Monday, May 29, 2017

Author Spotlight - Ellias Quinn on her award winning title, Eventyr



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
I always loved adventures and stories. Age ten was perhaps the first year I seriously considered writing as a career; my New Year’s resolution that January was to write a novel. Like most resolutions, that one remained unfulfilled until much later.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
My burning ambition led me to aspire to a variety of occupations, most notably: sculptor, private detective, inventor, potion-brewer, castaway on an uncharted desert isle, and shapeshifter. It so happens that as an author, I can become any and all of them.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
The color and texture of Eventyr comes from nature, with the initial inspiration being a couple of pressed flower petals I set out as decoration. They looked like the wings of a fairy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
I like the part where they went to that place and had a…well, you really have to read it to see why I like that part.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
Differences can be overcome and even turned to strengths when people – and alva – cooperate.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
C. S. Lewis influenced me most in style, with additional influence from many books I’ve read and movies watched, especially the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, Magyk by Angie Sage, Whales On Stilts by M. T. Anderson, and the film Galaxy Quest.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
Of all books, the Bible has impacted my life the most.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Learning to read.
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
I was fortunate to have a strong team committed to publishing the entire Eventyr series.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
My tips: Heavily research writing, publishing, and business. Learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
The world may sometimes seem dark, Literary Classics reader, but keep your chin up. With kindness be neither stupid nor stingy. And read my book, if you like.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Elders of Eventyr, Book Two in The Eventyr series, is far along toward completion.
We will release the continuation of Matil’s journey when falls the appointed hour, projected to be 2017. For news, please check back from time to time at my website, elliasquinn.com, or my social media pages.

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

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Milk Bottles and Mud Pies, by Cindy Farwell, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



When Cindy travels to her grandparents' farm to stay with them for a week she's in for a real treat. Basking in the love of her grandmother and grandfather, she delivers milk and helps with other various chores.  Surrounded by milk cows, kittens and a vegetable garden, she delights in the simple joys of farm-life.  When a terrible storm strikes the farm Cindy's trip is cut short.  But she is gently reminded of the many ways in which they can still be grateful.  Planted firmly in faith, with the love and support of family, Cindy's grandparents impart warm memories and a grateful spirit to their precious granddaughter.  


Author Cindy Farwell's Milk Bottles and Mud Pies is a lovely tale depicting a slice of rural life which is sure to elicit happy thoughts and warm memories.  Beautifully written, with wonderful illustrations, Milk Bottles and Mud Pies 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

Nickerbacher, by Terry John Barto, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Nickerbacher is a fire-breathing dragon.  It's his job to guard the princess just as his father did, and his father's father before that. But in truth Nickerbacher doesn't wish to be a scary dragon. What he wants more than anything is to be a comedian.  So when he learns the Late Knight Show is accepting auditions he longs to give it a shot.  Sadly, he knows his father would be dissapointed with him if he chose not to continue in the path of his forefathers.  Thanks to his friend, Princess Gwendolyn, and his new coach he learns that above all, he must be true to himself.

Author Terry Johnn Barto's Nickerbacher is a whimsical tale that will entertain while instilling a message of empowerment and individuality.  Excellent for young readers as well as for read-aloud, this book is sure to be a favorite with youngsters.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Nickerbacher 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

A Story for Lily, by Krystal Linder, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


It may seem nonsensical that a short story would come recommended based upon a prologue.  And of course, that's not actually the case here.  But if you could recommend a book entirely on that premise, it would be this one. The short story within the pages of this little book is delightful, enchanting, inspiring and heartwarming.  We love this short story.  But when coupled with the back-story, the inspiration and the purpose behind it's inception, it takes on  a much deeper and meaningful message.

Lily's kingdom is in grave danger of being destroyed by a dragon.  Her father, the king, has decreed the person who kills this dragon may have any wish granted; even if that means he must relinquish his throne.  Lily, seeking nothing in return, determines to kill the dragon herself.  As she begins her quest she is joined by an unlikely ally.  Together, along with her strong faith and a fierce determination, the two set out to do what no man before her has accomplished.

Every person, young and old, should read this book if only for the prologue.  This book is a plea of sorts.  But more than that, it is a message of strength, courage, love, and above all hope.  Recommended for home and school libraries, and for use in clinical settings, A Story for Lily earns our Seal of Approval.

#bethematch
@bethematch


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

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Sammy's Broken Leg (Oh, no!) and the Amazing Cast That fixed It, by Judith Wolf Mandell, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Sammy loves to run and twirl and jump all the time.  In fact that's what she loves to do above all else.  So, when she falls and breaks her leg her world is quickly turned upside down.  Now she's in a cast which limits her ability to do much of anything.  And she's not very happy that she must wait an entire month for the cast to be removed.  But, from the moment she's in the hospital, until the time she tries out her newly healed leg, Sammy is surrounded by the encouragement of those who love her.  These warm wishes come to her in the form of whispers from countless loving kisses and help her know that everything is going to be all right. 


Author Judith Wolf Mandell's Sammy's Broken Leg (Oh, no!) and the Amazing Cast That fixed It offers youngsters a truly accurate depiction of what one might expect when they've had a bad break. But despite the pain and frustration, knowing that there are those who love you and are sending warm wishes your way can help ease the pain and frustration.  This book comes highly recommended 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

The Secret Adventures of Anonymouse, by Natalie Lynn Rekstad and Sophie Noelle Lynn, earns the CLC Seal of Approval


When Sophie, a young mouse, learns it's raining outside she wonders what she can do to keep from being bored all day.  That's when her mother shows her a poem that has been passed down in her family from generation to generation.  Inspired by this poem, Sophie decides to actively seek out those who could use a bit of kindness in their lives.  Each time she does so anonymously. Sophie quickly learns how good it feels to do nice things for others without expecting anything in return.

The Secret Adventures of Anonymouse is co-written by Sophie Noelle Lynn, a young girl who knows first-hand how the seeds of kindness can grow into something so much bigger than we might ever imagine.  Lovingly written and illustrated, The Secret Adventures of Anonymouse is a book that challenges and inspires young readers to make a difference by helping others.  A wonderful book that is recommended for home and school libraries, The Secret Adventures of Anonymouse 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

Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind, by Lisa Anne Novelline, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



One day while Piccadilly is blowing bubbles she becomes frustrated as the wind pops them, one by one. But then she observes leaves taking flight in a blustery breeze.  As she contemplates the power of the wind she allows her imagination to soar, wishing she too could float away and dance like the leaves sailing in the air.  


Author Lisa Anne Novelline's, Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind is an enchanting children's picture book which will set flight to youngsters' imaginations.  Vibrant and expressive illustrations by Nicola Hwang are perfectly paired with this book which is sure to become a bedtime favorite. 


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

Roxie the Doxie, by Jody A. Dean, Ph.D., earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Roxie the dachshund has been living in foster care for some time.  Now she has a forever home, but with that comes lots of changes.  Roxie is excited but also a little nervous.  When she meets her new sister, Mina, the two hit it off right away.  But will Roxie and Mina need to share all their things? Roxie encounters many of the fears and doubts felt by children being adopted as well as by their new adoptive siblings.  


Author Jody A. Dean, Ph.D., has crafted a wonderful book for children which will help them understand that what they are feeling is normal.  A useful guide for preparing youngsters as well as for opening channels of communication, Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home is highly recommended for homes and libraries as well as 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

Monday, May 22, 2017

The Slope Rules, by Melanie Hooyenga, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Cally was still heart-broken over a fleeting fall romance when she learned she and her father would soon be moving to Colorado.  Now, between yearning for her old home in Vermont, putting up with the catty girls in her new school, and missing tryouts for the ski team, she's doing her best to keep things together.  Cally has never had to deal with manipulative, back-stabbing girls, so she finds herself at a loss when the 'snow bunnies' seem to have claimed her as one of their own and expect to call the shots in nearly every aspect of her life.

Author Melanie Hooyenga tells it like it is in this remarkably honest coming of age story.  Written in the vernacular of today's teens, this highly relatable book is sure to resonate with young audiences.  The Slope Rules offers drama, action and age-appropriate romance all wrapped up in an inspiring, page-turning read.

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

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers, The Spring Tales, by C.F. Crawford, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers, The Spring Tales, by C.F. Crawford, is the continuation of the story of Hallie and Cory, sisters who have befriended a family of mice living in a tree in their backyard.  But these are no ordinary mice.  Mr. Snuggywhiskers and his family can speak, and Hallie and Cory are able to magically shrink to mice-sized proportions whenever they want to visit the Snuggywhiskers’ family home.  In The Spring Tales, the third book in the Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers children’s book series, Cory and Hallie go on a trip, taking the Snuggywhiskers family along with them.  The girls discover there’s more to Mr. Snuggywhiskers past than they’d realized.  But learning the truth proves to be more challenging than they ever could have imagined.

Author C.F. Crawford continues to deliver in her most recent addition to the Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers series.  The Spring Tales is entertaining and full of delightfully imaginative scenarios which are sure to keep young readers enthralled.  Full of whimsical adventure and a hint of mystery, this book is recommended for home and school libraries.

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

Thursday, May 18, 2017

The Stone of Mercy, by M.J. Evans, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



While she was yet unborn, Carling's mother received a prophecy that her child would one day become the long-awaited ruler of Crystonia. The throne, having remained unclaimed for over a century and a half, had been unsuccessfully sought by many throughout those tumultuous years. When Carling is just 16 years old she is met by a wizard who pronounces that she is the chosen one.  A sweet girl, from a humble background, she is overwhelmed by this revelation as she is presented with a quest; complete a magical breastplate by finding the four stones needed to fully harvest the power within this magnificent shield.  


The Stone of Mercy, by M.J. Evans is a marvelous tale of centaurs and ogres who battle against one another for control of Crystonia.  As Carling matures she exhibits strength and compassion, all the while remaining focused on her calling.  Despite doubts from those in the village where she has grown up she is steadfast in her quest to complete the tasks set before her.  Joined by a delightfully eclectic group of friends, Carling is not alone as she dares to do what none before her have accomplished for over a century.  This captivating book will enchant readers with tales of adventure, excitement, humor, and hints of a pending romance.  The Stone of Mercy 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

Joe Peas, by Sam Newsome, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



When an orphaned Italian boy is found in a heap of rubble, a survivor in a World War II battle, he is taken in by American soldiers.  Adopting their customs, and the rather unusual name of Joe Peas, he comes to love America and all it represents.  Years later, as an itinerant house-painter, Joe is injured while on the job and becomes a short-term resident of a care facility. A private man, he seems to always have a positive influence on those with whom he comes into contact.  But having enjoyed a degree of anonymity over the years his efforts to help those at the home, whom he now calls his friends, may come at a high price to Joe.


Author Sam Newsome’s Joe Peas is a heartwarming work of fiction with a unique and unexpected plot that will keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.  A feel-good book which is sure to resonate with readers of all ages, Joe Peas 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

Concrete Wings, by Beverly Gandara, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Julian is a young boy growing up in Cuba during the rebellion and overthrow of the government by Castro. He comes from an extrinsic family which values wealth above all. When the political situation becomes dour and it looks as though his father’s wealth may be in jeopardy Julian is sent alone to New York City to retrieve smuggled family jewels. The boy soon learns that not everyone behaves like his dysfunctional parents. But years later when they are able to join him his life is once again overwhelmed by his self-absorbed family with all their obsessions and peculiarities.

Beverly Gandara’s Concrete Wings brings to light the oppression brought on by communism as well as the extreme hardships suffered by Cubans during this era.  Readers are introduced to the effects of Castro’s policies on the Cuban people as seen through the eyes of a teenage boy.  The world is full of strange and marvelous people and this story introduces the reader to several memorable ones.  This delightfully entertaining yet poignant tale will stay with readers long after the last page has been turned.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Concrete Wings 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

Sip Tea with Mad Hatter, by Loretta Neff, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




Sip Tea with Mad Hatter is a fun-filled, Alice and Wonderland themed book which teaches children how to be gracious guests.  Author Loretta Neff continues to delight and inspire young readers with her unique perspective on social graces in her newest children's book.  Each page is adorned with winsome illustrations which will keep youngsters entertained while encouraging them to be the best of guests. Helpful and sound etiquette advice is eloquently penned in a way that will help kids understand the hows, as well as the whys, of good manners when one has been invited to attend a party.  

Sip Tea with Mad Hatter, by Loretta Neff, is highly 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

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Dotty and the Chimney Thief, by Emma Warner-Reed, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



Dotty possesses a magical locket which allows her to travel via chimney. But something mysterious is causing chimneys in the area to disappear.  So, when Dotty’s friend Joe disappears she is gravely concerned for his safety.  She and her friends must rely on intellect and imagination to rescue Joe and stop the chimneys from disappearing entirely.


Author Emma Warner-Reed continues to delight readers with this, the second book in her Dotty Series.  Dotty and the Chimney Thief is a charming tale which is destined to become a childhood favorite.  Each chapter is the perfect length for a nightly reading.  This fantasy adventure, replete with a lively cast of characters, is sure to enchant readers of all ages.  Recommended for home and school libraries,  Dotty and the Chimney Thief 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

Ephemeral and Fleeting, by Patricia Reding, has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Ephemeral and Fleeting, book three in the Oathtaker Series, is an enduring tale of magic, mystery and prophecies.  The chronicles continue as Zarek, the evil Chrianian ruler, attempts to destroy and overtake the Select members. More than ever, this story comes to life and offers new thrills for adventure-hungry readers.  Reigna and Eden forge on, striving to fulfill their destiny.  Love blossoms as the twins are maturing and coming into their potential powers.  Bloody battles ensue and the situation becomes further complicated as the Chrianians underhandedly vie to control the border.

Author Patricia Reding continues to engage readers with unexpected twists and a plot which sears with vivid details of events that will keep readers on the edge of their seats in hopeful anticipation of another installment in this fantasy series.

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

Monday, May 15, 2017

Ophelia, Alive, by Luke Harrington, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



After failing at college Ophelia’s sister gets her a job at a charity hospital in exchange for testing a new drug.  Included in the array of unwelcome side-effects she begins to hallucinate and starts acting out unexpectedly. Ophelia struggles to quit taking the medication without success.  Then things take a bizarre turn when she is visited by ghosts who were erstwhile murdered by a serial killer. 

Horror meets literary fiction in this unique novel in which Shakespeare, Poe, and the like join efforts to create a surreal montage of thoughtful introspection.  As Ophelia delves into a world of existential indulgence, readers are introduced to her meanderings as she processes a deluge of mind-altering experiences. 

Ophelia, Alive is altogether unexpected and will leave readers yearning for more from this author.  A fresh perspective on the horror genre, this novel will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and may even spark an interest in classical literature.

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

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Shattered Lies, by S.J. Francis, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Shattered Lies is the riveting tale of a young woman who tragically lost both her parents on the day she was born.  Raised by her grandmother on a Mississippi horse ranch, Kate has lived her entire life believing the stories of her family as they’ve been presented to her.   But when she discovers her mother’s journal exposing a dark secret, everything she has ever believed to be true about her family changes.  As she digs into their past she learns the lengths to which they have gone to bury secrets that, when unraveled, will lead to an alternate reality for Kate.

Author S.J. Francis has written a compelling novel which skillfully addresses a sensitive topic, causing readers to consider the ways in which truths are often distorted to the detriment of others for all the wrong reasons. Shattered Lies 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

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Author Brian Adams on his award winning book, KABOOM!


WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY? The first book I ever had I ate, so my parents gave me paper and crayons and encouraged me to write a new one. That’s a little tough to do when you don’t know your alphabet, but hey, look where it got me.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Is this a trick question? A writer! Duh! And, of course, to be winner of a Literary Classics Book Award.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE? I strove for a title that conveyed the image of a mountain blasting apart (KABOOM!) as well as an acronym for the environmental activist group in the novel (Kids Against Blowing Off Our Mountains). Pretty witty, huh?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“Dad,” I interrupted. “I will be careful. I promise. About boys and about mountaintops. But I am going to do what I have to do.”
I love that my female protagonist is not be deterred from doing her best to come of age responsibly and to become active in the fight against the environmentally destructive method of coal extraction called mountain top removal.
WHICH CHARACTER FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE IS MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY? My protagonists are two 15 year old girls from West Virginia and I’m a gray haired old dude from Massachusetts, but I’ll go out on a limb here and embrace my inner adolescent female self and identify with my heroine Cyndie. She’s trying to do the right thing and speak truth to power in the fight against coal extraction and climate change. Activism rocks!
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? My book is about two spirited and spunky teenage girls living in the heart of coal country West Virginia who discover that their beloved mountain is to be blown sky high by the coal company. I’m hoping the message is that environmental activism is essential to save the world and that it can also be exciting, fun and romantic. Blowing off the tops of mountains to get coal is evil. We can save the world and find true love. Kids can make a difference. The time to act to protect our environment is now!
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? Love in the Time of Climate Change
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: I had a pretty polished draft of KABOOM! that I sent to three 15 year old girls to read and boy did they let me have it. In the margins of the manuscript they wrote things like “pathetic”, “pointless”, “what are you thinking?”, “people don’t talk this way” and “NO!!!!!!” After I recovered from my near fatal nervous breakdown I realized that in almost every instance they were right (or is it write?) on! I think my book is much better for their input. Thank goodness for truthful teen voices.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? I just re-read Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger for the 900th time and I am enthralled by his ability to capture teen angst in such a remarkable way. His anti-hero Holden Caulfield is such a fallible endearing character. The style of writing is something I just marvel at.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? Other than mine? Hmmmm…..How about The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Talk about a book with a strong environmental message. I just love the line “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” So true!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? Is this another trick question? Receiving the Literary Classics book award. Double duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO YOU HAVE ANY WRITING RITUALS? Before writing: A quick prayer to the goddess of creativity that what comes out of my brain today is a good bit more than just mindless drivel. Then three quick games of solitaire on the computer and praying to the card god that I will win at least one of them. And then WRITE ON!
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED? Fortune smiled as I found a small publisher in Vermont (Green Writers Press) with the same goal as mine – publish good literature that makes a difference. Their motto is “Giving voice to writers and artists who will make the world a better place.” Check them out. Greenwriterspress.com. They are AWESOME!
WHAT DID YOU DO TO CELEBRATE THE PUBLISH DATE OF YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? Bought a much more comfortable chair to write on. It replaced a broken down piece of crap that was about a thousand years old and had a crook in the back that stabbed me deep into my spinal column. Ouch!
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS? Tips for aspiring authors on getting published? Just the usual crap. Hang in there. Don’t be discouraged. Keep on sending in your manuscript. If they reject you it is NOT (I repeat NOT!) because your work isn’t the most brilliant in the history of the universe (it is!) it’s just because the fools who turned you down are misguided, ignorant morons who KNOW NOTHING and deserve to rot in hell!
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? Go anywhere, do anything. Book store readings, library events, signings, book groups, reviews, awards, school classes – don’t be bashful. Seize any and every opportunity to self-promote. People want to hear what you have to say! I called every library in West Virginia (yup – every single damn one of them!) to encourage them to get my book. And some of them actually did.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Read my damn book. Buy local whenever possible! Your local independent book store (ask them to order it if they don’t have it!) is the best place on earth to buy a book! If you absolutely have to go to Amazon.  Oh yeah, turn off your computer right now and go out and save the world.  
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? What kind of silly question is that? Of course I do. Writing is an addiction. And once you’ve been published you’re even more hooked for life. And now that you’ve given me this award I’ve gone completely over the edge. Must write. Must write. Must write. Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE, WHERE IT CAN BE PURCHASED, ETC...
Off Line (the working Title) is a romantic comedy about a young woman who has an on line relationship disorder and is a total netaholic. She moves in with her gay grandfathers and tries to wean herself off the net by joining a rag-tag groups of off-line misfits. I think it’s pretty funny and will hopefully encourage folks to think twice before devoting their entire lives to surfing the net and texting.

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