What Ebook Reader is Right for You

By Stephanie Burkhart

Ebooks are on the rise. In 2009, the ebook market grew more than 170%. According to eBook Newser, dated 8 Apr 2010, sales reached $313 million last year, overtaking the audio book market. Ebooks are selling better than audio books.

When Amazon launched their ebook reader, The Kindle in November 2007, it invigorated the ebook market. By using a built in wireless 3G networks, the Kindle allowed for download of a book with just one touch. What the Kindle did in November 2007 was to bring to the forefront awareness and demands for ebooks. In fact, Amazon had a record Christmas in 2009, selling more ebooks than print books.

What are some of the benefits of ebooks? The ebook reader is small and convenient to carry. They hold a lot of books, freeing up shelf space. There's no shipping costs or wait time. They are also environmentally friendly; they don't need paper.

So what ebooks reader is good for you? I'll take a look at the most popular models, The Kindle, Nook, Sony ereader, and the iPad.

The Sony ereader has several models and it's lowest model, at $169 is the most affordable of the ebook readers. It's lightweight and uses E Ink technology so it's easy on the eyes. It supports multiple formats such as ePubs and PDF. You can buy books from the Sony store for it. It can stay charged for up to two weeks. In this model though, I don't believe there's a direct wireless link to the Sony store. In the Sony Daily Edition for $349 it has the ability to download wirelessly.

The Amazon Kindle also has several versions and the cheapest model is $189 which allows for the wireless delivery of books through the Kindle store using a 3G network. It also uses E Ink technology and has a text to speech capability so you can listen to your book audibly. There is a "music" folder on the Kindle which I believe supports Audio Books. For me, it's a learning curve. I have an audio book on my Kindle, but it is in the wrong folder. LOL!! I need to re-synch and put it in the right folder then try it. I'll let you know if it works. There's also a larger screen version which is approximately 10" x 7" for $489.
The Barnes and Noble Nook is also available for $149. The $149 model uses WiFi Only. The $199 model uses both 3G and WiFi. It also has E Ink technology. What makes it unique from the Kindle is the touch screen technology which allows it to function similar to an iTouch. You can also expand the memory. It, however, does not offer text to speech.

I've heard it said the iPad is like a bit iTouch, but I don't know how true that is. However, the iPad is the pricest of ebook readers with it's lowest model coming in at $499 and that's not including the service plans. The color is vivid, it doesn't use E Ink, and you check your email and surf the web on it as well as download books. There is a Wi-Fi network which comes with the $499 model. 3G costs more and there is a monthly payment plan. While the iPad is fantastic in it's graphic colors, touch technology and ability to do more, even with the lowest model, it is priced at $499, which may make it finically unaffordable, especially for those who just want to read.

Did I mention the Kobo? It was released on 17 JUN this year and it is going to support the Borders Ebook Store. The cool thing about KoBo is that is will allow for synching between smart phones uses a bluetooth. Kobo serves international markets and Canada.

Before you buy, shop around and ask people about what they have. If you just want to read books, the Kindle, Nook, or Sony ereaders might be for you. If you're a "Techie" you'll love the iPad.

Ebooks are here to stay and there's no indication the market for them is going away. They truly are riding the wave of the future.

The Reviews are in for June Books!

Here are a couple of Reviews for June 2010 books:

In the Manor of the Ghost:

"In The Manor of the Ghost is a suspense filled story that kept me guessing until the end. Superstition, prejudice, hidden family secrets, all play into its intrigue, with plot twists throughout." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."

Daughter of Ashes:

"Daughter of Ashes is a fantastic adventure about destiny and love. Esther Mitchell got everything right with this book. The setting is vivid, the characters three dimensional, the plot well thought out and complex." - Shawna K. Williams, Author of "No Other."

Love to hear your thoughts on any books you might have read recently
Smiles
Steph

One Writer's Journey to Inspirational Writing, Part 2, by Regina Andrews

The Light of Tomorrow

After the flurry of activity, the quiet set in. These were the days when I would write in my journal, pouring out my heart to God. One day I tried to slip my notebook into a
drawer at my desk, but I hit a roadblock. Something in the drawer was in the way. Frustrated, I yanked it out. Turns out it was the full manuscript of my first attempt at a romance novel from years earlier.

I remembered the tears when the big, yellow envelope had come back to me in the mail. And I remembered my father's words of consolation and encouragement. "Keep at it," he'd say. "Never give up on your dreams."

If only I could speak with him now! I couldn't. But, I realized I could listen to him by remembering what he had said to me.
So I began writing my happy romance stories once again, except now they were coming out different. This time, they had the added dimension of faith. I couldn't help it. The faith that was such a part of me now, so prominent and at the forefront my mindset, was a perspective that was just as real to me as a writer as the other parts of the story I was writing.

It struck me as quirky, since I hadn't really read romance novels like that before. But I kept it up. Writing, right from the heart without constraint. I joined my local chapter of RWA. And then I took a night class.

Our assignment was to read the class the first three pages of a book we would like to publish. This was my moment of truth. I loved my book…but to go public it? I cringed. What would they think? What if they thought my writing rotted? What if they ridiculed a story that was faith-centered? What if they sneered at my faith? You can imagine the doubts. But I did it. "Never give up on your dreams."

When I looked up after I finished reading, I saw smiles. Sincere smiles. Something opened up in my heart. It felt like a shining new life path was before me, and I was taking my first steps on this path. Then the instructor said he thought my work could get published.

It wasn't easy. It took years. But it eventually did happen.
Looking back now, I can only be grateful for the shelter of God’s grace and love at this crossroads in my life. His gifts carried me on my journey, although I didn't understand any of it at first. Through Him, I've met so many wonderful friends and colleagues along the way; I never could have done it alone, ever. My prayer is that each of you, in your own ways and on your own personal journeys, will experience the fullness and joy of His loving grace.

I'd also recommend listening to that little voice inside that's telling you: "Don't throw it out! Not yet!" or "Get rid of it! Start a new one!"

We might not know why our inner voice is urging us towards something. I didn't. But I trusted it. And I believe that trusting our hearts is the path to take so you "never give up on your dreams."

One Writer's Journey to Inspirational Writing by Regina Andrews

When I look back at the moments that have formed me – as an individual, as a woman and as a writer – I would have to say the summer when I lost my father was a complete turning point in my life.

That might sound like a grim beginning to a posting, but really, it’s completely the opposite. It is a joy-filled journey, filled with happiness and the gratitude of having a family life that gave me the perspective I needed to succeed.

Getting back to my journey, my father used to take me to his office occasionally when I was little, and boy, was that a big thrill. I loved to meet his co-workers and see the place where he did all his Big Important Things. But what did I love most of all? Sitting at his typewriter, writing.

So I began writing, early on and it continued through high school, where I was Editor of the Literary Magazine, through Graduate School where I discovered Barbara Cartland.

Living in a world of royalty, civility and romance, where happily-ever-after was assured, seemed like a really nice destination, to me. So I set out to write romances, and to be legit, applied to Law School. The week before I started law school, we lost him.

When I lost him, so unexpectedly, that day in late summer, I turned again to writing. Only this time, it was diaries. It was letters to physicians and insurance companies. It was thank-you letters to nurse and staff and priests and organists and funeral home guys and relatives and friends who had helped us through it all. It wasn’t romantic. It was as real-life as I ever could have imagined.

Then one night, I just started writing to God. That was the beginning of a new phase in my writer’s consciousness. As the phrase goes, when God closes one door, He opens another.


To be continued tomorrow.

The Reviews are in! Dawn of a Viking Sunrise by Tami Dee

BLURB:
Rosie Chan suddenly finds herself alone in the world: Her fiancé is dead, and her best friend is missing in the mist of Time. An unexpected night time call for help from the disembodied voice of her missing friend leads to a series of events which propel Rosie into a spinning vortex of Time.

When Rosie tumbles out of the vortex and into the year 904, she quite unexpectedly falls right into love. But the man who breaks her fall and captures her heart has a secret...

Can she love him, despite his secrets and their differing worlds?

Davyn Nabbodderson is banned from his homeland for a murder he does not know if he committed. He flees to Scotland and seizes Castle Rose Haven, but guilt and loneliness plague him, making his life a bitter existence.

Until, that is, Time delivers Rosie to him. But will Time allow him to keep her?

******

5 Stars - The Romance Studio
The plot is very creative and imanginative. It's amazing how much detail is in this novel.

4 Cups - Coffee Time Romance
" ...Ms Dee has given us a thrilling twist on the standard time travel romance."

5 Wings - Classic Romance Revival
"Dawn of a Viking Sunrise is a heart pounding story filled with suspense, excitement, and love in the Mists of Time Series."

4 Books - Long and Short Reviews
"[I]...read it from cover to cover because this romance is chock full of little moments of perfect writing, adorable character interaction and fast-paced dialogue which bring to life the drama and heartbreak that is wrought by time’s whirlwind forces."

Q&A with Desert Breeze author Susanne Marie Knight

I had a chance to interview Susanne Marie Knight recently. She's a Desert Breeze Author who has a book coming out next month with Desert Breeze, "The Bloodstained Bistro," Book 1 of the Minx Tobin Series. Enjoy. Steph

STEPH: - Susanne, Can you tell us a little about yourself? I see you've been a member of EPIC since 2000.

SUSANNE: Yes, it’s hard to believe ten years can pass so quickly! As for me, I’m the author of 28 books and one anthology. My website is http:www.susanneknight.com. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful husband and a darling daughter. Originally from New York City, I’ve lived in Florida, Alabama, Montana, Okinawa, and have now put down roots in the Pacific Northwest. Quite the wanderlust in my soul, however there’s a lot to be said for settling down. :))



STEPH: - What brought you to Desert Breeze Publishing?

SUSANNE: I’d first read about Desert Breeze Publishing on the EPIC member lists, and was very excited to find a publisher who focused on sweet, sensual, and classic romance. Right up my alley! I’m honored to be one of Desert Breeze’s authors.



STEPH: - Your Minx Tobin series looks very interesting. Can you tell us a little about the series?

SUSANNE: Gladly! The Minx Tobin Mysteries feature our gal, Minx, a fitness instructor who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. Her counterpart, Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris, wants to be her love interest. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow Minx’s adventures in this murder mystery series.



STEPH: - Can you set the stage for "The Bloodstained Bistro?"

SUSANNE: Minx leaves her home and her unfaithful fiancé, and starts a new life in Los Angeles. She’s settling in at her job as fitness instructor at the Elite Exercise Emporium. Because she has a caring nature, she’s dragged into waitress Brandi Evans’ problems--problems that soon reveal Brandi’s ex-boyfriend murdered in her car trunk. Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris investigates, and soon becomes intrigued by possible murder suspect Minx Tobin. But Minx isn’t looking to have a relationship. Neither is Gabe, but he finds himself attracted to this female Sherlock Holmes. For more, visit www.desertbreezepublishing.com!



STEPH: - I see you've written many different genres. Do you have a favorite?

SUSANNE: My writing covers a wide spectrum -- contemporary, mystery, ghost, paranormal, regency, time-travel, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy. And I have to say, truthfully, I love them all! Anything with an interesting hook can beckon me to write its story. :))



STEPH: - What's the last movie you saw in a movie theatre?

SUSANNE: Robin Hood--with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchard. Oh, I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did. Russell’s Robin actually says “I love you” before Marian does!



STEPH: - Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SUSANNE: I’ve got a few. Sony’s ebook reader is my newest one. I also have Ebookwise and Rocket. So I never have an excuse to say I’m without a book to read. :))

Featured Author - PI Barrington blogs about Las Vegas (Contest!)

Location, Location, Location!

P.I. Barrington

Okay, I stole that title from one of my sister’s articles but since I’m older than her, I can do what I want. At least that’s what I tell her. Never believes me though.
In any case it’s still apropos especially when talking about locations inspiring writing. One of my favorite locations is where my Future Imperfect series takes place: Las Vegas, Nevada.

Why? Aside from the obvious draw of gambling the city is one of a kind. First and foremost, it’s the location of the location that sets it apart. Las Vegas is in the center of nowhere. It’s surrounded by seemingly barren desert for hundreds of miles (if you discount State Line and Jean - two other mini Mecca for gambling: sort of pre-Vegas Vegas) when it suddenly rises up garish and loud if you arrive by night; tacky and drab if you arrive before sunset. Either time of day your first glimpse of Sin City is something you most likely won’t ever forget.

I’ve been visiting Las Vegas since the Excalibur was the new, impressive casino resort, circa roughly 1990. I’ve seen implosions of casinos and explosions of them as well. While some were blown down, others exploded up onto the Strip like eruptions of decadence and glamorous luxury. My mother still holds the belief that Bugsy Siegel is still the best psychologist in the world. She says that he tapped into the one thing people can barely resist: the luck of the draw and the possibility of that big win. Don’t believe her? Walk through any casino and listen to those one armed bandits, the slot machines.

Yet, while that is one of major reasons for setting Future Imperfect there, the city also jives with my story of a near future Las Vegas, one that is down on its own luck and scrambling to function as a city at any cost. When I started the series I wanted to set it somewhere instantly recognizable and somewhere that readers could picture as increasingly decrepit and desperate. Las Vegas has both those elements to different degrees and its economy right now is in dire straits, perhaps not to the extent as in the series but close and that makes Future Imperfect very plausible. If you’ve ever watched the show Cops, you might have seen the show on location in Vegas. That show exposes another side of Sin City, perhaps where some of the real sin happens—on the back streets and alleys off the Strip. Again, it all adds to the verisimilitude of Future Imperfect; that there is more to the city than just the casinos and adventures. Another aspect that I love about a future Las Vegas in financial desperation is that I can play loose and fast with rules and regulations! I have police and hospital staff pulling double and triple duty and the city officials looking the other way or saying “damn the torpedoes!” just to keep the city running. In Future Imperfect for the most part I’ve done away with protocols and procedures and city personnel do whatever they need to solve crimes and keep as much order as they can! It’s the perfect venue for crime and corruption to thrive virtually unchecked!

And finally, I come back to the biggest draw of all for me as an author: that writhing, seething, snaking thing called the Las Vegas Strip, that living organism comprised of thousands of tourists, tramps, ladies of the evening, and the rest of the working class population of Sin City all of whom draw their lives and livelihoods from it. If you drive down the Strip any time from dusk until dawn, you can almost feel it, that rhythm and music of city’s heartbeat, the people on the street acting as its lifeblood flowing up and down the artery of Las Vegas Boulevard. The real music spills out onto the boulevard from open faced smaller casinos, from fountains and fires and light shows of the giant casinos and even the cars move through traffic to the beat. This city is alive for good or bad, and in Future Imperfect you can take what you need from it but always at a cost. It can be your last day or your last dollar but Las Vegas in 2032 always exacts its price and there’s no hedging your bets. If you’re brave enough, foolish enough or crazy enough you might just hit it big in both love and money. And if you do, head out and don’t look back. Otherwise you might fall out of one love and into another: that beautiful mirage of an oasis located in the middle of nowhere.


***********

Thanks for visiting the blog, Patti! *smiles* Patti has generously autographed a UNIQUE MEDIA Map of Las Vegas (ready for framing) and several postcards.

All you have to do to have a chance at winning the map & an autographed postcard is to sign in and tell Patti what you LOVE about Las Vegas. I'll pull the winner's name out of a hat on FRI, 18 JUN and announce it that morning (PST TIME) So C'Mon and sign in. What do you *LOVE* about Vegas?

Smiles
Moderator Steph

Desert Breeze goes to Lori Foster

Three Desert Breeze Author attended the Lori Foster's event this past weekend, Diane Craver, Michelle Levigne, and Nicole Zoltack. (above photo) Michelle was instrumental in putting together a Desert Breeze Basket with copies of Desert Breeze Books and an ebook reader. The winner of the Desert Breeze ebook reader was Cathy Matuszak.

Michelle let us know that the event raised over $5,500 for a shelter for abused/neglected children and an animal shelter. What a great cause to be involved in! Thanks to Michelle for putting together the Desert Breeze Basket. Michelle, Diane, or Nicole, we'd love to hear more about the event.

Smiles
Moderator Steph

Desert Breeze Author J Morgan visits the blog

When Stephanie asked me to come up with a Blog, my first impulse was to promo my new book, Love Free, Stake Hard: Love Bites Book 3. A truly amazing ride and the perfect distraction from those pesky kids being home for the summer. There, I think that's enough promo for this Blog.

What?! Are you crazy? You have a new book and that's all you've got?

Yeah, it seems strange to me, too. But, I thought instead of hitting you with the usual blah, blah, blah, I thought I'd tell you what has given me the inspiration to write. My wife. Ever since I took over our joint computer back in 2006, she has been the reason I'm able to write Romance. She taught me through loving me, what the word love truly means. June 13th marks twelve years of the best inspiration a man could ever hope for. Not to say we don't drive each other crazy from time to time—make that on a daily basis, but when you truly love someone, you work past the pet peeves and remember love means saying you're always sorry. Well, if you're a man it does.

That being the case, I figured she deserved the credit for standing beside me, supporting me, lifting me up when I couldn't write or the business got a little too much to handle. Never once has she told me I was crazy for spending most of my free time in front of a screen. Instead, through big and little things she's given me every reason to create worlds where love solves everything. Yeah, even zombie bites and unsightly hair in funny places. So, whenever you pick up one of my books, at its core is the love story I live every day thanks to her. Yes, she is Maddy from Were Love Blooms, in case anyone was wondering.

Honestly, she's all my heroines. I love to write women just like the one sitting on the couch glaring at me now as she tries to figure out what I'm up to. Seriously, Jenn is the perfect heroine, smart, funny, strong-willed and able to stand on her own two feet whether I'm around or not. She is her own person and just because we got married she didn't become a wilting violet standing in my shadow. Jenn would whoop my butt if I even suggested it. She has trained me to walk three steps behind her, but then again she is my queen and that is her due.

So, I guess the whole point of this Blog is I write Romance because I love my wife and secretly want her to be a Vampire, Werewolf or zombie. Not sure if that last one is true or not. I just love zombies. Love them a lot in fact. I digress. I think if you ask any author they'll tell you writing is a two person venture. One to click click on the keyboard and another to keep people away and tsk tsk when the trash needs to be taken out.

Before I hit you with an excerpt from Love Free Stake Hard--like you thought I'd say good-bye without at least one shameless plug for my book—I want to thank Jenn for twelve wonderful years and a future that only can get better with her in it. I truly couldn't do this without you. Okay, my bid for a really big anniversary pressie is over. Now onto the excerpt!



Love Free, Stake Hard
Love Bites: Book 3
By
J. Morgan
From
Desert Breeze Publishing

Excerpt:


"Yeah, life is full of naked surprises," I mumbled, turning toward the naked surprise of the moment. "Deme, grab your things before somebody goes blind."

A loud roar tore the words from my mouth. Whipping my head toward the sound that came from right above us, my ears popped as my jaw dropped. Massive cracks scrawled their way across the concrete and glass that made up the ceiling. Dust rained down into my gaping touristy mouth. In my own defense I'd never been killed by the Wal-Hell before. That fact alone entitled me to a gawk. An unhealthy dose of losing my religion rolled from my lips as the whole thing gave way. Just my luck. The one time I go shopping in the middle of the night, and the Hellmouth decided to open up.

My brain had barely got over the shock of death by Wally World when Deme wrapped his body around me -- every naked bit of it -- and tossed me to the floor. If it wasn't for the dying, this could have had some very pleasurable possibilities. Too bad he was ten years too late for me to work my I-don't-want-to-die-a-virgin magic on him. His body clenched above me as I heard the rumble of concrete smacking the floor followed by the tinkling of glass raining down. Dust clogged my eyes and nose from each teeth-rattling impact.

Coughs tore through me in spite of the press of his body around me. I found myself snuggling my face into the ripped muscles of his chest. Breathing in the rich musk of him, I fought the urge to nibble that tantalizing flesh. Forget sticking my head in the freezer, I needed a dunk in the Arctic. I should have been praying or something constructive. Instead I wanted to run my mouth over him and make him yelp. For all I knew, we both could be dead and this was just the pregame show before the fires of a very bad place started licking my nether regions. Believe you me, with the thoughts running through my head, harps and puffy clouds weren't waiting on me.

Content to enjoy my few remaining moments in skankdom, I missed Deme moving off me. Only the dry air hitting my smooching lips, alerted me to the fact I still numbered among the living. Blinking the smut -- no pun intended -- out of my eyes, I sat up. Smoke and the remaining dust cloud obscured the room. The cries of someone came from the direction of electronics. They were soon joined by others. The smog cleared enough for me to see Michael unconscious on the floor. He didn't look hurt but he didn't appear to be in the shape for much of anything except lying there. His chest moved up and down in a regular motion. None of the big chucks appeared to have landed on him so he should be okay. I let out a sigh of relief at that. From the looks of things, whatever had happened appeared to be localized to the dressing area. Lucky us.

Deme let out a grunt as he staggered to his feet. Somehow or another, his makeshift kilt still clung deliciously in place, cuts and one particularly nasty gash covered his bare flesh. If it hadn't been for him, I'd be dead. I shivered at the thought. Then another one hit me just as hard. This wasn't an accident! I swiveled my head in a fair Linda Blair impersonation, just knowing Medusa and the girls were about to come in guns blazing and finish the job.

Sure enough, figures began to take form through the fog. This was it. They had decided not to wait on me to make up mind. Scrambling to my feet, I opened my mouth to warn Deme only to shut it. Monks boiled from the smoldering carnage. Okay, maybe I was dead.

"No one expects the Vampiric Inquisition!" The leader yelled, planting his fists on his hips.

And gone straight to Monty Python Hell.

Featured Interview, Tina Pinson author of "In The Manor of the Ghost"

Welcome to the Desert Breeze Blog today, Tina. It's nice to have you.

STEPH: - Where did you find the inspiration for your latest release, "In The Manor of the Ghost?"

TINA: We had just taken trip to Minnesota, and I was pining for a black walnut tree to have in my own yard, and wanted to put that into the story, but most of it came from dreams and thoughts of things that were going on in my life.

Devlin, the hero of my tale, mirrors me and some of what I was dealing with in life at the time. As does my ghost. And I loved the movie the Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

STEPH: I loved that story, too! I don't know much about the book. Can you give us a feel of what to expect?

TINA: In the Manor of the Ghost has romance, mystery, suspense, a ghost, and a dark foreboding house, of course. I like to think it's a pretty good read. It is important to note that some fo the some of the houses we reside in aren't alway made of lumber or stone. They are fashioned from our fears and those fears are as thick around us as a wall might be. And some of the Ghosts we face are those fears. Real or perceived, they can haunt us.

Devlin is a lawyer, with a unique background. He was adopted by a loving, nurturing family. I find his torn spirit and need to fix him endearing. Although it does seem so, he has a quiet accepting spirit. The Manor Devlin lives in, was once a place of joy and safety. It was used as a safe house during the Indian Raids a decade earlier. After losing his wife and daughter, Clayborne Manor has become a dark, sad place with too many haunting memories. But the walls around Devlin's spirit seem to be almost as thick as the Manor's.


Kaitlin lost her husband and daughter in a fire, and went through years of Therapy for her burns. She hopes moving to Minnesota to live with her sister, Constance, will help heal her spirit.

Accepting a contract to marry Devlin, Kaitlin finds herself living in the Clayborne Manor. When she begins to uncover secrets and resurrect ghosts, she questions her choice. Does she have the strength to break down the walls that confine those who reside in the Manor? Does she have the faith to lead them to the one who sets the captive free? I find Kaitlin's resilience, gentle and loving spirit endearing.
And I must add that I think my ghost is pretty special too.

STEPH: It sounds really cool, Tina. Are you a ploter or a panster? Which technique did you use to write this book?

TINA: I am a panster. I write what comes and take day trips with my characters. I usually dream a story then write down some of the points floating through my head. But mind you, I don't alway adhere to that list, especially if a character decides to give me fits. Which is norm. Then my dream unfolds with this new aspect of the story, taking me to deeper depths, uncovering new nuances.

STEPH: - Do you cast your characters? Who do you see Kaitlin? Devlin?

TINA: I sometimes cast them, but more times than not, I just write them in away that the reader can decide for themselves the look. Besides, it's a bit aggravating to see them so clearing in your head and have to hunt down the face that fits. For this story however, Devlin was a given. He would have the brooding eyes and a bit of darkness to his face and character. Devlin resembles Adrian Paul in his Highlander days and Kaitlin is Zoey Deschanel.

STEPH: - Did you do a lot of research for the book?

TINA:I have done extensive research on other books but for this one, not mounds, as the story was more character and emotion than place driven. But I did do some research into my ghost, and the fires in Boston. Researched pirates a bit, certain ailments and the layout of Manors and some furniture. I'm of the firm belief that no matter how hard I try, someone will find a flaw in the research somewhere.

STEPH - What was the last movie you saw in the movie theatre?

TINA: Killers with Ashton K. and Katherine H. It was funny, but I'm of the mindset that there are just too many innuendos in movies that don't have to be there.

STEPH: Do you have any hobbies you'd like to share with us?

TINA: I like to sing and draw. Some of my doodles have been posted at my blog site. I like to garden, didn't say I was great at it, but I find it relaxing.

STEPH: - What was the last book you read?

TINA: Amanda Cabots, Scattered Pearls. It deals with a hard subject, but it was done well. I liked the story. It's the second in her Texas Dreams Series. The first, Paper Roses was pretty good too. Right now I'm bouncing between a couple of books when I find time, Shawna Williams, No Other and Maggie Brennan's, A Love of Her Own.

STEPH: - Where else can we find you on the Internet?

TINA: I am so well known, I'm at practically every site there is, except the dirty ones...

All kidding aside. The links below will help you track me down:


This link directs you to my website and will allow you to learn a bit more about me. By following the links Bits and Pieces and Touched By Mercy you can take a look at other books I'm working on.

http://www.tinapinson.com/blank.html

To purchase my books:

Desert Breeze Publishing-

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-92/Tina-Pinson-In-the/Detail.bok

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Manor-Ghost-ebook/dp/B003PDN7T0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1275796144&sr=1-1

My Blogsite— http://tinapinson.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share my books and myself.

In honor of the release of In the Manor of the Ghost, I am running a contest for the entire month of June 2010. Giving away some pretty awesome gifts, if I must say so myself. Check out my blog for the particulars.

http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/


STEPH: Thanks for popping in today, Tina. It was nice having you.
Smiles

Featured June Release - Deception by Bruce Cooke

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rookie cop Ally McIvor finds a likely suspect in a murder in Daniel Reilly. She goes undercover and becomes involved in a world of deceit and mystery. It's not just Reilly who wants the one hundred million dollars worth of drugs about to flood the community but others who seem legitimate. Who can she trust and who wants her dead. Even the cops could be involved. Ally must solve the dilemma before Reilly is captured or killed which would break her heart.


EXCERPT:

"Someone put a bullet in his head last night, round about the time you were there." Tony sat back with a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Like Flanagan," said Reilly, frowning.

"Yes, like Flanagan. Isn't it strange that you always seem to be visiting someone who ends up dead?"

"How do you know what time I was seeing him?" said Reilly frowning at the information. He had a good idea, but he figured he'd let them wriggle out of naming Ally.

"We have our ways. You're in big trouble this time, Reilly."

"Really? You haven't found a weapon. All you know is that I visited Grey last night. Anyone could have seen him after I left."

"Sure," said Tony controlling himself. "Two dead men, two drug dealers and a dead hooker. Of course your business was legitimate?"

"Of course. I don't know anything about drugs. Now are you going to charge me or do I have to call a lawyer?"

*****
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I was a technical teacher in the Victorian Education system, for a total of 29 years.

Forced to take an early retirement because of a hearing loss I began writing. Now I have completed 23 novels, most adventure romance but my favorite genre is Colonial Australian stories around the gold rush days on 1850. I also wrote scripts and was rewarded by having the initial script for the stage play of C.S.Lewis's The Lion, The With and The Wardrobe. The play ran in all the Capital cities of Australia around four years ago.

I tried the American market and was successful almost immediately. My first book accepted was a mature age romance titled Love in the Afternoon. Then another publisher accepted four other books and three short stories. A third publisher took another two of my books and now I have been offered two more contracts, one with Desert Breeze. All up I now hold nine contracts with seven of my books published in both e-form and paperback.

I lost my beautiful wife to leukemia in 2007 but her memory will always be with me.

I have converted some of my stories to movie scripts and hope to have success there but my first love is writing novels. My books and success can be found on my website.

Desert Breeze Congratulates Bruce on his latest release!

Featured June Release - Daughter of Ashes by Esther Mitchell

THE BLURB:

Telyn Gwndal has always feared Majik. But when her destiny brings her back to the place her nightmares were born, Telyn must take up a sacred quest to avenge the father she never knew. Her greatest ally is a man with a secret that could reawaken a past Telyn believes dead and buried, and destroy the truth she holds sacred. Can she trust him with her heart, or will her destiny force her to let him go?


EXCERPT:

Outside the Camp House, Telyn wished she hadn't been so hasty to leave. Against her will, her gaze traveled to the mountain, and her insides twisted in a mixture of pain and longing.

Raiador.

"Quite a sight, isn't it?"

Her attention whipped to her left at that query, to find a man standing beside her. He had the long, plaited hair of a Borderlander, and his tarnished armor screamed mercenary loud enough the dead could have heard it. And yet, something told her he was neither.

"Excuse me?"

He nodded toward Raiador. "The mountain. Never seen anything quite like it."

She peered closer in the diming light, trying to discover what it was about him that convinced her he wasn't exactly what his appearance claimed. He was tall, even to her with her Bathron blood. That could be a Borderlander trait -- the few she met were easily as tall as she was. His mud-brown hair hung midway down his back, woven into the traditional Borderlander plaits. But there were secrets in his smoky-green gaze that told her he wasn't who he appeared. A sense of kinship to this man blanketed her -- she was more than she appeared, as well, even if she wasn't sure what that was, yet. This man's charisma told her he was far from the mercenary his garb declared him to be.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

While unpublished until her twenties, Esther Mitchell spent her life dreaming of writing. As a young child, she learned to read on such classics as Gawain & the Green Knight and Beowulf. Raised in Europe, with its wide exposure to mythology, history, and the paranormal, she quickly became fascinated by the lore of the unseen, eventually translating into an educational background in parapsychology and a lifetime of study and practice in spiritual healing and counseling.

Life in a fast-paced, on-the-edge military community ingrained her with both an intimate understanding of the military world, and the ability to craft edgy suspense.

At the age of eight, she fell in love with romance, and by the time she was twelve, she had already penned the first of a series of Arthurian romances, and was working on what would later become the futuristic suspense series, Underground.

Always dedicated foremost to her writing, she writes under her real name, and has completed about thirty novels to date, of which ten have previously been published, with more to come. Reviewers and fans alike have dubbed her work "exciting," "edge of your seat" and "daring."

Desert Breeze congratulates Esther on her latest release.

Featured June Release - Love Free, Stake Hard by J. Morgan

THE BLURB:

Dela McNamara thought she had the most boring job in the world. Tour guide to the scenic cemeteries of Savannah. Yeah, that's what she spent her life aspiring to become.

Then Demetrious de Mecini stumbled into her graveyard and right smack into her suddenly unboring life. Along with three female killers, a passel of crazy militant monks.

On the run, they fight for their lives and sanity and land themselves in a headlong flight into danger and perhaps the answer to a mystery five thousands years buried in the clouded mists of mythology itself. Before it's over, Dela finds herself between a stake and a hard place, but if she survives, love might be the ultimate prize or the ultimate curse.


******

EXCERPT:

"We are the Vampiric Inquisition and you, Demetrious de Mecini, have been judged, tried and found guilty by the Holy Court of Phroumage. We are here to carry out sentencing!" An evil smile bloomed from the darkness of the hood covering the monk's head. "Prepare to die!"

I felt around on the top of my head. Nope, no bumps or signs of a cracked skull. So, the monk did just say that the pope's cheese wanted Deme dead. I almost wished I did have brain damage. Then maybe this would make sense. Sacred cheese, Lily Munster, Vampires, blatant lust. Excuse me, but a nervous breakdown looked pretty damn good about now. So did a do-over but that wasn't about to happen. The nervous breakdown on the other hand had an excellent chance of happening. Any minute now, if I was a judge of such things. Seeing as how this was me I was talking about, I thought I could say without a doubt I had five seconds and counting from a nice one.

Deme batted at the dust and peered intently at the monk. "Grahm, is that you?"

"Uh, no. I am the Grand High Inquisitor of Phroumage. There is no Grahm here and even if there was he wouldn't be a Grand High Inquisitor of Phroumage, which I am." The monk shuffled his feet. "A Grand High Inquisitor, that is."

Another one of the monks scooted around him. "But that's just for today. Tomorrow, I get to be the Grand High Inquisitor."


*******

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Surviving a long bout with sanity, J. Morgan found a muse willing to work cheap and began work on his first book.



Since then, his imagination has been seen running wild on several occassions. Luckily, the straight jackets have been limited to his time away from the computer.



When not writing, 'Jmo' can be found in front of the TV pretending to write while really watching endless hours of drivel and laughing at the voices in his head who are constantly feeding him plotlines. While the voices may not be in total control just yet, one day they hope to have a book deal of their own.



Until the, J. Morgan will continue to get to spend the royalty checks.

******

Congrats to J Morgan on his latest release!

Featured June Release - In the Manor of the Ghost By Tina Pinson

THE BLURB:

It's the 1870's. The Civil War has long since been fought and laid to rest, settlers are still joining the wagon trains and heading west to the New Eden. The land is changing. But those who dwell in Clayborne Manor seem trapped in time.

Trapped amid the whispers of failure and sorrow, whispers of longing and defeat. Kaitlin hears them clearly at night. But who haunts Clayborne Manor? The ghost that restlessly walks the halls in the night? Or the ones that plague the minds and spirits of those residing there? Though not inclined to believe the dead can walk the night laden corridors, Kaitlin can see them clearly in the eyes of her husband Devlin, and hear them in the deafening silence of her son, Derrick.

Does she have the courage to search the past and face the ghosts? Does she have the faith to stay and direct all those who dwell In the Manor of the Ghost to the one who sets the captive free?


EXCERPT:

Kaitlin slipped past the barricades and pushed through the crowds. Heavy smoke made it hard to catch her breath. Nothing could stop her scream when she saw her apartment building engulfed in flames.

She scanned the lines of blackened faces. Her family wasn't there. Her gaze was drawn to the building, to the raging mingling of fire and life. Kaitlin prayed her family would come out. No one exited -- the agony of her thoughts cut her like a well-sharpened saber. Looking up, her thoughts became flesh.

Jean Marc stood in the upstairs window holding a bundle. Kaitlin knew, with another slice to her soul, the bundle was Simone. Jean Marc, so quiet, protective, so uneasily riled, yelled. Tormented wails for help rose along with tears of anguish and fear as angry flames licked out behind him.

The knife in Kaitlin's gut pushed through and slit her spine, filleting with cold precision. Pandemonium reigned around her where men held out their arms, coats, and blankets, and yelled for those Kaitlin loved to jump.

Across the space of the yard, over the din of bells, the cries of man and beast, over the conflagration -- eternity settling between them -- she caught her beloved's eyes. She couldn't read them. Perhaps she could, but couldn't bear to hear the message. Jump, she bade him. He remained at the third floor window, their daughter pressed to his chest. A sparkle of flame in his tear filled eyes, spoke of things to come and time froze. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to dam the tears and looked up to find him gone.

No one had jumped.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tina Pinson resides in Grand Junction, Colorado with her husband of twenty-nine years, Danny. They've ran their own business, Omega Avionics, since 2004. The Pinsons have three grown sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws and four grand children.



Tina began her first novel in elementary school. Her love of writing has caused her to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories. She had four years of journalism, a half a year of college, took a fourteen-month correspondence course through The Writer's Institute. Tina has been involved with American Christian Fiction Writers for seven year.

Tina has completed eleven novels. She was a third finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest in 2003 for her story Trail of the Sandpiper-Rescued.

Beyond writing, Tina enjoys building, gardening, singing, speaking and some biking. She and her husband hope to get out more into God's country and do some camping.

CONTEST: Visit Tina's blog for a FANTASTIC CONTEST she's having this month - she's giving away two Kindles and 10 copies of her book. You can find the details here at: http://tinapinson.blogspot.com

Desert Breeze congratulates Tina on her book!

Featured June Release - Miraculous Deception by PI Barrington

THE BLURB:

Payce Halligan is nearly dead -- comatose, at the least -- when she disappears from her hospital room with no clue where she's gone. Even as he searches for his missing partner, Gavin McAllister must deal with a new, 'temporary' and hostile partner and rival for Payce, a seductive journalist, and the return of the deadly cult The New Creation.


****

EXCERPT:

"What happened?" Gavin kicked off the wall as Georgene emerged from Payce's room with a weak, but still present, smile. "Is she alright?" He scanned her face for uncertainty.

"Believe it or not, yes. I thought she was gone for sure. Chalk it up to modern medical science."

"It sounded as if you were blasting cement. The whole building rocked. What did you do?"

"I took a major chance on a new machine that disrupts the body/brain functions. It forces resets of the organ systems. It's something akin to rebooting a computer. Until a few minutes ago, it was all theory. Now it's reality. You can't beat advances." Georgene smiled again.

"But she's okay?"

"Pffft! She's better than before. She's breathing on her own and from the current holograph, I'd say all systems are 'go.'"

"Oh, thank God. Georgene I could kiss you!"

"Do you see me objecting, Detective?"

He grabbed her face and planted a smack on her lips.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

P.I. Barrington has returned to her original career choice of fiction writing after a long detour in the entertainment industry. Her experience includes work as a newspaper journalist, radio air talent, and at a major record company. She lives in Southern California with her dog and wildlife in her rural neighborhood.

***

Congratulations to Patti on her latest release!