A Book and a Chat with Sandi Craig

Sandi Craig did things somewhat in the reverse order, got
married and had children and then started out on her career, and what a career
as we learned during today’s “A Book and a Chat”.

She started off as a news anchor for an ABC affiliate in the
Midwest as well as being a News Reporter for a CBS affiliate in Texas, brining
her many awards for her unique perspective. During this time Sandi had the
opportunity to interview such notables as Christopher Reeve, Dick Cheney, President
Bill Clinton to name just a few.

Moving to Los Angeles two years ago she decided to learn
more about the movie industry from the inside taking on many roles in both film
and TV to “learn the trade”. She has now produced several screenplays which
might well move on into novels, her latest being “Pawn”.

About “Pawn”: (taken from Sandi’s web site)

Fiona Foster has discovered the perfect murder weapon—her
autistic son.

Fiona learns that her husband is divorcing her to marry Marilyn, a woman he met
online, and Fiona doesn’t adjust well to change. She resolves to train her autistic
son, Andrew, to eliminate her rival by putting a lethal dose of poisoned cream
in Marilyn’s coffee.

But Marilyn has targeted Fiona from the beginning.

Marilyn has plotted for years to eliminate Fiona, her half sister, and take
what she believes is rightfully hers—her husband and her wealth. And Marilyn
has another surprise—she’s done her own training with Andrew.

The two sit down for coffee. One of them is gonna die.

With several other screen plays and sitcoms  underway, her passion for writing is just
another string to Sandi’s bow that already includes that of a broadcaster,
actor, TV host and singer.

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on “A Book and a Chat with Sandi Craig”.

Barry

Direct link to the show

A Book and a Chat with Sandi Craig

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from

“Sandi Craig”

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:

“Sandi Craig – Pawn”

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

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Across the Pond News

It’s been a while since I passed on any news about my book, perhaps you thought there hasn’t been any?

REVIEWS:

My total on Amazon is now numbering “103”

Since the last time I wrote about reaching the magic “100” I have received a five star and two four star reviews. Here are a few snippets of what the reviews say…

“…a cute love story. Highly recommended for teens.”

“Ahhh, young love! This book reminded me of what it was like to fall in love. The young characters were so sweet, I wanted to meet them. This is an easy read and definitely worth your time.”

“This is a great read for tweens and teens – and the rest of us who still love YA fiction. There is romance, adventure, misunderstandings and even a big bully you can watch get his comeuppance! Fred comes from England and stays with Brit and her family in America while his parents go to Australia. While he’s there, he and Brit fall in love.

Brit and Fred are funny and endearing. I admit it took me a few pages to really get into the story, but when I did, I couldn’t stop reading! It’s also fun to watch Fred work out all the differences between the languages of the two countries. All in all, Across the Pond is an enchanting story of first love.”

RADIO NEWS:

While my own “Book and Chat” radio shows are going from strength to strength I have appeared as a guest recently on these shows.

Literary Pizzazz

Red River Writers

Author Buzz

BOOK SALES:

I managed to sell over twenty copies of my book in the couple of days I was at the Big E, not a huge amount, but more than I expected. I am also working with Barnes and Noble and Borders to have copies on the shelves, though you can already order it for them, it now being distributed by Ingrams.

An E-Book PDF file of the book is now available check out the book web site for more details

http://across-t-pond.com

I have also been asked to a couple of events to talk or be on authors panels.

So that’s some of the latest news I thought I would share with you.

Barry

BARRY EVA (Storyheart)
Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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Views, Reviews and Weird News

So what have I got to offer you in this weeks “Views, Reviews and Weird, well perhaps not so weird News?

Some fresh reviews at various blogs, a radio appearance or two and history coming back to life

VIEWS:

It was interesting to hear this week, that Amazon are charging over $2000 for a video book trailer. Just look around people there are many many many people and companies out there that will create your book video for a tenth of that. Not only that but they will “splat” (tech term lol) your video on other sites such as google, facebook and yahoo as well as Amazon for that price. Again this is just another one of the “big boys” catching unsuspecting authors and charging them up the kazoo.

I have also this week had some lovely feed back from my radio shows, with an ever increasing list of people who want to be on the shows. one thing to remember I WILL ALWAYS FIND A SPACE FOR A SHOW WITH A BLOGGER!!

So any blogger out there contact me and I’ll book you either for a written blog interview of for a radio show.

REVIEWS:

It has been a great week for reviews of every kinds, these are two new ones on Amazon:

4.0 out of 5 stars Teen Memories, July 28, 2009
By Mick (Wisconsin)
Across the Pond is well written and any teenager would enjoy this book,especially the girls.

Fred comes over to America from England (across the pond) to stay with an American family. The family has a daughter, aged 14 and named “Brit” who takes a fond likeing to him. He really likes her, too. He protects her, listens to her fears and they plain like each other.

I sympathize with Fred once being a teenage boy myself as he has to ‘take care of’ a bully named Steve Harris. He put Brit in a horrendous spot before he got to America. Fred wants his revenge on him. If you are an adult this book will bring back a lot of memories by taking you back to your teen years.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Love, July 28, 2009
By Cassie Mae (USA)
I really enjoyed this book as I like to see the differences of America through the eyes of someone from another country. Across the Pond shows the comparison of words and things with the US and England. I did not know we had so many words that were interestingly different.

Fred comes to stay with the American family who has a daughter his age. The teen romance that ensues is cute and innocent. You hope for them and anyone that tries to get in between them you disagree with.

The baseball game that Fred sees for the first time at the stadium is exciting for him as well as the American family.

This is a great read for a mother and daughter and/or female teenagers to read through the emotions these teens go through. Anyone that has been in young love will relate to this book.

NEWS:

Not weird just something I thought I’d share. A few weeks ago, the eldest man in England died and I blogged about him on my Sunday UK Blog. Remembering WWI etc.

This last Sunday the last British survivor of the World War I trenches, Harry Patch, has died at the age of 111. This just leaves one remaining soldier who fought in WWI
The sole British survivor of the war is former seaman Claude Choules, who is aged 108 and lives in Perth, Australia.

It is hard for many who know only perhaps modern war fair to understand the millions of deaths that happened over several years for a few miles forward and backwards on the trenches. The use of gas, tanks barbwire and machine guns meant the daily going “over the top” was almost suicide.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8168691.stm

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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Views, Reviews and Weird News

VIEWS:

“Across the Pond” my YA book had a fresh Press Release today as it moved from POD to being printed and available in Ingrams and thus book stores.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rekindle Bittersweet Teenage Memories with
Across the Pond
A story for the young and young at heart

CT – June 17th, 2009 – Since the book came out in September 2008 “Across the Pond” has become a huge hit. Storyheart has been compared by some as “a modern day Judy Blume,” and “Across the Pond” has been placed in the same category along side books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight.” Enjoyed by people all over the world, with over a hundred interviews and reviews already received, the book, while intended for the Teen/Young Adult market, has become popular with people of all ages.

Until very recently “Across the Pond” was only available for purchase online, it will now available at a book store near you.

With romance, adventure, humor, first love and even a little sport thrown in for good measure Storyheart takes the readers on magical trip that all will enjoy, “Across the Pond.”

Protagonist, Fred Squire, leaves England for a vacation in the USA and he’s definitely not happy about it. Everything changes when he meets Brit, the attractive American girl who helps him adapt to the US way of life and awakens his pangs of affection. Struggling with his feelings for Brit and the language, Fred’s world is turned upside down when, after a confrontation with the neighborhood bully, Steve Harris, Brit tells Fred her dark secret.

Life continues to throw Fred a curveball when he catches a baseball worth a small fortune. Further run-ins with Harris, a crazy family BBQ, and a chase through a mall all add to Fred’s American adventure.

Will Fred and Brit’s budding romance stand through the test of time? What happens when Fred goes back to England? Witness the unexpected yet thrilling twists and turns as their story unfolds. For more information on Across the Pond, log on to http://www.Xlibris.com

About the Author
The author, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart”, was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. In 2000, he left his beloved country and went to the USA to be with the woman he’d met and fallen in love with on the Internet. With his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm, Barry is a much sort after interviewee on radio and TV. He at present is living in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.

Across the Pond * by Storyheart

REVIEWS:

Reviews on Amazon alone now number 84, here are a couple received since last week.

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story., June 11, 2009
By Lonna H. (Chesapeake, Va) – See all my reviews
When Frederick Squire (Fred) finds out that his parents have won a vacation to Australia he is thrilled, that is until he finds out that he will not be joining them. He is given the choice of visiting his grandparents in Scotland or Phil and Julie (family friends) in the United States. When he first arrives in the United States, he is overwhelmed by the differences between here and his home in England.

After some vocabulary misunderstandings, Brittany (Phil and Julie’s daughter) and Fred find they enjoy each other’s company very much. After meeting some of Brit’s friends and enemies Fred feels even closer to her. Young love begins to blossom over typical teenage activities like lunch at the mall, shopping, and baseball.

This book combines humor, conflict and romance into a story that everyone will enjoy. I really enjoyed this book, and I am certain my daughter will too.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read For Our Young Adults, June 10, 2009
By Stefani Partin “Stefani” (Citrus Heights, CA) –

When I first started reading this book, I thought about my daughter who just had her first experience in an airplane by herself. I could tell by reading the first chapter that this was a book that was geared towards young adults. Even though I am a mom in my thirties, I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my oldest daughter who loves to read.

This book is about a boy name Fred who travels from England to the USA to stay with his parent’s friends while they go on a trip to Australia. He is mad at the beginning and ends up falling in love. It reminds me of my young teenage years when I first experienced the feelings of love towards young men.

WEIRD NEWS:

Belgian girl’s tattoo ‘nightmare’
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8104645.stm

US man ‘posed as his dead mother’
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8106010.stm

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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Views, Reviews and Weird News

With having to change my radio show from Wednesday to a Tuesday, my Views, Reviews and Weird News blog has moved to a Wednesday. A blog about radio show guests, some of the interviews, book reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

VIEWS:

Last Wednesday I had one of the most enjoyable “Book and a Chat” radio shows with X Soap star and Emmy award winner, now author Louise Shaffer. I always enjoy doing these shows but Louise and I had so much fun, even after the show ended we were still chatting on the phone.

Thursday I appeared as a guest on WXCI radio at Central CT University, as always it was fun, and the 30 minutes show which is aired over much of Southern Connecticut went great.

Saturday at the last minute my friend, writer and fellow radio show host Kim Smith stepped in at the last minute and as normal, the Kim and Barry show was a period of news views and laughter.

Monday my special blog guest was Liv from LIV READ BOOKS, again a great interview.

As mentioned I’ve had to move my Wednesday blog radio show to a Tuesday (softball games are now on a Wednesday) and yesterday I my guest was young writer Esteven Vega, a young man whose first book was published when he was only 15, and whom I’m sure has a fantastic future. Another enjoyable chat.

I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with “bye back” which means they can now be available in “normal book stores” not just online.

REVIEWS:

Last week as I typed the blog the number of interviews rose to the big 70, hence the picture, in the last seven days this number has climbed to 75.

Here are the last five reviews…

A teen romance that finds more than one reward…, May 26, 2009

“Across the Pond” starts out by a Mom and Dad in England who aren’t able to take their son “Fred” with them on their vacation and decide to send him to the USA to stay with old friends. As a trade off he is given a project to work on “word differences” to earn a game and finds while he is there that his prize may be more than a game…he sees and finds may first things including “Brit” his first love. This was an easy read and a story that keeps you interested, until the end.

A delightful read full of emotions and humour., May 23, 2009

“Across the Pond” begins with a British teenage boy going to America. Although his stay was short, it was filled with comedy, emotion, romance, suspense, and action. I couldn’t put the book down as I kept wanting to know what is going to happen the characters. If yo0u have teenagers, give them this book. If you a an adult, it is time for you to remember the passion you used to have. “Across the Pond” is a rare treasure you shouldn’t pass on.

Well written story that can be appreciated by all ages, May 21, 2009

Brief overview of the story: Fred from England travels to visit family friends in America, where he encounters their daughter Brit, and they start a budding romance.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read, with the target audience clearly for middle/high school, yet, it still remained entertaining and had enough substance for older readers as well. I was a little skeptical at first, assuming the story would follow a cliché romance, but was pleasantly surprised at how tastefully the story was handled. Especially since it broke away from the stereotypical boy meets girl, and incorporated both different cultures and sports into the core of its plot. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family!

What A Great Read!!!, May 21, 2009

What a wonderful book! I surprisingly read the book in one sitting as I was immediately taken by this book. It transported me back to my teenage years. This book is for both the young and the young at heart. I can not wait for the (hopefully soon to come) sequel. I would highly recommend this book!

Suprisingly Entertaining!, May 19, 2009

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be another teeny-bopper book that only middle/high school females would like. Boy was I wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of a Brit, Fred, traveling to the US visiting a family friend while his parents were off in Australia. Another character in the book, Brittany, the daughter of the family friend, and Fred hit it off, first as friends, and then into a young romance.

My favo(u)rite part of the book was the differences in English (British and American.) I liked learning about the differences that I didn’t know about.

Anyone and everyone should pick up this book and enjoy a great story that is humo(u)rous as well.

WEIRD NEWS:

Britain’s longest living married couple have celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8067752.stm

Three Year old Purchases earhdigger online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8063769.stm

Today Wednesday May 27th ninety years ago, the Pop-up toaster was invented.

That’s it for this week, more weird news next Wednesday

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

It is amazing to think that November 11 2008 represents the 90th anniversary of the end of ‘the war to end all wars’. Britain lost almost a million men during this war. A million sons. Think about that for a second when you are having a bad day because the fax machine is jammed.
Sixty-four years after the end of the Second World War, still secrets and incidents are making headlines and news.

A few years ago, a man in Australia, weighed down by some harrowing psychological and emotional baggage finally divulged fragments of his life that he kept hidden for decades.

Revealing to friends and family, how he, at the age of five, he had been adopted by the SS and became a Nazi mascot.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6945847.stm

In April this year another secret was discovered, when builders found a bottle had been left in the cement of a bunker near the Auschwitz camp. The message, written in pencil and dated 9 September 1944, bears names, camp numbers and home towns of seven young inmates from Poland and France. When it investigated it was found that not only did three of the names on the paper live through the holocaust, one is still alive today and living in the south of France.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8022860.stm

On April the 21st a wail of sirens brought Israel to a standstill on Tuesday morning for a two-minute silence to remember the victims of the Holocaust. Six million Jews were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust during WWII. Yet there are an estimated 250,000 Holocaust survivors still alive and living in Israel, many however below the poverty line.

Now this month, Pope Benedict XVI has condemned those that deny the holocaust actually happened. He said the suffering of Holocaust victims must never be denied as he visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

I well remember back in 1973 when the British television (ITV) aired what was to be the first of 26 episodes of “THE WORLD AT WAR”. And how my parents wanted us to see the programs that did not glorify the war but showed it all as it happened, including the terrible scenes as the troops first entered the concentration camps and what they found.

World at War is actually rated in the top twenty British television programs of all time.

So I for one am glad that from time to time, news filters through from the past to keep us remembering about all that went on all those years ago.

As Laurence Binyon wrote in his poem “For the Fallen”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

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