Hollywood Trivia Interview and Mother's Day Tribute with Author Marilyn Morris author of The Women of Camp Sobingo

How would you convince seven shipwrecked individuals on a deserted island to buy your book? If you were asked to give a speech on the Book Walk of Fame what would you thank and why? Find out all this and more today when The Real Hollywood’s Book chat welcomes author Marilyn Morris, author of the novel The Women of Camp Sobingo.

ABOUT THE BOOK:Four women of diverse backgrounds form a bond while en route to join their Army officer husbands in Korea in 1946. Their experiences in a far-flung military compound strengthen three of the women, but a fourth chooses to end her life, and during a reunion twenty-five years later, long-held dark secrets and sorrows are revealed.

Welcome Marilyn, it’s a pleasure to have you visiting today.

Thank you Rebecca,

Let’s get started with the trivia interview and test your knowledge of television and movies.

Memories of a Simpler Time Interview with Author of No Sanctuary, F.M. Meredith

Today, F.M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary, the latest in her crime fiction Rocky Bluff P.D. series joins The Real Hollywood Book Chat and shares with us her memories of growing up in Los Angeles during World War II. The places she talks about no longer exist today and the way of life is completely different. It’s always a pleasure to welcome an author that has ties to the same locations as the writer of The Real Hollywood Blog.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
First on the scene of a traffic accident that turns out to be murder, Officer Stacey Wilbur calls Detective Doug Milligan. Despite her former vow to never date anyone on the Rocky Bluff P.D., she and Milligan are romantically involved. Finding time to be alone together isn’t easy.

The murder victim is the wife of a popular Rocky Bluff minister, and several suspects immediately come to the forefront, the minister himself, his nosy secretary, the choir director, and a nerdy stalker. Stacey helps Doug with the murder investigation, but the Chief asks her to go undercover as a prostitute to expose a pedophile which leads to a surprising job offer.

Stacey must make two major decisions that will change her life forever, and a third that nearly causes her to lose her life.


Welcome for day two Marilyn,
Will you share with us your memories of growing up in Los Angeles?

Thank you, it will be my pleasure.


F.M.: My growing up years were spent in Eagle Rock, CA a community located in Los Angeles, between Glendale and South Pasadena. It was a wonderful time to grow up despite the fact the 2nd World War was going on from the time I was seven until I was thirteen.

This is what I remember about the war: I heard the frightening announcement about Pearl Harbor by President Roosevelt on the radio, we had an inner room to go to during blackouts (where we played games and ate snacks), sometimes there would be a blackout while my dad was driving—no streetlights, we had air raid drills and alarms while we were in school. Mom had a Victory Garden, don’t think she did very well growing things. Sugar, gas, and other things were rationed. We had food stamps and gas stamps. The Air Warden held meetings at his house where the adults learned about First Aid and other important things while we kids played hide ‘n seek in the dark. I was convinced if we lost the war that I would make the perfect spy. My dad rode his bike to work at Paramount Studios every day so we could save our gas stamps for our vacation camping trips to Bass Lake. Bubble gum was impossible to find—once paid 50 cents for one piece that ordinarily cost a penny.

I told everyone my sister was a princess who’d been sent over from Europe to live with us in order to be safe—I don’t think many believed me except my sister who was convinced she was adopted since she was never sent back home.

I was truly star struck. I bought movie magazines and cut out the photos of my favorite stars and taped them to my closet door. My mom and I would go to live radio shows where many movie stars appeared on Lux Radio Theater. After, I’d wait out in the parking lot and get autographs. Once my favorite Van Johnson starred in a show, but he got in his car and drove off before I could catch him. I ran out in the street, chased his car until he stopped at a light, I stuck my autograph book in the driver’s window. He smiled and I got his autograph.

We went to the movies every Friday night and saw a double feature, a newsreel, cartoon and usually during intermission a live Keno game was played for prizes like a set of dishes. My father would talk all through the movies and point out things like telephone lines in period shows that didn’t have telephones yet, trains that were really miniature trains rather than the big ones that they were supposed to be, action that went on in basement sets, water scenes done in a big tank on the back lot of Paramount. Now I’m married to a husband that always points out errors in airplanes used in movies.

When I was around ten, I’d ride my bicycles around the neighborhood, find a lovely front lawn with a big tree (we didn’t have any parks) and settled down with my writing and art supplies and spend the whole afternoon writing and drawing. No one ever came out of the house and asked what I was doing.

Everyone went on the street car to downtown L.A. where all the big department stores were located: the Broadway was on one end of a block and May Co. on the other with all sorts of great stores in between like Woolworth’s Five and Dime. My cousin and I were just 10 years old when we were allowed to go “downtown” by ourselves, but could only stay on that one block.

When I was a teenager, my friends and I belonged to a Calling All Girls club sponsored by May Co. They had a small theater where they brought in stars and we were thrilled to see Frank Sinatra—a new, young and very skinny, singing sensation.

I walked to and from my grammar school about 5 blocks away, fun because there were always lots of kids walking. Took a sack lunch everyday. It was much farther to our next school, Washington Irving Junior High though sometimes we walked there too or took the bus and streetcar. Eagle Rock High was even farther, mostly took the bus and then the streetcar, then had to walk about eight blocks. Sometimes though, I’d cut across the hills, something we weren’t supposed to do because hobos lived in the hills, and then walk the rest of the way.

During summer time, I always organized a Fourth of July parade with the neighborhood kids decorating their bikes and wagons and wearing patriotic costumes. I also wrote plays and the neighborhood kids acted in them. We charged a nickel to come watch. We played at our friends houses, roller skated or rode our bikes, hiked up in the hills, never told our folks where we were going to be, just had to be home on time for supper.

High school was great, despite all the cliques. Had one of my own, mostly kids I’d gone to grammar school with but with a few additions. We even had our own club. I was always an organizer. Didn’t have a real boyfriend, though plenty of crushes, until one day in my senior year, I was asked to go on a blind date with a young man who turned out to be a really cute sailor. He visited our house every weekend after that—and I married him the next October.

Marilyn Meredith author of No Sanctuary, written as F.M. Meredith


Marilyn’s tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

Hollywood Trivia Interview with Kim Smith Author of Avenging Angel

How would you convince seven shipwrecked individuals on a deserted island to buy your book? If Rhett Butler, one of the characters from Gone With the Wind were to change his famous line from “Frankly, My Dear I don’t give a damn” to Frankly, My Dear I think you should read this paragraph from this bestselling novelist. What paragraph do you think he is referring to? Find out all this and more today when The Real Hollywood Book Chat welcomes author Kim Smith, author of the mystery novel, Avenging Angel, A Shannon Wallace Mystery.



About the Book:
Shannon Wallace is having a bad hair week. She’s been ditched by her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and implicated in his murder.
When she finds out her very private video collection is missing from the crime scene, it is all out war to find the disks before the cops do. The problem is, the killer has them. And he’s watched them.

Now Shannon’s at the top of his most wanted list.

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


Hi Kim

Welcome to the Real Hollywood. I can see we are going to have a fun time with these trivia questions, so let's get started with our first question.


RH: Gilligan’s Island Trivia – Taking a three hour boat tour, you find yourself shipwrecked on this tiny little remote island where 7 people were also shipwrecked. How would you convince this varied audience to read your book? Remember on this island besides The Skipper, his little buddy Gilligan and MaryAnn, is the smart Professor, the rich Mr.& Mrs. Howell who have the money to make your book into a movie and Ginger the movie star who might have a starring role. Please talk to the audience not to me.

KS: Dear Friends, I’ve decided that since we are stuck here or awhile, we need some fun entertainment. I have written a book that I think will do the trick. There are just enough people to act it out, so why don’t we make our first Gilligan’s Island theater troupe? Professor, you can be the police detective, Mr. Howell, you’ll make a great Dwayne, and Ginger, I know you want the starring role of Shannon and so you shall have it! Hip Hip hooray for the new theater troupe! Now everyone take your seats and I will tell you the story and give you your lines. Ready?

RH: Wheel of Fortune – you have been asked by the Wheel of Fortune writers to create a word puzzle spelling one of the books characters his/her name. Which character name would you want on the Wheel of Fortune puzzle board and why?

KS: S-A-L – Sexy Atheletic Latino.

RH: Gone With the Wind – If Rhett Butler were to change his famous line from “Frankly, My Dear I don’t give a damn” to Frankly, My Dear I think you should read this paragraph from this bestselling novelist. What paragraph is Rhett referring to? Tell us how it fits into the novel?

KS: My Aunt Nancy always told me to dress in my best clothes when I went out, because I never knew whom I might meet. This time, I hadn’t done the best I could to make myself presentable. Jeans, tee shirt, and a ponytail didn’t qualify for modern chic. When the detective opened the door to the Homicide Office, I wished I’d worn a skirt and heels. In a moment of clarity, I understood my aunt’s concerns about going out half-ready. This is just the way life goes for Shannon. She’s always a day late and a dollar short. Her bad luck keeps her alive through the whole book, though.

RH: Hollywood Book Walk of Fame – A bookstore in Hollywood, California had decided that books should have their own walk of fame. So they have lined the sidewalk in front of their store with book molds in the sidewalk. Your name is to appear on one of these book molds. You give an acceptance speech at the ceremony. What would you say and who would you thank? I would like to thank my Mother, the first writer in the family who always believed in me and encouraged me. RIP, Ma, I got the job done for both of us!

Thank you, Kim, for stopping by The Real Hollywood blog today. I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour and who knows your book might just make it to the silver screen.




Pump Up Your Book Promotion
“We take books to the virtual level”
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com

My Splendid Concubine - Author Interview - Lloyd Lofthouse

Lloyd Lofthouse, author of the historical fiction novel, My Splendid Concubine and a Southern California Native, has graciously agreed to join us for two days here at The Real Hollywood. Lloyd is on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

About the Author:
As a field radio operator, Lloyd Lofthouse was a walking target in Vietnam in 1966. He has skied in blizzards at forty below zero and climbed mountains in hip deep snow.

Lloyd earned a BA in journalism after fighting in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. Later, while working days as an English teacher at a high school in California, he earned an MFA in writing. He enjoyed a job as a maitre d’ in a multimillion-dollar nightclub and tried his hand successfully at counting cards in Las Vegas for a few years. He now lives near San Francisco with his wife, with a second home in Shanghai, China.


Book Review"Love for ones wives' sister is typically forbidden by most Western religions, but the most successful Westerner in Chinese history is faced with this conflict. "My Splendid Concubine" is the tale of Robert Hart who deals with matters of his lust and how to deal with them the Chinese way, which so conflict with his upbringing. The Taiping Rebellion doesn't help matters, him making enemies of established and skilled mercenaries in the process of protecting his interest and the women he loves. "My Splendid Concubine" is packed cover to cover with intriguing characters and plot, a must read for historical fiction fans and a fine addition to any collection on the genre."
--Midwest Book Reviews






Hi Lloyd,

Welcome to The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat,

Thank you for having me as a guest.

RH: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?

LL: Since Colin Farrell is a native of Dublin, Ireland, I’d select him to play the lead. I believe he would understand Robert Hart better than most. Of course, the make-up artists would have to make Colin a bit younger since Robert Hart was nineteen when he arrived in China in 1854. That shouldn’t be difficult since Colin has a youthful look.

RH: Who would you want to play the supporting characters?

LL: For the Chinese actors in the My Splendid Concubine movie, I’d like to see a talent search similar to the one that found Brandon Walters who starred with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackson in Australia. It would be ideal to find a young, talented Chinese girl about nineteen to play Ayaou.

RH: If your book was already sold for movie rights, tell how it felt to be approached by Hollywood and what the journey has been like.

LL: Since I’ve been through it with my wife for every book she’s written, I’d appreciate the check but wouldn’t hold my breath since Hollywood buys the rights to hundreds if not thousands of stories that are never made into movies. For almost two decades someone has bought the film rights to my wife’s books and none of them have made it to the big screen—yet. However, if My Splendid Concubine started production, I’d probably wake up worried everyday wondering how close to the book the movie would turn out and pray that the script wouldn’t stray too far from Robert Hart’s character and the history of that time.

RH: Who is your favorite actor and/or actress?

LL: That’s a hard question. I don’t have a favorite. I see a lot of movies and have a long list of favorite actors and actresses. Just to name a few: Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Bette Midler, Robert Redford, Sally Field, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Helen Mirren—I could fill pages.

RH: Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

LL: It wouldn’t be fair to all the others I’ve enjoyed more than once to name one. I’ve watched The Lord of the Rings; Pretty Woman; The Postman; Gladiator; Master and Commander; The Electric Horseman; The Bodyguard; Waterworld; Ghost more than once—as you can see, I have an extensive collection of videos and DVDs. These are a few.

RH: Who is your favorite author?

LL: James Lee Burke. He’s at the top of my list.

RH: What books have you read by this author?

LL: I’ve read all Burke’s books and seen Heaven’s Prisoners (1996) starring Alec Baldwin.

RH: Burke’s book, In the Electric Mist, is scheduled to be released March 2009. Tommy Lee Jones stars. This actor should have been on the list above. I will certainly see this move. When I see that Tommy Lee Jones is in a movie, I go.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

LL: Finish Our Hart, the sequel to My Splendid Concubine and complete a memoir I’m writing in my spare time (laughs) that focuses on when I was an English/journalism teacher working at a rough, barrio high school. After that, I will return to a mystery I finished years ago based on when I was the maitre d’ in a nightclub called the Red Onion. I want to revise that mystery and publish it after the memoir. I’ve been writing and improving my craft for decades (since 1968) and have a lot of material to revise, polish and publish. I’m planning to start a small press too and publish other deserving authors—one or two a year since I’ll be a one man operation.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

www.mysplendidconcubine.com
I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood, and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

You are welcome, and I want to thank The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat for having me as a guest. It was a pleasure.

The House on Tradd Street - Author Interview - Karen White

Anne Hathaway, the 26 year old actress who has had a string of hit movies to her name, currently, "Rachel Getting Married" and most recently "Get Smart" has been chosen to play the leading actress role in the novel, The House on Tradd Street by author Karen White.

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat welcomes author Karen White, author of the paranormal romance novel, The House on Tradd Street (New American Library, Nov. '08). Karen is on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and has graciously agreed to an interview. Find out who she picks to play the leading actor in the novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Practical-minded Charleston realtor Melanie Middleton hates to admit that she can see ghosts—even to herself. But now she’s going to have to accept it. Because an old man she met only days ago has died, leaving Melanie his historic Tradd Street home, complete with housekeeper, dog—and a family of ghosts anxious to tell her something…

Enter Jack Trenholm, a gorgeous writer obsessed with unsolved mysteries. He has reason to believe that some diamonds that went missing from the Confederate Treasury a century ago are hidden in Melanie’s new home. So he decides to turn the charm on with the new tenant, only to discover that he’s suddenly the smitten one...

But it turns out that Jack’s search has caught the attention of a possibly malevolent ghostly presence. Now, Jack and Melanie must unravel a mystery of passion, heartbreak, and even murder. And they must hurry, for an evil force—either dead or alive—lies in wait…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
It was love at first sight when White first visited Charleston and South Carolina’s lowcountry in 1995. She says it was “inevitable” that she would set several novels in the area, as she did with 2005’s The Color of Light, which Booklist praises as “an accomplished novel about loss and renewal.” Three years later, she returned to the there with The Memory Of Water and, now, to Charleston with THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET. Her love of the southern coast shows no sign of abating. Her next novel, The Lost Hours (May 09) is set in and around Savannah.

Karen White’s work has appeared on the South East Independent Booksellers best sellers list. Her recent novel The Memory of Water, was the Borders Books and Atlanta & Company’s Book Club Selection for May, topped off at the end of the month with their live, television interview with Karen. The Memory of Water, which is well reviewed in Atlanta Magazine and an array of other print and online book media, and was adopted by numerous independent booksellers as a book club recommendation and as a featured title in their store. It’s been back to press five times since its March 2008 publication, the first time within its first four weeks on sale. It is one of NAL/Accent’s fastest selling titles.

Adding to the excitement of The Memory of Water’s March 2008 debut, was the resounding, continued recognition achieved by White’s 2007 novel Learning to Breathe. This spring Learning to Breathe was honored with a National Readers’ Choice Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Virginia Romance Writers HOLT Medallion. It was also named a finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Award for Best Novel, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and the Georgia Author of the Year Award.

White credits years spent listening to adults visiting in her grandmother’s Mississippi kitchen, sharing stories and gossiping while she played under the table, with starting her on the road to telling her own tales. The deal was sealed in the seventh grade when she skipped school and read Gone With The Wind. She knew—just knew—she was destined to grow up to be either Scarlet O’Hara or a writer.


Hi Karen White,

Welcome to The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat,

Karen: Thanks for having me and for giving me this opportunity to chat with readers, both old and new.

RH: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?

Karen: That's a toughie for me because my characters were created in my head and don't really look like anybody! But, since I call THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET my "Sixth Sense meets Moonlighting" book, I obviously have a fascination with Bruce Willis. So, if he were about 20 years younger (like in his Moonlighting days) he'd be perfect for the role of Jack Trenholm, bestselling novelist of true crime mysteries. For Melanie Middleton, the uptight insecure Realtor who listens to ABBA, I could see Kate Hudson or Anne Hathaway.

RH: Who would you want to play the supporting characters?

Karen: Melanie's best friend, Sophie, is a latent-hippie free spirit who teaches historical restoration at the local college and is a favorite character of mine. I picture her as sort of goofy--but with an unidentifiable quality that attracts men. I think Tina Fey would be great playing her. And for Chad, her sidekick who's from California and calls everyone "Dude"--I can see Brad Pit at his goofiest.

RH: If you book was already sold for movie rights tell how it felt to be approached by Hollywood and what the journey has been like.

Karen: I wish!! Come back in a few years and ask me this again.


RH: Who is your favorite actor and/or actress?

Karen: I'm a bit of a traditionalist and an addict to Turner classic movies---my favorites are from the heyday of Hollywood: Elizabeth Taylor, June Alison, Sophie Loren. I do like a few of the younger set--Keira Knightly (LOVED her in Pride & Prejudice), Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson. For guys--my perennial favorites would be the late Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Gregory Peck, Sean Connery. The newer actors would be Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steve Carrel.

RH: Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

Karen: I could and I have--Gone With the Wind!

RH: Who is your favorite author? What books have you read by this author?

Karen: I love too many books to pick a favorite, but my FIRST favorite book was Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I've also read her Lost Laison, which I believe is her only other known published work.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

Karen: THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET---a ghost story/romance/mystery set in Charleston comes out on November 4, 2008---and its sequel is scheduled for November 2009. In between I have a book, THE LOST HOURS, a southern family drama/mystery/romance set in Savannah, comes out in May 2009. I've been very busy!

RH: Where can my readers find your website?


Karen: People can find me at www.karen-white.com


I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

Thanks again for having me!

THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 officially began on November 3 and end on November 26. You can visit Karen's blog stops at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.wordpress.com in November to find out more about her latest book!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner(s) will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on November 30!

Kill 4 Me - Author Interview - Joel M. Andre

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat features for the second time this month horror fiction author Joel M. Andre. If you happened to catch the Kill 4 Me chapter 1 excerpt it opened our month with the theme of Hollywood Screaming. Here’s the link for those who didn’t get a chance to read it. Book Chat caught up with Joel in the middle of his virtual book tour with
Pump Up Your Book Promotion and he graciously agreed to grant us an interview. When we asked Joel how he came up with the idea for his novel, he had this to say, “I was working the graveyard shift at a former company when I received a text message. At that time I began to think how interesting it might be to be haunted through a cell phone. Anyone can grab a phone and text at random. It was an interesting form to explore if someone could be driven mad through it.

WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATEAs a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors’ blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner(s) will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com on October 30!



ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kill 4 Me, a technological thriller set in rural America. The story follows Casey Dwyer, a small town girl who becomes caught in a spirit’s unrelenting quest for vengeance after she receives a cryptic and seemingly harmless text message. Kill 4 Me is a supernatural thriller that explores how technology can be used to torture others through the lens of a horror novel.




Hi Joel M. Andre- Welcome to The Real Hollywood


JMA: Thank you for having me. I must admit, I have secretly kept up with some of the interviews you have done in the past. I enjoy your site.

If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?
JMA: Great question. If I had a chance to choose the lead actress, Casey Dwyer would be played by Amanda Stanton.

Who would you want to play the supporting characters?
JMA: Chelsea Handler would have to be in my movie! I would have it written in the contract, the woman is fantastic I watch her show Chelsea Lately on E! Every week night. I would prefer relatively new talent fill the remainder of the movie, sometimes having too many stars can side track from an actual film. I would also find Bruce Willis a part.

Who are your favorite actor and/or actress?
JMA: Bruce Willis is my favorite actor. Sarah Michelle Gellar is my favorite actress.

Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

JMA: You know what, I watch Halloween (John Carpenter) several times a year. Another favorite of mine is the black and white version of The Haunting.

Who is your favorite author? What books have you read by this author?
JMA: Stephen King helped me through many years of formal education. Well, at least his book ‘The Stand’ did. I have read all his books, but ’It’ and ‘The Stand’ are ones I still read often. That’s right, it’s all his fault for some of my grades in school.

What is next on the horizon for you?
JMA: I have several books in the pipeline. The Price of Blood will be out shortly. It is a sequel to my book ‘A Death at the North Pole.’

Where can my readers find your website?
JMA: Well since you asked, www.joelmandre.com is my main website. You can also check out some of my other works at www.authorsden.com/joelmandre.

I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

JMA: Thank you for allowing me the time to spend with you on The Real Hollywood. If I may, I ask everyone take the time to support the reading and writing of our youth. Find something that sparks their interests, and makes them want to embrace the written word.



KILL 4 ME VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ’08 will officially began on October 1 and will end on October 30. You can visit Joel’s blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in October to find out more about his book!

Book Chat in conversation with Author Angus Munro

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat is talking with Angus Munro, author of the memoir, A Full House - But Empty (iUniverse). He is on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and has graciously stopped by here today to share his story. We will find out who is his favorite actress and actor and how Dr. McDreamy of Grey's Anatomy actorPatrick Dempsey fits in with his book.

About the Author:
Angus Munro has roots that run deep. His farming ancestors came from Scotland in 1830 and his relatives still reside on the same farmlands in Southern Ontario, Canada. His grandfather left Ontario and took his family to Saskatchewan in 1905 and became a prosperous wheat farmer. When Angus' father married, the grandfather leased other farmlands to get his son established. Angus' father lost the total proceeds of his first wheat crop in a wild poker game at the local grain elevator. The grandfather was none too happy and decided to relocate to Vancouver, B.C.

The Depression deepened and sadly Angus' grandfather passed away - leaving his entire estate to his second son. Angus' father traveled to see his brother to seek financial assistance and received nothing. He returned to Vancouver unexpectedly one evening and found his wife in bed with someone else. Thus, his father became a single parent to three children - Laura 6, Angus 3, and Marjorie and infant. The following day, Angus became very ill with appendicitis and spent seven weeks in the Vancouver General Hospital. The author vividly covers his early childhood years and living with another family - similar circumstances, a father with five children, coping with the Depression and, thereafter, addressing their dual basic family needs.

Angus' new memoir, A Full House - But Empty, is the gripping story of young Angus' life growing up in the Depression years based on the positive lessons he had learned from his father during their somewhat traumatic and hectic years together.

If you would like to find out more about Angus and his new book, visit here.

About the Book:
Filled with anecdotes, lessons learned, and an inspirational message for everyone who believes that hard work breeds success, this moving autobiography shares the remarkable story of Angus Munro.

Munro is just three when he suffers from appendicitis and spends several weeks in a Vancouver hospital as his family struggles to survive the Great Depression. After finally arriving home, Munro asks his sister, "Where is Mummy?" and is promptly told his mother doesn't live there anymore. It is this traumatic event that changes the course of Munro's life forever. His father is suddenly a single parent while simultaneously turning into Munro's mentor and hero. He teaches Munro the motto, "Always do the right thing," while raising his children in an environment that is at the very least hectic, and more often completely chaotic.

Through a potpourri of chronological and heartfelt tales, Munro reveals how he learned to view incidents in life in terms of responsibility, recognition, personal conduct, and consideration of others. Despite dropping out of school at a young age, Munro perseveres, eventually attaining professional success.

Munro's memoir is a wonderful tribute to his father's legacy and the greatest lesson of all - whatever you do, follow through.




Hi, Angus:

Welcome to The Real Hollywood,

Thank you for inviting me to this interview regarding my book.

VGM: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?

I am an old movie buff. And all of the great old movie stars were having a field day, gainfully employed at all of the major movie studios, such as, MGM, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios and many others, while I was growing up. Drawing from those days, in terms of look-a-likes, I was told that I looked very much like a young Gordon MacRae, actor and singer and my ex-wife was a young dead ringer for actress, Jane Wyman. Contemporarily, in terms of identification, I think Patrick Dempsey is a fine actor.

VGM: Who would you want to play the supporting characters?

I assume this would be the appropriate time to sadly, but candidly state, that my story would not be conducive to being made into a movie. Sorry about that! It is strictly print media. However, my childhood years could fictitiously be made into one – adding an ultimate plot. By the way, that has been suggested. However, I have no creative talent to write a fictionalized story.



VGM: Who is your favorite actor and/or actress?

Today, I like English actress, Helen Mirren and actor, Tom Hanks. I believe they are both extremely talented with wide and/or broad ranges.

VGM: Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

The oldies, The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara is one of my all time favorites. Alexander’s Ragtime Band with Alice Faye, Tyrone Power and Don Ameche another. The musical, Chicago is a work of art. And the Mobsters, another favorite – I love gangster movies, the Bonnie and Clyde era and the Mafia characters and their individual & aggregate stories.

VGM: Who is your favorite author? What books have you read by this author?

Bob Thomas. My favorite is Thalberg – which I have a signed copy in my home library. I also have his books on Marlon Brando, Joan Crawford, and movie mogul, Harry Cohn.

VGM: What is next on the horizon for you?

Mentally formulating another book based on my experiences, impressions, etc. Actually, I am also toying with the idea of collaborating for a movie, about the movie industry. However, between you and me, I don’t want to 'leak out' my ideas regarding the latter.

VGM: Where can my readers find your website?

Great question - and welcome: www.angusrmunro.com.

I thank you for sharing your book with Valley Girl Musings and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

This has been a joyful experience for me. I am also fully enjoying my virtual book tour with my leader, Dorothy Thompson, Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours.

Final thought: When discussing movies - I look back to the wonderful enjoyment of growing up and going to the movies every Saturday afternoon at a neighbor theater. And each theater was always at a walk-able distance. In my youthful years we had movies and radio that was it! Each week it was a very exciting event to attend the afternoon matinee at our local theater. It was a very important part of our culture. All good wishes, to you and your audience.

Angus Munro

A FULL HOUSE BUT EMPTY VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on September 2, '08 and end on September 26, '08. You can visit Angus' tour stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in September to find out more about him and his new book!
As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author with a recent release or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on September 26!