Up Close and Personal with Anne Sawyer-Aitch

ABOUT NALAH AND THE PINK TIGER

Nalah and the Pink Tiger is a picture book by Anne Sawyer-Aitch. She drew inspiration for this story from her lively little niece, who lives so intensely in her imagination that grown-ups around her view her as a troublemaker. Things come to a head when – in addition to all the exotic animals that Nalah has “placed” in the house – a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc. The story also celebrates the joyful explosiveness of a child’s imagination. To illustrate the book, Anne developed a style which she calls illuminated iIllustration, featuring multiple layers and backlighting that create vibrant, textured pages.

Purchase:

AMAZON

The thing about me is that I …..  

Like to make big messes, but hate to clean them up.

When I first get up in the morning, I ….. 

Drink very strong, very hot coffee and wait for my brain to power up.

The most important thing in my life is …..  

The people in it, and art. In that order. I’m doubly blessed with a wonderful community of family and friends, and a constant need to make stuff. It might be a story, or a puppet, or a casserole. Which I then get to share with the people in my life. It all works out.

I love to travel to ….. 

Warm places. My husband Jemiah and I have been to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Mexico in the last seven years. When you live in a cold climate like Minnesota, getting away for a week into a tropical paradise and kayaking in the middle of January is just about the best thing ever. (Aside from coffee, Cheetos, and red wine.)

In my spare time, I ….. 

Papier-maché twelve-foot puppets, embroider, and read aloud to Jemiah when he cleans up the kitchen after dinner. (It works great, ladies! And never forget that old adage, gents: “No woman ever shot a man while he was doing the dishes.”)

One thing I learned about life was …..

Forgiving yourself or others- when you can manage it – is better than any tonic or drug on the market. And good gear can keep you dry and warm even in the worst weather.

The sole mission I am on this earth is to ….. 

Find out what my sole mission is.

One little known fact about me that might surprise you is …..

I’m an extroverted introvert.

My favorite time of day is ….. 

Dinnertime. It’s when I get to check in with Jemiah and relax a bit.

I love to write about … 

Imaginary realities.

The most difficult aspect about writing is ….. 

Allowing oneself the luxury of wallowing in it. There will always be dishes, and laundry and emails to answer. If I can let myself shut those things out for a few hours to write or create a piece of art, the time melts away.

My most favorite aspect about writing is ….. 

The way everything that you experience, down to small details you didn’t even think you noticed, can end up in your work. The brain is an amazing composting machine.

When I became a published author for the first time, I ….. 

Couldn’t stop grinning for days.

The inspiration behind my book comes from ….. 

My niece, Nalah. She’s hilarious. All my nieces and nephews knock my socks off.

The most asked question about my book is ….. 

“Did you do the illustrations too?” The answer is: yes. I borrowed techniques I use to make my color shadow puppets. There is a lot of cut-out work – all the patterns you see in the book were lovingly created with an Xacto knife.

 

ABOUT ANNE SAWYER-AITCH

Anne Sawyer-Aitch (pronounced like the letter “H”) is a puppeteer and stilt-walker. Nalah and the Pink Tiger is her first children’s book. She has worked for years with Minneapolis-based groups In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and the all-women’s stilting troupe Chicks on Sticks. Anne likes to create all kinds of puppets: parade floats, giant stilt puppets, and intricate color shadow shows. Currently, she is performing her Nalah and the Pink Tiger puppet show in English and Spanish around MN. She is a recipient of awards from the Jim Henson Foundation, the Puppeteers of America, the MN State Arts Board, and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. She lives in Minneapolis with her computer genius husband and a pack of imaginary dogs.

You can view her website at http://www.nalahandthepinktiger.com.

Connect with Anne:

FACEBOOK

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Nalah and the Pink Tiger Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

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Tuesday, May 7 – Guest blogging at Bookingly Yours

Wednesday, May 8 – Guest blogging at Shhh…Not While I’m Reading

Thursday, May 9 – Book featured at Jody’s Book Reviews

Monday, May 13 – Book reviewed at Library of Clean Reads

Tuesday, May 14 – Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

Wednesday, May 15 – Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Thursday, May 16 – Up Close and Personal at Between the Covers

Monday, May 20- Book reviewed at Shhh…Not While I’m Reading

Tuesday, May 21 – Book reviewed at A Year of Jubilee Reviews

Thursday, May 23 – Interviewed at Digital Journal

Monday, May 27 – Book reviewed at Splashes of Joy

Wednesday, May 29 – Book featured at Book Marketing Buzz

Friday, May 31 – Book reviewed at Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks

Romance Book Club by Michelle Hughes Book Blast!

Join Michelle Hughes, author of the contemporary romance novel, Romance Book Club, as she tours the blogosphere May 10 through May 15 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book!  Michelle will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below anytime during the tour and good luck!

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ABOUT ROMANCE BOOK CLUB

A book club, a romance novel, and a group of professional women in Atlanta, Georgia. That might bring to mind a nice enjoyable evening of companionship and fun, but what if the women in question wanted to take things just a step further than the safety of a cozy living room meeting? When Jessie’s book club decided to put some real-time research into the background of their latest reading topic, she had no idea it would land her right in the middle of Sensation’s Dungeon!

Chase Davenport had seen dozens of women walk into his dungeon, curious about what his lifestyle entailed. Never had one ran for the door and looked on in abject horror like a certain petite little brunette. Challenge, that’s what he considered when he stared into eyes the color of a Caribbean sea at sunset filled with fear.

The sexy club owner fit the description of a sexy alpha male romance character to a tee, and to Jessie that wasn’t a compliment. When he offered to give her a tour of his dungeon, and discuss the reality of his lifestyle, she should have ignored the temptation. But how did anyone resist a chance to talk with a man that had a body built for sin and a smile that made her knees tremble?

Determined to give the tempting beauty just a little education about his world, he had no idea unlocking her mind would result in his own need to stake his claim. He was a man accustomed to having women beg for his attention, but there was something about Jessie that called out the true alpha in him. Would she be able to accept what he really wanted from her, or walk out his dungeon never to return?

It began with a love of reading romance behind the pages of a book… but in the end, reality would show a different world awaited if either of them were willing to take the chance.

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ABOUT MICHELLE HUGHES

Michelle Hughes is an international bestselling independent author. She currently resides in Alabama with her husband and her five children. Hughes began her career in entertainment as a singer and host for a nationally televised satellite talent program and continued to perform across the United States until she decided to move home and start her family.

Hughes owns Tears of Crimson. The website began as role-play and fan fiction base and has since become the home of Tears of Crimson Books. Hughes states her love of writing comes from her muse Rafe, who has given her dreams of fantasy worlds since she was a young girl.

Hughes started reading Harlequin romance books at eight years old, sneaking them from her grandmother. It instilled in her a love of romance that is still with her today. Her grandmother was raised on a cotton farm and only completed a sixth grade education, it was through watching her struggles with reading that Hughes states gave her the love of the written word.

Connect with Michelle!

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Pump Up Your Book and Michelle Hughes are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run from May 10 through May 15. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter and announced on May 16. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog. If you would like to participate, email Tracee at tgleichner(at)gmail.com. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments for your blog, too! Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Romance Book Club Book Blast

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Participating Blogs:

Friday, May 10

Confessions of a Reader

Tyhada Reads

Sweet ‘n Sassi

Urban Girl Reader

Saturday, May 11

AR Book Corner

Bookswagger

Review From Here

Sunday, May 12

Inside BJ’s Head

Literal Exposure

Fictional Candy

Monday, May 13

Mary’s Cup of Tea

As the Pages Turn

Between the Covers

Book Marketing Buzz

Tuesday, May 14

Love Books! Book Reviews

The Writer’s Life

Redroom

My Life. One Story at at Time

Wednesday, May 15

Miki’s Hope

Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem

My Neurotic Book Affair

If you would like to join this book blast, leave a comment below with email information or email Tracee directly at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.

Book Trailer Reveal: Terminus by Joshua Graham

Tags

book trailer reveal, book trailers, Joshua Graham, paranormal suspense, Terminus

Terminus
Joshua Graham
Redhaven Books
Paranormal Suspense

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About the Book:

How far must an angel fall to find his destiny?

Having witnessed one too many senseless deaths, Nikolai, a disillusioned Reaper 3^rd Class, resigns his commission with the Angel Forces after a tedious century of gathering souls.

Immediately, another division recruits him with the promise of a more rewarding career, and issues his initial assignments: To bring down a few very dangerous threats to the human race.  In the process, Nikolai falls in love with one of his targets—Hope Matheson, a woman who will lead thousands astray.

Caught between conflicting agendas, Nikolai chooses to “fall” from his celestial state and become mortal in order to circumvent angel law and be with her.  But for angels and humans alike, things are not always as they appear.  Still a target, the threat against Hope’s life intensifies.

Now, in order to save her, Nikolai must rally the last remnants of his failing supernatural abilities to prevent her assassination, as well as the destruction of an entire city by a nuclear terrorist strike.

But his time and power are running out…

Terminus is a perspective-altering saga that delves into ageless themes of redemption, destiny, and the eternal power of love.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

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ABOUT JOSHUA GRAHAM

WINNER OF the INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS (Beyond Justice),

#1 bestselling author Joshua Graham’s award-winning novel DARKROOM hit 3 bestseller lists on Amazon the night of its release.

CBS News described DARKROOM as a book with “action, political intrigue and well-rounded characters…a novel that thriller fans will devour.”

Many of Graham’s readers blame him for sleepless nights, arriving to work late, neglected dishes and family members, and not allowing them to put the book down.

Suspense Magazine listed BEYOND JUSTICE in its BEST OF 2010, alongside titles by Scott Turrow, Ted Dekker, Steven James and Brad Thor.

His short story THE DOOR’S OPEN won the HarperCollins Authonomy Competition (Christmas 2010.)

Publishers Weekly described BEYOND JUSTICE as: “A riveting legal thriller…breaking new ground with a vengeance…demonically entertaining and surprisingly inspiring.”

Joshua Graham grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he lived for the better part of 30 years. He holds a Bachelor and Master’s Degree and went on to earn his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. During his time in Maryland, he taught as a professor at Shepherd College (WV), Western Maryland College, and Columbia Union College (MD).

Today he lives with his beautiful wife and children in Southern California. Several of Graham’s short fiction works have been published by Pocket Books and Dawn Treader Press.

Writing under the pen name Ian Alexander, Graham debuted with his first Epic Fantasy novel ONCE WE WERE KINGS, an Amazon #1 Bestseller in multiple categories and Award-Winning Finalist in the SciFi/Fantasy category of The USA “Best Books 2011″ Awards, as well as an Award-Winning Finalist in the Young Adult Fiction category of The USA “Best Books 2011″ Awards, and an Award Winner in the 2011 Forward National Literature Awards in the Teen/Young Adult category. ONCE WE WERE KINGS is available in ebook and hardcover editions.

For Film Rights Josh is represented by UNITED TALENT AGENCY.   Please use the CONTACT button on this website for all inquiries.

Joshua’s latest book is the paranormal suspense novel, Terminus.

Visit his website at www.joshua-graham.com.

Up Close and Personal with Coming Through the Fog Author Tami Goldstein

ABOUT COMING THROUGH THE FOG

 

A mother tells the journey of her daughter’s recovery from Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder to Functioning Recovery and independent living, giving tips to parents on how to navigate the medical and educational domain. This story is an example of the unique obstacles facing a parent raising a child with Autism. The challenges they face getting supports. What is Sensory Processing Disorder, CranioSacral Therapy and Bio-Medical Therapy, and what roles they play on the road to Functioning Recovery and independent living? See actual projective trials pertaining to sensory supports. Is educational discrimination the reason there is difficulty getting help in school? As this story unfolds it provides useful tips to other parents to help them on their journey with their child. This story is notable because this mother’s daughter was successful overcoming numerous obstacles while providing useful tools, inspiration and hope to others.

Purchase:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

The thing about me is that I  

I Am very passionate about spreading the word about life while raising a child with Autism. It takes a village and parents need all the help they can get.

When I first get up in the morning, I …..

Stretch, smile, greet my husband, dogs and smile, if it’s any season but winter.

The most important thing in my life is ….. 

My family.

I love to travel to …..

Exotic places, I use to be a travel agent and have traveled around the world.

In my spare time, I ….

. travel, read, swim in the summer.

One thing I learned about life was …..

 If you dream it, you can make it a reality

The sole mission I am on this earth is to …..

Bring awareness of the benefits of Sensory Integration, CranioSacral therapy and Bio-Medical supports as key tools in achieving Functioning Recovery from Autism Spectrum Disorders.

One little known fact about me that might surprise you is …..

My parents are magicians. I grew up surrounded by magicians, clowns and escape artists. I was frequently an assistant, I have been sawed in two, had swords and knives put through me and my body parts rearranged. It was rally cool!!

My favorite time of day is …..

The early morning, is my favorite time of the day. The earth is quieter, there’s’ stillness, birds chirping, dew on the grass, a warm breeze letting you know it’s going to  be a hot summer day.

The most difficult aspect about writing is …..

The actual writing process is the most difficult aspect of writing. This book was emotional and heart wrenching for me to get on paper. If my good friend Cheryl ‘Smitty” Smith had not given me a tape recorder and let me record it, I don’t think it would have ever gotten down on paper.

When I became a published author for the first time, I 

I thanked G-D for helping me find a way to share the information we learned helping Heather.

The inspiration behind my book comes from …..

Heather was my inspiration. For writing Coming Through the Fog. It was awe inspiring to watch her overcome such an obstacle. I learned to see the world differently, through her eyes. I changed my career, my lifestyle and my way of thinking because of what I learned in order to help Heather.

 

ABOUT TAMI GOLDSTEIN

This journey begins with a mother’s love for her daughter. After learning her daughter was on the Autism Spectrum Tami began to tirelessly educate herself in the sciences of: Behavioral Health, Child Psychology, Human Anatomy, Occupational Health, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and has been a parent advocate for her daughter since 1997.

In 2002, as her knowledge and passion grew, Tami began reaching out to other families in need of help. In 2005, Tami founded the Rock County Autism Support Group and she is the community resource liaison for the SPD (Sensory Processing Disorders) Parent Connections Support Group of Rock County and the surrounding areas. Since 2005, Tami has been State and National Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and in 2013 she certified in CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute in Florida.

Tami currently has two offices where she facilitates CranioSacral Therapy. Approximately 38% of her clientele are children, teenagers and young adults on the Autism Spectrum or with other neuro-developmental delays. When asked to lecture, Tami uses her personal experience, extensive knowledge, and dedication to help others learn about and understand the medical and educational aspects of Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders and SPD.

You can view his website at http://www.comingthroughthefog.com.

His latest book is the autism awareness book, Coming Through the Fog.

Connect with Tami:

FACEBOOK

 

Up Close and Personal with Ash Hoden, author of ‘The Idiot of Funkyville’

ABOUT THE IDIOT OF FUNKYVILLE

What is travel? Asking this question is like asking, “What is life?” or, “Who are you?” (or, as I’ve frequently been asked, “Who are you?”). The answers to such questions are as numerous as the people asking. The Idiot of Funkyville: Becoming an Everywhere Citizen takes a chronological snapshot of actual personal experiences as a young and less-than-young man living and playing abroad; exploring each of the above questions in the context of a displaced American piecing himself together on foreign turf.

Contained therein: perhaps an excess of sex, more than a healthy dose of drugs, and all the rock ‘n’ roll one can ask for. Balance is achieved as the vignettes build one on top of the next.

Pondering the course of my life from the confines of a Qatari jail cell, reminiscence begins with teenage confusion at a Mexican bar and concludes with grown confusion as an expat in the Middle East. In progression, the narrowing spiral of personal growth leaves finer grained finger prints as the tales evolve through destinations and age. In theory, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. But that’s for the experts to decide.

Having dismounted a train, plane, boat, or rickshaw in nearly forty countries (including Canada), The Idiot of Funkyville documents a life of travel as a point-blank portrayal of my life through travel. And who doesn’t love life and travel both? Whether you’ve already gone or have no intention of ever, ever going near the place, wonder is universal. We all have questions. A good majority of my questions just happened to be pondered abroad.

The thing about me is that I ….. dance like a crazy man when one of my favorite bands is playing.

When I first get up in the morning, I ….. try to remember which day it is. Then I think about what to do with the day, but that’s mostly because I’m on a sabbatical from my day job.

The most important things in my life are … my friends and family.

I love to travel to ….. every place that I can. Bali and India are two of my favorite places so far.

In my spare time, I ….. do my best to stay active. Yoga and swimming are a part of my daily routine. Beyond that I love rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding, and cafe hopping.

One thing I learned about life was ….. that it’s too short to take too seriously. I would love to see that philosophy implemented at an official, governmental level.

My sole mission on earth is to ….. serve humanity to the best of my ability. Writing is one form of service.

One little known fact about me that might surprise you is …..that I like working with my hands. I renovated my house and yard and have also built furniture of my own design.

My favorite time of day is …..at night. That’s when I feel most awake and most relaxed. At night, when I feel both energetic and mentally calm, I tend to be more productive than I am during the day.

I love to write about … anything that has meaning. It could be something autobiographical like my book, The Idiot of Funkyville, or it could be a work of fiction that also has an underlying message about humanity.

The most difficult aspect about writing is ….. getting to a point where I’m satisfied with what I have written. While writing my book I went through each chapter and paragraph more times than I can count, editing and re-editing until I couldn’t take it anymore. It’s hard for me to decide that something is as good as I can make it and move on from there. I still see words or sentences I would go back and change if I could.

My most favorite aspect about writing is ….. the contemplative aspect of sitting down with a blank piece of paper, letting thoughts arise, and spilling them out through the pen. There’s a meditative quality to the process that will keep me balanced if I do it on a daily basis. It’s a nice blend of creativity and reflection, which is why I began writing in the first place.

When I became a published author for the first time, I ….. turned my attention toward the promotion of my work. With the rise of ebooks and digital publishing, getting your work into the market has become the easiest part of the process.

The inspiration behind my book comes from ….. a 13-month around-the-world backpacking trip I took in 2006-07. This book wasn’t actually planned. It happened to me. Rather than making a decision to sit down and create a book, I wrote a series of travel stories as a way to take greater meaning from the experiences I was having while backpacking. At some point in time I realized that these stories were the foundation of something bigger.

The most asked question about my book is ….. Did you really go to jail for showing your middle finger in Qatar? Yes, yes I did.

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ABOUT ASH HODEN

Ash Hoden is a writer, foreign correspondent for a California-based design studio, and architect currently living, working, and writing about living and working in Qatar. His pursuits have always involved creation. He firmly believes social contribution is a fundamental requirement for a happy existence. He attended Colorado State University where he received the American Society of Landscape Architect’s Honor Award for exceptional academic design work. In addition to ongoing contributions in the business world, he previously founded an independent design firm and organized CambodiaFund, a method of providing basic school supplies to Cambodian children in need.

The Idiot of Funkyville is his first published book. You can visit Ash Hoden’s website atwww.ashhoden.com.

WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

Alex and Katija High and Mighty by Gordon Hooper Book Feature

 

ABOUT ALEX AND KATIJA: HIGH AND MIGHTY

Alex and Katija are quite the pair. Selfish, cruel, greedy, sleazy and violent—why, the negative adjectives could easily fill a small volume of their own. Over the top, always offensive and never politically correct—their sole redeeming quality is, they are not child molesters.

Alex is heir and owner of the Holstein Private Investigation Agency, located in Stockholm, Sweden. While he is the agency’s brains, Katija provides the brawn, as resident henchwoman. Their setup is sweet, with a never-ending supply of clients appearing at their doorstep and asking for help, only to be swindled out of their money, robbed, or beaten, and then sent on their way. Except some who, wrapped in chains, are dumped into the murky waters of nearby Nybro Viken.

Alex and Katija fight the natural as well as the supernatural—the only thing they really dread is the horrors of gainful employment. This threat is ever present as their finances are chronically atrocious, usually due to the black vacuum of the weekend, with all its powders and pills.

Their cases take them across the globe—so beware! There is NOWHERE to hide.

PURCHASE:

AMAZON

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ABOUT GORDON HOOPER

Gordon Hooper is the author of “Alex and Katija, High and Mighty.” It was published on Amazon.com, November 6 2012, courtesy of Seattle publisher New Libri Press.

One could tell his life’s story with a poem:

Born by gypsies
Raised by wolves
Schooled by fools
Employed by cretins
Scooped up by Libri

Highly inaccurate and somewhat irrelevant prose, yes yes I know – what are you, my mother?
But when has truth, that dull ignoramus, ever been able to measure up to a well-crafted lie?
Most of his work is created solely to make people laugh, or at the very least smile. He tries to be offensive as often as humanly possible.
When not – then he is most likely being semi-blackmailed by his publisher, who has a hell of a job in keeping us all out of jail and preventing the premises of New Libri Press from being torched.
Contrary to his wishes he currently resides in the depressing little freeze box of Stockholm, Sweden.
He was born on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain in 1977, but was imported to the frigid shores of Sweden at the tender age of two.
He is currently working on the sequel “Alex and Katija, The terrible Two.”
For more warping of morals, bending of truths and breaking of laws – enter the electronic vortex via the portal below.

Alex and Katja is his first published book. You can visit Gordon Hooper’s website atwww.gordon-hooper.com.

WEBSITE

Interview with Dr. Wilfred Aguila, author of ‘Why I Don’t Lose Weight’

 

ABOUT WHY I DON’T LOSE WEIGHT

Why I Don’t Lose Weight is a unique perspective to the battle of the bulge. Dr. A gets to the heart of the struggle with weight loss by identifying the root causes that keep you in a cycle of overeating; he then gives practical solutions for overcoming that struggle and losing weight for good. Wonderfully clear and simple steps to permanent better health from a physician who has lived it.

Purchase Link:

AMAZON

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Welcome to Between the Covers!  Why was writing Why I Don’t Lose Weight so important to you?

I have helped many patients lose weight over the years and I  found that       the biggest problem for them was gaining the weight back so I set out to find the common thread that seemed to be causing this. The result was the cycle of   overeating which identifies the unseen but major contributors to keeping us overeating and using food for comfort.

What was the experience like writing Why I Don’t Lose Weight?

It was exciting to write this book. I enjoyed the creative process very          much. It is like a snowball effect…the more I write the more the ideas flow.

How did you come up with the title?

The title reflects the question that most people ask themselves when they    fail to lose weight and go on diet after diet.

Can you tell us more about your main character?

I am a recovered binge eater so I learned first hand about the difficulties    people experience when they are faced with a difficult goal to lose weight and improve their lives. This personal experience allowed me to empathize with others in a special way.

What are his strengths and what are his weaknesses?

I am the main character for my non-fiction book. I can tell you that I am     very much a perfectionist which is part of the reason that I became the   binge eater. Learning to overcome my perfectionist tendencies was a challenge. Determination is one of my strengths and this has helped me carry through with my mission to help others with what I have learned.

Are there any supporting characters we need to know about?

I created different characters such as Ms. Alltap (all things to all people)     who develops a major struggle with her weight because she can’t stop trying to do it all.  I also introduce Mr. Sick an, unfortunate gentleman who displays all the different associated diseases you get by being overweight.

Can you open to page 25 and tell us what’s happening?

Here I present how mental abuse by those we love and trust can      impede our ability to succeed at any diet and keep us in a cycle of overeating.

What about page 65?

Page 65 is blank but the next page explains how obesity mimics the five     classic stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and      acceptance.

Now that Why I Don’t Lose Weight has been published, what is your next project?

I am working on a book that explains the blueprint for success in life,          love, and business. The book explains how the same key principles are in effect in everything that you do. Achieving success in one part of your life will help you do the same in others.

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

I also host a popular radio show that is heard on several radio stations         nationally, The Dr. A Show. The show is centered around the principles of my book and how integrating changes nutrition, fitness, self-help, and wellness will lead you to a better, more fruitful life. I interview best-selling authors and celebrities that bring you their inspiring stories.  The website is www.theDrAShow.com

 

ABOUT DR. WILFRED AGUILA

Struggling for almost a decade with his own weight problem, Dr. Aguila gained a personal understanding about the process of obesity. He remembers his battle with binge eating and the lessons he learned that allowed him to finally break the cycle of overeating. He shares with his patients these lessons so that they may break their own Cycles.

Dr. A is an author, radio show host, and national obesity expert. He has appeared on numerous morning TV shows and as a regular expert segment on Telemundo. He is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post as well as other publications. Through his weekly syndicated radio show (The Dr. A Show) and his motivational speaking engagements, Dr. A touches the lives of those suffering with serious weight problems and empowers them with the knowledge that they need to win their struggle.

 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

 

Up Close and Personal with ‘Past Tense’ author Shawn Kilgarlin

ABOUT SHAWN KILGARLIN

Shawn V. Kilgarlin is a writer, speaker, and Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana-based American Screening Corporation (ASC), a nationwide leader in drug testing products since 2004. In 2011, she was named a Cambridge Who’s Who Professional of the Year in Health Care Support. Ms. Kilgarlin’s husband (and co-author), Ron Kilgarlin is ASC’s CEO and an internationally recognized sales expert. Their company has helped over a million people deal with the plague of substance abuse. While unusually active in her industry and community, Ms. Kilgarlin’s true passions are writing and helping those in need. She is the author of the book God’s Love Letters: Overcoming Adversity. Past Tense is her second book.

Visit her website at http://www.americanscreeningcorp.com/Past-Tense-Shawn-Kilgarlin-P2955C216.aspx

Find Shawn!

About Ron Kilgarlin

Ron Kilgarlin is founder and Chief Executive Officer of American Screening Corporation. He no stranger to adversity, under extreme conditions, and with his father’s sound advice, he sold off an underperforming company. On January 2004, Ron started American Screening Corporation, in his parent’s sunroom.

Under his direction, 9 years later & with the help of his wife Shawn Kilgarlin, COO, ASC is now the #1 Rapid Drug Testing Company in the United States. In 2009 his company was awarded by GSA, a contract, to sell to federal government agencies. ASC is ISO 13485 Certified, specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of Rapid Drug & Point of Care Tests, serving US & International Clients, including Medical, Corrections, Retail, Direct Consumer, Commercial, & Government Markets. ASC has Free Sale Certificates in 27 foreign countries, Health Canada, Saudi FDA, & Iran OFAC license.

Ron is a drug testing expert helping over 1 million clients fight the plague of drug & alcohol addictions. Ron is an internationally recognized sales & internet marketing expert. He led the creations of www.americanscreeningcorp.com, which is the premiere website to purchase drug & health tests, with over 4000 products and growing.

Ron has recently accepted a position on the board, for the Louisiana Economic Development Council, as Ambassador, for executive’s considering expansion or relocation.

His love for writing started years ago as he kept a journal for self- improvement. His goal is to reach out, inspire, and connect with the world, sharing his personal stories of hardship, and researched studies on techniques for self-improvement.

While not working Ron enjoys spending time with his beloved family, traveling the open road, smoking fine cigars, reading, & writing.

Find Ron!

BUY ONLINE

The thing about me is that I have always had a fascination with words- maybe because my mother made me read the ChildCraft encyclopedias every summer. I had to read for an hour every day, and that taught me discipline. I remember the pictures jumping off the page as I swung in the hammock. I began to daydream and concoct stories in my mind. My imagination would explode, and as I looked into the clouds, my creativity was awakened.

The most important thing in my life is EVERYTHING! What I mean by that is that I tend to be pretty selective about who and what I let into my life. So everything in my inner circle is important.

One thing I learned about life was that people spend too much time worrying about what others think. I could care less! Thanks to my upbringing which taught me that it’s in unity that one’s greatest strength lies, I am happy inside- naturally- because I know it’s God I look up to. He creates the peace, and that unity.

The sole mission I am on this earth is to help people. I believe that the writing I do helps people deal with the external stressors over which they have little control. I want to help people manage their responses to stressors, while inspiring them to live a more positive life.

One little known fact about me that might surprise you is I was raised in a small town, which provided a strong foundation of virtues. I lived and felt harmony and saw the positive in every situation. I had the freedom to explore my ideas and dreams, found the energy to pursue them, and at an early age, was taught to find the power to make them real.

I love to write about inspirational, self-help, and spiritual topics.

The most difficult aspect about writing is finding time to escape from everyone and write. Finding time for myself.

My most favorite aspect about writing is the joy of recognizing my vision and following my thoughts and ideas to turn them into a masterpiece.

When I became a published author for the first time, I felt as though I had truly accomplished something. It felt great!

The inspiration behind my book comes from the opportunity for Ron and I to parlay the substantial experience we have had dealing with people fighting addiction to create Past Tense. We were moved to write the book because we realized that too much stress drove people to drugs and alcohol, so the book is our way of giving people some tools they can use to avoid going down those dark roads.

The most asked question about my book is “What did you learn from writing this book?” I learned so much from writing this book that we ended up breaking the book down into 24 sections which have been turned into 24 topic-specific mini-books!

 

ABOUT PAST TENSE

Stress Relief is right here, in your hands.

Are you tense and need a break? You will love this book! Open it to any page on any day. You’ll find guidance and useful tips that are positive, fun, light-hearted and profound so you can get the peace of mind you really need – right now. Whenever you feel bothered and annoyed, fearful, insecure, angry or frustrated, it is probably from on of these:

•Daily Hassles – traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children
•Workplace – office politics, lack of respect, unemployment, helplessness
•Environmental – noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds
•Life Changes – college, marriage, divorce, aging, emergencies, grieving
•General Anxiety – holidays, peer pressure, addictions, feeling inadequate

Don’t worry, we have you covered. Designed for easy reading and fast relief, Past Tense gives you 365 engaging “page-a-day” stories to put your stress to rest. Each one brings you a healthy does of feeling better every day of the year. Sprinkled with inspiring quotes, thoughtful sayings and profound wisdom from the world’s great philosophers, modern thinkers, and major religions, Past Tense give soothing, down-to-earth advice for people of all ages. Use it to get “past tense” right away – and stay that way for life!

Work Stress. Management Stress. Money Stress. Life Stress!
They’re All Part of Everyday Life, BUT…

There are practical solutions and secrets that you can start using right away:

Fundamental understanding and management of stress is within your grasp.

With its 365 engaging, “page-a-day” stories, Past Tense offers a healthy dose of stress relief for every day of the year. The book covers every stress-generating scenario imaginable while teaching: the full impact of stress on your life; how to react to any crisis with composure; ways to read the warning signs of stress burnout; and tips on becoming a master of new behavioral patterns that help you live a highly stress-reduced life.

Past Tense is guaranteed to provide guidelines for creative problem solving while giving you positive-habit-forming techniques for tackling difficult situations. In its alternately fun, light-hearted, yet profound pages, you’ll discover ways to reduce harmful stress and increase productivity across the spectrum in areas including:

• Daily challenges (traffic, lost keys, workplace woes)
• Workplace pressures (office politics, lack of control, job loss)
• Environmental stressors (noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds)
• Life changes (college, marriage, divorce, aging, grieving)
• Stresses related to family, holidays, peer pressure, addiction, and much more

Sprinkled with quotes, sayings, and profound wisdom from ancient philosophers, modern thinkers, and the world’s major religions, Past Tense offers down-to-earth, common sense advice that speaks powerfully to readers of all ages and cultures. Use this lively stress-handling encyclopedia to get “past tense” and stay that way – for life!

Up Close and Personal with Gordon Hooper, author of ‘Alex & Katija’

 

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ABOUT ALEX AND KATIJA: HIGH AND MIGHTY

Alex and Katija are quite the pair. Selfish, cruel, greedy, sleazy and violent—why, the negative adjectives could easily fill a small volume of their own. Over the top, always offensive and never politically correct—their sole redeeming quality is, they are not child molesters.

Alex is heir and owner of the Holstein Private Investigation Agency, located in Stockholm, Sweden. While he is the agency’s brains, Katija provides the brawn, as resident henchwoman. Their setup is sweet, with a never-ending supply of clients appearing at their doorstep and asking for help, only to be swindled out of their money, robbed, or beaten, and then sent on their way. Except some who, wrapped in chains, are dumped into the murky waters of nearby Nybro Viken.

Alex and Katija fight the natural as well as the supernatural—the only thing they really dread is the horrors of gainful employment. This threat is ever present as their finances are chronically atrocious, usually due to the black vacuum of the weekend, with all its powders and pills.

Their cases take them across the globe—so beware! There is NOWHERE to hide.

PURCHASE:

AMAZON

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The thing about me is that I ….. love politically incorrect humor.

When I first get up in the morning, I ….. indulge my two main vices, tobacco and nicotine, then turn my stereo up to 11 and then get writing (on a good writing day, that is).

The most important thing in my life is ….. making it as a writer. To hell with family and friends!

I love to travel to ….. South America. I’ve done a full year of backpacking across that fantastic continent, and I’d love to do one more.

In my spare time, I ….. Work out, lifting weights and running. I’m not an athlete or anything, just to keep the beer gut in check. I sorely miss my teenage metabolism.

One thing I learned about life was ….. is that it’s short and can end at any time. My dad died in March last year, and it really spurred me on to achieve what I have always wanted to do.

The sole mission I am on this earth is to ….. write. I thought I already made that perfectly clear?!

One little known fact about me that might surprise you is ….. That I have two major scars on my body. The “first meeting with the opposite sex” scar is located to the side of my left eye. The second, the “gay” scar is located on my left butt cheek.

My favorite time of day is ….. whenever work ends.

I love to write about … Humor, travel and action.

The most difficult aspect about writing is ….. Finding the time to write whilst juggling a day job etc. It is hard to get into the zone and achieve flow when you only have an hour here and there, or if you are tired after work.

My most favorite aspect about writing is …..  that I get to be creative. I am rubbish at drawing, playing instruments, singing etc. It is weird, sometimes when I achieve flow it’s like someone else is doing the writing and I just watch my fingers dance over the keyboard. Maybe I’m possessed? The daemon/ghost better not get any ideas about getting a share of the royalties, however!

When I became a published author for the first time, I ….. frantically kept checking amazon.com like the book would take off to the moon on its first day.

The inspiration behind my book comes from ….. Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Edmund BlackAdder, Hunter S. Thompson and Confederacy of Dunces. Also, from my many travels.

The most asked question about my book is ….. Who is this person based upon? Is it him/her?

ABOUT GORDON HOOPER

Gordon Hooper is the author of “Alex and Katija, High and Mighty.” It was published on Amazon.com, November 6 2012, courtesy of Seattle publisher New Libri Press.

One could tell his life’s story with a poem:

Born by gypsies
Raised by wolves
Schooled by fools
Employed by cretins
Scooped up by Libri

Highly inaccurate and somewhat irrelevant prose, yes yes I know – what are you, my mother?
But when has truth, that dull ignoramus, ever been able to measure up to a well-crafted lie?
Most of his work is created solely to make people laugh, or at the very least smile. He tries to be offensive as often as humanly possible.
When not – then he is most likely being semi-blackmailed by his publisher, who has a hell of a job in keeping us all out of jail and preventing the premises of New Libri Press from being torched.
Contrary to his wishes he currently resides in the depressing little freeze box of Stockholm, Sweden.
He was born on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain in 1977, but was imported to the frigid shores of Sweden at the tender age of two.
He is currently working on the sequel “Alex and Katija, The terrible Two.”
For more warping of morals, bending of truths and breaking of laws – enter the electronic vortex via the portal below.

Alex and Katja is his first published book. You can visit Gordon Hooper’s website atwww.gordon-hooper.com.

WEBSITE

 

Betrayal: Wounded Heroes Book 3 by Anne Patrick Book Blast – Win $25

Join Anne Patrick, author of the inspirational romantic suspense book, Betrayal: Wounded Heroes Series Book 3, as she tours the blogosphere March 18 through April 12 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Anne will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below anytime during the tour and good luck!

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ABOUT BETRAYAL: WOUNDED HEROES BOOK 3

Drew Presley’s wife was murdered while he was serving his country in Iraq. Giving up a career he loved, he’s returned to Dauphine Island to care for his son and try to make a new life for them. The unsolved murder of his wife continues to plague him. The islanders are very protective of their own and he fears a killer is among them. The more he searches for answers though the more dangerous it becomes. Just as troublesome is his attraction to his son’s second-grade teacher.

Trudy Walsh was Nora Presley’s best friend so the bond she has with Nora’s motherless child is only normal. What troubles Trudy is the growing feelings she has for Reed’s father. How can she be so attractive to one man when Jack Diamond is all she’s ever thought about?

What secrets lie in Gianni’s Cove, and what do they have to do with Nora’s murder?

Purchase your copy:

AMAZON| BARNES & NOBLE

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ABOUT ANNE PATRICK

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. Her books have garnered four-star reviews from Romantic Times, ‘Top Pick’ and ‘Best Book’ honors from Night Owl Reviews and Long and Short of It Reviews, and Five-Heart reviews from The Romance Studio. When she isn’t working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

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Pump Up Your Book and Anne Patrick are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run from March 18 through April 12. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter and announced on April 13. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog. If you would like to participate, email Tracee at tgleichner(at)gmail.com. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments for your blog, too! Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Betrayal Book Blast

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Participating Blogs:

Monday March 18 – Beyond the Books

Tuesday, March 19 – Review From Here

Wednesday, March 20 – Book Marketing Buzz

Thursday, March 21 – Authors and Readers Book Corner

Friday, March 22 – She Writes

Monday, March 25 – Bookingly Yours

Monday, March 25 – Cheryl’s Book Nook

Tuesday, March 26 – Laurie’s Thought and Reviews

Wednesday, March 27 – Maureen’s Musings

Thursday, March 28 -Literal Exposure

Friday, March 29 – The Writer’s Life

Monday, April 1 – Redroom

Monday, April 1 – Mary’s Cup of Tea

Tuesday, April 2 – Blogher

Wednesday, April 3 – Allvoices

Thursday, April 4 – As the Pages Turn

Friday, April 5 – Literarily Speaking

Friday, April 5 – Waiting on Sunday to Drown

Monday, April 8 – My Book Addiction and More

Tuesday, April 9 – My Cozie Corner

Wednesday, April 10 – Janna Shay Fair Play

Thursday, April 11 – Plug Your Book

Thursday, April 11 – Self Taught Cook

Friday, April 12 – Between the Covers

Friday, April 12 – Splashes of Joy

If you would like to join this book blast, leave a comment below with email information or email Tracee directly at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.