A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel

 

Tonight’s show was visited by another of the wonderful Class of 2K10 debut authors, Michele Corriel.

Michele is an award-winning journalist, columnist and freelance writer. During her eleven years as a newspaper journalist, she garnered First Place awards from the Montana Newspaper Association and was recognized by the National Newspaper Association.

One of the other items that Michelle has introduced and that we chatted about during the show is the Paper Towel Poetry dispenser. Standing 5 feet tall on a leg of its own, a simple paper towel dispenser awaits to dab a taker with poetry after lured by the words, “Poetry Dispenser. Please Take One“.

Michele explained during the show how this idea came about and the response she has received from sharing not only her own work but that of other poets.

Michele’s book Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery is due out in July, so right now I do not have a book cover to share with you. However Michele did chat with us, how the book came about, the trials of getting it published and how being part of the SCBWI aided the path to publication. We also chatted about other projects she is working on.

Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery
(Blooming Tree/Tire Swing Press, July 2010) is the first in a series of middle grade mysteries based on the main character, Thomas Weston, who loves everything about newspapers, inky fingers and all. He dreams of having his own newspaper at school, so when all the cats in his town of Fairview start disappearing, he figures he can prove himself and solve the mystery. Oh, yeah, and he thinks in these really funny headlines.

I am sure that while Michele book is a Mid-grade novel it will be enjoyed by people of all ages, so look out for Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery when it hits the shelves in July. And before then why not listen and enjoy tonight’s “A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel”.

During the show I kept thinking that the hero of Michele’s book sounded familiar, then suddenly remembered after the show that my guest on last Tuesday’s was “Tom Weston” hows that for planning?

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Michele Corriel”

You can find out more about Michele and his book at:
“Michele Corriel”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston

 

My guest tonight, Tom Weston used to be a successful CEO of a consulting company, doing the rounds as conference speaker and writer of industry articles and business books. Then he visited Luxembourg.

From that trip the germ of an idea for a story was born, which developed when Tom returned to Boston, into not only his first YA novel “FIRST NIGHT” but also into his latest novel “The Elf of Luxembourg“.

As Tom shared with us during the show the development of the characters and the story line of both books have not been as planned with characters making themselves known and leading him along different paths to the ones he set out to write.

Classed as a “History Mystery” both books allow Tom to fill the story with education as well as adventure.

Tom shared with us, how a trip around the Granary Burying Ground on Boston, not only lead to finding the name of the ghost who shares the plot on “First Night” but also how her age and the period when she lived helped shape more of the story.

Tom’s latest book “The Elf of Luxembourg“, brings in a character which almost takes over the story from Jackie and Alex the heroes of the series, when they meet Cuchaquicha. His desire to be reunited with his wife and son connects Alex and Jackie to the past, but it is also a love story that readers get to see unfold as the book progresses.

From writing to producing an animated movie, through making calendars and even jigsaw related to his work, the show was a fascinating and entertaining thirty minutes.

So sit back and listen to “A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston”

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Tom Weston”

You can find out more about Tom and his book at:
“Tom Weston – The Elf of Luxembourg”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready

 

My special guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” is author “Jeri Smith-Ready”. While Jeri has several books and trilogies under her writing belt, her new book “SHADE” is her debut venture into the realms of YA literature.

Jeri’s early plans save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. This did not deter her however and her first book written in 1995/6 was about an environmental crusader-type guy fighting a coal mining company. This novel never saw the light of day and as Jeri explained she now classes it as her first “practice novel”. Her second attempt proved much more successful, though being ahead of her time with EBooks did turn her novel more into a “cult” book than actually find her overnight success.

“Requiem for the Devil” did however put the name of Jeri Smith-Ready onto the literature map. The book garnered a cult following (which is a nice way of saying only a few people read it, but those who did, loved it). This following included Stacy Boyd, who later became one of the editors for a new imprint of female-focused fantasy, Luna Books. Stacy asked Jeri to submit a proposal, and the “Aspect of Crow” series was born.

The Aspect of Crow trilogy proved to be a huge success, being soon followed by “Wonderful Game” the first book in the extremely popular “WVMP Radio Series”.
During the show Jeri shared with us her current work in progress as well as what might be happening in her other” Urban Fantasy” novel, before we started discussing her YA book “Shade”.

What people say about “SHADE” which will soon be follwed by her next book in the series “SHIFT”

SHADE is a hauntingly good story and an intriguing beginning to a new series. Jeri Smith-Ready proves again why she is one of my very favorite reads! –P.C. Cast, New York Times-bestselling author of the House of Night series

The perfect combination of mystery, ghosts and romance, SHADE left me breathless. –Lisa Schroeder, author of I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME

Smith-Ready writes movingly and well about music, first love and the drama of having too much responsibility thrust upon your teenage shoulders. Her world is first-rate and every one of her characters rings true. You’ll want to read the next book in this exciting series immediately, but alas, you’ll have to wait. –RT Book Reviews.

Jeri proved a really interesting and entertaining guest and the show is one people of all ages will enjoy. So why not sit back and listen to today’s “A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Jeri Smith-Ready”

You can find out more about Jeri and her book at:
“Jeri Smith-Ready – Shade”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White

 

It is always good to have a previous guest back on the show to find out the latest news on their book, and perhaps what they will next be producing. Today is was the return of Amy Brecount White and her wonderful book “Forget-Her-Nots“.

It was really interesting to hear how Forget-Her-Nots, though considered a YA novel, is being enjoyed by ages 12 & up, which in some people’s eyes puts the book into the younger YA category. She shared how many people — especially parents, booksellers, and librarians — have told her they’re grateful for that!

Amy shared with us some of the reponses she’s had from people of all ages to her book, and some of the questions and comments that have been put to her.

During the show Amy shared how some of the most amazing and enthusiastic fan letters for Forget-Her-Nots have come from 11-year-old girls who are strong readers and long to be reading up. In Laurel, the books main character, they find a heroine they can relate to.

We also learned a little about Amy’s next book “String Theories“.

So if you want to find out the latest news on Amy and her wonderful book, listen to tonight’s “A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White”

Barry

Direct Link:
“A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Amy Brecount White”

To find out more information about Amy Brecount White, her book “Forget-Her-Nots”:
Amy Brecount White – Forget-Her-Nots

Check out http://abookandachat.blogspot.com

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess

 

My special guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” is Leah Cypess. Like many other authors Leah started writing items at a young age, but in the case of Leah this was in first grade where she wrote a story narrator by an ice-cream cone in the process of being eaten. Then in fourth grade with the influence of Black beauty and Lassie Leah wrote a story about a girl who is shipwrecked on a desert island where she and her faithful dog have numerous adventures.

This was the starting point for Leah’s travel through the world of writing, which has led to her debut novel “MISTWOOD”.

After a shaeky start to the show with some gremlins in the” Blogtalkradio” switchboard we eventually were joined by Leah to start what was a thoroughly interesting and entertaining show.

Leah shared much about her writing and journey to publication, as well as some in-depth information about her YA fantasy novel “Mistwood” how the story came about as well as a brief glimpse into the story and the characters.

Leah also provided some helpful tips for would be and current authors as well as sharing with us her experiences in being a debut author, as well as part of the “10er’s”. We also heard that Leah would be one of the group of authors signing her book at BEA in New York later this month.

So why not sit back and listen to yet another great show about the wonderful batch of debut authors from 2010 on “A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess“.

Or else download the MP3 file and listen to the show at your own conveniance.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Leah Cypess”

You can find out more about Alexandra and her book at:
“Leah Cypess – Mistwood”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark)

 

My guest on tonight’s show was Adele Walsh, creator of the great YA blog “Persnickety Snark“.

I am really glad to finally manage to get Adele as a guest we have planned a couple of other appearances, but illness and then a move from Australia to Japan have delayed Adele being a guest up to now.

Yes that’s right she dialed into the show from Japan.

Adele is Australian teacher currently living in Shizuoka, Japan. She has taught for the past six years in Australian classrooms but is now taking a year off this year to teach Japanese kindergarteners.

As she shared on the program one of the reason she started her blog was to try and bring more books and the works of YA authors into Australia.

Adele and her blog Persnickety Snark (remember the name when voting for next year’s blogger awards) is one of the “Sham wow” YA bloggers that I try and support whenever I can. Back in 2009 when she started the blog her aim was…

“The aim for Persnickety Snark is that it be a home for YA (Young Adult literature) reviews and authors interviews with an emphasis on Australian authors. I offer constructive and honest reviews as well as in depth interviews, thought provoking discussion posts and an unique perspective“.

She does that and so much more.

During the show as well as discussing how Skippy he kangaroo could be the Australian version of Lassie, we discussed how she is creating a YA top 100 of all time. With over 700 people taking up the challenge, I’m sure the outcome will be interesting as well as in some cases surprising.

The show was an entertaining thirty minutes as Adele shared with us her views and some of her favorite authors on today’s “A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark)“.

So why not stop by and listen to show now, or else download it and play it when you have a few moments.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark) “

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Adele Walsh”

You can find out more about Adele and her blog at:
“Persnickety Snark”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Alexandra Diaz

 

Alexandra Diaz was my special guest today on “A Book and a Chat“, and what a great show it was, with almost as much laughter as there was literary content.

Alexandra grew up in a bilingual Spanish/English-speaking family in various parts of the US, but has also lived in Puerto Rico, Austria, and Britain.

Of course knowing that my guest had spent toms time in England it was a topic discussed about during the show featuring the language issues and the aspects of some of her three years she spend at Bath University completing her MA in “Writing for Young People”. The issues with being a tourist guide in Bath, and how people wondered why the water was green, to how she appeared and did not appear in two films.

Along what was a thoroughly enjoyable forty-five minutes of chat, Alexandra lead us from her literary beginnings to the production of her debut novel…

“Of All the Stupid Things”.

“When a rumor starts circulating that Tara’s boyfriend has been with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn’t just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for three lifelong friends.

Tara’s training for a marathon, but also running from her fear of abandonment from her father.

Whitney Blaire seems to have everything, but an empty mansion and absentee parents leave her looking for her own value in the wrong places.

And Pinkie has a compulsive need to mother everyone to make up for the mama she’s never stopped missing.

Then the new girl arrives in school and Tara starts to feel things she’s never felt for before for a girl. Can the girls’ friendship survive when all the rules have changed?”

“Of All the Stupid Things”. paints a story of reality covering issues such as lesbian relationships, to the joys and clarity of the mind that can come with marathon running, with a freshness that all will enjoy.

The inspiration behind the book cover, simple, yet one that will catch your eye, the response received and the fact that some people forget it is fiction and think the book is really about Alaexandra all were discussed during the show

The story unfolds and the lives of the characters in the book merge in such an impressive way, that you know “Of All the Stupid Things”. will be the first of a long line of successful novels by today’s guest Alexandra Diaz.

The show is one you will not want to miss.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Alexandra Diaz”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Alexandra Diaz”

You can find out more about Alexandra and her book at:
“Alexandra Diaz – Of All The Stupid Things”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Lucha Corpi

 

Poet, novelist, and children’s book writer Lucha Corpi was my guest on “A Book and a Chat” today. Lucha is one of those people who have lived such interesting lives and produced such a myriad of different literature that chatting to her for thirty minutes only scratched the surface of this ladies talent.

Born in in a small town in Mexico called Jaltipan in the state of Veracruz, Lucha made her way as a young bride to Berkeley, California, arriving in 1964 when the hippy movement was flowing through the west coast. As Lucha explained to us during the show, she found it strange that these people thought it was “far out” to be walking around barefoot, whereas to Lucha it was just like being back in her home town.

From those early days Lucha started producing poetry, becoming a firmly establish Chicana poet with her book Palabras de Medioda/Noon Words. During the show we learned how Lucha writes her poetry in Spanish and her novels in English, though this first book has been translated into English by Catherine Rodriguez-Nieto.

From the poetry start, my guest went from a children book to then write novels, about her favorite subject of mystery. During the show Lucha shared with us, how her love of mystery and crime desended from reading to her father, except for the one “local crime page” which her father took out of the paper before the young girl could read it.

Since then Lucha Corpi has gone from strength to strength with the fourth book in the Gloria Damasco series coming out the end of last year called “Death at Solstice: A Gloria Damasco Mystery” coming out the end of last year.

With such an interesting an entertaining author the show just sped by, so why not sit back and listen to thirty minutes of pure enjoyment as I share “A Book and a Chat with Lucha Corpi”.

Or else you can download the mp3 file and listen to the show at another time.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Lucha Corpi”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Lucha Corpi”

You can find out more about the books of Lucha Corpi:
“Lucha Corpi Books”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:
Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond
Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat
Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Anne Vincent

 

Today’s guest on “A Book and a Chat” is co-author of the inspirational book “The Way to Stillness” Anne Vincent.
Anne along with her mother Gayle share a unique approach to connecting with others at a deep level, offering a practical guide that anyone might use as a manual on their spiritual journey.

“The Way to Stillness” began in 1996 encouraged by clients and at the request of the Spiritual Journeys Class (a program my mother started 27 years ago) at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, TN.

The book tells the story of how Gayle followed her dreams and emerged with an amazing process they call “The Love Motif“. On her journey, she encounters Viktor Frankl, Mother Teresa, and other great souls and brings that ability to transform a human life through the power of love.

From numerous notes and recording the book has come together over a period of time, showing a reader that if they connect with their inner stillness and practice the love motif, in their lives, all things are possible for them.

During the entertaining thirty minutes of the show, Anne shared with us much not only about how the book came about and some of the issues in producing “The Way to Stillness“, as well as her hopes for how the book can help readers of all faiths and nations to find“stillness” in their own lives.

As I mentioned on during the radio show, I am sure the book will spread the story, and beliefs of Gayle and Anne around the world, sharing and helping with many.
I am sure this is not the last we will hear of Anne Vincent.

So why not sit back and enjoy thirty minutes of “A Book and a Chat with Anne Vincent” or else download the mp3 file and listen at your own convenience.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Anne Vincent”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Anne Vincent”

You can find out more about judith and her book at:
“Anne Vincent – A Way to Stillness”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:
Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond
Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat
Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »

A Book and a Chat with Judith Graves

I was pleased to have another one of the 2k10 authors on my show today that is the group of writers whose maiden novel is coming out in two thousand and ten.

Today on “A Book and a Chat” my guest is Judith Graves talking to us about her life and her debut novel “Under My Skin“. In addition to writing YA fiction, Judith is a singer, songwriter, and makes daytime appearances as a library technician, which helps with insatiable desire for reading enabling her to devour at least two books a week… in the reading sense that is.

As we learned during the show her fist book in the “Skinned” series, “Under My Skin”, was released in March by Leap Books, where she has also collaborated with author, Kitty Keswick, on the Origins series.

During a thoroughly interesting and entertaining sixty minutes of “A Book and a Chat” Judith shared with us how her writing experiences have wound through the poetry, song, short story paths to this first book of a trilogy. Through the show we not only learned about what lead to Judith writing “Under My Skin” but her steps along the road to publication have been helped by critic groups and now the 2K10 group of authors.

We even heard how Judith along with some of these other authors will be at the BEA in New York next month.

“Under My Skin” when asked to be described in three words, Judith stated “Power, Temptation, Choices”. As we heard during the show, it is a book that covers many aspects characters and indeed creatures, a novel that I’m sure will be a great hit leaving many waiting for the second and final book in the series.

The show was as normal full of interest and humor, covering such items such as Ann of Green Gables fighting zombie potatoes, how a joint critique and exercise group might help authors”, and what is it about seven minutes past nine?

So why not sit back and share a really interesting sixty minute show, or else download the mp3 file and listen to the show at your own convenience.

Barry

Direct link to the show
“A Book and a Chat with Judith Graves”

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
“Judith Graves”

You can find out more about judith and her book at:
“Judith Graves – Under My Skin”

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:
Book Information and Things UK – Across the Pond
Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests – A Book and a Chat
Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World – Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

Read Full Post »