Word Guild Award Winners
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Another Great Promotional Site: AUTHORSdB
There are several great ways for authors to promote their books or create a buzz so that their books will actually get into the hands of readers. A relatively new website: AUTHORSdB is free to authors and is user friendly. Basically it’s a large database for authors to create a profile and download their book covers and book trailers. Authors may supply links on their profile page to their books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc., and to their own websites. So for authors who want an effective and easy way to promote their books, check out AUTHORSdB!
Here is what AUTHORSdB is all about: Quoted from their website:
Here at AUTHORSdB we’ve formed the only database of authors, including social media, book listings and much more, for today’s mind-field of thousands of aspiring and established writers. We are a dedicated website that helps authors for free. Why free? We have a few Angels who simply want to see authors flourish. Readers no longer have to google from several different websites to find out more about a particular author – it’s all here.
AUTHORSdB uses software that engages search engines in a friendly manner. As an AUTHORSdB author you can enjoy the benefits:
- Organic (non-paid) Google backlinks are critical to any Social Media Marketing. There is no guarantee however authors on AUTHORSdB are enjoying being indexed in Google in less than 24 hours. See for yourself, in April we have over 30,000+. Google search: site:authorsdb.com and see if your listing comes up. We tweet Google alerts when authors get indexed in Google.
- Share. Share. Share. In the new world of Social Media Marketing, sharing on social platforms helps gain exposure to our authors. When an author is listed, we tweet @[author name] #gotlisted NEW AUTHORSdB Pls RT [link back to author details] We also Like author’s facebook pages and when liked back, we share something from the authors Facebook page. (Must have a Twitter and Facebook page to qualify) We Google+, LinkedIn & Pininterest you!
- Like our Facebook page and we will share a post from you on ours.
Awards
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TOP100 AUTHORSdB. The more views you receive on your author page, the more you climb to the TOP100 list*. Announced every Friday. @[author name] AUTHORSdB TOP100 & is currently #1 Pls RT [link back to author details]
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AUTHOR OF THE WEEK. Each week authors who are in the TOP 100 will be put into randompicker.com and a draw will be awarded for a banner weekly.
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VIP BLOGGER We appreciate when author’s share the word about AUTHORSdB on their blogs. We offer a VIP Blogger Award for bloggers who blog about AUTHORSdB of a free banner drawn weekly for members with listings on AUTHORSdB.com. If your blog is not drawn, you are entered into the following week’s draw. Valid as long as your blog post about AUTHORSdB is live. Announced every Friday.
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FEATURED AUTHORS are random authors selected via our database and shown in the Featured Authors section giving every author equal promotional benefits.
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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT each week the database will spotlight an author randomly bringing attention to the author. No qualifications other than they must be listed on AUTHORSdB
Check out my AUTHORSdB page and while you’re at it, click on my book covers entered in the Book Cover Contest to cast your vote!
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Book Blast – Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal
TITLE: Book Blast: Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal 5/21/13 -$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
Title:Every Hill and Mountain (Time and Again) (Volume 3)
By Deborah Heal
About the Book:
Every Hill and Mountain
Visiting another century…not the summer vacation she had planned.
Those who have read Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy know that Abby Thomas is a college student on a summer service project with 11-year-old Merri. And they know that the summer is not going the way Abby had expected—but in a good way. For one thing, she meets a very nice guy named John Roberts. And for another, she discovers a strange computer program called Beautiful House that lets her fast-forward and rewind life. Not her own, of course, but those of the people who lived in Merri’s old house. And the Old Dears’ old house, and…well, any old house.
And since the program worked so well for the Old Dears’ family tree project, Abby’s college roommate Kate hopes it will help her find out more about her ancestor Ned Greenfield. And Kate’s fiancé Ryan thinks the program has lucrative commercial potential.
Abby and John reluctantly agree to help Kate, but only on the condition that she and Ryan promise to keep the program a secret, because if it fell into the wrong hands…well, no one wants Big Brother invading their privacy.
The two couples take a trip to the tiny town of Equality, set in the hills of southern Illinois and the breath-taking Shawnee National Forest. According to Kate’s research, Ned Greenfield was born there at a place called Hickory Hill.
The mayor, police chief, and townspeople are hospitable and helpful—until the topic of Hickory Hill comes up. They seem determined to keep them away, telling them, “There’s nothing there for you to see.”
Eventually they find Hickory Hill on their own—both the mansion and the lonely hill it sits upon. Built in 1834, Hickory Hill stands sentinel over Half Moon Salt Mine where the original owner John Granger accumulated his blood-tainted fortune.
Abby and her friends meet Miss Granger, Hickory Hill’s current eccentric owner, and they eventually get the chance to time-surf there. Their shocking discovery on the third floor concerning Kate’s ancestor Ned Greenfield is almost too much to bear. What they learn sends them racing to the opposite end of the state to find the missing link in Kate’s family tree. And there they are reminded that God is in the business of redemption—that one day he’ll make all things new.
Download on Kindle
Deborah Heal
Deborah Heal, the author of the Time and Again time travel mystery series, was born not far from the setting of her book Every Hill and Mountain and grew up “just down the road” from the setting of Time and Again. Today she lives with her husband in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about regional history. She has three grown children, three grandchildren, and two canine buddies Digger and Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). She loves to interact with her readers, who may learn more about the history behind the books at her website http://www.deborahheal.com and her Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/DeborahHeal.
Follow Deborah Heal
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Deborah Heal!
This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!
Graduating? Here are some Funnies for you!
Just a reminder to all the Graduates of high school who may think they are leaving what they have learned about Grammar (and English) far behind. Grammar is forever!
Book Blast – Wacky Wishes by Susette Williams
TITLE: Book Blast: Wacky Wishes by Susette Williams, Illustrated by Jack Foster – Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Title: Wacky Wishes
About the Book:
Tommy and Suzie find a wishing well and like children do, they begin making wishes. Imagine their surprise when their wishes start to come true! Are spacesuits the new dress code at school? What’s Tommy going to do with three heads? You’ve heard of, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” When Tommy and Suzie’s wishing gets out of hand, will they be able to wish away the mess they’ve created before their wishes run out?
Susette Williams Author, Jack Foster Illustrator
Susette Williams is a Best Selling Author. She loves writing various genres, both for children and adults. She usually can’t resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way. Susette and her husband have six wonderful children, all with intriguing and different personalities, like the characters she creates in her novels.
Jack Foster has illustrated over 25 children’s books. He is a Sunday school teacher, art teacher and the father of five terrific children and eleven wonderful grand kids. He lives just outside of Chicago with his lovely wife, dog and cat. Check out his work at www.jacksillustrations.blogspot.com
Follow Susette Williams
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $25 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Susette Williams Author, Jack Foster Illustrator!
This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!
Just Icing on the Cake – Guest Posting by Hally Franz
May 6-10: National Teacher Appreciation Week (Note: In Canada we celebrate National Teacher Appreciating Week in February)
Just Icing on the Cake
By Hally Franz
Teachers deserve our appreciation. There are many ways my daughter’s school commemorates National Teacher Appreciation Week, held this year May 6-10. Parents serve themed, private, and, most importantly, long lunches to teachers and staff, while monitoring classrooms during these respites. Students bring in flowers to build a vibrant and bountiful spring bouquet. Kids supply treat bags with candy bars and microwave popcorn to satisfy afternoon blood sugar dips. You can brainstorm your own ways to show teachers appreciation this year.
It’s wonderful to close the school year with a celebration of teachers and their hard work, but perhaps we should view this week of pampering as icing on the cake, a final thank you that follows a year of appreciation and support for those educating our children each day. Here are some ways parents can show we value teachers throughout the school year.
Partner with Your Child’s Teacher
Fifty years ago, parents just naturally supported teachers. Children understood that parents held the same expectations for classroom behavior and academic performance as the teacher; there was solidarity between the two. When parents provide that support, it means a lot to a teacher, and it benefits kids. Not only do children clearly know what’s acceptable, they learn to respect authority figures.
Take the Initiative on Communication
We may have unrealistic expectations regarding communications from teachers. Fortunately, technology in many school districts makes it convenient to check grades, attendance and lunch accounts as often as we like. However, it may be more difficult to get that personal conversation or note from a teacher, especially at the secondary level. With the job of teachers becoming more difficult each year due to larger class sizes and/or increased state mandates, we should take time to address concerns or check-in on things ourselves. That lets the teacher know we’re attentive and, at the same time, we recognize the demands teachers face.
Words of Thanks Throughout the Year
When school programs or events occur during the year, teachers appreciate not only our attendance, but also our thanks for the extra time they’ve spent to spotlight our children. A bit of praise or a heartfelt compliment means a lot to these hard-working professionals.
Final Assessment
Most teachers are genuinely devoted to their students and the goal of educating. If we find that to be so, let’s give them our appreciation all year long, knowing that this special week in May will be yet another rewarding moment in a year of a job well done!
About the Author:
Hally Franz writes about her observations on family, faith, parenting and people. A former high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom, Hally is a 4-H leader, and she serves as her church secretary and a Bible class teacher. She enjoys traveling with family and monthly book club meetings with pals.
This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.
Houston, We Have a Problem
I have been busily spring cleaning this past week…even though last night we had yet another Alberta blizzard hit us. So hoping Spring will soon happen upon us soon.
But I digress….
I decided to clean out my book shelves in the middle of this cleaning frenzy. With thousands of books downloaded on my Kindle, I realized that some of my books appear so redundant (and lonely) to be sitting on my bookshelves collecting dust, so I decided to sell some great book series I have accumulated, and donate the rest of my books to charity.
It is painful for me to let go of those dusty books because I still remember the pure joy and pleasure I had when I read each story. I remember times and places I read each book, some read while sitting on a beach, or house boating, or camping, or just curled up in my favorite chair on those long winter nights. Some were given to me as gifts when I was in the hospital battling breast cancer and I found reading to be a great distraction and comfort to me while awaiting and undergoing treatments.
I have an eclectic taste in books so I have Christian, Historical Romance, Science Fiction, Classics and some Young Adult series. I’ve got devotionals, biographies and autobiographies. Reading has always been my passion ever since I was a little girl. For one glorious summer in Grade Seven I read as many of the Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan books as I could get a hold of. Another summer it was Trixie Belden books, and of course the entire collection of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series. Then I went through my “Bruno and Boots” (Gordon Korman) phase, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia and when my kids wanted to read some of the popular series of the day, I decided to preview them first so I read the Harry Potter Books, the Twilight series and the Hunger Games.
The thing with any book series is that once I start reading one I need to read every book in the series. It’s a compulsion I have. Even if I don’t really care for some of the books in a series, if I know there’s a couple more to follow, I just have to read the next one. It must be a reading disorder I have…”Completeaseries Disorder” I call it.
Which leads me to my latest dilemma. I found seventeen of a nineteen book series in a used book store. Peter Danielson’s, The Children of the Lion series. Written in the early eighties by several authors, it is a series loosely based on Old Testament stories. I decided to buy the set and read a few of the books and I immediately got “hooked” on the series. Then came the disquieting realization that I was missing #15 and the last book of the series #19. I looked everywhere for the elusive books and finally in desperation emailed the author and he graciously sent me a link to where I could order the books! Yay! He did however tell me that the series is not complete because the publisher refused to publish more of the series beyond the 19th book.
Hope when I get to that last book I won’t feel like I did when they cancelled “V” the series, ”Heroes”, or “Terra Nova” on T.V. *sigh*
Anyway, it did get me thinking if there are other people with the “Completeaseries Disorder” like me? Leave a comment and tell me what series you got “hooked” on and just had to finish.
A Stealth Attack – Guest Posting by Joanie Shawhan
May: Women’s Healthcare Month
A Stealth Attack
By Joanie Shawhan
Do you know the symptoms of one of the most insidious diseases assaulting women today? I thought I did. But despite my background in oncology nursing, I had missed a cardinal symptom of ovarian cancer—nausea. Over the course of several months, I had experienced a few episodes of queasiness, mistaking it for the flu. Fleeting thoughts of ovarian cancer even crept into my mind, but I brushed them away. This nausea is just too infrequent, I rationalized.
During the blackness of night, a late warning sign emerged. I rolled over on a firm grapefruit-sized mass in my abdomen. When I pressed on the growth, stabbing pain clutched my abdomen and sucked my breath away. I hope this is just a uterine fibroid.
My doctor agreed that a fibroid was the most probable diagnosis, but we needed to schedule an ultrasound. In the darkened room, the ultrasound technician shot me a glance. I knew something was wrong. After the scan, I tucked the films under my arm and strode into my doctor’s office. She examined the images, then spun around and faced me. Her verdict? Ovarian cancer—the size of a cantaloupe. While she rattled off the tests and surgery that still needed to be scheduled, I sat numb. Words spilled over her lips, but the syllables sounded foreign and distant. Is she talking to me?
After surgery, I endured the ravages of chemotherapy: baldness, crushing chest pain, nausea and brain fog. Fatigue siphoned my strength and left me winded.
My sister said, “We have to make this fun,” and she sent me my first installment of hats. Fun? Hats—yes. Chemotherapy—no.
But after a while, my hair grew back with perfect summer highlights. A spring returned to my step and the fog lifted off my mind. The anxiety that gripped my chest prior to each follow-up appointment has dissolved into what I now dub “a social visit.”
I won my race against cancer.
Joanie Shawhan Bio:
Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer survivor and a registered nurse. She writes encouraging articles for women undergoing chemotherapy and is available for speaking engagements. Publishing credits include Coping with Cancer magazine and God Still Meets Needs. When not writing or attending book club, Joanie enjoys designing jewelry, knitting, and playing guitar. Website:
http://joanieshawhan.com/
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This article content is provided free of charge by the author throughKathy Carlton Willis Communications. kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.
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May is Women’s Health Care month: Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer? v Pain or pressure in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back v Abdominal bloating or a sense of fullness v Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas or indigestion v Urinary frequency or urgency v Fatigue If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. The life you save? Your own. |
A Reading Tale – Guest Posting by Kathy Carlton Willis
APRIL – Library Snapshot Month
A Reading Tale
By Kathy Carlton Willis
I’ve always been a lover of books—the opportunity to visit a new world, a new time, a new way of life. What’s your rite-of-passage reading story? I’ll start with mine.
As soon as I started school, Mother encouraged me to learn to read. She was a voracious reader, eager for me to develop the same love of books. This Chatty Kathy enjoyed every form of communications since my first spoken word. The written word was no different—I took to it like gravy goes with biscuits. Remember those Weekly Reader magazines (oh, the delicious smell of the ink and paper!)? The SRA Reading Lab inspired me to read not just for speed, but for retention.
When I received my first public library card around age 6, Mom walked us to the library several times a month. Yes, it seemed like it was two miles uphill both ways, but it was worth it! Our little town of four thousand was blessed with a Carnegie library (built in 1905) full of well-loved books. Mom taught me how to follow my favorite authors—I read all their titles. I knew how to thumb through a card catalog and recite the Dewey decimal system. By the time I outgrew the children’s section, I had read every book and graduated to the “grown-up” shelves.
Most avid readers say their idea of a time-out from stress and life involves curling up with a good book—claw-foot tub or blazing fireplace optional.
My favorite reading tip is this: Don’t waste time on a mediocre book. When reading for recreation, remember that you aren’t in school anymore. You aren’t being graded for reading every word. So if a book doesn’t appeal to you, put it down! Grab a different one. We have only so much time in life—definitely not enough time to get bogged down with a boring book or confusing storyline.
Just because a book earned rave reviews doesn’t mean it’s the right book for you, any more than gorgeous size 7 shoes will fit size 10 feet!
Think about your own reading tale. What was it like when you learned to read? When did you discover your local library? Do you recall the favorite authors of your early years? Who inspired you to read more? What challenges you today in your reading? We all have a story—even a reading story!
Kathy Carlton Willis Bio:
Kathy Carlton Willis gets jazzed speaking for women’s events and writers conferences across the country. She’s known for her practical and often humorous messages. Kathy enjoys fiddling with words as a writer and also coaches others. When not reading or writing books, she serves as a happy pastor’s wife.
Web:
http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com
This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.
Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child’s Brain – Guest Post by Sandra Sunquist Stanton
April is the Month of the Young Child
Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child’s Brain
By Sandra Sunquist Stanton
Nothing brightens my day like a baby’s contagious laugh. We can give them what they need to be happy, without breaking the bank. April celebrates the young child. These tips might help you, parents and caregivers, guide your little ones toward healthy brain development.
1. Security
You create his world. If he feels safe, he will be willing to try new things. If he is fearful, he may withdraw, refuse contact and choose to protect himself.
2. Touch
Loving touch soothes the central nervous system for both you and your child. It communicates safety and love. Enjoy snuggles, massage, and rocking while reading to her. These times are short.
3. Fuel Food
His brain doesn’t store the fuel it needs to operate. An infant’s brain uses 70% of his body’s energy. Every day it needs water, fresh fruit, and omega 3 healthy fats. These building blocks create and strengthen connections between his 100 billion brain cells.
4. Music
Both sides of her brain are active when she enjoys music. It’s a workout for her brain. She forms stronger memories when many parts of the brain are involved.
5. Movement
Your child’s vestibular system coordinates sensory input to send to his brain. Dance, skip, clap, and let him help you in the kitchen and garden. These activities provide the movement that gives each experience depth and dimension. His learning becomes multidimensional, richer and easier for him to remember and build on as he grows.
6. Reading and Language
Talking and reading with your child prepares her for reading and learning. Time with you is the best way to help her learn language patterns and support early social development. Does reading the same book over and over again get old? Remember repetition is exactly what her brain needs to learn.
7. Rest and Sleep
During quiet times his brain gets a chance to process his mountain of experiences. When he’s busy, his neurons are busy taking in sensory information. His brain’s original cells still need to be connected to one another. That happens during these breaks.
8. You!
Enjoy your time together. Give her face-to-face practice matching your expressions and language with everyday activities. Electronic media cannot substitute for time with you. She learns that she matters when you respond to her. Enjoy this together time and make some memories.
Sandra Sunquist Stanton Bio:
Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC, BCC, translated, means she is a National and Wisconsin Counselor and Nationally Certified Health/Wellness and Personal/Life Coach. She served as school counselor for 25 years and is nearing delivering her 100th brain coaching program. Her clear descriptions of everyday neuroscience applications help others find their best lives.
This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.
