Thursday, August 7, 2014

News About Solstice Publishing

Welcome David Bryant who is sharing his interview with the CEO of Solstice Publishing, Melissa Miller.

www.solsticepublishing.com 

Since 2008 when she secured her own first book contract, Melissa Miller has become the head of one of the fastest growing mid-market publishers in the USA. This year (2014) she capped her achievements by  being announced an International Best Selling author and two of her books were optioned for film.

Now Melissa, as chief executive officer of Solstice Publishing based in Farmington, Missouri, is paving the way for other budding authors to bring their creations to e-readers and print. I have a personal reason to thank her. Solstice accepted my first book, Tread Carefully on the Sea, after I'd spent nearly a year trying to place it with a publisher.

I asked Melissa a few questions
1. How do you conclude that books are likely to sell? Is it pure instinct or do you have a formula?
There isn't a formula to know what will sell and what won't. We look for well written manuscripts with interesting plots.
 
2. Based on your experience in publishing, what's one thing you would advise today's budding authors?
One of the most important things new authors need to know is the importance of branding their name. The use of social media is going to be very helpful in their journey. The marketing and branding of their book is going to be a full time job. Writing the book is the fun part. After that the work begins.
 
3. Why do you think fiction is so powerful that almost everyone wants to read it - if not write it?
I think fiction is so powerful because it's not real. After a long day at work, or taking care of the kids, or cleaning the house, readers like to escape into new worlds. It's nice to get away from reality for a while.

4. What were your favorite childhood books and how did that affect your career?
As a child my favorites were Winnie The Pooh then as a teen I grew into loving Stephen King. Now as an adult I like a variety. I enjoy Stephanie Meyers, Cassandra Clare, Jeannette Oak, Nicholas Sparks and then of course all the great authors of Solstice Publishing.
 
Melissa's company
With over 200 authors covering every category of fiction and rapidly expanding into non-fiction, Solstice is quickly gaining a reputation for fast paced suspense thrillers, sizzling romance, action adventure, science fiction, and a spooky collection of horror and paranormal reads. Critically acclaimed authors have achieved top spots on best seller lists, had their stories adapted to screenplays, and won movie deals with top Hollywood studios.

Melissa Miller is an Amazon International Best Selling Author under a pen name. She writes paranormal/ romance and woman's fiction. She's a wife and the mother of two boys.
I ALSO WANT TO GIVE MY SINCERE THANKS TO MEL MASSEY-MARONI AT SOLSTICE,  MY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, AND I INTEND TO PERSUADE HER TO DO AN INTERVIEW IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Guest Blogger: Bernard Foong




http://www.amazon.com/Initiation-Harem-Boys-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B00KOEXWQQ/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406821540&sr=1-1&keywords=Bernard+Foong


Synopsis: A Harem Boy Saga; A Memoir. Book 1 - INITIATION.

This provocative story is about a young man who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society. He was spirited to the Middle East, from his UK boarding school. He attended the Bahriji School (Oasis,) in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for serving in Harems for the wealthy and elite.

It is also a love story between the young man and his ‘Valet’ who served as his chaperone and mentor during the boy’s Harem service.

Author’s note:
I had a privileged and unique upbringing in Malaysia, where I was known as a "sissy boy." Following in my brothers' footsteps, I was sent to an exclusive boarding school in England. It is there that I was inducted into a clandestine organization, E.R.O.S. The Enlightened Royal Oracle Society. For four years, unbeknownst to my family, I was willingly and happily part of a Harem.

My story has been kept under wraps for close to 45 years. The correct moment has arrived for me to make known my unique education.

www.aharemboysaga.com



Goals I hope to achieve through
A Harem Boy Saga:
·                   Provide Tolerance to Sissy Boys by understanding parents/peers and the community.
Anderson Cooper 360 documentary on the devastating treatment of effeminate boys influence me to tell my story.

·                   Bullying can be Avoided through Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer programs in school or outside school system. Older students acting as mentors to younger students.

·                   Gay Adolescent Tolerance – parents/child/siblings relationship issues.
Support/mentorship program to all parties involved to foster understanding and acceptance of Gay kids.

·                   Provide an Alternative Educational System;
Understanding Big Brother/adolescent mentorship programs in schools, BB as protector to keep younger kids from being bullied.

·                   Human Relationship Building Program;
Between parents/teachers and young students on sexual topics/issues, especially when adolescent are just discovering their sexuality. They can be guided on a healthy and honest sexual journey instead of “don’t ask, don’t tell” hide it behind the closet policy.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Pretty Little Liars: Hanna's Secret - #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle Worlds > Contemporary


Currently
  • Amazon Best Seller

  • http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Little-Liars-Hannas-Secret-ebook/dp/B00MAKY2Z2/ref=la_B005HZRTP2_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407077559&sr=1-11

The town of Rosewood hasn’t been the same since one of their own went missing. When Alison DiLaurentis disappeared, the lives of many changed. Her best friends Aria Montgomery, Hanna Marin, Emily Fields, and Spencer Hastings were left with huge holes in their hearts. 

One year after Alison went missing, strange texts started coming to the girls. They were always signed “A”. The person sending them always knew their deepest darkest secrets. The texts would be threatening them to do what “A” wanted or else. 
In “Hanna’s Secret”, Hanna Marin is the latest victim of “A”. 

Will Hanna be able to protect herself and her friends or will “A” do more damage to her life?