Sunday, March 27, 2011

My Name In Lights

I almost missed it.  My name appeared in the Sunday Life section of the local paper, Florida Today.  In fact Richard had read the paper, turning the pile of creased, crumpled newsprint over to me to enjoy with my breakfast.  He never said a word because he had missed it.

The headline of the article said, Roxanne St. Claire Set to release 2 Titles.  I happen to know Rocki from Space Coast Authors of Romance so of course I started reading the article.  Looking over at the cover pictures I noticed a cover of a middle grade novel I recognized.  I'd met the author at a book fair yesterday and had talked to her for a while.  So I kept on reading the write ups.

And then I stopped.  There is was, tucked down in the crease of the paper, Linda C. Wright of Viera...  I know her!!  Me and Ginger our name in lights for our new release, 'Treat, Pray, Love', in Chicken Soup For the Soul: My Dog's Life which will be release on April 12.  You can pre-order your copy on Amazon today.  I'd sent the information to the paper a couple months ago, never dreaming they'd use it.  But one thing I've learned as an author, you have to market yourself and your work every way possible.

What a thrill!  I'll never tire of seeing my name in print.  There I am, among successful authors who I know and admire.  I'm on my way.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Stories about twins fascinate me.  Especially stories about twins and ghosts.  There is something very mystical and magical about one soul split into two identical bodies.  Vida Winter, a famous but now old and aging storyteller decides it's time to share the secrets of her life.  She calls on Margaret Lea who carries a secret of her own.

Vida sets the ground rules that all stories have beginnings, middles and ends and there will be no deviating from that.  Margaret, with an investigative mind, tries to put some pieces in place before the famous author is ready to reveal them.  Along the way the pair form an incredible, loving bond.

The Thirteenth Tale is a lovely, mysterious page turner.  The story and its characters are enticing.  In fact on my last trip to the bookstore, they had six copies of The Thirteenth Tale on the shelf.  So other people must think so too.  I rate it a 5 out of 5 and I think I'm keeping it.  I've always wanted to write my own story about twins.  I'll need some tips and The Thirteenth Tale will offer many.    

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Check out Smashwords.com

Great news!

One Clown Short is now available on Smashwords in a format for downloading to your favorite e-reader.  Use my coupon code FT44M for a 25% discount good through April 15, 2011.

Check out lots of great electronic titles at Smashwords.com

Happy Reading!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

I'm A Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson

I distinctly remember buying this book at Costco.  At the old house, Costco was less than a mile down the road and I visited often.  The book selection was wonderful and I can thank Costco for many of the books that are waiting patiently on the shelf for me to open them and read a few of their words.  In fact this book has been on the shelf for so long that the pages have started to yellow.  I thought it was time to see what it was all about.

I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a collection of columns that Bill Bryson wrote for a British publication.  He was born and raised in Iowa, moved to England for some reason he never reveals to us and married and had children.  After 20 years abroad he and his family moved back to a small town in New England.  And what he finds in America upon his return is laugh out loud funny.  From the post office to the airport to what is on television, his satirical view pokes fun at them all.  I got the sense that his British wife and children adjusted to their new lives much more rapidly.  I think he's kind of a geek.

We're quirky we Americans even though we may not think so.  This book puts our life of plenty in perspective that's for sure.  I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a light and laughable view of every day occurrences in America.  The book was a little long but other than that I rate it a 3 1/2 out of 5.  It was a wonderful diversion from the literary works I usually long for.

And as for Costco, there isn't one around here.  I miss the treasure hunt but I don't eat as many hot dogs.  In my new neighborhood there are plenty of opportunities for me to shop for books.  Even though I didn't move across the pond, there are new adventures worth poking fun at no matter where life takes you.

Splintered Silence by Susan Furlong

Splintered Silence by Susan Furlong First off I have to say I happened on this book by chance.  My sister's name is Susan Leigh Furl...