VBT Pit Stop with Cissy Hunt - Author of A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns

Today our guest is Cissy Hunt, author of A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns. This woman never ceases to amaze me. She is a very giving woman with a big heart and great writing talent. Please welcome her.

Please tell us a little about yourself......

I was raised in Louisiana but now live in the beutiful Ozarks with my husband, Ray. We have been married for almost eight years.I have two grown children. A son, Ronald who is 38 years old and a daughter Amber who is 35 years old.

I have been an ordainded minister since August of 2007. I am called to minister to hurting women who carry the emotional scars of domestic abuse.

For as long as I can remember I have always loved to write. When I couldn't express myself verbally, one only had to hand me a pen and paper and out would flow my thoughts.

I have written poetry most of my life and now my life-long dream has come true. I have written a book.

What inspired you to pen your first title?

What inspired me to write this book is the subject matter it covers, domestic violence. Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing most of my life, mostly poetry

What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?

The hardest part of writing this book was having to take a trip back into my past. This was a trip I didn't want to take but it was one that needed to be made in order to accoplish the end results.

Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing?

Yes, it has helped in my ministry with other women. It gives women who have come out of an abusive relationship, hope when they can relate to another woman who has been where they are now and see they have overcome and found a new live without abuse.

Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

Yes, take time to heal after an abusive relationship and find yourself. A woman in an abusives relationship has been told what to do, when to do, what to think, where to go, what to wear, who they can talk to. They haven't been able to think for theirself. Don't enter into another relationship without taking the time to heal.

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

I love writing so I hope to be able to write many more books. I have been thinking on a sequal to this book, A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns

What advice do you have for writer's just starting out?

If you love to write don't stop and do it for the love of writing not for money

Anything else you would like to share with us today?......

I want to thank you for having me and for all you have done putting this virtual book tour together for all the new authors.

Thank you so much for being with us today Cissy. It has been a pleasure talking with you. Cissy is on Virtual Book Tour. For anyone that leaves a comment for her here, and on her other stops will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of her book, A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns, and other great prizes. Cissy's next pit stop is with Cate Masters, on May 5, 2010.

I have read this book and it was fantastic!

Cissy's tour schedule can be found on her website http://cissyh.webs.com or on Virtual Book Tour Cafe, with links to each hosting site. I hope you all follow her tour, to learn more about this amazing woman.

Purchase A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns through Publish America, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other online bookstores.

My contest: For everyone that leaves a comment with each author I interview, and follows my blog, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of these great prizes:

• $25 Visa Gift Card
• Book Light
• A Free Virtual Book Tour
• A Writers Prize Pack (journal, pen, book light, book marker)
  

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***** 1/2 Review of L.A. Bytes by P.A. Brown

L.A. Bytes is another fabulous read by P.A. Brown! Well researched and phenomenally written! You won't be able to put it down!

When Chris gets called in to find who's been hacking into a Ste. Anne's Medical Center, he ends up finding more than a bunch of codes on a computer. As he digs further, threats start coming in via email to hurt his husband, David.

In the meantime, David is at the Doctors office for an allergy shot. Chris, who happens to be in the same hospital, arrives to assist David and give moral support, as David hates needles. After suffering an allergic reaction to the allergy shot, Chris is determined more than ever to find out what happened, especially since he will have access to the hospitals mainframe due to his new contract to find the hacker.

David is forced to take time off of a murder case he is currently working on much to his dismay. A few days in the hospital, he is still encouraged to rest upon arriving home.

David is not one to leave work behind though. Against his partners, and Chris's pleas to stay in bed, David forges on to solve his latest murder case.

As Chris and David fight to solve their cases, they don't realize when they end up helping each other to solve these crimes.

Brown did a stupendous job with this fourth installment to the L.A. series. Exactly what you would expect from Brown, giving suspense and thrills from beginning to end.

I give L.A. Bytes ******1/2 (5.5) Stars, BK Walker, Author of "Near Suicide" and "Dares And Dreams". http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com


Learn more about this fantastic author P.A. Brown

Purchase L.A. Bytes

Other books in the L.A. Series:

L.A. Heat
L.A. Mischief
L.A. Boneyard

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

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***** Review of Magician Of Oz by James C. Wallace II

The Magician Of Oz was a fantastic book with magic from start to end. It's a definite page turner that you are going to love.

Jamie Diggs moved from Kansas to Indiana. One night Jamie and his father were looking in a trunk that belonged to his great grandfather. What they found were coins, and old pocket watch, and O.Z. Diggs on the trunk itself, which was his grandfathers initials.

One night as a surprise, Jamie's father took him to a magic club. After he was introduced, he showed the coins and pocket watch from his grandfathers trunk.

As he was learning magic, he did a trick with a zombie ball at a magic club picnic, and he even made his coin disappear. He was becoming good with his magic tricks, and one day while walking in the woods, he was led into the land of Oz.

He stayed in Ozma's Castle with Ozma, Dorothy, and Glinda. While he was missing his mothers potato soup, Dorothy took him to the Tin Woodman's castle so her Aunt Em could make him some.

While enjoying his soup, a counsel of trees were angry with the Tin Woodman, and were coming to the castle to destroy the Tin Woodman. Dorothy and Jamie conjured up a spell which made them disappear. The Tin Woodman seemed to have a lot of enemies as they also had to cast a spell to turn the morals to stone.

After a few days of being in Oz, doing tricks for the farm people, he finally got to go home, but soon would visit again. Before his departure, he did receive a new coin from Ozma, which bore the three girls from Oz embedded on it, just like the old coin Jamie had lost.

Though Jamie thought he was gone from his family for days, upon returning he realizes they only think he was gone for a few hours.

Wallace did a great job with this exciting tale. With magic and spells, there was never a dull moment. Though it had the some of the same characters as The Wizard of Oz, Wallace created an exciting twist on the plot.

I give it ***** (5) Stars, Danny Dietz, Reviewer of Childrens Books for BK Walker Books.

Purchase Magician Of Oz

Learn more about James C. Wallace II

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

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***** Review of Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren

Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren was a phenomenal read! An emotional story with gripping events from beginning to end!

Kate Flaherty is torn with emotion and anger, as she sits watching her Dad on his death bed. Morphine inflicted, Collin Flaherty reveals a secret he has been keeping most of Kate's life.

Trying to sort through it all, Kate is confronted with a deer on her way home from visiting her sick Father. Swerving to miss, she finds herself bruised and banged up, and her vehicle not working.

She tredges down the road, coming to an old diner. She enters to find a lone gentleman working, waiting for his wife to arrive. Phone lines are down, and Kate has no choice but to wait for ride.

As she begins talking to "Mick", she finds herself devulging pieces of her life she has never allowed to be told. As she confronts her feelings about her past, and her husband Drew, she realizes she too may have to take some of the blame for their differences.

When she suddenly realizes there is no cord to the phone, she becomes panicked, fleeing the diner in search of a house. Chastising herself for ever trusting a stranger, and sore from the accident, her husband finds her to take her home.

Then the dreaded call came, "I'm sorry - I never get used to making these calls. Kate, your father passed away after you left."

Grief stricken that she didn't have just one more day, Kate and Drew arrange for the funeral, and start rebuilding their lives. As Kate prepares, going through her Dad's personal items, she learns things about her father she never knew, some things she never wanted to know.

Flaherty's Crossing is truly an emotional roller coaster ride. McFarren did a fantastic job drawing the reader in, keeping you wanting more. In this heart-wrenching tale, of self discovery to forgiveness, you will not be able to put this book down until you have finished it.

I give Flaherty's Crossing ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker, Author of "Near Suicide" and "Dares And Dreams". http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

Learn more about this author - Kaylin McFarren

Purchase a copy of Flaherty's Crossing

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**** Review of Where The Hawk Tree Stands by Ronald R. Roberts

TheWhere The Hawk Tree Stands by Ronald R. Roberts was a great read and very educational. If you didn't understand the hard times and struggles of the depression, you will certainly be enlightened in this title.

The plot starts in the present day, with Charles as an old man in his last years. When he takes a ride with his cousin to the place where he grew up, he is taken back in time, where we learn of his past through memories he recalls.

As a young boy during the time of the "Great Depression" and the "Dust Bowl", Charles takes time from farming duties to go to the cotton grove. He finds a great oak tree, making a connection with it that only he and the tree understand.

It is during his time spent with this tree that Charles truly connects with nature. While under the oak tree he watches a family of hawks build their nest and lay their eggs. He visits often, able to see the babies after hatching and to watch the parents feed them.

After a big dust storm passes through, Charles goes to check on the hawk and the oak tree. He finds the parent hawks missing, and the nest is on the ground. One of the baby hawks is laying dead, and Charles is worried about the other. He hears a coyote in the grove, seeing the hawk in a bush where the coyote is trying to get it. Chasing the coyote off, Charles befriends the baby hawk taking him home to care for him. After getting his parents permission to keep the hawk, Charles names him Talon.

After teaching the hawk how to fly and hunt, the bond between this boy and hawk is extraordinary. They watch out and care for one another, for years to come.

Talon and Charles visit the Hawk Tree often, and have many experiences during their time spent in the grove. That is until the day comes that Charles must let Talon live up to his full potential.

This was a great story of hard times, struggles, true friendship and love. The bond and experiences of Charles and Talon are like none you have ever seen before.

Roberts did a great job reliving the Great Depression, giving the reader a good look into those devastating times. With quite a few gripping scenes, you will be anxious to find out what happens next.

I loved the ending of this tale. It was the perfect choice, though there are alternate endings that you can see how it could have been. I give Where The Hawk Tree Stands **** (4) Stars, BK Walker, Author of Near Suicide and Dares And Dreams. http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

Purchase a copy of Where The Hawk Tree Stands


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Copyright BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

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Guest Author Lily Oak of Hope Moon: Why she did it...

Today our guest is author Lily Oak, who produced Hope Moon in just 3 days to help with the Haiti Appeal. Devastated by the news of the Haiti Disaster, Lily was compelled to do something, anything, to help.

This is what Lily had to say:

"Let me paint you a picture. One Janruary morning earlier this year, I sink into the sofa cup of tea in hand, recovering from manic morning getting kids to school. I flick on the TV, and am greeted with harrowing news pictures from the Haiti earthquake disaster. I wish I could do something I thought. Just then my phone started chirping at me, I recognised the number as my temp. agency. "...they said they didn't need you after all. We've got you another placement though it starts on Monday." Nevermind I thought I've already booked child care so I guess I get three quiet days to myself... I'm sure I'll find some thing to do. Something. Then it clicked, being a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, what else would I do?!"

Half an hour later this appeared on Facebook:

In just 3 days, Lily had enough responses that she was able to put together this great book of short stories, and had it in the publishers hands!

Lily has taken Hope Moon on Virtual Book Tour! We are one of her pit stops, welcome Lily and thank you so much for taking time to speak with us. I know you must get a lot of questions about Hope Moon, but lets put you in the spotlight, and learn about the woman that pulled all this together.


BK: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
LO: When I was about 6 years old, I started 'making' a book at school in free play time. A very, very good teacher called Ms MacKenzie let me skip listening to the story she was reading the class for a whole week so I could finish it.

BK: How long does it take you to write a book?
LO: Well in the case of 'Hope Moon' about 3 days! Although most of it I didn't actually write, I did get time to but a poem n there though. The book I'm working on at the minute is my first full length fiction project. I started work on it at the beginning of the yer and hope to have it finished my mid-2011.

BK: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
LO: Crazy!!! I don't do organized at all. With the website ( www.hedge-witchery.com) to run and articles to do too, I've now taken the approach of 'do what you want at the time', if you're doing what you really want to be doing, you tend to do a good job.

BK: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
LO: I can not be creative on a computer! All first draft work written by hand, typing it forms part of inital edits.

BK: How do your books get published?
LO: I run Hedge Witchery Books as part of the website. It's become a half-way-house between self-publishing and traditional publishers. So many pit falls to self-publishing that once I learned a fair few tricks of the trade it made sense to go down the path and help other writers.

BK: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
LO: Anywhere and everywhere! Though a lot of my work is heavily influenced by my spirituality.

BK: When did you write your first book and how old were you?
LO: Well, discounting the one I wrote when I was 6, I first published what were my basic study notes on traditional witchcraft last year. The the thing is I always thing of the projects I've done in the past as books I've 'published'. The labour of love I'm working on at the minute feels like the first one I've 'wrote'.

BK: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
LO: I love being outdoors, absolutley adore it. Luckily I live on top of a National park in the middle of Northumberland.

BK: What does your family think of your writing?
LO: My marriage broke down 4 years ago, and my children are still very small. They see me typing, know I'm distracted and take the opportunity to get up to mischief.

BK: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
LO: How it changes the way you look at the world. When you spend so much time trying to put yourself inside a characters head, you become more open to other peoples perspective's in life.

BK: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
LO: 3 though 1 has been retired and made into a series of articles. Hope Moon, without a shadow of a doubt is my favorite!

BK: Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
LO: Don't rush for the note pad/computer. Develope a scene/character/story in your head first. Don't rush this when you can vizualise it to the point where all the little details are there, then write it.

BK: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
LO: All the time especially with Hope Moon. With this book it's not just the content of the bookpeople get in touch about, it's the spirit of it, the story behind it.

BK: Do you like to create books for adults?
LO: The book I'm writing at the minute definately isn't YA Ha Ha Ha!

BK: What do you think makes a good story?
LO: One that pushes your imagination to the very fine line of what seems fantastical, yet could just happen to you.

BK: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
LO: An author... or a trapeze artist.

I could actually see you as a trapeze artist Lily lol....Thank you so much for being with us today. Congratulations on Hope Moon! It is a wonderful thing you are doing with it and Kudos to you for putting it all together.

Lily will be running a contest throughout her book tour, she will be giving away a prize package to a very lucky winner. To be entered into the drawing for her prize pack, leave a comment here and on her other stops along the way. To view the details for her prize pack please visit Lily's blog at http://hedge-witcherybooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/hope-moon-give-away.html .

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VBT Stop with Lloyd Kaneko author of Kami Jin

Our guest today is Author Lloyd Kaneko. Though he is a native of California, he has traveled to destinations internationally such as Japan, Spain, Holland, France, and Algeria.

Lloyd is active as a baritone with the masterworks Chorale Bel Canto of Whittier, CA and also actively sings in the church choir at First Friends Church in Whittier, California, and a member of Chorus America and the International Federation of Choral Music.









Welcome Lloyd and thank you so much for being with us today. I would like to start off with asking you a few questions.....


BK: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

LK: As a sophomore in high school, my English Teacher gave us regular creative writing assignments. I enjoyed those over the literature studies. That’s when I wanted to become a writer.

BK: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

LK: I like to bowl in a seniors league. I sing in a master chorale and a church chorale. And my dog keeps me company when I’m writing. She gets bored very quickly, however. So when I take my breaks, I take her out for a walk and get some fresh air.


BK: What does your family think of your writing?

LK: When I was young, my family told me to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. That typically was the Japanese-American preference for young college-bound professionals. They told me that there wasn’t any money in music, art, or writing. My heart was already in writing anyway -- that was my ultimate dream and ambition – it was pretty much set. I didn’t do well with mathematics and science but I was very good in the arts. I’m also a very good cook and I love to do that. My family says that I missed my calling and that I should have gone to culinary school.

My wife, however, thinks it’s great. But, she’s a librarian in our city’s library system. My closest friends also recognize my accomplishments of fulfilling my dreams.

So, in essence, I’m getting mixed reviews.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

When I was writing Kami Jin, I found out that I wasn’t in total control of the book – writing that is.

When I put the protagonist in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to share his ideas though a series of sermons, it was if a spirit was channeling his writing energies through me and writing these sermons for me.

Then, when I thought it was time to bring the book to an end, the characters took control and encouraged me to write more – it became “their” story.

BK: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

LK: Kami Jin is the only one I’ve written so far. I have a prequel to this book called, The Legend of the Crescent Eagle which I just started research on. I didn’t start on the project right away because I was busy writing the screenplay adaptation to Kami Jin.


BK: Tell about your first book?

LK: Kami Jin is a tale of two worlds according to the diary of A. Gordon Sakata II of the 23rd Century. Gordon records an era of despair and misery on Earth as life in the Republic of North America includes a jobless rate of 95%. People are homeless: poverty and starvation is global and governments around the world are ineffective in solving the crisis. Corporations have taken over governments, taken away the basic rights of citizens such as freedom of speech and expression and have replaced many people with droids and robots. Citizens of nations who once lived comfortably in homes, now struggle to survive in streets lined with cardboard condos. When war breaks out, Earth finally meets its doom, but through the miracle of time travel, it is given a second chance. Gordon is saved and taken to a utopian planet mirroring Earth’s orbit. There, inhabitants are treated equally: poverty, homelessness and starvation are non-existent, and everyone is paid $25-million annually in universal life credits by the Universe, regardless of social status. The quality of health care and education is next to none. Inhabitants’ brains are so advanced that they travel by merely willing themselves to their destination, rather than using conventional vehicles, yet, they do not manufacture any weapons of any kind. The world is one planet, one nation. Gordon vows to right a sinking ship – at least provide hope for the disadvantaged of the world. He returns to Earth to fulfill his life’s promise.

Currently, I’m working on two concurrent projects. I just completed the adaptation screenplay to Kami Jin and preparing this work for market. And I’m working on the prequel, Legend of the Crescent Eagle, which takes place in the 21st Century and focuses on Gordon Sakata’s ancestors and their migration from Napajan to the United States via Mexico.

BK: What is the hardest part of writing?

LK: Trying to remain focused and dedicated to a working schedule. I used to treat my writing as a hobby without an established. But now, it’s become more of a legitimate work with a working schedule. This is hard since I am retired – it’s easy to sleep in. Once I get on a roll, the words start flowing like a river and there’s generally no stopping me for hours, even into the wee hours of the morning. So I would say that the hardest part for me as a writer is getting started each day, and knowing when to stop once I get going. The other hardest part of writing is the interference and annoyance that occurs during the day – especially from political solicitation calls the break your concentration of thought.

BK: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

LK: I’m really the casual type or writer that take a while to get going. I get up in the morning, make my coffee and sit at my computer. Check my emailboxes, then open up a couple of windows for social networking (like Facebook and Twitter). After getting “warme-up” on the computer, then I would start my writing applications like MS Word and WritePro and start working on my writing projects. Once I get rolling, there’s no stopping. I’m usually working into the wee hours of the morning on a good day unless I run into a brick wall by way of writer’s block.

BK: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

LK: SWSS. This is the comment that is always in my manuscripts when I get the drafts back from the editors. I’m notorious for using the same word in the same sentence. I’m trying to break the habit – but it’s hard!

BK: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

LK: When I was writing Kami Jin, I found out that I wasn’t in total control of the book – writing that is.

When I put the protagonist in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to share his ideas though a series of sermons, it was if a spirit was channeling his writing energies through me and writing these sermons for me.

Then, when I thought it was time to bring the book to an end, the characters took control and encouraged me to write more – it became “their” story.


BK: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

LK: I don’t have much of a reader base yet. The book is just starting to come out so it’s a little difficult to know what they are saying because nothing has been said yet.

The ones who have seen previews of the book wanted to know why I wrote on such a “dark” subject. My response to them was that they haven’t lived through the darkness that I once experienced.

BK: Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

LK: Stay focused on what you are doing. You will be distracted with a lot of interference, but as long as you set your goals and objectives to “reach the summit,” You will successfully do so.

Get a software program called, :”Project Planner Personal Edition.” It is a project management program that will help you manage your writing projects, establish a production schedule and a timeline. You can use this timeline to compare your progress against your plans and forecast.



You have given us a great look into you as a writer Lloyd along with some great advice. I really appreciate you stopping in.

To learn more about Lloyd Kaneko you can visit his website Lloyd Kaneko.com

He is also on Virtual Book Tour and you can find his schedule of pit stops on his site as well. Be sure to visit his stops to learn more along the way, leaving a comment to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of his book!

Lloyds next stop is Guest Blogging with Louise Wise on April 28.

You can purchase a copy of Kami Jin at Amazon and other online book stores.

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Virtual Book Tour Hosts

I have authors signing up each week to go on tour - virtually. This would be an event similar to an author going to their local bookstore to do a book signing, or to a library to do a reading in the real world. The difference is that each stop on the tour would be virtually on websites, blogs, and online radio shows.

What hosting a VBT would entail is for the blog or website owner to allow authors to make their blog/website one of their pit stops. This could be either in the form of an author interview, where you can submit a series of questions for the author to answer, or in the form of a blog blurb, where the author submits an article about themselves and their books, for you to post on a date agreed upon in a VBT schedule.

The benefits of hosting include increased traffic to your blog/website, a targeted audience, free promotion of your own products or books, entry into a blog of the week and your blog name and link listed at BK Walker Books.

VBT's are also promoted via Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Authors Supporting Authors, along with advertisements through the media (newspapers/magazines), with mention of your blog or at least a point of direction to your blog, depending on media requirements.

If you would be interested in becoming a host for VBT's, please email me directly to bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net. Please be sure to include your name, blog name and link, any requirements you may have (such as genre specific), if you are open to any dates or if you are available for only specific dates.

All blog owners are encouraged to inquire, there are no "blog type" requirements, nor does your blog need to be geared towards the authors, writers, and book industry.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

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Virtual Book Tour Pit Stop - Author Margaret West

Today our guest is Margaret West. Thank you so much for being with us today.



Margaret West is a Paranormal Romance Writer. You can visit her website at http://margaret-west.com


This is a woman with a profound love of romance!




Blog: http://margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com/

Interview with Margaret West:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It was when I began working for Eon Productions - The James Bond film producers. They wrote scripts. I wanted to write a book!

How long does it take you to write a book?

That depends. I work full time. So probably about four or five months if I'm lucky.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

If I'm home all day, I'll lock myself away in the office and trap away from nine until I drop lol

On working days its usually a few hours in the evening.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My quirk. Mmm that's a hard one. My husband days when I'm writing I'm oblivious to what's happening around me. No one can talk to me or get much more than a grunt in response. Maybe that's my quirk!

How do books get published?

Through single minded determination, topped with a shed load of hard work.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Mostly in my head, but sometimes from someone I've seen in the street will inspire a character, or a place I've been to.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was 21 and I wrote it over the period of a year, in my lunch break on an electric typewriter when I worked at Eon. No, its not published and yes, its appalling lol

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I have so little time for hobbies. But I am a working Medium, Crystal Therapist and a Psychic Development teacher. So that keeps me very busy when the computer is silent!!

What does your family think of your writing?

My family have never read my books lol My husband always buys one and wraps it in cellophane, saying one day I'll be famous and they'll be worth a fortune. But they are all supportive in their own way!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That a stranger actually wants to read them! That amazes me every day.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I've written 5 books and lots of short stories. My favourite has to be The heart of a Warrior.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Always, always ask advice from published authors. Read tons of literature on writing and never get complacent that your work is just `okay'. It has to be fabulous and stand out from all the rest.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Occasionally. I had a few readers email me that they wanted Two Faces One Life to be bigger as they wanted to read morea bout what happens to Sarah and Ted. Can't I do a sequel!

I did have one email from a lady who said she brought The Heart of a Warrior by accident, but loved it so much she's become a fan on my listing.

Do you like to create books for adults?

Yes. You have to love it, to do it!

What do you think makes a good story?

Plenty of action, a good plot is vital and good character driven storylines,

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be an Air Hostess, but at 5 foot 9 they said I was too tall lol

Be sure to follow Margaret's tour, leaving a comment along the way to be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of one of her books. All tours with links can be seen at BK Walker Books.

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Virtual Book Tour- Author Aurora Lightbourne

Our Guest today from the Virtual Book Tours with Authors Supporting Authors is Aurora Lightbourne,

Aurora is a fantastic Sci-Fi writer, and author of the "Space Trippers" Series.

Book 1: Trippin'
Book 2: Just Passing Through
Book 3: A Frosty Farewell

http://alightbourne.netau.net/

Be sure to check out her special promotion at the end of this interview :)



Thanks for stopping in and chatting with us Aurora.

1. Can you tell us what is needed for a story to be good?

To me, you need characters people can relate to. When I get into a story I have to feel involved with the people. If you can't care about, or relate to a character or their circumstances then you can't get into their story and really enjoy it. I enjoy imperfect people, ones that need to work on things, like people skills. In my Space Trippers series, I hope people can relate to the characters, feel for them, especially Valesque and her challenging circumstances. My people aren't perfect, each has something to work on whether it is trust, shyness, acceptance or responsibility.

2. Till now, how many books have you written?

I have finished 3 books in the Space Trippers series, Book 1 Trippin', where the story begins with the introduction to the characters and circumstances to them getting sent out to uncharted space. Book 2 Just Passing Through, where three new characters are introduced & Book 3 A Frosty Farewell, where.....well you just have to read that one to see. I am currently working on 2 books, Space Trippers 4 and a new one called 'Brass Hearts, a steampunk fairytale'.

3. How much time do you take to finish a book?

Depends on what else I am doing and how vividly I can see the book as a whole. Some are harder to write and take longer, some just flow. With completing it, then touch ups and edits and layout etc, anywhere from 6 months to several years I would say.

4. Where do you get ideas for your writing?

A lot of times something will just come to me, a piece of conversation, a scene or setting and then as I muse over it a whole story can develop and I just get so excited I have to write it down. Could be I overhear someone's comment and them my imagination just expands on it, or a classic story will play in my mind and I will think....that would be good with this twist or this different character. The latter is how I came up with my newest project 'Brass Hearts' it is kind of a Cinderella meets Pride and Prejudice in a steampunk, victorianesque setting.

5. Tell us about your first book?

Goodness. I would say technically my first book was when I was about 7. It was a short story, but it had illustrations! I wrote it while at work with my Dad. He worked at night in a computer lab. I mean the big ones that took up a whole room, had to wear earplugs when around and needed a well chilled environment. I remember they used vacuum tubes and punch cards. Now that is going back a while! My Dad's co-workers gave it two thumbs up.

6. What is the hardest part of writing?

To keep up momentum, not loose focus and keep the whole story clearly in mind while writing each scene and conversation. It is easy to get side tracked and distracted. Especially on a PC connected to the internet. ;o}I agree with you there. Momentum is definitely the key. I have seen so many other writers lose it and never finish a story.

It has been wonderful talking with you Aurora and I really appreciate you stopping in.

Be sure to visit Aurora's page to follow her tour. Any comments left will put you into a drawing to win a signed copy of a book in her fantastic series!

To purchase the Space Tripper Series: http://alightbourne.netau.net/buyspacetrippers.htm

*Aurora has a special little promotion during her book tour! You could be the winner of a $25 Visa Gift Card as well as be entered into a drawing to win one of her books.*

Here it is:

Play a crossword with me during my Online book tour April 1-June 1 2010.
Exclusive for my followers/Friends only!

Collect all 14 clues to finish the puzzle and be in a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card.

To play you just have to check my tour schedule here: http://alightbourne.netau.net/
Go to each stop (you can go after the posting date, you may just have to scroll down to find my posts)

Leave me a comment that says 'Hey, A. Lets Play!' and your facebook/Myspace link or twitter ID. I will verify you are a friend/follower of A. Lightbourne (@alightbourne) and then DM you the clue for that stop.

Leave a comment at all 14 stops, collect all 14 clues, turn in your puzzle, be entered in a drawing. It is that easy.

Come play with me!

Get the crossword here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3524628&id=353549514705

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An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller *****

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller was a fantastic read! I love her writing style and the plot was amazing.

Delving into the world of the Amish Community, this book tells the tale of two couples finding and learning to love.

Anna Esh has been deeply hurt by her previous finacee'. She moves to a new community hoping to find a new start. Her mother Edna and her open an Amish store in Middlefield, Ohio.

With many renovations needing to be done, she is introduced to Lukas Byler. Lukas is a very talented carpentry worker, that has an eye for more than just woodwork.

Lukas' patience is never ending as he patiently breaks through the walls Anna has built around herself. As Anna finds herself falling in love, she also develops a serious illness that could separate her and Lukas forever.

Aaron Detweiler has recently been released from jail after a drug related arrest. Finding his way back into the community, he commits to the church and God.

Feeling like an outcast, thinking the entire community is looking down on him for his past mistakes, he finds Elisabeth Byler. She is the one person that doesn't seem to judge him.

Elisabeth is persistent in developing their friendship. As they become closer, Aaron is finding himself wanting to be more than just friends, with feelings developing that he was sure Elisabeth would not reciprocate.

While at church, Aaron finds himself inches from Elisabeth when he jumps in the pond to save her, thinking she could not swim. Overcome by desire, he lays the gentlest of kisses upon her lips.

Elisabeth is overwhelmed and runs away. Sure he has ruined everything between them, Aaron questions his actions and his feelings. When Elisabeth leaves town to visit her friend, Aaron is sure it is due to his kiss.

Upon the return of Elisabeth, Aaron finds more than just relief of the guilt of his actions.

I highly recommend An Honest Love. This title is a gripping tale of love and emotion. Definite page turner, as you feel the emotions felt by the characters and will leave you wanting more.

Fuller did a phenomenal job writing this tale, educating you on the Amish Community as well as opening with a magnificent plot.

I give An Honest Love *****(5) Stars; BK Walker, Author of Near Suicide and Dares And Dreams.

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Copyright BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

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Interview with Author James C. Wallace II

Today we are interviewing with James C. Wallace II author of Magician of Oz. Please be sure to follow his Virtual Book Tour, and leave any comments. Anyone that posts a comment will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of the book Magician of Oz!

James C. Wallace II Bio

James C. Wallace II, originally a native of West Virginia, currently lives in Terre Haute, Indiana with his wife Amanda. They have been married more than 26 years, with a herd of 5 children and 12 grandchildren.
His background covers over 26 years in children's education, including experience working for the world's largest children's museum; The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where he was the Planetarium Educator for SpaceQuest Planetarium.
In addition to children's books about Oz, he is recognized by NASA as a leading developer of web-based educational games, educational exhibit design, curriculum development and implementation. He is involved in the DiscoverHover program, which is an educational program developing and utilizing hovercraft in a unique and fun way.
He nows serves as the Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma, Sovereign Ruler of Oz and endeavors to fulfill her royal command to tell the tale of her newest Royal Magician to the children of the Great Outside. Magician of Oz is the first of three tales of Oz with Shadow Demon of Oz taking the middle ground of Oz. Family of Oz lies just over the horizon, awaiting the turning of Mother Earth.

Magician of Oz Book/Author Blog Site
http://magicianofoz.blogspot.com/

Magician of Oz Amazon.com website
http://www.amazon.com/Magician-Oz-James-C-Wallace/dp/0578023539/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246224375&sr=8-1

Magician of Oz book description

Life in Indiana was quite the adventure for young Jamie Diggs and his parents. After a tumultuous move from Kansas, Jamie explores the covered bridges, forests and cemeteries of rural Indiana where he discovers the ways of the Hoosiers. When his parents bring up an old humpback trunk from their basement, Jamie discovers his magical heritage lurking inside.
Jamie learns the ways of magic from a local magic club, meets Tree-In-The-Road, gathers Morel mushrooms for his mother's legendary potato soup and discovers his great grandfather, the original Wizard of Oz's sentry stone.
He soon finds himself transported to the Land of Oz where he must face the wrath of the Fighting Trees who have grown bitter after their defeat at the hands of the Tin Woodman so long ago.
In this compelling tale of fantasy and adventure in the Land of Oz, the young magician discovers new friends along the way, conquers his fears and battles the oncoming wave of trees and mushrooms alongside Dorothy and Toto.


Shadow Demon of Oz book description

It was in the early month of Spring when the old humpback trunk of O.Z. Diggs, the original Wizard of Oz was opened by his great grandson, Jamie Diggs, revealing a magical heritage lurking within.
Following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, a young boy named Jamie pursued the ways of magic and soon found himself transported to the magical Land of Oz where, alongside Dorothy, he faced his greatest fears and the fearsome Army of Trees in defense of the Tin Woodman.
Now the young magician is called to return to the Land of Oz to take his place as the new Royal Magician of Princess Ozma; Ruler and Sovereign of Oz.
And for his first Royal Command, Princess Ozma sends her Royal Magician and his best friend Buddy off to battle the Evil Shadow Demon and save the Hyups of Mount Munch.

1. What is needed for a story to be good?

I find that the best element for a good story involves a personal invocation. It requires a willingness to reveal a personal side that many would rather read about than write about.
Consider Oz, for example. It is an established world with very well established rules. The nice thing here is that so often, those rules and our rules coincide, making for a natural fit and thus a good story evolves. Values of Love, honesty, loyalty and friendship are pre-requisites in any story I am involved with.

2. Till now how many books have you written?

I am published in a number of science and education journals relating to physics, astronomical research, education & curriculum development, script writing & production, as well as having recently published Magician of Oz on the prior Summer Solstice. Shadow Demon of Oz is in final pre-publication phase and due for release within the month.

3. How much time do you take to finish a book?

Many find it hard to fathom, but I wrote Magician of Oz (28 chapters) in 30 days. It was followed by a period of 2 weeks or so for read-throughs, additions of a word or two, commas and periods and the like. Shadow Demon of Oz (33 chapters) took 31 days and a similar period of revisions. Once the muse strikes, it’s very difficult to arrest that flow of thought. Oz takes on a life of its own when I begin the process. This is typical of my normal writing style, which is rapid, concise and occasionally brilliant.

4. Where do you get ideas for your writing?

I grew up in a loving household where my parents read to me on a daily basis and taught me the joy of reading. Many a night I recall sitting in our front room as my mother would read from the many books of Oz and my father would act out some of the odd scenes pictured within.
Although it took another 42 years for that world to return to me, here it is and so am I.
In the past, my writing was rather broad and covered a wide area of science and education. I do enjoy research and the process that goes with it, including writing. Science can be fun to write about too.

5. Tell about your first book?

For me, writing has been a lifelong process, so I look at Magician of Oz as my premiere work as a published author. The story came to me on a flaming cherry pie (or so I’ve heard), proclaiming “You are Oz!” for all to hear. For me, the moment brings the words and sometimes it’s a flaming cherry pie. Ooops.
I have always wanted to write a story for children. I grew up as a child and find my best inspiration when I think as a child. Oz fits well within any child’s’ fantasy, be it now or then (over 100 years ago). The MGM movie represents for most their understanding of Oz… and yet Oz is so much more, comprising 14 books by L. Frank Baum and many more by many others. And now I join the ranks with an eventual trilogy storyline. It does offer a measure of immortality.

6. What is the hardest part of writing?

The hardest part is awaiting the muse. Once she, or he…I’m not quite sure, strikes, the story flows easily and freely. Finding the story is a challenge but not the most difficult part. Stories can be found everywhere if one knows where to look. But getting the muse to inspire and begin the process is the most challenging and difficult step to attain. You know its coming… just hurry up!!!

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