I Got Tagged, and, Mini Book Reviews, Blogtour Announcements, and a Help, Help Me!

 

Holy Schmoly! The weekend is upon us again, and I got tagged by Clay @The Clay Wheel . He was one of few or maybe many who actually finished his Camp NaNo Wri Mo successfully. I actually got to 40 thousand-and-some words before a migraine invited itself into my head the last week. But hey, I got a good working draft out of it.

So since I’ve gotten tagged, which I hate having to deal with I need to harass  find some other willing peeps to participate in this game.

The one good thing about this game, there isn’t any rules. Well, not that I read but then again I’m known to have some major moron moments and miss a lot of important information. But I do have questions to answer.

What is the working title of your book? I’ve got two books. One is finished except for proofreads, formatting, more proofreads, a download to Amazon, and Create Space. That one is Secondhand Shoes. My new project is Dear Mommy.

Where did the idea come from? Both books were inspired by people, places, and things in my life but all my characters’ personalities are on steroids. Other than that, I plead the fifth. People can’t possibly be as dumb or bad like they are in my books. But then again…watch the news.

What genre does your book fall under? Secondhand Shoes is a hybrid of sorts. It falls under paranormal-thriller-action-packed-slapstick-comedy with a touch of romance.

Dear Mommy is a definite thriller with a hint of humor. A guinea pig and some really dumb peeps make it funny and lightens the heavy load in this one.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie? Secondhand Shoes- Lila, it would’ve been Brittany Murphy. Gram..um…Patty Duke or Shirley McClain. Babs. That’s easy. Meryl Streep. Mrs. Butz. That’s easy, too. Jessica Lang. B.J. That’s easy, too. The maturing, Brad Pitt. Max…a younger Sean Penn or a younger Christian Bale (I have a tendency to live in the eighties)-but this book is written from the eighties perspective.

Dear Mommy. Haven’t thought about that yet. I hear mostly voices when I write. Very distinct ones. Later I’ll figure out what those voices look like.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book? Oh crap! I hate questions like this. Secondhand Shoes:  Psychic/medium ignores her dead Gram’s advice, gets married, and spends her honeymoon on a deadly run from her groom.

Dear Mommy: Two grandmas embark on a dangerous adventure to save their baby grandson from a drug dealer.

Will your books be self-published or represented by an agency? Secondhand Shoes will be self-published. Dear Mommy. The jury is still out on that one. I’m glad there is more than one possibility.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Secondhand Shoes: 2 years. It took four years total to perfect it afterward.

Dear Mommy: 45 days.

Who or what inspired you to write this book? I’ll plead the fifth again. I already gave enough info away.

What else about your book would pique reader’s interest? I wished I could say because I’m the goddess of writing, and I wrote it. ***grins*** In Secondhand Shoes you’ll watch the main character progress from a mouse to a lion. She wouldn’t be in her situation if one, she would have followed her heart,and two, if she would have spoken her mind to begin with. And how many of us have done this? ***raise my hand***

Dear Mommy- A baby is in danger because of his moronic pill-head parents gnaws at my stomach. How about yours? Will baby C.J. ever be safe? Will his grandmothers be able to save and protect him? And will they be able to get over themselves in the process? One grandma is a Baptist who blames the other for her son’s demise and is fiery. The other one is a hippy who recites positive affirmations and seeks her pendulum for the right thing to do.

Okay. Who am I going to pick to tag? Eanie-meanie-minie-mo. Pick a tiger by its toe. If he hollers, let him go…Um… How about I pick these peeps out next time? I’ve got other things to get to today.

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Mini Book Reviews

She Who Hunts, by C.L. Parks

Snarky chic goes into temporary hiding when creepy-demon-possessed-hubby tries to kill her. Snarky chic is taken under the wing of her soon-to-be-Skinwalking-soul-mate and meets up with long lost family. And she discovers she’s the Dark Slayer from a prophecy. In the meantime, demons are on the lose eating citizens and people close to snarky chic. She gets mad and seeks revenge.

This was a good smooth read except for a few missing words and some spelling mistakes. The storytelling was excellent. I wanted to read more with every coming chapter.

Last year, I gave a this author a bad review on A Repeating Life. She redeemed herself in this one. This book gets Twenty-Five Shelly Stars, a handshake, and a giant bag of chocolates. Redemption is a good thing.

You can find this for your Kindle for 99 cents HERE

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Blood Fugue, by E.J. Wesley

Hooty-hoot-hoot! Loved this one. Read it in about three hours in between heads of hair loppings.

Very snarky, foul mouthed MC gets a strange call from someone. Later on she discovers its her grandfather who she thought was dead. She drags her sidekick to his house to find him in a wheelchair and a half eaten horse. The mystery, what did this? Better yet, who is her grandfather? Lot of great twists with a lot of humor sandwiched between some blood and gore. You won’t want to put this down. Not even to go to the bathroom.

This is a smooth and fast paced read with an excellent twisted plot. Hooty-hoot-hoot! That’s Shelly-language for I really, really, really loved it. I give this one Twenty-Five Shelly Stars, a big hug, and a bite from my most favoritist (it’s a word if I say it is) organic dark chocolate bar.

You can find this on Amazon for 99 cents HERE

***brow waggles***

Also the author is having a Bury the Hatchet Blogfest and Give-away. He’s giving away some fancy-good-stuff like a Nook. Holy schmoly, Batman! You need to go check this out! Click on the link below.

CLICK ME

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This is a reminder that Gwen Gardener will be having a blogtour, October 8th – 31st. Interested? Click the link below.

CLICK HERE

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More announcements

My good friend, Lorelei Bell, author of Vampire Ascending and Vampire’s Trill has unleashed some more vampires on the public.

Get me for 99 cents HERE

Get me for 99 cents HERE

 

And fellow blogger, unique teacher of writing wisdom, author Roland Yeamons has released his new book.

Get me for 99 cents HERE

I also suggest to go and visit his blog Writing in the Crosshairs.

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Misha Gericke at My First Books has a message for everyone about those PITA word verifications. Go check it out! I couldn’t agree more about those buggers.

***

Please help me! Please, fellow blogger buddies!

Secondhand Shoes is in its last stages before I release it. I know I did a cover reveal over at my other blog but I didn’t ask for help but…

I’m going to do another cover reveal. However, I don’t do techie-thingies and thing-a-majiggers all that well. So anyone interested in helping do the reveal? Please leave a comment, your interest in doing so, and how to get in contact with you so I can send you the info.

Your name will be put in a drawing for a free 10 dollar Amazon card. I’ll be doing the reveal on Friday, October 13th.

I hope I didn’t overwhelm everyone’s circuits today.

Sir Poops and Hair Ball will see you all onTuesday.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

Sir Poops and Hair Ball: What’s Your Nosh Tuesday, Author Jill Twigg

SPAL: It’s that time again. Another Tuesday when my stupid brother, Hair Ball and I help promote new and/or Indie author’s published works or something they’re working on from their MS.

HB: Yeah. We do this for nosh. And I’m not stupid, pansy boy. Anyway to show that, I’ve been thinking.

SPAL: You? Think? That’s hardly possible.

HB: Well, I thought if I offered my most prized possession we could get some really good eats. If you noticed, the cups worked well last week. Mr. Barry was generous. This time I’m going to offer my ball. Oh how I love this toy.

SPAL: You part with your ball? You share? We’ll see about that. Today, we’ve got Jill Twigg coming over. I think I see her now. Anyway, Mummsy knew her thirty years ago and lost contact over the years. They found each other via FaceBook.

HB: That’s so cool and she writes, too.

SPAL: And is published. Please give Jill Twigg a warm welcome everyone. ***SPAL and HB clap their paws.***

HB: I’ll be glad to give you my beautiful ball, nice lady, if you give me your nosh…I mean what do you like to nosh on while you write?

JT: I don't particularly like to nosh on anything unless I'm having a little writer's block.

HB: ***gasps and hovers over his ball***

SPAL: So when you get this writer’s block what do you do then?

JT: If I'm in a writer's block moment, I like to nosh on something crunchy.  To me and it may be only me, it does seem to get the creative juices flowing.  Maybe it's just that movement of my jaw, LOL...... so I'm thinking maybe a piece of gum would have done the trick rather than potato chips or chex mix.

HB: Gum?

SPAL: So chewing is linked to creative juices flowing? I knew it. I like peppermint gum. It’s good except when it gets stuck in my tail. That’s always a problem.

HB: Me, too. But what about potato chips and Chex Mix? I’ll be glad to give you my beloved ball for them.

JT: Any kind of movement usually does the trick for me as well.  I will get up and maybe wash the dishes or just walk around my apartment (actually I'm pacing); but it works for me if I'm having trouble writing a certain scene.

HB: You could always chase my beloved ball around your apartment. But you have to give up your potato chips and Chex Mix first.

SPAL: ***he shoos his paws at HB*** You’re doing it again. Stop!

HB: What? I’m being nice. And I’m willing to give up something I absolutely adore.

SPAL: I apologize for my stupid brother, nice lady. Please tell us, do you have any books published.

JT: Yes. My book The Dublin Destiny was published in January of this year.  You can find it at La Cajun Stuff in the Southland Mall in Houma, LA.  Also they are available at tatepublishing.com andamazon.com.  Goodreads.com also has it listed on their site.
Here’s the link: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613465615

SPAL: Thank you for sharing with us, nice lady.

JT: Thank you so much for letting me participate on your blog.  I appreciate the chance to get some more exposure.

HB: Hey! What happened to the fair exchange deal?

More Feebies

Today and tomorrow, Norma Beishir is giving lots of her books away for FREE.

Alexander's Empire There was a problem with the first freebie so if you have the original one I suggested, you can get another free copy.

Unicorn's Daughter

Have a great day all!

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

Sir Poops-A-Lot and Hair Ball: What’s Your Nosh Tuesday, Author Barry Parham

 

SPAL: Guess what?

Hair Ball: What?

SPAL: I’m back for another What’s Your Nosh Tuesday. And this time you didn’t succeed in stuffing me into the Great White Watery Abyss of Torture. You’re so stupid.

HB: So. You’re a pansy.

SPAL: I ‘m here to support the new and Indie authors and their published works or anything they’re working on. I’ll be glad to share it with the whole world.

HB: Yeah. For nosh. That’s why I’m here.

SPAL: ***rolls his eyes*** Today, we’ve got Barry Parham.

HB: Yeah. Mummsy says he’s a funny man.

SPAL: Yes. He is that. Let’s give him a big welcome without jumping on him or hugging his leg. Do you think you can handle that, stupid?

HB: ***sticks out his tongue***  Pansy.

SPAL: Whatever. Just mind your p’s and q’s today. ***he looks down at HB and turns to look at Barry*** Nice to meet you.

 

HB: Yeah. Nice to meet you. What did you bring us…I mean what do you like to nosh on when you write?

BP: Vanilla wafers, often; hazelnut coffee, usually; sugar-free Jolly Ranchers, always.

HB: Coffee with cream and sugar? Vanilla wafers…mmm…***he looks at SPAL*** What’s sugar-free?

SPAL: ***elbows his brother***

HB: What?

SPAL: Can you explain to us if it Is crunchy or soft, kind sir.

BP: The wafers are crunchy, and if I get very muddled in the early morning, so is the coffee.

HB: Mmm. Crunchy coffee and wafers. I want some. Are the wafers salty or sweet?

SPAL: ***cocks his brow at HB***

HB: I didn’t do anything wrong.

BP: Sweet!

SPAL: Kind sir, do tell us if it gets your creative juices flowing? Mummsy eats and listens to music and some times she keeps it quiet to get hers going. Of course I help out by sitting right beside her.

BP: I don’t think the food has a clue what I’m doing. Come to think of it, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.

HB: How could you possibly not know what you’re doing? ***he tilts his head*** I know what I’m doing. Where’s the wafers?

SPAL: Yeah. ***he glances down at HB again*** We know that. ***he turns his attention back to Barry*** Please tell us sir, do you have any books published? If so, what are they? Where can we find them?

BP”Here’s a link to my five humor collections at amazon.com, including my newborn, Full Frontal Stupidity:

http://www.amazon.com/author/barryparham

Here’s a link to last week’s humor column (Also Sprach Bacon Bits)

http://barryparham.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/also-sprach-bacon-bits/

HB: ***Brings out two coffee cups and a sign. *** We except donations. Got any wafers, nice man?

BP: ***drops something in the two cups***

SPAL:  *** he burrows his snout into the cup.***

HB: God bless you, nice man.

Another FREEBIE

Today is the last day to get author Norma Beishir’s, Alexander’s Empire for FREE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK AND AN AWESOME BOOK REVIEW

Sir Poops and Hair Ball will be here tomorrow checking out the nosh.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

Sweetman Says

Today, I thought I’d share on my trip to the Dali Museum. I haven’t gone since their move to the new building.

Its pretty awesome and modern looking. The old building was…well…just an ordinary building. It was the right size to house Dali’s work of art which by the way Sweetman says, “He was one weird dude.”

Sweetman says, “I’d never buy any of his art. But I do like his work 1923 and before.”

Well, I can’t say that I would either. Dali had a tendency to draw or paint enlarged genetalia in the strangest places in his pictures. Subliminal-like. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to share any pictures. The museum doesn’t allow anyone to photograph Dali’s masterpieces.

Dali also had a fascination with Freud, math, and the sciences. I also noticed he had a thing for St. Helena, skeleton keys, and pocket watches. IHe would some how interject them into his paintings. Oh and I can’t forget his mustache. He had a fascination with that, too. The picture below, is a bench shaped like his famous facial hair.

Sweetman and I were a bit disappointed with the entrance fee. It cost us 21 dollars a piece for one whole floor of his work. I so wanted to see his murals that hung in the old building. The ones where you could walk to the right then to the left and then back up. Each movement unveiled a different painting. They weren’t there. ***frowns***

But there was a great labyrinth . It took ten minutes to get through.

Hedges lined a sandy trail.

There were messages on the trail. I accepted it as a for-only-me-message since I’m feeling like I’m going to jump out of my skin with the coming release of my book, Secondhand Shoes. Maybe Dali was directing me to pay attention to the message below. I wouldn’t be surprised if he even felt like giving up on his art at times. His work definitely revealed that he went against the norms of society.

So I stayed on the trail.

I made my way out and found a tree with some interesting paper tassels.

There were also some really great palm trees. Perfect, in fact.

Here are some more pics.

 

The next pic is of me. I’m more of a project in the works.

Anyway, Sweetman says, “I know where all the good things are.” But he also says, “What stinks in the kitchen?” He usually says this when he comes home from work and I’m in the kitchen cooking.

I was surprised that he offered to read Secondhand Shoes after the edits were finished…well, the word and sentence edits. After reading twenty-seven chapters of it he says, “This is good for a chic book.”

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I’ll be hair lopping during most of it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going to a mini seminar in the morning put on by FWA. it’s a free one since all the issues with my daughter and Glowstick, I won’t be going to the three day event in October. For one day, it’s 200 dollars versus 319 dollars for the weekend which doesn’t include the hotel accommodations.  ***frowns***

Glowstick is getting so big. He’s 9 months now and has 2 toofies.

Have a great weekend and Happy Rosh Shoshanna (Happy Jewish New Year)! I’ll be lurking around.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

NEW Book, too. Norma Beishir's, Alexander’s Empire will be out this weekend on Amazon. Sorry. I don’t have a link. It probably won’t be up until tomorrow or later today.

Sir Poops-A-Lot and Hair Ball: What’s Your Nosh Tuesday, Author AM Sawyer

Hair Ball here today. Just to let you know, I’ve tied up Sir Poops today and stuffed in the Great White Watery Abyss of Torture. I’m going to get my nosh one way or another. I’m sick and tired of that pansy getting in my way with his ‘we’re here to help new and Indie authors promote their published work  or share an excerpt from their current MS.’ Blah-blah-blah.

Today, we’ve got AM Sawyer, and he better give up some foodie. Or else! Here he comes now. Everyone, give him a warm welcome!

 

HB: Nice to have you. ***He Jumps and jumps up Mr. Sawyer’s legs*** Where’s the nosh…I mean what do you like to nosh on when you write?

AS: Actually, I do not tend to nosh on anything while writing.  I do however, love to main line coffee.  Morning, Noon, or night, if I'm writing something, I have coffee!

HB: Hmm…coffee. I think I’ve heard of it before. Is it crunchy or soft? 

AS: As its a beverage, I think it would be soft.  Although there was this one time I didn't have anything but coffee flavored candy...It wasn't the same, and I didn't get any writing done, but I tried.

HB: Candy sounds good. I know what that it is. Daddy-O eats Twizzlers. Is this coffee salty or sweet?

AS: Gotta have my spoonful of sugar and some nice milk (NOT Creamer!!!), so definitely sweet coffee.

HB: I want some sugar. You got any on you? Really, you need to cough something up today. I do you a favor. You do me one. ***He jumps up and down looking in Mr. Sawyer’s pockets*** You have to have something for me. Does this coffee with sugar and milk get your creative juices flowing?

AS:Not only flowing, but sometimes shaking, spinning, twirling.....It depends on how much I drink in the beginning.

HB: I like to spin. That sounds like a really fun food. Could it make me jump higher?

AM: ***Mr.Sawyer raises his brows and clears his throat***

HB: ***lands on his feet immediately*** Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. ***he gives a smile***Do you have any books that are published? If so, what are they? Where can we find them?

AS: Yes, yes I do.  Let's see what the list is.  I'll do them in the order they were published:

1: The Disaster that is Emotion: A Poetry Book published in print only, October 2006.
    There are definitely still copies floating around, but it is officially out of print.
    If you really want a copy, the cheapest I've seen copies for is $20 on Amazon, but there may be cheaper places.  Link for amazon is right below.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Disaster-That-Is-Emotion/dp/1424154324/ref=la_B007SQWEH6_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342729418&sr=1-1

2: Lord of the Mullets:  A novel, part 1 of the Trailer Country Trilogy, published in both print and as an eBook.  January 2012.  You can find both the print version and the eBook at most online retailers.  Amazon link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Mullets-Trailer-Country-Trilogy/dp/1475063369/ref=la_B007SQWEH6_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342729621&sr=1-2

3.  Fairy vs Leprechaun: The Battle for Faith - A short story published as an ebook only (Print coming in August), March 2012.  Found anywhere eBooks are sold.  Amazon link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Leprechaun-Battle-Faith-ebook/dp/B007IX20T6/ref=la_B007SQWEH6_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1342729796&sr=1-4

4.  Worse:  A short story published as an eBook only, March 2012.  Found anywhere eBooks are sold.  Amazon Link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Worse-ebook/dp/B007IX1ZEW/ref=la_B007SQWEH6_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1342729921&sr=1-5

5. Sword of Time: Book 1 of the Ancient Blades Saga - A novel published in both print and eBook, April 2012.  eBook can be found anywhere they are sold, but for now, the print version is only available at Amazon.  Link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Time-Ancient-Blades-Volume/dp/1475133022/ref=la_B007SQWEH6_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342730090&sr=1-3

Please note that you can arrange to purchase autographed copies of all printed books, and purchase my eBooks directly from me, plus learn more about me, my work, and other cool stuff going on at:

http://www.amsawyer.com

Keep an eye out this Fall, as I expect to have completed and released my next novel entitled:

Midnight: Rise of a Villain

Hoping for a September release, but we shall see.

HB: That all sounds great but where’s the coffee, sugar, and milk? What kind of stuff is this? Do I need to get a begging cup or something.

***

Well, before I leave, I need to show I’m a nice, polite fur-peep. I wanted to tell you a few things.

***

Gwen Gardner and Pal are having a blogtour. If interested in joining CLICK HERE

 

***

Martin T. Ingham has put out a call for short stories for an anthology book he’s putting together.  CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE INTERESTED

***

Roland Yeomans has released another book for 99 cents. Go check out an excerpt. CLICK HERE

***

Okay. I’m done now. Have a nice day but please remember, I’d like some real foodie next time.

Licks and sniffs,

Hair Ball

The Insecure Writer’s Group: The Yellow Submarine

Today is Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer’s Group where writers give each other huggy-hugs and kissity-kiss each others’ boo-boos. Or we can opt to encourage each other on our journeys in writing.

If there is one thing I love is a good piece of music to pull me out of a funk. One of my most favorite groups is The Beatles. So today, I thought I’d share the lyrics to The Yellow Submarine, hoping to get any of my fellow writers out of their dark place and back into a happy one.

I have to loppity-lop hair 9 to 5 today so I’ll be lurking around later this evening and tomorrow.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

Sir Poops and Hair Ball: What’s Your Nosh Tuesday, Author Janet Rockey

 

SPAL: Today is What’s your nosh Tuesday.

HB: Again?

SPAL: Yes. Today is that day where we help promote new and Indie authors’ published work or something they’re working on from their WIPS.

HB: But we’re supposed to get some nosh in return for this, guys. We like cheese. We’d like to try some chocolate. And we lover watermelon.

SPAL:***looks out to the blogosphere*** Please ignore my brother. He’s stupid and rude.

HB: Well, you’re a pansy, pansy-boy.

SPAL: Anyway, we’ve got one of Mummsy’s critters today. Mummsy calls her the Grammar Angel from her writing group.

HB: Yeah. DO you think she has angel food cake?

SPAL: Is that all you ever think about?

HB: ***smiles***

SPAL: Just behave. I see her coming.

HB: Where?

SPAL: The pretty blonde lady.

HB: She is purdy. Can I hug her leg?

SPAL: That’s not what you do though. You’re a humper. Don’t you dare! ***he looks up*** Please nice people welcome Janet Rockey.

HB: ***hugs her leg*** We’re very happy to see you.

SPAL: ***removes HB from her leg*** I apologize, Miss Janet. ***he looks at HB***Do you want timeout?

HB: ***he frowns and puts his tail between his legs***

SPAL: ***he turns and faces Miss Janet*** I’m so sorry. This is supposed to be a professional  interview. Let us proceed. Do tell us what you like to snack on when you're writing? Tell me why you like it.

JR: I don't nosh while I'm writing because I don't want sticky, greasy, and/or orange computer keys from the Cheetos (cheese that goes crunch!).

HB: ***gasps*** No treats. No cookies. No chocolate. No nosh?!

SPAL: Every one is different.

JR: I find  eating  a distraction.

HB: OMG! I can’t believe this. Absolutely, no nosh!

SPAL: ***shh*** Sorry again, Miss Janet. Just ignore him. He’s got food issues if you haven’t figured that out. So please tell me, do you have any published books out there? 

JR: Yes!

SPAL: That is wonderful. What are they?

JR: They are all anthologies.

God's Handprints (Thy Will Be Done)

Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from the Cat (Romeow & Julicat)

Heavenly Humor for the Cat Lover's Soul (Silhouette on the Shade)

Heavenly Humor for the Mother's Soul (7 stories)

 

Heavenly Humor for the Dieter's Soul (5 stories)

 

Women of the Secret Place (My Pearl - Shirley)

Also, I will have 2 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Cat Did That! (Mewsic Critic & Taming My Ogre) - available September 2012.

SPAL: That’s a lot of cat stories you wrote. Where can we find them?

JR: Chicken Soup for the Soul:

http://www.chickensoup.com/

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Noble

www.barnesandnoble.com Or save the tax & shipping...the trunk of my car.

You can also order the Heavenly Humor series from Barbour Publishing:

(http://www.barbourbooks.com/Catalog/ProductSearch)

SPAL: You can also visit Janet at the following:

http://rockeywrites.blogspot.com

 https://www.amazon.com/author/janetrockey

http://www.wordweaversonline.com/

SPAL: Thank you for sharing with us today.

JR: ***pets SPAL and HB***

HB: Yeah. But next time bring something to the table. How do expect me to eat books?