Showing posts with label virtual book tour cafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label virtual book tour cafe. Show all posts

Friday, October 31, 2014

Chatting with the Amazing, Jim Reilly - Author Of Seaville (#vbtcafetours & #giveaway)



Happy Halloween!!!

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today in West Sayville NY. I'm a NY veteran and it's nice to be back.



BK: Looking out the nearest window, describe the scene you see.

I see a quiet suburban neighborhood outside my bay window. The street is littered on each side with distinctly colored split-level homes while showing various degrees of manicured lawns and shrubbery. Though my wife would tell you, mine lacked “keeping up with the Joneses.” Also visible, a splash of autumn colors creeping into the tree line. As I continued to look out the window, a yellow school bus drops off a half-dozen elementary school children happy the day is over. But the thing that intrigues me the most was seeing my neighbor from a few doors down as she walked her dog. She seems to think the neighborhood is her personal dog park. So I knocked on the window and waved hello as a message to stay clear from my lawn.

BK: Tell us about your office. Is it a mess like mine, or is everything in its place?

I think it’s something in between. It seems like I am always cleaning by the end of the day. Most of the mess is from my day job as a salesman. However, once I start writing I’m constantly looking through my notes. It consists of random thoughts written on scraps of paper scattered on my desk. Part of my cleanup is organizing my notes so not to lose any great idea I might have had.

BK: What is a must-have, such as coffee or a favorite pen, that you need to write?

The only thing I can think of besides my computer is my wireless mouse. I’m constantly looking up information on the web or searching through my manuscript to make sure I am not changing the story incorrectly. It would drive me nuts if I couldn’t just click through multiple websites and manuscript pages with my mouse.

BK: Do you like to write in silence, or do you need music or background noise?

Silence is best for me because I’m easily distracted. My mind can go in a totally different direction if something catches my attention. So being in a quiet place keeps me focused.

BK: Tell us a bit about your hero/heroine, and their development.

The main character is Michael Wells, and the story is told through his eyes. He is well-meaning but he does have his flaws. His main flaw is that he is cheap, and this may come back to bite him in the ass (hint).
He is the one who discovers the secret that his new neighbors are hosting alien visitors. He’s then confronted by the neighbors / aliens who make him a deal that is appetizing to his fondness for money. However, during the ordeal he eventually becomes more sympathetic toward his new friends and helps them more than he would have imagined.

BK: As a writer myself, I'm always curious how other writers get through stumble blocks. When you find a story not flowing, or a character trying to fight you, how do you correct it?

Whenever I find myself with a blank imagination, I go do a running workout on the local high school track. I’m not sure what it is, but when I am out there running all alone it clears my mind, and I’m able to reset my train of thought. About an hour of it does the trick.

BK: Using the letters of your first name as an acronym, describe your book...

Judicious
Imaginative
Mystery


BK: How did your writing journey begin?

I’ve always had a wild imagination, and to tell you the truth, I had always thought it was a detriment. I always felt I was just a dreamer. However, after continuing my education later in life, some of the professors complimented me on my writing. After getting encouragement from my wife, I decided to put that imagination on paper. That combined with my love of science fiction; I set out to write about many of the stories I have bouncing around in my head.


BK: Using the letters from the word, Summer, how would friends and family describe you?

Steady
Unique
Mindful
Modest
Energetic
Runner


BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever written about, whether it got published or not?

The wife of the main character without his knowledge hosts an alien who feeds off him. The name and description of the wife are the same as my wife. She was my inspiration for the character. It was, although, difficult to write about a love scene between her and the main character. Not to give too much away, it wasn’t quite a ‘love scene.’

BK: Tell us one thing you've done in life that readers would be most surprised to know.

I have been a runner who participates in Masters Track meets. In 2004, I took 4th place in my age group at the World Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.



BK: What can we expect from you in the future?

I love to mix the conflict between science and religion, two polar-opposites in philosophy within a story. My next project will show the consequences of an apocalyptic aftermath due to extremes of both science and religion while attempting to show the resilience of people’s resolve to survive and make sacrifices to make things right.


This or That...

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke

Night Owl or Early Bird?

Night Owl

Fantasy or Mystery?

Fantasy

Pen/Paper or Computer?

Computer

Pizza or Burger?

Burger

Rock or Country?

Rock

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate

Beach or Mountains?

Mountains


Thank you so much for having us as one of your stops today. It has been great getting to know more about you and your book, and wish you the best of success!



BK Walker

Book Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Publisher: Sayville Books
Release Date: September 30th
Buy Links: TBA

Description:

When new neighbors, Mike and Ann Wells along with their children CJ and Patricia, move into the southern part of town along the Great South Bay of Long Island, they discover the true identity of their neighbors.

Each of their new neighbors hosts a being from an alien race hiding from the cruelty of enslavement. This mysterious race needs the Wells family to help them navigate the complicated human experience while being concealed from a nosy but well-meaning old priest. But most of all, they must help them from being captured by a corrupt individual looking to make a profit off a race hoping to peacefully secure fuel to stay one step ahead of their former masters.

As the town of Seaville erupts into chaos, Mike and Ann try to keep their new friends concealed and safe. However, time is running out as their former masters search the universe for their lost property and inch closer to Earth.


Picture
Author Bio:

Jim Reilly is a new science fiction / fantasy novelist. He is a married father of four, born and raised in Long Island. After going back to college and finishing with an MBA, some of his professors gave accolades to his writing prowess. With that and encouragement from his wife, he wrote his first novel, Evolution.

The success of Evolution has inspired Jim to continue his writing efforts and finish his next science fiction / fantasy novel, Seaville.

From an early age, Jim always had a fascination with science, science fiction, and fantasy to a point that it became a passion of his. Now he enjoys putting that passion to paper. He has already penned his next book and is working on another.


Author Links -

sayvillebooks.com
jimreillyscifi.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/JimReilly98
www.linkedin.com/in/jimreilly98
www.goodreads.com/author/show/6591359.Jim_Reilly

Scheduling Now (20 Stops)

September 30 - Release Day Party & Giveaway at VBT CafĂ© Blog
October 2 - Spotlight at 3 Partners In Shopping - Nana, Mommy & Sissy Too!
October 7 - Guest Blogging at Mythical Books
October 9 -
October 14 - Spotlight at Deal Sharing Aunt
October 16 - Spotlight at Urania's Distractions
October 18 -
October 21 -
October 23 -
October 27 -
October 29 -
October 31 -
November 3 - Review & Interview at My Life, Loves and Passions
November 5 -
November 7 -
November 10 - Reviewed at The Book Lover's Lounge
November 12 -
November 14 - Spotlight at A Cup of Tea & A Big Book
November 14 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
November 17 - Reviewed at Reading To Distraction
November 21 - Guest Blogging at Dalene's Book Reviews
November 21 - Reviewed at Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock




Thursday, July 17, 2014

Book Blast & Contest/Giveaway - Unleashed by Emily Kimelman

Untitled Document



Choose the Intro to Unleashed

Sydney Rye is coming to Audio and we need your help picking the narrator!
Emily Kimelman's "Sydney Rye" series features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

Haven't read Sydney Rye yet? Download the first book, UNLEASHED, for free on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, or Kobo and see how she sounds in your head then vote for the best narrator!

Voting enters you to win all sorts of great prizes including Amazon gift cards, signed books, and the finished Audio book! Add to your chances of winning by joining Emily's email list, liking her Facebook page, or telling your friends about the contest.

Here are your choices: (Please vote via Rafflecopter Below)

https://soundcloud.com/emily-kimelman-gilvey/sets/sydney-rye-audiobook-intro

Prize Details

Every vote, like, share, or sign up is an entry for the "grand prizes" 
$20 Amazon or BN Gift Card
Copy of the Finished Audiobook

More about UNLEASHED:

UNLEASHED is the first book in Emily Kimelman's best selling Sydney Rye series of mysteries.

When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller's dog-walking business on Manhattan's exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.



But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim--and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.



When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit--cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan's elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.


The Rest of The Sydney Rye Series:

DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2) 
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)
STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Novel, #4)
THE DEVIL'S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Novel, #5) Coming April 2014


Emily Kimelman Biography

Emily Kimelman is the author of the best selling "Sydney Rye" series of mystery novels including UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, INSATIABLE, STRINGS OF GLASS and the forthcoming THE DEVIL'S BREATH. Emily lives with her husband, Sean Gilvey, and their dog, Kinsey Millhone "Pup Detective", on a trawler docked in the Hudson Valley during the summer. She spends her winters traveling to where ever the next Sydney Rye Novel takes place. Right now she is in Costa Rica working on Sydney Rye #6.

If you've read Emily's work and liked it please contact her. She loves hearing from readers. You can reach Emily via email ejkimelman@gmail.com or on twitter @ejkimelman. Follow her on Instagram to see pictures from Emily's latest adventures. Visit www.emilykimelman.com to learn more about Emily and the Sydney Rye series.

Links:

UNLEASHED

Amazon

Goodreads

Kobo

Smashwords

iTunes

Barnes and Noble

Social Media




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Friday, December 13, 2013

Chatting with Astrologist Joan Porte - Signs of the Tines (Book Tour & Giveaway)



"The perfect gift with great recipes for the holidays!" 
~BK Walker, Author of Wolves of Shadow Falls Series

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today.

BK: Looking out the nearest window, describe the scene you see.

My great garden. This is such a wonderful time of year because the pumpkins and squash are growing and there are still tomatoes on the vine. It is a great transition period. The roses are in bloom and the holly berries are ripening. The leaves are falling and there are few determind peppers and eggplants hanging on.

BK: Tell us about your office. Is it a mess like mine, or is everything in its place?

No. I have to have things in order. I am a big list person – I have a list for everything. I think the day that I have a list to keep my lists then I will know I have gone too far.

BK: What is a must-have, such as coffee or a favorite pen, that you need to write?

Something cooking on the stove! You can’t write a cookbook without cracking a heck uv a lot of eggs!

BK: Do you like to write in silence, or do you need music or background noise?

Just the sounds of the butter sizzling and steaks grilling.


BK: Using the letters of your first name as an acronym, describe your book...

J uicy
O riginal
A strological
N ibbles

BK: How did your writing journey begin?

The minute I read my first book.

BK: Using the letters from the word, Summer, how would friends and family describe you?

You would have to ask them.

BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever written about, whether it got published or not?

I tried to make French Onion Soup with lamb not beef – never attempt that at home!

BK: Tell us one thing you've done in life, that readers would be most surprised to know.

I am a Scorpio I never tell secrets.

BK: What can we expect from you in the future?

My podcast, The Astrological Cook on Web Talk Radio




This or That...

Coke or Pepsi?

Neither

Night Owl or Early Bird?

None

Fantasy or Mystery?

Biography

Pen/Paper or Computer?

Both

Pizza or Burger?

Both

Rock or Country?

Neither

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Strawberry

Beach or Mountains?

Ocean

Thank you so much for having us as one of your stops today. It has been great getting to know more about you and your book, and wish you the best of success!



BK Walker






About the Author - Joan Porte

Joan started "playing" with Astrology when she was in grammar school. She always had a fixation with the planets - Pluto being her favorite (surprise she is Scorpio Sun!) Yes, Pluto is still a planet to her! She put her astrology "toys" away when she grew up and went into the "real world," sadly convinced that it was time to do more important things. The universe and her North Node in Sagittarius woke her up in her mid-thirties after which she began an intensive study of Western astrology.

According to Joan, "Modern Man takes for granted the Sun and how its energy propels and sustains life. Moon energy controls the tides yet we ignore the other more personal influences it has on our bodies and lives. We have lost the art of appreciating and reading the stars as messengers from the god and goddess. Humanity has disconnected from its source
and consequently suffers emotionally, spiritually and physically."

"Each person is born with a map - a soul map - that is his or her astrological chart. It is a map through the maze of life that shows the karma we need to balance our soul's desire for a life that leads to enhanced soul growth. I simply read the map - illustrating where you have been and where you are going to make your journey through life less bumpy." With this cook book Joan is combining her astrological knowledge with her lifelong love of cooking in her own inimitable way.


She is the author of the blog
Karmic Astrology.

Her other book is Fortyish: Lessons For the Ages From a Baby Boomer.




Website | Signs Of The Tines FB | Karmic Astrology by Joan Facebook | Blog




Watch Media Videos with Joan



Genre: Astrological Cookbook
Publisher: Soulsign Publishing Company Ingraham Press
Release Date: April 2013
Amazon



Book Description:




A new breed of cookbook that combines personal astrology with a love for preparing and sharing delicious meals. Astrologer and gastronome Joan Porte brings a new, fun twist to cooking by showing anyone who loves to cook how to personalize a menu for your family and friends. Beautiful photographs complement the more than 120 featured recipes organized by zodiac sign. Choose a dish or plan a multi-course meal with selections from: Appetizers, Soups, Pasta, Veggies & Fruit, Meat & Fish, and Dessert for each of the twelve signs. SIGNS OF THE TINES is a heart-warming and mouth-watering invitation to eat in alignment with our stars!
–
Adam Gainsburg / Soulsign



The 295-page book with more than 120 recipes is written to celebrate a unique pairing of food and astrology.
Discover why:

•
Scorpios have a craving for pasta puttanesca
•
Librans feel grounded when they dig into a chocolate mousse parfait
•
Cancerians stand tall with their bowl of Brunswick stew
•
Virgoans set aside their healthy-conscious habits when faced with chocolate raspberry ramekins
•
Aquarians respond to the sustainable fish used in Pollock with berry prosecco sauce
•
Pisceans beat a common ailment when feasting on quinoa with roasted root veggies.

"These recipes are taken from a number of sources; some are family gems, others I've concocted and tweaked over the years," says author Joan Porte.

The home cook will discover how astrology as a source for new food ideas and new ways to entertain friends. And the astrology enthusiast will discover how cooking can be a new use for astrology as a way to add more meaning to the daily ritual of eating we perform to survive and thrive.




Tomatoes Stuffed With Artichokes & Feta

Taurus is a bit confusing when it comes to color. Bulls are drawn to the color red; however, the color associated with Taurus is emerald green, symbolizing the pastures in which they love to laze comfortably. Therefore, I offer here a very red veggie dish with a dash of green.
One of the first dishes I made when I was a kid were tomatoes stuffed with chicken and tuna salads. I thought they were just the neatest things. As I grew as a person and a cook, I encountered many recipes that stuffed tomatoes with some kind of creamy spinach messes or ones that were all breadcrumbs and cheese.

This recipe is my grown-up version of the stuffed tomato that embraces the artichoke as well and is easy enough for the sometimes lazy Taurus to make. (Did I say lazy? Oops. I hope they don’t stampede.)

6 large firm tomatoes*
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 14-ounce cans un-marinated artichoke hearts, diced
3 shallots, diced
3 garlic cloves, diced
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 big basil leaves

Serves 6

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the stems off of the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp, leaving the shell. Set the pulp aside in a small dish. Drain the artichoke hearts in a colander.

Heat the oil in a medium sautĂ© pan over medium heat. Rough chop the tomato pulp and add to the pan; cook down until most of the moisture of the tomato is gone. Add the shallots and garlic and sautĂ© until soft – about 2 minutes. (You may have to drizzle more olive oil into the pan to keep the veggies from sticking.)

Remove the cooked vegetables to a small dish to cool and add the artichoke hearts to the pan. Cook until they begin to turn golden brown. Squeeze the juice of the lemon in a small dish (watch the pits) and pour over the hearts. Let the lemon juice cook down and add the olives. Stir in the oregano and remove immediately from the heat. Add all of the vegetables together in one dish and let the mixture cool to the touch.

Fill the tomatoes ½ way with artichoke mixture, add a layer of feta, fill the tomato to the top with more artichoke mixture and top with more feta. Place a basil leaf on top of each tomato.

Place tomatoes on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and lightly brown.

Serve warm.


*Depending on the size of your tomatoes you may have some artichokes left over. The mixture is great reheated and used as a topping for steaks or salads.






Monday, December 9, 2013

So This Is Christmas! Mistletoe & Murder by Laina Turner (Book Tour & Giveaway)




Laina Turner Mystery Tour
@lturnermolaski 

How much real life is in my fiction writing?

Someone asked me the other day how much of me and/or my friends pop up in the characters I create in my fiction writing. My answer is more than I realize after I read what I am writing. Funny how personal details just seem to sneak in when you don’t expect it.

It’s normal to take the familiar and put a fun twist to it. I have friends who ask to be a character in my books. They find it fun to be a part of something fictionalized. They give me all sorts of ideas on what they want their characters to do, which is a great help. I have a friend who in some form or another has made his way into almost every book I have written. No one but the two of us would ever be able to tell because it mannerisms, habits, personal type details that are slipped in, but we know the details are there and it’s fun.

I also ask my kids for ideas or to help me decide what hair color or eye color to give a character. It makes it a fun family event and increases my mommy cool factor.

Other real life aspects I utilize for my writing is just people watching. I love when I fly because airports are the best places to study people and write down observed eccentricities I may want to use later. Life is much stranger than anything I could ever make up and being observant to details and nuances is what makes me able to write what I do.



About The Author:


Who am I? It kind of depends on the day. I am a human compendium of unrelated things. I used to think I was just weird, had shiny ball syndrome and couldn’t focus, scattered, you name it. Then I decided it was OK to be all over the place as long as each avenue I wanted to explore had meaning and purpose or was fun. So I embrace the fact I am a college professor, a writer of fiction and non-fiction, promoter of other authors, human resource professional, business consultant, mom, and all around interesting person (according to my closest friends).


When I’m not working toward my goals I like, ok fine, LOVE wine, coffee, shopping, and books. I enjoy my kids, they are awesome. I hate the cold but yet live in the mid-west. Vegas is one of my favorite spots as I love to people watch and if I ever get married again it will definitely be in a drive through chapel by a fake Elvis.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin




Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Five Seas Ink
Release Date: November 23, 2011
Amazon

Book Description:

In this short story Presley goes home for Christmas expecting it to be a relaxing holiday until her old boyfriend, Brian, asks for her help finding out who has been stealing from him and it turns from theft to murder. Why would anyone want to kill Tommy and what was he hiding?












Thursday, November 28, 2013

Laina Turner Mystery Tour - Necklaces & Nooses (Giveaway)




Laina Turner Mystery Tour
@lturnermolaski 

About The Author:


Who am I? It kind of depends on the day. I am a human compendium of unrelated things. I used to think I was just weird, had shiny ball syndrome and couldn’t focus, scattered, you name it. Then I decided it was OK to be all over the place as long as each avenue I wanted to explore had meaning and purpose or was fun. So I embrace the fact I am a college professor, a writer of fiction and non-fiction, promoter of other authors, human resource professional, business consultant, mom, and all around interesting person (according to my closest friends).


When I’m not working toward my goals I like, ok fine, LOVE wine, coffee, shopping, and books. I enjoy my kids, they are awesome. I hate the cold but yet live in the mid-west. Vegas is one of my favorite spots as I love to people watch and if I ever get married again it will definitely be in a drive through chapel by a fake Elvis.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin


Genre: Mystery Romance
Publisher: Five Seas Ink
Release Date: March 21, 2010
Amazon

Book Description:

Gently touching the handle of the front door was all it took to make it swing wide open. It was late, after midnight, and everyone in the house except Tom was asleep. As usual, Tom was in his study working late. Walking carefully and quietly through the foyer, the adrenaline began to kick in. The intruder confidently walked into Tom’s study. Tom was concentrating so hard on the papers in front of him that he was unaware of anything else. Raising his hand, the intruder hit a stack of books sitting on a side table, sending them crashing to the floor. Tom spun around with a look of shock on his face as he recognized the person swinging a sharp object toward him. Tom raised his hands to protect himself but he wasn’t quick enough. The spikey end of the stiletto heel punctured his neck instantly, sending a spray of blood over the papers on his desk. He tried to cry out, but all that sounded was a gurgling noise as his lungs filled with blood.

The intruder set the shoe down next to Tom and backed out of the room softly, closing the door to the study and hoped no one would come looking for Tom until morning.