More Giveaways Around the Book Blog World!

Kelly at Bookend Diaries is having a nice Giveaway of The Lotus Eaters, cookies and tea.  Ends May 13, 2010.

Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic is having a "Ridiculously Awesome Contest".
Ends May 14, 2010.

Teddy Rose at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is having a Giveaway of Still the One
Ends May 14, 2010.
Check out other giveaways while there!



Elise at Bookish Delights is hosting her first Giveaway of some really nice books from her bookshelf! Ends May 15, 2010. 
She is also hosting a Second "Your Dream Book Giveaway" which ends June 5, 2010.






Monica at Bibliophilic Book Blog is having a Clear the Deck Giveaway. Lots of books! Ends May 30, 2010.

Concluding Interview with Author Karen Wiesner - Part Three

Thank you for coming back for the conclusion of my interview with the very talented and busy Karen Wiesner.
Part Three: A FEW PERSONAL QUESTIONS!

M:  When you are reading for pleasure, what is the one thing that will make you put down the book and quit reading?

Karen: I read a lot and in nearly every genre. There isn’t a day in my life when I haven’t read something. I read a novel every day or two. Do I actually enjoy all the books I read? No. And, the older I get, the more like an editor I become: I give most books two or three pages to wow me. If they don’t, I skim the rest of the book and consider that I’ve put forth valiant effort. I would say seventy-five percent of everything I read isn’t really something I enjoyed. Too many characters, plots and subplots, heck, too many pages (if you can’t tell a wonderful, full story in 75,000 words, believe me, you’re not helping yourself by extending it another 25,000 words or more! and, yes, my own writing does reflect that these days), and I’m generally long gone, on to the next, what-I-hope-will-be adventure.

Until It's Gone (Wounded Warriors Series, Book 5)

I’m a sucker for true horror: evil lurking in the black woods (as in, my own Woodcutter’s Grim Series {does that make me conceited?}, but Stephen King has written some amazing stories like this in the past) or menacing castles (Dracula); dinosaurs taking over an amusement park (Jurassic Park); creatures slithering out of shadowy  places (Alien); unique terrors (The Ruins). Unfortunately, I can’t find a lot of great horror to read these days. Few are writing anything that’s true, true horror. I do love werewolves and vampires, but I’m very selective about what interests me in the paranormal genre. Only the unbeatable, original vampire novel, the Underworld Series (movies), and my own writing are things I can consistently immerse myself in. When horror crosses the line into thriller and psychological suspense (which are genres that are both so {maybe too} realistic, considering the times we live in), to me you’ve lost that element of horror that comes from an evil that doesn’t really exist in our world. That’s what makes it horrifying—the fact that it doesn’t exist in real life. The evil has to be unnatural, not man-made, or it simply doesn’t grab me, make me read it word for word, and hold me enthralled, unable to put it down, until I’ve read every last page.

M:  That is interesting as horror seems so far from the romances you write! When I read Shadows in the Heart I was impressed that each story had a message and some even had happy endings!
What is the most unique thing about you?

Karen:  Should I be answering this? I’ve already crossed the line into conceit in the last question, lol. But, honestly, if an author doesn’t enjoy what she writes, then why does she bother writing? I write to entertain myself first and foremost. I am thrilled that readers enjoy what I have to offer, too, though.

To answer your question, I suppose as a writer I’m unique because I pretty much write in most all genres. My reviews and awards would testify to the fact that I write well in all of them, too. I love that I’m never writing the same thing. If you read my work, you’ll always get something new and different. How many authors can claim to write for every taste? Admittedly many more than in the past, but authors these days still generally stick to a single genre that readers expect with each new release. I can’t and won’t be pigeonholed by myself or by my publishers (not that any have ever tried). To me, that’s the greatest part of being a writer. For a breakdown of all my books based on genre, visit my website.

Maybe it also makes me unique that I can consistently write well and write fast (see my Works in Progress page for a glimpse of my annual accomplishments), but the secrets of my success are all spelled out step by step in my writing reference titles. I really do follow my own methods. Honestly, when you find out how I do it, it really doesn’t seem that amazing beyond my talent for self-discipline and organization. Read my article “The Secrets of Productivity (can be learned)” to find out just how easy it can be.

M: Obviously, with all of your works and awards, you do work hard and have found a method that is successful!
Where do you see electronic publishing in regards to regular print houses in the next ten years?

Karen: First, I want to say that I’ve been huge proponent of books in all formats for many years. In the next ten years—in the next five!—I believe electronic publishers and regular print houses will be competing side-by-side on equal footing. I think Star Trek has it right. In the future, most of us will be reading everything from a “padd.” (This will in part be due to the cost of printing, storage and “going green”, but also, sad but true, because so much in this day and age is throwaway, even books. How much easier to read something once and delete it than with e-books?) But in the future there will also be old-timers like me who love and revere the joy of holding, reading and collecting printed, bound books that are worthy to be put on a shelf for another re-read in the future.

One of my publishers sent me this link that tells us about the new iPad, which sold 300,000 devices and over 250,000 downloaded books on the first day it was released. Check it out. We’re living in interesting times.

M:  That is an interesting article.  Thanks for sharing the link. I definitely love my Kindle!
Did you have any input in getting the covers for your books?
White Rainbow - Coming Soon
Karen: Actually, for the last couple years, I’ve been designing my own covers almost exclusively for all my books. In truth, I wanted a bit more control, first, because sometimes I would be waiting endlessly to get a cover from a publisher—I needed it for an ad or something else. This way, I never have to wait. Also, I wanted more control because a lot of publishers have been using those strange “Pixar” cover art design programs that I dislike intensely. Also, I’ve always loved playing around with designs, space, colors, etc. so it was pretty natural for me to move in this direction. I love it. I’m getting better at it, too, I think. I also create all the cover designs for Jewels of the Quill anthologies and for some of my author friends. To see all my cover designs, visit http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/KarensCoverDesigns.html

M:  You are definitely multi-talented.  I liked all the new covers for the Wounded Warrior series and I didn't know until this interview that you had created them!
Tell us a little about your next book or WIP please!

Karen: My upcoming 2010-2011 releases include:

-White Rainbow, Book 6 of the Wounded Warriors Series {inspirational romance} (electronic release May 14, 2010 from Uncial Press; trade paperback currently available)

-Retired and on the Rocks, Book 1 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (June 2010 release)

-“Paper Tigers”, Book 5 in my Kaleidoscope Series in Halloween Treasures, A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology {romantic suspense} (September 2010 release)

-Mind Games, Book 11 of the Incognito Series {romantic suspense} (October 2010 release)

-Kaleidoscope Series collection {contemporary romance} (December 2010 release)

-Love Is Blind...and It Don’t Pay the Bills Either, Book 2 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (January 2011)

-Dark Approach, Book 12 of the Incognito Series {romantic suspense} (March 2011 release)

-“Moonlight Becomes You”, Book 4 of the Woodcutter’s Grim Series in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology {romantic paranormal  horror} (March 2011 release)

-Souls on (B)Oring Street, Book 3 of the Denim Blues Mysteries Trilogy {inspirational romantic mystery} (June 2011)

-“Wings of Love”, Book 1 of the Cowboy Fever Series in Christmas Gems, A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology {contemporary romance} (September 2011)

Again, these will be submitted to critique partners as I finish them. When I get the critiques back, in between the following other work I’ll be doing, I’ll polish and submit them:

September: Writing Shards of Ashley, Book 5 of the Family Heirlooms Series {inspirational romance}

Early October: Revising Souls on (B)Oring Street

Late October: Researching and outlining “Losses and Gains”, Book 2 of the Cowboy Fever Series, which will be in Heart Gems, A Jewels of the Quill Valentine’s Day Anthology {contemporary romance} (February 2012 release)

Late October: Researching and outlining  “For Always”, Book 3 of the Cowboy Fever Series, which will be in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VIII, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology {contemporary romance} (September 2012 release)

November: Revising Shards of Ashley

Early December: Polishing Souls on (B)Oring Street

Late December: Researching/outlining Worlds Collide, Book 6 of the Family Heirlooms Series {inspirational romance}

Wow! That is a lot of writing and a lot of work! For more information about Karen and her work visit her websites at:

http://www.karenwiesner.com, http://www.firstdraftin30days.com, http://www.falconsbend.com and http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com 

If you would like to receive my free e-mail newsletter, Karen’s Quill, and become eligible to win my monthly book giveaways, send a blank e-mail to

KarensQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway of Waiting for An Eclipse - click on the title to go to the Giveaway post!

Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway May 7, 2010

 More Hanging books by timtom


This post now repeats except for the change in number of books and deletion of picked books. :o)

PLEASE NOTE UPDATED RULES IN RED BELOW!

I am going to continue to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see each post and the book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 62 books have found new homes! YAY.  I pulled a couple of hardbacks and larger books as the postage cost was prohibitive. The list is under 100 now - next week I will add some new books after I get pictures!  :0)

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books!  And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by the Friday Pick Giveaways.

I originally posted ten Friday Pick posts with 16 books each.  I will strike out the books as they are chosen. Some of the books may be chosen by winners in the SaSR weekly drawings. So it will be first pick to the one who claims it.  SaSR winners are announced Friday mornings (or afternoon if I get busy!) and it usually takes that person a bit of time to get back to me. That means the Friday Pick winner who is drawn Thursday night will usually get the choice named in their comment as I will have time to remove it from the file list before announcing the winner at SaSR.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists (less whichever books might be picked by the comment or SaSR winners each week).  PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM SETTING A NEW CUT OFF TIME AS THURSDAY  NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce the next Friday.
ALSO, TO SAVE ME EXTRA WORK, I WILL ASK THE WINNERS TO CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND E-MAIL ME THEIR ADDRESSES at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder over the weekend but I won't be so rushed on Fridays!  So I still recommend that you leave your e-mail especially if you are new and I don't have a way to find it!

Thanks for helping these books find a new home!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

List 1
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Married at Midnight (Anthology) Kathleen Woodiwiss, Jo Beverley, Tanya Anne Crosby & Samantha James
A Jockey's Life by Dick Francis
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Net Force - One is the Loneliest Number by Tom Clancy
Everlasting by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peritti
A Time to Kill by John Girsham
Unlaced by Kristina Cook
Love in Bloom by Shelia Roberts
Tamed by a Laird by Amanda Scott
Jerusalem Vigil by Bodie & Brock Thoene
Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding
Never Seduce a Scoundrel by Sabrina Jeffries
Almost Single by Advaita Kala

Pick#2
Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey
It Had to be you (the Gossip Girl prequel) by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
Lord of a Thousand Nights by Madeline Hunter
On the Run by Iris Johansen
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
Abandon by Carla Neggers
Shadows in the Heart - A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology *PA*
Bait by Karen Robards
The Lighthouse by Mary Schramski
Listen to the Silence by Marcia Muller
Kissing Midnight by Emma Holly
The Lightkeeper by Susan Wiggs (I loved this historical romance and it got me to reading all of Susan Wiggs!)
It's Always Something by Gilda Radner - Gilda's poignant battle with cancer.
11th Hour by Bradley Warshauer

Pick #3
Put Your Dreams First - Handle your [entertainment] business HY[E]B by Thembisa Mshaka
Delivered by Christmas Anthology - Linda Howard, Joan Hohl andSandra Steffen
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
Until Prove Guilty by J.A. Jance
One Night with a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries
Maverick Wild by Stacey Kane
Red Fire by Dierdre Knight
Cloud Nine by LuAnn Rice
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh
The Bartered Bride by Mary Jo Putney
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
Payback by R.I. Kaiser
The Angels of Darkness by Caleb Carr
Dream in Color - How the Sanchez Sisters are Making History in Congress

Pick #4
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Twelve Acres by Barbara Delinsky
Black Ice by Anne Stuart
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
CORRECTION:  This was not The Last of The Mohicans based on the Novel by James Fenimore Cooper - although I do have that;  The book in the group is The Sixth Sense (a book my son left me when he went off to the service).
A Cowboys Redemption by Jeanie Watt (PA)
Three Weeks in Paris by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Tripwire by Lee Child
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
Children of the Wild by Orson Scott Card
Until Death Do Us Part by Christine Mcquire
Warning Signs by Stephen White
The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman
Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee
Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)
The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes
Firestorm by Nevada Barr
Manhunt by Janet Evanovich - Audio CDs
Bloodlines by Dinah McCall (slightly creased "SC")
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Wish You Well by David Baldacci - Audio Tapes
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Ice Hunt by James Rollins
Surrender a Dream by Jill Barnett
Irresistible by Mary Balogh
Misfortune by Nancy Geary
False Prophet by Faye Kellerman
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6
Best Kept Secrets by Sandra Brown - Audio CDs
Demon Rum by Sandra Brown
Tin Man by Dale Brown
Song of the Beast by Carol Berg
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
The Torment of Others by Val McDermid
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith
The Edge of Town by Dorothy Garlock
The Hostage Bride by Jane Feather
Gypsy Lover by Edith Layton
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
The House of Women by Alison G. Taylor
The Healer by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan
Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James
In Her Defense by Stepehn Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
When A Stranger Loves Me by Julianne Maclean (Autographed)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Barbarians of Malka by Justus Roux
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Wedded in a Whirlwind by Liz Fielding (Autographed)
Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey (spine frayed a bit at bottom)
Kisscut by Karen Slaughter - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)
The Janson Directive by Robert Ludlum 

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
The Vision by Heather Graham (sc))
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Fool Me Once by Fern Michaels
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (sc)
Silent Thunder by Iris Johansen (sc)
The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels
Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9
Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes
The Closers by Michael Connelly
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
The Rogue and the Rival by Maya Rodale (Personally Autographed)
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
Her Highness My Wife by Victoria Alexander
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murrray
Darkfall by Stephen Laws
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Grace in Autumn by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt
The Lottery Winner by Mary Higgins Clark
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes
Vanity by Jane Feather

Pick #10
Night by Elie Wiesel
Cruel & Unusual by Patricia Cornwell (slightly creased -sc)
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
Fool's Paradise by Tori Phillips
Deep Black by Stephen Coonts
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodwiss (spine creased)
A Stranger in The House by Gloria Murphy
The Hunter by Gennita Low (sc)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)
Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Aristocrat by Catherine Coulter (I have most of her books and this is a duplicate!)

Winners of Friday Pick April 30, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE WINNERS

of Friday Pick April 30!

Carol M picked House of Women

 and

Christa picked The Bartered Bride 

Please email me with your snail mail so I can send the books out!

Giveaway of Waiting for an Eclipse by Karen Wiesner

Ms Wiesner is giving away an autographed trade paperback of WAITING FOR AN ECLIPSE, Book 2 of The Wounded Warrior Series. If you like emotional romance, you will like Ms. Wiesner's books!
This Link will take you to all of the reviews for Ms. Wiesner's books as posted at You Gotta Read Reviews.
Here was my review originally posted at You Gotta Read Reviews.

Title: Waiting for an Eclipse, Book 2 of the Wounded Warriors Series
Author: Karen Wiesner
Publisher: Unical Press
Buy Waiting for an Eclipse Here!

Rating: You NEED to Read

Reviewed by: MarthaE

Steve Thomas has a self-destructive wife, three kids, more guilt than one man can handle...and a chance at true love for the first time in his life--if only he can allow himself to take it.

This is the third book I have read in the Wounded Warrior Series and it is my favorite so far! Although full of trauma it is also full of hope. The title is perfect as Steve and the children, and Kristina in her own way, are in a dark place waiting to come into the light and live fully again.

Steve married Jessie for the wrong reasons 12 years ago. Right before they married he fought with Jessie’s brother, Tommie, who had also been Steve’s best friend. Tommie was killed in a car accident before they could heal the breach and Steve has always carried the guilt of Tommie’s death and the weight of agreeing to take care of Jessie. But Jessie isn’t easy to take care of. She is model gorgeous but one headstrong and messed up young woman -- partying, doping and sleeping with whomever she falls in bed with – both before the marriage and after.

Steve has served as the primary caregiver for the three children who each have their own traumas as a result of Jessie’s lack of mothering and blatantly negative behaviors. Steve has struggled for twelve years in the marriage, committed by guilt and his fear that the children would be hurt further by a custody battle with Jess.

Kristina is a counselor at the college where Steve works. She is quiet and reserved and hides her beauty. She fell in love with Steve the first time they bumped into each other six years ago. She knows that Steve is in a terrible marriage but she is willing to be there and be his friend as she doesn’t dare dream there can be anything else. But when he finally seeks some friendship with her and they spend time together, the sexual pull and energy becomes palpable.

This book presents the trauma of a family, including young children, when the mother is an irresponsible drug addict. It isn’t a pretty picture but rather heartrendingly realistic and sad. I liked that Ms. Wiesner presented real emotions in the characters without creating a soap opera overload. I especially appreciated Steve’s commitment to his children and to his marriage vows in spite of Jessie’s behavior. He honored both the institution of marriage and Kristina by his actions. I also liked Kristina’s attitude that sought the positive in the situations around her and allowed for hope to grow and flourish. Steve deserved a wonderful, caring woman like Kristina! Ms. Wiesner has woven another wonderfully emotional and beautiful romance.

***********************************************

I have read all six books in this wonderful series and am very pleased to have the chance to learn more about and share information about this talented author!

TO ENTER: This is the Giveaway post! So you MUST ENTER HERE and leave your e-mail address to be entered in the Giveaway! Extra entries at the interviews will not count unless you are entered HERE too!

Extra Entries: You will get an extra entry for each comment made at the interview posts. That is a possible 3 additional entries!

For easier entry I am including the events schedule here and I will add the links as the reviews and interviews post!!

This is the Main Giveaway Post - Must enter here.

5/4/10 -  Interview Part 1 - The Writing Process!
5/5/10 -  Interview Part 2 - The Wounded Warrior Series!
5/6/10 -  Interview Part 3 - Some Personal Questions!

Additional entries:
*For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

*For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Original plus 3 interview comments plus follow and spread the word equals 6 total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* End of the Giveaway at midnight CST May 14, 2010.

* This contest is open to residents of US and Canada for print book or eBook and OPEN Internationally for the eBook!

Please join me as we learn about another author and her good books!!