Announcements

Saturday, November 21, 2009

From my Family Recipe Box
by Dori Fritzinger


Ten years in the making. . .

And just in time for Thanksgiving. . .

“Family traditions and stories have been passed down through the generations and recipes are no different. Over four generations of family recipes are gathered together in this collection to share a bit of my family with yours.”
—Dori Fritzinger

Available from Amazon.com.

One dollar from from every book purchased will be donated to Share Our Strength: Ending childhood hunger in America.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Zombie Cookbook
edited by Kim Richards, et al


Just in time for Halloween. . .

Eleven poems, recipes and stories to entertain you and help you entertain with zombies from writers who know. Romance and revenge, the Wild West and a wild train ride, exterminator tips and zombie tirades. Come, see how the other half lives. . .or doesn't.

With an intro by members of the heavy metal band from Amsterdam, The Zombie Cookbook, and artwork by George Silliman.

Wokking Dead by Karina L. Fabian
It’s war and love when zombies invade a Korean restaurant.

Secret Ingredient by Lisa Haselton
There’s a zombie in the kitchen! That may be the case, but when spaghetti-eating zombie Clete takes a job as the assistant chef at the L-Double-J ranch, he’s not the one you need to work out for. It’s a tale of catering and culinary revenge. Would you have added the secret ingredient?

A Zombie Named Clete by Lisa Haselton
A little poem in honor of the twice-deceased Clete. Was this on his tombstone, or did he carry a copy in his pocket?

Beer-Battered Zombie with Butternut Squash by Becca Butcher
What’s a cookbook without a recipe? Not for the faint of stomach, though with a few substitutions, it might actually make a good meal. (Not everyone’s a fan of squash, after all.)

The Right Recipe by Lin Neiswender
Zombie culinary aficionados had better watch out! The zombies are not pleased to be eaten, as the editor of the Zombie Cookbookery Publications discovers in this tale of turnabout-is-fair-play.

Quick & Easy Zombie Pastie by Kate Sender
A no frills, 4-ingredient full course meal will satisfy both your Zombie’s cravings and nutritional needs.

Express Cuisine by Dawn Marshallsay
Zombie attack on a speeding train—is there really any escape? Fight, hide, jump—none of it can stop you from becoming…Express Cuisine.

Brain Food by Carla Girtman
Ah, domestic zombie bliss! It’s the Undead Cleavers mixed in with a little Arsenic and Old Lace. Can’t tell you much about this story except that the ending will surprise you as much as it did Thelma!

Brain Salad for Dummies by Scott Virtes
The practical guide for that zombie invasion. Your own little zombie poison recipe, combined with practical advice. As Scott says—Follow his advice and you might get enough sleep at night to stay two steps ahead.

A Zombie’s APBM by Cinsearae Santiago
A zombie decides to give a ‘Hear ye, hear ye!’ to the human race after getting fed up with the lack of ‘good food’ these days.

My Big Fat Zombie Wedding by Karina Fabian
So what if he’s undead? That won’t not keep Vida from marrying her true love—and neither will challenges from prejudice to unusual dietary needs stop the wedding of the decade!

Available from Damnation Books and Amazon.com.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Beltane Magic
by Jacqueline Paige


Step into a world of magic and passion!

A serene woman who calls to the elements with a thought. A man of youthful charm who carries healing in his touch. Both vowed to spend their lives alone and safe, until they’re brought together by the touch of Beltane magic. Can they survive their pasts to be together as they struggle to find a killer before the wheel turns again?

Book one of the Magic Season series.

Available from Amira Press where you can read an excerpt.

Visit the author's blog.

Watch the video trailer in the monthly contest at You Gotta Read Reviews or contest #1 for the Magic Seasons series!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sisters in Time
by Ginger Simpson


Do you believe in time travel?

Two eras collide when a modern day attorney and a pioneer wife find themselves locked in a time not their own.

Mariah Cassidy awakens in the twentieth century. Confined in a pristine environment, hooked to tubes and beeping machines, she’s scared, confused and wondering why everyone keeps calling her Mrs. Morgan. Who is the strange man who keeps massaging her forehead and telling her everything is going to be all right?

Taylor Morgan tries to focus on her surroundings through a blinding headache. The patchwork quilt, the water basin, and the archaic room don’t strike a familiar chord. Her mouth gapes when a handsome man waltzes into the room, calls her darling, and expresses his delight that she’s on the road to recovery.

Available from Eternal Press where you can read an excerpt.

Visit the author's video blog and watch the trailer.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Second Chances
by Nika Dixon


Sometimes the second time around can be deadly!

Jackson Hale is through with rescuing Casey Marshall. Her crazy stunts and complete disregard for her own safety goes against everything he believes in. But when she witnesses a murder, he’s duty bound to help. As he scrambles to keep her alive, he discovers the true woman beneath the crazy antics, and is left to question everything. If he can’t trust his eyes, how can he trust his heart?

Casey has spent her entire life trying to get Jackson’s attention. She discovers all it takes is a dead body and a black hole in her memory. Together, on the run from hired killers, Casey realizes that the only way to keep Jackson safe is to push him away. Even if it costs her a chance at forever. . .and her very life.

Available from Red Rose Publishing where you can read an excerpt.

Visit the author's website.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Children of the Mist
by Hywela Lyn


Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love:

Long ago Tamarith fell for a man she knew she could never have, and she is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by the handsome young stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his purpose in life and to win the regard of his father. Thrown together by circumstances, then parted by an evil greater than they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely woman who captivates him, before it is too late? Will he overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy their planet - and will they find the happiness they both seek, or are they fated to live their lives alone?

Available from Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Visit the author's website.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Starquest
by Hywela Lyn


Love was the last thing on her mind. . .

When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen.

Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close that there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late. . .

Available from Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Visit the author's website.

Watch next Friday for the release of the sequel, Children of the Mist.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Dark Reflection
by Daniel Clarence Cobb


Face-to-face with the dark side of her soul. . .

When Princess Angel finds a mirror in a haunted castle, her dark reflection comes to life. Her simple life shatters - she must find the missing pieces. Unless she puts it back together in time, she’ll fade away forever. Facing Shadow the Witch, she becomes her own worst enemy. Will she be able to defeat the dark side of her soul that she can’t control? Until her heart is broken, it will never be whole!

It’s up to brave Prince Paladin and Starlight, a white unicorn, to slay the Dragon King who kidnapped her. Now she has to dream the darkness away or she’ll be trapped in a nightmarish reality turned upside-down. With the fate of her world hanging by a thread, she gets caught in a web of confusion. Can the prince save her before it’s too late?

Available direct from Xulon Press or call toll-free at 1-866-909-BOOK.

Also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Target.

Follow these links to view some Artwork, read some Poetry, and listen to some Music inspired by the book.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Eretzel
by Bill McGrath



The Sword of Fire saga continues:

The Travelers have escaped Emperor Antiochus, along with the Anakim, the giant Sons of Anak. They sail to Eretzel, the land where east meets west and where the nations of the earth gather to make war. The Anakim have sworn revenge upon the murderer of their father Anak. But can a being who has killed an angel be defeated by mere giants?

Available from Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble
-or-
Visit Pekiti where you can get Eretzel along with a martial arts DVD.

Visit the official page of The Sword of Fire.

Bonus: Visit my Sword of Fire page to read some sample chapters.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

When the Sky Fell
by Mike Lynch and Brandon Barr


Since the dawn of time, an ancient evil has sought complete dominion over the galaxy, and they have found

. . .us.

The year is 2217 and a fleet of stellar cruisers led by Commander Frank Yamane has amassed at Mars to make a stand against humanity's greatest threat, the Deravan armada. Outnumbered, outclassed, and outgunned, Yamane's plan to stop them fails, leaving all of Earth at the mercy of an enemy that has shown them none.

Faced with the planet's imminent destruction, Commander Yamane has no choice but to seek the help of the Antarans, an alien civilization he had defeated in a war a decade before. Though they have every reason not to come to Earth's rescue, Yamane sets forth on a desperate journey to the Antaran home world, knowing that the survival of mankind is hanging by a thread.

Available directly from the publisher Silver Leaf Books or at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.

Visit the authors' websites: Mike Lynch and Brandon Barr.

Monday, May 18, 2009

By Darkness Hid: Blood of Kings, Book One
by Jill Williamson


“In this medieval fantasy debut, idealistic servant Achan Cham dreams of becoming a Kingsguard Knight, while Vrell Sparrow disguises herself as a boy to escape an arranged marriage. She has a supernatural gift of being able to communicate to Achan without words. This thoroughly entertaining and smart tale will appeal to fans of Donita K. Paul and J.R.R. Tolkien. Highly recommended for CF and fantasy collections.” —Library Journal.

Read chapter one for free!

Visit the author's pages on Amazon and Facebook.

Available at Amazon.com. Also available in Kindle format.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Zellohar: Book I of the Cornerstones Trilogy
by Chris A. Jackson
and Anne L. McMillen-Jackson


Zellohar Keep is lost. . .

Once the ancestral home of a glorious dwarven kingdom-a masterpiece of architecture, secure, secretive, impregnable-Zellohar is now prison to a dark evil. The dwarves used the might of the Cornerstones, conduits to the power of the elemental spheres, to forever seal the keep.

But the minions of the Dark Gods are not so easily imprisoned.

The squires of the Nekdukarr Lord Iveron Darkmist, a paladin of the death god, Mortas, have recovered the Cornerstones. The enchantment has been broken. The doors that sealed the chaos of the Nine Hells within the mountain under Zellohar have been opened. The powers of the Nine Hells, have, quite literally, broken loose.

Iveron Darkmist has resumed the campaign he began nearly one hundred year ago-to devastate the surface world in a storm of destruction and death. And with Zellohar as his fortress, the Cornerstones to fuel his magic, and the Dark Gods' favor, he will be invincible.

All that stands in his way are a horse farmer's daughter, a superstitious tribesman, a defrocked priest, a demented dwarf and an elf cursed with lycanthropy. The unwitting companions stumble into the Nekdukarr's plot, and are thrown into a conflict that threatens to obliterate all they know and love.

Pursued to the corners of the realms, the companions flee the wrath of Iveron Darkmist. But even death is no refuge from the power of the Dark Gods.

Download the first four chapters for free!

Buy an autographed copy of the book at JaxBooks.com.

Cover art by Noah Stacey.

© 2009 by Chris A. Jackson and Anne L. McMillen-Jackson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Flashpoint: Book One of the Underground
by Frank Creed


Persecution in Chicago has reached the Flashpoint.

In the year 2036, all nations are run by a one-world government. The One State has only one threat: Fundamentalist terrorists. The One State has declared that every Fundamentalist is a terrorist including Bible believing Christians!

But the One State has not yet encountered Calamity Kid and e-girl . . .

When peacekeepers bust a home-church in Ward-Six of the Chicago Metroplex, brother and sister, Dave and Jen Williams, are the only members who evade capture. Their only place to turn? A Christian ‘terrorist’ cell known as the Body of Christ.

In their shattered world, Dave and Jen adopt codenames and slip between the Underground cracks of the Chicago Metroplex. They must save their home-church before their parents, brother, and neighbors are all brainwashed by the One State Neros.

Calamity Kid and e-girl fearlessly walk the valley of death, because He is with them. But they’ll need every molecule of their re-formed faith to face down peacekeepers, gangers, One-State Neros, and fallen-angels, in America’s dark Post-Modern Humanist age.

Available from The Writers' Cafe Press and at Amazon.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Abraham's Bones
by Joe Prentis


"A routine negotiation session turns into an intricate web of murder, terror and doubt!"

As political conditions in the Middle East continue to deteriorate, archaeologists John Christopher and Julia Siedman seem to be the perfect candidates for high-level positions within the State Department in Washington, D.C. They have spent many years in Israel, speak the languages of the area, and are personally acquainted with many of the area’s leaders. During the next four years, they are actively involved in trying to preserve the fragile peace in the troubled region. When Julia suddenly breaks her engagement with Christopher as the result of a personal disagreement, he resigns his position with the State Department and returns to Israel and the work he loves so passionately. Now, a year later, the prospect of war is looming ominously, and government officials worry that everything they have accomplished in recent years will go careening hopelessly out of control.

While in Rome to attend an archaeological symposium, high ranking officials in the Vatican offer Christopher a position as Ambassador to the Middle East in the hope that he can bring the reluctant delegates back to the bargaining table. Politicians in Washington send Julia to assist him in this desperate bid for a lasting peace.

Before leaving Rome, representatives from three different groups with questionable motives, approach Christopher asking for his help and support. Dr. Rosen, a specialist in DNA research, heads the first group. He is convinced that radical elements in the Israeli army are intending to take control of the ancient temple complex in Jerusalem, now under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Andre Havran, who represents a multinational investment organization, wants to know why a terrorists group is monitoring Christopher’s every move. Keith Maitland, a desperate and unprincipled reporter, is convinced that a shadowy and secret organization controls the governments of the world by directing the decisions of elected officials.

Arriving back in Israel, Christopher discovers that what he thought would be just another routine negotiation session, is quickly deteriorating into chaos as various political groups fight for political supremacy— and if all of this is not trouble enough, Christopher has reasons to believe that Keith Maitland’s demented ramblings are frighteningly accurate.

Available at Amazon.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Transforming Realities
by R. L. Copple


The Reality Series is growing!

It all started with one short story called "Steamy Realities." Ideas arose for a series of short stories that were picked up by The Sword Review. The magazine publisher was interested in putting the stories into a novella, and it was so. Infinite Realities was born.

But, it didn't stop there! R. L. Copple wrote a novel-length sequel to Infinite Realities called Transforming Realities.

When Sisko refuses the demon Beltrid's request to use his miracle-producing ring for selfish purposes, Sisko's world is turned upside down. Trapping Sisko's wife, Gabrielle, inside the "Crystal of Virtues," Beltrid sends Sisko and his two teenage children, Nathan and Kaylee, on a journey to find seven virtues that will free her. Simple? Not when a demon is involved. The trip takes several twists and turns leading to a showdown at the steam house where it all started. They discover that the reality of the ring transcends healing sicknesses—they discover a transforming reality.

Available in paperback and Ebook format from the Author's store and Amazon.

But hold on…that's not all! R. L. Copple is currently working on the final installment of The Reality Series, to come out in early 2010. You don't want to miss this one!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Magic, Mensa & Mahem
by Karina Fabian


From the Case Files of Dragon Eye, PI

“Wisdom of the Ages, Knowledge of Eternity, and I end up a babysitter at the Smart Humans' Convention.” —Vern

It should have been a cushy job: Vern, the dragon detective, and his partner, the mage Sister Grace, are given an all-expense paid trip to Florida to chaperone a group of Magicals at a Mensa convention. Then the pixies start pranking, the Valkyrie starts vamping and a dwarf goes to Billy Beaver's Fantasyland hoping to be "discovered." Environmentalists protest Vern's "disrupting the ecosystem," while clueless tourists think he's animatronic. When the elves get high on artificial flavorings and declare war on Florida, it turns into the toughest case they aren't getting paid for. Based loosely on the award-winning serial mystery, Magic, Mensa and Mayhem will keep you laughing wherever you rank on the IQ scale.

Available from Amazon, and for Kindle, as well as direct from the publisher, Swimming Kangaroo Books. Contact Karina Fabian for an autographed bookplate.

Visit the home of Dragon Eye, PI. Register to get a free story, ("Amateurs," an Honorable Mention in Year's Best Fantasy and Horror, 2008) and subscription to "A Dragon's Eye View" with special offers on stories and products.

Friday, March 20, 2009

A Band of Roses
by Pat McDermott


Irish kings still rule the Emerald Isle—and a princess is in trouble . . .

Ancient Irish traditions remain strong in a world where High King Brian Boru survived the Battle of Clontarf and established a dynasty that rules Ireland to this day. When greed for oil prompts England’s Regent to claim an Irish island in the North Atlantic, Ireland’s Crown Princess Talty becomes a pawn in a murderous plot to seize the throne of England.

From Japan to California to an eleventh century Ireland preparing for the Battle of Clontarf, Talty must hide her true identity, though she can’t hide her ingrained training as a member of the Fianna: the warriors who guard the Kingdom of Ireland. She brings home a discovery worth more than any oil well, yet all she wants is to return to her family and Neil Boru, the adoptive cousin she secretly loves and cannot have—or so she thinks. Neil has a secret of his own, one that emerges as the Boru clan works with MI6 to thwart an invasion of Ireland and bring Talty home.

Available from Red Rose Publishing.

Visit the Author's website.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Celtic Sacrifice
by Sheryl Brennan


“Do you know how to make the gods laugh, Ceana? Tell them of your plans…”

When members of the O'Connor clan come to claim Ceana O'Hagan on her eighteenth birthday, she believes her destiny is clear: to marry Cian O'Connor, become a druid priestess, and restore the mystic powers of a long-lost ancestor.

But the path becomes muddy when a mysterious stranger captures Ceana's heart, setting an alternate course of events into motion. Dangling within the chasms of religion, duty, and newly discovered emotions, will Ceana's desire to fulfill her tribal obligations force her to give up the love of Cian, her country, and her culture, or will she refuse to become the Celtic Sacrifice the English Crown demands?

Celtic Sacrifice - Book one of the Celtic Enchantment series.

Available from Underdog Press.

Watch the Book Trailer.

Friday, March 13, 2009

The Friday House
by D K Gaston


Special Agent Jamaica Kurtz's first assignment after returning from a six-month-long medical leave was supposed to be a simple one. She was to run a psychological profile of two dead terrorists. She was assured by her superiors that the two killers weren't linked. They were wrong. Adjusting to her newly developed clairvoyant abilities she doesn't know whether it is a blessing or a curse. A trail of seemingly insignificant breadcrumbs that no one else sees reveals a truth the Central Intelligence Agency doesn't want found--a truth that dates back to the Cold War era and to one of its forgotten secrets. Unexpectedly showing up at Kurtz's door is her best friend, CIA Analyst Rosetta Calendar. She insists on aiding Kurtz with her assignment but Calendar's actual motives are more subversive in nature.

Ex-thief, former orphan Larry David (LD) Westerman left his past behind a long time ago. He now works as a Guidance Counselor in Detroit. He was happy with his life. That was until he was drugged, restrained and thrown into the back of a van, driven hundreds of miles to New York without knowing why or by whom. After escaping his captors with expert killer proficiency, a dark veil begins to rise from over his unconsciousness. He is not the man he thought he was—far from it in fact. Hunted by the government, Westerman forcibly enlists New York police detective Raymond Kilgore to help him discover the truth and to destroy those that created him.

Their perilous journey leads them to the Friday House, a seemingly run-of-the-mill orphanage. They discover quickly that it is far more than what it pretends to be. With no other choice, they go headlong into the belly of the beast to do whatever they can to avert the greatest threat the United States has ever faced—itself.

Available from Amazon.

During 2009, half the royalties from the sale of this book will be donated by the author to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Listen to an audio excerpt of the first chapter.

Visit the Author's website.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Forsaken Kingdom: City of Prophesy
by Peter Dudek


The days have grown dark in the lands of Arvalast. The people have forgotten about their king, and the light is fading from the countryside. As the stories of the King of Arvalast and his long ago holy rule passes into the annals of myth and legend, dark things prowl the woods, and shadows grow long.There is evil afoot, as the last days descend upon Arvalast.

The light of the Illumina, phials of holy, pure light that Arvalast citizens carry with them, is dimming, as their collective faith in their King becomes trite, ritualized. Woodend, a modest, walled city in the northern regions of Arvalast, is a last bastion of light and good, holding true to the stories of their once and forever High King. However, the shadow wraiths of an ancient enemy are returning, and the baser emotions of mankind; sloth, envy, hatred, are spilling over as these wraiths worm their way into the hearts of the people.

Enter a mysterious stranger on a dark, windblown night, astride a mighty steed. Gildareth has come at last; a long-awaited herald of the long absent King of Arvalast; so long awaited that none expect his arrival, nor heed it. He comes to warn of a growing evil in the lands of Arvalast, and he brings with him the full light and power of the Illumina.

Inside Woodend, Willerdon, a tired, exhausted town governor who fears for his family and his people sits paralyzed by his own lack of faith, unaware that his son sits on the very edge of the epic conflict of good and evil. All the while, the forces of the enemy draw closer, as the hour becomes desperate.

- The Press & Sun Bulletin

Available from ForsakenKingdom.net and Amazon.

Read a review from The Christian Fantasy Review.

Visit the author's blog, This Little Light.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Rebel in Blue Jeans
by Beverly Stowe McClure


What's a girl to do when her mother runs away with the drummer in a rock band, her friendly relationship with the cousins on the neighboring ranch starts to get serious, and a handsome college guy takes an interest in her?

Available from Twilight Time Books and Amazon.

Visit the Diary of a Rebel website.

Visit Beverly Stowe McClure's blog.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Uncommitment: Dealing with a Predator
by Leigh Laurence



Have you ever had a string of bad luck when it comes to dating? Most women have. Most women have been heart broken by lying men. This book gives you the dating details you need. You can discern the difference between a real man and someone only out to play games. You can avoid further heartache and find happiness. The only thing between you and the white picket fence is a quiet night reading this book.

Available from Living Waters Publishing.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Mountain's Echo
by Debbie Gould



Now available in print as well as ebook format!

Maggie and Jake had a past ten years ago that neither wanted to ever revisit. But when Maggie's brother, Scott, is severely wounded, Jake has to call Maggie for help.

After a ten year absence, Maggie and Jake are thrown together again in an intense struggle to save not only her brother, but themselves, as the men after Jake and Scott are closing in.

The two must find a way to work through the betrayal of the past and work together to save their future. Will betrayal be a thing of the past or part of the future?

Available from Red Rose Publishing.

Get ready for Sunday dinner with these winning entries:

From Angela Stubbs:
    Roast lamb with roast potatoes and gravy, Yorkshire pudding, with pears and ice cream for desert.
  • Add a little cooking oil and cover in foil

  • Cooking time: 20 minutes per pound plus an additional 20 minutes.

  • Peel and chop the potatoes for mashing.

  • Peel and chop the swede and the carrots.

  • Shell the peas.

  • Put the vegetables on 40 minutes before the meat is ready.

  • Prepare Yorkshire pudding and gravy.



From Beth Quigley-Ward:
    Stew and dumplings.
  • Brown at least a pound of stew meat (if desired).
  • In a Dutch oven, combine 4 cups of water, meat, carrots, 3 or 4 potatoes, packet of Lipton onion soup, dash of allspice, dash of paprika, salt and pepper. (The amount of allspice and paprika would depend on your taste.)

  • Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (You might need to add more water toward the end of the cooking time.)

  • About 10 to 15 minutes before stew is done make dumpling using 2-1/2 cups bisquick and 2/3 cups milk. (Mix until soft dough forms.) Drop by spoonfuls on top of stew. (Do not drop directly into liquid.) Cook uncovered on low 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes more.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Night Ship to Never
by David C. Kopaska-Merkel & Kendall Evans



"A must read for any lover of fantasy, science fiction or poetry."

A word from Richard H. Fay:

While mainstream poetry may explore the world around us, speculative poetry explores the farthest reaches of human imagination, and beyond. With roots sunk deep in the mythic and folkloric ballads of yore, and branches stretching high into the endless skies of fantasy and science-fiction, speculative poetry possesses a rich heritage and an exciting future. I truly believe that this particular poetic form is entering a golden age, due in no small part to the contributions made to the genre by David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Kendall Evans.

Many talented poets currently practice the craft of speculative verse composition. Kopaska-Merkel and Evans number among the most accomplished of that unique breed of modern bard. Both have had a plethora of poems published in various science fiction, fantasy, and horror venues. Both are award-winning poets; one of their previous collaborative efforts, "The Tin Men", received the Science Fiction Poetry Association's 2006 Rhysling Award for Best Long Poem. Both use verse to ask the eternal speculative question: what if? Whether it be mythology mixed with a dash of paleontology and a heaping spoonful of the bizarre, or astronomy drenched in a hearty helping of planetary personification, their poems satisfy a craving for the fantastic. Their works transport us to a strangely different but faintly familiar universe, a reality consisting of wild worlds and fractured futures. A diverse array of perspectives introduce us to odd characters, weird robots, and wondrous creatures.

So read on, my fellow speculative poetry aficionados. Get carried far, far away by the works within. Discover distant space and time. Let your imaginations soar!


Beautifully illustrated by Richard Svensson.

Available from Diminuendo Press, an imprint of Cyberwizard Productions.

Also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Asulon
by Bill McGrath


"Bill McGrath's Asulon is the first book of a fantasy trilogy entitled The Sword of Fire. Aimed primarily at young adults, the book is written in such a way as to make biblical history and Christian morality exciting to a notoriously difficult group to reach." Read the full review at Breakpoint.org.

Available from Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble
-or-
Visit Pekiti where you can get Asulon along with a martial arts DVD for only $20.00.

Visit the official page of The Sword of Fire.

Bonus: Visit my Sword of Fire page to hear an audio presentation by professional voice over artist James H. Brinkley, brought to you by Carpe Diem Productions.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Laughs from Corn Country
by Ron Berry


'G' rated and suitable for the whole family! 


Laughs from Corn Country is a collection of short stories that are, well, corny. Over one hundred and twenty pages of humor sure to tickle the funny bone.

Read an excerpt on the author's blog. (Tip: Search for "Bottoms Up".)

Available in paperback from Lulu.
-or-
Download the ebook and get laughing right away!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Rattlesnake Jam
by Margot Finke


"A Rhyming Romp of a Tale" 

For year-after-year, our crazy old Gran 
Nagged Pa into filling her best cooking pan 
Gran cooked up some doozeys but her best of all scam 
Was the bottling and selling of rattlesnake jam.

Beautifully illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier.
Published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

Available in Softcover, Download, or on CD.

Buy the softcover from the author's website and receive a personal autograph, a bookmark, a coloring sheet and even a link to hear Margot read the book!

Be sure to visit Margot Finke's of Books for Children where you'll find lots of stuff to see and do. There's even a few authentic rattlesnake recipes from Gran's Kitchen!

Read Sally Murphy's "7 Questions" interview with Margot.

Catch Margot on Don McCauley's Author's Radio Show January 12.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Mountain's Echo
by Debbie Gould



Maggie and Jake had a past ten years ago that neither wanted to ever revisit. But when Maggie's brother, Scott, is severely wounded, Jake has to call Maggie for help.

After a ten year absence, Maggie and Jake are thrown together again in an intense struggle to save not only her brother, but themselves, as the men after Jake and Scott are closing in.

The two must find a way to work through the betrayal of the past and work together to save their future. Will betrayal be a thing of the past or part of the future?

Available from Red Rose Publishing.

Enter to win a signed copy of Mountain's Echo!

Simply:
  1. Send your best Sunday Dinner recipe to MountEcho2006@yahoo.com with "Contest" in the Subject line.
  2. Explain what intrigues you most about Infidelity, Debbie Gould's other book available from Red Rose Publishing. Excerpts can be found on the publisher's website or the author's.
The recipes will be tested by the author's husband on Saturday January 10, and two winners will be chosen the next day. One winner will be drawn from entries submitted by those belonging to the Amethsyt Winters group, so if you are a member of this group, be sure to mention the fact in your email.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Princess Emily and the Secret Library
by Mary Balfanz


“Princess Emily was a lucky girl. Her mother and father, the king and queen, loved her very much. She wore beautiful clothes and had everything a princess might want. Princess Emily also had a secret—she loved to explore her home, Castle Clarion. To Emily it was a magical place.”

Emily would soon discover how magical the castle is. . .

This colorful, 32-page children's picture book, the first of the "Princess Emily" series, is available from Willow Brook Publishing. Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt and order a signed copy with free shipping.

Read an article about the author and her book at the Mundelein Review.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Summer's Story
by Nancy Famolari


Summer's father, a famous racehorse trainer, is dead; his only asset, a fabulous trotter. Two men offer help to get the horse to the races. Summer refuses Ned, owner of Golden Oaks, blaming him for her father's death. Davis, a famous racehorse driver, wins her heart, but deserts her after she suffers a serious accident on the track. Behind the scenes, Max, a wealthy owner, will do anything to get the horse for his stable. Can Summer get her trotter to the winner's circle and most important will she find love?

Now available from Red Rose Publishing.

Author Nancy Famolari answers questions:

  1. What inspired you to write this story? Summer's Story takes place in the fast paced world of harness racing. For fourteen years, my husband and I had a small Standardbred breeding farm in New Jersey. We raised and raced these marvelous horses. Harness racing is very exciting. There are many heart warming stories about an owner or trainer believing in their horse and against the odds getting the horse to win a big race. This is what happens in Summer's Story. There are also people who take advantage of both horses and people for personal gain, not caring the least about how the horse is affected. I believed these elements would make a good novel. I hope people agree.

  2. Do you have a favorite character? Summer Langston is my favorite character. She's a very determined lady who cares about her horse, Meadow, and overcomes severe personal and professional obstacles to get her horse to the winner's circle. In the process, she learns something about herself and how to give and receive love. I like the fact that she's gutsy and doesn't give up easily.

Visit the author's website.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Key to Life is. . .Balance
by Melissa Stone


"Not just a book but a yearlong journey to enlightenment" by Melissa Stone
Fifty two "Weekly Oms" to help you find balance. 

This book has one year of inspirational, spiritual passages with a workbook to help you close the gap to walking your talk, feeling completely totally alive and in balance. This book offers easy and quick solutions to reduce stress and help with sleep, depression, weight issues and addiction. The exercises are easy to use and take only minutes a day. You will see results quickly while having fun. A must read for anyone and everyone!


Read the Reviews
Visit the Author on Myspace
Visit Balance Studio Spa