkas: My strength, agility, wingspan, and fighting skills. Not to mention …I can breathe fire!
Worse trait?
Arkas: Well, I have been called short tempered. But I don’t see that as a bad thing at all.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Arkas: Probably… Christian Bale. He was a pretty darn good Batman…and seeing as I’m an actual bat, I feel the transition would go smoothly.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
Arkas: I must admit, I did get a little worried when we were attached by Aicha, that dirty slug of a water imp. I wasn’t sure I could take him by myself, he’s pretty quick. Just in the nick of time, Gideon showed up and helped me out, thank goodness.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
Arkas: I definitely would not want to be Luco. Alright, granted, for a human he’s not that bad…but he has only two legs and can’t fly. He also doesn’t have the nerve to tell that naiad, Lethe, that he likes her. Even after he built her that glass room at the Gates to the Underworld! He just hangs around mooning over her until Mandamus’ hoof heals, then we leave. Pathetic, if you ask me. I might have to do a little matchmaking there.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
Arkas: Hey, Luco may be complaining because he’s afraid of getting eaten, but I’m full on ready to journey to the Azure Caves to see King Farzad and the rest of the Snowbreth tribe. They’re supposedly man-eating monsters, but Gideon wouldn’t have sent us there if that was the case. I will tell you this though – if they do try anything, they’ll be sorry!
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
Arkas: If? I’m one of the three main characters of this story so she’d BETTER have me in it. Hmm…words of wisdom….well, I would like to get back to Luco’s village for more cherry stars and fire whiskey though that’s more of a suggestion, I guess.
Thank you for this interview, Arkas. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Arkas: Of course. Those two (Mandamus and Luco) couldn’t last a day without me. Why, you should see what those dunderheads got themselves into just last week. Only, you’ll have to wait for the 2nd book to find out – ha!
Purchase on AMAZON
A chronic “head in the cloudser” K. Madill lives in a rickety house on a well treed street in British Columbia, Canada. When she’s not hanging out with her best equine friend in the woods she can be found trying to stay upright on her roller skates or mediating the affairs of her various furred and feathered friends that rule the aforementioned rickety house.
K. Madill’s website: kmadill.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Madill/161159890706088
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraiMadill1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20643483-the-stolen-herd
Pump Up Your Book and K. Madill are teaming up to give away
a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Terms and conditions:
- By entering, you confirm you are 18 years of age or older.
- Raffle runs from 12:00 AM EST on June 2 through 12:00 AM EST on June 28, 2014.
- Winner will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter.
- Winner will be notified by email and has 72 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is selected.
- Prize will be sent via email from the author’s representative.
- VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Rebuilding Civilization on the Bible Book Blitz – Win $25 Amazon Gift Card
Title: Rebuilding Civilization on the Bible: Proclaiming the Truth on 24 Controversial Issues
Author: Jay Grimstead
Genre: Religion/Theology/Instruction
Publisher: Nordskog Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-9882976-5-4
Purchase at: http://www.nordskogpublishing.com/book-rebuilding-civilization.shtml
About the book:
False teachings threatening to corrupt the Church forced the leaders to join in councils, where they codified the orthodox teaching of the Bible into creeds received by the Church as faithful distillations of Scriptural truth and as a bulwark against future corruption. Error, heresy, and outright paganism are today common in churches that were once sound. Even many “better” churches have little depth to their teaching and are silent on critical issues of the day, and even in some paganism masquerades as Christianity.
This book is the fruit of the work of hundreds of theologians and Christian leaders working throughout a 37-year period to define and defend the key Biblical points on 24 controversial issues — which would not even be controversial if all believed like Jesus and Paul in the inerrancy of the Bible.
This book states the Bible’s position on 24 controversial issues and explains why each document needed to be written. It offers the global Body of Christ tools for reforming the Church and motivating Christians to live in obedience to Christ and to all commands in the Bible intended for us.
Excerpt:
“We heartily invite all Christians on this planet who desire to live in obedience to the Bible in all areas of life at all times, to form themselves and their local churches into “United Spiritual Armies” at the city and county levels, and to establish a network with other such churches and “spiritual armies” at their state and national levels with the goal of making Christ King of their cities and nation. We invite you to join with us in applying these 24 DOCUMENTS to the life of the Church and in making 2 Cor. 10:5 a reality. By that we mean that together we are called by God to destroy “speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
About the author:
Dr. Jay Grimstead was born in Bismarck, ND. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1957 from Sterling College in Sterling, KS. He graduated from Fuller Seminary in 1961 with a Masters in Theology (ThM) and later received a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree. He spent 20 years on staff with Young Life Campaign, a ministry of clubs and camping to evangelize and disciple non-church teenagers.
In 1984 he founded the Coalition on Revival which created the 17 World-view Documents which state the biblical principles for the various spheres of life and the “blueprints for how the Bible applies to the fields of: Law, Government, Economics, Education, Science, the Media & Arts, Medicine, etc.” Under his leadership, COR organized the International Church Council Project in 1992.
In 2004 and 2005 he organized theological committees in Guatemala, San Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama to discuss and defend certain of the 22 Theological Documents of the Church Council Project which had been translated into Spanish. A year later, Dr. Grimstead gathered national leaders from various fields to create the “24 Year Plan to Rebuild America upon the principles of the Bible.”
Dr. Grimstead now lives with his wife, Donna, a registered pharmacist, in Murphys, CA. They have two grown children, Julie and Guy. Dr. Grimstead’s favorite hobbies are mountain climbing and playing jazz and blues on his trumpet.
To learn more about Dr. Grimstead and his work, please visit http://www.nordskogpublishing.com/book-rebuilding-civilization.shtml
Pump Up Your Book and Dr. Jay are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- This giveaway begins June 2 and ends on June 27, 2014.
- Winner will be contacted via email by July 2, 2014.
- Winner has 72 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy Book Blitz – Win $25 Amazon Gift Card
Title: Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy
Author: Jermaine Gadson
Genre: Spiritual
Publisher:Crossbooks – Division of LifeWay(June 2014)
ISBN: 9781462736362—Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781462736355—Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781462736348—eBook
Pre-order at: http://www.amazon.com/PRE-ORDER-Tactics-Trends-Equipping-Believer/dp/1462736351/
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy by author Jermaine Gadson is a must have resource for believers who want to be well equipped to be victorious against the strategies of the devil. The devil is cunning and deceptive, and he will stop at nothing to keep God’s people from reaching their potential in Christ. In this book, Pastor Gadson discusses how the enemy uses temptation, seduction, fear, isolation, guilt, shame, and other such things in order to steal and destroy a person’s life. Satan works tirelessly through various means and mechanisms to keep sinners from hearing and being receptive of the Word of God, in order to prevent them from being saved. If you have family or friends who are not born-again, this resource will help you to identify schemes that the enemy may be using to keep your loved ones from being saved. This book is intended to equip the Body of Christ to wage a good warfare against the strategies of the enemy. It is not God’s will for His people to be taken advantage of by the enemy because of ignorance. This book exposes who the enemy is, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will try to do in the future, as an enemy of God’s people. This book is written for the everyday believer to be able to understand and use. However, it is also a helpful tool for Christian leaders to be able to identify specific ways in which the enemy desires to attack them in order to steal their influence, kill their destiny, and destroy their reputation and ministries. In this regard, it is an encouragement to the Body of Christ to guard and protect their spiritual leaders.
Excerpt:
Know Your Enemy
Before engaging in battle of any kind, it is very important to be familiar with the opposition. The more you know about your enemy, the greater you will be equipped to fight against them and be victorious. Knowing your enemy includes being knowledgeable of their strengths, weaknesses, habits, origin, and the like. When you are knowledgeable about your adversary, you become empowered to develop a plan of action or strategy to adequately defend against their opposition, overcome their threats and defensive mechanisms, and ultimately defeat them.
Athletes and those who follow sports are familiar and acquainted with this principle. Coaches and players spend hours upon hours viewing video recordings of not only their own team, but of their upcoming opponents as well. They view recordings to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses as revealed by previous games, and they do the same to identify strengths and weaknesses of the next team they have to face.
This principle is certainly pertinent in the area of the military as well. No military general, or top ranking official who has authority over military personnel will in their right mind authorize the use of military force without adequate information concerning the enemy to be attacked. Right decisions require right information. This is especially true if you want to come out victorious and on top.
Now that we can see the importance of this principle from a natural standpoint, it makes sense that this would also apply spiritually in relation to how we are to do battle with our spiritual enemy. As you read this book, I hope that you will be able to see the importance of this material in helping you towards this very end. The reason this book is so important is because the person reading it is like a ballplayer looking at tape of his or her opponent or a military general gathering intelligence on a terrorist organization.
When you know where your enemy came from, what your enemy has done in the past, and what your enemy is presently capable of, you are more readily prepared to wage a good warfare and defeat him in any present or future encounters you may have.
VIEW THE TRAILER AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNfV81_SD0s
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jermaine Gadson is the Senior Pastor of Faith Ministries, Inc., a non-traditional church located in Birmingham, AL. Prior to starting Faith Ministries, he served as an associate minister, youth minister, and pastor for local churches and ministries in the greater Birmingham area. While, growing up in the Baptist church, he gave his life to Christ at an early age, and is a third generation minister of the Gospel.
He holds a B.A. in Religion with a Concentration in Congregational Studies and a Minor in Classics from Samford University, and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School of Samford University. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Beeson Divinity School.
Gadson enjoys reading, writing, sports, outdoors, movies, and spending time with his family. He is happily married to his wife Kristy and they have one beautiful daughter, Khloe.
Visit Pastor Gadson online at www.JermaineGadson.com.
Pump Up Your Book and Jermaine are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes
- This giveaway begins May 19 and ends on May 31, 2014.
- Winners will be contacted via email on June 2, 2014.
- Winner has 72 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
Tactics, Trends, & Traits of the Enemy Book Blitz Schedule
May 19
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Beyond the Books 