Tag / blogging

by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

300 WordPress Followers!!

Wow guys. This is so awesome. I know it is only a small achievement but still very exciting to know that the reviews we write are being read and that people are wanting more. We are so appreciative of everyone in the book blogging community and want to continue to bring more reviews and content to it.

Our next goal is to get to 400 followers! Let’s see if we can make that happen!

A shoutout to some bloggers that have helped us along the way or just were very supportive:

These are just some of them. Know that we value all of you and are super happy that you have been so supportive.

Well, that was a short and sweet post but we just wanted to share our gratitude. What are your goals? Do you celebrate little achievements or just the big ones? Comment below and let us know. We want to share your successes just as much as we do with our own.

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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Book Review: Enigma In Time

Here is the review for the second graphic novel sent to us by Bad Aura. This one was called Enigma In Time by Chris Kostecka.

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Synopsis: A speck, the size of a drop of blood, driven mad by eons of silence, filled with unimaginable power senses its missing piece on earth. It finds this essence inside an unimaginably cruel human named Gordon. It sets off toward earth traveling across the universe destroying many planets, solar systems, and civilizations along the way.

Meanwhile, on earth, Neal, a seemingly ordinary boy witnesses the suicide of his father and is traumatized by this unexpected act. A frightening man in a red shirt stands over his father’s crushed body. 

Years later Neal is adopted by a loving family and his life changes for the better.

Eventually, the speck arrives at earth. Gaea, the earth’s sworn protector, is quickly overwhelmed by the speck and its power; in the last ditch effort to save the earth she merges with the speck empowering it with a conscience. Gaea redirects it from Gordon into Neal. Enigma in Time is a story about something that should not exist but does. It is a story about Set’s rebirth.

This was quite an interesting comic book. It was kind of an origin story but then kind of not at the same time. The main character Neal keeps going in and out of time (at least I am presuming that is what is happening) throughout his life growing up.  Sometimes he is in his bedroom then all of a sudden he is in medieval times.

Many events happen throught Neal’s life that are traumatic and he plays the part of a hero in a lot of them. He has this force inside of him that is always there and he can feel it but can’t access it.

The girl/woman he loves is also experiencing this time traveling which makes me curious to know if the two of them are tangled in the same time web and if they will come to play a more prominent part in each other’s stories.

I enjoyed the graphic novel overall but I wouldn’t say it was one of my favorites. The storyline gets a little confusing at times and the dialogue is very straight forward. That being said, I would be interested to see what happens in future issues as the ending insinuated that there would be more to come.

Book Rating: 3.5/5

You can buy this book on the Bad Aura website.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to us in physical format by Bad Aura to read and give an honest review.

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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Book Review: Hippo Ocracy

Welcome back to the blog, bookies. We have a new review for a graphic novel called Hippo Ocracy by a company called Bad Aura. They sent us two graphic novels (the other will be reviewed tomorrow) and we are more than happy because graphic novels are the best.

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Synopsis: Khipo leads the hippo kingdom with his energetic blonde hair, political savvy, and lackadaisical demeanor. Along with his rhino wife Ronda and their half-breed, pacifier sucking son Rhipo they rule with total devotion from their subjects.  Watch the insanity within his kingdom unfold as elephant royalty visits, and enemies from the past threaten to destabilize everything. All along the way, you will be introduced to fantastic over the top characters and subplots. Will the hippo’s triumph over their enemies?

Honestly, this graphic novel was hilarious. Yes, it may have been a very simple storyline that didn’t have much substance to it but it was very creative in the way it portrayed many huge media references. Such references include:

  • the hippos building a wall to keep the crocodiles out (Trump’s wall)
  • A reporter showing up during the battle called Clark Potamus (even had the classic hair swirl that Clark Kent aka Superman has)
  • The enemy crocodile leader wearing crocs to battle (this was just funny)

The hilarity even went as far as a zebra being a referee due to its obvious colors. He then gets mad and uses beavers as chainsaws to wreak havoc on the battlefield. I was laughing out loud while reading this and kept snorting while enjoying this lovable, slightly ridiculous, fun comic book. It really reminded me of Happy Tree Friends.

I would recommend this comic book to literally everyone because it gave me about 20 minutes of complete entertainment. It is a very quick read.

Book Rating: 4.5/5

You can find this book on the Bad Aura website!

Disclaimer: This book was sent to us by Bad Aura in physical format to read and give an honest review.

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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Author Interview: Jonas Salzgeber

Bookies! We have been busy over here at the blog connecting with authors and chatting about their favorite books. We recently posted about Jonas Salzgeber and his new book The Little Book of Stoicism so you should check out that post. But today we will be conducting an author interview with him!

Author-Photo-Jonas-Salzgeber

Jonas Salzgeber is a writer and blogs for a small army of remarkable people at njlifehacks.com. He’s an expert in Stoic philosophy and passionate about self-made dark chocolate and buttered coffee with collagen.

Author Interview

Erik: What was your top read of 2018?

Jonas: Hard to say. There were some I liked a lot. I’d say Aubrey Marcus’ Own the Day, Own Your Life.

Erik: What is your favorite book friendship?

Jonas: It’s either Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss because there are many invaluable tools I want to implement one by one. Or it’s OSHO’s Living on Your Own Terms for mindfulness and inspiration.

Erik: Most anticipated book release of 2019?

Jonas: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson. His book Stoicism and the Art of Happiness was a massive help when writing The Little Book of Stoicism.

Erik: How many books are in your TBR Pile?

Jonas: There are seven of them. They are:

  • The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
  • A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh by Penguin Classics
  • The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
  • The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
  • Heart of the Mind by Connirae and Steve Andreas
  • Skin in the Game by Nassim Taleb which I’m currently reading.

Erik: Who is your favorite author?

Jonas: It’s a tough call. But I have to go with Mark Manson. I love his writings. I can learn a lot from him.

Erik: How did you start writing?

Jonas: My brother Nils and I started a blog. So I had to start writing 🙂 This was in 2015. Before that, I wrote for university and in my journal.

Erik: Where is your favorite reading spot?

Jonas: Currently it’s the couch in the living room where I live. But I preferred the beach in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where Nils and I lived for seven months.

Erik: How long have you been an author?

Jonas: The Little Book of Stoicism is my first official book. As said before, I started writing in 2015 and wrote a book called Wake Up on Fire, but that’s not available anymore.

Erik: What do you like about reading?

Jonas: Learning. I believe in getting better every day. Books are my No 1 source of wisdom. I love that I can read in an afternoon what others have been studying for years, or even their whole lifetime.

Erik: If you had to describe yourself in a book title, what would it be?

Jonas: Cool question. Something like that: Try Hard, Struggle, Get Up, Dust it Off, Try Harder, and Repeat.

And that wraps up our interview with Jonas! Stay tuned for more book reviews and blogger news. If you would like to participate in an interview with us at Breakeven Books or if you have any questions you think we should ask, say hello in the comments.

We also started a Patreon page if you would like to support us in our blogging efforts 🙂 Just $2 a month could help us create better content for you guys plus maybe we will be able to get into book tube and video reviews! But completely up to you.

Talk to you soon bookworms.

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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Book Review: OtherEarth by Jason Segel

Hey bookworms! We are starting off the year of 2019 strong with our third book done and coming your way. This one was called OtherEarth by Jason Segel and Kristin Miller and is the sequel to Otherworld which I reviewed not long ago. Needless to say, I loved the first book so much that I went out and bought the sequel immediately afterward.

Synopsis: Simon saved his best friend, Kat, from the clutches of the Company and their high-tech VR gaming experience, Otherworld. But it was at a steep price. Now he, Kat, and their friend Busara are on the run. They know too much. About the Company’s dark secrets. About the real-life consequences of playing Otherworld. And about Kat’s stepfather’s involvement in everything. The group is headed to New Mexico to find Simon’s old roommate, who is a tech genius and possibly the only person who can help them reveal the truth about the Company before it’s too late and the line between what’s real and what’s fantasy is erased… forever.

Dare I say that this book was better than the first one! Oh, I dare. I read this one in about a week because I had to set aside other time to work and get back into the routine of the daily grind.

We get right back into the story where it left off with Simon, Kat, and Busara as they are on the run from the Company. The effort to bring down this company is draining the characters as they struggle to keep ahead of getting caught while trying to hatch a masterplan to bring an end to this madness that they are caught up in.

There are so many new characters introduced in this book. My favorite being Simon’s friend Elvis. He is super techy/nerdy which is relatable. He is also very awkward at flirting and it makes for some very entertaining scenes.

I just love the unpredictability of this book. There were parts where I would think I knew what was coming but would be totally off and that makes for an even better read in my opinion because I couldn’t figure it out so easily. Once again, I will avoid saying any spoilers because I don’t want to ruin anything. That just means that you should read this series so we can talk about it!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a little YA sci-fi action to keep you going through the weekend (or weekdays, really anytime you want).

Book Rating: 5/5

You can buy this book on Amazon and find it on Goodreads.

We made a Patreon page if you wish to support us in our blogging efforts! You can check out our page at:

 https://www.patreon.com/breakevenbooks

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money and read/reviewed it because I wanted to.

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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Blogger Interview: Ana Milosavic

I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with a fellow blogger! You may remember her. We did a post with her last week on the Jodi Picoult interview. Her name is Ana Milosavic and she is a blogger and marketing expert. Check out her answers below:

Blogger Interview

  1. What is your top read of 2018 so far? 

There are so many good ones! Even though this wasn’t published in 2018, I read it this year. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt was fantastic! I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, but the emotions were so real and raw, that once I was finished, I couldn’t seem to stop talking about it!

The Girl with All The Gifts by M.R. Carey is a close second, that I also read this year. I have a slight obsession with anything sci-fi or dystopian, so this book very easily filled my need for sci-fi at the time.

  1. What is your favorite book friendship? 

Without a doubt, my favorite book friendship is that of Jude, JB, Willem and Malcolm in A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. It’s not often that you get to witness characters age, grow and change together, and see how that affects the dynamics of their friendships. I find that this relationship most closely matches that of real life, long-term friends, and I like a little reality in my fiction!

  1. Most anticipated book release of 2018? 

Can I say my most anticipated book release of 2019? I’m most looking forward to The Butterfly Museum by Rene Denfeld. I’ve been waiting a while for her to release a new novel, so I’m counting down! I highly suggest reading The Enchanted, her debut novel, I promise you won’t regret it.

  1. How many books are in your TBR Pile? 

Too many to count. I have an ongoing list on my phone that just keeps growing. I’m hoping to one day get through all of them, but every year so many amazing books get released, and my list just keeps getting longer.

Audible has been great with helping me get through some of the longer books on my list. This way, I can listen while I’m driving, doing chores, working out, and any other time that I would usually be listening to music. I don’t know what I did without it.

  1. Who is your favorite author? 

Currently, I’m really loving Rene Denfeld. She only has two fiction novels released (with a third coming in 2019), but I really like her style. Her books always grasp me and fully immerse me in the story. She has a fresh perspective and comes from a background in law enforcement, so she’s a breath of fresh air!

And I can never say no to a Stephen King novel. The Stand was the first book of King’s that I couldn’t put down, and from there, I just can’t seem to get enough.

  1. How did you start blogging? 

I work in marketing, so I’ve always been a writer. However, the copy that I create would be specific for each brand I worked with, and the voice I used was always the voice of the brand and not my own. The reason I started blogging was that I felt like I needed a creative outlet for my own thoughts and for my own projects, and honestly, I just wanted to write material in my own voice.

I also found that there was a void missing. I typically blog about careers, particularly career journeys. Before I started blogging, I kept looking for material, blogs or events, where others spoke up about their own journeys, but all that I was able to find were speakers who had achieved a level of greatness and were toward the end of their career. I wanted to create something for all of us in between looking for advice to get to the next step and just seeking encouragement. I guess you can say I started blogging as a necessity to myself, to find the information I was looking for, learn from it, and extend my knowledge to others.

  1. Where is your favorite reading spot? 

I’m from Vancouver, Canada, and we’re known for our rain. My favorite reading spot is in my sofa chair, facing my window, while it pours down outside.

I always envy those that can head to a cozy coffee shop with a novel, or to the park or the beach, but I need silence when I read. Distractions pull me out of the story, and I tend to get distracted too easily in a public setting.

  1. How long have you been a blogger? 

I’ve only recently started blogging, about a month ago, but have already had the opportunity to interview some women I truly admire! I’m looking forward to what 2019 will bring and how I will adapt with experience and knowledge gained.

  1. What do you like about reading? 

I’m always on the go, and I find that sitting down and watching a movie never gave me the relaxation and pleasure that it does for others. Reading lets me completely enter a new world using my own imagination, and helps me get away from the stresses that can occur in daily life.
I like reading because each book is such a different and unique experience for everyone and encourages the reader to use their creativity to fill in blanks or highlight specific parts. Depending on what you’re going through in life, I find that each story is adapted by the reader to suit their specific needs at that specific moment.

  1. If you had to describe yourself in a book title, what would it be?

The Girl Who Doesn’t Stop Moving! I’ve noticed recently that I’m not calm unless I have multiple projects going on. I enjoy a full plate, and lots to be going on in my life, otherwise, I feel like I’m missing out. I like to say it’s because I have too many ideas and don’t want to sit on them, but it could also be that I’m a bit of a workaholic. I’ve dedicated 2019 as the year I learn to relax and learn how to take breaks, so hopefully, when you ask me this same question at the end of 2019 my answer will be, The Girl Who Learned to Relax!

That wraps up our interview with Ana! You can find her on Instagram!

Stay tuned this week for more book reviews coming your way and make sure to leave a comment below if you would like to participate in an interview with us and be highlighted on our blog!

Kateaspen.com

by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Time To Refresh Blog Tour: 7 Ways to Build Your Personal Author Brand

We joined up with a bunch of amazing book bloggers for the Time To Refresh Blog Tour!

BOOK IMAGE Time to Refresh (1)

Book summary

What happens when some part of your life comes to a screeching halt?

Time to Refresh: A 21- Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined, highlights Karen Brown Tyson’s journey through the Bible following one of three layoffs in her life.

Watch how God leads one woman on a 21-day journey through the Bible and teaches her how to G.L.O.W.— gratitude, listen, observe and witness.

Print Length: 68 pages

Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help

Publisher: Constant Communicators

ISBN: 978-0692170489

Time to Refresh is available to purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

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About the Author

For the past 25 years, Karen Brown Tyson worked for Fortune 500 companies in the fast food, pharmaceutical, and telecommunication industries. Today, Karen is the founder of Constant Communicators, a lifestyle business that helps people improve their business writing skills. Time to Refresh:  A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined was released in August 2018.  Karen lives in North Carolina with her husband and son.

You can find Karen at –

Personal Website – www.karenbrowntyson.com 

Blog: https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog-2-feed/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBTWrites 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Write-to-Inspire-385353048666490/

Without further ado, here is Karen’s article:

7 Ways to Build Your Personal Author Brand

Let me guess…

You are busy writing your book.  Or maybe you’re working on an article for Forbes or Inc. magazine.  Your writing career is finally taking off but you are always looking for ways to connect with potential readers.

Now you need to focus your attention on something just as important as your writing.

Your personal brand.

You have been so busy writing you haven’t thought about marketing your work, let alone building a personal brand.  And before you object, yes, you need a personal brand.  Why?  Because a brand is anything that separates one product from another.  Your personal brand as a writer will let people know who you are, what you stand for and what you write about.

Below are seven ideas on how to build your personal brand.  One thing to remember:  There is no one way to do this.  What works for one writer may not work for another writer. Focus on what works for you.  Be authentic and stay true to yourself.

Social Media

Using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat and LinkedIn might connect you with your audience.   Before you tweet, post or like anything, determine the messages you will post and how often.  Create a simple strategy on how you will use social media.  Test different social media platforms and select two. Don’t build your brand on all platforms.

Content platforms

Consider posting content or chapters from your book on content platforms like Medium and Thrive Global. Drive readers to your website or landing page through links in your content.

Landing pages

A landing page is a single web page used to promote one topic or product.  With a landing page, you can sell your book, offer free giveaways like an ebook or course and build an email distribution list. If you don’t have a website, landing pages are a great way to connect with your audience.  Include a link to your landing page in your social media messages and articles.

Website

A website allows you to highlight several aspects of your writing — books, blog, workshops, speaking engagement dates, products, reviews, etc.  A website is good for sharing your work with potential literary agents and event planners looking for speakers for an event. A word of caution:  Keep your website updated with new information.  Create a plan for how you will manage your website including an editorial calendar if you are planning to have a blog.

Blog

A blog allows you to expose current and new readers to your writing. Use your blog to position yourself as a thought-leader with experience related to various topics. Make a list of topics you plan to write about regularly.  Create an editorial calendar outlining when you will cover each topic. Test how readers react to each blog post.

Guest posts

Writing content for other blogs is a good way to meet new readers and build your brand.  Pitch story ideas to bloggers who share your interests.  Include a link to your website or landing page in your guest blog post.

Podcast

Blogging and guest blogging take time.  If you are working on your next book, you may find it hard to write more content for a blog.  If so, consider starting a podcast where you interview guests about topics important to you and your readers.  You can post the transcript from the podcast on your website.

Here is the entire list of the blog tour dates:

November 26th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and stop by the Muffin blog where you can read an interview with author Karen Brown Tyson and enter to win a copy of her book Time to Refresh.
muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 29th @ Bookworm Blog
Be sure to stop by Anjanette’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s guest post on managing career, home, and ministry.
bookworm66.wordpress.com

November 29th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog where you can read her review of Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
http://thefrugalistamom.com/

November 30th @ Amateur Twin Mom
Visit Jonelle’s blog to read what she has to say about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
https://www.amateurtwinmom.com

December 3rd @ Beverley A Baird Blog
Visit Beverley’s blog where Karen Brown Tyson talks about how to improve your writing life.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 5th @ Break Even Books
Stop by Erik’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about how to build your personal brand.
https://breakevenbooks.com/

December 5th @  Jill Sheets Blog
Stop by Jill’s blog today where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about how to improve your writing life.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

December 6th @ Beverley A Baird Blog
Visit Beverley’s blog again where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 7th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog again where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her book Time to Refresh.
bookworm66.wordpress.com

December 8th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about fearless writing.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 9th @ Reducing Overload
Stop by Peggy’s blog to read author Karen Brown Tyson’s post about journaling and stress management.
http://reducingoverload.com/

December 13th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Visit Kathleen’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about fearless writing.
https://krpooler.com/

December 13th @ M.C. Walker’s Blog
Visit M.C. Walker’s blog where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her and her book Time to Refresh.
https://seeminoltawrite.com/

December 14th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about having faith during difficult times.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

December 15th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
Visit Jessica’s blog where you can read her thoughts on Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
http://jessicasreadingroom.com

December 16th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog where she shares her opinion on Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
http://www.12books.co.uk/

December 18th @ Look to the Western Sky
Visit Margo’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about parenting.
https://www.margoldill.com/

December 20th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi’s blog again where you can read her opinion about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

December 20th @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily Shadowlyn’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about journaling.
http://www.thefaeriereview.com/

December 21st @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole’s blog where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

December 23rd @ Look to the Western Sky
Be sure to stop by Margo’s blog again where you find out what she had to say about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
https://www.margoldill.com/

December 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
Visit Lacey’s blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about journaling.
http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

 December 24th @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey’s blog again where she reviews Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

December 27th @ The Frugalista Mom
Be sure to visit Rozelyn’s blog again where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about change management.
http://thefrugalistamom.com/


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by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Blog Tour: Alpaca My Bags – Dying to Leave the Oasis

Alpaca My Bags: Dying to Leave the Oasis (A Desert Oasis Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Violet Patton

Cozy Mystery
First in Series
Amazon Digital Services (December 1st, 2018)
231 pages
Digital ASIN: B07JX5WHB5

Murder? Romance? Intrigue? The Desert Oasis runs rampant with gossip and secrets.

Sweetie Bastard told Hunny Bunny—pack your bags we’re moving to lovely Tucson, Arizona. She didn’t have a choice. He sold her house and bought a park model online sight unseen in the Desert Oasis 55 plus community.

The park was more asphalt than oasis—hot—dry—terrible.

The trailer was a wreck. No air-conditioning. No beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay.
There’s an Arizona room to build. A golf cart to buy. Dances, crafts, and funerals to attend.
Bunny agrees to take water aerobics. She hates water.

First lesson—the park’s ladies’ man athletic director was found weighed down and deadd at the bottom of the swimming pool. Who killed philandering Dan? And why?

The last tenant in their new home, Wanda, left behind her clothes, knickknacks, and dishes. The place gives her the willies. Bunny can’t stand an unsolved mystery, and she’ll dig deep and wide to solve Wanda’s case.

Download Alpaca My Bags today. Will Bunny agree to live happily ever after in the Oasis, or will she make Sweetie Bastard move to posh Scottsdale?

Amazon 99 cents

The Desert Oasis series:
Alpaca My Bags
Wool Over Your Eyes. February 4, 2019 Pre-order now
No Prob-Llama
Ain’t No Llama Drama

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the author

I grew up in Arkansas, just a few miles from Louisiana. Violet Patton was a grandmother. I took her name as a pen name in her honor. She didn’t read much and when she did it was True Confessions magazine. She married a man twice her age at 18 and she did not have romance in her life, but she longed for it. She was tough, picking cotton, milking cows and tending a garden to keep her family alive. Behind her toughness was a sweet tenderness which showed through her beautiful blue eyes. Now as I age, I miss her more and more. Her photograph graces my desk, and I often ask for her advice or read my stories aloud to her. I can hear her laugh as I read my stories and I remember that spirit she never lost despite her adversities.

Thank you for giving me everything you had.

Catch Violet at the following places.

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Facebook Group

Sullen Clothing

by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Guest Post: Jodi Picoult Interview

Hey bookworms! So I have been connecting with a lot of different bloggers lately and one had reached out to me about the interview she had with Jodi Picoult. I decided I would share her post because it was a good interview and I am sure that many of you know who Jodi Picoult is and would be interested.

But first, a little blurb about Ana!

Ana Milosavic works in marketing in the tech space, and on the side runs a blog that is focused on career growth and journeys and helping others achieve their own version of success. Ana hopes that her interviews with women in all stages of their career will help others reach goals they thought were unachievable, and will give them a realistic expectation of what it takes to get to their dream job – while breaking many glass ceilings along the way! As a huge bookworm (and leader of two book clubs in Vancouver, Canada), she was very excited to get the chance to interview author Jodi Picoult. Ana and Jodi discuss career, including Jodi’s inspirations, best and worst career advice, mentors and much more.

Website: anamilosavic.com

Instagram: @amilosavic

Interview with Jodi Picoult

jodi-picoult-c-nina-subin-750

Occupation:
Writer

Why do you do what you do?
I can’t not write.

What’s your current dream job?
To be a writer… and a Broadway librettist.

Tell us what your average day looks like.
I get up and run for a few miles, then go up to my computer and edit my way through whatever I was writing yesterday, and when I get to a blank spot I keep writing. I continue until about 4 pm.

It’s great to see that you are living your dream job! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still writing novels, and perhaps winning a Tony.

Amazing, I have zero doubt! Have you had any big career struggles so far?
It was very hard, at the beginning, to write what I wanted to write – fiction that asked moral questions. There were not many writers doing such and finding an audience was a slow climb. Also, being categorized as commercial fiction or women’s fiction has prevented people from taking my work seriously.

And what has been your biggest career win so far?
11 consecutive #1 NYT bestsellers.

Now that’s a career win! Is there any career advice you’ve received that you still hold on to?
Don’t write about the dinosaurs ’til they become oil – in other words, don’t write about what happens to you until you have time to process your emotions and regard the incident from an objective POV.

What about bad career advice?
Write that sells.

You have achieved so much already! What is the one thing you are most proud of?
My three children, who are all changing the world in various ways.

Is there one person that has inspired you in your career?
My editor, Jennifer Hershey – who is extraordinary at her craft – and my publicist, Susan Corcoran, who makes my life so much easier.

I think mentors are so important to a successful career. Do you have any mentors?
My former professor, Mary Morris, who taught me everything I know.

When do you feel the most confident?
When I’m standing in front of an audience talking about one of my books.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Currently coveting: Chocolate.

Favorite way to sweat: Hiking.

Favorite book: Too many to name.

Morning person or night owl? Morning person.

Favorite food: Chocolate ice cream.

Favorite city: London.

You can see Ana’s full interview here!

*Disclaimer: This content was sent to me by Ana Milosavic to post on my blog.*


Up to 40% off Bestselling Books

by Erik McManus | Breakeven Books

Blog Tour: Cordial Killing (A Backyard Farming Mystery)

I have joined up on a blog tour for Vikki Walton’s Cordial Killing (A Backyard Farming Mystery). 

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About the Book: Anne is excited for the opening of the Brandywine Inn. Kandi and Hope are her partners in the bed-and-breakfast in Carolan Springs, Colorado, where they also provide homesteading and herbal workshops for guests.

As soon as the guests arrive, it’s plain that the five old college chums have bad blood between them. When Anne finds a threatening note, it’s clear that someone is out for revenge. Then they find a guest dead. At first, the death appears to be natural, but suspicions begin to grow.

When a blizzard threatens the Inn, will it trap them all with a killer and no way out?

Cordial Killing is a classic who-dun-it with a twist. Set in the fictional small town of Carolan Springs, you will enjoy an armchair getaway into beautiful Colorado.

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About the Author: Vikki’s first words were “I get it!” This attitude became her life-long mantra to always go after what she wants. It also helped her realize her desire to help others get what they really want out of life.

After spending years as a registered interior designer, Vikki began to write. While writing for periodicals, Vikki found herself on assignment interviewing publishers in Colorado Springs. It wasn’t long before the natural beauty of Colorado captured her heart.

After moving to Colorado, Vikki  worked with nonprofits. However, she soon realized she needed more autonomy in her work.

Vikki started her own business as a nonprofit consultant and grant writer. She has helped nonprofits across the U.S. to receive millions of dollars for their work. Yet, she realized doing one thing wouldn’t satisfy her for long.

Vikki became a Work Quilter™ combining her many passions to create multiple income streams. She started speaking and teaching adults on myriad and diverse topics around her knowledge, skills and passions.   She’s taught and spoken on Creative Writing, Design for Heart and Home, Fundraising Fundamentals , Suburban Homesteading, Permaculture, How to Get What You Really Want, and of course, Work Quilting. Two words that continually appear on instructor and speaker feedback forms are “engaging” and “knowledgeable.”

Born in Chicago, Vikki lived outside of Paris for a few years as a small child. That may account for her love of travel. She moved to Wichita with her parents before going on to live most of her life around the San Antonio, Texas area. She is the founder of #girlswantago and you can connect through Facebook or www.girlswantago.com 

Vikki is also an experienced, professional global house and pet sitter.  

Vikki’s favorite genre is mystery so it wasn’t long before she had begun her first cozy mystery series.  Incorporating her love of suburban homesteading, or as some call it, backyard farming, Vikki’s first book is Chicken Culprit.

You’ll most often find Vikki out hiking with her dog, outside gardening, traveling abroad, house or pet sitting, or writing her next book.

I conducted an Author Interview with Vikki and she gave some great answers! Here it is:

1. What is your top read of 2018 so far? 
That’s a hard one. I think I’m going to have to go with the first one that comes to mind. I absolutely loved Death Stalks Kettle Street. It’s so fun because not only will readers enjoy it, but writers will too as it has a mystery within a mystery within a mystery.

2. What are your thoughts on book bloggers? 
Book bloggers are often reaching those individuals who might never step foot into a library or who may not be avid readers yet. Book bloggers allow people to get a glimpse of a story and get important feedback about a book to see if its right for them. They are a gift to authors and readers alike.

3. Most anticipated book release of 2018? 
Walking to the End of the World by Beth Jusino. I used to work with Beth and I keep having these daydreams of walking the Camino. I’m saving reading it until the dark dreary days of winter approach and I can really spend some time with it.

4. How many books are in your TBR Pile? 
Too many or just right. It never ends as one book is read, two or more take its place.

5. Who is your favorite author? 
No ifs, ands or buts—Agatha Christie.

6. How did you start writing? 
I’ve always had stories in my mind. I started with writing articles for newspapers and periodicals, I progressed to grant writing and donor communications, and one day, I thought, enough—write your book. I wrote a nonfiction book on vocational guidance and after that my first cozy mystery.

7. Where is your favorite reading spot? 
In bed.

8. Where do you find your ideas when creating a story? 
Everywhere and anywhere. I’m always seeing things that trigger ideas.

9. What do you like about being an author? 
Since I write fiction and nonfiction, I enjoy the ability to supply the reader with entertainment or instruction. When I hear that a book made someone laugh or that they are inspired to try something in their life, that’s the greatest reward.

10. If you had to describe yourself in a book title, what would it be?
The title that comes to mind is Distracted Diligence. I’m very driven but also have lots I want to do that can easily distract me from things I want to accomplish.

The author is also hosting a giveaway for one of her books she has already published.

CHICKENculpritgiveaway

Enter the giveaway below:

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Talk to you later bookworms!


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