Exclusive Author Interview with David Liss, Author of The Devil’s Company

David Liss is the author six novels, most recently The Devil’s Company. He has five previous bestselling novel: A Conspiracy of Paper, winner of the 2000 Edgar Award for Best First Novel, The Coffee Trader, A Spectacle of Corruption, The Ethical Assassin and The Whiskey Rebels.  In 2008, at the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Bali, Indonesia, he was named an Artist for Integrity by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.  No one is really sure why he should receive this honor or what it means, but it very possibly makes him the Bono of historical fiction.  David Liss’s novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages.  He lives in San Antonio with his wife and children, and can be reached via his web page: davidliss.com, which features his endlessly fascinating and edifying blog.  You can also contact David Liss on Facebook.

Q: Thank you for this interview, David. Can you tell us what your latest book, The Devil’s Company, is all about?

A: Like many of my other novels, The Devil’s Company is a historical thriller set in the murderous world of pre-modern finance.  In this case, it’s about the British East India company in the early 1720s.  We tend to associate the East India Company with tea, but in the early part of the 18^th century, its main import was textiles – until Parliament forced it to give up this trade because it was competing with home grown industries.  So, like GM and Chrysler today, the East India Company had to figure out how to change and modernize in order to survive.  In this novel my protagonist, Benjamin Weaver, a thief taker (a sort of 18^th century private investigator) is blackmailed into going undercover at the East India Company, and what he discovers is a lot of intrigue, foreign spies, government operatives, and a large number of very dangerous and greedy people who are all more complicated than they seem

Q: Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

A: This is my sixth novel, and the third to feature Benjamin Weaver as a protagonist – though it is by no means necessary to read the previous two to enjoy this one.  Every novel has its own challenges, but the novels to feature Benjamin Weaver are always a particular pleasure to write.  For me, the hardest thing about getting a new novel going is finding the right narrative voice, but with the Weaver novels, I already have the voice, so I can jump right into the enjoyable story-telling.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

A:This book was probably the easiest novel I’ve ever written.  The idea came to me almost fully formed, and while it changed somewhat along the way, I retained a pretty good chunk of my core ideas.  I seriously doubt I will ever again write a novel without the normal amount of doubt, heartache, recrimination and regret.

I have, in the past, been stuck on projects, though I’m not entirely sure I believe in writer’s block.  Bus drivers don’t get bus driver’s block, and doctors don’t get doctor’s block.  I think when I’ve been stuck it’s always because some fundamental part of what I’m doing isn’t working out.  I’ve learned over the years to pay attention to these feelings.  Usually, the answer is to go backwards and find the mistake rather than try to force myself to move forward and live with the mistake.

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A: The book hasn’t come out yet, but there is already a great deal of enthusiasm on my Facebook fan page and on other book social networking sites like Goodreads.  I’ve received a great deal of email from readers who have been kind enough to share the excitement.  To celebrate the publication of the new book, I’ve updated my web page and I’m going to include a blog.  I guess it’s a good sign that my fans are anxious when the new site has been up a couple of days, and I’m already getting complaints that I haven’t posted a blog entry yet.  Soon as I finish this interview, that’s my next project.

Q: What is your daily writing routine?

A:I am a morning writer.  It doesn’t matter what time I go to sleep or wake up, I can’t get any serious writing done after about noon.  On most days, I drop my daughter off at her school, take my lap top to my favorite coffee shop (they reserve a particular table for me), and write there from about 8 to noon.  If I have a lot of work to get done, I will get up extra super early – three in the morning – and write until my children wake up and force me to pay attention to them.  Then I’ll get back to work again later in the morning as a second shift.  It is a great way to get things done, but also a great way to turn yourself into a sleep-deprived monster.  Don’t try this at home.

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

A:Because of the nature of what I write, I have to spend a lot of my non-writing time reading.  There is always more research to be done.  However, I love reading for pleasure, and always try to make time for leisure reading.  I have a no-research-reading-before-bed rule, in part because I won’t sleep well otherwise.  Besides reading, I enjoy cooking, drinking good wine, exercising, and tinkering with my own private particle accelerator.

Q: What book changed your life?

A: When my daughter was a little bit younger, she always used to ask me what my favorite color was, and she became frustrated when I refused to answer.  I always said, “I like them all.”  That is sort of how I feel about books.  There are obviously some I like far more than others, but I don’t have a favorite book or one that changed everything for me.  I love that there are so many of them, far more than I can ever read, and every one can be my next, great book love.

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

A: Godzilla Versus Mothra: How One Writer Conquered his Two Opposing, yet Equally Absurd, Inner Monsters, Destroying Much of a Major Urban Center in the Process.

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

A: that they will never understand the one thing I wish they would understand about me.

Thank you for this interview David.  I wish you much success on your latest release, The Devil’s Company!

Let’s Play Book Trivia with Mystery Suspense Author Richard Roach!

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one elseknows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…

Today our guest author is Richard E. Roach, author of the suspense mystery novel, Scattered Leaves.

Suspense mystery author Richard Roach was born in 1931 in Galveston, Texas. Short stories of his have been published in Man’s Story 2, Happy 2007, Vol. 20 and Bibliophilos 2006, Vol. 42. His first novel, Scattered Leaves, hit the book stores on September 1, ’08, and his second novel, Scattered Money, will be published in 2009.

You can visit his website at www.richarderoach.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Richard. Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of SCATTERED LEAVES , how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

He would be inspired by Ben and PJ’s never-die attitude and begin to build a boat.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

She would see my name on the cover, (and my location) drive out to my residence and ask me how to make up with her boyfriend. I would give her the lecture that I gave new recruits and this would straighten out her tangled life. Yes, you guessed it…I know her boyfriend. No fooling.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, or an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Neither. I would tell them to plug my book and I would tell them my sure-fire investment plan. I have made millions on Wall Street and for a price (namely them advertising my book on each of their shows) I would tell them my secret I was taught by Mr. Graham. This is the same man that taught Warren Buffet!

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

The part I would read is the closing passages but first, I would play him his favorite (The Steel Guitar Rag) on my twin necked steel guitar—then on my standard f-hole electric guitar I would play him his favorite Les Paul tune, and finally I would dazzle him with a hot fiddle tune like Devil’s Dream. And yes, I do indeed play these instruments.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book?

A Maiden Prayer.

Which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

Package Store

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

This is the easiest of all. They would choose a long leaf pine because Ben McCord is from texas. (My computer has decided it won’t make a capitol t.)

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

Have a crew of thousands tear down the white house and give a memento such as a board or shingle or clock or piece of furniture with each book.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan . Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

I would know it was a dream, pinch myself and wakeup.

Thank you for having me. If you take time to read this, I love you and wish you the best of everything and PLEASE buy a copy of SCATTERED LEAVES. It will make you happy from morn til night. I promise! Now, would I lie to you.

Book Trivia: Interview with Short Story Author J.W. Nicklaus

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is J.W. Nicklaus, author of the short story collection The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between.

J.W. Nicklaus currently resides in a place not entirely fit for human habitation about five months of the year. No pets to speak of, only the apparitions which all romantics suffer from.
An Arizona native, he’s been from one coast to the other, and a few places in-between. Snow has been featured prominently in his stories, perhaps because of the season-less climate he lives in. Nature was meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not hidden from the senses. So, to that end, he hopes someday to live amongst those who are able to live through four true seasons, and not just blast furnace and warm.

He enjoys the occasional Arizona Diamondbacks game with his son, as well as watching him grow up. The experience of being a single dad has taught him far more about himself than he ever thought possible.
Within the expanse of every waking moment, he hopes his guardian angel keeps its arms open wide and heart ever watchful, for there but for one true Hope goes She.

His personal blog can be found at http://avomnia.wordpress.com, and his web site at www.avomnia.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, J.W.! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of (name of your book), how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

It’s nothing short of miraculous how the human spirit can drive the body forward. If inspired to focus on what matters to the heart he could very well keep his attitude up and hope alive. We are social creatures by nature and innately require some level of interaction with others. He may just find the stories provide him the looking glass to peek into his own heart and gently blow on the ember within.

Everyone knows rock star idol Britney Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Dear Britney,
How many mornings have you kicked off the covers and wondered who you are? Are you what the public wants you to be, or are you something hidden, a mask you won’t wear for all to see? Who is that stranger in the mirror?

What will your deeper legacy be if the world stopped turning today?

How long can you keep the dark from suffocating the light?

Listen to Aury’s father in Emissary. Be very careful about what you ask for and what price you’ll pay for the results, like in 10:18. What might get Broken that can’t be fixed?

The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between might just give you some food for thought.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

The cover—it has simplicity and quiet strength.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch: You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

The opening passage of One Washington Diner; it showcases the deep connections we develop between two people, even under the worst of circumstances.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

I’m thinking it would be called something like By Degrees, and would be sold at FAO Schwartz.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

Pine tree, because it bears the most symbolic reference to me—prefers northern climates, tall, quiet, and whispers softly when it needs to communicate.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

“I am one American with fifteen stories told. Take the story of every American, native and naturalized, and launch them skyward into the gentle tissue-thin blue that stretches over this amazing country—you could grow crops with the tears from those stories, could educate by simply breathing, could open doors and windows to new ideas with the lightest of breezes.

We, the people, desperately want you to never forget to listen. Our national life is as close as the air around you. We are vigilant, are waiting — we are You.”

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

In my best British accent I’d start with “Thank you, thank you . . . I love you all! Hope I see each of you next time I’m in town! Good night!” then wait for the thunder of feet stomping on the ground and lighters held aloft. Barring that highly unlikely scene I’d genuinely thank all those who helped my words see ink in the light of day, and then repeat the dedication from my book:

To those who have been quietly supportive and encouraging, you have both my genuine respect and unreserved gratitude.

To the concealed yet ever manifest angel watching over me, I need not reveal what you possess, for you already know.

IN THE MAILBOX: MAKING LIGHT OF BEING HEAVY by Kandy Siahaya

I’ve had this book for a few days now and I just now picked it up and started reading. This is hilarious stuff!

It starts out like this:

“Are you overweight? I am. Doesn’t it suck?”

Then she goes on to say:

“I think our bodies shape themselves into what they should be regardless of certain measures we take to prevent it when we live our life normally and happily. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure if I exercised for four hours a day and only ate rabbit food on a regular basis I may not be fat. But who wants to exercise four hours a day and only eat rabbit food every day? I don’t.”

And that’s not the funniest part as I couldn’t help myself and kept reading. This book is the bomb. I asked her tour coordinator if I could host her for a few days next month when she’s on virtual book tour with us and I’m waiting on her answer. No, I’m not the only one taking books on tour and, no, I don’t have a say (or too much, lol) on where she ends up, but after reading a few pages, I immediately asked Tracee if I could host her here for three days and I’m waiting on her answer.

This book hits so close to home, but I won’t spoil any of it until she comes in May. But, how many people who are naturally big can laugh at the situation? Kandy Siahaya is my role model. I was born a skinny person and up until about a year ago, I started really considering dieting. I have gained 50 pounds (shudder) since the birth of my first child. Of course, I was in my twenties and I was SKINNY, remember?

So, this ought to be fun. I’ll let you know if I can get Kandy here we can find out more about her, but it will include a review at least.

Booking Through Thursday – April 9, ‘09

For something different, I’m borrowing a question from … here! One of the very first questions ever at Booking Through Thursday. Back from 2005 when Laura owned the blog but, because it was so new, it didn’t get as many responses as it does now … so, why not revisit?

Here’s the question:

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

1. Are you currently reading more than one book?
2. If so, how many books are you currently reading?
3. Is this normal for you?
4. Where do you keep your current reads?

1. Oh Lordy yes! If there weren’t such a thing as bookmarks, I don’t know what I’d do. I’m reading Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage by Tim Kellis, The Obama Revolution by Alan Kennedy-Shaffer, and several more, just don’t have them here by the computer.

2. Hmm…I’d say about five.

3. LOL, yes, this is normal. A bad habit which comes from trying to do a million things at one time.

4. I usually keep them here by the computer but some are left downstairs having not made it upstairs.

Book Preview: Shattered Reality Kimberly Cheryl

I just wanted to give everyone the heads up on a review I have scheduled on Monday. The book is called Shattered Reality by Kimberly Cheryl.

The book is about child sexual abuse, which is a very sensitive subject as we know. I’d like to devote this post to letting you get to know Kimberly and on Monday, I’ll have my review ready.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly Cheryl is a master public speaker, successful sales person, business owner and author of three novels. In addition to writing her own books, she contributes articles to various magazines and news columns.

After a school career that included years of failed chemistry classes that began too early in the morning, she switched from a pre-med career to one of business administration. She graduated with an MBA and, later, a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.

Born into a family of readers, Kimberly had never known a time that she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Therefore, after a major life altering auto accident, the need for back surgery, a long recovery period, no respite in sight and a dwindling supply of chocolate, she decided to pull out a pencil and notebook and began to write about her experiences and share some of the knowledge she had gained throughout her career.

Kimberly lives happily in Missouri with her amazing husband, two spirited children and a “zoo” of animals including a Newfoundland, three cats and a rabbit. She enjoys traveling, swimming and reading.

For more information please visit http://www.kimberlycheryl.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A wonderful read for all parents, teachers, counselors…we need to open our eyes to child sexual assault and help put a stop to this silent epidemic. The sexual abuse of a child creates a devastating family crisis. Parents want to know what to do and say to help their child but they also want to know how to respond to and heal their own emotional turmoil. As a parent, you need to know it’s okay and natural to act with disbelief and denial. This is my story, a mother’s story, about the abuse of my daughter and my struggles to overcome. I thought I could trust my family members. I thought I knew and could trust the legal system. I was wrong. As a parent, I couldn’t find help for ME…what to expect on this journey with my daughter and her recovery. I didn’t know how much pain I would suffer as well. This is my story and my struggle toward recovery. Somehow, some way, I hope it gives you hope for your journey as well.

With one strange twist of fate, my life was changed,

This morning, when I woke and saw the sun mocking me, I realized what a National Football League running back must feel as he heads toward the defensive line. Don’t get me wrong. There isn’t a three hundred and fifty pound opponent of unnerving muscle waiting for me, but a petite and sweet one hundred and ten pound dynamo that I call daughter. It goes to show that all things in life aren’t of the physical realm. One can get trampled and mangled in life without once having a bruise to show. Despite recent events, deep inside I still have hope that life isn’t made only of slings and arrows. I’m just not ready for another day to slay the dragons again. My mind ponders the state of my life and how it has arrived at this chaotic state. Am I only moving within “life” and in fact being operated by the vengeful and barely caring gods? Try as I might, it seems I can only slightly alter my life’s path. I remember a time when the important thing in my life was wondering whether I might make it through that mud puddle down the dirt road while remaining atop my bike. I miss those days.

I rise and follow her down stairs. Picking up the paper, I read about yesterday’s football game. What a sad and depressing game it was. If my life is anything like my favorite team, it makes me wonder at the futility of my existence. Twelve points ahead in the fourth quarter. Then, those two fumbles take all thought of winning right out the window.

Somewhere, somehow, I also seem to have fumbled the ball of life. I’m glad I don’t have pizza left over from that game. Who would want to finish yesterday’s stale leftovers and be reminded of how horribly games can end. To again show me what little control I have over the small things in my life?

Never mind the large things…like Child Sexual Assault.

The sexual abuse of a child creates a devastating family crisis. Parents want to know what to do and say to help their child but they also want to know how to respond to and heal their own emotional turmoil. As a parent, you need to know it’s okay and natural to act with disbelief and denial.

This is my story, a mother’s story, about the abuse of my daughter and my struggles to over come. I thought I could trust my family members. I thought I knew and could trust the legal system. I was wrong.

This is my journey, my lost “game”, and my steps toward recovery. Some how, some way, I hope it gives you hope for your journey as well.

Book Trivia: Interview with Women’s Fiction Author Shaila Abdullah

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Shaila Abdullah, author of the women’s fiction novel Saffron Dreams. Shaila is an award-winning author and designer, based in Austin, Texas. Her creative work focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistani women and their often unconventional choices in life. Her debut book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, is a collection of stories about Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities despite the barriers imposed by society.

Among other accolades, the book won the Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction and the DIY Festival Award. Abdullah received a grant from the Hobson Foundation for her new novel, Saffron Dreams which is about the trials and tribulations of a 9/11 Muslim widow.

Abdullah has written several short stories, articles, and personal essays for various publications, such as Dallas Child, Web Guru, About Families, Sulekha, Women’s Own, She, Fashion Collection and a magazine of the Daily Dawn newspaper called Tuesday Review, etc. She is a member of the Texas Writers’ League.

A Pakistani-American, Abdullah is also a seasoned print, web, and multimedia designer as well. See a complete bio at http://www.shailaabdullah.com/bio.html.

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Saffron Dreams, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

If he found a copy of my book, he might not get off the island faster, but he’d get some ideas about how to cook with coconut milk.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

One thing I hope this book will do for many people is to offer some perspective on the good fortune that most of us in the U.S. enjoy, and the importance of keeping a loving heart in the face of adversity.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

If my work cannot stand on its own, then the rest doesn’t matter.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

I will read the part where the veil-wearing protagonist was the victim of a racially-motivated attack at a subway station.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

I can’t imagine this story as a board game.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that particular tree in relation to your book?

Ivy for its propensity to interweave in growth symbolizing long-lasting connections and bonds, such as what the protagonist of Saffron Dreams forms with her son and in-laws after the demise of her husband. The ivy is incredibly durable like the character of the novel and can withstand harsh conditions. The ivy is also known to flourish in challenging environments.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

I will say, congratulations and then introduce him to my good friend and publicist Irene Watson.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

It all starts with one word. But it doesn’t become print until you type it out. Respecting that single word and allowing your mind to be receptive will allow others to follow it. Thanking a few people would be a disservice, because the journey of becoming a published author involves many. I want to thank all who have helped in big ways or small in getting me to this point.

FREE GIFT FOR READERS

You can find a wealth of information on my website at www.shailaabdullah.com including a reading guide, excerpt, reviews, and buying information. For those with comments and questions, I can be reached at shailaabdullah@gmail.com. If you mention As the Page Turn, you will receive a free e-book called A Taste of Saffron, containing recipes of dishes mentioned in Saffron Dreams. Readers who sign up for updates on my website will get a free excerpt of my 2005 book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall.

Book Trivia: Interview with Young Adult Romance Author Barry Eva (aka Storyheart)

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Storyheart, author of Young Adult Fiction – Across the Pond.

Born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart,” left his beloved England in 2000, moving to the USA to be with the woman he’d met and fallen in love with on the Internet.

Known for his short romance stories on the net and in his book Stories from the Heart, Barry is popular for narrating his stories on local TV or as a guest on other media stations, where his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm make him a popular interviewee.

At present, Barry is living in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.

You can find out about his book and meet a couple of the characters at http://across-t-pond.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Storyheart! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Across the Pond, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

Not counting adding to the fuel situation for starting a signal fire, I think it would give him inspiration that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how bad things seem sometime, there is always hope.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

In the book Brit has a secret which until the hero, Fred comes along, she is unable to face or tell even her parents. The growing love and trust she finds with Fred enables her to come to grips with what has happened in her past, and face up to her demons. Just as Brittany needs to do.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Being English, Simon’s would not be impressed by the cover except for the fact it has a Union Jack on it. There are so many reviews it would be hard to tell which one is the best and which would appeal to the panel. I think therefore and excerpt would show all angles of the story, the language issues, the humor and the romance.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

Hulk would maybe like the fight sequence when Fred and the villain Steve Harris have their final confrontation. However I think from his shows he also has a sense of humor, so I think I’d read the BBQ chapter to him, I’m sure that would bring a smile to that mustache.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

It would be called “Race Across the Pond”. The game would be how to collect a prize baseball, and get it back from America to England. Other players try to take the ball from you before you can get it back to England. While Wal-Mart has some games, I think smaller stores might be better, Do Starbucks sell games?

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

The Weeping Willow comes to mind with the tears that are shed by various girls throughout the book. However I will have to say an Oak tree, the symbol of strength and steadfastness, the tree of England. As the song goes “Hearts of Oak are our ships”

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

Invite Oprah the White House.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

I’d like thank my for my wife without whom I would never have moved across the pond, My family for putting up with me. And all the people who have given me support along the way.

Being at the Four Seasons I was not sure if it was going to about my book or a Vivaldi musical recital.

Actually writing a book is a little like the four seasons.

Winter is when you start thinking about the book. Sketching the story, developing the characters and filling out the words, that will become your novel.

Spring, the story starts to develop, fleshing out the people the places, planting the ideas, making ready for the novel to blossom.

Summer sees the story in full bloom, enabling you to glow in the words that you hope will bring a little sunshine into the lives of the readers.

Autumn, a season of contentment, the work is done, the crops are gathered in and you lay back and enjoy the ride as your book brings in the rewards such as this.

Thank you for this award, thank you for the support of those who have read the back. As Brit and Fred would say, if they were here now. “Call Beans”

Let’s Play Book Trivia with Mystery Novelist Doug Hewitt!

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is Doug Hewitt, author of the mystery novel The Dead Guy. Doug has been writing for over 15 years, seeing over 100 short stories find their way into print. This is Doug’s second work of fiction. His first novel, SPEAR, is a suspense thriller that is currently available on www.fictionwise.com. Doug is blogging about his current promotional activities at www.TwoHewitts.blogspot.com. He would also like to point out that you can download a free chapter of at www.HewittsBooks.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Doug! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of The Dead Guy, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

First off, Tom Hanks would probably wince at the sight of the book, given his condition. But I think, actually, Tom Hanks decided what my character decided. Death was coming anyway, so why not go for it? A way out. It was that attitude of staring death in the face and spitting at it that got Hanks of the island. You’ll have to read The Dead Guy to see how it affects my character.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

I’m not sure there’s any help for Brittany. Anyway who loves the limelight more than spending time with a child makes me think the priorities are all askew! But, maybe my book would make Brittany realize that life has meaning. And stumbling around in a drunken (or doped up) stupor is not adding much to that meaning. Spending time with friends and family does.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Well, not the book cover. I’m not sure any book cover would. On the other hand, Hollywood doesn’t seem all that impressed with good content of a novel. And when they do option a good book for a movie, they make a good book a horribly bad movie. So, I’d have to say an excerpt. I think when my character Jack Thigpen has to tell his wife he’s ok with her divorce request, knowing that he’s going to die within 2 months because of a fatal neurodegenerative disease (of which she’s unaware), is a very dramatic scene and would attract good actors.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

Good question! My main character, Jack Thigpen, is a world class tennis player (or at least, until recently, he was). Not a very macho sport. But because Jack has been diagnosed with a terminal disease, he is not afraid (or at least, that’s what he tells himself) to go against the odds, attacking the bad guys with guns blazing. Hulk would appreciate that.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

I think, or at least my main character Jack Thigpen would think, it’s already invented and it’s called craps. I mean, where’s the fairness in being told you have 2 months to live, and it’s all because of some genetic combination. But then again, maybe the game should be called “Last Chance to Make A Difference,” because that’s what Jack does. I also think THE DEAD GUY makes a good game board title.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

The Maple Tree. Only because I like the Maple Tree and they already asked. Plus, I like to watch hockey and see the Detroit Red Wings defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yes, hockey is mentioned in The Dead Guy.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

I’m not sure why this would work, but it would. I would tell Barack to have a press conference and to make a statement that asks people not to buy his book. And of course, everyone would immediately go out and buy it.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

I would thank Robin Hewitt, my wife, who has believed in me and given me immense support. Other that Robin, there are many people who have helped influence me along the way. I would point out that a person, in a way, is a summation of all of the influences that person has experienced in his or her life. And in that way, any award that person receives, is an acknowledgement of the positive influences that person has experienced.

Thank you, As The Pages Turn, I really enjoyed this interview, and I think your Book Trivia format is brilliant!

Book Review: EASY ENTERTAINING FOR BEGINNERS by Patricia Mendez

Easy Entertaining for Beginners
Patricia Mendez
Cooking; Entertaining
Maple Heights Press
172pages

Purchase your copy here!

Readers don’t have to be gourmet chefs or nervous wrecks to host casual at-home entertaining. Beginners will have all of their questions answered, from what to serve to what to do. Included are 13 delicious complete menus with easy-to-follow recipes, full color photographs, ideas for music, activities and drinks. Checklists ease readers step-by-step through every phase of planning, preparation, and presentation. Readers will gain confidence and have a terrific time putting together successful celebrations.

What can you say bad about a book that not only gives you mouth-watering recipes, but tips on entertaining, too? Easy Entertaining for Beginners by Patricia Mendez gives us such tantalizing recipes as Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Savory Sauce (perfect for dinners with the in-laws!), Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling (perfect for themed children’s birthday parties!) and for the holidays approaching, such delights as how to cook that Thanksgiving turkey complete with instructions and how to make that perfect pumpkin pie.

But that’s not all. Inside this beautifully designed book complete with color photos, you get such great tips such as how to plan your first cocktail party, how to set a budget and prepare for special events, mistakes to avoid when entertaining and tips to ensure success with any dinner party.

Easy Entertaining for Beginners has everything you can imagine inside to help you when planning your next dinner party. An excellent book and I look forward to more books from the talented and gifted Patricia Mendez.

I just had to try out the Cadillac Margaritas. Ymmmm! Patricia gave me the exact ingredients to make two full pitchers and it was a hit at my last dinner party! What I loved about this book is that never have I come upon a book that was as good as Betty Crocker’s cookbook. Serious!

Also, I loved her writing style. Being a past editor, I pick up on typos, grammar mistakes, fluff to fill a book just to fill it with something and there was no sign that this book wasn’t excellently edited. And it’s always so much nicer to read a book that didn’t distract you from the contents because of all the mistakes and, believe me, there are a lot of them out there.

Sorry, not a thing.