Monday, September 9, 2013

Meet Author Preston Randall

Welcome fans! So glad you could make by this week. There's tons going on here a JLB Creatives. 

Plans are being made to present a Business After Hours in conjunction with Lakeside Inn in beautiful downtown Mt. Dora, FL on September 26, 2013 from 5:00p - 7:00p. There will be tours, book readings, and mini presentations regarding how Lakeside Inn and JLB Creatives are working together for the community.

We're also gearing up for the St. Augustine Florida Heritage Book Festival fast approaching September 28, 2013. JLB Creatives Executive Team will have an exhibit promoting Authors in the Park Events, JLB Creatives publications, and the executive team's novels, and more! If you're going to be at the festival be sure to look us up and say hello.

October 5, 2013 2:00p - 5:00p unleashes BOOKTOBERFEST! A unique, interactive event showcasing nearly 20 authors. It will be taking place at the Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora, FL CLICK HERE for details on the Authors in the Park upcoming event where the authors will be dressed as characters from their own novels, and guests are encouraged to pick one of the participating author's characters and come in costume to be entered into the contest.

And as if that's not enough - JLB Creatives is nearing the release of their next publication...Volume 2 in the Hidden Earth Series! Planet Land - The Adventures of Cub and Nash is slated to debut at BOOKTOBERFEST! We are currently taking pre-orders through October 1, 2013. To save $5 plus get a FREE necklace with every pre-ordered autographed print copy of Planet Land, and read an excerpt from the new novel, CLICK HERE  

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But now, it's time to get on with the show! We've an Excerpt Extravaganza from the wonderful author. . . 
Preston Randall

The Unbelievable Story of How I Met Your Mother
Synopsis:

Daniel Zurenski feels like a total loser, but he's about to encounter a crazy array of characters who are going to change his life forever. It starts with Fred Zimmerman (and his unique pet) who scrubs pots at The Spaghetti Barn restaurant and accidentally sets off a disastrous chain of events. There's the volatile restaurant manager Paolo and his greasy head chef nephew Tony. Then there's a fanatical sports reporter named Bruce Jagerski who dreams of winning a marathon if only he didn't have such a bizarre running style. All come together during marathon race weekend in this hilarious tale which will keep you guessing right to the finish line.

EXCERPT:
First hit was the refreshment area consisting of ten long tables lined up in two rows of five with a narrow centre aisle. Small boxes of orange juice, yogurt, doughnuts, two types of cookies (chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin), bananas, bagels, and water-filled cups all exploded into the air as Serena and the carriage charged up the middle and sent the tables flying. Volunteers leapt for cover as they were pelted with food shrapnel.
Next hit was the announcer’s platform. He was stationed on a raised stage next to the actual finish line in order to call out the names of everyone coming across. Serena galloped straight across the line but the right front corner of the carriage slammed into the scaffolding and everything started to come down. The announcer leapt off at the last second and executed a half somersault with a full twist before landing, unhurt, on a pile of cables. The official race clock, however, didn’t fare so well. It exploded on contact with the ground after falling from its perch 12 feet up.
Hundreds of spectators lining the road on both sides were concentrating all their attention away from the finish line. They saw a small red cap bobbing in the distance along the side of the road, but with the PA system suddenly cut off it was unclear who approached. The combined noise of flying tables, fallen platform, exploding clock and Clara’s non-stop scream caused every head to turn in the opposite direction.

Serena and the carriage broke free of the scaffolding and lunged down the road with George and the driver in hot pursuit. Jagged chunks of wood jutted from the front right corner of the carriage and the wheel on that side wobbled dangerously.

Twitter: @prestonrandall
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We certainly hope you enjoyed the excerpt! Be sure to visit Preston's links, follow him on Twitter, and better yet purchase his book ;-)
Until next week...stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!
Your blog host,
PRE-ORDER your copy of Planet Land before October 1, 2013 and SAVE! Save $5 and get a FREE necklace boasting a copy of a pencil sketch from Planet Land with every autographed print copy pre-odered.


Monday, September 2, 2013

Meet Author Tony Vincent

Welcome! This week you are in for a treat - Tony Vincent is visiting us, and it gets even better...he is an author who will be participating in the upcoming JLB Creatives Authors in the Park Event: BOOKTOBERFEST!  For more information on the event CLICK HERE. There will be fun for the whole family!



We certainly hope if you're in the area you'll be able to stop by for the fun! Be sure to check out the guidelines for our costume contest! CLICK HERE for details.

And now we proudly introduce to you...author Tony Vincent.

Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

I CAN ONLY GO BY PAST EXPERIENCES..TRAVELED TO ITALY,FRANCE,GERMANY,AUSTRIA,SWITZERLAND,LICHTENSTEIN. On all of my vacations, used TRAFALGAR.My wife and Isaw everything from museums to restaurants to the local folks. However,would love to go to ENGLAND,that would be a lifetime dream.The culture,the castles,the sites...Bristol, England....will plan soon!

The phone just rang – it’s a movie deal for your book! Holy cow – they’ve left it up to you as to where you want them to film on location, and who will play the starring role…we can’t stand the suspense. Where and who is it?I would love it to be filmed on any caribbean island.  
The Movie’s Soundtrack to be done by —Mr.Billy Joel
 
The Directors would be- (Not necessarily in this order)
 
Ron Howard or Rob Riener or Sofia Coppola or Tom Selleck or Mel Gibson or Martin Scorsese or Michael Bay or Guy Ritchie or Ben Stiller or Ridley Scott or Clint Eastwood or Sam Raimi or George Clooney.
 
The Actors would be- (Not necessarily in this order)
 
Jim Hawkins-Paul Dano or Leonardo DiCaprio or Kiefer Sutherland or Matt Dillon or Judd Nelson  or Scott Baio or Paul Walker or Brad Pitt or Adrien Brody or Brendan Fraser

 
Long John Silver-Howard Stern or Christian Bale or Anthony Hopkins or Peter Coyote or Daniel-Day Lewis or Tom Selleck or Oliver Platt or Jim Caviezel or CiarĂ¡n Hinds or Mel Gibson or Brian Cox or Jean Reno or Rufus Sewell

A zealous fan approaches your book signing table and wants to know everything there is to know about writing a book…right now! There’s a long line of fans waiting, and you only have a few seconds…what one thing would tell them to encourage them to become a writer?

 Write about what you know and whats in your heart and put your dreams in writing, you will find out all three are one in the same.

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

Bonefish Grill-Spicy Diablo Sauce with linguini and Clams and Shrimp

What kind of animals, birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have – and what are their names?

I have a beautiful Shih-Tzu (dog) named, of course; TREASURE

Time for adventure! Your friends are heading out to go skydiving for the first time…are you going to join them or suggest a different adventure? If you go skydiving please elaborate, or if you suggest something else what would your favorite adventure be?

Not up for skydiving  :)  ...would rather be on my pontoon boat, taking in the sun, having a beer and fishin' for bass.

Forget about make-believe super powers…we’ll never have them – bummer, I know right? But good news…TRUE super powers come in different forms such as a great attitude, a wonderful personality, loving kindness, and other cool traits like those. Who’s the one super hero in your life, and what is their TRUE super power?

It would be my wife...(just don't mention this) she has been by my side for over a dozen years. We survived a head-on collision approx. three years ago...healing broken bones together,therapy,wheelchairs,etc. Not once did she complain,and her strenghth and good nature kept me going through all the pain and suffering. She is my super-hero!

Your ship is sinking, and you’re the only one to make it into the life boat. Sad, I know, but sometimes life isn’t fair.  There’s plenty to keep you fed and watered until help arrives. What would you do? Eat, drink, cry, scream for help, pass out, sing, give up, or grab the tablet and pen you found in the food box and start writing a new book?

I believe I would do all of the above!

Do you prefer writing the good guy’s dialogue or the villain’s? Give us an example of your amazing talent…write us a line of dialogue from your favorite good guy or villain.

It would be the bad guy.

 “Jim, me boy, I wouldn’t let no harm come ta ya ’n yoor maties, Old Long John don’t like fightin’ ’n killin’, I’m a peaceful man, is I.

“Argh, it be good that you all went out for some fresh air,” he belly-laughs then hobbles over to Cricket and without a change of expression on Silver’s grinning face, he takes out his cutlass and lops off Cricket’s head. Then Long John used his knot-holed wooden leg, and kicks the little guys skull at me.

The family wants to go camping. Are you going to join them or stay behind? If you stay behind what are you going to do? Are you going to go shopping and to the spa? Read a book? Sleep in a hammock? Please tell us…we’re curious and want to know just what you’re thinking about doing. 

Would definitely go camping with them,and have my cake and eat it too. Read a book,then go to the local fishing hole, take a swim and go to sleep in a hammock.

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

Sure,
SILVER and HAWKINS( The Pirate Adventure Continues...)
By: Tony Vincent
SILVER and HAWKINS is truly an extraordinary and unrivaled follow-up to the most fascinating pirate and adventure story ever written ,Treasure Island by the author Robert Louis Stevenson.
You will find this book to be Fun & Easy Reading, with a Simple Plot and a Surprise Ending that will be heartily relished by younger as well as mature adults. Will Good Conquer Evil or Will the Infamous Prevail? For the die-hard fans the original characters that remained alive from Skeleton Island, are described with the same persona and similar idiosyncrasies, just about a dozen years later. The new characters that were fictionalized, are introduced throughout the story bringing with them humor, romance, excitement, danger, murder, lies, deceit and behaviors only found in Men of Fortune! 
50% of all royalties go to my charity listed below
Also, don't forget to look for clue in my book for $1000.00 in coins ,buried in a treasure chest for all yer matey's ta digs up an keeps fer th'mselves. Aaarrgggg!

Creativity. Where does yours come from? This is something writers are asked about much of the time.  Would you be so kind as to elaborate on where you get your ideas and what sparks your creativity?

In my case,the love of the story Treasure Island. Downtime;due to an accident, made me take up reading again. Sure enough I took out my favorite book and thought to myself after reading TI.  that it would be very cool to write about what became of Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins after their return from Skull Island...so I did just that and continued the pirate adventure.

Love and romance, paranormal, epic fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, thriller, drama, and the list goes on. Where do your books fall as far as genre and reading audience? 

Adventure,Fiction,love,romance,mystery,drama

What are your favorite genres of books to read, and what are your favorite genres of books to write?

To read: The connection and lifetime strange bond between the main characters Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins.

To write: The maniacal and sarcatic wit of Cap'n Silver

Time to go to the movies! Out of all the ones you’ve seen, what’s your fav? And be sure to tell us why in case we haven’t seen it and would like to check it out.

HARDTIMES  Starring Charles Bronson (1975) about a street fighter set in the 1930's. One of the best fight movies ever made,with that Louisana backdrop and real gutsy acting.

Social media has become a part of being an author. What are your 3 best tips of the trade for upcoming authors when it comes to building their social media platform?

Facebook,Twitter,Stumble,Myspace....all are great.

For the first time in your writing career someone recognizes you as their favorite author, in public. Would you panic? Smile and bask in the moment? Blush and walk away? Invite them for coffee and cupcakes? Scream? Run? Faint? 

I would sign their book,with my "Long John Silver Pirate Pen" and let them keep the specialty pen as a gift.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! You rush to grab the special edition only to find the headline describes your life from day 1 till now. Don’t leave us hanging…what is the headline?

Treasure Chest full of $1000.00 worth of coins found by students, which was buried by the famous author Tony Vincent!

How much time do you devote to writing? Daily – weekly – monthly – whenever the urge strikes?

Not so much lately,spend lots of time on i-phone, i-pad and computer, organizing stuff.

Did you ever study writing? Feel free to elaborate – we’d love to hear about your education.

No I did not,but was an avid reader as a child.

If you could personally thank one person, or several (living or not) for giving you the strength, determination, and perseverance to continue in your writing who would you thank? 

Mentioned before in superhero, my wife Wanda, and my constant companion ; my dog Treasure.

Who is your favorite character that you have created? Tell us about him or her and why you are so fond of them.

Cricket-is a tiny, filthy looking, scruffy pirate with a crooked smile, ragged coat and frayed trousers.He wears no boots on his feet, which are filthy, with dreadful open sores on them. He seems so small in stature, I believe he is less than four-feet tall.Cricket is half-witted, but to my bewilderment understands enough to get by.He has no feelings, consideration or humanity toward his fellow men.Cricket has annoyed and antagonized me till we signed articles (came to an agreement) and his behaviors changed for the better.

I was so fond of this character because he morphed into a good guy,later in the story. 

What is your favorite make-believe place you’ve ever created in a story? Is it a town? A hide-out? A futuristic city? The possibilities are endless! Please tell us all about your fav as we’d all love to escape with you!

The baron lived miles away in a very old resplendent stone castle with a drawbridge and moat. It was atop the high cliffs of Bagstone, England (small port to the east of Bristol)and even on a foggy day, it could be seen from many miles away. This sleepy little town by the seacoast had farmhouses and small plantations dotting the blue coastline. It was a peaceful, quiet land; and when the sun decided to rise from behind the castle, as if it rested there at night, you felt as if you were in heaven itself. The smell of lavender was perpetually in the air. 

If you could choose where you wanted to live on a fantasy world would you choose living in the tree tops, living on the water, living under the water, living beneath the trees underground, or living on a sky ship? Perhaps you have your own idea of the perfect fantasy dwelling. Be sure to fill us in on what and why.

Something about Tree Tops intrigue me, a small cabin high in the sky,atop an Old Southern Pine, surround by large trees and the vast forrest,wild animals below,birds above,blue skies and large white clouds,the sun baking your bodyand you take a 360 every day and wonder and comtemplate about the world that surround us.

If you could restructure the publishing world what would you do and how would you go about it?

The red tape involved ,just to get a publisher to believe in your work is overwhelming!  That is why I got very frustrated and self-published my novel.

How do you deal with rejection when you submit an MS?

When manuscripts are presented,they are a part of you. When rejected, you try not to take it personally but; Most of life is rejection in one way or another, so just "Deal With IT!"

As an author we all know we get those “stink-o” reviews that come through now and again. How do you handle a bad review when it hits?

Reviews are opinions of that one individual, (NOT ALWAYS AN EXPERT) and not everyone will like what you write. Most opinions are based on their own life experiences and comparisons to other similar stories;not everyone can agree with your thoughts.

If you could cure something in this world, what would it be?

Childhood Cancer...that is why 50% of my royalities are given each year to www.stjude.org

What are your pet peeves – you know those little things that just drive you nuts?

Folks driving a car who come to a complete stop before they decide to make a turn,then they turn so slow,that I actually see my fingernails growing!

Folks who form an opinion,without getting ALL the Facts! 

What is your favorite cake? Are you an icing freak?

I am more of a pie guy.  Hot Apple Pie with Cool Whip is how I roll!

Of all the professions in this world you opted to be a writer. What brought you to it?

Just felt like a distraction from my physical pain, brought out a wanting to do some activity to keep my mind focused. What better thing to do than write down your wants and desires,your dreams and your fantasy's to cleanse your mind.

Do you create and design your own book covers? 

Yes, I did. Spent many hours finding the pictures that I desired for my cover.Downloading them,sizing them and just trying to make it look professional;and at the same time keep in mind to catch the potential buyer's eye. Do not forget,it is one of the main ingredients, other than the body of work that helps the sale of ones book.

As a self-published author do you recommend having your novels professionally edited? Please give us some cool thoughts of why you chose the answer you did. 

Yes, I do.When I write the thoughts go hap haphazardly onto the computer and the organization,looked over by me is still not enough. There are professionals that do this for a living,and are very astute at their job.

As a self-published author do you think that the ebook phenomenon helps or hinders your sales? Please let us know why you chose the answer you chose. 

It is another venue for book sales.I think it is great. With todays technology, a person can download your book to his i-pod. i-pad, kindle, tablet etc...for a very low cost. You will get much more exposure,and if the reader likes your work,he or she will let their e-mail buddies,social media friends on Facebook,  personal friends and family know, and "Poof" before long you are a household name.

Do you find it annoying that people spend hundreds of dollars on ereading devices, yet complain about spending 99 cents and/or demand ebooks for free? Share your thoughts – don’t worry, we all know we can’t please all of the people all of the time, but we can always please some of the people some of the time. 

Yes , I do. Those folks who complain are obviously "old school and prehistorical " they need to think of catching up with current high tech.

To ebook or not to ebook – that is the question. What’s your take?

Absolutely the way to go. Another sales tool is wonderful.

If you could spend a day with an author, who would it be? And of course we’ve got to know why.

Did not say if they could be deceased. So. I choose...

Robert Louis Stevenson, Why you may ask? Obviously, I felt some connection to him,and I believe to have gotten into his mind set in that time period, captured and amplified his amazing pirate adventure. His story will hopefully persevere to every generation and not only my connection to the man,but maybe even bring a kinship to the readers of my book...
SILVER and HAWKINS ( The Pirate Adventure Continues...)

SPEED ROUND!

Soup or stew?
 Soup

Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla

Dogs or cats?

Both... Dogs preferred.

Horses or cows?
Horses

Insects or reptiles?
Reptiles

web-site www.silverandhawkins.net 
web-site www.silverandhawkins.com
blog     silverandhawkins.blogspot.com 
charity   www.stjude.org 
twitter   @ljsilvertv

AMAZON-Hardcover  $14.99
       Softcover  $11.99
       Kindle     $3.99
       me e-mail address  silverandhawkins@yahoo.com
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Now THAT was fun! If you enjoyed this interview, then be sure to stop by BOOKTOBERFEST! October 5 2:00p - 5:00p at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander Street ~ Mount Dora, Florida

In the meantime, be sure to connect with Tony, visit his website, and best of all...take a look at buying his books.

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And don't forget - you can still pre-order your JLB Creatives published, autographed print copy of Hidden Earth Series Volume 2 Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash 
Just CLICK HERE to visit our website!

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me ;-)




Your blog host, and founder of JLB Creatives...



Monday, August 26, 2013

Meet Author Randa Zollinger

Welcome fans and followers! It's great to have you here. With our newest publication reaching its release date, things are certainly hopping around JLB Creatives.

PRE-ORDERS are being taken now for our next publication: Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash 
by author Janet Beasley.

CLICK HERE to find out the details on your savings and free gift regarding pre-orders, read an excerpt, watch the book trailer, and much more!

Jump into this fairy tale western where cowboys ain't always nice, horses ain't quite what you're used to, and time is all higgledy-piggledgy! The race is on and it's up to Cub and Nash to pull it together for the sake of Good.

Also, JLB Creatives is gearing up for their next Authors in the Park event - BOOKTOBERFEST!  Get ready to have some fun. Trust us...if Big Foot could read, he'd be at this event! Both authors and guests will be in costume...but NOT just any costumes. CLICK HERE for details on how you can enter this fun costume contest. Be sure to follow the rules so you are not disqualified.


Fun for the entire family!

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And now we proudly present this week's featured author (and an Authors in the Park Booktoberfest participant!)...



Randa Zollinger

Randa has chosen our Excerpt Extravaganza feature. So grab a glass of ice cold tea, sit back, and prepare to be entertained!

The Hansens seemed to be a contented, happy family when the kids were young. Brandon, the oldest, was the perfect son, continuing the tradition of being a great athlete, as was his father and  grandfather before him. The twins, Jaden and Jenny, revered their older brother and sought to emulate him.

As  Brandon started high school and the twins began middle school, things in the idyllic American family began to change. The siblings had typical teenage issues in school, as well as with their parents, but it was more than that. Fighting, drugs, and suspensions had never been in their plans.

Picture-perfect, the family was jolted when Jaden, who wanted nothing more than to please his dad and older brother, failed miserably as he began to discover his sexual identity. If it hadn’t been for the support of his sister and a neighbor, Jaden might have tried to end his life long before he did. While dealing with Jaden, his father was forced to confront issues neither imagined nor expected.


Live through Jaden’s story as he struggles to understand the ramifications of his father’s haunted past and continues to forge on in his quest of the “rainbow”.

                                                            Excerpt...

Getting a call from the hospital on her cell phone, Jaden’s mother, Alice, immediately started to panic and shouted for her husband.
"Donnie, come here quick! Talk to the hospital. It's about Jaden."
Listening, then hanging up abruptly, Donnie said, "Let's get down there now! They’re treating him for a drug overdose, but he's still unconscious."
"Drug overdose?" Alice couldn't believe it. "Not Jaden. He would never do drugs. He's a good boy. They must be mistaken." Her heart was pounding, and she was glad Donnie was driving, because she felt as if her arms and legs wouldn't cooperate. She wasn't even sure she could walk into the hospital.
When they arrived at the hospital, they went right to the ER information desk and gave their names. Their anxiety heightened with every passing second.
The woman at the desk shuffled through some papers, and finally said, "Yes, here it is. Your son is in the ER annex." Heading down the hall where the volunteer had pointed, Donnie tried to ease Alice's panic, but he was nearly frantic himself. He hadn't always been the best dad in the world to Jaden, but he did really love him. He knew he had constantly been on him about his activities and his friends, but he had felt that he had known what was best for his son.
 "Oh, please," he thought, talking to some greater being. "Please let him be all right."
As they hurried into the annex, they saw a boy heavily bandaged around the head and face, with his arm in a sling, bound to his body. Even in the dim light, they could see there was no shock of pale, blonde hair. It was not Jaden. Feeling very relieved, they turned away to continue looking for their son.
"Dad? Mom? How did you know I was here?" The bandaged figure spoke softly. Their relief turned to bewilderment, then alarm, as they got closer and saw the boy on the bed was Brandon, their other son. Confused conversation ensued until Alice's cell phone rang again. When she noticed the caller ID was Regional Hospital, she gave it to Donnie with a terrified look. Then she kissed her older son on one of the few places on his head where there was no bandage. Listening to the phone, Donnie's face changed from consternation to fear.
"Alice, it was the ICU nurse. They’re wondering when we expect to get there to see Jaden. And,” he said flatly, “she said they think it was a suicide attempt.”
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We certainly hope you enjoyed meeting author Randa Zollinger. Be sure to check out her links and best of all - buy her book! 

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host ~
PRE-ORDERS for Planet Land are being taken from the Hidden Earth Series website. Safe and secure - use your account or credit card. All transactions done through PayPal.





Monday, August 19, 2013

Meet Author Pamela Foreman

Howdy fans! So glad you could stop by.

Just wanted to let you know, JLB Creatives newest publication is slated for an October 5, 2013 release. We're accepting PRE-ORDERS now from the JLB Creatives website. CLICK HERE for details on how you can save $5 plus get a free hand-crafted necklace with every pre-ordered, autographed print copy of author Janet Beasley's Hidden Earth Series Volume 2 Planet Land ~ the Adventures of Cub and Nash.



If you've not experienced the Hidden Earth Series, you may do so by starting with Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy. And just to sweeten the deal - you can now get Maycly the Trilogy Part 1 Two Altered Worlds FREE on Smashwords. CLICK HERE and use COUPON CODE: QT73M
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And now we proudly introduce to you this week's featured author...

Pamela Foreman

Not Again, My Love

Genre: Romantic Fiction

SYNOPSIS: David and Annette Anderson have been married for two years, working hard to merge their two families. During their short marriage, one son joined the military and two children entered college, leaving four teenagers at home. Everyone seemed happy with this new blended family.

Then it happened. An unfortunate accident and all the hopes and dreams for one child faded quickly. A second child chooses the wrong path in life while another child reveals his feelings for two women. And then the ultimate shock which will affect all nine family members.

Will David and Annette survive the trials of parenting seven children? Can they keep their relationship together during their daughter's struggles? Will all their children decide to follow their parents' warnings and advice? Join the Anderson's as they battle these challenging situations.


Author Bio: Pamela Foreman is a wife of seventeen years to her high school sweetheart and the mother of four children. Having grown up in Texas, Pamela currently lives in central Virginia. Pamela received her master’s degree in accounting from Liberty University and is an avid reader. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, knitting and scrapbooking when she is not involved with her children’s activities and spending time with her husband.

Pamela is the author of the Nebraska Holds series, a series surrounding the lives of David Anderson and Annette Miller, middle-aged adults who have both gone through the sudden deaths of their spouses and each have children to continue to raise. The series currently has three books, You're Right, My Love (December 2011), Not Again, My Love (January 2013) and the third book is Secrets Abound, My Love, will be  published in August 2013.


~~~~~~~~EXCERPT~~~~~~~~~~~~

The four adults couldn’t be more happier than they were at that moment. All their children present and accounted for, all enjoying each other and celebrating a wonderful day for their families. Nothing could go wrong. David, Annette, Oliver and Christine were sure of it.

“Excuse me, please.” An older woman accidentally bumped into Dakota as she was passing the family standing on the track.

“I’m sorry,” Dakota said, moving out of the way.

“It’s my fault, I’m -” The woman looked up at Dakota and stopped dead in her tracks, blinking her eyes. She paused for several seconds, just staring at Dakota. “Michael? Wait, it can’t be you. You, you, look so young.”

“I’m sorry, you must have me confused. My name is Dakota, Dakota Miller.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, it’s just, wow, you look like this guy I used to know, Michael Miller.”

“Michael Miller was my father.” Dakota told her. The rest of the Miller-Anderson family gathered around behind Dakota, curious as to this woman who seemed to know Michael. Annette came up beside Dakota to get a good look at this woman.

“He,” the woman paused, shaking her head. “Michael was your father? Dear heavens, did he pass away?” The woman looked shocked to hear this news and put her hand over her heart, looking breathless.

“Yes,” Annette interrupted. “Michael was my husband. He died about five years ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this news.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
Annette was extremely confused by this woman. Who was she?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buy at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8KYM4G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B8KYM4G&linkCode=as2&tag=geocities16

You can see the rest of the excerpt here: http://tinyurl.com/oc776ss 
Blog: http://www.pamelaforeman.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pamelaforemanauthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pef1996
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6033003.Pamela_E_Foreman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamela_foreman
Google+: https://plus.google.com/111814691744564977712/posts

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We hope you enjoyed getting to know Pamela and discover her talent as an author. Be sure to visit her links, and best of all...buy her book!

Thanks so much for stopping by - we'll catch you next week. Until then, stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host ~ Janet Beasley

PRE-ORDERS for Planet Land are being taken from the Hidden Earth Series website. Safe and secure - use your account or credit card. All transactions done through PayPal.

CLICK HERE

Monday, August 12, 2013

Meet Author Lauren Algeo

Welcome fans to the JLB Creatives Blog. There's always so much going on at JLB Creatives, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the blog to stay up with all of the happenings. 

One thing on their list: JLB Creatives is taking pre-orders for their next publication: Hidden Earth Series Volume 2 Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash, by author Janet Beasley.

The new novel is a continuation of Maycly the Trilogy. If you've not had the chance to become a Hidden Earth Series fan, here's your chance to jump on the band wagon and get the ebook of Maycly the Trilogy Part 1 ~ Two Altered Worlds for FREE! Simply visit this link: Maycly on Smashwords and enter COUPON CODE: QT73M

PRE-ORDER news! Save $5 plus get a FREE hand-crafted necklace with every pre-ordered, autographed print copy. For details, to read an excerpt, watch the book trailer, place your pre-order and more, be sure to visit the Hidden Earth Series website. 


Another thing on JLB Creatives list is Authors in the Park's next event! You won't want to miss this mini megacon style event. Booktoberfest will be taking place in Mount Dora, Florida at the lovely Lakeside Inn. Guests will have an interactive part, and the authors won't quite be looking like themselves. For details please visit Booktoberfest on JLBCreatives.com 




And now we proudly present our featured author of the week. . .


Lauren Algeo

So you thought you’d be a writer – how’s that workin’ out for ya?

Great so far! I currently have two e-books out and am writing a third. I work full-time and write on my commute to and from work and at weekends but one day I’d love to write full-time.

The phone just rang – it’s a movie deal for your book! Holy cow – they’ve left it up to you as to where you want them to film on location, and who will play the starring role…we can’t stand the suspense. Where and who is it?

I’d love for Hikers – Part One: Power to made into a movie! It’s set in the UK, largely in London, so I’d like to keep it authentic. The main character, Scott Brewer, would be played by someone like Richard Armitage (John Porter in Strike Back). He’d be perfect!

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I’m currently writing the second part of my Hikers Trilogy, Hikers – Part Two: Passion, and it will be out later on this year. Check out my Facebook page for the latest updates.

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

I love seafood! There’s a great restaurant near me that does amazing scallops so I’d have to have those, maybe some prawns as a starter too!

What kind of animals, birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have – and what are their names?

My favourite animals are wolves, largely due to White Fang being my favourite book as a child. I now have a German Shepherd, Kip, who I guess looks a little like a wolf!

Creativity. Where does yours come from? This is something writers are asked about much of the time.  Would you be so kind as to elaborate on where you get your ideas and what sparks your creativity?

I get ideas from everywhere! I’ll be walking along the road and have a sudden ‘what if…?’ moment that sparks a story. The idea for the Hikers Trilogy, for example, came one day when I was thinking about the notion of voices in your head. I wondered what would happen if that voice was real, then who would it belong to, and the idea evolved from there.

What are your favorite genres of books to read, and what are your favorite genres of books to write?

I’m a big fan of horror and crime thrillers, as well as sci-fi and fantasy elements. Anything by Stephen King, Lee Child or Jo Nesbo.  They’re also my favourite genres to write.

Do you create and design your own book covers?

Yes. I currently work as a graphic designer so have the tools to create my own covers. I start to have ideas when I’m editing my novels and it’s a great way to finish the self-publishing process.

If you could spend a day with an author, who would it be? And of course we’ve got to know why.

Stephen King. He’s one of my favourite authors and I’d love to know where he gets his ideas from and his writing process.

Where can we find your book(s)?

Currently as e-books on Amazon but they will be coming to Smashwords soon and will also be available as paperbacks shortly.



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We certainly hope you enjoyed meeting author Lauren Algeo. Be sure to check out her links and best of all - buy her books! 

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host ~
PRE-ORDERS for Planet Land are being taken from the Hidden Earth Series website. Safe and secure - use your account or credit card. All transactions done through PayPal.


CLICK HERE

Monday, August 5, 2013

Meet Author James DiBenedetto

Hello everyone! Glad you took a few minutes to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog. 

There's been tons going on! So many of us are facing "back to school" with smiles on our faces, we're excited about seeing old friends and making new ones, school dances, football games, and of course learning.

With that said - How would you like to have a #1 BEST SELLER series in your educational plans? You would? Super! I want to entice all of you middle grade teachers and parents to check out a series worth having in the classroom. See what this 6th grade reading and language arts teacher had to say about using a trilogy that landed ahead of the Hunger Games on Amazon. The Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy fueled the students in her classroom at the end of last year! 

Simply click the link below to read the review:




This series is also in the works of being presented to YALSA for consideration on their national reading list, and placed in Lake County Schools. 
You'll also be happy to know you can read excerpts, plus check out the Educational Benefits and Quizzes from the Hidden Earth Series website. Click on the following links to discover!



MAYCLY QUIZZES


And get ready...Volume 2 is getting ready to be unleashed very soon!
We're taking pre-orders now.  
Visit PLANET LAND - THE ADVENTURES OF CUB AND NASH 
to read an excerpt and/or place your pre-order.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact 
Author Janet Beasley at:
JLBCreatives@gmail.com

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And now, without further ado, we present to you. . .

Author 
James DiBenedetto. . .

“Dream Student” by J.J. DiBenedetto

What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets…without them ever knowing?

Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.

But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.

“Dream Student” is the thrilling first installment of the Dreams series.

I’m thrilled to give you an excerpt from my novel.  This takes place early in the book (chapter one, in fact).  Sara is having a recurring nightmare that’s keeping her up every night, and it’s even intruding into her waking life.  She’s turned to her roommate for help…

This just in! The new book trailer for Dream Student!



Excerpt:

There’s someone in bed with me.  Someone’s next to me, someone warm and soft and he’s – wait a minute, that’s not right.  There isn’t any “he” at the moment for me to be in bed with.
She.  It’s Beth.  She’s in bed with me – I don’t know why, I don’t remember – and then it all comes back in a rush.  I had a nightmare, I freaked out, and she decided I needed to be held.  Except it isn’t helping.  I sit up, and it’s as though it never went out of my head - I’m seeing it again, the bedroom, the man, the…

Beth stirs herself awake, sits up.  I can barely see her; I’m still in that bedroom, still watching that helpless girl scratching and clawing and…

Beth fades in and out of view; for a moment I can see her more clearly.  Her eyes narrow, focusing on mine.  Then she’s gone again, and I’m watching the – the – the murder.  That’s what it is.  I can’t get it out of my head.

I feel – what?  A hand, soft, gentle, on my cheek.  It’s Beth.  She’s back.  She’s moving towards me, her face is just an inch or two away from mine, her lips are…

“What the hell are you doing?”  The bedroom and the man and his victim are gone, and Beth is suddenly three or four feet away from me, her hand up, bracing herself against the wall.  My hands are out in front of me; I must have shoved her away into the wall without even realizing what I was doing.

She’s staring hard at me, right into my eyes, trying to see if I’m back here with her, if the nightmare is out of my mind.  It certainly is.  She stares for another moment or two and then, without any warning, she dissolves into laughter.  “You should – God, you should see your face right now!”

I don’t really see what’s funny about anything right now.  “What were you doing?” I snap at her, breathing rapidly.

She needs a few seconds to recover her composure.  “You were gone again, and I felt like I had to do something to bring you back.  It was either that or a good hard slap.”

My breathing slows; it’s almost back to normal.  “I guess that makes sense.”  I think I might have preferred the slap.  But I have to admit that her way did work; I’m certainly not thinking about the nightmare now.  I'm pretty sure she's driven it away for the night.

“You forgive me?”

Of course I do.  I lean over and hug her.  “You bet.”  Our heads turn towards the alarm clock in unison: 5:20 AM.  “You think we can get a little more sleep?  I’ll be OK by myself now, I think.”  If I didn’t know better and I heard myself just now, I might even believe it.

She’s already up and halfway over to her bed.  “I know you will,” she answers.  I wish I were as confident as she is.

I hope you enjoyed that; if you want to read more, the book is available on Amazon (visit my author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/jjdibenedetto).  
Or you can visit my website at http://www.writingdreams.net. I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/james.dibenedetto.39 and on Twitter at @JJDiBendetto.

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Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your Blog Host
Janet Beasley
#1 Best Selling Author


JLB Creatives

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JLB Creatives Editor Dar Bagby (L) and JLB Creatives CEO Janet Beasley (R)