Archives

Going for Excelsior: Thriving in Seniorhood Blog Tour

Going for Excelsior

Going for Excelsior

About the Author:

Wayne Hatford, B.A. in French and Spanish, M.A. in International Administration, is a teacher, writer, editor and author dedicated to bridging the gap between the physical and non-physical worlds. To that end, he channeled a friend, Janice Horn ~ “Letters from Janice: Correspondence with the Astral Plane” and, more recently, the spirit essence of Rudolph Valentino ~ “Valentino Speaks: The Wisdom of Rudolph Valentino” and “Going for Excelsior: Thriving in Seniorhood,” all of which are available via Amazon.com. Each of these works explores the “Other Side” while offering insight and practical suggestions on how best to make the most of this one.

A life-long student of metaphysics and transformation, Wayne has both taught in public school and been a personal property appraiser. Wayne Hatford now resides in Santa Rosa, California where he and the Valentino essence continue their collaboration.

His latest book is Going for Excelsior: Thriving in Seniorhood.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

 

About the Book:

What if you were as savvy as you could possibly be in matters of aging and, therefore, really soar, breeze through the final chapters of your life with flying colors? The ’senior’ experience, through only the most constructive and creative of lenses! Going for Excelsior” offers practical suggestions for successfully negotiating Seniorhood, a blueprint for active living ~ how to embrace where you’re at in your life, find hidden gems, turn up the voltage. Thriving in Seniorhood is about going beyond what’s expected or being directed at you by the host society and this book provides the reader with the tools and understandings to accomplish that goal. Conundrums solved. The sting removed from such phenomena as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Myths about Seniors debunked. These are only a few of the benefits that can be derived from reading this book which, hopefully, will serve to stretch your consciousness, something that’s rather elastic to begin with ~ in every stage of life.

‘Seniorhood’ ~ Where people often like to perceive us, once we have attained a certain age. Also, where we can choose to thrive, with clarity of purpose ~ and by design!

“Like all those who currently inhabit a body, you, too, are getting ready for Excelsior. Especially allow the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond of your ages to be magical in this regard, for you to be way-showers, preparing yourselves mentally, physically and spiritually for the next phase. There always is a next phase, by the way, and we are always getting ready for it. You are part of a grand design as am I. There is no other option!” ~ Rudolph Valentino

Purchase Link:

AMAZON

 

 

Going for Excelsior: Thriving in Seniorhood

Going for Excelsior: Thriving in Seniorhood

Book Excerpt:

 

Now, let’s return to the more common definition of Excelsior, the loose packing material that is most associated with the shipping of fine art or antiques. It can come from many sources and, as a result, may have lots of different ‘looks.’ Metaphysically-speaking, however, Excelsior is a container for the soul and, being somewhat porous, allows for entry and exit, not only of the soul itself, but also of vibrations, both ours and those of other people. It might be easier to think of Excelsior as skin, that living, breathing, largest organ of the body whose properties model those of the Veil. Yes, once again our skin is a version of the Veil, that curtain of energy that separates the dimensions and whose function also is, under certain circumstances, to allow energy to pass through it. Our skin shields us from danger, yet it also allows us to shine our Light. Have you ever heard someone say that so and so’s skin was translucent? All of our skins are translucent. We shine, projecting the inner spark that is soul to the outer world while, at the same time, receiving Light from others, those we encounter in our daily lives. This is how we determine who to interact with, by what our impressions are of their Light. If, for example, we feel inundated or limited by their presence, it’s a sign that we ought to move on. So it’s about the quality of Light of each soul, which is the determining factor. This does not mean, however, that some souls have inferior Light. Rather, it simply signals that their frequencies are very different from ours and, as a consequence, are experienced as jarring. The converse could also be true ~ that we, too, might upset the applecart because our vibrations are not all that harmonious with theirs.

The following is perhaps a heady idea but, I think, very apropos. In lots of new age books, individual souls have often been referred to as Light workers. Indeed, that is exactly what we are, always putting on a show for our fellow travelers, those who happen to be in the body at the same moment as we. The skin, or Excelsior, monitors this so-called Light show, mostly on auto-pilot, but sometimes with the greatest of attention on our parts. What is it that throws the switch or adjusts the rheostat? A combination of factors, including, but not limited to, our own free will, emotional state of being and current degree of alignment. If we’re in sync with ourselves and our environment ~ in the flow, of course we glow. The soul is electric, like a dynamo or atom, independently functioning forever, and one of its modalities is to shed Light. That’s right, a soul cannot die, what we all know inside. It’s only the body that is capable of carrying out that task.

If you will, take a moment to focus on the porous nature of the skin. Not only does the soul make one definitive entrance and exit per physical body, but also countless others that are far more casual, such as each time we fall asleep or wake up. Yes, our soul or consciousness goes off to play in the Astral, in the so-called dream world when we sleep while remaining tethered to the physical body. It’s only when we die that the connection is broken and the soul can no longer re-enter the body. Some of you are more aware of the phenomenon of constantly leaving the body to dream than others. In the state we call half-sleep, people often sense their consciousness either floating close to the body or re-entering it with a thud when they suddenly awake. The skin, or Excelsior, breathes too, though in a more subtle way, in and out, mimicking the work of the lungs. Interesting that it’s the lungs, heart and skin that are the last bastions of movement before the body becomes inert, what we label as dead. At the very instant the first two stop working, the skin is poised to exhale the soul, ready to perform its final function.

Think of the skin that covers our bodies as millions of tiny mirrors, fractals with dampers that can be opened and closed at will. Yes, that is what we do when we emit Light, reflect it through the pores of our skin, and they are also the pathway for the Light of others to reach us. We are like solar panels then, forever in the process of reflecting and absorbing. What an exquisite landscape we wear! Who knew that packing material had such beauty, form, and function?

 

Going for Excelsior Tour Page:

Rebecca-Signature---purple

 

French Illusions – Book Spotlight – Author Linda Kovic Skow

ImageAbout the Book:

 In the summer of 1979, twenty-one-year-old Linda Kovic contracts to become an au pair for an wealthy French family in the Loire Valley. To secure the position, she pretends to speak the language, fully aware her deception will be discovered once she arrives at her destination. Based on the author’s diary, French Illusions captures Linda’s fascinating and often challenging real-life story inside and outside the Château de Montclair. The over-bearing, Madame Dubois, her accommodating husband, Monsieur Dubois, and their two children are highlighted as Linda struggles to adapt to her new environment. Continually battling the language barrier, she signs up and attends classes at the local university in the nearby town of Tours, broadening her range of experiences. When she encounters, Adam, a handsome young student, her life with the Dubois family becomes more complicated, adding fuel to her internal battle for independence.

 About the Author:

ImageLinda Kovic-Skow resides in Kirkland, Washington. She earned an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting in 1978 from North Seattle Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Seattle University in 1985. She has been married for 27 years and has two daughters. An enthusiastic traveler, Linda also enjoys boating, gardening and socializing with friends. French Illusions, her debut memoir, is the culmination of a three-year project.

You can visit her website at www.lindakovicskow.com.

French Illusions Tour Page:

 http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/11/24/pump-up-your-book-presents-french-illusions-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

 

Image
Book Trailer Link:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QikoNLXZP_o&feature=youtu.be

Image

 

 

Princess April Morning Glory Book Tour and Kindle Fire Giveaways

Image

Princess April Morning Glory

About Princess April Morning-Glory:

At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood.

Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike.

Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day. John Barrymore, and Letitia’s cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King’s (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg’s 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo’s 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin’s (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick’s 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda.

Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make.

The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage.

But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. Can Princess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again?

 Rafflecopter Code for Kindle Fire HD Giveaway:

Image

ImageAbout Letitia Fairbanks:

Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, lived a life guided by artistic passions. In 1939, wanting to commemorate her late uncle, Letitia began work on Princess April Morning-Glory, allowing a creative outlet for combining her lifelong loves: painting, writing, and illustration.

Holding firm to her artistic identify, Letitia gravitated toward portraiture, landscapes, and still-lifes. She was also a biographer, co-authoring Douglas Fairbanks: The Fourth Musketeer, with Ralph Hancock. Her marriage to Hal Smoot in 1966 marked the beginning of a particularly joyful and creative period. Needle points and annual Christmas cards, which featured a painting from the previous year, not to mention her role as a wife, mother, step-mother and grandmother brought her much fulfillment. After a life rich in artistic accomplishment, Letitia passed away in September of 1992.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

 About Kelley Smoot Garrett:

ImageKelley Smoot Garrett was born in Dallas, raised in Manhattan and has lived the life of a West Texas wildcatter as well that of an IT professional. At one time or another in her life she’s called places as diverse as Scourie, Scotland; Austin, Abilene and Midland, Texas; Singapore; Paris; and Auckland, New Zealand — home. She is proud to be the daughter of Sue Ashby and Harold Smoot and the step-daughter of Letitia Fairbanks Smoot. She currently lives with her husband Danny Garrett, three cats, and one happy only-dog, Moxie in the Texas Hill Country.

 

 

 Image

The Abraham Man Book Tour

Image

 

About the book:

 The mere mention of the insanity defense guarantees a lively debate. Opponents of the defense cite the loss of criminal culpability while proponents argue just as passionately that the insanity defense is the ultimate act of compassion. The protagonists would probably be quite surprised to learn that the same basic concerns consumed Americans in the nineteenth century. One factor – The Abraham Man – sowed the seeds of confusion and controversy that united the past with the present.

 Some of the most celebrated civil and criminal trials in American history were argued under the shadow of the Abraham Man. The detailed stories of long forgotten legal cases bring the antics of the Abraham Man to life. Through the process, readers will follow the careers of notable Civil War era surgeons whose post-war professional development shaped the future of modern mental health care.

 Image

 

Excerpt:

 Some of the most celebrated civil and criminal trials in American history were argued under the shadow of the Abraham Man. Readers will delight in the detailed stories of long forgotten legal cases which bring the antics of the Abraham Man to life. Through the process, readers will follow the careers of notable Civil War surgeons whose post-war professional development shaped the future of modern mental health care. In addition, the reader will learn about the promise of the asylum movement, prominent practitioners of the era, the politics, and eventual decline of institutional mental health care.

Both readers and libraries will find The Abraham Man a refreshing, authoritative text replete with primary source documentation. The engaging narrative deftly weaves the history of science in the 19th century with evolving trends in legal practice. Throughout this period, the budding relationship between doctors and lawyers fashioned the foundation of modern medical legal practice. At every step along the path the Abraham Man sowed confusion and controversy, paradoxically contributing to more rigorous medical practice.

The book will clearly tap into the public’s modern fascination with forensic medicine. Professional readers, such as lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, will find The Abraham Man a valuable historical reference which still rings true after 150 years. Civil War aficionados will discover a fresh perspective and “the rest of the story” about some famous soldiers. Medical history buffs will be enlightened by the devices and stratagems doctors employed to uncover malingering, in many cases the forerunners of modern diagnostic technologies.

Purchase online at: http://www.amazon.com/R.-Gregory-Lande/e/B001H9TEZ0

 

About the author:

 R. Gregory Lande, DO is a physician and retired US Army Medical Corps Officer. Dr. Lande completed his medical education at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Lande was commissioned an officer in the US Army. During his career in the military, Dr. Lande was active in a wide variety of clinical, academic and administrative positions. Upon leaving the US Army as a full colonel, Dr. Lande was awarded the Legion of Merit recognizing his career contributions. The next phase of his career involved administrative positions in hospital management, research, and teaching at various civilian facilities. Dr. Lande is the author of numerous medical and historical works. He lectures widely on both subjects.

Visit Dr. Lande online at http://www.medicallegalhistory.com/

 Image

The Unspeakable Book Blast

About the Author:

Image

The Unspeakable

A veteran of the performing arts and worldwide missions, Tessa Stockton also contributed as a writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today she writes novels in a variety of genres, often laced with romance and intrigue. In addition to her Christian suspense/thriller, THE UNSPEAKABLE, she’s the author of the political intrigue/romance, THE UNFORGIVABLE, a fable, LOVE AND LULL, and the upcoming inspirational fantasy romance, WIND’S ARIA, with more in the works.

Visit the Author:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

 

Image

 About the Book:

Who said forgiveness was easy?

When a furtive conflict is pitted between violent leftist guerrillas and a rightwing paramilitary group in Colombia, a North American woman mistakenly gets caught in the middle.

“I spent four months, one week and two days in a clandestine prison referred to as The Water Cave. Every day I stared hell in the face, and each day I wanted to die. I don’t want to share too much too quickly. To understand fully, you must join hands with me, fasten your heart to mine, and course through my book. Stumble over the incomprehensible human rights journey with me. I’ve pondered it to the brink of questionable sanity, and it is the only way. It’s the only way to explain. I suppose I should consider myself lucky I survived at all—for many did not—yet, perplexingly so, that’s not the premise of this narrative.

He altered my life, marked me forever.

But it’s not how you might imagine.

This is a story involving Horacio Botello, my torturer known as Puma.”

Purchase your copy:

BARNES & NOBLE | WINGS PRESS

 

Rafflecopter:

Tessa will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC, one autographed copy of her book, The Unspeakable, and one autographed copy of her other book, The Unforgivable!

http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/announcing-tessa-stocktons-the-unspeakable-book-blast-win-25-amazon-gift-card-books/

 Image

Gary’s Gray World – Guest Post Inspiration – Children’s Author Ryan J. Cunningham

Image

My inspiration for writing “Gary’s Gray World” came from watching my nephew, Dan grow up without his biological father being there for him. Dan is now thirteen years old, but he has no contact with his real dad. When Dan was born his father wasn’t in the picture very much. My sister raised him by herself except with the help of our parents and myself.

            Dan’s father always worked a lot of hours at his job and would work overtime as much as he could to support his family this way. However, because he was spending so much time at work he wasn’t giving his son the love and attention Dan needed from him. I could see and hear the disappointment in him whenever he asked where his father was. It was sad to hear him asking us why his dad wasn’t able to play with him or just spend some more time with him. He was sad and hurt so he would spend a lot of time alone in his bedroom playing by himself.

            As his uncle I tried to be there for him as much as I could. I would take him to the park, the movies, and play games with him a few hours during the week. We would have so much fun together. Not only was he smiling more and enjoying the time we shared, but he was becoming more sociable too.

            As parents having a good job and working hard to support one’s family is very important. However when a parent cares more about the job and spends all of their time working instead of taking the time out for the children, the children become sad and lonely. A child needs both of their parents’ love and affection as well as their time and attention so they can learn and grow in a loving relationship.

 

 

ImageAbout Gary’s Gray World

 When Gary’s father is too busy to play, a scary moment at the baseball field brings his dad rushing to the park to rescue him. But instead the two discover that making time for each other is the most important thing in a father and son relationship.

 Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1972, Ryan J. Cunningham discovered his passion for writing poetry and children’s stories at an early age. Throughout his high school and college years, he took writing courses to enhance his writing abilities. Ryan became a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.) He published two inspirational books of poems titled “Angels Near and Far” and “Hearts, Hopes, and Halos.” His poetry and stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. Ryan presently resides in Coos Bay, Oregon where he spends his time hiking the trails, spending quality time with family, and working on his personal web site, (http://imagination-inspiration.webs.com) to share his poems and stories with the world.

 Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/rinopoet72

 Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.cunningham.3760

 Purchase paperback copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-Ryan-Cunningham/dp/1463670168

 Purchase Kindle copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-ebook/dp/B005BYJLMS/

 

Excerpt:

 “What are your plans for today, Son?” asked Dad, putting on his coat and hat.

 “Today’s the annual father and son baseball game.” Gary brightened. “Don’t you remember?”

 His father abruptly stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Gary with an apologetic expression on his face.

 “I’m sorry, I can’t be there. I’ve got too much work to do at the office. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

 “Sure. That’ll be fine,” said Gary, trying not to sound too disappointed.

 

 About Ryan J. Cunningham

 Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1972, Ryan J. Cunningham discovered his passion for writing poetry and children’s stories at an early age. Throughout his high school and college years, he took writing courses to enhance his writing abilities. Ryan became a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.) He published two inspirational books of poems titled “Angels Near and Far” and “Hearts, Hopes, and Halos.” His poetry and stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. Ryan presently resides in Coos Bay, Oregon where he spends his time hiking the trails, spending quality time with family, and working on his personal web site, (http://imagination-inspiration.webs.com) to share his poems and stories with the world.

 Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/rinopoet72

 Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.cunningham.3760

 Purchase paperback copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-Ryan-Cunningham/dp/1463670168

 Purchase Kindle copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-ebook/dp/B005BYJLMS/

 

Paperback Writer Chats with R.M. Smith author of Union Hypocrisy

Union Hypocrisy Book Tour

* R. M. Smith started with the Teamsters in the Convention Industry.   In 2000, she went into the Southern Nevada Teamsters’ Training Trust as a trainer and then advanced to Executive Director.  While an Executive Director, she sat on negotiating committees, arbitrated cases for apprentices.  Smith developed, implemented, and directed a registered apprenticeship program as well as wrote the training manuals.  Those manuals were approved by the Department of Labor and Nevada State Industrial Education Department.  They were also copyrighted by the Teamsters Training Trust.

Smith had several articles written in trade magazines and the newspaper regarding this apprenticeship program as well as an Innovation award for designing a new trade training program.  She was elected by representatives of 26 union trade organizations as secretary treasurer of the Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (WACA).

In 2006, she was asked to represent 26 trade unions in negotiating a contract with the Nevada State Secondary Education System.  During her time with the Teamsters she was a speaker at several conferences and was the first and only union representative asked to sit on the Crystal Ball Panel for the hospitality industry.  Smith has served as the union WACA representative on the selection committee for the new Business School President for Southern Nevada College.

In 2007, Smith started consulting in Labor Relations.  ****

 

Hi Rebecca Smith

 

Welcome to Paperback Writer.

Thank you for having me.  It is a pleasure to be on Paperback Writer.


Q: Would you explain what the title of your book means.

The title tells the reader everything about the book in two words.  It reveals union hypocrisy in dealing with union members, union employees, and in politics as well as business.

Q:  Would you share with us how you came up with the idea for your book? 

I was in the union for sixteen years and I was always amazed how they seemed to be able to fool the public with their words.  Then one day a member of the union reached out to me regarding the employees of the Teamsters were trying to organize their own union and how the Teamsters (Hoffa) were treating them.  I thought then and there that people should know what unions really do.

Q:  Was it a light bulb moment or something that you thought about for a very long time?

I wanted to write a book about unions for a long time but never could wrap my mind around a starting point.  This was the light Bulb for the starting point.

Q: How did you come up with the title?

Because it seemed the word hypocrisy was the only one that would fit

Q:  What kind of research went into the book?   

 Month and months, as well as sixteen years of being a member so some of the documents were ones that I had.

Q: While you were doing your research, if you interviewed resources, what was their reaction to the kind of book you were writing?

Most people would not talk to me or if they did I had to promise not to use their name.  Most were thrilled that it was being written, but felt that there might be repercussions.  Others felt that no one cares about what the unions do so it won’t matter anyway.

Thank you, Rebecca Smith for stopping by Paperback Writer. I wish you continued success with your tour.

 

Paperback Writer Chats with Mark Connelly Author of The IRA on Film and Television

Mark Connelly 2Born in Philadelphia, Mark Connelly completed a masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he received a Ph.D in English. His books include The Diminished Self: Orwell and the Loss of Freedom, Orwell and Gissing, Deadly Closets: The Fiction of Charles Jackson, and several college textbooks. He currently teaches literature and film in Milwaukee, where he is the Vice-President of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center of Wisconsin.

His latest book is The IRA on Film and Television.

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

To get your paperback copy of THE IRA ON FILM AND TELEVISION by Mark Connelly, visit Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/The-IRA-Film-Television-History/dp/0786447362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340018217&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ira+on+film+and+television.

To get your ebook copy of THE IRA ON FILM AND TELEVISION by Mark Connelly, visit Amazon Kindle Store at

http://www.amazon.com/The-IRA-Film-Television-ebook/dp/B0084FA030/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1340018217&sr=8-3&keywords=the+ira+on+film+and+television.

Pick up your copy of THE IRA ON FILM AND TELEVISION by Mark Connelly at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ira-on-film-and-television-mark-connelly/1110783855?ean=9780786447367

Q: Thank you so much for this interview, Mark! Can you tell us where you are from?

I was born in Philadelphia, grew up in New Jersey, and now live in Milwaukee, where I teach literature and film.

Q: How did you come up with your title?

The title: The IRA on Film and Television was selected by the publisher McFarland to be descriptive.

The IRA on Film and TelevisionQ: They say you can judge a book by its cover. Can you tell us a little about your cover and who designed it?

The cover, designed by McFarland, shows a still from Ken Loach’s 2006 film The Wind That Shakes the Barley which follows the creation of the IRA during the Irish War of Independence and its role in the Civil War that followed. The film was praised in the United States but led British critics to ask why Loach hated his own country.

Q: Can you tell us something about your book that would make me run out and buy it?

Anyone who is Irish or anyone who is fascinated by the interplay of film and politics would find this book interesting. The Irish Republican Army has been a feature of Irish life for over a century. Although a small underground organization with no global agenda, it has captured the attention of filmmakers in three countries. Over eighty motion pictures and major television shows (Hawaii Five-O, Columbo, Law and Order, Boardwalk Empire) have included IRA plots and characters. Acclaimed filmmakers such as Neil Jordan, John Ford, Carol Reed, John Frankenheimer, and David Lean have directed movies about the IRA. A vast array of major stars — James Mason, Brad Pitt, John Mills, Anthony Hopkins, Richard Gere, Robert Mitchum, James Cagney and Dirk Bogarde — have portrayed IRA figures. The films include documentaries, psychological dramas, action movies, Nazi propaganda, even a spaghetti Western.

Q: Are there any messages in this book that you want the reader to know about?

I think a quote by Joan Dean best sums up not only this book but much about our age:

History is no longer written by the victors. History is written by the filmmakers.

Q: What was your most favorite chapter to write and why?

I really had two favorite chapters: “American Angles” examines the role Americans played in both creating the IRA and shaping its cinematic image. Few Americans have heard of the Fenians, the Irish American Union and Confederate veterans who invaded Canada in 1867 to prompt the British to withdraw from Ireland.

“The Shamrock and the Swastika” analyzes the way filmmakers exploited the IRA’s tenuous relationship with the Nazis during World War II. Although the IRA had limited contact with the Germans, films have exaggerated the connection for both dramatic and political purposes.

Q: Why did you feel you had to write this book?

I was first interested in the IRA when I was eleven or twelve and saw The Night Fighters with Robert Mitchum. I had never heard of the Irish Republican Army or understood why the Irish were fighting the English in WWII. After studying history and political science in college and graduate school, I became intrigued by the role motion pictures play in shaping public opinion. Once I began collecting IRA films, I was amazed by the sheer number of motion pictures about a political movement in one of Europe’s smallest nations. I felt compelled to explore the way film has shaped the world’s impression of a conflict many have heard of but few understand.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Would love to find the site of my family’s village in County Monaghan, an area depopulated by the Famine.

Q: Are you a morning person or a night person?

I start writing at five am fueled by hot coffee and cold Diet Coke.

Q: Last but not least, the magic genie has granted you one wish. What would that be?

Erasing a $16 trillion national debt would be a wish that would benefit us all.

Q: Thank you so much for this interview! Do you have any final words?

Motion pictures by their nature have difficulty exploring complex political issues. If filmmakers have failed to capture the true nature of the Irish conflict, they have created an archetypal figure. Like the American outlaw, the Irish rebel can be cast as hero, victim, or villain.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the book should visit the website:

www.theiraonfilmandtelevision.com

Paperback Writer Chats with Bud Bradshaw author of RIVERWALKER

Our guest today is Bud Bradshaw, author of RIVERWALKER a thriller/mystery with some paranormal activity. In his candid interview Bud share with us his writing technique, his characters and the road to publication. Bud will be on book tour with Pump Up Your Book throughout September and October.

You can find Bud Bradshaw at his website www.budbradshaw.com/blog

 

RIVERWALKER Book Tour

About RIVERWALKER

RIVERWALKER features the character debut of San Antonio PD veteran detective Gifford Holloway, a former Special Agent with Army Intelligence.  Holloway is in pursuit of the most despicable of criminals, a savage murderer who victimizes children and dumps their remains in the water and along the banks of San Antonio’s beautiful and world-renowned Riverwalk attraction.

Frustrated at the lack of progress on the case and spurred on by an encounter with the mysterious Madame Candelaria, a local psychic, Holloway contemplates calling upon his special gift of “seeing”, though officially off-limits within the SAPD, to help solve the case and end the terror.  Along the way, Holloway finds an ally in the capable and sensuous newspaper reporter, Salma Veramendi, who carries her own history of abuse

On the bend of the river looms Adler’s Antiques, a historical landmark owned and operated by Wolff Adler, a drug-pumping psychopath descended from a familial line of predators dating back to post-World War I Germany.   Himself a victim of horrendous child abuse, Adler is the offspring of a Nazi father and a Mexican bruja, a witch who practiced the “old” religion.  Operating from deep within his secret lair beneath the Alamo, San Antonio’s most recognizable and sacred shrine, Adler assumes the guise of Tlaloc, Aztec god of storm, thunder, and … child sacrifice.  Adler’s demonic reign of terror, acting upon a distorted internal belief system – a synthesis of Norse mythology and ancient Aztec practices – has a stranglehold on the residents of San Antonio.   Wolff Adler has become the RiverWalker.

When his own daughter is suddenly abducted, Holloway pulls out all the stops and, with Salma by his side, closes in on the killer in a gripping climax.

Purchase the kindle version at Amazon

INTERVIEW

Q:  Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book? 

The book began as something far more straightforward and less complex.  “Bowie’s Ghost” was to be the title: a simple story of the vindictive ghost of Jim Bowie prowling the dark alleys and streets of San Antonio, Texas, seeking revenge for his loss at the battle of the Alamo in 1836.  Having been a lifelong student of the battle – as well as things that go bump in the night – I thought I could have a little fun constructing such a story set along San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk attraction, the perfect foil for something dark and dreadful.  Of course, Bowie’s Ghost would have to wield the weapon that made Jim Bowie famous – his knife; this would be tailor-made for a simple “slasher” story, a la Jack the Ripper.  There.  Easy.  Now, put an edge on it (pun intended).  No “predictable” or “routine” here.

I wanted to paint this character as more than a vengeful killer, something purely evil.  In my opinion, the most monstrous evil conceivable was – is – the child predator.  At this point I realized this could be a “ghost story” no longer, and would require much more work than I had initially anticipated.  Now, the real research began: the history of child abuse…who are the abusers? and why?…where do the abusers find their victims? familial child abuse…cultural child abuse…the churches, the schools, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, NAMBLA… .  The list seemed endless.

And more questions: What motivates the monster?  What is the monster’s conflict?  Is he a sympathetic character?  Do we really care?  Who shall be the monster-hunter, and why?

Woven into the fabric of the story are certain elements of characters’ backgrounds as well as those of the region, including local neighborhoods, historical sites, and the history of the River Walk attraction.  There is a specific blend of Mexican and German cultures – along with parental abuse – which strongly influence the development of the killer.

As to motivation and conflict, each of the main characters has issues with which to wrestle; some of those sub-stories are taken from my own personal and family experiences, while others come from people I have known.

It took me several years to develop the story, once it got rolling.  As for the simple ghost story?  It proved a phantom.

Q:  Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?

Most of the time, in the beginning, a simple outline works best for me, no great detail; like thumbnail sketches for a painting.  I once heard it stated like this:  “There was a little girl.  She lived. She died.  The end.”   Not much, but it’s a start.

Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?  Even with non-fiction, the ending is at times unknown until you work out the options.   Occasionally, your subconscious gives you the entire story up front.  You wake up and – bam!  There it is.   Other times, it has to be worked, bit by ever-loving bit.

Q:  Do you have a process for developing your characters?

 What works for me is opening my ears to hear them first, rather than try to force words out of their mouths.  Imagine a movie scene.  Listen.  Hear them talk.

Q:  It is said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters and what they would be?

In RIVERWALKER, much of Gifford Holloway’s military experience is based on my own, not to include the parts dealing with remote viewing; some of Brother Bob’s art experience is based on mine.

Q:  What is your most favorite part about this book?

It gives me great pleasure to dispose of the villain.  Good can triumph over evil.

Q:  What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

The biggest struggle has been in maintaining patience with myself and my work; having faith in it, knowing that it represents the best I can do, whatever that might be worth.  It was never my expectation that the uphill fight would take quite as long as it did (about 16 years for the first book).  Writers need to be faithful shepherds of their own work.

Q:  What has been the best part about being published?

That the work produced over many years has resulted in something of lasting value.

Q:  What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your novel?

Those who have read RIVERWALKER should carry with them a sense that there is always more we can do to protect children, be they our own, or from other families.  We should not hesitate to use our talents and resources – whatever they might be – to that end.

Q:  Do you have plans to write another book?

The next book has been steadily developing in outline form, currently at about 30-40 pages; Gifford Holloway will be back.

About Bud Bradshaw 

Author Bud Bradshaw

Bud Bradshaw’s fictional work, “RIVERWALKER,” is his second work, the first being “BRANDISHING,” the true-crime story of the California Highway Patrol’s worst tragedy.  His previous formal writing experience consisted of med-legal report writing – chiefly as a Qualified Medical Evaluator and Disability Evaluator – and Intelligence report writing while he served as a Special Agent with the Army’s 109th MI Group from 1969-71.

As an artist, Bradshaw’s work focuses on military history and the American West.  Many of his paintings, prints, and Giclees appear in private collections and museums in the U.S., Canada, England, Europe, Hong Kong, and Australia. He is a member of the Western Artists of America.

Along the way, Bradshaw worked as a professional musician while earning his B.S. and D.C. degrees.  You may view his web site and blog at budbradshaw.com/blog

 

 

 

Paperback Writer Chats with Laura Carroll Author of The Baby Matrix

Laura Carroll is the author of The Baby Matrix: Why Freeing Our Minds From Outmoded Thinking About Parenthood & Reproduction will Create a Better World, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, and Finding Fulfillment From the Inside Out.

In addition to writing nonfiction books, she has worked over the last 15 years as a business and litigation psychology consultant and used her expertise in behavioral sciences, psychology, and communications to advise business, legal, and nonprofit professionals on their communications strategies and goals.

Laura is a seasoned leader of personal and professional development seminars, and has appeared on a variety of television shows, including Good Morning America and The Early Show. She has been a guest on many radio talk shows to discuss social science topics.

You’ll also find her online at her nonfiction book site, LiveTrue Books, and her top blog, La Vie Childfree.

Laura is giving away a free kindle fire!  click here for details!

To get your copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Parenthood-Reproduction/dp/0615642993/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-2

Pick up your ebook copy at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-baby-matrix-laura-carroll/1110625478

To get your e-copy of The Baby Matrix by Laura Carroll for your Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Matrix-Reproduction-ebook/dp/B0081HSF3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339007434&sr=8-1

To learn more about Laura, go to her website: http://lauracarroll.com/

Visit Laura Carroll on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LauraCarroll88

Like Laura Carroll on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBabyMatrix

Find out all about The Baby Matrix at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13641241-the-baby-matrix

Thank you for this interview, Laura. Why was writing The Baby Matrix so important to you?

My previous book, Families of Two: Interviews With Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, received international attention and paved the way for me to become an expert on having no children by choice.  After its publication, I wanted to delve deeper and get to the core of why society finds no having children by choice hard to fully accept. My research led me to a set of beliefs and social force called “pronatalism,” At its root is the idea that parenthood and raising children should be the central focus of every adult’s life. The fact that many people are unaware that this is what has driven what we believe about parenthood and reproduction for generations made me realize I had to write about it. The deeper I got into it, the more I saw that there needed to be a book that went beyond others on the parenthood decision, one that answered the question society does not ask: “What is really behind why we want children?” I realized that people needed to know more about why they believe what they believe about parenthood, why it is that we haven’t questioned those beliefs, and why we should in order to make the best, most informed parenthood decisions.

Does pronatalism have to do with why people think we are all destined to have children?

Yes, this is a great example of pronatalism in action. To answer this question, we need to go back in time. Throughout history valuing fertility was necessary to ensure survival. Leaders encouraged, even mandated population growth to offset population losses due to infant mortality, war and disease. The larger a society’s population, the more it could expand and gain power. However, women’s valued reproductive role did not come without its downsides and risks. According to sociologist E.E. LeMasters, when a social role of motherhood and fatherhood is difficult, a romantic myth needs to surround it to keep it in its most positive light. And this is exactly what happened. Lots of myths were created to persuade people to have many babies, including the idea that parenthood is what “normal” men and women do. Early feminist Leta Hollingsworth called these myths “social devices,” as their purpose was to influence behavior. The origins of the pronatalist “destiny assumption” were designed to influence our emotions, thinking and social values for the goal of growing society. To this day, the truth is there is no real evidence that wanting children is hard-wired into our biological destiny.

What are the problems with continuing to believe pronatalist beliefs?

Here are just a few prices we are paying when we continue to live by outmoded thinking about parenthood. Pronatalist assumptions put unwarranted pressure on us to have biological children (and the “right” number of them), fail to foster a society in which those best suited to become parents are the ones who have children, and do a disservice to children who are already here in need of loving homes. They also work against leaving future generations a better world.  In addition, the problem simply is that we are choosing to hold beliefs that don’t reflect reality, and in doing so, ultimately don’t foster the best parenthood decisions.

Can you give us an excerpt?

From the Introduction:

“For some people, perhaps you, there may be nothing more fulfilling than raising a child. But I think you’d agree that parenthood is not automatically the right choice for everyone. You don’t have to look very far to find parents who never should have had children. The problem with pronatalism is that it leads everyone to believe they should have children—even people who shouldn’t have children. And pronatalism leads people to believe they have the right to have as many children as they want—even people who shouldn’t have children. This creates problems that extend beyond families and the children who may be suffering from the effects of poor parenting. At a time when we humans are consuming resources over 50 percent faster than the planet is producing them, every choice to bear a child has implications for the larger community. That’s why this conversation about pronatalism is one that involves all of us, parents or not.”

Now that The Baby Matrix has been published, what’s your next project?

I am definitely percolating on my next book, but am primarily focusing on getting The Baby Matrix message out there right now. I will say the next book will be nonfiction as always, be about my quest for the answer to a question I am passionate about, and include something I love to do in developing my books-interview lots of people!

Thanks again for this interview, Laura. Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

This book is for readers who revere the truth, want the best for themselves and their families, and especially for those who are planning to have children and don’t have them yet; those who are undecided about whether they want to have children; and those who already have children and are thinking of having more. In a word, it is a must-read for those who are approaching or in the midst of making what is arguably the biggest decision of their lives.