Author Chess Desalls on her Award-Winning Book

Travel Glasses - The Call to Search Everywhen

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

I’ve been writing all my work life, but I didn’t start writing fiction until 2009. I wanted a new challenge and found I enjoy storytelling as much as reading.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

Travel Glasses began as a short story. Ideas for the title and otherworldly time traveler, Valcas, popped in my head at the same time. As I continued to write, the story outgrew a short story word count. By the time I had a rough outline for the second book, I knew it would become a series.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?

“I began to realize that I could go wherever and whenever I dreamed.” – Travel Glasses

In the context of the novel, this quote describes the main character’s reaction when she discovers how to use the travel glasses to move through time and space. Personally, this line is meaningful because it represents what it feels like to me to be a writer who can create my own story worlds.

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?

I recognize components of my personality in many of the characters, even Edgar, Valcas, and Romaso. Readers have asked me if Calla’s like me because she’s the main character, but our adventures and family lives are quite different.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

The Call to Search Everywhen series highlights conflicts between privacy and self-preservation, as well as the development of meaningful versus illusory relationships. At the heart of it, I hope to engage the reader on themes of love and trust.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:

I still attend open mics every now and then to read excerpts of my stories. The more listeners smile and laugh, the more animated I get.

IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY?

Peter S. Beagle—but, I don’t think I’m there yet. Beagle’s writing and his ability to connect with both children and adults inspire me. I have a similar admiration for C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?

All my books are indie published, which I love because it gives me a lot of creative control. I’d previously sent query letters to two agents. Both responded with kind words for me, but I could tell that being accepted and going through the process would take a lot longer than releasing books on my own.

IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

Write what you love. Sure, there will be those who don't like what you write. Don't be afraid to share it anyway.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?

Newsletter ads, such as BookBub, have given me the greatest return on investment. But don’t stop there. Marketing is just a form of reaching out and connecting with people. Before publishing anything, I spent time with other writers. From there, I’ve tested various online and social media platforms dedicated to readers and writers, entered book award contests, obtained editorial reviews, and spoken on writing panels. Live meeting groups, including South Bay Writers and Allied Indie Authors—Northern California, have provided tremendous support.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

Lantern: The Complete Collection

Flash Tales

Frabbles

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I’m editing Darker Stars, the first installment in The Song of Everywhen, a sister series to The Call to Search Everywhen time travel books. Darker Stars is scheduled to release in January 2018. I’m also working on the second and third parts of my Glistens collection.

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

The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall, by Shannon Kirk, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Vivienne Marshall has loved and been loved more greatly than many could ever hope for in a lifetime.  As she lies on her death-bed she is reunited with Noah, a childhood sweetheart who passed away years earlier.  Noah joins Vivienne as she begins her journey into the afterlife, easing her into the process of choosing the life she'll lead in heaven once she departs from her earthly body.  As Vivienne explores her celestial options she's torn between the ethereal world awaiting her and the loved ones she must leave behind.  

If only for the satisfaction of savoring the remarkable eloquence found within the pages of this book, The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall would be ranked as truly exceptional.  But when such exquisitely penned lines are coupled with a story so riveting as this, one can't help but delight in this marvelous novel.  Author Shannon Kirk's The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall 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

Breeder, by K.B. Hoyle, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Number 17 (named Pria by her childhood friends) has been experiencing vague, dreamlike visions, coupled with mild depression.  She knows she's not supposed to ask questions, but she just can't help herself.  Did she really see a man in the breeding compound?  Surely it must have been a dream, since men are not allowed anywhere near the women selected for their traits of genetic perfection to repopulate Gaia Earth.  As she seeks to find answers without appearing to be too inquisitive, she begins to question the validity of the Unified World Order's take on the value of humanity.  Yet, her entire life she's been trained to believe that, through the controlled population program, the UWO has created a world devoid of imperfection.  Her role in making this happen is paramount and it is an honor and a privilege to carry out this task.

Author K.B. Hoyle's Breeder is a dystopian treasure.  With characters that are genuine and quite tangible, the story nearly leaps off the pages of this book which expertly holds the reader's attention from the first page to the last.  This book will appeal to a broad audience and is highly recommended.


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

The Reign, by Lynne Stringer, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Reign, by Lynne Stringer, is a gripping novel which takes readers on a veritable roller-coaster ride of sci-fi adventure.  Sarah is the Overlord of the planet where she has lived for only a short time.  Her position and title is her birthright, but there are those who do not respect her as the newly appointed leader of their world.  Thankfully she is under the protection of some the finest and most faithful guards who will risk anything to ensure her safety.  But when someone from Sarah's past shows up, Sarah is haunted by questions that have plagued her for years.  Determined to get answers, she sets out to find the truths that have been hidden from her since her childhood.

Book #3 in the Verindon series is filled with action, romance, and enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing all the way to the end.  Stringer has skillfully crafted a tale which will appeal to readers who enjoy science fiction, romance, mystery and even action novels.  This book reads well as a stand-alone, but should be read as part of the series to be fully appreciated. 

The Reign is 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

Author, Steven Whibley, on his award-winning title, Glimpse

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?:
I think deep down I knew I wanted to write stories. I remember getting totally and completely lost in the Hardy Boys books, and wishing I could write an adventure like that. I still gravitate to those books when I’m in the library. That said, it wasn’t until 2008, after an injury laid me up that I started to seriously consider trying to write novels.
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AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
My father was a firefighter, and I was sure that was the route for me. The excitement of it. The rushing out of the house in the middle of the night to put out a burning building. It was exactly what I aspired to.
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HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
The idea came from a day-dream. A single scene played out in my mind’s eye: There was a boy, about 13 or 14 years old, sitting in history class while his teacher droned on about the War of 1812. Suddenly his teacher was beside him… only not really, because she was still at the front of the class too. He straightened up and blinked at the new teacher, and then glanced at the teacher at the front of the room, then back to the new teacher, then over his shoulder at his best friend sitting behind him, who, it seemed, hadn’t noticed the arrival of the peculiar twin.
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The twin-teacher slowly began to shift… She dropped a shoulder and twisted her waist. Then she hunched forward, and her right arm stiffened and twisted upward. Her face became the color of wet clay, and her mouth slowly opened until she resembled a crumpled, zombie-like version of herself.
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Then she screamed.
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It was a terrifying shrill cry that sent the already horrified kid to the ground. And, just like that, it was over. The kid was on the ground, panting and sweating, but the twisted version of his teacher was gone. More than that, it was clear he’d been the only one to notice the apparition.
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My daydream ended, and I just knew the teacher had 24 hours to live and the boy was the only one who could save her.
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TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
One of the reasons I’m able to write as much as I do, is because I don’t sleep very much. 2-3 hours a night. I even have a novel I’m working on about a kid who doesn’t sleep. I’m treating it like a fictionalized autobiography.
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WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?:
As common as it is to hear, I have to say that the Harry Potter series did. I picked up those books in my late teens and was transported (along with millions of others) into the world JK Rowling had created. It reignited my love of reading. And in particular, my love of children’s literature.
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WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
Of course, it’s winning the gold medal from Literary Classics.
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CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?:
It is a great time to be a writer. So many options exist for people who write. The trade route, which often involves a literary agent and a publisher, is a great way to do things, but so too is the self-publishing route. My sincere advice for aspiring authors is to learn as much as they can about the industry. Not just the self-publishing model, or the trade model, but everything. Make the decision carefully, but when it’s time, walk boldly.
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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?:
Just a big THANK YOU for taking the time to read this interview and for checking out my books.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?:
Always! Book 4 in the Dean Curse Chronicles is well underway. Book 2 in my CAMBRIDGE FILES is in editing. Plus my agent is pitching a new series I’ve been working on, to publishers.
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HOW CAN OUR READERS LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK?
They can visit my website and subscribe to my mailing list if they’re at all interested in hearing about my newest titles. A link to that mailing list is here.
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WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
Within the Dean Curse Chronicles I currently have three books for sale: Glimpse (book 1), Relic (book 2), and Impact (book 3). I also have book 1 of another series, DISRUPTION (THE CAMBRIDGE FILES: BOOK 1), which is geared for the same, and perhaps slightly older audience.
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The eBook of Glimpse is currently FREE (until January 2015), and can be downloaded at virtually all online vendors. -- The print version is also available for purchase.

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

Glimpse, by Steven Whibley, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Glimpse is a rare gem of a book. From the first page, the reader is drawn into the world of Dean Curse, a young man who, inexplicably, begins to have horrific visions. Whibley has created a cast of characters that are both genuine and likable, and he has woven a tale that keeps the reader engaged right up to the cliff-hanger of an ending which taunts the reader with what will surely be a riveting continuation to the Dean Curse Chronicles.

Steven Whibley has made quite a first impression with this, his debut novel. We look forward to reading more of his work and following the progression of this budding author's writing career.

Glimpse 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

Author Spotlight - Braxton Cosby

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

Going on about four years now, as a serious novelist that is. I’ve been writing for over twenty years with my educational background and blogging.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

A calling from God. He told me to write my first novel Protostar and I stepped out on faith that what I was hearing was actually God and not some voice of my own imagination. Now, with The School of Ministry out and the re-boot of Protostar coming next year from Winter Goose Publications, I love it.

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WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

I wanted to give people a new hero. One that had as many flaws and insecurities as most people, but somehow finds the strength to step outside his frail identity and discover a new, bold, powerful one. Ultimately, the book is about the power of Choice. With ‘To Choose, Is Fate’ being the tag line.

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IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?

No, Protostar was my first published novel by a small press company in Atlanta, GA. I was able to get quite a good buzz about the book but I wanted a chance to make a bigger splash with it. Shine it up a bit and shop it around to other publishers. Winter Goose loved the story so much that they decided to re-boot it and the sequel will follow. It’s already done and awaiting a proper edit.

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WHAT (IF ANY) OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

Protostar: Book 1 of The Star-Crossed Saga.

The new edition is coming out next year.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I am working on the sequel to The School of Ministry and a couple of novellas that push both S.O.M. and The Star-Crossed Saga along.  The next story arc of The School of Ministry is a bit of a secret right now. I will tell you this though: there is the introduction of Angels and Nephillim.

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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I’m a physical therapist by trade and I’m happily married with three lovely daughters. I’m fascinated by outer space and I am a huge Washington Redskins fan.

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TELL US SOMETHING OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:

I consider myself a Born-Again Christian and I value the importance of a spiritual connection with God rather than joining with religious practices. Also, my Uncle s the legendary comedian Bill Cosby.

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WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I really don’t have much spare time. But, when I get pockets of time to myself, I love to read and watch a good movie. Huge Sci-Fi buff over here! I love anything and everything imaginative.

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WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE?

I thought the Man of Steel was incredible this year. And my wife and I love to watch the Vampire Diaries.

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HAS YOUR BOOK RECEIVED ANY OTHER AWARDS? 

Yes. It won the Gold Medal Award for Readers’ Favorite Young Adult: General category.

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WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?

Getting my work out to the world. I love my story. My books resonate with those who read them. But there is the incredible challenge of getting the masses to know they exist. I am beginning to find a groove now with getting them noticed and hopefully, it will continue to pick up steam.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Yes. Find a vision, write it down. Pray on it, believe in it, and make it real. Don’t use excuses about why you never got started. Pick up the pen, keyboard, whatever and get it done. Make a story that you love first, and then shop it around.

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CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?

Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional editing service of your work. It will pay huge dividends in the end if done properly. As a writer, you just can’t catch every mistake. You need someone to look at it and tell you what parts stink and need to be taken out. Stripping that manuscript down and putting out the best product is essential.

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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Please come over to my website and learn about me @ www.braxtoncosby.com. There, you will find out about me and all the projects I am working on. You’ll also find links to my book websites.

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

My Name is Rapunzel Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

My Name is Rapunzel is not your every-day, ordinary fairytale.  KC Hilton has crafted a noteworthy read, two and a half decades in the making.    --It is modern day, and Rapunzel is alive and well.  She has read every rendition of her tale as told by the Brothers Grimm and other such storytellers, and now she is ready to set the record straight.  Replete with witches and castles and dragons, this story offers up many of the usually expected components of typical fairytales, but with a young adult, modern-day spin that helps make this a highly engaging read.  Appropriate romantic content, coupled with intriguing plot twists, add to the charm of this book which comes highly recommended by the Literary Classics Review Committee.

My Name is Rapunzel, by KC Hilton has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Book Review - Living with Your Past Selves

Taliesin Weaver is no ordinary young man.  In fact, you could hardly call him a young man at all given the many former lives he has lived.  As memories of his past lives suddenly begin revealing themselves in snippets of memories, he struggles to keep his reincarnations a secret.  But his best friend can't help but notice some very peculiar changes in Tal's demeanor. 
Living with Your Past Selves, a debut novel by Bill Hiatt, is one of those books that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.  The characters are honest and genuine and the events that unfold within this riveting novel incorporate a rare combination of sci-fi with time travel and a little Arthurian legend thrown in for good measure.  Hiatt weaves loads of action and adventure with just the right blend of humor to make this captivating read a grand success.

Living with Your Past Selves is a Literary Classics Seal of Approval Recipient and is also a 2013 Literary Classcs Silver Award recipient.

 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The School of Ministry by Braxton A. Cosby earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ziv is a genuinely likeable young man who has struggled his whole life to find a sense of belonging.  Having been tossed in and out of foster homes following the murder of his parents at the tender age of six, he has known his share of insecurities.  When Ziv shows up at his best friend Stephanie's house with flowers, determined to profess his love for her, he discovers her home has been vandalized and that she is missing.  Then just as quickly, he is kidnapped by members of a secret society who promise to help him find Stephanie on one condition; he must join them in fighting the forces of evil which plague the world. 

This action-packed supernatural thriller is a highly engaging read.  With many plot twists and creative spins, readers will be intrigued and entertained by this compelling novel.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Literary Classics announces youth media award winners

Literary Classics announced its 2012 selection of top book finalists for children and young adults today.  The list includes finalists from entries received all over the world.   

The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2012 award finalists follows:

Animalogy: Animalogy Analogies, Marianne Berkes

Fantastic Flight, Barbara Bockman

Black & White, Larry Dane Brimner

The King's Ransom, Cheryl Carpinello

Walking Through Walls, Karen Cioffi

Shield Maiden, Richard Denning

Terple Always Dream Bigger, Richie Frieman

Stalked, Kristiana Gregory

Return to Finkleton, KC Hilton

The Casting, Joyce Shor Johnson

Griffin Rising, Darby Karchut

The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Drawn, Marie Lamba

A Box Story, Kenneth Kit Lamug

The Limit, Kristen Landon

Santa & The Little Teddy Bear, Peter John Lucking

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl, B. Magnolia

Bella & Harry Let's Visit Athens!  Lisa Manzione

Bella & Harry Let's Visit Cairo!  Lisa Manzione

Bella & Harry Let's Visit London!  Lisa Manzione

Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes, PHC Marchesi

Caves, Cannons and Crinolines, Beverly Stowe McClure

Runaway Twins, Pete Palamountain

The Stone Child, Dan Poblocki

Clara's Great War, Evelyn Rothstein

In Memory of Dad, Maranda Russell

Young Funny and Unbalanced, David Smithyman

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, Kathy Stemke

The Crystal Ship, CJ Carter-Stephenson

The Great Divide, Suzanne Slade

One Pelican at a Time, Nancy Stewart

Sea Turtle Summer, Nancy Stewart

The Orphan Ship, Sterling R. Walker

My Sister is my Best Friend, by Nicole Weaver

All final award levels and categories will be announced October 15, 2012. 

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics' highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses the key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com