Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Janice Thompson's here with a free e-book!






Welcome, Janice. Can you tell us about your latest venture?
Thanks for having me. I’m thrilled to share about my latest book, MAKE MONEY WRITING, which is now available from amazon for kindle users. The book, which is loaded with helpful hints for freelancers, is free from March 12th – March 17th. After that, it will sell for $4.49.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your writing experience?
Sure! I write under the names “Janice Thompson” and “Janice Hanna.” I just signed contract #79 (For QUEEN OF THE WAVES) and have written in a variety of genres, including romance, historical, contemporary, cozy mystery, juvenile fiction, non-fiction and more. I’m best known for my light-hearted contemporary novels and for my quirky characters. I’m pretty passionate about writing, and even more passionate about helping others discover their writing talents and abilities. For the past seven years I’ve worked as a full-time freelancer, earning my living with my books, teachings, articles, and write-for-hire work.
Why did you decide to write this book?




For several years now I’ve divided my time between freelance writing and teaching. So many aspiring writers discover that I’ve published several books and they come to me to ask the inevitable, “How do I get published?” question, usually followed by, “Is there really money to be made in publishing?” Over the past couple years I’ve put together several freelance writing courses to answer their questions, but I felt the need to do more, so I compiled all of my mini-teachings into one book.
Will readers get all of the same materials they would get in one of your courses?
No, the courses are very specific to their individual topics. MAKE MONEY WRITING covers a variety of areas of interest to the freelance writer, including: earning top dollar, magazine article writing, write-for-hire work, writing the novel and/or non-fiction book, the submission process, succeeding as a freelancer, and more. The book is not a textbook. Instead, it is motivational in tone and focuses on offering encouragement to freelancers and giving them basic tips for success in each of the areas listed above.
Can you tell us a little more about the book?
Sure! It might make more sense to share some of the chapter titles because they will give you an idea of some of the topics readers will find in the book.
Earning Top Dollar
Jumping the Hurdles
In the Beginning. . .the Writer Set Goals
What Industry Pros are Saying about Goal-Setting
Write. . .for Hire!
Revolutionize Your Writing
Girls Just Wanta Have Funds
Double Your Word Count in Two Weeks
Cash in on Magazine Articles
Sync Up
Freelance Lingo
Stop, Drop and Roll (Adding the Crisis Scene)
From Mii to Wii (learning how to incorporate the “we” factor)
Make ‘Em Laugh
Elevating Your Elevator Pitch
Seven Days to Better Writing
Five Things a Writer can Learn from American Idol
Got Moxie?
Becoming a Public Speaker
Writers are from Mars, Readers are from Venus
. . .and much, much more!
What other projects are you working on?
I’m currently writing QUEEN OF THE WAVES, a novel set aboard the Titanic. Very compelling story, I must say! And I’m tickled about my upcoming release, Wedding Belles.
You mentioned your courses. Can you tell us what’s going on in that world?
Yes, thanks for asking. I’m tickled about the recent release of my Non-Fiction Writing Course. I recorded this course in the studio several months ago and had a blast doing it. I’m convinced this is the most comprehensive package I’ve ever put together. Non-Fiction writers should be able to take this course and find some degree of success building their platform, writing short pieces and fully developing a non-fiction book. There’s even information on how to pitch (and ultimately market) the non-fiction book.
Here are the ten topics within the course:
From Magazines to Books: Building Your Platform
Understanding Non-Fiction Book Types
Best Selling Topics
Compiling Your Information (Braiding the Book)
33 Tips to Strengthen Your Writing
Incorporating Fiction Techniques in Your Non-Fiction
The Submission Process
Making the Sale (Includes all aspects of the contract/sale/edits/production)
Marketing Your Book
How to Stay in the Game
As with all of my courses, this one is available online at www.freelancewritingcourses.com.




How can readers get the free kindle book?
They can follow this link to amazon: http://amzn.to/yBeVBh. The book will be free from March 12th – March 17th and will revert to is usual $4.49 price after that.
Janice, how can readers reach you?
I love to chat with my readers! To learn more about my books, visit:
www.janicehannathompson.com
To learn more about my writing courses, including my new non-fiction course, visit:
www.freelancewritingcourses.com
Facebook: JaniceHannaThompson
Twitter: booksbyjanice

Monday, March 5, 2012

There You'll Find Me







There You'll Find Me
About the book:
In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley is forced to face a past she can't outrun.
When Finley books her trip to the "Emerald Isle" as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from God. After all, since her brother's recent death, God seems to have forgotten she even exists.
Now all she wants to do is let her heart heal, see the sights in her brother's favorite country, and work on her college audition piece for a prestigious music conservatory. She plans to use her brother's journal from his time as Ireland as her guide, yet from the moment she boards the plane and sits next to Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to her well-ordered plan.
The peace and beauty of the Irish village are no match for the chaos that soon becomes her life. When she gets roped into working as Beckett Rush's personal assistant, she finds this famous wild child is not quite what he seems. And as she grows closer to the mysterious actor, her own secrets refuse to stay put.
As things begin to unravel, Finley takes desperate measures to control her own life and fill the empty spaces her brother left behind. When it all comes crashing down, Finley must discover how to give her past to God . . . if there's to be any hope in her future.
My thoughts:
This is the follow up book to Save the Date and follows Finley Sinclair through a semester abroad in Ireland.
"There You'll Find Me" is a such a refreshing read. From the begining I was drawn into the Finley's story as she tries to find her place in the world. I didn't want to put it down.
Each character had deep layers and plots of their own that were great stories too.
Even with the overriding serious tone it didn't feel heavy and was very inspirational.
This is a great book and I can't wait for the next one from Jenny B Jones!
*I received this book free for review from Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley*
Favorite Quote:
" the stithces on the old wound unraveled within me as I thought about the answer"
Rating: a whole gem parcel!!!





Visit Jenn's website

Monday, February 27, 2012

Addison Blakely- Confessions of a P.K.






Addison Blakely: Confessions of a P.K.
About Betsy:




Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers . Betsy is multi-published through Steeple Hill and has been published inChristian Communicator magazine andPraise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. She has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly freelances for her local newspaper. Betsy is a fireman’s wife, a mommy to a busy toddler, a chocolate-loving author and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.
About the book:
Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tireless played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.
My Thoughts:
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is cute, fast-paced, and relatable. Addison is torn between her Christian upbringing and what may look on the outside to be something better.
My favorite part was Addison's inner dialogue and how she asks herself tough questions. As the story progressed she begins to see that faith has to come from her heart and not from her parents.
Favorite Quote:
"I looked at the brown-haired, blue-eyed girl in the mirror, hiding behind flannel pj's and Hello Kitty house-shoe boots and wondered what a lemon drop would even look like."
Rating: 5 carats




Visit Betsy's website

Monday, February 20, 2012

Girl Talk




Girl Talk
By Nicole O'Dell and her daughters Natalie and Emily
About the book:
Popular blogging trio--mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie--offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice with a devotional flavor for girls ages 10 to 16. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for girls on issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. Girls will find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge them in their faith walk. Girl Talk, presented in a trendy format that reads like a magazine, is a super tool for girls' small groups or for individual use.

My thoughts:
This is a great book for any teen girl to use along side her Bible study. The book is very bright, colorful, and easy to follow. Each chapter has a theme and every page is a new question a reader sent in. Nicole along with her two daughters, Natalie and Emily, answer them. At the end of each chapter there is room to journal what you thought.

*I received this book free for review from Barbour books*

Rating: 5 carats




Friday, February 3, 2012

The Jerk Magnet






The Jerk Magnet
By Melody Carlson
About the book:
When Chelsea Martin's new stepmother gives her a new makeover, she discovers that her appearance (and social standing) have changed completely! Having gone from geek to chic, she know finds herself getting attention from guys and now is sitting at the popular table. But she quickly finds out that 1. All of the guys that are attracted to her are jerks, and 2. Girls don't want to be friends with the girl that all the guys want. Will Chelsea learn that self-image isn't everything
My Thoughts:
This was a good book. The premise is exploring if looks are as important as we tend to make them. The main character, Chelsea, is gawky and pretty much invisible in the beginning. Then she has the opportunity to be made over and start over in a new town. What ensues takes Chelsea by surprise. Can looks matter that much? Chelsea becomes determined to find out.
At first the book just plotted along like any other YA would. It was okay but towards the end Chelsea and her friends made some decisions that took me by surprise and made the ending great!
Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes the best way to handle rejection is to expect it. Just accept that antagonism is coming your way and get beyond it as quickly and quietly as possible."
Rating: 4carats

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”