Allbooks Review Articles and Interviews
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF BOOK REVIEWING
By Emily-Jane Hills Orford
Writing book reviews, or any review for that matter, is a tricky business. It is, however, a great way to start a writing career and to promote your publications. It also pays: sometimes just in a copy of the book being reviewed; but, more often than not, it pays in real money, not much, just enough to boost the writing ego. Not to mention the fact, that reviewing books allows the reviewer the opportunity of reading (and owning) a large book collection, opening up a world of writing styles and genres that you might not otherwise consider. Reading more always improves your own writing; but writing the review itself hones certain writing skills. The book reviewer is the messenger, the one who is telling the world what is good or bad about a specific book. To succeed and to be recognized for your book reviewing skills, you must, first and foremost, be fair. Every book has its merits. The reviewer may think that it’s the worst book ever written. However, the book has been written and it has been published. A lot of work went into to both writing and producing the book. Good or bad, that should be enough to merit a fair review. I love J.R.R. Tolkien’s commentary on book reviewers. He wrote: “Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it [The Lord of the Rings], have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible; and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing that they evidently prefer.” Tolkien has a good point. The person you review today may in fact review you tomorrow, so be fair.I believe that there are two sides to every book review, just as there are two sides to every story. First, there is the author of the book who has his/her own viewpoint. Secondly, there is the book reviewer who must read and appreciate the book. Both sides, obviously, have his/her own prejudices! It should be obvious that the skills of a good book reviewer are much the same as the skills of any good writer. The reviewer must have a good command of the English language. There must be some clarity of thought, honesty and objectivity on the part of the reviewer and, most important of all, a sense of fairness, tact and patience. Take the time to read the book; take the time to understand and appreciate it for its merits as well as its flaws.
Once you’ve finished reading the book, and do, in all fairness, read it from cover to cover, even if it’s really badly written, ask yourself the following questions:
Can you summarize the main theme/idea in one sentence?Is the story well written? Does it drag? Is it coherent? What is your recommendation? Is it a good read?Don’t forget, though, that this is your review; it is your opinion, but make it a fair opinion. It is important to remind yourself that someone spent a lot of time writing this book. Good or bad, it deserves a fair review. Be fair to yourself as well. Remember that your review reflects yourself as a writer. You may be quoted! So be sure to make your review a well written work of literature. Your review may, in turn, promote your writing, your books. Also, make sure that you know the audience for whom you are writing the review!
Like any good story, a book review needs to start with a hook line. “A closet is a curious space.” (the author’s review of Diana M. Raab’s Regina’s Closet) “We have to laugh at ourselves. We do laugh at others, so why not ourselves as well? Situations demand a sense of humor. It’s a matter of survival.” (the author’s review of Gary Miller’s Miller’s Tales, prairiejournal.org) The hook line draws the reader in, makes the reader want to study the review and, then, allows him/her to decide whether or not to read the book itself. Your concluding comments are also important. These are the words, your words, that may be quoted on the back of a book cover (instant publicity for you, your writing and your books). “A compassionate story of self-discover, personal reflection, and self worth, Regina’s Closet is highly recommended by Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews. As you’re writing your review, there are some don’ts to consider. These don’ts are the sign of an amateur reviewer. -don’t give away the ending/ don’t give away too much of the plot
don’t give away the ending/ don’t give away too much of the plot-don’t forget to include your evaluation
don’t forget to include your evaluation- don’t fake it/ don’t sugar-coat – i.e. “This is the best book in the world”
-don’t be mean, rude, tactless, harsh
don’t be mean, rude, tactless, harsh-don’t be too academic – sign of being pompous, great way to lose readers
don’t be too academic – sign of being pompous, great way to lose readers-don’t forget book info: title, publisher, copyright year, ISBN, etc.
don’t forget book info: title, publisher, copyright year, ISBN, etc.-don’t forget to check spelling, grammar, punctuation
don’t forget to check spelling, grammar, punctuation-don’t misspell the author’s name or book title
don’t misspell the author’s name or book titleThere are many markets for book reviews. Local newspapers and community papers often publish reviews and sometimes pay to publish them. Local artists and writers newsletters also publish reviews. Specialty journals will publish reviews of books written that relate to their specialty. For example a needlework magazine would be interested in a review on a recently published book on embroidery. There are lots of e-journals, online book review sites and online booksellers that publish reviews: some pay, some don’t. Amazon, Barnes and Noble are two examples of online booksellers that publish reviews. Sometimes they have a contest to encourage people to submit reviews. A good online site to write reviews and receive compensation is: http://www.allbooksreviewint.com----------------------------------------------------------
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Tony Samara, London, UK
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Shaman’s Wisdom: Reclaim Your Lost Connection with the Universe, 2012 by Balboa Press
Tell us about yourself:
“I believe that we live at a very crucial moment in humanity's transformation and I want you to move beyond the old paradigm and discover your power, your freedom.
I believe we are at a point of such transformation that we can no longer wait for someone else, or something else. I believe that we are creators and that everyone here is equal and part of that creation. I believe that God doesn't live somewhere outside, that the Divine, meaning intelligence, freedom, is everywhere. You, me, we are connected.
I believe that we have to put things into practice. We can’t just sit and watch television or watch life, or watch a relationship and hope it gets better or wait for it to change.
I challenge you to step away from the sofa, where it is comfortable to watch TV, and to participate. It is a wonderful thing when we realize that we have this power, which is not of the ego, but is wisdom.”
Tony Samara
Tony Samara, author of ‘Shaman’s Wisdom,’ ‘From the Heart,’ ‘Different Yet the Same,’ and ‘Deeper than Words’ was born in England, grew up in Egypt and also in Norway where he discovered the “Zen Buddhist philosophy”.
This discovery eventually led him to the “Mount Baldy Zen Center in California, USA” where he learned the spiritual teachings of “Kyozan Joshu Sasaki.” He had curiosity to explore further the essence of spirituality and thus went to live and learn with shamanic communities around the globe including a period of time spent with some highly influential shamans in the Amazon River region and the Andes Mountains.
Now people from all over the world visit Tony Samara to take spiritual guidance and experience being in his presence.
His main countries of activity are in Europe yet with the assistance of the Internet is attracting a Global audience through frequent online interviews and live satsangs.
His function is as a Spiritual Teacher who encourages all to lead their lives actively in a noble way in order to realize the evolution of human consciousness.
Tony Samara is a mirror of what is possible, a shining reminder of the continuous possibility of being human.
The completely natural state of joy and wisdom experienced as the heart opens to life is the remarkable path he expounds. The path that is free for everyone to experience.
Verbal dialogue is not the essence of his teachings, but he explains in a direct and simple way that everyone can understand how each individual can practically integrate greater acceptance, peace and joy into their daily lives.
Tony teaches with humour, humility and with infinite patience, empowering the individual with courage, trust and inner strength to continue on this journey back into wholeness, a path that leads towards real freedom.
Like many spiritual teachers, Tony Samara is concerned with practical inner work and liberation. He teaches by personal example and instruction, guiding the seeker to realise bliss here and now, through growing spiritual awareness rather than mental effort.
Part of Tony's teachings remind us that food and eating are fundamental to our inner well being, as well as to our physical health. He explains in his many programmes that the body is our temple and that the food we eat helps us to create a strong foundation that allows inner work and transformation to take place. He also explains that food is not just a physical substance which nourishes the body but that it also contains spiritual and emotional energy. Hence the importance of being conscious and taking the time to be present when we are eating and to become more sensitive to what will nourish our body, our temple rather than eat only what we feel like eating.
Tony also encourages a balanced vegetarian diet which includes organic products that are full of life force.
When was the book released?:
Second Edition (current) - January 2012 as a amazon Kindle eBook and April 2012 as paperback and eBook with Balboa Press
First Edition - 2009 by Findhorn Press
Give us an overview of your book.
“SHAMAN’S WISDOM” presents in a simple and practical way, universal shamanic knowledge that Tony Samara learned and experienced throughout his path to initiation. From the consumption of food to working with dreams, the four elements and the cardinal points, the presentation of some respiratory and physical exercises which support spiritual development, as well as many other topics, this book reminds us of positive ancestral wisdoms, more useful than ever in today’s world. Help yourself to change your life for the better.
What inspired you to write this book?
As I truly feel that knowledge and wisdom come from a deep space of knowing and experience I feel it is truly valuable for everyone to receive this knowledge in the form of this interesting book so as to be able to bring more harmony and happiness into their everyday lives. For me writting this book is a way of me being of service and a way to give rather than to always wanting. I feel it is an amazing gift and adds true value to ones life. By writting I hope to impart wisdom and knowledge that comes from the heart and that is deeper than words. A direct transmission of a totally natural experience connected to universal wisdom.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
This book is unique as it is written by a Spiritual Master who is still alive today.
In practice and philosophically this book clarifies the mysteries that have been asked throughout the ages in a simple yet profound way that engages the reader to betterment of the self thus helping the betterment of humanity.
At this time when there is so much information available to people that can sometimes create an information overload it is refreshing to find the simplicity and honesty that is portrayed in this book.
Initial feedback about the manuscript is that beyond being engaging it seems to touch the heart and answer many questions directly related to issues that we are all facing today.
Where can people buy your book?
At the moment only on the several amazon website and soon in many other places as Balboa Press is going to distribute the book and eBook worldwide.
http://www.amazon.com/Shamans-Wisdom-Connection-Universe-ebook/dp/B006XTFUZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330772477&sr=1-1
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes, in the end of 2012/beginning of 2013.
‘From The Heart’ and ‘Deeper Than Words’ are two other books that I have written and which are available on all amazon websites:
'Deeper Than Words' - in all amazon websites:
UK | Germany | USA | France | Italy | Spain | Japan | Canada
'From The Heart' - in all amazon websites:
UK | Germany | USA | France | Italy | Spain | Japan | Canada
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Make sure you know your audience and write not for fame or gain but rather to reach the right people who will truly enjoy your gift of writting.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
Shaman’s Wisdom’s first edition was published by Findhorn Press in 2009 plus many of my books have been published by major publishing houses in many different countries.
Findhorn Press opened the English markets in the USA and the UK for my work.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
‘Shaman’s Wisdom’ eBook lauched in January 2012 reached #1 on amazon.de and amazon.fr under the category of Shamanism in the first week of its launch. It is currently in the top #100 books on amazon.com and amazon.co.uk under the category of Shamanism and Personal Transformation.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I have received an email from Allbooks Reviews offering their services. I thought to give it a try and applied to have a review created for ‘Shaman’s Wisdom’. I liked the review and the service very much and hence applied for reviews on two other books I have written: ‘From The Heart’ and ‘Deeper Than Words’.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
The cost was an intersting amount to create a book review with a company that I did not know anything about.
Self published authors are always seeking for easy ways to market their books so perhaps having a step by step guide on how to market self published books would be a great idea.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Ed Brodow
Monterey, California, USA
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
The Stamp
Publisher: Ed Brodow
Tell us about yourself:
Ed Brodow is a bestselling author and motivational speaker. His novel Fixer has been described as “a modern classic.” His business book Negotiation Boot Camp has been featured on PBS, ABC National News, Fox News, Inside Edition, and Fortune Business Report. An internationally recognized expert on the art of negotiation, Ed was dubbed "King of Negotiators" by SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt. Ed is a veteran member of Screen Actors Guild, appearing in American and European movies with Jessica Lange, Ron Howard, and Christopher Reeve. A former Marine officer, Ed graduated from Brooklyn College and lives in Monterey, California.
When was the book released?:
January 13, 2012
Give us an overview of your book.
Ex-Marine Tommy Courten’s sister is murdered and the prime suspect escapes to South America. Intent on revenge, Tommy embarks on a dangerous manhunt to bring the psychopathic killer to justice. When he and the killer finally come face-to-face, Tommy is shocked by what he discovers about his own true nature and the path to personal redemption.
What inspired you to write this book?
I have a theory that many people have a year stamped on their forehead. They are stuck in that year, which was traumatic for them, and never grow beyond it.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
The Stamp explores the psychological underpinnings of the story.
Where can people buy your book?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Or via my website at http://www.fixerbook.com/thestamp.html/.
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes. Women From Venus. It is about a psychologist who falls for a woman who believes she was abducted by aliens. It will be published in Spring 2012.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Times are changing. We are no longer dependent upon the whims of the publishing industry and the questionable judgment of literary agents.
You have two books can you now tell us about Book Two
Give us an overview of your book.
The Man Who Could Not Make Up His Mind is a hilarious satire of a born victim and the predator who loves him. Clifford Day Vanderwall, a Wasp who attended Princeton and The Wharton School, has a trust fund, a nifty job at IBM, and a spacious apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. What’s wrong with this picture? Clifford cannot make decisions. He would rather procrastinate hoping the decision will go away by itself. He becomes the helpless victim of Shirley Horner, a predatory fortune hunter who traps him in a web of deceit and gradually assumes control over every aspect of Clifford’s life. She eventually destroys his career, his love life, and his self-esteem. Lacking the ability to make up his mind, Clifford appears to be doomed in this outrageous satire about love among New York’s upper crust.
What inspired you to write this book?
The idea of a character who can’t make up his mind has intrigued me since my first exposure to Hamlet and the Russian novel Oblomov. Every day I meet people who have abdicated the privilege of making their own decisions. It seems to be an element of the human condition. Clifford Day Vanderwall is the personification of all those people taken to a logical worst-case scenario.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
The library is full of books about relationships between people in New York City, but not like Clifford Day Vanderwall and Shirley Horner. The Man Who Could Not Make Up His Mind is a satire, a farce. It is just ever-so-slightly over the top, filled with wit and zany situations. Broad humor and irony. Clifford endures some horrific challenges from Shirley but has his revenge in the last five pages.
Where can people buy your book?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Only 99 cents. Or via my website at http://www.fixerbook.com/mind.html/.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I am looking to expand the readership base for my books.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Author Interviews
Please state your name and location.
Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
Healing the Planet and Ourselves: How To Raise Your Vibration
St. Clair Publications
Tell us about yourself:
A Special Education teacher of 27 years, I am as equally passionate about the written word; I love to orchestrate and manipulate words. I spend countless hours working on genealogy; sourcing and validating relationships. I am a firm believer in the healing energies of crystals, stones and positive thinking. Having been a spiritual seeker of the past 20 years, I am learning that spirituality is far easier to discern and embrace, than we have been led to believe.
When was the book released?
June 20, 2011 was the publication release date.
Give us an overview of your book.
As Anastasia of the Siberian tiaga has stated throughout the Ringing Cedars series, Man is Creator. In keeping, so, too, is God Creator. Likewise, God/dess is thought; henceforth, thought is also Creator. After all, was not the beginning stated as being the word? What was word, then, if not thought?
Man creates his/her own reality through thought. It all comes down to what does Man wish to create, does it not? Thought is tangible.
It is believed, by many, that crystals represent the heart, the inner soul, of the Great Mother. Healing the Planet and Ourselves: How To Raise Your Vibration is a volume whereby the author took the time to simply sit, eyes closed in meditation, all in an attempt to connect with the energies of various crystal spirits, asking the stones to share the messages that needed be made known at this crucial time.
What inspired you to write this book?
I am always studying, learning, growing. In the course of my spiritual evolvement, I do my best to listen to my intuition. This includes being inspired to write on a specific topic that quickly leads to other subtopics. While there are times when I am unsure how my writing projects will unfold, it is in listening to my heart that I know and believe that I am always being guided.
As a Crystal Healing Practitioner, the idea came to be when I was meditating with my crystals.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
I have been told that this volume is to the point, and yet full of hope for the future.
I have always felt the need to raise my vibration for positive endeavors. Through doing the related work, one can actually change the way they process information, thereby changing their lives for the better.
This is the message that I felt compelled to share.
In this unique tome, I extol in vivid detail, from personal experience as well as from extensive research, the virtues, energies and healing qualities of an enormous number of crystals, gemstones, metals and petrified woods, all in relation to their affect on the human experience.
For the novice, this book can be the gateway to the study of harmony in the human spirit, addressing how spiritual attributes such as wisdom, individual truth, positive energy, peace, love, forgiveness and spiritual destiny can be obtained, in part, through meditation as an experiential method; a method that can be utilized singularly (on its own) and/or enhanced with various minerals (as discussed within).
For the more aware individual, someone who is looking for a greater explanation of these fascinating stones and minerals, this book offers a deep and thorough study, whilst still keeping the terminology on a level that can be understood, and appreciated, by all.
To get the full thrust of this book, as in the old adage, you just had to be there, this is a volume that you simply have to read for yourself. In so doing, you will have embarked on an inspiring, passionate and illuminating journey into understanding and mastering the inner self. In short, you will learn to "become what you have always been," so that you may learn to concentrate on the things that really matter in life.
Where can people buy your book?
Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble
Direct from the publisher at http://stclairpublications.com/
Direct from the author via email at michele.doucette@nf.sympatico.ca
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
I am working on several books of an inspirational nature; namely, [1] Living the Jedi Way and [2] Vicarius Christi: The Vicar of Christ, both of which I hope to publish the spring of 2012.
Likewise, I am also working on several major volumes of a genealogical nature; namely, [1] Germain Doucet, Sieur de LaVerdure: Ancestry of Michele Doucette, a book that outlines my paternal ancestry from 1632 Acadie to the present, as well as [2] Men and Women of Renown: My Maternal Ancestry. It is my intent to publish them before the end of 2012.
In addition, I am also working on another novel, Time Will Tell, that involves a present-day heroine with a past life as a Cathar of southern France.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
Take the time to conduct thorough research into POD (Print On Demand) publication services before making a final decision. I also heartily endorse Stanley J. St. Clair of St. Clair Publications as a possible publisher.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
A good friend of mine, an author by the name of Jean-Claude Koven, was also reviewed by Allbooks Reviews, winning the Editor’s Choice Award for Best Metaphysical Book. It was this that led me to you.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
I was pleasantly surprised by both the low cost as well as all that was contained within that price. To be featured for one month with the review thereafter being posted in the Review Showcase for the period of one year is sensational. In addition, the initial review is posted in a wide variety of publications, both printed as well as online. Interviews are also posted on the website. To know that your website is denoted as being one of the best websites for authors speaks volumes. Just knowing that each book is automatically considered for the Editor’s Choice Award at each year end is quite the opportunity.
While I am unsure as to anything else that Allbooks Reviews might be able to offer, especially after citing the previous information, I am sure that they will be able to come up with something fantastic.
I absolutely love the updated, user friendly website.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
___________________________________________________________
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (City and State or Province, Country)
David Poulter, Tainan, Taiwan ROC.
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
The Idiot: I was a lunatic from a Geordie Grangetown. Chipmunkapublishing UK, sponsored by the Arts Council.
Tell us about yourself:
I was born in Sunderland, have a degree in Fine Art and still practice art. I love natural landscapes. Currently I live and work in Taiwan.
When was the book released?:
2010
Give us an overview of your book.
An account of a man's life who develops schizophrenia. His obsession with beauty and Durer's "Melencholia". His constant questioning of reality and what real madness is considering the polluted state of the planet and humanity's never ending drive for economic growth. This compared and contrasted with his own flaws.
What inspired you to write this book?
Firstly I think if anyone truly considers the world, its past and present, the big picture is very confusing. Secondly the idea of what ‘madness’ really is
can be debatable. And lastly my own personal experiences.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
Chipmunkapublishing is a mental health publisher and I like to think I have helped in the understanding and acceptance of schizophrenia. Since the book is written from a viewpoint from within I hope everyone can see it as something that can be easily managed.
Where can people buy your book?
The book can be bought from the publisher’s website. Also it is available from a number of online bookstores.
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
At the moment I’m writing various pieces. I have no deadline for another book.
If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:
At this time it is still thrilling to see my work in actual print by a genuine publisher. I am now concentrating on publicity, so it is all a learning experience.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
I’ve had two good reviews posted on Amazon. I think I relaxed too much after the book was published. Publicity is really important.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I found Allbooks Reviews while browsing the internet and I hope for greater exposure and more feedback.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
Well compared to other sites you do offer lower rates and obviously you cannot guarantee anything. Let’s hope everyone tries their best.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
________________________________________________________________
Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:
Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)
Steve Bailey my pen name is S. Thomas Bailey. I reside in Uxbridge, Ontario, just north of Toronto.
Tell us the title and publisher of your book:
My novel is The Gauntlet Runner-A Tale from the French and Indian War. I self-published through iUniverse.
Tell us about yourself:
Twelve years ago my wife and I had a child, Madison, born with Down Syndrome. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay home with her and concentrate on her and my writing career. She is my inspiration and keeps our lives in perspective. I never get too high or too low. Any struggle I have pales in comparison to what Madison will face in her life and we are all stronger for it.
Our second child, Kennedy, came three and a half years later and he has added a whole other set of fun times that only a boy could bless us with.
As for my writing, my family tree consists of a Mi’kmag grandfather and a family tree that can be traced back to the young surveyor James Cook, who began his career mapping out the St. Lawrence River system during the French and Indian War. You can say that the F&I War is in my blood.
I am a passionate follower of 18th century North America and write, collect and live that amazing period.
When was the book released?:
Nov. 2011
Give us an overview of your book.
The Gauntlet Runner follows the Murray family of the Pennsylvania territory through the opening shots of the French and Indian War. It tells the story of Jacob Murray, a volunteer in the young George Washington’s Virginia Militia, who left his family behind with a promise of land in the lush Ohio Valley upon the conclusion of his term of service.
Back home, Murray’s wife, Maggie and their four children attempt to carve out a meager life in the harsh frontier backwoods.
Their lives are systematically dismantled by a group of French and Huron war parties raiding the virtually undefended edge of the frontier. Maggie and her children are taken captive and have to watch as their small cabin is burned to the ground.
Jacob, unaware of the raids, is in the middle of a conflict that has engrossed three great empires. The French, defending their trade routes to the south, the English, bent on keeping the French out of the valuable Ohio Valley while forging a massive land grab for their growing population on the eastern side of the Allegheny Mountains. Left to defend their sacred land are the tribes of the Eastern Woodland people. Truly the party who had the most to lose, they reluctantly sided with their longtime trading partners, the French.
The novel follows Washington’s unsuccessful attempt to remove the French from the Valley and Jacob’s role in the terrible defeat.
Maggie and her family endure separation, torture and death that can only be appreciated once the reader understands what actually The Gauntlet Runner means.
The novel is a stark, realistic account of what these early settlers faced. Raw and unrelenting at times, it is meant to inform and entertain. My goal is to have the reader drawn into this important time and learn to appreciate what our forefathers and mothers sacrificed to build a young, formidable nation.
What inspired you to write this book?
Besides my wife and children, I have always loved the historical-fiction genre because it can give the reader both a history lesson and an enjoyable story. I have been an independent researcher of the early Colonial North American time period for years and decided to use my knowledge and passion for the period to write a fast-paced, factual depiction of the beginnings of the French and Indian War. My plans are to continue Jacob and Maggie’s story through the war. I have taken pride in presenting the reader with a blunt, realistic picture of this moment in time.
How is your book different from other books in this genre?
I honestly did my best to convey the hardships and dangers faced by the early settlers. At times the novel describes some detailed scenes that some readers would rather not face but I found it important to ‘paint’ a true picture of what happened.
I also remained true to actual events and individuals who participated in the struggle. My goal was for the reader to learn about the conflict and be entertained by the fictional characters added to the events.
Where can people buy your book?
The Gauntlet Runner can be purchased through my website: www.thegauntletrunner1754.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, the publisher iUniverse or by ordering at your local book seller.
(SC ISBN) 978-1-4620-5123-6
(HC ISBN) 978-1-4620-5125-0
(EBK ISBN) 978-1-4620-5127-4
Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?
Yes, the next in The Gauntlet Runner tale will be hopefully out by Fall 2012.
If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?
I self published through iUniverse. The only advice I can offer is from the historical-fiction genre. Do your research and speak to subject experts in the time period you decided to write about. Keep a level head, enjoy the process, try not to get discouraged and WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. The real work is not the writing but the marketing effort you put in afterwards…have fun.
Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?
I remained loyal to my target market. They truly need little convincing to read your novel if it is historically accurate. One of my strategies was to pass on my novel to a magazine that covers the novels time period. I am in the process of getting it reviewed and it will gave my novel instant credibility.
How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?
I sent out a Press Release and was contacted by them. All I hope for is an outlet for my novel to be presented fairly and accurately.
Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?
The low cost was great compared to other sites that offered far less. As for additional offerings, I look forward to taking advantage of all their services and will be able to better evaluate this at a later date.
Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.
Boosting your Creativity Article by Diana Raab
Healing With Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey. (2010)Writers and Their Notebooks, ed. (2010)Regina's Closet: Finding My Grandmother's Secret Journal (2007)Dear Anais: My Life in Poems for You (2007)The Guilt Gene: Poems (2008)Your High Risk Pregnancy: A Practical and Supportive Guide (2009aab.
Read Diana's articles monthly in the Allbooks Blogs
Copyright 2012 Shirley A. Roe, Allbooks Review International
