Saturday, January 30, 2016

Second Chances, by Lincoln Cole, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Nichole is an underprivileged young Black American woman who aspires to become an attorney. Despite the many obstacles she must overcome to do so she is determined to succeed.  But with the odds already against her, she is hit with a hard blow when her mother goes missing.  Now, on top of her many other commitments, she finds herself caring for two younger siblings who are counting on her to make sure they are given every chance at a good life.   Nichole knows all too well that racial bias can sometimes dictate the outcome for families in situations such as her own.  Maintaining a cautious reserve she does her best to juggle her many responsibilities. Not knowing who to trust, she struggles to find a balance between muddling through on her own and learning to trust and accept help from others.

Lincoln Cole offers a heart-rending perspective into the struggles realized by those who are oppressed by prejudice and bias.  Cole addresses relevant concerns facing so many people today.  His book, Second Chances, brings the reality of such issues to light, helping readers observe that the opportunities many people take for granted may not come as easily to some.

 Second Chances, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Movie Review - Until Forever


Until Forever, a Gateway Films / Linn Productions movie, is based on the true story of  Michael Boyum, a young man diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia.  As Michael battles cancer, through faith and with fearless tenacity, his loved ones struggle with their own conflicts amid his illness.

Written and directed by Michael Linn, Until Forever is a testament to the power of faith within the shadows of adversity.  An impressive cast of actors, though relatively unknown, offer exceptional performances in this movie which is one not to be missed.  Of particular note, actors Madison Lawlor and Stephen Anthony Bailey deliver stellar portrayals of young people in love as they navigate the maze of human emotions encountered during Michael's diagnosis and subsequent treatment.  The cinematography, acting, directing and editing of this film are all quite superb, culminating in an outstanding film which can hold its own against any major motion picture in box offices today.

Until Forever is a compelling love story which incites laughter and tears, all the while resonating with an unyielding message of hope. This film is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Until Forever - Endorsed by the Dove Foundation and others

COMING SOON:

Feb. 12 - Rapid City, South Dakota
Feb. 12 - Pierre, South Dakota
Feb. 12 - Brookings, South Dakota
Feb. 12 - Oakdale, Minnesota
Feb. 19 - Huron, South Dakota
Feb. 19 - Mitchell, South Dakota
Feb. 19 - Del Rapids, South Dakota
March 2 - Philip, SD
Other theater dates and locations pending (SD, MN, WI)


Tickets available at:
http://www.fandango.com/search/?q=until%20forever

See more on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/untilforeverthemovie

And on the website:
www.untilforeverthemovie.com


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

A Long Way Back, by J. Everett Prewitt, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


A Long Way Back is the gripping tale of a group of Black American soldiers and one young man determined to bring their story to light.  When Anthony, a Washington Post news reporter sent to cover the war in Vietnam, witnesses the return of seven soldiers from a mission he senses a story.  The soldiers, bedraggled  and severely shell-shocked, are met with stunned silence.  It seems the other men at base camp seem shocked to learn the men made it back alive.  Anthony feels certain this is a story the Post would want him to cover, but he is refused the opportunity to speak to anyone. He hears hushed rumors of the men having been sent on an illegal mission to Cambodia; but under threat of court-martial, no one will divulge any information about the mission, or the fate of the others who never returned.

Author, J. Everett Prewitt’s vivid depiction of the horrors of war are compounded when intertwined with the racial injustices perpetrated upon the men whose story Anthony hopes to reveal.  A Long Way Back is a powerful and compelling novel.  Recommended for home and school libriaries, this book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monday, January 25, 2016

Author Spotlight - Ashley Hotter, on her award winning title "A Filly for Laura"



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?:
I enjoyed writing poems in school and just for fun. I would write poems about all my friends and give them as gifts. It wasn’t until I started taking a writing class and wrote my first book that I really thought about being a writer. 
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I wanted to be an Equine Veterinarian and move to Kentucky to work with race horses.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
I was going through a point in my life when I really wanted to foster and adopt a child. My husband and I were going through the process of getting licensed and it inspired me to write A Filly for Laura.


TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM/INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
Something random; I spend a lot of time on the computer not actually writing when I say I am.
Something interesting; my search histories, I search a lot of interesting things on google to get all the information for my books.
Something funny; sometimes when I am writing I get so into character I make myself laugh when they should, or end up crying when they do. 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?: Black Beauty, I love the strength portrayed. I love the way the author gets you to feel for Black Beauty, it really made my love of horses come alive. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
My greatest literary accomplishment would be getting my book published; it takes a lot of time and effort. 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?:
The process can be long and tedious. You have to write cover letters to specifics of what an agent or publisher would like to see. Wait for that person to respond, which can take months. Then you usually have to send in a sample or pages from your book along with a summary. After that If you hear back again they request your manuscript. You go through multiple edits with another person after you have spent hours doing it yourself. My favorite part was the cover design and illustration process. There are so many steps that the process can take a year or more until your book actually hits the shelves
My advice is to never give up, keep sending your manuscript in to publishers and agents. You just have to find the right one for your book. 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Use the tools provided to you Google plus, blogs, reviews, Facebook, twitter, hashtags. Have your friends and family share your book with their friends, Share it, and get it out there. You can trade reviews with other authors. Do book signings at your local library or travel to other towns and cities to do book events. Don’t rely on your publisher to do everything. 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?: 
I have many books I am working on currently, but none that are complete. 
Book one; bullying, magic, leprechauns, and curses. It is also about making new friends and being your own person.
Book two; magical kingdoms and portals to other worlds where the girls do the rescuing.
Book three; a newbie witch, monkeys as sidekicks, and snogs.
There are so many I have going, I am not just writing children’s book though. I have a couple of young adult ones in the works as well. Right now I do not know when any of my books will be complete. I just had a baby a couple months ago so my days and nights are filled with dirty diapers and snuggles. I write in my free time and try to keep up with my blog, my review page on Facebook, my author’s page, and twitter.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Kingdoms Fall, by Edward Parr, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


In Edward Parr's Kingdoms Fall, we are reminded that politics is a complex mixture of good and nefarious activities, and that war exists for many unique reasons.  Parr's story begins with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and continues through to 1918 with the armistice.   If classroom history could be this good History would be the most popular subject.  Romance, murder, intrigue, fear, and uncertainty are woven into this compelling novel which is a fascinating read for history buffs as well as those who may find the subject of history to be a bit tiresome. 

This novel incorporates the well known Lawrence of Arabia, as well as fictionalized characters such as OO6 of the British Secret Service. Specific battle plans are dissected and revealed so non-historians can grasp the intricacies involved in even the simplest military endeavors. War in all its horror and gore is described in such detail one can nearly smell the cordite and mustard gas. 


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

I Would, But my Damn Mind Won't Let Me! earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



I Would, but My Damn Mind Won't Let Me!a teen's guide to controlling their thoughts and feelings by Jacqui Letran, is a book written to help young girls unlock the tools to overcome many of the mental hurdles which frequently present challenges for teens.  Letran helps readers understand how the mind can often send confusing (and sometimes detrimental) signals as a means of protecting one's-self from pain.   The author breaks down the root causes of many mental obstacles which can often seem insurmountable while providing solutions for long-term stability and happiness.  Topics such as fear and self-doubt are addressed in a way which is profound in its simplicity.  


This book will appeal to readers of all ages and genders.  I Would, but My Damn Mind Won't Let Me! is highly recommended for home, school and public libraries and for use in clinical settings.  


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org