by I Have Something To Say Press
Roadmap to Being a Successful Blogger by Susan Violante
Barefoot
Librarian
Corner
Book Bans in the US?
Part One by Susan
Violante
Interview with Anne K. Hawkinson Author of “The Ghost Writer” by Sheri Hoyte
listings
subscriptions
www.firstchapterplus.com
https://www.firstchapterplus.com/contact email admin@firstchapterplus.com
creative director/graphic designer
Susan Violante
©
Copyright 2023 First Chapter Plus
eco-friendly information
First Chapter Plus e-magazine is environment conscious, and has gone 100% green.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-magazine
First Chapter Plus is a monthly e-Magazine which includes the First Chapters, book videos, and podcasts of recently published books and back lists books. It is distributed to libraries, book stores, media, readers, reviewers, and bloggers; It also offers content of value to our audience.
Published by I Have Something To Say Press
11900 Jollyville Rd. #201673
Austin, Texas 78759
Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past – Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/ Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her father. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.
As a young girl I had more male friends than female. There was no specific reason for this except that I enjoyed boy’s games more than girl’s games. I enjoyed climbing trees, skateboarding, soccer, and any other outdoor adventure opportunity. I was not a girly girl and had no patience for chit chat, fashion, or anything else that required relating to my feminine aptitudes except for crafts and reading. As I grew up, I became one of the guys and had only few female friends which I am still close to. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized how important it was to be a woman and how much I needed other women in my life.
Women are the agent of change in the world. As mothers they have influenced humanity’s consciousness. As wives they have influence politics, economics, and culture through the past centuries. As active members of modern society women have been catalysts of chance in business, legislation, moral standards, and all other aspects of civilization.
Women are strong, wise, versatile, emotional, intuitive, practical, relentless, firm, sweet, kind, evil, disciplined, comforting,…in short, women are what is needed at any moment and circumstance. I am proud to be a woman. I am proud of all the women I have met throughout my life. This month celebrate the women in yours!
Page 06 & 22
Book Bans in the US? Part One by Susan Violante
Page 11
Book Reviews of the Month
Page 17
Roadmap to Being a Successful Blogger
Page 25
Interview withAnne K. Hawkinson Author of “The Ghost Writer”
Page29
ISL Podcast of the Month
Page 31
Book Videos
Page 39
Graphic Novels: My Confession and Conversion by Barefoot Librarian
Brant Vickers started out as a caddy and then delivered flowers before going into the military, living in three foreign countries and seven states. He later found his true profession and vocation teaching students with special needs, some of the most endearing, sweet, loving people on the planet. He is the author of Chucky’s in Tucson and Fedor. Brant lives in Arizona with his wife, Cheryl Ann, and their pampered cats. His favorite thing now is writing stories for Young Adults. For more information about Brant Vickers visit www. brantvickers.com
Culver City
By Brant VickersAtmosphere Press (2022)
ISBN 9781639885473
Tradeback - 304 pages - $16.99
Fiction - Historical / YA/Magical Realism
Synopsis: Young Adult story. Immediately captivating, surrealistic, and authentically written, while portraying the craziness of the late sixties and early seventies, The novel interweaves wild teenage adventures, magical realism, and important life situations that test the boys’ remarkably close friendship and eventually means the difference between life and death.
Vickers has, undoubtedly, achieved success with his intriguing novel Culver City. It is a mystery, a ghost story, a love story, a story of friendship, and a story of loss all in one compelling book. There is truly something for every reader in this captivating tale..
—Madeline Barbush Independent Book Review
Irecommend Culver City to anyone who loves stories within stories, worlds within worlds. Vickers makes his novel feel something like Stranger Things mixed with acid and Old Hollywood. Decades collide, but the heart of Vickers' novel is timeless.
—Katie Specht Feathered Quill Book ReviewView on Amazon
As a child of parents who grew up under Italy’s fascist regime, I was taught to fill up my life with books and keep my mind open and curious. Finding myself at 60 years old, an American, during the 21st century era and reading in the news about the banning books in different states of the US felt to me like jumping in the ‘twilight zone’! I decided to explore this topic (trying to be neutral), to understand what is going on.
To be objective I went to the internet (thankful that it is not banned yet) in sear for a definition. This is what I found through IA: “Book bans in the US refer to instances where certain books or written works are deemed inappropriate or objectionable and are prohibited from being available in schools, libraries, or other public institutions. These bans typically occur at the local level, often initiated by school boards, library boards, or other local government institutions.”
There are several reasons why book bans may occur in the US as well as other countries.
1 Concern over the content of the books, particularly in terms of age-appropriateness for students or perceived obscenity or explicitness. Some books are banned due to their depictions of violence, sexuality, or other sensitive topics. Others may be banned due to language use, religious or political content, or themes that are considered controversial or offensive to certain groups or individuals. This in my opinion is basically rating books in the same way movies are, when school librarians stock their shelves with what they consider age appropriate, and parents buy their kids only the books they approve of. As a mother, I am okay with this type of censorship as kids are not fully developed mentally and some topics might not be understood correctly at certain ages.
2 Another common reason for book bans is based on moral or religious objections. Some groups or individuals may take issue with the views, ideologies, or beliefs expressed in certain books, and may seek to have them banned to prevent their dissemination or influence. This is when I have a problem, because if you do not like the content of a book, all you need to do is not buy it. But banning it so that those that agree with the content can’t read it. This to me is not acceptable and is exactly what dictators (right or left) do.
Although book bans in the US are often controversial and subject to legal challenges where the First Amendment of the US Constitution is always invoked to guarantee the freedom of speech; because the press, and courts have generally upheld the right to access information and ideas, even if they are unpopular or controversial- there have been instances where books have been banned or restricted in certain communities, particularly in schools or libraries, based on local policies or decisions.
L.E. DeLano comes equipped with a “useless” Theatre degree that has opened doors for her in numerous ways. Though mostly raised in New Mexico, she now lives in Pennsylvania with two adventurous kids and two ridiculous cats. L.E.’s 2021 novel, BLUE, was named a 2021 SPARK Award winner by The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a 202122 Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult in the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards, a 2021 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite in Young Adult Fiction, a 2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite – Teen, and was named 2021-22 Teen/YA Book of the Year by Reader Views Kids. Her debut novel, TRAVELER, was a Keystone State Reading Association (KSRA) Secondary Book Awards Finalist for 2018-2019.
For more information about L.E. visit www.ledelano.com
Synopsis: Blue’s older brother was involved in a car accident that killed the father of her classmate, Maya, and now Maya has returned to school determined to make Blue’s life a living hell in the aftermath. When Maya’s taunts push Blue to retaliate, they find themselves forced into a project meant to foster cooperation. Blue learns about Maya—and her own sense of privilege—when revealed secrets cast a new perspective on everything in Blue’s world.
ISBN 9781736473108
View on Amazon
Gaze Publishing (2021)
Tradeback - 233 pages - $10.99
Fiction - Young Adult (age 16+)
Blueby L.E. Delano is an intense and completely engrossing YA novel about perspective . . . a must read for teens and anyone else who enjoys a great fictional story.
— Paige Lovitt Reader Views Kids
Overall: 10.00 out of 10. DeLano has an excellent ear for teens' idiomatic speech. This is a fastpaced novel focused more on feelings and the social world of teens . . . An easy read for its intended audience.
—
BookLife Prize*Reader Views Kids Award for Best Teen/ Young Adult Book of the Year
READ FIRST CHAPTER
WATCH BOOK VIDEO
I Have Something To Say Press was founded in 2013 and has been an unseen force behind Book by Book Publicity since then. Our mission is to promote the sharing of life lessons through story telling by focusing our publishing efforts to produce a highquality product, as well as publishing independent authors to help them develop marketable books with the current available tools. Our program is based on providing options to writers. We offer affordable Print On Demand Publishing Packages; An a La Carte publishing services menu and the opportunity to win publication through an annual manuscript contest which will open in 2023.
La Clave
By Marjorie L. AndersonI Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) - ISBN: 9780985430825
Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen- Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00
La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”
READ First Chapter
By Bineta Ngom
View on Amazon
I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) - ISBN 9781647751784
Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help-Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00
Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, readers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.”
READ First Chapter
View on Amazon
By Melissa Kerry
Bookwrangler (2021) - ISBN 9781736603123
Fiction - Children/Early Reader (4-8yrs old)- Hardcover25 pages - $15.99
Mr. McCoodle encourages children to identify their feelings and to discover different possibilities for expressing emotions. It is the story of a man who has feelings that he has a challenging time identifying and expressing. He eventually recognizes his feelings through the help of a fish friend. He identifies his emotions and is able to feel his feelings while joining his friend on a ride.
READ First Chapter View on Amazon
People Suck: A Cheat Code for Introverts
By Mark DrolsbaughHandwave Publications (2023)
ISBN 978-1732609433
Reviewed by Stephanie E. Long for Reader Views (04/2023)
Do you find yourself endlessly turned away from big crowds and intimidating presentations? Does the thought of hosting a party make you want to run for the hills?
The author of “People Suck,” fellow introvert Mark Drolsbaugh, has written a clever and hilariously candid guide for readers to refer to as they stop rejecting and start embracing life as they were meant to live it—as an introvert. The book is chock-full of valuable tips and tricks to lessen the anxiety of being in social situations, utilizing improvisation techniques, and recognizing the need for solo time to recharge. As someone who recoils from most social situations, I’ve spent a lifetime making excuses for my behavior, which often gives off a holier-than-thou vibe or an elitist attitude that is not my intent at all. Mark highlights the importance of being transparent about my introversion rather than hiding it to prevent the possibility of alienating others.
Reading this book was truly a gift. So many of Mark’s experiences resonated with me— preferring one-on-one interactions to groups, craving space and time to recharge, and the internal dialogue that comes with being an introvert. He had a comical way of relaying these experiences while providing the reader with helpful guidance to navigate personal and professional relationships in a world designed for extroverts. I certainly finished the book with a renewed sense of calmness and acceptance; I didn’t have to apologize for being myself. Sure, I didn’t have the same people-pleasing abilities as extroverts. Still, I had other impressive qualities to offer the world...This book checks off all the boxes and deserves a five-star rating.
Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.
“
...readers can expect significant changes in how they conduct their lives without trying to be something they’re not...”
The Bridge to Magic
By Alex ThornburyShadow Lore Publishing (2023)
ISBN 978-0645497007
Fiction - Teen/YA - Ages 12 To 18
Reviewed by Leigh Kimberly Zoby Reader Views (11/2022)
The Bridge to Magic is a magnificent high fantasy debut by exciting new author, Alex Thornbury. Dark and foreboding, while equally alluring and addicting—as the first book in The Sundered Web trilogy, Thornbury lays the foundation for an unforgettable journey. All stories began and ended at the Bridge to Magic. – Chapter One, The Bridge to Magic...
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Bridge to Magic.” It’s original, captivating, and readers may be surprised to find this is the author’s debut novel. The storyline is absolutely mesmerizing, and Thornbury has a knack for telling a dark story. And I do mean dark. The despair, the suffering, losing hope—it’s a gloomy formula, and combined with the meticulously drawn settings, Thornbury’s words have the authority to shroud the reader in the eerie gloom that threatens humanity...
“The Bridge to Magic” is suitable for YA and adult audiences. It could easily shine as a YA novel with Elika as the protagonist, though the magic and adventure will appeal to crowds of all ages. Alex Thornbury does a remarkable job with world building and character development and her creativity and imagination shines in this work. I got the impression she thoroughly enjoyed writing this story – it shows. I highly recommend “The Bridge to Magic” and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy as the story unfolds. Read complete review or visit www.readerviews.com.
“It’s original, captivating, and readers may be surprised to find this is the author’s debut novel.”
Conor Mitchell was born in October of 1994 and raised in the suburbs just outside of Baltimore, MD. Growing up, he had gained a fascination with photography and videography. In 2007, while visiting his uncle in Palo Alto, CA, Conor experienced the city of San Francisco for the very first time. From the minute he got on the plane back to Baltimore, he never stopped talking about his plan to eventually move back to the city he fell in love with after only one visit.
Conor started his own YouTube channel, Dragon Rider Network, in October of 2008, dedicated to discussing technology news and tech product reviews. In September of 2018, nearly 11 years after his first visit to the city, he would travel 3000 miles over four days by train to his new home of San Francisco, CA.
For more information about Conor visit www.lockdownsf.squarespace.com/
Although Conor was unsure what he was so drawn to the city for expressly, he knew he had a purpose of serving, and San Francisco was the key to this purpose. With all he had experienced with COVID-19 and the last several months of his time in the city, documenting one of the most historical times in world history could very well have been his calling. On March 16th, 2020, San Francisco announced that it would be instituting a Shelter-In-Place to help combat the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first major metropolitan area in California and the United States to enact such an action. Yet, throughout those first 100 days, Conor Mitchell, a photographer and videographer living in downtown San Francisco, found himself alone in the city he had called home for just 18 months.
Taking as many pictures as he could, Conor curated a collection of photos in this book to best illustrate what a total lockdown in one of the most famous cities in the world looked like.
ISBN 9781977241160
View on Amazon
Outskirts Press (2021)
Tradeback - 84 pages - $29.95
Synopsis: On March 16th, 2020, San Francisco announced that it would be instituting a Shelter-In-Place to help combat the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first major metropolitan area in California and the United States to enact such an action. Yet, throughout those first 100 days, Conor Mitchell, a photographer and videographer living in downtown San Francisco, found himself alone in the city he had called home for just 18 months. Taking as many pictures as he could, Conor curated a collection of photos in this book to best illustrate what a total lockdown in one of the most famous cities in the world looked like. But the street would not stay quiet for long. Aside from the pandemic itself, San Francisco was one of many cities that hosted a string of protests that swept through the country fueled by the death of George Floyd. As a result, the city saw empty city streets become filled with protestors and even scenes of civil unrest. Conor hopes these photos will act as a force for change.
* Overall Best NonFiction Bronze Winner
READ FIRST CHAPTER
Mr. Nannini began his writing career when he published his own newspaper in the sixth grade and charged 25 cents per school quarter for the privilege of reading the only hand-written copy of each edition. The newspaper was a modest success. During his undergraduate years, he was a paid newspaper reporter and worked three semesters as the Research Assistant to journalism professor Richard Stocks Carlson, Ph.D. Nannini’s newspaper reporting paid for his senior year of undergrad. Carlson advised him to always write as if his readers have an 8th-grade education or less, something he took with a grain of salt.
For more information about Marcus visit www.chameleonsthebook.com/ midnight-flight-to-nuremberg/
memoir, "Midnight Flight to Nuremberg: The Capture of the Nazi who put Adolf Hitler into Power" is an extraordinary and recommended addition to community, college, and university library World War II biographies.
Ariveting and detailed military
—Midwest Book Review
Nannini, author of Left for Dead at Nijmegen, takes flight in this gripping account of courage in the air, the story of pilot Harry E. Watson, who flew 27 combat missions in World War II and was the recipient of seven Battle Stars and three Air Medals. Nannini, who interviewed First Lieutenant Watson extensively, opens this vivid account in the thick of the war, with the tense tale of Watson. — Book Life
ISBN 9781526792730
View on Amazon
Air World, An Imprint Of Pen & Sword Books (2021)
Hardcover - 224 pages - $32.95
Synopsis: This is the story of an American C-47 ‘Dakota’ pilot who earned three Air Medals, seven Battle Stars and flew twenty-seven combat missions during the Second World War. Around midnight, in early April 1945, he was sent on a secret mission to fly to a point near Nuremberg, which was behind enemy lines at the time. It was necessary for him to locate an empty meadow in the dark, land, load a party of US soldiers and their captives, and then take-off again. He pulled it off. Among those prisoners was Franz von Pappen, the man who had persuaded President Hindenburg to make Hitler Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Von Papen had been seized at his own home by First Lieutenant Thomas McKinley and his men from the US 194th Glider Infantry Regiment.
* Gold Winner: Overall Best Non-Fiction
BBeing a Blogger requires commitment to be relevant. This commitment the consistency of the postings. Here are some steps to follow:
1Find your niche. - What are you passionate about? What do you want to share with the world? When you narrow down your focus, you’ll be able to more easily attract readers who are interested in what you have to say.
2Post regularly. - Don’t posts and then abandon weeks or months on end. fresh and your readers will back for more. The trick ics that at your reach and audience.
6Develop opportunities for others.Through blog events such as guest writers, giveaways, interviews…etc., you not only help others. You also help yourself by generating content that will bring a new audience from other networks.
5Make money. - There are ways you can monetize your as through ads, and affiliate creative and develop new ways through collaboration with participating in online events, in your blog…etc. This a must to make your living through
*Finally, there are many different reasons to start your blog. Some of us do so to generate traffic for our websites others to live from it. Either way it requires commitment, time, creativity, and a lot of work to be successful. Be aware of this and embrace the lifestyle!
commitment must reflect the quality of the content as well as follow:
Don’t just write a few abandon your blog for end. Keep your content will keep coming is in choosing topand are relevant to the
are a variety of your blog, such affiliate marketing. Be ways to monetize other bloggers, events, creating a store must if your goal is through blogging!
3Engage with your readers. - Take the time to respond to comments, answer questions, and interact with your audience. Showing that you value their input will keep them coming back for more. It is difficult to find the time, but it is also crucial to do so.
4Promote your blog. - Make sure your blog is easy to find by promoting it on social media and other websites. The more people who know about your blog, the more traffic you’ll get. Be consistent and keep the buzz going.
Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a retired LA County Sheriff’s homicide sergeant. He was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan before joining the US Marine Corps in 1979. After a brief stint in Okinawa, Japan, he finished out his military career in southern California and ultimately became a police officer with the Compton police department. He worked there from 1985 until 2000 and then transferred to the sheriff’s department where he worked an additional seventeen years, retiring in 2017 with over seventyfive commendations. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughter Lauren and young son, Desmond. They have six other adult children and nine grandchildren.
For more information about Frederick visit www.authorfrederickreynolds. com
Synopsis: This book is far more than just “cop stories”; it is a looking glass into life in ways that had not been thought of before. , The author set out on a path of destruction, living on the streets, dealing with drugs and gangs, and even ending up in jail before an unlikely career as a police officer in Compton, California. As a Black man who found himself on both sides of the law, the author offers a truly unique perspective to readers, showing the intricacies of how society works in different ways for different situations. No matter what someone’s gender, race, or political views are, any reader will be able to take these life experiences and learn the reality of racism and policing in America through the author’s lenses.
ISBN 9781638485216
View on Amazon
Mindstirmedia (2021)
Tradeback - 395 pages - $16.99
Nonfiction - Memoir / Law Enforcement / Black / African
An intimate, sharply written account of one cop's perseverance in a broken system...Get it.
—Kirkus Review
Aworthwhile, eye-opening read!
— Book Excellence
* Silver Winner: Overall Best Non-Fiction
WONDERING WHO I AM AND WHAT I AM DOING HERE. LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF. BUT FIRST I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT KNOW...
lt's been said that reading is a gift thatjust keeps on giving. lt's like cardio for your brain, building muscle that keeps you learning, entertained, and mentally healthy. lf you already know that, do you know this?
Reading can change a person. That's a fact!
Reading can increase your knowledge, inspire new ways of being, reduce stress, and be your silent best friend. That'sjust for starters. lt can also be an amazing self-development tool. and that brings me to answer the questions, who I am and what I am doing here.
As a new editorial contributor to First Chapter Plus e-magazine, and a certified personal and professional coach, I would like to share my perspective, answer any questions you may have or write about topics of interest to you.
Set
janice@janicemillercoach.com
Outskirts Press (2022)
Tradeback - 87 pages - $14.95
Synopsis: Author’s debut poetic memoir of 50 poems written over 50 years divided into life stage received is a Bronze Medal Winner in the Poetry category in Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards, 2022-2023. Each word portrait draws readers into a powerful connection between the author’s thoughts, feelings, and words. Covers universal topics of love, loss, and disconnection.
Wolf Woman & Other Poems... a collection of poems that span fifty years of the poet's life, so rich, beautiful and provacative...a joy to read...poems touch on universal themes. 5-star review!
—Dawn Colclasure
Reader Views
Abeautifully written...collection of brilliantly bold and emotionally resonant poems...every woman will see parts of herself in Vega's poems.
—5-star Readers' Favorite Book Reviews
(... Book Bans in the US? Part One by Susan Violante -continuation from page 6...)
Opponents of book bans argue that they infringe upon the freedom of expression, limit access to information, and promote censorship. They argue that individuals should have the right to read and engage with a wide range of ideas, even if they are challenging or uncomfortable. Proponents of book bans, on the other hand, often argue that certain books are not suitable for certain audiences, particularly children, and that restrictions are necessary to protect their moral or ethical values.
It’s important to note that book bans in the US vary widely depending on the location and the specific circumstances. Some bans may be temporary, while others may be permanent. Additionally, bans may be challenged in court, and outcomes can vary based on legal interpretations and local policies. Overall, book bans in the US remain a complex and contentious issue, involving considerations of free speech, community values, and educational priorities.
Suzanne Simonetti grew up in the New York suburbs just outside of the city. Af- ter earning a BS in market- ing, she spent several years writing press releases, until she left her corporate job to focus on her passion for crafting fiction. She lives on Cape May Harbor with her husband. The Sound of Wings is her first novel.
For more information about Suzanne visit www.suzannesimonetti.com
Synopsis: A gripping, touching, and memorable prtrait of three women rising above painful pasts to seize present opportunities and of friendships that grow, despite differences, to sustain and inspire. The novel is set on Cape May Island.
By Suzanne Simonetti
ASIN B08F2BJP1N
View on Amazon
She Writes Press (2021)
e-Book - 296 pages - $8.69
Fiction - Novel / Women
Astory world so completely alive with characters so real, I can feel them breathing behind me.
—Caroline LeavittNew York Times best-selling author
Reminiscent of Alice Hoffman in its elegant unfolding and sheer magic of its storytelling..
— Mary Morris award-winning author
* Silver Winner: Overall Best Fiction
READ FIRST CHAPTER WATCH BOOK VIDEO
a period as Padma’s story. When she travels to Scotland, the present-day clan chief captures her attention–and her heart.
Jenna’s visit to Scotland and Dunnottar Castle puts her on a path of healing, self-discovery, and loves new and remembered–one across the pond and one beyond the grave.
What was your inspiration behind the storyline?
AnneK. Hawkinson considers herself lucky because she was raised in a family that valued learning. By the time she entered kindergarten, she knew how to read, print, and write in cursive. Bedtime stories were a mainstay, and trips to the local library were as common as those to the grocery store. She couldn’t have known then, but they were instrumental in her becoming a writer. Those stories sparked her imagination, but they waited, poised and ready, until she was ready to call upon them for inspiration.
She’s ready now, writing historical fiction stories that she hopes will find their way into the hands of an eager reader, ready to embark on an adventure that she’s imagined, crafted, and tucked between the covers.
What is Wolf Woman & Other Poems about?
When Jenna Hickson’s best friend dies unexpectedly, she struggles to find a way forward without her. While sorting through Padma’s personal things, she discovers an unfinished story set in 14th century Scotland and vows to finish it in her memory. Jenna is not a writer and finds the process daunting, but she finds help in a way she never dreamt possible. At the same time, she’s having vivid, chronological dreams set in the same time
I think it started out as a fascination with the concept of a ghostwriter–a person who writes material for someone else who is the named author. Then I took the word apart and wondered what it would be like for a ghost to be the writer. Padma is a ghost, helping Jenna finish the story Padma started before she died. Jenna is also a ghostwriter, since she is finishing the story for Padma, the original author. So, the end result is that Jenna is a ghostwriter being guided by a ghost–who is a ghost writer.
How did you develop your protagonist, Jenna Hickson? What motivates her?
Jenna had to be strong and determined with the first words I put on the page–I guess I didn’t give her much of a choice! But she rose to the challenge and focused on preserving the memory of her dearest friend by finishing the unearthed story in her honor. She muscled through her grief to honor Padma while internally she struggled to move on without her. Grief is a powerful, multi-faceted emotion, and I tried to show in Jenna’s character that you never get over losing a loved one. You find a way to move forward without them as you clutch those treasured memories close to your heart.
Jenna is a kind, generous woman who tries to see the good in people. She’s the type of person who finds happiness and fulfillment when she’s helping and bringing joy to others–that’s why her job as a travel
consultant is such a good fit. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge (writing a book when she’s not a writer) and will do whatever it takes to see it through to a successful end.
What are the dynamics between Jenna and Sir Thomas deKeith?
Well, both of them have had challenges in the relationship department, so the idea of a long-distance one is daunting. Jenna has her life in NYC and Tom his ancestral home in Scotland. He’s also under pressure to produce an heir in order to continue the deKeith family line. It seems that the odds are stacked against them before their relationship has a chance to grow and flourish. Jenna didn’t come to Scotland to find a husband (or love interest), and Tom is trying to evade the clutches of women whose top priority is his name and title. They’re both a bit wary of getting too involved in something that may not last. And yet, there seems to be something there.
What kind of research was involved for this story?
First off, I had to establish a place for Jenna to live, so I built her a neighborhood after researching maps and locations in NYC. I’ve visited NYC, so I had a feel for the pace, climate, and setting of Jenna’s world. Padma’s story necessitated the search for a 14th century location in Scotland that would be a good fit. As I searched the internet for just the right castle, an image that popped up made me gasp. When I saw it, I knew immediately that Dunnottar Castle would be the setting for Padma’s story. Then, I did more research on the history of the castle. Some of the characters in the story are actual 14th century residents (the deKeith family) which brings a feeling of authenticity to the story. Others, like Jenna and Padma, are characters of my own creation...
Read the complete interview with Anne K. Hawkinson
“...what it would be like for a ghost to be the writer...a ghostwriter being guided by a ghost–who is a ghost writer.”
Ari Loeb spent much of his life traveling as a circus artist. Now he lives in Los Angeles and works as a stuntman, specializing in creature horror such as Zombieland, Fear The Walking Dead, and the Resident Evil video games. He also writes books.
For more information about Ari visit www.ariloeb.com
Synopsis: College student Jimmy Johannsen returns to his small hometown, only to find it’s been overrun with death, chaos and strange rumors. Now with his shocked, hayseed mother under his arm, Jimmy must defend himself against a storm of horrors, as well as the town’s dwindling survivors, who’s history adds up to a deadly sum of guns, conspiracy, and bad blood. Welcome to Thunder, Arizona – a small town with a big nuclear secret.
Thunder, AZ
By Ari Loeb
ISBN 9781736993934
View on Amazon
Abandoned House (2021)
Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00
Fiction - Horror / SciFi
Acracked
carnival of a bookpendulum rides, freak shows, and the best damn shooting gallery. You'll gasp, grin, and line up for more. —Kirkus Review
Engrossing...annihilation...Complete An unforgettable tale tnat hasn't been told before.
— Paige Lovitt Reader Views2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Award
Gold Winner in the Horror category and The Jack Eadon Memorial Award.
READ FIRST CHAPTER
Marisa Billions is a high school English teacher in Southern California. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminology. She is the author of the fiction novels, This Too Shall Pass, Like Sapphire Blue, and Into the Blue Again and is supposed to be working on her upcoming fourth novel.
She lives in Southern California with her wife, Stephanie and son Alexander and two Dogs, Max and Bonnie.
Visit Marisa Billions at: www.authormarisabillions.com to stay in the loop on new projects.
• Catching up with Marisa Billions
• Literary Awards and about Like Sapphire Blue
• Writing the characters with authenticity and being fearless
• Sapphic Novels and LGBTQIA+ Literature
• Growing as a reader and a writer
• What's next for Marisa?
By Edward Korczynski
Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN: 9781977243478
NonFiction - Religion/Christian Living - 80 pages - Tradeback - $16.95
Like an American Chesterton, Ed Korczynski has taken a hard look at our current moral environment, compared it to the one within which he grew up in the 1950s and 60s, and asked himself “What the heck happened?” In answer to the issues he raises, Korczynski proposes solutions inspired by his Catholic upbringing that have been effective throughout the Church’s 2,000-year history.
READ First Chapter
By Ruth Broek
View on Amazon
Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN 9781977247223
NonFiction-Memoir - Family - 234 pages - Tradeback - $19.95
Mal was only six when he found he was not welcome to join his friends in their white school. He was shocked. Sad and confused, Malachi looked for answers. One Saturday, while planting pansies, he looked up to see Julie, a very serious little blonde six-year-old. They both agreed the flowers looked like kitten faces. And there began his friendship of many years with her whole family..... the one which gave birth to this book.
READ First Chapter
View on Amazon
A Collection of Tiny Stories - Diminutive Tales from the Tip of
Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781737506133
Fiction-Short Stories - Tradeback - 63 pages - $17.95
A Collection of Tiny Stories: Diminutive Tales from the Tip of My Imagination presents prose and art that represent an inspirational celebration of the spirit, gathering “tiny” works “born out of moments of whimsy, mystery, and longing.” Add “and magic” to that list, because CK Sobey’s works employ a magical element that gather tales both fantastic and reflective into three sections: “Inspiring Odysseys,” “From the Heart,” and “Fanciful.”
READ First Chapter View on Amazon
For me, the little something is a book video. A book video not only brings to life the main story or topic for the reader, it can also portray a feeling on who the Author is and what message he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book videos that help make the decision to read the book but also gives me insight on its contents, improving in many cases, my reading experience.
• The images – unlike movie trailers which use previews from the movie, the book video images could be off putting when reading the story, as the characters looks and settings will be a combined result of the descriptions, and the readers’ imagination. But images that do not mess with such specifics and instead reflect the message, topic, or plot are perfect as a preview of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book.
• Background music and narrator’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Romantic?
• Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice narration. Here is where we learn what the book is all about, and other information like endorsements, Author website, and where to get the book.
“Sometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title”
Book Videos on this page were provided by https:// www.youtube.com/user/ReaderViews - For information on how to place your bookvideo here email us at admin@firstchapterplus.com
The Crown of Sammuramat
By Mel Weiser
Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781977250513
Fiction-Thriller - Tradeback - 304 pages - $22.95
Nothing is more satisfying than a book snaring attention in its first pages until its final words. In pitting the mysteries of Ancient Assyria against the forces of contemporary America, this book carries a reader breathtakingly from a shocking opening to a glorious and gratifying conclusion. Enlightening. Imaginative. Hypnotic. A reading experience bringing smiles of satisfaction long after it has been put on a shelf. “The Crown Of Sammuramat”, a thriller to be remembered.
READ First Chapter View on Amazon
Khuda Buksh - The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh
By Muhammad Obaidur RahimFulton Books (2022) - ISBN: 9781637108758
NonFiction-Business/Memoir- Tradeback - 360 pages - $24.95
This is the story of a wizard of insurance whose work spanned about four decades in three countries from 1935 to 1973. During his life time he popularized life insurance in Bangladesh and became a legend. After his death in 1974, he was lost in history. But his son Muhammad Rahim, an US immigrant and a retired engineer, researched on his father’s life. The book may interest people studying leadership of a role model leader.
READ First Chapter View on Amazon
Zayin
By Josh GoldsteinOutskirts Press, Inc. (2021) - ISBN: 9781478739838
Fiction-SciFi/Adventure- Tradeback - 339 pages - $21.95
The Fight for Freedom Begins!
On Planet Zayin, a world of gleaming spires and towers, Prince Taal, Princess Liron, and General Tor-ox fight the forces of Prime Minister Mabus-Tel who has overthrown the monarchy. Who will win the war for control of Zayin, the Zagana Rebellion or Mabus-Tel and Amgog? The fight for freedom begins.
READ First Chapter View on Amazon
By Oakley Taylor
Outskirts Press (2022) - ISBN: 9781977250513
NonFiction-Memoir - Tradeback - 344 pages - $23.95
In 1973, a young woman embarked on a westward venture to unknown destinations. From the beginning, her plans go awry as she learns how volatile the world could be. This story is a tale of resurrection. From the depths of loneliness and the hardship of destitution, came hidden strengths. Inspired by the kindness of strangers and guided by blind faith lies hope for light at the end of a dark and dreary tunnel.
Imani Lewis is a multi-award winning and national best selling author of multiple genres. She enjoys reading to her babies and creating worlds that others can relate to.
Check out more titles by Imani Lewis at manitheauthor.com
Synopsis: Hello & Goodnight gives you a look at a day in the life of a toddler, through the eyes of a toddler! Engaging you with fun rhymes, beautiful imagery, and adorable humor, Hello & Goodnight is sure to become a bedtime favorite.
ISBN 9781734517088
View on Amazon
Red Beetle Publishing, LLC (2021)
Tradeback - 34 pages - $11.99
Fiction - Preaschool/Early Reader
Adelightful story that will appeal to little ones, their parents, and their grandparents, and I highly recommend it as a must-have in every little home library.
— Sheri Hoyte Reader Views
* Reader Views Kids Award for Best Children’s Book of the Year
Wally Jones is a first-time author. He is also fully dyslexic. It wasn’t until his late twenties, and after dozens of tests for physical disabilities and learning disorders, that it was discovered he was missing the fundamental ability to encode and decode word phonics. Reading and writing simply wasn’t possible for him. He subsequently spent many years building a comprehensive Sight Vocabulary and is now considered to be fully compensated. However, dyslexia still causes him many problems. Though he continues to struggle with reading and writing, Sam the Chosen serves as testament that all challenges can be overcome.
Synopsis: The attacks changed everything. Life would never be the same. So much carnage, and yet the enemy was never seen. Not even once. The truth is, humanity had no chance. You can’t fight what you can’t see. Sam tries to return to a normal life after the attacks end, but constant reminders and paranoia feed the need for protection at all times. The desire to run, that internal voice triggering the urgency to escape this harsh world, is very real. Now an ill-fated camping trip will show Samantha just how deep the peril goes. Swept up in a new reality, she gains a deeper understanding of the way the world operates. For Sam, there is no returning to her old life. Sam is now Chosen.
ISBN 9781646634545
View on Amazon
Koehler Books (2021)
Tradeback - 271 pages - $19.99
Fiction - Fantasy/Epic
An entertaining, well-crafted debut that challenges humankind's stewardship of the planet.
—Kirkus Review
Wally Jones respects his readers and know how to take us to the conflict in his opening paragraph. Sam the Chosen is a pageturner, taking its readers to a time and place they will never forget.
— Mary Ellen/Gavin Literary Agent
* 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards Overall Gold Prize Winner
* Winner in the Fantasy category
* B.A. Bellec’s Production Studio Marketing Package
Best Southesast Region -Regional Award Winner
Best North America - Global Award Winner
*
* The Author Marketing Experts Award for Best Debut Fiction
*
IhWhenpeople ask me to recommend children’s books for reluctant readers, I usually suggest graphic novels. When I think of reluctant readers, I assume they are intimidated by so much text on the page and/or cannot find books that capture their interest. (I know there can be other reasons, but I must make an educated guess without knowing the child.) Graphic novels address both these issues with minimal text, engaging illustrations, and a wide variety of subjects – both fiction and non-fiction.
However, I have a confession to make. Until I decided to write this article about graphic novels, I had never read an entire one. (GASP!) I never liked comic books, so I decided I would not enjoy graphic novels because they are so similar in format. However, after reading two graphic novels – El Deafo and New Kid - I am glad to say my eyes and mind have been opened.
El Deafo was a Newbery Award honor book in 2015, and New Kid was the Newbery Award winner in 2020 - and both books have been placed on banned books lists. El Deafo focuses on the elementary school years, while New Kid takes place in middle school, so some of the themes are more sophisticated.
I read “El Deafo” first and found it to be an easy read, despite some of the difficult situations the main character faced because of her hearing loss. As much as I love words, I was impressed by how much the illustrations enhanced my experience and understanding of the story. “New Kid” was more nuanced and quickly introduced multiple characters, requiring more concentration. At first, it was a challenge to note which character the word bubble was pointing to so I would know whose thoughts or words I was reading.
Again, I was not a comic book reader. However, it did become easier the more I read. In addition, I read the complete graphic novels in considerably less time than a chapter book—another motivating factor for reluctant readers.
Graphic novels give the brain more of a workout per sentence than any other type of media, including conventional books. - School Library Journal
Research has found that graphic novels address the needs of multiple learning styles, and that the visualizations help readers to understand the story first and the text after. - Journal of Classroom Research in Literacy
Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published by Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, community events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. barefootlibrarian.com
Author: Cece Bell
Publisher: Amulet Books (2014)
ISBN: 9781419712173
Children-Young Reader - Paperback - $14.99
ElDeafo is based on the author’s real-life experiences as a child who suffered severe hearing loss after an illness at age 4. She shares her challenges and triumphs dealing with her hearing loss, hearing equipment, and the social ups and downs of childhood in an honest, open, and relatable way.
Quill Tree Books (2019)
ISBN: 9780062691194
Children - Young Reader - Paperback - $12.99
New Kid demonstrates that being a new middle student at a private school can be even more
fraught when you are racially and economically different from most other students. The author does not shy away from the blatant or subtle prejudices exhibited toward minority students and other challenges they face. But these topics are handled with humor and grace, and the reader develops empathy for the characters.
I am a Best-Selling and Award-Winning author, and is a proud mother of two totally awesome boys who both have autism. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, and I am an autism self advocate who loves learning about autism and supporting autism organizations. I advocate for kids with autism to be heard, valued and understood. My mission through this book is to encourage self belief and resilience, to embrace different abilities, and to empower kids with autism to reach their full potential no matter what challenges they have.
For more information about Amy visit www.ausome-able.com.
Thisbook shows us how to embrace our own uniqueness, talents, and interests, empowering those that read it to feel super! Perfect for kids beginning school, full of new faces, to those well versed in making new friends, this is a read perfect for helping our little ones understand more about themselves and the talents of everyone around them.
—Jill ReaderReyViewsThisis such a powerful resource. As a pediatric occupational therapist myself, I find this book to be important for parents, students, teachers and the team that a child has around them. We so often get lost in what a child cannot do, and need to stop and remember all the beautiful powers each unique and individual child has. Love the incorporation of all the calming strategies!
— Amazon Customer ReviewISBN 9798519247504
View on Amazon
Independently Published (2021)
Tradeback - 30 pages - $9.99
Nonfiction - Children/ Early Reader-8
Synopsis: This book explains autism though the lens of an autistic child in a special way inviting people to visit their unique world, to help people understand more about autism and the reasons behind their unique behaviors, to embrace differences and to raise acceptance. This story is to empower kids with autism to believe in themselves and reach their full potential no matter what challenges they have; encouraging them to be confident in being who they are - because they are who they’re meant to be!
*Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Book Written/Illustrated by an Author/Illustrator Age 18 and Under.
Lynne Armstrong-Jones, like many authors, feels that she’s been writing all her life! When she started sending manuscripts to major publishers and agents, though, finances interfered, and she went back to full-time work. Since then, she’s been making up for lost time! On the Trail of the Unseen is the third of her five-book fantasy series.
For more information about Lynne visit www.lynnearmstrongjones.com
Synopsis: Although Nico is a skilled swordsman, even he can’t fight plague, so he is forced to leave and flee northward with his family, leaving his sorcery friends to try to help the panicked people. One sorceress remains behind in the Tower, searching for a cure. But what she does could prove disastrous.
By Lynne Armstrong-Jones
ISBN 9781039121652
View on Amazon
Friesen Press (2022)
Tradeback - 337 pages - $7.06
Lynne Armstrong-Jones is an amazing fantasy writer who knows how to create unique plots ... Her characters are colorful and complex.
—Reader Views
Asmart, gripping, and skillfully constructed novel of fantasy ... A definite winner.
— The Prairies Book Review
READ FIRST CHAPTER
