Author Interview – Heather Manley @drheathernd

Human Body for Kids: Educating Kids to Understand how their Bodies Work and What Best Foods Fuel their Bodies
Human Body Detectives are human body book and elementary curriculum series created to educates kids to understand how their bodies work and what best foods fuel their bodies. Once kids understand how food is important for them to run faster, hit the ball harder and do better on tests, they are more apt to make healthy food choices.
Why is HBD Important?

• Kids do not understand the how their bodies work reflects on what they eat
• Kids do not eat enough whole real foods
• Kids are over weight
• Kids are not exercising enough
• Many kids are chronically sick with asthma, diabetes, arthritis, eczema and much more

How HBD will Benefit Kids?

• Allows kids to be proactive and confident in their own health
• Encourages even picky eaters to try new whole foods
• Less time in a doctors office
• Less sick days
• Less food fights at the supper table

Kid Benefits:
All of the above will help improve overall health including mental clarity, better grades, better sleep, and happier kids.
Parent Benefit:
Makes being a parent much easier with less food fights and less time taking off work to care for sick children.
Teacher Benefits:
Kids are alert and focused in the classroom making it a peaceful time for teachers to teach and kids to learn.
A little bit more about Dr. Heather:
Dr. Heather Manley, who in 2001 received her medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, is a practicing physician whose primary interest is preventative healthcare for families. She is the author of the award winning Human Body Detectives, her children’s elementary educational series of story-telling books, curriculum, eBooks, and iPhone/iPad apps.  She also promotes wellness and naturopathic healthcare on her website DrHeatherND.com. She lives on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband and two daughters, and is currently at work on the next human body adventure for kids.
Follow Dr. Manley on twitter and facebook and on her HBD blog

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Children’s Books

Rating – G

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Heather Manley on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.humanbodydetectives.com/

Catherine Astolfo – Fact & Fiction @cathyastolfo

Fact and Fiction: Writing a Mystery Book

by Catherine Astolfo

Writing mystery books is more difficult than it might appear. Only highly intelligent people can do it. Keeping all the clues straight requires an entire box of cue cards. Or a night’s worth of napkins from the pub. Or writing on the wall with washable markers. (Those were washable, right?) Not to mention quelling the temptation to reveal too much. Just enough to keep the reader guessing; not so little that they’re completely in the dark. And then comes the research!

There’s an old adage that says, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” Writers can’t get all the research right every time, can we? I mean, sometimes the situation cries out for a manipulation of the facts.

However, the background information provided in a novel is often fascinating, if not entirely accurate to the last drop.

We are all familiar with the detective story, police officer or PI variety.  Think of how much we’ve learned about processing a crime scene because we’ve read these books. Doesn’t mean we could conduct one, but… Other writers opened the world of forensic pathology, autopsies and morgues with the result that many shows on the subjects turned up in television.

Even in the “simplest”of novels, the background information is important. By simple, I mean they’re not necessarily focused on a field of work. They’re not primarily detective or legal or medical fiction, but tell a tale about rather ordinary folk.

In my first book, The Bridgeman, I portray an old-fashioned lift bridge and the person who manages it. I had to actually go and look at a bridge to see how that worked. My protagonist throughout the series, the Emily Taylor Mysteries, is a school principal in a small town. Luckily, I was a principal in my other life, so I had experience on my side. When the caretaker is murdered in the school, I have to explain how the education system would handle such a thing.

Then there is the puppy mill. For this section, as difficult as it was, I wrote about the experiences of my niece as a veterinarian’s assistant.

In Victim, I had to do a lot of reading about Ojibwa folklore and philosophy. Legacy returns to the school and its processes with Emily’s handling of a very dysfunctional family, plus there are tidbits about the effects of fire, inquests and hypnosis. The research! My fourth book, Seventh Fire, discusses a wrongful conviction and how these tragic mistakes happen. My Forensics for Dummies and Criminal Investigative Failures are well thumbed.

Although the stories are fiction, and some of the facts may not be one percent accurate, there is enough background information to give the reader a more in-depth picture of the setting, the characters and how the plot plays out. It may even lead a reader to investigate the topic further.

There must be enough fact even in fiction. You can see why only highly intelligent people can write a mystery. Or is that statement fiction?

If I knew what I know now, would I have searched so hard for the truth?

Anne Williams says she killed her best friend, Karoline. But did she? Or is there more to Karoline’s mysterious death than meets the eye?

Anne embarks on a compelling journey to discover her past and exposes an unusual history, horrific crimes and appalling betrayals. Through unexpected turns and revelations, Anne learns about love, family and who she really is. Can she survive the truth?

Editorial Reviews

“A deliciously vibrant portrait that realistically muddles good and evil.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Astolfo’s wonderful first sentence in Sweet Karoline explodes on the page and resonates right to the end of this twisting examination of dangerous minds. Never have I encountered a narrative voice that alternates more deftly between alienating and enticing.” —Mel Bradshaw, author of Fire On The Runway

“A deliciously twisted story about the perplexing power of adult female relationships. By turns scathingly funny and darkly insightful, Sweet Karoline is a hedonistic journey with all the right ingredients: lust, betrayal, true love and mystery. Grab a glass of wine and have the bottle handy. A compelling read from the start through to the surprising end.” —Robin Spano, author of Death’s Last Run

“In Catherine Astolfo’s chilling new novel Sweet Karoline, things aren’t always as they seem. Anne, the multifaceted anti-heroine in this noir tale takes a fateful journey into her forgotten past, uncovering the painful roots of her childhood. While furrowing for answers, a mystery unfolds, truths swirl to the surface, a heinous murder occurs. Who’s the killer? Caught in a tangled web of greed, lies and deceit Anne must come to terms with her past, present and future, and the bleak realization that those we hold close may be the last ones to trust. Compelling, visually descriptive, deftly delivered…Catherine Astolfo’s got the goods!” —Douglas Wickard, author of A Perfect Husband

“Sweet Karoline is a multi-layered mystery, where nothing is as it seems. The story grips you on page one and leads you through a maze of history, twisted relationships, and ultimately the darkness of the human mind.” —Liz Bugg, author of Oranges and Lemons

“In Sweet Karoline, Astolfo has created a daring hybrid mystery that combines elements of romance, history, and suspense in a carefully crafted story that keeps you guessing to the very end. Astolfo explores new boundaries as she extends her reach beyond the cozy mystery in this psychological exploration of the mind of a killer. A unique exploration of guilt and revenge.” —Michael J. McCann, author of The Fregoli Delusion

“The clever plot twists in Sweet Karoline will enrapture you from page one through the last paragraphs of this fast-paced modern mystery. Author Catherine Astolfo exhibits a strikingly perceptive gift for believable dialogue and rich character development. Her dry wit and colorful descriptions will have you howling in laughter at points, but in tears at others as she digs deep into the themes of guilt, race, and relationships. The powers of love and redemption are strong, but does the heart of an Ice Queen ever really melt? Enjoy the romp from Los Angeles, through Canada, to a priceless Italian rendezvous—all in the pages of Sweet Karoline, where long-buried secrets lie.” —Lisa Pell, award-winning author of Who’s Your Daddy, Baby?

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre –  Psychological Suspense

Rating – 18+

Connect with Catherine Astolfo on Facebook  & Twitter

Website http://www.catherineastolfo.com/

Pegasus by Marilyn Holdsworth @m_holdsworth

Prologue

* * *

Gravel sprayed from beneath the tires as the truck pulled onto the open highway. Buddy Winters jerked the wheel to the right and headed toward Southern California’s I-5. He pushed his cowboy hat back and cursed as the pounding hooves in the horse van behind jolted the cab. He swore as he accelerated, “Goddamn Hammer Head.” He’d had trouble loading him in the first place. It took a blindfold and a rope around his rump to haul him on board.

“Jesus, what a pain in the ass this trip is gonna be with him stompin’ and yellin’ all the way,” he muttered. ’Course the pay was good, mighty good for only hauling three, but that Hammer Head made a dozen all by himself. But Vince Rossi was in a hurry to move him, so he’d come through with the cash, half up front and the rest when Buddy delivered. Buddy patted the wad of cash in his jeans pocket. Old Man Rossi would turn over in his grave if he saw how hard his son was pushing those animals. Buddy scowled at the memory of the senior Rossi. Never let me transport any of his horses, not after that bay cut her leg and came in lame, Buddy thought bitterly. Hell, not my fault she pitched the whole way.

“Enough to drive a man crazy, and now this nag today is every bit as bad,” he grumbled as he stomped on the gas. ’Course if he tossed him about a little to shut him up, the nag couldn’t talk. Even if he could, where he was going nobody would be listening. So what if he played with him a bit? Shouldn’t be shrieking like a banshee back there, stirring up the others. A crescendo of whinnying drowned out the twangy country song on the radio. Again Buddy cursed, and this time he hit the brakes hard, accelerated, and then hit them again. He repeated this three or four times. He heard the horse slam against the side of the van. “Shut up back there.” He turned up the radio. Yes, siree, he’d make good time and collect from Rossi, maybe get a little extra if he was ahead of schedule. Never could’ve worked with the old man. Hell, he expected you to go slow with them, treat them like royalty. Seemed like he wanted you to stop every couple of hours, shovel out the shit, and feed them sugar lumps laced with champagne. But not Vince. He was a gambling man and knew how to make money out of these hay burners. Just like he’d do if he owned them, Buddy acknowledged approvingly. Make the money and head for a tropical island with girls in the sun. Buddy smiled at the thought of girls. His expression soured again when he remembered he’d asked Millie to make this run with him, only to have her turn him down. Damn lonely out on the road. She should have come.

The truck picked up speed as it moved into the flat country. Buddy watched the rearview mirror carefully; no need to get pulled over. After all, he was after a bonus for early delivery. The miles fell away as the day wore on, interrupted only by the stomping of the horse in the van and Buddy’s violent stop-and-go driving. He’d known that horse was going to be trouble as soon as he’d looked at him. The sleek chestnut coat had shone in the sunlight, glistening like it had been sprinkled with gold. Never before had he seen a horse that color at the track. Most were bays or dark sorrels with an occasional gray, but this one had a different look and a different temperament to go with it. Defiant and proud, he dared anyone to try to beat him. Guess that was what Vince Rossi saw in him, too. The way he ran him, most horses would have broken down. How many races had he put him in one right after the other? Jeez, the guy was sure out to make the money, use them up, and get rid of them.

The van lurched again, this time smashing Buddy against the steering wheel, and he swore again. He checked the time and his location. Hell, just over the next ridge was the Quick Stop Café. Maybe he’d do just that, make a quick stop. And if he was lucky, that Tammy would be there serving the food and drinks. Tammy - what a dumb name for a kid stuck out in the sticks with no future and an old man about as dumb as her name sounded. With a name like that you’d think she was in the movies or on TV or something. But hell, she sure seemed friendly last time he came through. Maybe he’d get lucky, real lucky, this time. Like maybe her old man was out of town—that kind of lucky. Buddy smirked to himself. He prided himself on knowing women, and this little piece looked like she could use some action. Jeez, that tight little T-shirt was stuck down in her jeans so far that her tits poked out like buttons. He squirmed at the thought of Tammy and her T-shirts. Yeah, he’d make a stop. And if he got real lucky, like in-the-sack lucky, he’d make up the time by taking a shortcut he knew. Not a very good road, but it sure would cut off the miles, and a few bumps and grinds would do that old Hammer Head in the back some good. Yeah, he’d look in on Tammy.

Buddy guided the van into the parking area, where a few semi-trailer trucks were already scattered across the dirt lot. He climbed out of the cab and headed for the café. The restless pawing in the van made him hesitate for a moment. Maybe if he pitched them a little hay they’d settle down. But hell, he didn’t want to stop for that, and besides, no way did he want to give old Hammer Head more energy.

* * *

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Genre - Adventure / Romance

Rating - Adult

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Author Interview – Shirleen Davies @ShirleenDavies #Harder

If you could do any job in the world what would you do?
I’m doing it—writing. Now my goal is to be able to do it full-time.
Are you a city slicker or country lover?
Definitely a country lover—that is where I feel most at home. I’ve lived in large cities and worked for large, multi-national corporations. I’ve traveled internationally for business and experienced many well-known global hubs. But I grew up spending summers on the ranches and farms of my relatives, owned horses, and lived on acreage far away from the frenetic pace of a large city. I always gravitate back to small town America.
What’s your next project?
I still have three more books in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series: Stronger Than The Rest, about Drew MacLaren and due for release in early 2014, plus two more. After that, a six to eight book western historical romance project is in the pipeline focusing on the 1865 to 1880 time period with the first book scheduled to release in late 2014.
How do you feel about self-publishing?
It is an incredible time for authors with the advent of a solid self-publishing industry. Authors have so many more options today than they did ten years ago. As readers, voices we would have never had the privilege of reading are now available at the touch of a computer key, and at an affordable price.
Do you know your neighbors?
Yes, but I’m basically very private. My husband is much more outgoing and is the one who usually makes the first connection.
How important are friends in your life?
Their importance is critical to me and my sanity, and I admit my life is populated with many very good friends, some whom I’ve known most of my life. I consider myself truly blessed by my circle of friends.
How many friends does a person need?
I believe everyone needs one or two close friends. These are people you can confide in about just about anything without fear of being judged or losing their friendship. Beyond that, all of us need a circle of people with similar interests, values, and hopefully, memories.
What social issues interest you the most?
Foster care and children who are sent into the world without an adequate emotional or educational foundation. Laws in most states allow the emancipation of foster care children at 18 regardless of where in their schooling that occurs. If a person turns 18 in January, during the middle of their senior year in high school, they are often pulled from their foster parents, given an embarrassingly low stipend, and told “good luck.” In my opinion, this is not only inhumane, but short-sighted as it creates a pipeline to poverty and failure. Everyone needs a support system, but these children are often left with none.
Do you find time to read?
The only time I can read for pleasure is just before I fall asleep. I wish that wasn’t the case, but it is. Thanks goodness I’m a pretty fast reader as my “plan to read” list is quite long.
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
“Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Winston Churchill. I believe this pretty much sums up my thoughts on how to approach a project, your family, your job, and life.
What’s your favorite place in the entire world?
I’ve been blessed to have traveled to many fabulous places in the world. Each has its own beauty and reasons to be chosen as a favorite. My reality is that where I live now, in a small town in northwestern Arizona, is exactly where I want to be.
What genres are you most comfortable writing?
I love writing western historical romance, and American historical romance between 1830 and 1880 and am most comfortable in telling stories in these sub-genres. I also love writing contemporary action-based romantic suspense.

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Genre – Western Historical Romance

Rating – PG-13

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#Free - The Alpha Choice by M.D. Hall

The Alpha Choice by M.D. Hall

Amazon Kindle US

Genre – Science Fiction

Rating – PG13

5 (5 reviews)

Free until 4 December 2013

Three thousand years ago, the Vespoid Khitine are about to learn they must live with the disappointment of trade negotiations collapsing - or at least most of them will have to live with it - Chindara has other things to occupy her mind.
Their erstwhile partners to be, the Te, have their own plans. This is merely one more conquest, hardly different to scores that have gone before, Well, that isn't quite right; it's the first time they have had their actions halted by the appearance of a tiny electric blue light, a Custodian. Never have they watched, helplessly, as two of their battle cruisers blinked out of existence, before receiving a polite, but firm warning: attempts to circumvent the, hitherto unheard of, Accords will result in their complete destruction.
Twenty-one years ago, in the Gallsor system, the warning all but forgotten, Commander Jaron makes a choice that will have unimaginable consequences, the least of which follows his return to Te'ath, when the Supreme Council are prompted - on the urging of the most dangerous of the three heads of the covert Agency, Garnoth - to sanction a plan circumventing the Accords. The target? Telluria (Earth).
Garnoth's most able protégé, Tala, is tasked with leading the expedition, the success of which is dependent upon the Tellurian, Hugo Black (a Boston corporate attorney) heading up a multinational corporation, TeCorp.
Only two people can disrupt Garnoth's plan: Gorn, a twenty-one year old Te'an prodigy, whose brilliance is matched by his self-doubt and social ineptitude. He is recruited, when particularly vulnerable, to the cause of the Te'an rebellion by the single minded Narol. Gorn will betray his best, his only friend and, if he succeeds in his 'mission,' condemn his people to almost certain destruction. While taxing his mind over the choices to be made, he is completely unaware he has been marked for assassination.
The second potential fly in the Te'an ointment is history lecturer, Jonathon (Jon) Tyler and his recently acquired, rebellious young companion, Emily. Spirited from his bed, in the dead of night, he meets the physical embodiment of the electric blue light; a woman, whose beauty reminds him of a classical statue, an impression heightened by a cold and humourless aspect enhanced, in turn, by her inhuman electric blue eyes, completely electric blue eyes. Jon is told that an Artefact exists - a sentient, artificial life form, which may, or may not choose to help - and his job is to bring it to the attention of those who speak for Earth. How difficult could that be?
He is allowed to glimpse the consequences of converging forces, far beyond the danger posed by the Te'an threat, and guesses this to be the real reason for Custodian interest in his planet. For now, he has no choice but to act as a Custodian pawn in an opening gambit, on a board only just beginning to take shape, and where all the pieces have yet to arrive.

Accountability Leadership by Di Worrall @DiWorrall

CHAPTER 1

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LEADERS

As a leader, how can you influence more of your people to step up to the plate, see opportunities, and take ownership, rather than get by with minimal effort?

When you observe your superstars, you see how effectively they engage in their work. How can you get more of your people to be like them?

Increasing staff engagement may seem simple in concept, but it’s not so simple in its practical application. This chapter reveals what you can do as a leader to help your staff work better and feel more engaged and satisfied with work. You do this by creating conditions of accountability. In the long run, they’ll thank you for it.

I believe that the vast majority of working people crave opportunities to find renewed enthusiasm and energy in their jobs. Most employees – those who are neither stars nor problem hires – respond well to challenges and stretch goals with the right leadership.

Which begs the question: How do you reach the hearts and minds of the people working for you and ignite their enthusiasm and energy so they bring their best to work each day?

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Genre - Business, Leadership, Workplace Behaviour, Human Resources, Executive Coaching

Rating – PG

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Website http://www.diworrall.com.au/

#AmReading - The Widow File by S.G. Redling @S.G. Redling

The Widow File by S.G. Redling

Amazon