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Meet the author: Shirley Harris-Slaughter


A warm welcome to Rave Reviews Book Club Member and author Shirley Harris-Slaughter. Shirley’s got a special guest post for us today. Let’s listen in. ~ Bette A. Stevens

I’M A POLITICAL JUNKIE!

Shirley Harris-Slaughter is the author of OUR LADY OF VICTORY, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Shirley Harris-Slaughter is the author of OUR LADY OF VICTORY, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Hi, I’m Shirley Harris-Slaughter and I’d like to thank you all for having me today! Besides being a published author, here’s something else you probably didn’t know about me (if you know me)… I’m a Political Junkie! I have a love/hate relationship with politics. Another passion is my involvement in my local community. These two things keep me busy most of the time.

Politics – One thing for sure is the fact that I love to be in the know, because ignorance is no longer bliss. It could spell disaster if you are not informed on the issues, especially with what is happening right now.

Case in Point – Voting rights are being tampered with and compromised. I hate to say it, but there are some bad folks out there that are up to these shenanigans. If we don’t pay attention, we might wake up one day to find that we are no longer able to vote. In fact, that is already happening in urban communities in several southern and eastern states. One Party has succeeded in gerrymandering so many districts that your rights to representation is being challenged and compromised in the courts.

Voter laws are being challenged right now by the Department of Justice. Boy, do they have their work cut out for them.

But beware! It’s coming to a neighborhood near you.

The results of our last mid-term elections can already be seen in a dysfunctional Congress made up of these gerrymandered districts, virtually guaranteeing that these do-nothing incumbents will be re-elected. And guess what? Do-nothings affect all of us and our way of life. It doesn’t care if you are white, black, Asian, Hispanic; whether you live in the city, suburbs or rural areas… you will be affected negatively by this congress sooner or later. Look at what is happening to health care in North Carolina. Our crumbling infrastructure is another prime example of a dysfunctional government.

THAT IS NOT DEMOCRACY!

Please listen… You don’t have to be affiliated with Democrats or Republicans or even Independents to know there is cause for alarm when one group feels that the only way they can win, is by cheating and gerrymandering districts. Not only are your legislatures passing these draconian laws to make it harder for you to exercise your right to vote, they are also passing restrictive laws on women’s health choices and denying you the right to choose quality health care that your tax dollars are paying for.

I’m thrilled that the Justice Department has finally gone after the banks – CitiBank in particular; and making them pay back billions of dollars for their part in the economic meltdown that cost people their homes and their jobs across the country. What a sad chapter to the American Dream.

Another passion is my involvement in my local community. I got involved in hometown politics and helped elect a good friend to the Oak Park School Board. That paved the way for me to run for a position on that same school board later. I couldn’t turn down the offer because I wanted to be part of the solution. I wanted my property values to remain stable; and I wanted to play a part in providing a good education for our children who are the future.

I didn’t know much about ADD and all these other disabilities that our children are now being afflicted with. And everywhere I turned, everyone was acting like this was a normal thing. Where was I when this was going on? I was not in the public school system so I guess I missed something—something huge.

So there you have it, my greatest passions, because I love children and I care about my community and my country.

Thanks for listening!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community

Our Lady of VictoryI wrote about local history while growing up in a Catholic Community. My love of history and tradition propelled me into this forum. While serving on the school board, they tried to take away the music “Pomp and Circumstance” played at every high school graduation and I got visibly upset over it. Were these people for real? I felt like a stranger among strangers.

So, writing this book was no exception to who I am and what I stand for. It was a natural outgrowth of my community activism. Besides, no one else was going to do it. I didn’t understand at the time, that I was the chosen one.

Little did I know the “can of worms” I was about to unleash. But I needn’t have worried…no one was ready to challenge my findings. They just pretended like there was nothing to be concerned about. And so I wasn’t taken seriously, for the most part, with the exception of a few close friends. And then Nonnie Jules crossed my path and I joined Rave Reviews Book Club and excitement for my book and my message, was re-ignited.

I am a proud member of Rave Reviews Book Club—the place for Indie Authors!

 

 

This is an awesome trailer! Please take a look:

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/aF3ZBZFn3AY

Five Star Review of Our Lady of Victory by Nonnie Jules “Seal of Approval”

 

CONNECT HERE…

Tour Lineup Page: http://wp.me/P43s9i-2g

Author Page: http://wp.me/P43s9i-1m

Email: sharrislaughter@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharrislaughter

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/historybuff

 

Purchase Links…
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B00KDO1MSM/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_eos_detail
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4751309
Limited Editions: http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/about-the-book/

 

SHIRLEY’S BLOGS…
http://shirleyslaughterblog.wordpress.com/
http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/

 

 

 

Written

on 08/21/2014

Meet Bette Stevens


You’re invited to find out more about my writing and ‘other’ adventures on Maine Crime Writers blog today. Stop by for a visit. We would love to hear from you! ~ Bette

Bette & 4 Books 2014 Green Vignette

John Clark sharing an interview with fellow Hartland author (and member of the library book discussion group), Bette Stevens.

http://mainecrimewriters.com/johns-posts/meet-bette-stevens

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About the Author, author interview, Meet the Author, MEET THE AUTHORS

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MEET THE AUTHOR: multi-talented Sherri Rabinowitz


It’s my pleasure to welcome Sherri Rabinowitz to 4writersandreaders today. She’s here to tell us about her soon to be released children’s book Different is Beautiful. Let’s find out more about this talented author.

“Sherri Rabinowitz is not only an author, she is a terrific BlogtalkRadio show host and the creator and producer of Sherri’s Playhouse.”

Sherri Rabinowitz introduces her wonderful nww children's book ~ DIFFERENT is BEAUTIFUL.: a love note to the children of the world.

Sherri Rabinowitz introduces her wonderful new children’s book ~ “DIFFERENT is BEAUTIFUL, a love note to the children of the world.”

Tell us a little about yourself, Sherri.

I have been writing for years—in fact, since I was a young child. I am inspired by Ray Bradbury and Agatha Christie. I always have loved writing, but I have had to make a living in a variety of ways. I have worked as an actress, a travel agent and in several venues of customer service. My passion though has always been writing. I love reading and writing fan fiction. I also love the classics, mysteries and science fiction.  My novel Fantasy Time Inc. was nominated for a Global Ebook Award. I am also the host of Blogtalk Radio’s Chatting With Sherri and the creator and producer of Sherri’s Playhouse.

What type of writing do you normally do? 

I write in many genres. So far, I have two books published and I am working on several more. I have also written a play that I’ve produced and directed. I have written several articles and host several blogs.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of your latest (July 2014 release) book?  

Sherri's new book for young children teach children that love is the way and that it is their differences that make them special.

Sherri’s new book for young children teaches little listeners that “love is the way” and that it is differences that make everyone special.

My latest book is a picture book for young children planned for release at the end of July. The title is Different is Beautiful and it is my first children’s book. It teaches children that love is love—that we should not judge others by outward appearances, but by what is in their hearts. The inside is what’s important about each one of us. The outside really does not matter. Different is Beautiful teaches that love is the way.

What prompted you to write a children’s book?

All of the violence that comes from bullying, whether it drives those who are bullied to hurt themselves or to hurt others. I want to teach children that love is the way and that it is their differences that make them special. It’s not about how they look, what they wear, how they worship or whom they love.  It is what is in their hearts that means everything.

Do you have a favorite line from the book?  

“When you are special, you are beautiful.”

What was the hardest part about writing a children’s book?

I have never written a children’s book before or used in-story illustrations, so I did not know the logistics of it. It was all new to me, but proved to be a lot of fun.

Do you do anything besides write?  

I host a radio show called Chatting With Sherri, where I interview guests throughout the arts. I also have sub-show called Sherri’s Playhouse which presents a new radio play once a month.

How can my readers get a copy of your latest book?

You can check out my website I will let you know when it is available on Amazon at the end of July.

What’s next for you, Sherri?

Let’s see, I do have several projects in the works. I am working on several books—a sequel for Jane Eyre, a thriller, a murder mystery, a youth adventure series and my memoir. I also will be appearing at a couple of conventions. One will be the San Diego Comic Con and Conjecture. I am still working on this season of Sherri’s Playhouse, and of course, my radio show Chatting With Sherri.

It’s been great having you here with us today, Sherri. I can hardly wait to get a copy of your children’s book. I sounds like a wonderful way to get our little ones started on the path of love and respect for self and others. ~ Bette A. Stevens

 

Written

on 06/11/2014

RRBC Spotlight Author, Nicholas Rossis


MEET THE AUTHOR & read an excerpt too! ~ Bette A. Stevens

Good morning, bloggers!!

I am SO excited to welcome this awesome guy to my blog! Nicholas Rossis is a wonderful member AND the Social Media Director/Guru of RRBC, always super supportive of fellow Indie Authors and he just so happens to be a VERY talented writer. He is truly deserving of being in the “SPOTLIGHT” and I’m more than happy to help put him there!  🙂

As always…sit back, relax and enjoy!!

The Power of Six

PowerofSix

The Power of Six is a collection of six short science fiction stories, originally written between July 2009 and March 2012. Shortly afterwards, I started work on my first novel, Pearseus. Although the stories seem to be concerned with various themes, there are certain passions that run through them. What is the nature of reality? Is there more to the world than we can see?

  • The first story, “Simulation Over” is based on a…

View original post 3,128 more words

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ESTABLISHING A WRITER’S PLATFORM by Nonnie Jules


It’s my delight to have author Nonnie Jules here today to celebrate her Blog’s (WATCH NONNIE WRITE!) Birthday. Nonnie is also the founder and president of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. Readers and writers, if you’re not a member of this amazing book club yet, it’s time to jump on board. Nonnie Jules is here today to talk about Establishing a Writer’s Platform. Take us away, Nonnie…

New Book Club & You're Invited!

Today is the first day of my 15 day “HAPPY BIRTHDAY: ARE YOU WATCHING NONNIE WRITE?” Blog Tour and I’m kicking it off with a very supportive lady whose passion for children is equal to mine. Bette, thank you for having me and I hope that you and your guest enjoy me sharing the happy birthday.

This month marks the one year anniversary of my burst onto the social media scene and during that time, I have published three REALLY GOOD books, and have learned so very much about the industry. Although I’ve been a writer for most of my life (actually, I was born one), I only just became a published author in 2013. Some might say “In that short amount of time, what does she know?” Well, I’m here to tell you that “SHE” has learned a lot! “SHE” has taken the time to hone her skills in the writing department as well as her knowledge. “SHE” has taken the bull by the horn and run full speed ahead in building her author platform and establishing herself in the writing industry. “SHE” is making her name KNOWN.

On each stop of my tour, I share with you tips on writing, publishing and support, all topics equally important to the writing industry. I hope that what I am imparting, you will take, mull over, and then act on in the best interest of YOU.

With that being said, here is…

ESTABLISHING A WRITER’S PLATFORM

We, as writers, write and blog about many different things. We blog about our family and friends, exercise, politics and even the food we eat. But, unless you’re a family therapist, a fitness guru, a politician or a foodie, none of these are your platforms UNLESS they are all you speak about, the majority of the time.

Many writers pop onto the scene and want the world to know them as being “good in everything” and although there is a strong possibility that they are, readers don’t care to know this. Readers want to think that they are reading material from EXPERTS, and in the minds of most, we can’t be EXPERTS at everything. So then, you need to establish a writing platform.

I actually have two main platforms and they are CHILDREN & SUPPORT (although I must admit that I’m pretty good at writing about a multitude of things). If you were to mention my name to any number of people and ask: “What is her platform?” They would, nine times out of ten, give you the two that I’ve just mentioned, and in the exact order that I mentioned them. WHY? Because these two areas are what I write about, talk about and live the most.

So, if you’re not already, I’d like for you to watch me write as I will continue to offer more tips to help you begin establishing your writer’s platform. (My blog links are listed below). What is it that you’re most passionate about? What is the one thing you’re actually KNOWN for? That could very easily serve as the medium you need to establish your credibility with your new-found platform.

Bette, thanks so much again for having me!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nonnie Jules BookNONNIE Jules grew up loving books and everything about them.  She has traveled the world, jumped out of planes and climbed many mountains, all thanks to the wonderful world of literature.  She lives with her husband and two daughters on a very quiet strip of land in Louisiana, where red dirt roads and pick-up trucks go hand in hand.  She is the Author of three great reads at present:  “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS,” 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can’t Help But Love!; “Daydream’s Daughter, Nightmare’s Friend” (a novel);  and “SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS!” Nonnie is also Founder and President of the widely-known Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as being a sought-after book reviewer with a strong “eye” for perfection.

NJ Cover Design-1-1

She continues to write from many different genres and hopes to teach and touch minds and hearts alike with her very unique style of writing.  She loves positive feedback on her writing and personally responds to each and every email.  Nonnie can be reached at nonniewrites@yahoo.com, on Twitter @nonniejules, and do follow her blogs WATCH NONNIE WRITE! {nonniewrites.wordpress.com}  and ASK THE GOOD MOMMY {askthegoodmommy.wordpress.com}.

Nonnie’s feet are firmly planted in her two most important platforms:  Parenting & Support, where she continually invites the masses to join her.
BUY LINKS:

“THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS,” 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can’t Help But Love! – amazon.com/dp/B00CP62056;  createspace.com/4355124
“Daydream’s Daughter, Nightmare’s Friend” – amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM;  createspace.com/4386308

“SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS!” – amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA0I4

 

 

 

 

Written

on 04/16/2014

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Angelia Vernon Menchan shines brightly in THE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT!


It is a pleasure to host author Angelia Vernon Menchan as RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR at 4writersandreaders blog this week. Angelia is currently featuring two books from her SOUL TIES DUO. You’ll find out more about them at the end of her post. So, sit back, relax and travel along with the author as she shares how her writing journey began. Welcome Angelia Vernon Menchan!

Angelia Vernon Menchan’s Publishing Journey, The Beginning Chapters

Angelia Mechan

Angelia Vernon Menchan, author of THE SOUL TIES DUO: “Soul Ties are real and life lasting so choose ‘who’ carefully.”

My journey to publishing has been an interesting blessing. My goals in life were always to be a counselor and author. By age 36 I had accomplished the counseling, however, the author journey would not begin until almost fourteen years later unless you count the yearbook articles.

My early adult years were filled with traveling with my military husband, raising our sons and creating careers for myself. Writing at that time would not have worked for me because I knew it would have taken my focus off things that were more important, my family. That is only indicative of my life and everyone must choose what works best for them and how.

However in 2004 when my youngest started college I started writing and the stories flowed like lava from a busted volcano. Many I gave away, others I entered in online contests and got favorable reviews. But actually publishing did not occur to me until I wrote an eighteen page short story that really excited people, that story has spawned eight full length books and as many short story spinoffs. The writing journey began by simply writing and deciding without any advice to publish. (This isn’t recommended for the faint of heart.)

For four months I wrote fast and furiously and decided to vanity publish after some research. I know, I know, but seeking a publisher never crossed my mind. I started my first business at thirteen so “do it myself” worked for me. Anyway I plunked down my five hundred dollars and my baby, Black’s Obsession was born. I was an author! Ha, hold up, wait a minute. No I wasn’t, I was a writer who had thrown together a book and gotten it in print. I joined yahoo groups and it didn’t take long before I was disabused of my notions of being a real author. I actually received 3s and 4s as reviews but it was clear it was sloppy and many made no bones about saying it, not necessarily to me but I heard it loud and clear. Instead of being offended, I listened and made some changes. But before that could fully occur a strange thing happened, local readers paid their fifteen dollars and loved the book. There were components that they especially loved, such as an African-American man who completely loved a woman and didn’t care who knew it and was as flawed as could be but loved his community and was about positive growth. That heartened me enough to continue because with all of its flaws the books were selling, I was being invited to book clubs and events and was having conversations with readers about my work. I just knew I had work to do and was willing to do it.

I incorporated my company, MAMM Productions, started surrounding myself with those who were honest and supportive at the same time. By that I mean, they assisted me but didn’t fool me into thinking I had all the answers. I hired a publicist and those who could whip my books into shape and I was on my way. I also have an aside, which is probably most helpful to new authors, once you accept that not everyone is going to support your work and that every book isn’t for every reader, you have covered a major hurdle in your life. Please accept that if nothing else.

For the next several months while working on my second book I had to make changes. Online was not working for me, it was too much talking and pontificating, so I decided there was no way I would spend my time like that. I was an African-American writer with African-American stories living in a city with 350 thousand African-Americans! It was time to take my show on the road. From 2007 to 2010 I published eight books and traveled my state and the surrounding states selling my work and gaining readers and relationships. I barely went online during that time, that wasn’t my focus or my concern. When I first knew this was working for me was going to The Zora Neale Hurston festival, people bought my second book, Love Stories of People I Have Known and they also took my card and soon after started calling me. It was rejuvenating and encouraging.

Of my travels another mission was born, many found me a storyteller and funny and soon I was being asked to not only show up and sell books but people were actually asking me to talk about the things I was writing about, including teen issues, mentoring, marriage, community involvement and the list goes on. I was no longer a writing publisher, I had become something else that continues to bless my life and my writing work. While on the road, I sold a lot of books but I grew weary. It was exhausting considering I still had a very demanding career as a Budget Analyst. In my next segment of my publishing journey I would like to talk about bringing my career back online and learning to change when change is needed.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR and her many books at Angelia’s Amazon Author Page

THE SOUL TIES DUO  “Sex is not qualified to do the work of love, it just isn’t.”

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Visit Angelia’s blogs:

 

Follow Angelia Vernon Menchan’s RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB SPOTLIGHT TOUR all week at http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/spotlight-authors/

 

Written

on 04/05/2014

Oh Crap She’s Famous!


Oh Crap She’s Famous!.

Darlene Craviotto

Darlene Craviotto, author of “An Agoraphobic’s Guide to Hollywood – How Michael Jackson Got Me Out of the House” and so much more!

Meet Darlene Craviotto… She’s one amazing woman! ~ Bette A. Stevens

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Meet the Author, MEET THE AUTHORS

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MEET THE AUTHOR: Sheila Deeth


Author Sheila Deeth: Mongrel Christian Mathematician

Sheila Deeth: author of The Five-Minute Bible Story Series & self-proclaimed ‘Mongrel Christian Mathematician’

“Tell me a bedtime Bible story…”

Author Sheila Deeth has a whole series of bedtime Bible stories for us and she’s working on more!

GENESIS PEOPLE from her Five-Minute Bible Story Series is FREE on Amazon until January 14th; and, you won’t want to miss out on BETHLEHEM’S BABY. READERS: Here’s a sneak preview in Sheila’s own words from the interview—:

“With forty individual tales based on the first Christmas story, Bethlehem’s Baby brings the real world where Jesus was born to life, peopling it with characters children can relate to, and inviting readers to imagine themselves in the scene. “

Hi, Sheila. It’s great to have you with us today. I can’t wait to share what you’re doing to bring the stories of old to the latest generation. 

Draws readers and listeners into the scenes.

Sheila’s stories draw readers and listeners right into the scenes.

That is exciting, Sheila. Tell us a little about you and about your life …

Well… I was meant to complete this interview before Christmas, and I completely forgot until January. I guess that tells you I’m fairly disorganized. But I try to read, write, and write some more, in between networking and doing the everyday stuff of shopping, cleaning, washing… I used to write computer programs. Then I got paid to break them. Then I lost my job and wrote books instead.

How about your family?

We have three sons, two of whom came home for Christmas, effectively distracting me and making my life even more disorganized than usual. Can I use the fact that they hijacked my computer to kill aliens as my excuse for failing to get back in touch with you? The third son is a doctor and had to work over Christmas, but we’ll see him soon, so we’re keeping the lights on and extending our Christmas celebration to the middle of January.

How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?

I learned to write, eventually, in elementary school, and I’ve been writing stories ever since. I tried my hand at novels before I lost my job, but never had time for such a concentrated relationship with my characters. When the job went away, I wrote to keep my spirits up—fiction being so much more fun to write than job applications. Some of the stories grew into novellas and novels. Others stayed short and simple because I wanted to tell them to children.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of your book?

Bethlehem’s Baby came out as an ebook just before Christmas, but it’s going to be released as a real, physical book soon! I’m seriously excited, and so looking forward to holding it in my hands. My Mum’s excited too—she’s visiting from England and hopes to take some copies back with her. But you asked for a synopsis. Sorry…

With forty individual tales based on the first Christmas story, Bethlehem’s Baby brings the real world where Jesus was born to life, peopling it with characters children can relate to, and inviting readers to imagine themselves in the scene. Meet the shepherd boy whose grandfather keeps complaining about the noise until angels sing. Meet the Babylonian research student who discovers the meaning of the star but never gets the credit. A girl on the road from Jerusalem to Egypt keeps asking, “Are we nearly there?” And a baby boy grows into a small child on the streets of Nazareth.

What prompted you to write…

I’ve always told stories, as long ago as I can remember. But I took forever to learn to read or write. Then, one day, the elementary school principal brought a reel to reel tape recorder into class. She said if I wouldn’t write my stories she’d have to tape them. I decided the pencil was considerably less scary (and smaller) than the microphone, and I’ve been writing ever since.

Do you have a favorite line from the book?

Hmm. That’s an interesting question. I think my favorite line from Bethlehem’s Baby is: “God didn’t hang the world on a wall when he’d finished. He didn’t leave the Bible on a bookshelf to look nice. And he didn’t sell his program to people who wanted to play humans on their computer.”

Who is your favorite character and why?

I’m rather fond of the wise research student because he likes to play with numbers, and I’m a mathematician.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

I did quite a lot of research to learn what life would have been like in Israel when Jesus was born. That was probably the hardest part of writing the book, but it was also great fun.

Do you do anything besides write?

I cook, clean, wash… I used to walk the dog (I really miss her!)… And I read, a lot. I’m a very fast reader. Then I write book reviews, but I guess that’s writing again.

How can my readers get copies of your books?

Soon you’ll be able to get print copies from Amazon and other sites as well, but at the moment you’d have to get an eCopy, from:

Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY172MA/

Barnes and Noble nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?store=allproducts&keyword=Bethlehem%27s+Baby+by+Sheila+Deeth

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/bethlehem-s-baby

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/357261

What’s next for you, …?

Bethlehem’s Baby is the sixth book in the Five Minute Bible StoryTM Series. Nazareth Neighbors, the seventh book, was released at the end of December, by Cape Arago Press. And I’m working on Galilee’s Gift and Jerusalem Journey which should come out later this year. I’ve also signed contracts with Second Wind Publishing for three novels which are scheduled for 2014, so there’ll be lots of last-minute editing and rewriting taking place on my computer. It’s just as well the sons removed the computer aliens, I suppose.

5 minute covers Sheila Deeth

Sheila Deeth’s Five-Minute Bible Stories… Click the photok to download your copy of GENESIS PEOPLE for FREE before January 14th! Take a look inside her other books too.

Sheila, it’s been wonderful having you here at 4writersandreaders today. I can hardly wait for your series to come out in paperback for my grandson. Meanwhile, I’m ordering copies of Bethlehem’s Baby and GENESIS PEOPLE for my kindle today. Thanks so much for stopping by and keep those great stories coming our way! ~ Bette A. Stevens at http://www.4writersandreaders.com

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Children's Literature, Children's Picture Book, Meet the Author, MEET THE AUTHORS, Reading with Children

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Don’t miss Charles Dickens & Edgar Allan Poe!


Do you remember and love these two great authors and their classical literature?

Find out more about their lives and their writing…  ~ Bette A. Stevens

ENJOY!

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Literature, MEET THE AUTHORS

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MEET THE AUTHORS: D.C. Rush


 

D.C. Rush~Don and Cathy Rush, writers and creators of the Robby's Quest children's storybook series

D.C. Rush~Don and Cathy Rush, writers and creators of the Robby’s Quest children’s storybook series

Meet the writing team of D.C. Rush

What are reviewers saying about one of the books in D.C. Rush’s children’s storybook series?

“Robby’s Quest for Seed by D.C. Rush is an entertaining tale filled with humor and adventure which are cleverly used to teach children about friendship and teamwork.”

“This could easily be a five-star best seller and a future children’s classic.”

Welcome, Don. It’s great to have you with us at 4writersandreaders blog. Tell us a little about D.C. Rush. 

My wife Cathy and I wrote and published the Robby’s Quest children’s storybook series. We write under the name D.C. Rush, short for Don and Cathy Rush. I was born in Cleveland and Cathy was born in Chicago. I spent most of my working life, over forty years, in the manufacturing sector, working my way up from machinist to plant manager. I’ve spent most of those years working in aerospace at AlliedSignal then in the recreational vehicle industry in Minnesota producing hardware for ATVs, Snowmobiles and Motorcycles. Cathy is a pharmacy tech, retired and currently a homemaker. We met and were married in Phoenix back in 1985.

Tell us about your family.

Cathy and I have been married 27 years. we have two daughters, Becky and Tiffany, both new mothers. So that means we are new grandparents. Becky’s three month old daughter is named Abygail and Tiffany has two children, Rylie her two year old son and her two month old daughter Aubree, the newest addition to the family. Becky lives close by so we see her often and we babysit for Abby once a week. Unfortunately Tiffany lives in Minnesota and we don’t get to see her often enough. I also have a brother who lives close to us but most of my family lives in Ohio.

 How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you do?

Cathy and I retired and moved back to Arizona in 2009. We began playing with the idea of writing a children’s book in 2010.

Our books are fictional stories about a group of birds, life-long friends, who travel across America searching for new adventures and making new friends. Written for early readers, they also make excellent bedtime stories for the little ones.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of Robby’s Quest for Seed? 

cover one

Robby the robin, his brother Ricky and their flock of feathery friends decide to fly south for the winter. Also in the flock are three mourning doves, a family of six sparrows and one lone blackbird. Robby is the group leader; however, he believes in and promotes democracy. The birds vote on most major issues. During the trip south, Joy the youngest sparrow wanders from the flock and lands in the backyard of a very determined and hungry cat named Hershey. The other birds must form a search party and save the little bird. When the group arrives in Florida, they discover their winter homes were destroyed by a hurricane. The birds face a dilemma. Should they stay in Florida until the waters subside or travel west to Arizona? Robby’s Quest for Seed is a story about teamwork, leadership and friendship that children are sure to enjoy.

What prompted the team of Don and Cathy Rush to become writers?

We wanted to leave something behind for our children and their children. We really did not expect to publish our story. The manuscript sat on our hard drive for over a year before we were persuaded to self-publish. The birth of our grandson gave us some added incentive to publish and we dedicated the first book to Rylie. After we wrote and published the first story, it seemed natural to write a second story. We never expected to write four books , but it seemed we had more stories to tell.

Do you have a favorite line from the book? 

There are many passages I really like. This one is from the first book.

“Today was a very special day. Today was the day when all the birds would begin the journey south for the winter. Once arriving at their destination, it would be like spring break for birds.”

Look and listen…


Who is your favorite character and why?

I like Robby the robin. Over the years, I enjoyed being in management. Robby has my management style. He enjoys being the leader; but he also enjoys empowering others. Robby seeks agreement from the group for critical decisions and listens to others when they try to help. Robby is dedicated to the flock and would not let anything bad happen to anyone.

What was the hardest part about writing your book? The first book took a long time to write. We really struggled with the plot and how to actually form a story. By the third chapter we had an idea where we were going with the storyline so things began moving along. One problem was that we kept going back correcting our grammar and we weren’t really getting anywhere. We decided to just continue to write then we would go back later and check for grammar, punctuation, etc. It’s best to get your thoughts down on paper as soon as you can.

Do you do anything besides write?  I spend most of my time marketing our books. Social networking takes a great deal of effort. My first priority is our website www.dcrushbooks.com. This is our main advertising hub for all our social networking efforts. We also have a Facebook Page www.facebook.com/dcrushbooks and we are active on Twitter, Linkedin and Pinterest. We also have a WordPress blog  that we are still tweaking. I enjoy surfing the internet and looking for new ways to promote our books. Cathy enjoys Facebook and she helps with ideas for the blog and website.  We also enjoy watching action-adventure movies and crime-drama television shows like Criminal Minds, CSI Miami and Law & Order.

How can our readers get copies of your books? 

Our first three books are available in eBook and paperback editions. The first and second books are also available on audio. We found a wonderful narrator from Los Angeles with voice-over experience on radio and television. Tracy does an amazing job. You can find all the links to every book and every format on our website www.dcrushbooks.com. On our website you can also watch any of three book trailers and listen to samples of the audio books.

Here are the eBook, Paperback and Audio Book links to Robby’s Quest for Seed

eBook on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V7GZ2K

Paperback on Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4257882

Audio Book on Audible.com: http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B00D8HWUEG

What’s next for Don and Cathy—D.C. Rush?   

We are kicking around the idea of a picture book for the little ones, but we really need to get the Robby’s Quest series in front of more readers. We like to visit local hospitals and give the children a paperback to read; but again, we need to begin selling our books in order to continue doing this. We do have a new publicist who will begin a marketing campaign starting January 1st for Book One, February 1st for Book Two, etc.

It’s been a pleasure learning more about D.C. Rush and  Robby’s Quest for Seed. Thanks so much for joining us here today. — Bette A. Stevens at http://www.4writersandreaders blog

Where to find D.C. Rush:

Website: www.dcrushbooks.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dcrushbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcrushbooks

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dcrushbooks/

Blog: http://dcrushbooks.wordpress.com/

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author interview, Children's Picture Book, Fiction, Meet the Author, MEET THE AUTHORS, Reading with Children

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