As they say on a popular HBO series, winter is coming. In fact, winter has come! So, is anyone else interested in taking a cruise to the Virgin Islands? If so, you may be lucky enough to run into successful Outskirts Press author Ingrid A. Bough as she promotes and sells her book, Violet Loves the Letter “V”: Virgin Islands Pride.
Fresh off her appearance at the National Book Festival at the end of August, Ms. Bough will be doing a book signing at the popular UnderCover Books & Gifts bookstore/giftshop on the island of St. Croix in 2 days (November 14th). Readers and residents of St. Thomas won’t be left out. Her delightful illustrated children’s book (available in paperback or hardback) can be found at the Owl and the Seahorse bookstore.
And as you can see from the synopsis of her book (below), there’s a reason Ingrid is targeting the Virgin Islands with her book promotion efforts.
Virgin Islands Adventure in V Words. Violet Discovers Her Virgin Islands Pride
In a story set in a tropical island paradise, we meet Violet who is named after the violet flower. She loves her name and discovers the colors violet and purple have long been associated with royalty and majesty. Violet tries to identify as many V words on her beautiful island and while creating a story using as many V words as she can, discovers her island territories are rich in history and culture.
Violet learns to appreciate her beloved islands even more as she learns that the United States Virgin Islands, once known as the Dansk Vestindien (Danish West indies) have been influenced by faraway places like Africa, Denmark, Spain, France, England, Vieques, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and many more.
So many V words, what is a girl to do? Throughout the day, Violet’s imagination takes her on an island roller coaster of twists and turns and she gains a sense of pride in herself and her homeland: Virgin Islands Pride. Violet takes pride that she is from such a unique place surrounded by the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the book marketing lesson to be learned here? “Go where the story takes you,” to quote another maxim. In other words, if you’ve written a book about the Virgin Islands, sell your book in the Virgin Islands. If you’ve written a book about Paris… Texas, then, by all means, sell your book in Paris, Texas. T-shirts, shot glasses, and spoons aren’t the only memorabilia tourists buy. They also buy books when on vacation to commemorate their travels. This is especially true for children’s books! Bookstores, gift shops, and certainly stores in the airport, are always interested in books specifically about the location they’re located in.
Congratulations on your success, Ingrid! And thank you for offering us a fun way to bring up an important marketing tactic for self-publishing authors everywhere. Happy (and safe) travels to everyone during this upcoming holiday season.
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Sharon Bennett & Beatrice Moore, who is taking their latest book, Shoe Fetish 2 Grown Into High Heels, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about them and their book.
Luckily for us, Sharon was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Shoe Fetish 2 Grown Into High Heels.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Shoe Fetish 2
Grown Into High Heels. What is it about?
SB: There is definitely an immediate emotional attachment we experience when we see “the one”—that shoe (or that man) and try them on, praying for the perfect fit, and Oh, Lord Have Mercy, how we pray that it will fit! These three friends continue to find their way through life, love, and its relationships transferring all power and emotions via their shoes, which hold secrets. Some harmless and some deadly; and, though Carmen is untrusting of men and their secrets, she has a few deadly secrets of her own. Women love their shoes for varied reasons. Shoes are not only for protection, beauty, and sex; but, for the life that they can transcend you to, and the secrets that may not have been shared with another person are sometimes within the soles of the shoes.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
SB: We’ve written and journaled since childhood. As we have matured and experienced a multitude of life’s issues, it became a way to channel our celebrations, frustrations, and disappointments. Writing offered a healing process. Then, it dawned on us to help others heal by writing the books.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
SB: Our target audience is women ages 18 and up. We also hope that our storyline will transcend gender lines and resonate with anyone seeking a good read.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
SB: It’s not a flowery romance; but, it involves real issues that women of all ages face in relationships. With those challenges comes a loss of self-love, self-esteem, and self-worth as well as growth, maturity and wisdom. Their journey is to heal and regain those attributes. In the process the shoes /shoe shopping is used as a vehicle to draw analogies between the style of shoes and type of male. These analogies are used in our empowerment speaking engagements, as well.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
SB: Yes, the first book is Shoe Fetish 1: A Woman’s Love for Her Shoes & Her Men. The first part of this romantic journey. We are currently working on expanding our Shoe Fetish brand with the release of an extensive workbook to accompany the Shoe Fetish book series. This workbook may be used by book clubs to facilitate meetings or by an individual reader. We are also in the development stages of The She Fetish diaries and journals as well as Shoe Fetish 3. And the possibility of a self-help book on healthy relationships is in the hopper!
OP: Thanks for your time, Sharon! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharon Bennett is a health care professional. She has a bachelors of arts, and a bachelor’s of science degree. She currently resides in the Atlanta, GA area near her adult children & her grandchildren. Shoe Fetish 2 is her third published work. It’s part of a 3-book series. Her poem entitled “I Never Dreamed.” It was published in True Reflections, and won the Library of Poetry’s Editor’s Choice award. She’s had articles placed in several business publications. Sharon’s second work, authored independently, was THE L.E. BENNETT STORY: Living the Dream, a biography about her father’s civil rights activities, and the ministry. Life being raised in the church had its moments.
Beatrice Moore has earned both a bachelor and master’s degree and works as an independent educational consultant, specializing in the area of mathematics. She has co-authored numerous mathematics textbooks and published professional articles in various education publications. She has realized a lifelong dream of authoring fiction with the publication of Shoe Fetish. She resides in the Houston, TX, metro area with her family.
Shoe Fetish: A Woman’s Love actually was an Amazon top seller in its first release. The authors have been friends since 6th grade and Shoe Fetish: Grown Into High Heels is the sequel to Shoe Fetish: A Woman’s Love for Her Shoes & Her Men.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, John K. Briscoe, who is taking his latest book, Unexplored Lives
A Collection of Short Stories, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
Luckily for us, John was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Unexplored Lives
A Collection of Short Stories.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Unexplored Lives
A Collection of Short Stories. What is it about?
JKB: This book of short stories is about different people dealing with difficult circumstances and how they come to terms with them.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
JKB: I decided to write this book as I thought an examination of individuals dealing with psychological trauma would benefit readers who may have their own struggles.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
JKB: I imagine young adults trying to figure out how to deal with tough situations, as well as any other person who wants to explore the various types of traumas and resolutions to these situations.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JKB: I believe my book is special because, like the title implies, it conveys lives that are rarely if ever explored by other authors. Since they are also short stories, there are nine different tales that will be unique to the reader.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
JKB: I did publish a tour guide book of San Francisco in 2000. Although I have ideas of future stories, I am taking some time off before considering another book.
OP: Thanks for your time, John! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John K. Briscoe has a B.A. in Philosophy from Brown University, a Master’s of Science for Teachers from Le Moyne College, and a B.S. in Computer Science from Colorado Technical University. He has lived in Boston, Syracuse, Albany, San Francisco, London, and Dutchess County, New York. As an avid movie goer, he enjoys seeing how plots develop and twist back onto themselves. Regardless of genre, if a movie (or film) is done well, he will gladly view it. It is this interest in various types of perspectives that influenced this book of stories that study the human psyche under stressful conditions. He believes that dealing with life’s uncertainties is something for which we can rarely prepare, but ultimately reveals who we truly are. In his spare time, he goes to the gym, travels, watches lots of movies, plays video games with his nephew, and spoils his cat.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Darlene R. Wood, who is taking her latest book, The Trouble With Peer Pressure
A Simple “My ADHD Story” for Young Teens, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
OP: Tell us a little bit about The Trouble With Peer Pressure
A Simple “My ADHD Story” for Young Teens. What is it about?
DRW: Peer pressure compounded with ADHD – this book is a practical guide to help you navigate every day life at home and in school from a young age to adulthood. It includes ways to think about the consequences of your actions whether it be from drinking to using drugs, to getting along with others or just being happy within your own skin. Coping with every day issues that may seem simple for others can be a harder task for a child with ADHD to handle.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
DRW: It is based on my son’s life story who has ADHD and the challenges he had to overcome while growing up including socializing, using drugs and alcohol, and dealing with peer pressure. He is an adult now and sober for several years and definitely contributing to society in a very healthy and positive manner.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
DRW: It is for children ages 8 to 13. If we reach out the our young youth and explain how their actions affect everything they do in life, hopefully, we can get them to chose going down the right path before it is too late; otherwise, they could end up in our jails and detention centers.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
DRW: Due to the fact that ADHD in itself means, attention deficit (short attention span to hold onto a subject), this book is short, to the point, and covers a real life child’s journey from childhood to adulthood in a easy to read (with pictures) book. It asks a lot of questions to make the child THINK about their answers and perhaps the consequences of their actions and how the final outcome of their life could be successful as the books’ final words read: SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
DRW: This is my very first book. I wrote it a long time ago,but I never acted on it until recently. I do plan to write a followup book on the consequences it takes on siblings growing up in the families’ toxic environment.
OP: Thanks for your time, Darlene! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Darlene R. Wood is a full-time mom who loves to create art in a variety of media, from designing wedding cakes to sewing cloth “How-To” books for children, painting, and now writing. The Trouble With Peer Pressure is her first book.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Greg Warburton, who is taking his latest book, Warburton’s Winning System
Tapping and Other Transformational Mental Training Tools for Athletes, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
OP: You’ve published three books with Outskirts Press.
First, please tell us about the first two, Warburton’s Winning System and the complementary Fast-Start Guide to Warburton’s Winning System…?
What led to writing Warburton’s Winning System?
GW: Athletes, parents and coaches need practical methods for how to apply the constant advice to be mentally tough, keep your emotions off the field and play with confidence. I was frustrated to notice that there was still advice only being given…
So I create a down-to-earth system to practice and added the innovative body-energy based methods to rapidly and dependably relax…
Athletes don’t want just advice…THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT THEY CAN LEARN AND PRACTICE TO RELAX IN THEIR SPORT…SO THEIR BODY CAN DO WHAT THEY HAVE TRAINED IT TO DO…
Championship Mental Training…Adding the Missing “How to/What to” Practice
This is the practical, down-to-earth mental training that athletes, parents and coaches have wanted for generations. You will be introduced to a complete, step-by-step system for how to truly get started managing your mental game. You will learn innovative, specific techniques that you were never taught in school, nor on the athletic field. You will learn how to practice so that you dependably compete with a relaxed body and calm mind from start to finish…the ideal performance state. These are mental-and-emotional self-management skills you can actually do. Imagine the value of knowing how to manage stress and anxiety when competing under pressure when it matters most. No more fighting your head to stay calm. No more butterflies and no more slumps! Players say, “Now mental training is fun.” A decade later, many players who have been part of College Division I Conference and/or National Championships have chosen to add my mental training.
OP: Who is the target audience for Warburton’s Winning System?
GW: My goal is to teach what I call, Mental and Emotional Self-Management, for the athletic field, the classroom and in life to as many middle school, high school and college athletes, including parents and coaches as I can.
Also for recreational athletes
Professional athletes could benefit from the information as well
The young athletes are excited to learn what they can actually practice to consistently compete with a relaxed body, calm mind…no more big butterflies/big anxiety to begin a performance (Practice, practice, practice mental training)
AND
They like learning that they are strong and are operating on “the courage to admit there are some trouble spots in their performance and are taking action to fix it” instead of the old belief that if they meet with someone/ or coach wants them to meet with someone it means there is something wrong with them and they are weak.
I also wrote a companion Fast-Start Guide for Warburton’s Winning System…the guts of the system for those who want to jump right in and start practicing mental training.
OP: Tell us about your most recent book, Ask More, Tell Less…? What types of readers would be interested in Ask More, Tell Less?
GW: My target audience is parents, teachers, counselors…any who want to build a big collection of practical and effective skills/fill their “tool box”…instead of
Any and all in those groups who are weary of the ineffectiveness of being a three-practices-only parent…The I “TRY” parent … TRY standing for:
Telling (kids/teens what to do), Reminding (kids/teens what they are supposed to do) and Yelling (at kids/teens when they aren’t doing what they are supposed to be doing)
The reviews are really strong…with the independent review below speaking specifically about why I wrote the book rooted in her experience of and description of the usefulness of my book…
OP: What do you feel differentiates this book from other books in the parenting genre?
GW: It is about asking both parents and children, WHAT KIND OF PARENT/WHAT KIND OF CHILD DO YOU WANT TO BE? instead of telling them what to do.
I SPENT THE PAST 25 YEARS WRITING THIS BOOK BECAUSE THE PEOPLE I SERVED AS A MENTAL HEALTH/SCHOOL COUNSELOR FOUND MY METHODS VERY PRACTICAL AND HELPFUL AND ASKED ME TO WRITE ABOUT THEM BECAUSE THEY COULDN’T FIND THEM IN ANY BOOKS.
It takes pressure off parents because the questions effectively cause kids/teens to progressively do more and more of their own thinking, talking, listening, remembering, truth-telling and deciding about what they are going to do in their life all along the getting on with growing up pathway
I think it is the most comprehensive collection of practical skills/tools for working with kids/teens and boost esteem and move them onto the self-reliance pathway ON THE MARKET TODAY.!
It teaches parents, teachers, counselors how to use language creatively to communicate with kids/teens
OP: Tell us a little about publishing with Outskirts Press. What was that like?
GW: Outskirts Press is superb operating in a critical nice in the publishing world where they provide a complete book product (including front matter, ISBN, etc.), sales pages/information for talking with book stores and providing marketing service as well…this all gives self-published authors a big advantage over merely using something like “create space” for a Print-on-demand book.
The staff have worked with me to address any concerns I may have had and have assisted me with finishing my book projects
Further, I recently had the pleasure of meeting and talking with OP President, Brent Sampson. I learned he is approachable, truly listens to author experiences using OP services and is tirelessly working to build a superb and complete self-publishing service company for aspiring authors.
OP: Are you currently writing another book? Tell us about it…?
GW: I am not currently writing another book…though have some ideas percolating…
Given the strong reviews for my books I am working with OP on generating marketing and publicity to share the information with the whole wide world.
OP: Thanks for your time, Greg! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Greg Warburton is a licensed mental health counselor who helps children and parents become instruments of their own healing and change. He is a dedicated innovator who brings emotional and mental self-management methods into the worlds of parenting and sport performance. As an award-winning college instructor, he helps people eliminate self-defeating behaviors and achieve the inner freedom that comes with becoming self-reliant. He lives in Corvallis, Oregon with Valoy, his wife of 31 years.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, J. Olympio, who is taking her latest book, Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
Luckily for us, J. Olympio was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Arabelle
A Mile in These Shoes. What is it about?
JO: The book is a true story about a young South American girl who had dreams of becoming a physician in her native home of Colombia. Uncontrollable events cause her to move to the United States where she struggles to survive. Over a period of several years, fate deals her so many blows, she declares: “I sometimes feel like life’s punching bag.” In spite of all that, she forges on, believing that life will one day get easier. While it is a story of disappointment, pain, and incredible losses, it is also one of strength and hope.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
JO: I witnessed parts of a tragedy unfold in a co-worker’s life, and I knew that her story had to be told. She had already been through the strangest of circumstances, and I could not fathom how anyone could quietly endure so much adversity. I thought her story would give others courage to deal with challenges in their lives. I also believed that it would help readers understand the nuances of other cultures and open their eyes to issues they ought to know about but might be oblivious to.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
JO: The writing style appeals to a wide audience. Both male and female readers of varying ages already rate it highly. Anyone who has been through difficult times or needs encouragement will relate to the story, and immigrants of all races will see themselves in this book.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JO: Right from the beginning, you are drawn into Arabelle’s world. She has a compelling story that encompasses many elements. A reader described the book as a tragedy, a comedy, and a mystery all in one. The narrative is so strong that you feel Arabelle’s every emotion. Parts of the book are sad, hilarious, enlightening, scary, or even strange. It is very well written and easy to read. Almost every reader’s comment is: “It was hard to put the book down.”
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
JO: I have two other memoirs to publish. The next one is another true story entitled Battle Lines – A Story of Deployment, Infidelity, and Broken homes.
OP: Thanks for your time, J. Olympio! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Whether she is writing financial columns, curricula, or proposals on multimillion-dollar contracts, J. Olympio endeavors to engage her audience. She draws you in and makes a subject come alive. She chronicles events in Arabelle’s life in a simple yet compelling way. She is the author of two other memoirs to be published soon. Arabelle is her debut novel.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
With the abundance of self-published authors, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Jesse Carr MD, who is taking his latest book, Got a Bad Picker?, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
Luckily for us, Jesse was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Got a Bad Picker?.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Got a Bad Picker?. What is it about?
Jesse: The quality of our life hinges on a few key decisions at key moments during our life’s Journey–none more important than our choice of life partners. On one level this book is about a few of the causes, consequences of poor choices in relationships and then how to enhance our picking ability. The underlying theme is about how to live life without regrets by making the best choices for our happiness.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Jesse: Early in my practice, while working with seniors, I noticed a common theme of regret among some of my female patients–regret about their relationships and the men who caused them so much heartache. Subsequently, after years of observation, I decided to write a “how to book” about living life now, so you won’t have regrets later.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Jesse: Although this book was written for dissatisfied relationship minded women. There are universal themes explored which has utility for satisfied couples and men as well.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Jesse: In writing this book, I draw upon 24 years of tested clinical experience as a practicing psychiatrist. The book offers a wide array of innovative holistic exercises designed to assist and improve the well-being of the reader and that of their family and relationships.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
Jesse: This is my first published work. Currently, working on a book about mothers and teenage daughters. Also, working on the sequel to Got A Bad Picker? ….A book for the men- Got a Bad Pecker?.
OP: Thanks for your time, Jesse! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Carr is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 24 years. He completed his residency at the University of Southern California in 1991, and has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the same institution. He has been a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1993. He is also a seasoned researcher and has conducted over 100 clinical research studies as the Principal Investigator. Dr. Carr has served as the Medical Director of a number of inpatient and outpatient programs over the years, including: • The Return to Work/Function program • The Co-occurring disorders program • The Elders program • The Transitions program • The Share program II (substance abuse program) • Intensive Outpatient programs • Partial Hospital programs • Psychogeriatric consultants
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Shannon Love , who is taking her latest book, Twisting My Kaleidoscope, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
Luckily for us, Shannon was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Twisting My Kaleidoscope.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Twisting My Kaleidoscope. What is it about?
Shannon: My book guides the reader through my psychotic breaks attempting to replicate my thoughts and experiences. It is a virtual tour of what psychosis feels like through the eyes of the main character (me).
I keep it as authentic as possible, allowing all the taboo bits to sieve through—daring the reader to feel the sensations that taunt me, to hear the voices that whisper in my ear, and to fathom the delusions that ruminate in my mind.
In the end, the reader will close the book slightly amused yet somewhat disturbed. For it will occur to her that she truly understands what it is like to be psychotic.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Shannon: More often than not, I hear the word “psychotic” used as a dirty word. Those of us who suffer with this particular symptom seem to wear an extra black mark on our shirts. The stigma attached to mental illness, in general needs to be eliminated. I believe if people understand psychosis better and realize that those who suffer from it are simply reacting to symptoms, they will perhaps be more empathetic. My memoir offers that opportunity.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Shannon: I wrote my memoir to read like a captivating novel. My intentions were to reach as broad of an audience as possible. That being said, it will most likely appeal to individuals connected to someone who struggles with mental illness. But, any person should be able to relate on many levels. The parts he/she does not relate to I hope will intrigue him/her.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Shannon: I do not hold back. My story is as bona fide and intimate as I could possibly make it without hurting anyone. To get lost in my book is to immerse oneself into psychosis. I would call it a simulation, except—unfortunately—it was not made up.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
Shannon: This is my first child—my first baby book. I have a trilogy outlined in my computer. The hero suffers from schizophrenia. He’s a bit of a martyr, but serves the greater good. I don’t want to give away too much yet;-)
OP: Thanks for your time, Shannon! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shannon Love began life in rural Alabama as a seemingly stable and content youngster. After marrying her childhood sweetheart she continued on this path of fulfillment, expanding her household to five members and thoroughly enjoying a nomadic and international lifestyle. Three countries and five states later our author suffered a psychotic break, forcing her into yet another world—that of mental illness. Repatriated to the U.S., she now resides in Houston, Texas with her husband, two sons, and daughter.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Jennifer Kelman with Jordyn & Kyle Kelman, Illustrated by Michael Swaim, who is taking their latest book, The Disappearing Dolphins, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. They will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about them and their book.
Luckily for us, Jennifer was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of The Disappearing Dolphins.
OP: Tell us a little bit about The Disappearing Dolphins. What is it about?
Jennifer: A lovely tale of young twins on a “usual” trip to the beach. Today was different; Kevin’s great imagination was playing tricks on him, or was it? He believed that each time he looked up he saw beautiful dolphins springing into the air. He nudged his twin sister, Jackie, in the hope she would see it too, but each time she looked up, they were gone. Was Kevin left wondering? No, at the perfect moment, Jackie looked up to see the most wonderful sight…..five graceful dolphins shining in delight. The adventure continues as they board a boat and feed the dolphins. The tale is about imagination, trust, the sibling (twin) relationship and sticking to your beliefs. The illustrations bring this story to life and capture the beauty and wonderment of children and nature.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Jennifer: This is my third children’s book. My first departure from the award winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series. This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick. Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy. It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Jennifer: This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids. Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin. This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Jennifer: The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature. It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects. The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins. I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others. His gift is unparalleled.
I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book. This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
Jennifer: This is my 3rd book. My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.
I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness. I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books. Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City. Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com
I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.
OP: Thanks for your time, Jennifer! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Kelman is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She enjoys cycling and tennis, and finds endless creative inspiration from her young twins. She is the author of the award-winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® series featuring the lovable dog Moopus McGlinden®. The Disappearing Dolphins is her third children’s book. For more information about Jennifer and her book, please contact the author at NIFJK6@gmail.com or 561-899-7192
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Michael the Red, who is taking his latest book, The Norskvall Saga: The End of Youth, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.
Luckily for us, Michael was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of The Norskvall Saga: The End of Youth.
OP: Tell us a little bit about The Norskvall Saga: The End of Youth. What is it about?
Michael: It is basically about two grandchildren of the Norse goddess Frigg finding out what they can really do on their own. Starting just four years after the end of the last book, Anders decides it is time to begin to fulfil his vow that he would save the dark elf Nixius from her death even though she had been an apprentice to a great evil. He suspects that she ended up in Hel’s domain after she died. When his cousin Raghilde receives Nixius’ crystal ball from her father it gives them some clues, which are later confirmed by Nixius’ own mother who sends a nephew to find them when they pass close to an Ancient Path between worlds. She also wishes to have her daughter and son back who were killed by Loki and the cousin’s white wolf. With her help she is able to send them on the quest to return her children from death. Through the course of their adventure they find out that Raghilde’s crystal ball is actually The Orb of the Dark Elves, an ancient relic of their people which has laid dormant for tens of thousands of years after it was taken by the high elves and subsequently stolen by Nixius. Somehow, though she is not a dark elf, the orb ‘awakens’ for Raghilde and she is able to harness its power to advance their quest. In the end she is confronted with another truth, that she was destined to lead the dark elves out of their caves and give their world back to them which had been taken by the high elves.
Although the book is the second of a series it could easily be read as a standalone since much of the information from the first book is reintroduced through new characters.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Michael: A very good question that isn’t easily answerable. Partly it came from boredom on Saturday afternoons. Another part of it was the first stories appeared on the Asgard-saga.com website and I received lots of encouragement to get them published. Unfortunately the website is no longer up and running anymore.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Michael: Although the book is being advertised as a coming of age tale, anyone who has interest in the Norse gods or just fantasy adventure in general would find something in it for themselves. There are plenty of elements of mystery and intrigue for just about any age. What is it like in Hel’s halls? If you know very little about the Norse pantheon of gods you will know far more after reading it.
The story is very complexed; however, I wouldn’t be so pretentious to say that it takes a college degree to figure it out. It certainly doesn’t. The last couple of chapters explain many questions the reader may still have and, hopefully, leave them wanting to know more. There is good reason the last words of the book are, “The End and a New Beginning.”
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Michael: It is a Viking love story in a classic sense without the flowery language. One thing I have often heard when talking to people who have read my writings is that I do manage to keep the story moving along at a good pace. I do not believe in long and drawn out character monologues or taking five pages just to describe a setting or person. I find it far better that reader discovers who the characters are through their actions and words.
One things that was really fun for me is having an entire world, the dark elf home world of Svartlheim, to build upon and use for further stories. There is next to nothing mentioned about them in the Norse sagas. The world is more than likely not what the reader would think it is, bleak and foreboding. Fairies live there too and thrive. The considerations you have to give to something like that are truly immense. Such as, who are the dark elves and why should the reader care about them? Of that there are many reasons and the high elves aren’t the Tolkien type. Why should they be? They also need to have a history that is their own, which reflects in how the past affected the current day. They didn’t even have a standing army or someone to lead them until Raghilde showed up one hundred thousand years after their last king predicted her coming.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
Michael: This is the second book in a series. The first was simply titled The Norskvall Saga and is available through Amazon and other online outlets. Though there are now two books in the series, how many more there might be I can’t really say for sure. As of now I already have three more books mostly done. I say ‘mostly’ because there are always other new ideas that can be slipped into them and it is great being so far ahead of the curve that they can have small changes added. As far as ending the series, there was one definite ending I was looking at and now, well, let’s just say that the more I look at the saga the more possibilities I discover.
OP: Thanks for your time, Michael! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael the Red is a fantasy author who has been creating stories and adventures for nearly thirty years. An avid fan of Viking history his own Norse heritage can be traced back over two thousand years. As a lifelong resident of Minnesota he enjoys writing, fishing and taking long walks in the lush forests of his native state.
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
Fresh off her appearance at the National Book Festival at the end of August, Ms. Bough will be doing a book signing at the popular UnderCover Books & Gifts bookstore/giftshop on the island of St. Croix in 2 days (November 14th). Readers and residents of St. Thomas won’t be left out. Her delightful illustrated children’s book (available in paperback or hardback) can be found at the Owl and the Seahorse bookstore.
Violet learns to appreciate her beloved islands even more as she learns that the United States Virgin Islands, once known as the Dansk Vestindien (Danish West indies) have been influenced by faraway places like Africa, Denmark, Spain, France, England, Vieques, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and many more.
