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