VBT Pit Stop & Review of Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot by Guy Magar

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. Guy. I'm so pleased to take part in your tour. I had the pleasure of reviewing his memoir, Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot. So have a seat, grab a coffee, and let's talk books shall we?

Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot is a memoir about magic...the magic of making movies and the magic of finding true love. 

Movie lovers will discover what it would be like to work in the dream factory, to be a film director, to have an inside peek at Hollywood s inner workings making movies and TV shows. This memoir brings to life the many personalities and stars encountered, and tells the hilarious stories on the rocky road to Hollywood success. 

With production work spanning over 100 credits from shorts to TV shows to feature films, Guy Magar s behind-the-scenes stories range from his first producer turning out to be a Mafia assassin, to shooting in Egypt for the original series Battlestar Galactica, to almost decapitating a young Drew Barrymore after ET, and to almost derailing James Cameron s career (or slowing it down as he proved way too talented for anyone to alter his storied destiny.) This memoir is about living the great American dream, an immigrant s dream to make movies in Hollywood. 

” Kiss me quick before I shoot has been my welcoming catchphrase to my wife Jacqui whenever she visited on-set, seemingly always just before I rolled cameras.” And so this book is also about a deeper magic, the magic of finding a life partner. 

Jacqui and I were married in a beautifully costumed Renaissance-themed wedding. I got to duel in a sword fight to win her hand against hooligans (stuntmen friends) who kidnapped her after she arrived by horse and buggy in front of 300 surprised guests. It was a magical wedding and my Errol Flynn life moment! Now, 28 years later, I am still head-over-heels in love with Jacqui. 

But then, suddenly, Jacqui was diagnosed with leukemia. I immediately moved into the role of caregiver, and my entire 24-hour life focus became Jacqui s healing. We discovered the medical mecca of the City of Hope where we met a world-class gifted doctor who welcomed Jacqui to join their national stem cells trial. We locked up our house, boarded the dog, and moved in to start Jacqui s curative journey back to health. 

DARE TO DREAM! As an immigrant I had Hollywood dreams to become a director and I did...I dreamed of finding true love and I did at 34...and when Jacqui got ill, I dreamed we would find a way to heal her, and we did. People love stories about making dreams come true. I dared to dream! 

This passionate, life-celebrating memoir embraces both love and work within entertaining stories of what it s like to live this dream. Join me on a wild and thrilling rollercoaster ride of a Hollywood film career, of the intoxicating highs of finding and sharing true love, and of the sweet triumph of survival and healing…all rolled into one magical journey!

My Thoughts:


Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot is one of the best memoirs I've read. It was so wonderfully written that I didn't feel like I was reading a memoir, but more like sitting down with Guy listening to him tell me stories about his life as a director and finding his true love. Who knew life as a director could be so darn interesting? I loved hearing all his stories, about his college years, being wild and crazy, and finding his wife, Jacqui, What a wedding that would have been to witness too.  The fact that he was asked to direct Children of the Corn: Revelations, and then found creepy corn growing in his yard was what I would definitely call "irony". I truly enjoyed this book, it was easy to read, kept me turning the pages, had me laughing and even sometimes crying as we learned about Guy and Jacqui, how they found each other, and some of the major trials they had to overcome. They did it though, together! By the way, where can I find a Guy? LOL.


Definitely worth reading so I suggest you grab a copy and start reading, you won't be disappointed.

Guy Magar was nine years old when he left Egypt in 1958. His family immigrated to the U.S., where he grew up in Middletown, New York. Graduating from Rutgers University with a B.A. in philosophy, Guy began his film career at the London Film School. Soup Run, his first short about the homeless, won a Special Jury Prize at the 1974 San Francisco International Film Fest.

In 1978, Guy relocated to Los Angeles to attend the American Film Institute. His first dramatic short, Once Upon an Evening (made for $500 at the AFI) earned him a seven-year deal at Universal Studios. He soon began directing network TV dramas in the action/adventure genre. Guy has over 100 film credits including episodes of series La Femme Nikita, Sliders, The A-Team, Blue Thunder, Fortune Hunter, The Young Riders, Lawless, Hunter, and the CBS pilot/Movie of the Week Dark Avenger. He also directed 35 episodes of the studio daytime drama Capitol. In 1995, Guy was nominated for a Golden Reel Award for his television work on the series Nowhere Man.

Guy’s feature film credits include Lookin’ Italian (starring TV “Friends” co-star Matt LeBlanc and singer Lou Rawls in their first film); Stepfather 3 which launched HBO’s World Premiere Series; and the cult thrillerRetribution which will be released for the first time on DVD on its 25th anniversary on Halloween 2011. His most recent feature directing credit is Children of the Corn: Revelation based on Stephen King’s original story for Dimension Films.

Guy is founder of the Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars, which for the last ten years, has provided the acclaimed “page to screen” industry workshop—a two-day educational overview of the creative filmmaking process. Action/Cut has taught thousands of filmmakers at over 100 weekend seminar events during annual USA and international tours. His seminar is offered as a 12-hour DVD home film course which sells worldwide in stores and online.

Guy is also founder of the annual Action/Cut Short Film Competition, which provides an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their talents. The one-of-a-kind prize packages are designed to help launch film careers and assist in opening industry doors. Action/Cut was one of the first to stream winning films on the Internet, which can be viewed year-round on its website. MovieMaker magazine reviewed the Action/Cut Competition as one of the “Top 10 Shorts Festival in the World for Filmmakers.”

Guy provides a consultancy service for directors and screenwriters, and private coaching for actors. In 2011, Guy published his memoir entitled Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot. He can be reached through thecontact page on this website or at his Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars and Short Film Competition website.

Guy lives in the Hollywood Hills with Jacqui, his beautiful wife of 26 years.

Thanks Guy for sharing your memories with us. You can follow Guy's entire tour HERE for a chance to get to learn more about him.

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VBT Pit Stop & Interview with David Knight - I Am I: The In-Dweller of your Heart

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today from your home in the UK

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

Hi, my name is David and I’m 47 years of age. I’m married to Caroline and we live with our adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky and Missy in Northamptonshire in the UK. In growing up I could describe myself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs really. I don’t feel that I have any airs and graces but just want to help people in their lives, especially through Spiritual education and guidance Whilst I have earned a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, Care Assistant and self-employment) my search for fulfilment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within. My hobbies (when time permits) are DIY, renovating, spending time with family and friends and very rarely now…online PS 3 gaming.

BK: Please tell us a little about your book....

I am I: The In-dweller of your Heart is the first part of at least two books to uplift and inspire one’s soul and heart throughout this roller-coaster called life. It’s like having a reference to guide and lean upon in both happy and sad times. If one is not able to connect with their own heart’s center, one of the 52 lessons will surely help and motivate you to overcome the challenges that we all face. Ultimately, it is for leading you on towards the goal of self- realization of one’s own Divinity, recognizing the permanent bliss and peace within.

BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?

After books one (Pathway) and the sequel (Deliverance of Love, Light and Truth) which were both ‘Channeled’ books, something bizarre occurred. It felt like an even stronger connection to my heart had enveloped me. I had been instructed by my spirit guides that I would hear and sense the words of God flow in, through and from me. It was at that point I knew I needed to write a new book.

BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I guess that was when the first book came to fruition really. It’s interesting though, because from the outside looking in, people often assume that you’re only classed as a writer if you’re being paid for it. Or, if someone writes a Novella then it’s not really classed as a book as such. As with any creative expression you need to have a passion for what you’re doing or else what is being said, painted, built etc will not contain the essence of the true you. I guess it’s for others to judge whether something is worthwhile to them or not. Price / cost shouldn’t really enter into the equation but the materialistic world in which we live in seems to dictate and try to have a hold over us all.

BK: How do you keep your story flowing?

I knew, or rather felt within that there would be 52 lessons to write so I had it quite easy in that respect. I knew at what point the book would end and its actual structure as it were. There aren’t any characters apart from the reader and God…which in fact is one and the same as weird as that may sound! I just wanted to may sure that I didn’t let ‘God’ down in any way, as its difficult sometimes to get that balance of family, work and home responsibilities right in our lives isn’t it?

BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?

Mmm…I didn’t really have set times to write but almost always knew within when I needed too. It was like a pull of the heart strings. Or, something could happen or I could feel emotions within me from what I see or hear. On occasions when my mind has been a bit turbulent or am very tired then when I have started to write the connection to my heart becomes slightly disturbed. If one is unfocused in any way its like looking through Rose colored glasses…you don’t see the true picture. We need to look through the lens of our heart, mind and soul as one. That way we can look, feel and sense the truth.

BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?

I guess most writers like peace and quite and I am probably no different. I used to try and set the scene…incense, candles… soft music etc but nowadays nothing can be better than sitting in the garden on a warm day and feeling God’s words flow from within, while seeing / sensing God in nature all around you.

BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?

Well, many years ago I had a feeling that Spirit wanted me to write 7 books in my life so this is book 3 and 4 to go! A lot of people feel they need fame and fortune but they are just trinkets that adorn the body within the permanent world. Yes I would like to write full time for a living but that would have to be through God’s will not mine. He knows what we need and when and I am sure he’s fully aware of mine! It would be great to be able to have an income from my books. Ideally I would split it into 3 …one third for charity, one third for continued writing / promotion / marketing and making the books as good as they can be …and the rest for living and bills and for helping family and friends too.

BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

I sincerely hope that they will feel the love that is within and all around them. That they can move forward in their lives with an open heart and make all their dreams come true.

BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?

That the power, love, light and the truth is within everyone single one of us and in all ‘life’.

BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?

Don’t give up on your dreams and goals...for it’s only yourself who can stop you from being who you want to be.

BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?

Yes, I am currently working on part 2 of I am I: The In-dweller of your Heart. The lessons are even more amazing (if that is possible) and will make you want to reach beyond the stars from within your heart. Love is simple and everything is simply love too. Tears of joy and hope have flowed while writing it.

BK: Where can readers find you?

The books are on all e-book formats (through Smashwords.com) and they are available from Amazon on paperback / kindle too. I have my blog/ website which is http://AscensionForYou.co.uk/blog

I am also on the social networks Twitter@AscensionForYou and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/AscensionForYou-Spiritual-Guidance-and-Education/147338671945241

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.

It’s been great. I really appreciate your support and I hope that the readers can connect in some way with the interview today! God Bless to all. Thanks Dave

DAVID KNIGHT was born into his current physical embodiment in 1964. He is married to Caroline and they live with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky and Missy in the UK. In growing up he describes himself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs'. Whilst earning a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, a Care Assistant and also self-employment) his search for fulfilment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within.
Spiritual education gained a greater momentum and at the age of 21 a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had set in. New evidence of and from God, were soon revealed through his life experiences. With the aid of Spirit guides and beings from the ethereal planes, the foundations were laid for all who wished to develop and experience their Hearts flame of love and light and to embark upon a unique opportunity for all soul's in this lifetime.

http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AscensionForYou-Spiritual-Guidance-and Education/147338671945241

I am I: The In-Dweller of your Heart is a stepping stone for all who embark upon their own quest for 'Spiritual' education and guidance. So, even if you are comfortable with your own faith and religion, you may have decided to explore new interpretations and such issues on a personal or global scale.
The author David Knight has received and transcribed these passages of text in a process known as 'Inner Dictation'. He describes this as writing from within the connection of his heart where peace, bliss, love and light reign supreme. 
God's wisdom and teachings are laid out before you so you can simply choose and read whenever or whatever your heart needs or desires. They are guidelines, principles and simple directions for you to now dip your toes or dive headfirst into the waters of you're own Divine essence.
These books will form the very threads of life's new tapestry, each being spun into 52 lessons from, to and through our own hearts and soul's. They are like a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, partner or personal friend who knows you better than you can ever know 'yourself'. 
Part 1 is a companion for life which does not judge, condemn or scold, but hopes to encourage, guide, console, teach and remind you of who and what you are, why you live and for what purpose too!

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/-Dweller-Heart-Inner-Dictations-Knight/dp/1466499354/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322343692&sr=8-1

David's book is being launched on 2/2/12 on Amazon. There is an exciting contest that is in effect from now until the Launch.

There are great prizes that are involved:

$100 gift certificate for Amazon toward a Kindle

Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Certificates

Authors can substitute their choice of a video book review or Facebook Welcome page for the Kindle Gift Certificate if they win.

To enter, visit David's blog: http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk/blog

Please fill out the Contest form. You can complete at least one task option to enter
but the more tasks you complete, the more entries you will have.

Giveaway:

There is the free e-book to down load of Deliverance of Love, Light and Truth at Smashwords… here is the link http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/15380

Follow David's Tour HERE

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VBT Pit Stop with Rachel Thompson - Review of Mancode: Exposed & Kindle Giveaway

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc Rachel! Today I had the pleasure of reading Rachel's newest release, Mancode:Exposed. I enjoyed reading A Walk In The Snark, read my review HERE,  so much that when she asked me to review the next installment I jumped on it. So welcome Rachel and let's check out Mancode:Exposed!

Is it possible to truly expose men? 

Men, women, sex, love, stereotypes. Important world topics like garages, lingerie, and um, chocolate? It's a melting pot (okay, now you're just getting hungry)...

But more than that, it's about all the levels in which we communicate...viewed through Thompson's looking glass of humor and deconstructed with her special brand of snark.

Thompson explores controversial questions like: Can we outrun our DNA? Will we women always be slaves to our talkative nature (après sex)?  Will men never be free of the chains of emotional withholding? Can we transfer man's paper towel changing abilities from garage to kitchen? 

"Women see a man scratching his stuff and want to run away. Quickly. Men see a woman rearranging her breasts, he's mesmerized. Imagine that." 

My Review:


According to the dictionary, the definition of Snark is - Combination of "snide" and "remark". Sarcastic comment(s). Also snarky (adj.) and snarkily (adv.)


According to me, the definition is RachelintheOC, Rachel Thompson, Mancode vs. Chickspeak, A Walk In The Snark, Mancode Exposed! 


I absolutely just love the work of Rachel Thompson. Not only is she an amazing person, her writing is witty, humorous, and OMG Brilliant! Where the heck does she come up with this stuff? She never fails to bring a smile to one's face and if you have followed her blog or read her first book, A Walk in the Snark, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't done either of the above, well let me tell you, you're missing out on some good stuff. So hop on over to www.rachelintheoc.com, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! You will love it!


In Macode Exposed Thompson hits more on the man aspect of her rants and deconstruction, but boy oh boy is she right on. Don't fret guys, she also incorporates some Chickspeak as well. From a man's personal domain - his garage, to California Barbies, to a guys "One Size Fits All Fix It" box, you are sure to be laughing with her antics and explanations!


Rent-A-Husband was brilliant though I really love the idea of a Cabana boy. I absolutely loved Mark on the World, where men may actually need to be marking their territories. It just goes on and on, and I'm telling you this is stuff you need to get your hands on, guys and gals alike. I believe with Thompson's books, it may just open up the lines of communication in relationships, which let's admit it, that's where many fall short, (no she's not a therapist, but what better way to crack that code than with humor and a book to prove it?)!


I absolutely give Mancode Exposed 5 stars, and highly encourage you to buy it, buy A Walk In The Snark, and watch for her upcoming releases which I know she will not disappoint. You'll be glad you did.

I'm a chick who writes stuff that makes you laugh. My blog has been nominated for funniest blog this year. I've been told I write in the style of that Dickens guy. Kidding.

I'm a mom, a wife, and a recovering pharmaceuticals rep. It's been a long process but I'm doing okay, thanks. 

I usually write about men (The Mancode), marriage, kids, being a mom, living in the OC (ya know--being a pale redhead living in a sea of blondes) and vodka. Not necessarily in that order depending on the day.

I also write occasionally about serious stuff, like the death of someone I once loved or lost love--so don't be shocked if you come visit and don't see the funny. 

Don't come here looking to find advice about how to be sweet or nice. I'm pretty much allergic to both of those words.

If you want to learn how to find humor in everyday life, well, I'm really not your girl either. Mostly I just laugh at stuff and make up words (See "Refrigeratoritis and Manesia.") Yet somehow it all seems to work.

And don't call me cute. (Hint: babies and puppies are cute. Grown women are not.)

www.rachelintheoc.com

Giveaway Time!

Follow Rachel's tour HERE. Be sure to introduce yourself in a comment, she loves to hear from readers! PLUS - for every comment you leave along her tour, you also get  an entry to win a brand new Kindle at the end of her tour where one lucky winner will be randomly drawn! WOOHOO!

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Giveaway & Interview with Emlyn Chand - Farsighted

Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. Emlyn. I'm so pleased to have you here taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today.

Emlyn is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. She is also offering one lucky commenter from her entire tour to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card, YAY! Who couldn't use some new books or gadgets?

Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

BK:  Please tell us a little bit about your current release...
EC:  Farsighted tells the story of Alex Kosmitoras. Here’s my mini teaser:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

BK:  What inspired this particular novel/book?
EC:  Everything started with a single image—my face in these tacky oversized sunglasses reflecting out at me from the car’s side mirror. I was daydreaming while my husband drove us across Michigan for my sister’s wedding. Something about my image really struck me in an almost horrific way. I felt the glasses made me look blind but found it so weird that there was still a clear image within them; it seemed so contradictory. At the time, my book club was reading The Odyssey, which features the blind Theban prophet, Tieresias. I started thinking about what it would be like to have non-visual visions of the future and began forming a modern Tieresias in my mind. Lo and behold, Alex Kosmitoras was born. I didn’t want him to be alone in his psychic subculture, so I found other characters with other powers to keep him company. Thank God for my poor fashion sense.
BK: Sounds fascinating!

BK:  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
EC:  I was born with a fountain pen grasped firmly in my left hand, at least that’s what my Twitter bio says. But seriously, I do believe writers are born into the craft—we haven’t got much choice, but it’s a great calling to have. As a child, I always had a story to tell. I also loved illustrating my own books and comics. I first became a writer writer when I began doing a book review column for the local paper. That taught me the importance of deadlines and letting the words flow out even when I had no idea what direction they’d take me in.

BK:  How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?
EC: One thing I hear from readers quite a bit is that the paranormal seems normal in Farsighted. They don’t question the existence of the powers, and it doesn’t seem out there like some other books of the genre do. That was important to me. I wanted my story to be run by the characters, not the fantastic elements. This is a story about Alex, not about a blind psychic.

BK:  What was the hardest thing about writing this story?
EC:  The hardest part was getting started! I spent about three months trying to talk myself out of writing Farsighted. It’s too ambitious, my inner critic pointed out. You’ll never get it done, not in the way it deserves to be done, it pressed. But there was another part of me that couldn’t resist; I knew I had to at least try before giving up. So glad I decided to be an optimist for a change!
BK: The inner critic can sometimes be the worst. Glad you won out on that :).

BK:  What character was your favorite to write for in this story? Why?
EC:  Shapri. She is the kind of the person I wish I could have been back in high school. She’s strong, always true to herself, and won’t let anyone disrespect her. Sure, she has fears, but we all do. Shapri is the kind of girl I would love to be friends with. You know she’ll always go to bat for you when you’re too tired to step up to the plate. As for more romance brewing, you can count on it.

BK:  Which was your favorite scene to write?
EC:  Definitely, definitely the big show-down scene at the end. I can’t say more, or it’ll give the story away!

BK:  Will this become a series? If so, what inspired it to be a series?
EC:  Yes. It’s a 5-book series. There was just too much story to be told and too many great characters to explore. Plus YA series are a ton of fun!

BK:  Now for a little fun, and into your everyday life, What is a day in your life like?
EC:  Really, my day is quite simple. Wake up (usually anywhere from 2 AM to 6 AM depending on how much I need to get done). Work until 7 PM. Eat dinner with my husband. Either watch television or read a book until I fall asleep. Repeat on loop. When I’m actively writing (as opposed to editing or marketing my work), I like to write at least 1 1/2 hours first thing in the morning. I go to Biggby or Panera to get it done. The rest is devoted to my burgeoning business, Novel Publicity.


Hey, didn’t somebody important say, “far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing?” I don’t mind having to give-up the other parts of my life to pursue my work, because I love it. I know I’ll eventually need to achieve a better balance, but for now, I’m content to push the pedal to the metal.

BK:  What do you like to do when you're not writing?
EC:  I like to watch Glee and eat Taco Bell. I also run a 400-member book club that reads the classics.
BK: Mmmm. Love those stop sign tacos from TB. Book club? You are a busy woman :).

BK:  What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?
EC:  Hmm... Well, up until quite recently, I was a shy and socially awkward person. I felt very nervous participating in social interactions and was constantly sticking my foot in my mouth and giving it a good chew. At some point, I adopted the policy fake it until you make it and forced myself into extraversion. Novel Publicity has really brought me out of my shell. I had to get over my social anxiety if I wanted my business to take off, so I did, and it did.
BK: YAY YOU! I find that happens with a lot of writers. They are shy until the marketing begins, including myself lol.

BK:  What do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
EC:  I LOVE YA—I read it, write it, love it! JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and JD Salinger are classic faves. I’m currently reading Matched by Ally Condie and am absolutely loving it. Next up is the Tiger series by Colleen Houck, another set of books I anticipate greatly enjoying.

BK:  Please tell us one piece of advice you were given as an author that you carry with you when you write?
EC:  Always believe in your work while always trying to make it better :-D

BK:  What is one piece of advice you can give to aspiring writers/authors?
EC:  My advice is this:  Have fun with your writing. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your story and don’t try to fit either into some type of mold. Not every work HAS to be published, but every work will teach you something, and it will make you a better writer. Find the joy in writing, and you won’t go wrong.

BK:  What are you currently working on?
EC:  Farsighted is a 5-book series. Each book will be told from a different character’s point-of-view, so in book #2, we’ll actually be able to see what Grandon looks like! Next up is Open Heart. I hope to have that ready by the middle of next year.

BK:  Where can readers connect with you?
EC:  Here’s my link-laden bio: Emlyn Chand is the president of Novel Publicity and a YA author. She loves to hear and tell stories and emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). Her first novel Farsighted released in late 2011 and is of the YA genre. Learn more about Emlyn at www.emlynchand.com or by connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or GoodReads.
Author Website: www.emlynchand.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emlynchand

Twitter: www.twitter.com/emlynchand

GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/emlynchand

Google+: www.gplus.to/emlynchand

Novel Publicity: www.novelpublicity.com

SUPER AWESOME BOOK TRAILER: http://youtu.be/tZjskE5zjzM

Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.


Excerpt: This is from chapter 3. I call it “fight.”

I sulk into school the next day, irritated about the way my brain’s been malfunctioning lately and embarrassed by how I’ve been around Simmi. The last thing I need is more problems. I head into first period attempting to disappear. No such luck.

“You better watch yourself, Kosmitoras,” Brady Evans growls. I wasn’t even aware he had entered the class, but now here he is, uncomfortably close to my desk.

I don’t say anything. I don’t want to encourage him. Even the slightest word taken out of context might set him off. The bell rings, but the teacher hasn’t come in yet. The other students are milling about, whispering excitedly.

“You’re lucky you’re a cripple, freak, or I’d—” Brady says. Why is he still here? I didn’t do anything to make him angry. Some of the students start taunting Brady, telling him to throw a punch at me. Brady laughs; clearly he loves the attention.

After a moment, the whispering stops. Brady’s moved away from my desk so fast I hardly even realized it. I decide to let the whole thing go, but then footsteps come toward me again, carrying with them the scents of Axe deodorant spray and dried sweat. Brady seems intent on a confrontation. Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint him.

Slyly, I nudge the end of my cane across my seat and into the aisle. Not sticking out far enough to be noticed but still far enough to get in the way.

Thud! Brady trips and falls headlong down the aisle.

Ha, always wanted to do that. Sometimes blindness comes in handy. No one would ever guess this wasn’t an accident.

“You better watch yourself, Kosmitoras,” Brady growls, back on his feet now.

“You better watch yourself, Evans,” I hiss back, drawing out the S at the end of Evans. I’m a venomous cobra, ready to spring at the slightest hint of danger.

The bell rings. Wait didn’t the bell already ring? Haven’t I been here before?

The other students in the class are milling about, whispering excitedly.

“You’re lucky you’re a cripple, freak, or I’d—” Brady says.

“Or what?” I challenge, rising to my feet while wrapping my knuckles around the handle of my cane and solidifying my grip. I’ve had enough, and besides, what have I got to lose by standing up to him? If anything, a fight with Brady could improve my social standing.

The whispering grows louder. Some of the students start taunting Brady, telling him to throw a punch at me.
Brady laughs arrogantly, “or I’d make you sorry.” He cracks his knuckles as if his words weren’t clear enough.

“I’m not a cripple, but I am going to make you sorry,” I shout, bringing the end of my cane down hard on Brady’s toes.

I can tell it hurt, but Brady doesn’t make any noise to indicate it. He’s too much of a tough guy. Instead, he punches me in the stomach.

I don’t feel anything except a pulsing pain in my middle. And anger, a lot of anger. I raise my cane again and thwack Brady higher up—his face, his neck, I don’t care as long as it hurts.
This time he cries out in pain.

Now, I’m laughing. This is what he deserves, since he just couldn’t leave me alone.
The teacher comes into the classroom. The other students grow quiet, waiting to find out what she’ll do.
Brady punches me in the nose. There’s a crack as he makes contact with the bone. Blood spurts out from my nostrils and flows into my mouth—guess I’ve gotten my daily dose of iron now. I almost throw up, but before I can, the teacher is pulling me and Brady out of the classroom by the collars of our shirts and walking us down the hall toward the principal’s office.

Giveaway:

Follow Emlyn's tour for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. One lucky commenter will be randomly drawn at the end of her tour and maybe that will be you. You can access her tour schedule HERE. To enter, just leave a comment with your email address. Good luck.

Thank you so much for stopping in Emlyn. It truly has been a pleasure. I wish you much success in the future and can't wait to learn even more about you :).

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Rise and Fall of a Track Star by Omegia Keeys - Review

From Pan Am Game bronze medal winner to All American, Omegia Keeys was once touted in Track Magazine as one destined for greatness, but walked away from it all. Rise and Fall of a Track Star is Omegia’s firsthand account leading her to the breaking point. For years Omegia held on to the shame of a dirty little secret, one too common in the African American Community. 

Through her memoirs Omegia takes you on a journey through her childhood onto her adult years. Her struggles as a teenage mother is only a checkmark on the list of life altering experiences, ones she hopes young girls and woman can learn from. 

Omegia has one goal with her story, to educate, help others, and to release the long carried shame. 




My Review:


Rise and Fall of a Track Star by Omegia Keeys was definitely not what I was expecting. This title will have you feeling so many emotions as you flip through the pages. I give her credit for putting it all out there like she did. 


There were times I was angry at her mother, then at her friends, because really? How could friends do that to you? In the end though, I was left with a strong respect for Omegia and her Mother, feeling sorry for all this woman and child had to endure yet amazed at the strength she portrayed through it all.


If you are not touched by this story, then you are just completely heartless. Instead of her experiences breaking her, she found the strength to survive. Kudos Omegia! There are several messages involved in her story, the one that stands out for me is to never let your dreams die. This is a very fast paced, intriguing story that you will find you can't put it down until you are finished just to see how it all ends. She holds nothing back and I can only imagine how hard it was to write it all down, then bare it for the world to see. I highly recommend Rise and Fall of a Track Star, giving it 5 lattes!

Entrepreneur, Award Winning Author, Publishing Liaison, and Motivational Speaker are just a few of the makings of Omegia Keeys. After serving two terms in the military Omegia went on to apply her strategic planning to the publishing industry for the past five years. She has garnered numerous awards and praise to include theScribe Award for the National Black Book Festival and ranking in the top 100 books of 2010. She is currently on tour promoting her memoir Rise and Fall of a Track Star and finishing up the sequel entitled Single, Black, and Government Owned.


From The Mind of Omegia

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