Virtual Book Blast Guest - Roy McConnell

Hello Again Friends!

Hope you're week is going well. If not so far, I pray it gets better!

Today's VBB guest is Roy McConnell and his book, Mind Walker brought to you by Premium Promotional Services.

About Roy McConnell


Roy McConnell is multi-published in short & novel length fiction *Thrillers That GRIP You To The End!* MIND WALKER, released September of 2009 is a suspense/thriller loaded with action, romance, and even a twist of sci-fi. McConnell was selected as a Rising Star author on the Barnes and Noble website. Mind Walker has been in the top twenty novels of the Rising Star series since publication.

About “Mind Walker”

For more than four hundred years, the males of the Ostermann family have unleashed their secret power on the world, destroying lives and amassing great fortunes. But five centuries prior, the first woman to inherit the identical gene as the males foretold that another female would be born with the same power. It was she who would stand against the madness of the Ostermann reign. No one knew when she would come…until now.

In present-day British Columbia, Wolf Ostermann rules his exotic estate with an iron fist. Ostermann has no son to continue his family legacy, so if he and his family are to maintain their economic grip on the world, Wolf must indoctrinate his reluctant daughter, Tara. Unfortunately for Wolf, Tara will have nothing to do with him anymore, and that doesn’t bode well for the tyrannical megalomaniac.

Now on the run, Tara and ex-CIA operative Chris Landry must battle for their lives as they ultimately realize the tenacious reach of her father’s powerful mind-and the evil it unleashes on all of humanity.

Bursting with raw emotion, Mind Walker combines action and suspense in a nonstop ride from the landscapes of British Columbia to the Caribbean Islands, and ends in a chilling climax in New York City.


Jo-Anne Vandermeulen Interviews Roy McConnell
 
1.) How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was twelve years old. A school friend of mind started me writing poetry. Him and I used to compete with our poetry. At the time it seemed like we were writing some brilliant stuff.

2.) What motivated you to write this electrifying thriller, “Mind Walker”?

About eight years ago I began to realize how much satisfaction I derived from writing. I thought I wanted to develop my writing further and joined a writers group and started taking workshops. It was in a workshop with a published author, who turned out to be my mentor for over a year, that I got the idea to write a book. Music had always been my inspiration for writing, so one night listening to Pink Floyd I got the first insights into Mind Walker.

3.) Who would enjoy reading “Mind Walker”?

I continue to ask myself this question. It seems that Mind Walker has a very broad audience appeal. Men and Women from ages 16 to 80 have read and enjoyed the book.

Even many who don’t normally read thrillers have told me they enjoyed it.

Mind Walker has a bit of everything. I guess that is why it has such broad appeal.

I was listening to one of Steve Berry’s podcasts the other day and I believe Mind Walker as something he describes as the wow or oooohhhh factor. When I describe the book to people I get the wow response.

4.) What’s next for Author Roy McConnell?

I am working on a sequel for Mind Walker and so far I am getting very positive feedback from my writers group on its development. I also have a third book in the works based on a character from Mind Walker.

5.) Where can viewers/followers/friends/fans interact with you?

On Facebook, GoodReads, email me from my website, Twitter, or Linkedin.

Facebook – http://bit.ly/bnYmjz

Goodreads – http://bit.ly/a3y1cN

Website – http://bit.ly/cmk7jR

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/rjmc100

Linkedin- http://bit.ly/91shFR

6.) Would you like to add any closing thoughts today?

I always find it amazing, when I sit down to write and I think the story is going to go a certain direction, but when the thoughts and ideas start flowing freely they often form themselves much differently than I had planned.


Well Friends, hope you enjoyed this VBB brought to you by PPS!

You can find out more about Roy McConnell and his "action packed thriller!" at his website and where to purchase the books here.

Leave a comment and your name will be put in a drawing to win a copy of the book!

Good luck!

Until later...Be Blessed!
PamT

Virtual Book Blast Guest - Kathy Eberly

Hi Again Friends,

Hope you made it through Easter without chocolate or boiled egg overload LOL! By the time you read this I'll be well on my way to Daytona Beach, Florida for NDA Dance & Cheer Competion to root for Stephen F. Austin's teams.

Today please welcome to my blog, PPS's 2nd Virtual Book Blast client, Kathy Eberly with her book, Stories of Encouragement Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen Interviews Author Kathy Eberly

Author Kathy Eberly has proven to *Conquer All Obstacles*. Welcome my special guest for this insightful interview.

About KATHY EBERLY

Kathy Eberly was born in a small town in Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota when she was a small child. She inherited her mother's love for reading at an early age with her Dick and Jane book by inserting different names into the titles and stories. By the sixth grade she was writing short stories to entertain herself and her friends. In high school she added poetry to her repertoire during the difficult transformation from adolescence to adulthood. She has spent most of her life in the state in Minnesota although she has also resided in Illinois and Texas, briefly. Kathy raised two sons and a daughter before she met her husband Dale; who had an adult son and an adult daughter in 2006. The two were married on Superbowl Sunday in 2007. They have three beautiful grandchildren that they love to spoil on their rural Minnesota farm whenever they can.

Though Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women is her first published work, it is Kathy's hope that you will be blessed again and again. Kathy is involved with the women's ministry at her church.

About the book, “EXTRAORDINARY LIFE LESSONS FROM ORDINARY CHRISTIAN WOMEN”

Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women (2009)

Behind every graceful demeanor, classical beauty and impressive wisdom of a woman are untold stories of struggle, faith and redemption... Kathy Eberly brings a riveting collection of empowering stories of real women and their real lives. Through vivid narration, she takes you on a journey through reminiscence and celebration of the inward beauty possessed by different women she has met in her life. From childhood to being a mother, inspiring souls have touched her heart to see face to face the challenges life has to offer. She openly shares these poignant tales for you to be comforted, inspired and fascinated.

They come in all shapes and sizes; you encounter them every day, Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women allows you to witness the remarkable stories they have to tell.

Author Kathy Eberly’s Site

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing short stories since I was about 12. I started writing short stories and then I began writing for my high school newspaper and also later working on work newsletters for the company I worked for.

What motivated you to write this inspirational book, “Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women: Stories of Encouragement”?

I was motivated to write Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women: Stories of Encouragement when a former high school principal died. While I was at his visitation, I had the opportunity to thank various teachers for the impact that they had on my life. I then realized that I had learned many lessons in life and I needed to tell the stories of those people who had taught them to me.

Would you say this book is only for Christian women?

Definitely not. I have found that people from many different walks of life are interested in reading this book and as a matter of fact, I have found that many men young and old are also enjoying it.

What’s next for Author Kathy Eberly?

When I am not working my "day job" which consists of caring for developmentally and mentally disabled individuals, I am currently working on a follow up book to Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women: Stories of Encouragement and am also working on a Christian romantic fiction book.

Would you like to add any closing thoughts today?

My prayer is that those who read this book might be encouraged and blessed to do whatever the Lord has for them to do no matter how large or how small it may seem.

To learn more about Kathy Eberly and her book, Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women, visit her site.

Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women: Stories of Encouragement can be purchased through Amazon.com, Barns & Noble.com and Books-A-Million.com - it is also available for Amazon Kindle!

Hope you've enjoyed this Virtual Book Blast brought to you by Premium Promotional Services!

Remember at PPS *You Write, We Promote!*
Unitl later.... Be Blessed!
PamT

Virtual Book Blast Guest - Deborah McCarragher

Good Morning Friends!

Today marks the first of what I hope to be many special guests to come with PPS's virtual book blast!

Today's guest is Deborah McCarragher with her book, Mission Possible, Spiritual Covering.

Deborah began her journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savoir in 1989. She uses her spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching in her home church. She also enjoys in-depth bible study in her personal time and is a small business owner of over twenty years. Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her books. She and her husband reside in north Florida.

Find out more about Deborah by visiting her website and

blog.

Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace. It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood. It is a candid look at my struggles and quest to reach my husband for Christ. I became a believer seven years into our marriage. It is written as I have lived it, and applies scripture and biblical context to each chapter. Mission Possible was nominated for Christian Small Publisher’s Assoc. Book of the Year Award for 2009.

Mission Possible is available is available through Deborah's website & from several other online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It can also be ordered at any Christian bookstore through Ingram. It is also available as an audio book on CD, as an EBook, and as a downloadable MP-3 version.


Click above to read an excerpt of Mission Possible, Spiritual Covering!

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen Interviews Author Deborah McCarragher

What inspired you to craft this quite insightful volume?  I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation. It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part. I typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about. I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet, just looking at them afterwards in awe. It was quite a moving experience.

The book is anchored strongly in sound scriptural support. Did you perform much research prior to putting it together?  Yes I did, however, I was also fortunate to be part of an inter-denominational comprehensive bible study (BSF - Bible Study Fellowship) for seven years which gave me much of my bible study background as a new believer. As I wrote the book, God would lead me to a verse I was familiar with, or I would read something that day that would remind me of something I had studied earlier. Practical application was always prompted by the Lord in my prayer and devotional time.

What primary advice do you have for women who are married to "non-believing" husbands?  I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty. We can't "pre-package" our spouse's conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the "most glory". We also have to remember that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. Our spouse (if unsaved) isn't governed by God's Spirit - so we have to release them from that accountability. We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding. We must not rely on what we see, but what is unseen.

Have you had the opportunity to share the book with church groups or congregations?  I have shared at my home church in ladies bible study groups and Sunday school classes briefly, but not in a large forum yet. I plan on contacting local churches and introducing myself and my book to women's ministry leaders this year. I want to share my personal testimony with others and bring hope and encouragement to women who are hurting and frustrated.

What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?  I have had great reaction to my little book. Some women love it because it is not lengthy, and they can read it quickly - yet refer back to it over & over again. One woman emailed me a testimony that she was nearly ready to leave her husband, but after reading the book, felt that God was leading her to give her marriage another try. That was very humbling and gratifying for me. I just want to help women see that there is an alternative to being miserable in an unequally yoked marriage.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?  I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity. It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY! I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put God in a “box”, but give Him room to move in our spouse's life. They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that Satan will try to discourage and influence us to believe that our "mission" is not possible - but with God, all things are possible!

Please share more with us about your publishing company, Alabaster Box Publishing. I formed my company, Alabaster Box Publishing Inc. so I could self-publish my book Mission Possible. My company's mission is to minister to women who are married to men that don't share their passion for Jesus. My Mission Statement on my website says my goal is to: ENCOURAGE women through scripture to believe in God's Word to transform their husbands; TEACH women, by using the principles in this book, through mentoring and discipling, in the Lord; CHALLENGE women to "get out of their comfort zones" as they minister to their spouses as unto the Lord; and REACH women for Jesus who are searching for answers when their marriages just don't add up . My company's motto is "Books to stir your mind, and stretch your soul!"

What's next for you?  I am working on another book that is completely different from my first book. It is titled Trees of the Bible - A Spiritual Journey. It will feature various trees in scripture and talk about their significance in the Bible. It features their Hebrew name and their scientific designation. There is an excerpt on my website.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?  I’d like them to know that I understand how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn't share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus. I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interest at heart. He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him.

Sounds like a beautiful book!

Well Friends, that wraps up the first Virtual Book Blast guest. Join Deborah and PPS Thursday on Facebook and then Friday for the celebration on our Yahoo Chat Loop!

Until later....take care and Be Blessed.
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" TM

Saturday Spotlight - JoAnn Carter

Good Morning Friends!

Well it's March - wonder if that means Spring is just around the corner? I sure hope so cause I am SO T-I-R-E-D of the cold and rain!

Of course, Spring usually brings it's own share of rain to our area - uuuggghhh! I hope we can skip right through that and bring on the sunshine and heat of Summer.

I know, probably be complaining then that it's TOO hot LOL!

Today's guest is fellow White Rose author JoAnn Carter with her book, Smuggler of the Heart

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 17 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking. In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and as a substitute teacher. This year however, she is at home, to home school one of her children.

JoAnn is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats. To contact her, please write jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com

Disheartened and tired, Samantha Warren returns to Vermont during the winter break. Her passion for history rekindles after finding an old smuggler’s chest hidden in her grandparents' attic. Will she be able to return to New Jersey without her heart being smuggled like the chest once was? Or is it already too late?

Excerpt: © 2009 by JoAnn Carter


“Follow me.” Tim laid out a blanket, sat down, and patted the place beside him. Samantha joined him. The lights from the sleigh cast a dim, romantic shadow over their blanket. “I have something for you.” Tim unzipped his backpack and low and behold, there was the chest.

“What…what are you doing with that?”

“Your grandmother gave it to me.”

“Do you…do you know the story?”

His eyes sparkled. “I do. I couldn’t let you go again without you realizing what you mean to me.” Tim held it out to her. “Here, open it.”

It couldn’t be a ring. We hardly know each other anymore. He’s going to be a youth pastor now, and yet it feels as if we never were apart.

She inched the chest up; half hoping it was a ring and half not. Inside a letter rested upon a pile of silk cloth.

Tim smiled. “Disappointed?”

“What is it?”

“Just something for you to take back to New Jersey.”

It was as if the clock struck midnight and her carriage was now a pumpkin. The reality of life reared its ugly head. Yes, back to New Jersey.

Buy Smuggler of the Heart Here!

Well folks, that wraps up the first Saturday Spotlight for March 2010. Stay tuned next week for another author and book.

Don't Forget! Wednesday (March 10th) I'll be hosting PPS's first Virtual Book Blast with Deborah McCarragher and her book, Mission Possible, Spiritual Covering. I hope you'll join us for this exciting event. Be sure and join our Face Book Group, Good Reads Group and Yahoo Loop so that you can chat with the author and be eligible to win prizes!

Hope to see you all there.

Until later....take care and Be Blessed!
PamT

Two Months

Hello Friends,

Well we're two months into the new year - actually three if you consider today is March 3rd. Anyway, thought I'd take a moment to fill you in on how things are working out for me in my new venture of staying home.

If you read my last post on the subject, you'll see January was a busy, busy month for me. February was a bit slower. I did complete and submit the short story I was working on and honor my commitment of 3 articles on Business/Finance for Associated Content, but as far as my writing goals, I haven't done near what I thought I would. Part of the reason is distractions, the other is that I'm spending more time with God and He has me slowing down to listen, absorb what I'm reading in bible study and other inspirational books, and mainly, draw close to Him & have Him draw close to me.

During this most romantic month of the year I've fallen more deeply in love with the Lover of my soul, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and allowing Him to heal (and fill) my heart as only He can. I still have bad days, some R-E-A-L-L-Y bad ones, but thankfully not as often as those first few weeks after Terry left to be with the Lord.

Sometimes I envy him so.

As you can see, I've implemented a "Schedule of Events" in the side bar so you can keep up with where I may be promoting. Today I'm over at Author Culture talking about the main subject on everyone's mind this time of year - Taxes. Tuesday (9th) I'm headed over to Beaumont, Texas to speak at the Golden Triangle Writer's Guild monthly meeting and on the 10th I'm a guest on Tina Gayle's blog with another egg-cerpt exchange. I'll add and subtract things from this schedule as they come up.

Don't Forget! Next week (March 10th) I'll be hosting PPS's first Virtual Book Blast with Deborah McCarragher and her book, Mission Possible, Spiritual Covering. I hope you'll join us for this exciting event. Be sure and join our Face Book Group, Good Reads Group and Yahoo Loop so that you can chat with the author and be eligible to win prizes!

Well folks, that's about it on my end! I hope this day finds you healthy and happy and working steadily toward your goals!

Until later....take care, Be Blessed and remember....Only when hearts are tempered, minds are open and wills are softened can you discern the will of God for your life.

Tempered Hearts is available now in Ebook and print ~ Check my website for special discounted prices on All of my books!

Calling all Readers and Writers!

Hello Friends,

As you know I am working as an associate for Premium Promotional Services and I'm so excited to share this news with you.

Beginning March 2nd on their 1 yr Anniversary, PPS will launch a NEW promotional avenue for authors - Virtual Book Blast!

Similar to a blog tour but more intense, Virtual Book Blast offers authors a chance to get massive exposure in a short amount of time (1 week).  Find out all the details here: http://virtualbookblast.blogspot.com/

Readers, here's your opportunity to mix and mingle with authors and find out about their books! Join us on Face Book, Good Reads and join our Yahoo! loop for the party on the last day of the author's virtual book blast!

Our FIRST client is Deborah McCarragher, author of the religion/Christian Women’s Issues, Mission Possible: Spiritual Covering (Alabaster Box Publishing), as she virtually blasts into the social-media-sphere in March 8th-12th.

Well, friends, not much else going on right now. Still trying to settle in with my new venture. I've discovered it seems to take longer to get organized and actually ACCOMPLISH something when working from home LOL but I sure love it!

Until later....take care, Be Blessed and remember....there is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1)