Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week - Laurie Finkelstein

Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week!

I am happy to host Laurie Finkelstein today as par of the Rave Reviews Book Club Pay It Forward Week! But first I should thank Bethany Turner, Rave Reviews Book Club member and board member, as she is the one who came up with the idea for this promotion! You can find out more about Bethany Turner and her books here. For more information on how you can join Rave Reviews Book Club and become a part of the Pay It Forward program click here.

And now, I’d like to welcome Laurie Finkelstein. Laurie is a supportive member of Rave Reviews Book Club and a new author having just written her first book, which will be available soon. She is also quite an accomplished artist as you can see on her website.

About Laurie (taken from her website)

“Laurie Beth Finkelstein has studied at various institutions, including USC School of Music and the Arts, Idyllwild, California, Otis Art Institute, California State University, Long Beach, California, and through private instruction, Laurie has explored a variety of medium including clay, metal, oils, pen and ink, pastels, and watercolors, ultimately choosing acrylics and mixed media as her medium of choice. In 2008, Laurie dedicated herself to finding her voice and honing her skills to create what is now her individual style and focus.”

While we wait for her book to be published we can enjoy her many works of art, here are just a few examples of Laurie’s remarkable talent.

These are awesome! I especially love the paintings of the rocks! You can see more of her realistic paintings on her website. And don’t forget to follow her blog and sign up for her newsletter.

As you can probably tell, I am truly impressed by her artistic ability the detail is stunning! I’m sure her new endeavor of writing will carry the same attention to detail. I'm looking forward to the release of her new book!

Where to find Laurie Finkelstein:

Website: http://lauriebethart.com/

Blog: http://lauriebethart.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Beth-Art/205028329507169

Twitter: @lauriebethart

Newsletter: http://lauriebethart.com/email-newsletter

Authors and Readers: Join Rave Reviews Book Club today for awesome support and a great selection of books!

Joint Effort

My wife and I are working on a project together. A book. A children’s book to be precise.

During our project, I’ve learned something: I don’t do well writing for kids. I like words too much. I like having many words to choose from and not worrying if it’s going to be misunderstood. That’s not really an option with a kid’s book. Too many unfamiliar words and they will lose interest. (Probably a lot of adults like that too).

It is frustrating though to have to curtail my word usage. By the end of it, I was saying to myself, Well, if they don’t know this word by now, it’s about time they learned. See why I maybe shouldn’t write children’s books?

But that is the approach I always used with my own kids. In fact, I’d specifically choose words I thought would be new to them. When they asked what the word meant, I’d say, “Look it up.” I did try to use context so they weren’t always at a loss for a word’s meaning, but quite often they were looking up words. Once they had a basic definition, we’d discuss the word so I could give them a fuller definition—connotations and meanings that the dictionary had omitted.

I don’t think it’s possible to do that with readers though. Even if it were, I doubt the practice would be advisable. Not really a good way to attract readers.

Back to our project: The book is about my wife’s cat—when she was growing up—and some of the rather stupid things he did. In fact, that was his name, Stupid, which is actually an endearing term. Really! Okay, that wasn’t his real name, it just sort of came to be; borne quite naturally out of the shaking of the head in disbelief at some of the things the cat did, mostly as a kitten.

I knew the cat, he was still around when my wife and I started dating, and he was far from stupid. And that’s saying a lot coming from me considering I really don’t like cats. Dogs are so much more relatable!

My wife took care of writing the initial story, and all the illustrations. She says she’s not a writer. She says she’s not an artist. Yet, I have indisputable proof that she is both.

Me, I got to do all the re-writes, to put the story in the voice of the cat, then more re-writes, formatting, cover design, and publishing.

We should have had the book done by now. Or, more to the point, I should have had it done by now. My wife’s part has been finished for quite some time. But as I like to say, art can’t be rushed! Well, unless you’re one of those speed painters, which I’m not. But it will be done soon; in a few days or so. And it might actually be out by the time this post goes live.

One other thing I’ve learned during this project; my wife and I make a good team! But then, this coming Saturday will be our 28th Anniversary so we probably should have figured out how to work together by now! I did have fun working on this project with her. Good thing, I think she’s already planning a sequel!

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS. Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice-President of Rave Reviews Book Club.

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RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB

Current Reads

The Hugo Reward - Guest Post by Danica Cornell

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome a friend and fellow board member of Rave Reviews Book Club, author Danica Cornell. Danica is a sci-fi writer and the creator of the DARK STAR Series. I'm happy to play host for this great author. And now, here's Danica.

The Hugo Reward

By Danica Cornell

Before I begin, I would like to thank author, Bruce A. Borders, for inviting me to be a guest here today.  Shortly after meeting Bruce on Twitter, I was presented with the opportunity to join Rave Reviews Book Club, where we both currently serve as members of the Governing Board.  During our time working together, I’ve grown to appreciate Bruce not only as a fabulous writer, but also as a caring colleague, mentor, and friend...

For those sci-fi/fantasy readers who’ve been following me for awhile, there’s a pretty good chance they’ve come to recognize my deep affection for dogs.  I mean, let’s face it, I include these animals in my DARK STAR Series, and I even have a  webpage dedicated to, “Henry”, a cantankerous and comedic canine character!  

“Henry”, DARK STAR’s Cantankerous and Comedic Canine Character.

With all of this in mind, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that topping my list of favorite dogs, sits my very own dachshund, Hugo.  And for those who may be wondering, the answer is yes—I did name him after science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award! 

In truth, my little hot dog has more personality than you can shake a fetching stick at, including heaping doses of playfulness, intelligence, and stubbornness—traits which this breed are known for.  But what makes Hugo truly endearing, is how sweet and sensitive he is.  (Not to mention, protective.)  It’s quickly clear to anyone who meets us; Hugo’s a mama’s boy!

 

Hugo with DARK STAR author, Danica Cornell.

An interesting thing about my canine companion, (other than the fact that he runs our house), is that despite being similar to DARK STAR’s, “Henry”, I actually created “Henry” before meeting Hugo.  In other words, I envisioned a character that ended up being similar to a pup, which would one day join my family!  (A case of life imitating art—or arf, if there ever was one!) 

Here are a few more fun factoids:

·       Hugo is actually my fourth dachshund!  The first three were Oscar, Sara, and Wilbur.

·       Hugo’s favorite games include fetch and tug-o-war.  He loves to play first thing, (typically while I’m clutching my morning coffee), and again right after dinner.

·       I tend to think of our evening play times as a “Hugo Reward” for a day spent writing and editing.  (Yes, he typically stays right by my side while I work.)

By now, one thing’s probably clear:  My adoration and familiarity with this breed are why I’m including dachshund characters in my DARK STAR series.  Soon, readers will be introduced to DARK STAR’s “Henry” and his younger brofur, “Hector”, who has a knack for lightening the mood at just the right time. 

And the best part of all?  As a writer, I’ve found that through bringing these canine characters to life, I’m having the time of my life.  Not bad for a day’s work!

ABOUT DANICA CORNELL:   

Danica Cornell is the PR/Marketing Director for Rave Reviews Book Club who’s busily penning the forthcoming DARK STAR Sci-fi/Fantasy Series, soon to be published by Cool Geek Books.  To learn more, please visit Danica’s website at www.danicacornell.com.

CONNECT WITH DANICA:

Website  

Blog   

Twitter  

Facebook   

Pinterest    

Instagram   

Google +     

About. Me      

You Tube   

CONNECT WITH DARK STAR’S BELOVED CANINE CHARACTER, “HENRY”!

Henry’s Website Page        

Twitter    

Danica Cornell is a proud member of Rave Reviews Book Club and the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.

And The Tantrums Will Follow by Nonnie Jules

Today, I'm happy to welcome author Nonnie Jules! She is the founder and President of
Rave Reviews Book Club and is stopping by on her latest blog tour. And now, here's Nonnie:

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Hello, and welcome to Day 8 of my 15-day, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  ARE YOU WATCHING NONNIE WRITE” Blog Tour.  I’m so pleased that Bruce has welcomed me here today.  I’m equally excited to be sharing with all of you, his readers and followers.  Bruce and I are fellow Board Members at RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, where we promote and support Indie Authors and readers alike.  If you’d like to know more about RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, visit us here www.RaveReviewsByNonnieJules.wordpress.com.

This month marks the one year anniversary of my burst onto the social media scene and it’s also the one year anniversary of my blog “WATCH NONNIE WRITE!”, and during that time, I have published three REALLY GOOD books and have learned so very much about the industry. Although I’ve been a writer for most of my life (actually, I was born one), I only just became a published author in 2013.  Some might say, “In that short amount of time, what does she know?” Well, I’m here to tell you that “SHE” has learned a lot!  “SHE” has taken the time to hone her skills in the writing department as well as her knowledge.  “SHE” has taken the bull by the horn and run full speed ahead in building her author platform and establishing herself in the writing industry.  “SHE” is making her name KNOWN.

On each stop of my tour, I am sharing with you tips on writing, publishing and support, all topics equally important to the writing industry.  I hope that what I am imparting, you will take, mull over, and then act on in the best interest of YOU.

With that being said, here is…

“AND THE TANTRUMS WILL FOLLOW”

I live in constant support of others, so when I founded RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB it was just another way for me to support and help to propel the many wonderful authors out there who are so deserving of the little support I can offer and so much more.  In an extremely short period of time, our virtual book club has grown by leaps and bounds, and I think today our membership stands around 350.  We have a board of ten very exceptional and extremely talented writers who give of themselves daily to be in service to our members.  They do it without pay, they do it without reservation and there are those times, they do it in the midst of many complaints, trials and shows of un-appreciation.  BUT, they keep serving.

Our focal point at RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB is mainly that of SUPPORT.  We ask and strongly encourage each of our members to jump right in and support their fellow club members by purchasing, reading and reviewing their books.  We also ask that they #Follow each member on our online roster so that they will be able to show their support of each other via social media.  A vast majority of our members are those kinds of members who are also all about support and we so appreciate them.

But, as with any organization there are those who do absolutely NOTHING but expect that they are served, served and served some more without ever giving any of themselves to help others.  We can’t please those people and you know what, we’re not even going to try.

When these “kinds” join us, they join us for one reason and one reason only:  TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR THEM.  That’s their only agenda.  They have no desire to give to others, only to take.  And when they find that they are not being “given” in the manner THEY FEEL they should be, that’s when the trantrums follow.  They take to social media to try and bad-mouth what we do here…they try to defame and degrade our intentions.  But you know what, I have said this before and I will continue to say this:  when you live your life in such a way that everything you do is above reproach, NO COMMENTS, nor any DISPLAYS OF UGLINESS WILL EVER BE ABLE TO TOUCH YOU.  We here at RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB are Board Members who are held in high esteem, and I, being the President, make no apologies for the way that I run my ship…that ship that has PROVEN time and time again, that we walk our talk each and every day.  The proof is in the pudding.  We set out to PROFILE, PROMOTE & PROPEL the careers of Indie Authors and we are doing just that!  Our member-authors are seeing increases in their book sales like some have NEVER seen before!  Our member-authors are gaining book reviews in record numbers like NEVER before!  And their name recognition, well, I receive email and Twitter DMs on a regular basis stating how “no one knew my name before RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB,” so I’ll repeat, we are doing just what we set out to do.

So, here is my invitation for you to take a look at our virtual book club for yourself.  Ignore those that are not happy because they didn’t get what they wanted, when they felt they should have it.  Don’t let the venomous words of those that love to complain and destroy, keep you from the best and most supportive environment that I’ve ever experienced in my many years.  Stop by and speak to our members…you know, those Authors that you see on social media actually SUPPORTING OTHERS.  They’ll be happy to tell you of the GRAND SUPPORT they receive from the members of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.

Here’s to seeing you on the other side of membership.  And before you grace us with your awesome presence, please remember…when you support here, YOU GET SUPPORTED here.  It’s as simple as that.

Thanks for allowing me to share with you today and if you’d like to follow my tour, please do so at www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com  and do share your thoughts!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

NONNIE Jules grew up loving books and everything about them.  She has traveled the world, jumped out of planes and climbed many mountains, all thanks to the wonderful world of literature.  She lives with her husband and two daughters on a very quiet strip of land in Louisiana, where red dirt roads and pick-up trucks go hand in hand.  She is the Author of three great reads at present:  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love!; "Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" (a novel);  and "SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!" Nonnie is also Founder and President of the widely-known Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as being a sought-after book reviewer with a strong "eye" for perfection. 

She continues to write from many different genres and hopes to teach and touch minds and hearts alike with her very unique style of writing.  She loves positive feedback on her writing and personally responds to each and every email.  Nonnie can be reached at nonniewrites@yahoo.com, on Twitter @nonniejules, and do follow her blogs WATCH NONNIE WRITE! {www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com} and ASK THE GOOD MOMMY {http://askthegoodmommy.wordpress.com}. 

Nonnie's feet are firmly planted in her two most important platforms:  Parenting & Support, where she continually invites the masses to join her.

BUY LINKS:

"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love! – Amazon  CreateSpace

"Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" – Amazon  CreateSpace 

"SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!" – Amazon

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In The Spotlight

You may have noticed over the last couple of months, my blog has included a small blurb from the Rave Reviews Book Club - the current Featured Selection and the weekly Spotlight Author. This week, I am honored to have been named the Spotlight Author! As a part of that, several bloggers have hosted me on their blog - a great opportunity to expand the reach of my books. Below is the short blog I wrote for those who hosted me. I thought I’d re-post and share it here.

My name is Bruce A. Borders, author of criminal fiction books. I guess you could call me a professional dreamer - or a schemer. Either one fits.

As a young boy, books always fascinated me. The stories they told were so captivating, so spellbinding. The further I got into a book, the more absorbed I became - and the more questions I had. I wanted to know the what, where, who, and when, of the entire story. But the question that most intrigued me was the “how.” I found it utterly fascinating how everything connected, how seemingly impossible situations were resolved, and especially how things always worked out. With the right explanation, even the strangest puzzle can make sense.

Eventually, I progressed to devising my own conundrums - and then solving them. Things like how to rob a bank, how to gain access to a high-security building or escape from one, or how to get away with murder. This was all hypothetical of course. I never actually wanted to do any of these things. The thrill was in figuring out how they could be done.

Obviously, none of the adults in my life were impressed by my newfound interest. Everyone seemed to agree this “daydreaming” would serve no useful purpose in life. One teacher even told me my pastime was dangerous and unhealthy; that anyone with this sort of mentality would probably end up being a criminal and doing time in prison.

For some people, his prediction could have been right; I can see how it could happen. And, I suppose I could have used his words of warning as an excuse to follow a crooked road to a life of crime. But, I didn’t. Instead, I became a writer.

Rave Reviews Book Club

Featured Selection

Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend

by Nonnie Jules

Bruce A. Borders

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books. Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and other titles, are available as ebooks on Apple I-Pad®, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook® and Sony Reader®, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords. His books are also available in paperback at most online retailers or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. The popular Wynn Garrett Series Books are now available on Barnes And Noble® at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=867526 Bruce also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com

Smash words Author Interview with Bruce A. Borders

Have you read the Smashwords Author Interview with Bruce A. Borders yet? You can find it here;
https://www.smashwords.com/interview/BruceABorders