JLB Creatives

Monday, January 30, 2012

Author Splash - with Joseph Rinaldo

Hello fans! Welcome back, and a huge HELLO to those of you visiting us for the first time.

The JLB Creatives Blog is hosted by epic fantasy author and scenic nature photographer Janet Beasley.

Be sure to check out the HIDDEN EARTH page of this blog to be

in-the-know regarding Janet's epic fantasy series HIDDEN EARTH.

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This week we're bringing you another Author Splash!

Joseph Rinaldo will be rippling the waters with his

stellar books. Please be advised that Joe does have a

disclaimer on his work that is it for audiences 18+ in age.

So let's get to it!

Please welcome

Author Joseph Rinaldo

Introduction Video:

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And now...heeeeeeeeeere's Joseph!

I am originally from Kentucky, but moved to the Nashville, Tennessee area in 2004 to find work. I am married, have a wonderful adult daughter with Down syndrome, and work as a Credit/Finance manager for
an HVAC distributor. I have written nine novels, and I am releasing each on Amazon as I can get them professionally edited. I began writing during a period of unemployment, inspired by the fact that Nicholas Sparks received a million-dollar advance for one of his books! I figured if he could do that, so could I.

My hobbies are jogging, sports (specifically Ohio State University football and basketball, Tennessee Titans football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and Predators hockey), fishing, boating, reading, and spending time with my family, not necessarily in that order.

Favorite food - hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, well I guess I'd have to say anything made with chocolate! Oh, yeah!

We have two cats who order us around (as cats will always do), we live out in the country, but not that far from Nashville, we boat all summer, and I love to fish (well, actually, I sort of feed the fish more than I catch them, but...). This summer we went to Gulf Shores on vacation and went deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, and kayaking. It was awesome! We also saw the largest "school" of jellyfish ever in the water off Gulf Shores! It was amazing, and my wife actually got stung by one.

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Joseph's Blog

Find Joseph on Facebook

Join Joseph's Network on LinkedIn

Follow Joseph on Twitter @jmrinaldo

Joseph is a proud member of Authors Den, Independent Writers, International Book Cafe, Kindle Boards, Library Thing, Shelfari,Tumblr, StumbleUpon, Wattpad, The Writers Forum, and Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

Joseph let us know that he flinches when asked what genre his books are, because he dislikes being

boxed in that way, but when forced to choose, he would call them

contemporary fiction. "That is broad enough, I think, to encompass all

their best qualities without pinning them down too much. In my

opinion, other than a division between fiction and nonfiction, there

should be NO genres."

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REVIEWS

Modern Shakespearean Tragedy, October 31, 2011
By Pandorasecho "echo"
This review is from: HAZARDOUS CHOICES (Kindle Edition)
If you don't like violence, or if you live for happy endings,
this is not the book for you. However, It rings of some of the great
Shakespearean tragedies in a very modern setting and involved me in
caring for characters who were obviously busily living up to the title
of the novel. There is a family with a young, down syndrome boy who
struggles to communicate but has mastered the social skills of caring
and making friends. There are a football team and the coaches involved
in learning how to come together after a losing year, contrasted with
the street gang trying simply to survive in a world where no choice is
anything but hazardous. There is young love, and parental love and
teenage rebellion and angst and gang hatred, all interwoven smoothly
to keep you hoping for that elusive happy ending for the characters
you care about.
If you love an emotional rollercoaster, and college football, if
you have ever wanted to see a believable character with down syndrome,
if you wonder about the hazard's of gang life, then I strongly
recommend Hazardous Choices.

MORE STELLAR REVIEWS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON AT: JOSEPH RINALDO'S BIO

Please be advised that Joseph's books are rated for a reading audience of 18 and over

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Well, there you have it - another great author making a splash at the JLB Creatives Blog!

Please be sure to check out Joseph's links, Like his FB page, follow him on Twitter,

and best of all - pick up a copy of each of his books!

You're the best fans on the planet!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

We'll catch up with you next week.

In the meantime...

Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host:

Epic Fantasy Author

Janet Beasley

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Monday, January 23, 2012

Author Splash - with C.V. Smith

Hello great peeps! Thanks so much for stopping by the

JLB Creatives Blog.

If you've not visited the new HIDDEN EARTH Series website
be sure to check it out...Maycly's final book cover has been
posted there along with advance copy reviews and so much more!

But enough about me. We're still on a roll

with our Author Splashes...so many great authors out there!

This week we're featuring C.V. Smith

author of Nettie Parker's Backyard

C.V. is a master at mystical writing,

but don't take my word for it...

check her out for yourself!

Introduction Video

for author

C.V. Smith

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Here's a little bit about C.V. Smith to help get you acquainted...

I'll start with my favorite food, I figure we all have something in common when it comes to food. I'd love to list my favorites, but listing my least favorite foods would be much simpler!! I usually like most everything, and am always on a quest to find the ‘perfect burger’! I definitely prefer vanilla to chocolate, and love flavored coffees. I also prefer savory, homey comfort foods to desserts.

***

Secondly, let's see if we connect regarding hobbies.

My hobbies are reading, going to the theater (I love innovative, unique plays), I love classical and Latin music, and I also love nature: trees, flowers, rocks, streams, and all landscapes, sometimes with houses in them. I love watching HGTV and all the Food programs.

***

When it comes to seeing new places, I'm always ready!

I have been very fortunate in having traveled all over the world: Alaska, British Columbia, Seattle, many places in central and southern California as I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I've been to Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Mexico City, the Yucatan Peninsula, Peru and down the Amazon River. I've discovered Machu Picchu, New Orleans, Orlando, Hilton Head, Charleston, Savannah, Memphis, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Toronto, the Caribbean, Egypt, Italy, Greece, France, England, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, St. Petersburg, China, and Australia.

***

Family? Absolutely! I've got one of the best ones around!

I have 2 grown children, a son and a daughter. My son is not yet married, but my daughter has given me 2 wonderful granddaughters, Keira age 5 ½ and Daphne, age 2. I love being with them several times a week as we live close by. To the left is their most recent photo,

(you know us grandparents just have to brag!)

***

And finally, life in general.

I have been a teacher and para-educator for over 30 years, most of which were spent in classrooms where students were just beginning to think for themselves and about themselves. The book is written for ages 9-13, the time when youth questions everything. Adolescence is starting and many children feel insecure about themselves, their relationships with peers, or even their own families and homelife. These insecurities manifest themselves in various behaviors; some children withdraw into themselves, while some overcompensate for their fears by bullying others. I have witnessed that when bullying begins, even if innocently meant with only an off-handed word or two, prejudice often follows not far behind. I wrote this novel hoping to illustrate to children that bullying and intolerance toward race, religion, or the physically challenged have no place in our world. Certainly, with tools such as the internet, facebook, twitter, etc., the world is becoming smaller in many ways, and so the ill-effects of prejudice are felt even more strongly today than in the past. I believe that my book inspires readers to see that what matters is the "core" of each person, and that acceptance of others and their differences truly means enriching themselves. I further believe that more must be done to inhibit bullying; not doing so only enables the passing of prejudice from one generation to the next.

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Now, on to my book! The idea for Nettie Parker's Backyard came to me in a very vivid dream, and whereas most of my dreams go unremembered, this one was definitely unique. Its powerful detail and message ended with a revelation that has affected my own personal beliefs, further compelling me to write the book. My research took me down some fascinating avenues as I discovered such things as the Gullah language in the Sea Islands, the Kindertransport, sand fly fever, and the role African-American soldiers played in WWII. Nettie's character was based on that of my granddaughters; thus, some of her best virtues are those of trust, love, and friendship.

And finally - a stunning review!

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT HISTORICAL FICTION NOVEL
May 15, 2011
By GRADY HARP, AMAZON TOP 10 REVIEWER

C.V. Smith manages to gather more in one book than most authors attempt to place in a series. In NETTIE PARKER'S BACKYARD she packs in information about the history of slavery, African culture (including a fascinating explanation of the Gullah language, a means of communicating among slaves form all parts of Africa who needed to communicate for survival, and thus created a 'universal' means of speaking), the subject of World War II and the Final Solution Hitler devised for the Jews, including the 'kindertransport', the role African-American soldiers played in a country still prejudiced about race, the mysticism of learned ones, and the meaning and importance of history. Smith relates all of these in story form as Halley, from Greengrow, South Carolina, visits her beloved Aunt Nettie, shares her with her school as a teacher of the past, and participates in the little miracles that surround the main character, the multifaceted and mysterious Aunt Nettie.

But the magic in CV Smith's writing is not confined to developing an interesting story that she directs to the age group of 9-13. It is the quality of writing and creating palpable characters, balanced with the technique of ending each chapter with a suspenseful moment that keeps the reader fascinated and eager for more. And in addition to that, Smith's entire book is devoted to teaching young vulnerable minds the graces of self-acceptance as well as acceptance of others, the beauty of differences, and the concomitant importance of respect for all people, races and religions, including other differences such as physical and mental disabilities. In other words, by creating Aunt Nettie as the source of knowledge and container of love, understanding, and experience, she has established a role model to fight prejudice. There is a universality to this book that will benefit not only the intended reading group for whom the book was written, but also for the parents and extended families of the children who share this treasurable book.

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C.V's Web Presence...

Direct link to buy my ebook/paperback at Barnes & Noble

Direct link to buy my ebook/paperback at Amazon

Webpage: www.nettieparkersbackyard.com

Email: nettie.halley@gmail.com

Twitter: @c_v_s_

Facebook: (under the name of Cindy Smith)

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And there you have it! The wonderful splash of C.V. Smith.

I certainly hope you enjoyed this week's author, and will

check out Nettie Parker's Backyard.

Have a super rest of the week!

Please be sure and share this Author Splash

with your friends and family.

Simply select any of the buttons at the top right hand side of the page

to Tweet, FB it, and much more!

Until we meet again...

Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host:

Epic Fantasy Author

Janet Beasley

Monday, January 16, 2012

Recapping 2011

Hello everyone! It's so great to see you here. Things have been hopping here at JLB Creatives. There's tons of news to be released...but you'll just have to wait!

I thought it would be fun to do a quick recap of 2011 since our blog is celebrating its 1 year anniversary!

Below you'll find a recap video, cool photos, some awesome links, and a look ahead for 2012 here on the blog.

So grab your favorite cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, sit back, relax, and enjoy reminiscing with us.

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A Recap of the year 2011

from the JLB Creatives Blog

There was so much more that happened throughout the wonderful year.

The video shows only a highlight of the fun we had!

Other posts included helpful writing tips, charities, and more.

To discover more of 2011 simply scroll down and look for

the archives of this fabulous year!

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One of the most popular features on the JLB Creatives Blog was that of posting one of my photos for our followers to enjoy. I thought it would be fun to let you have a look at some of the year's best! Many of these may not have been posted here previously, but they're some of my favs.

Just an FYI - you may visit my Flickr.com site anytime to download any of my photos from there to use on your own blogs, websites, iPads, brochures, business cards and more.

JLB CREATIVES on FLICKR.com

Janet's Pick for her Photos of the Year:

There's always time to enjoy what nature has to offer.

When Mother Nature is staring you in the face, stop and savor the moment.

God painted the sky with unimaginable colors, and He called it sunset.

Animals bring us joy in so many ways.

May you always find peace and comfort for your soul.

May all your days end with good thoughts

about those

you love.

Thank you to all of my followers both current and future. Without you, there'd be no reason for the JLB Creatives Blog.

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Well that wraps up our recap of 2011.

There truly was so much more, and

each and every one of you made it

all worthwhile.

Get ready for an amazing 2012.

Become a follower if you're not already

to stay in the know regarding JLB Creatives

and Janet Beasley's talents.

If you're already a follower, the best thing you could

ever do would be to share us with your friends and family.

Be sure to visit the archives of 2011 to discover

so much more. You may also want to check out

the tabs at the top of the page for even

more fun here on the blog.

Again, my sincerest heartfelt thanks,

Your blog host

Epic Fantasy Author

Janet Beasley

See you next week!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Author Splash - with Lorhainne Eckhart

Welcome faithful followers one and all - and a very special hello to those of you

joining us for the first time.

There's always tons of fun to be had at the JLB Creatives Blog.

We are currently in the midst of Author Splashes.

This is where a new author each week makes a splash on the blog.

You'll get to know them, come to love them, and hopefully buy their books.

Be sure and check out the pre-publication book trailer

for my epic fantasy series HIDDEN EARTH.

It's the video over there on the right. >>>>>>>

Maycly - Volume 1 is getting ready to launch very soon,

so stay posted to the JLB Creatives Blog for details!

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And now, I proudly introduce to you

Romantic/Mystery/Suspense Author

Lorhainne Eckhart

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Lorhainne Eckhart

...began her writing career in 2008, when she published her first novel, The Captain’s Lady, a Contemporary Military Romance.

Lorhainne Eckhart is a member of the RWA, Sisters in Crime and Victoria RWA. She makes her home on beautiful Vancouver Island, and lives in the country with her three children. The mother of a special needs child. And one of her greatest gifts was having to learn, organization, structure, and how to stay focused on what’s really important in life. She lives by simple rules, the same she teaches her children. Stay honest, be impeccable with your word, never take advantage of anyone, and treat everyone with respect. She’s an advocate for children with special needs. Passionate about preserving our environment, wildlife, and protecting what natural resources we have left, so there will be a future for our children.

Lorhainne loves her garden, nature and all animals. When she isn’t being a busy Mom, working on, and promoting her next novel, you’ll find her horseback riding on the trails, working in the garden, or outside enjoying nature.

Lorhainne is an avid reader and writer. She writes romantic suspense, but enjoys reading novels from all genres. Some of her favorite authors include Suzanne Brockmann, Tess Gerritsen, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, Karen Robards, and Karin Slaughter.

Her latest novel, The Choice, Book One of Walk the Right Road Series, is a romantic, mystical suspense. And explores an issue most women have fallen victim to at one time in their life. The masterful predator who preys on vulnerable women, and clouds the invisible barrier between right and wrong. What would you do for someone you love?