Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Q&A with Michael Forester, author of The Goblin Child and Other Stories




Now available from Pegasus House Publishing is The Goblin Child and Other Stories by Michael Forester.




The author has taken a few minutes out of his busy schedule for a Q&A about his newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

My interest in stories is lifelong– I think this is so for all of us, part of the human condition if you will. If someone says to us “I want to tell you a story,” we pay immediate attention. We are curious by nature. All of us have a story to tell, some of us have many. To me they are all part of the same story – the story of the journey we all share. This story has many chapters, many paragraphs, many twists and turns in the plot line. But all of it serves to document who we are, where we have come from and where we are going.

What was your first book/story published?

In the last century I wrote for business. But even back then the books I wrote incorporated stories and attracted readers who saw themselves in those stories and wanted to learn from them. It’s the same with creative writing. We are all drawn to stories in which we can see ourselves – in which we can relate to the characters. The stories that attract us most are those we identify with – where we can position ourselves, as it were, in the story. In this way, each reader makes the story their own story.

My first published creative book was If It Wasn’t For That Dog, the story of my first year with my Hearing Dog, Matt (so yes, I’m deaf). Published in 2008, the book still sells well and is now entering its second edition. The late Sir Anthony Jay (writer of Yes Minister) described it as a ‘hugely enjoyable true life story of how an assistance dog changed a life.’ Bruce Fogle MBE described it as ‘a humorous and heartfelt chronicle about two individuals learning to dance together in perfect harmony.’ I think those two quotes aptly sum up the book.

What inspired you to write The Goblin Child?

Goblin Child evolved slowly over 15 years. It’s a short story collection and even I didn’t fully understand the link between the stories while I was writing them – not until the book was drawn together by the final story in the collection – Circling The Moon. Circling the Moon is a story of interracial love in a racist age. Set partly in Antigua, the inspiration came when I was on the island in 2007. Positioned as the Swansong of a dying poet, The Goblin Child is his collected stories looking back over the journey that has been his life.

What character in The Goblin Child is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Holiday Gift Guide: Precious Moments: Little Book of God's Love


Precious Moments: Little Book of God's Love
by Jean Fischer



Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub. Date: November 29, 2016
Retail: $9.99
ISBN: 978-0718089399
Pages: 32


Where to Purchase:


What is the Title About?

From twinkling stars and bright sunshine to giggles and hugs and special friends, God’s love is all around us! Through these sweet poems and prayers, and the classic Precious Moments artwork, celebrate with your little one how we can receive and share God’s amazing love. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Popcorn & Coffee: The Secret Life Of Pets Blu-ray Review


PG; 87 minutes;$34.98; Amazon
Being released today on Blu-ray from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment just in time for Christmas is one this year's biggest animated blockbusters, The Secret Life Of Pets. It's also available on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, DVD, and Digital HD.

Directed by Chris Renaud, the film stars the talented voice-cast of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Coogan, and Albert Brooks.


The Secret Life Of Pets centers on a Jack Russell Terrier named Max, who gets a huge shock when his owner brings home a large, shaggy mongrel named Duke from the pound. Feeling betrayed by his owner, Jack is determined to get rid of Duke, who is basically claiming everything in their apartment for himself.

After being released from their leashes at a dog park, Duke plans on getting rid of Jack in a nearby alley, but unfortunately, thing don't go as plan when a gang of crazy cats shows up.

To make a long story short, Jack and Duke must put aside their differences long enough so they can outrun the animal control, the crazy cats, and "The Flushed Pets" that is lead by the insane rabbit named Snowball, as they try to make back home.

Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features are:
  • 3 Mini-Movies:
    • Norman Television
    • Weenie
    • Mower Minions 


  • All About the Pets - Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet, with the help of animal trainer Molly Mignon O’Neill take you on an educational journey to learn more about your average and not-so average, household pets.

Q&A with Sheri Queen, author of Bounty Huntress



Now available from Wilda Press is the paranormal romance Bounty Huntress, book one in the Hotel Paranormal series by author Sheri Queen.

Cover Artist: Kelley York, X-Potion Designs
Amazon  *  iBooks  *  Barnes & Noble  *  Kobo

The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel. 


When did you become interested in storytelling? 

I’ve always had an interest in storytelling, but didn’t pursue writing to share stories with others until the last ten years. Books were my best friend as a kid living in a small town, so the transition to writing the stories was a natural one. 

What was your first book/story published? 

I wrote a creative non-fiction story called The Gift, which was about finding the perfect way to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. It focused on life in a small town and how giving of yourself is the best present you could get for someone. It was published in 2013 in a college journal-- Penn State’s From the Fallout Shelter. 

What inspired you to write Bounty Huntress?

Holiday Gift Guide: Elena of Avalor: Ready To Rule DVD


Elena of Avalor: Ready To Rule



Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Release Date: December 6th, 2016

Retail: $19.99

ASIN: 01K98KWFK

Running Time: 90 minutes


Where to Purchase:

Amazon


About the Release:

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, "Elena of Avalor" tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena's journey leads her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: DIY Popcorn Garland Kit


Make-it-Yourself Popcorn Garland Kit

by Dell Cove Spice Company

Retail: $20



Where to Purchase?



 Product Description:

Make your own Christmas garland at home with our DIY popcorn garland kit. Stringing a popcorn garland is pretty easy and lots of fun, and makes a classic decoration for your Christmas tree or mantle.

Q&A with Jane Ederlyn, author of Reborn




Now available from Soul Mate Publishing is the paranormal thriller Reborn, book in the Princess of the Blood Series by author Jane Ederlyn.



The authors have taken a few minutes out of their busy schedule for a Q&A about their newest novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

For as long as we can remember we’ve been creating and writing in some form. We both wanted to eventually write novels, but it wasn’t until we tried doing it together…that it all fell into place.

What was your first book/story published?

Reborn is our debut and it just released October 19th.

What inspired you to write Reborn?