The Real Hollywood Book Chat interviews author HBF author of No Teacher Left Behind

The Real Hollywood Book Chats interviews HBF Teacher about the novel No Teachers Left Behind. We give HBF a chance to pick the Hollywood actors who would play the lead role in the movie. HBF Teacher has been a public school Middle grades teacher for three years. Before that, HBF substitute taught for two years. HBF has also worked as a live-in nanny and an accounts payable representative. Today when not nurturing young minds, HBF enjoys travel, photography, culinary arts, and the cinema. The Cohen Brothers and Tyler Perry are among her favorite artistic contributors.

About the Book:
Explored through a series of poems, emails, and brief conversations, No Teachers Left Behind is a fictional yet realistic look at the frustrations of middle school staff.

Chipped paint, faulty wiring

and broken desks sit

in one tiny classroom.

Too many students.

Too few books.

Two job-carrying parents

of latch key kids who desire nothing

more than a free lunch.

They hate, without knowing,

the teachers who dare to care.

The Real Hollywood Trivia Interview with Author Brett Battles, author of Shadow of Bertrayal

How would you convince seven shipwrecked individuals on a deserted island to read your book? If you were asked to give a speech on the Hollywood Book Walk of Fame who would you thank and why? What character name would you want on the Wheel of Fortune puzzle board? Find out all this and more today when The Real Hollywood’s Book chat welcomes author Bret Battles author of the suspense novel, Shadow of Betrayal.

Book Synopsis:
The meeting place was carefully chosen: an abandoned church in rural Ireland just after dark. For Jonathan Quinn—a freelance operative and professional “cleaner”—the job was only to observe. If his cleanup skills were needed, it would mean things had gone horribly wrong. But an assassin hidden in a tree assured just that. And suddenly Quinn had four dead bodies to dispose of and one astounding clue—to a mystery that is about to spin wildly out of control.

The Real Hollywood Chats with Author Jason Kays, author of Virtual Vice

In Virtual Vice by Jason Kays, readers follow disillusioned entertainment attorney Ian McKenzie as his professional life takes a decided turn for the questionable when he is hired by the charismatic and dangerous Scott White to represent Scott’s interests in his cutting edge Internet startup, Metropoleis Multimedia. Unfortunately for Ian, Scott has more in common with Scarface’s Tony Montana than Apple’s Steve Jobs, and things go from questionable to deadly in no time flat. As Scott’s confidant and consigliore, Ian soon finds himself caught between the Feds, La Cosa Nostra, and the Cali Cartel in a fatal game of corporate winner-take-all.

Hollywood Interview with Author David S. Brody

He likes historical fiction to leave the reader entertained and educated and he’s written his novel in the same way, entertaining and educational. The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat welcomes for a Hollywood Interview Boston Globe bestselling author David S. Brody and his historical suspense/thriller, Cabal of the Westford Knight: Temples at the Newport Tower


ABOUT THE BOOK:
While trying to help an elderly couple save their home, attorney Cameron Thorne is thrust into a bloody tug-of-war involving secret societies, treasure hunters and keepers of the secrets of the Jesus bloodline. Joined by Amanda, a beautiful British researcher with secrets of her own, Cam races around New England with only two choices, unravel the 600-year-old mysteries encoded in the ancient Templar artifacts or die trying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David S. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling author named “Best Local Author” by the Boston Phoenix newspaper. He is a Director at Large of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA). A real estate attorney, he resides in Westford, Massachusetts with his wife, novelist Kimberly Scott, and their two daughters. He coaches youth sports and Special Olympics and plays in adult hockey and softball leagues.

You can visit David online at www.davidbrodybooks.com

Hi David,

Welcome to The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat,

Thanks for having me.

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

I think Matt Damon would be ideal in the Cameron Thorne role. He is from Boston, he’s obviously a great actor, and he has a quiet intensity just like Cam.

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

For Amanda, who is British, perhaps Keira Knightly with her hair dyed blond. She needs to be both intelligent and athletic.

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

I’m always amazed at how Meryl Streep actually morphs into the character she is playing. She doesn’t play the role, she becomes it.

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

I never get tired of Annie Hall. It makes me both laugh and think every time.

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

I just re-read Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, then read the sequel, World Without End. Both books did what great historical fiction should do—leave the reader both entertained and educated.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

I’m going to begin on a sequel to Cabal of the Westford Knight this summer. There are many more hidden and fascinating secrets in North American history that have not been explored. Cam and Amanda are ready for another road trip!

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

My website is www.DavidBrodyBooks.com . I also have a blog site that is more interactive, where I update the ongoing research and upload lots of images of the sites and artifacts: http://westfordknight.blogspot.com/


I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

My pleasure. Thanks for having me.

THE CABAL OF THE WESTFORD KNIGHT VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 officially began on April 1 and end on April 30. You can visit David's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in April to find out more about this talented author!

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 Real Hollywood Reviews No Sanctuary by Author F.M. Meredith

F.M. Meredith’s novel reads like a “who done it” Agatha Christie novel with murder, mystery, intrigue and plenty of suspects. The small town of Rocky Bluff has a hard time coming to grips with the murder of the local pastor’s wife. It registers a shock for all townspeople and even more baffling for the Rocky Bluff Police Department who can’t seem to come up with any leads even though there are a lot of suspects. Secondary to the main story is a second crime taking place that the main character Officer Stacy Wilbur must handle delicately for all those involved. As a police officer, she often has to make quick decisions—usually they are the right ones, but sometimes she finds herself in a situation that will take all of her abilities to figure out an escape route.

As Officer Stacy Wilbur does her best to balance life between her son and work she has a hard time dealing with her apparent interest in Detective Doug Milligan, of which she vowed she would not let happen. In the end she makes a decision that is better for the benefit of her son and herself.

Apart from the fact that No Sanctuary involves a murder, a suicide and cheating spouses it deserves a PG 13 rating. It’s refreshing to read a book that can illustrate police work without gruesome violence, annoying car chases and snappy, clichéd comments.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Under the name of F.M. Meredith, Marilyn Meredith writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest is No Sanctuary from Oak Tree Press. She is also the author of the award-winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives.

Visit Marilyn online at http://fictionforyou.com

Thursday Thirteen - F.M. Meredith Author of No Sanctuary Highlights 13 Character Traits

No Sanctuary is about two churches, two ministers and a murder. Officer Stacey Wilbur helps Detective Doug Milligan in the investigation of the case, but also finds herself involved in the attempt to trap a pedophile, and has to make several decisions, one that jeopardizes her life.

Thirteen Good Qualities about Stacey Wilbur by F.M. Meredith

1. Though small of stature, Officer Stacey Wilbur has learned to use her intelligence to defuse volatile situations. She has earned the respect of her fellow police officers.

2. As a police officer, she often has to make quick decisions—usually they are the right ones, but sometimes she finds herself in a situation that will take all of her abilities to figure out an escape route.

3. She’s a good mother and always puts her son Davey’s welfare first. Because she lives with her parents, she has built-in babysitters she can trust. It is important to her to spend quality time with Davey, something that isn’t always that easy because of her job.

4. Though she once made a vow not to date anyone on the Rocky Bluff P.D., her attraction to Detective Doug Milligan caused her to break the vow. Despite a very real interest in Doug, the romance is developing slowly because she wants to be sure this will be right for her and for Davey.

5. Stacey loves her parents. She’s grateful to them for taking her and her son in when her first husband died and left her with a small child. She enjoys being with them and is thankful for all their support.

6. A member of the same church as her parents, Rocky Bluff Community Church, Stacey tries to attend as often as possible—not as much as she’d like because of her job. Fortunately, her parents see that Davey gets to Sunday School as Stacey believes it’s important for her son to have a religious background.

7. Stacey has empathy for those who have been hurt by crime, making her a caring police officer. It is also the reason she often has to be the one to deliver bad news to relatives of victims.

8. Stacey is kind. When Officer Gordon Butler had an obvious crush on her, Stacey continued to be nice to him and tried to let him down easy. She also overlooks Butler’s bumbling actions.

9. Brave, Stacey moves in when needed—though sometimes it would’ve been better if she’d waited for back-up.

10. Never vain, Stacey wears her honey colored hair in a simple short-cropped style and the only make-up, a little mascara and blush when she happens to think about it—though always when she goes out on a date with Doug.

11. She is always ready for a challenge. As a police officer, she has taken on many jobs that have been far beyond the job description of a patrol officer. Because she’s the only female officer on Rocky Bluff P.D., she has been given opportunities her male counterparts couldn’t qualify for.

12. She has learned it’s always better to live day-to-day since planning for the future seldom turns out the way she hoped for or thought it would. Though she does love Doug, she isn’t thinking ahead to a marriage and happy life together, but rather just enjoying the hours they manage to be together.

13. Stacey knows what’s important: to provide a good life for her son, to protect him and love him with all her heart, to cherish the time she has with him and her parents, to do her very best while on the job, and to thank God for all her blessings.

No Sanctuary can be purchased at http://www.oaktreebooks.com or Amazon. For an autographed copy, go to the author’s website at http://fictionforyou.com

Author F. M. Meredith Creates Blog for her Novel No Sanctuary

When I finish a good novel I always feel a let down because the novel came to an end and after investing all that time with the characters I feel they have almost become extended family. I want to know what happens to the characters long after the book ends. Trust me, you will feel the same way after finishing No Sanctuary, but author F.M. Meredith has felt your pain and has come up with a way for you to check in with the characters of the Rocky Bluff Police Department. You can find all the characters in the novel at The Rocky Bluff Police Department at the Rocky Bluff Police Department Blog and find out what crimes are happening in the small town.




About the Author:
Under the name of F.M. Meredith, Marilyn Meredith writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest is No Sanctuary from Oak Tree Press. She is also the author of the award-winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives.

Visit Marilyn online at http://fictionforyou.com


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.

F.M. Meredith's virtual book tour promoted by Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

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 F.M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary

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 F.M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary, a murder mystery novel.




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.

INTERVIEW

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Book Chat Marilyn,

I can tell right away this is going to be an exciting game of Hollywood Trivia. Let's get started with question number one.

1. 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.


F.M: Despite the fact that this is a beautiful tropical island, Skipper, aren’t you getting just a wee bit bored? I happen to have just the thing to give you a few hours of entertainment, my crime novel, No Sanctuary. You’ll meet the men and one woman who serve on the Rocky Bluff Police Department and their families and see how the job affects the family and what’s going on with the family affects the job.

Rocky Bluff is a small beach community which you might want to compare with your own beach. Mary Ann, you might be particularly interested in the interplay between the characters and most especially Officer Stacey Wilbur and Detective Doug Milligan. Gilligan, I suspect you might relate to the well-meaning but bumbling Gordon Butler.
Mr. and Mrs. Howell, should you ever get off this island perhaps you’d consider financing a movie based on this book. Police procedurals and mysteries are popular and No Sanctuary has a different slant on this genre. Lastly, Ginger, since you have acting ability, you might enjoy using your talents to play Officer Stacey Wilbur who must make several decisions, one which might cost her life.

2. 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?

F.M.: Officer Stacey Wilbur since she is the most pivotal character in No Sanctuary.

3. 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?

F.M.: It never failed. No sooner had he put his head down on the pillow when the phone rang summoning him to a suspicious death. No one ever seemed to die under questionable circumstances in the day time. Rather than an annoyance, the call charged his adrenalin--and since it came from Stacey, he was eager to go.

This is in the beginning of the novel, and Officer Stacey Wilbur called Detective Doug Milligan to report a suspicious death. Though Stacey had a rule to never date anyone who worked on the Rocky Bluff P.D., the mutual attraction between her and Doug caused her to forget her vow.


4. 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?

F.M.: I am thrilled that you’ve chosen No Sanctuary as one of the books to appear on the walk of fame. I want to thank you for this wonderful honor.

I’d also like to thank my son-in-law, Officer Mike Cole, who is no longer with us. If it hadn’t been for him I would never have begun my fascination with law enforcement. He took me on my first ride-along and spent many hours telling me about his adventures as an Oxnard police officer. I’d also like to thank the other law enforcement officers who let me ride along and watch them work. And of course, I must thank everyone who has read books in my Rocky Bluff P.D. series and enjoyed them. Most of all, I must thank my husband who allows me to spend so much time with the people who live and work in Rocky Bluff.

Thank you, F. M. Meredith a.k.a. Marilyn Meredith, for stopping by The Real Hollywood blog today. I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and who knows your book might just make it to the silver screen.

The Dead Guy - Author Interview - Doug Hewitt

The Real Hollywood Book Chat welcomes author Doug Hewitt author of The Dead Guy for an Hollywood interview. Find out what happens how he sells his book to the shipwrecked crew on Gilligan's Island and what character name he picks to be one of the puzzles on the television show The Wheel of Fortune.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jack Thigpen works in Detroit, nicknamed The Motor City, the perfect place for a fraud investigator who specializes in car insurance scams. He is on a case he believes is a typical, low-level crime, but it quickly turns into a situation with ominous international consequences. Ironically, as he is targeted for death because of his investigation, Jack is diagnosed with a fatal disease that is untreatable, a disease that will end his life within months. And instead of killing Jack, the hit man shoots Jack's best friend. Struggling to come to terms with his impending death, Jack vows to track down his friend's killer.

Jack plunges into the world of corrupt car dealerships, chop shops, and fraudulent auto repair shops. He is soon swept into the darkness of Detroit's criminal underbelly to uncover the truth about power struggles within organized crime rings. Death is staring him in the face, but Jack doesn't back down. He pushes ahead, plowing through perilous roadblocks planted by his enemies, propelling himself toward the finish line and a teeth-gritting, heart-pounding conclusion.

ABOUT THE AUTHORDoug Hewitt was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan and now lives in North Carolina. Along the way, he did a four-year stint in the Marine Corps and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He has been writing short stories for over 20 years and has been getting them published for most of that time, with over 80 stories in print. His stories have appeared in anthologies such as The Dead Inn and 100 Wicked Little Witch Stories. He has appeared in the premier issue of Apex Digest and has seen his chapbook, Slipstream, published by Scrybe Press.
He turned his attention to longer works and had his first novel SPEAR published in 2002. The Midwest Book Review calls SPEAR “a thrilling and deftly crafted novel.” After being remarried in 2004, he and his wife, Robin, founded HewittsBooks.com. In addition to authoring a non-fiction parenting book, The Practical Guide To Weekend Parenting, Doug and Robin teamed up to write The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting.
Doug returned to his original passion, writing fiction, and wrote The Dead Guy, which St. Martins author Lynn Chandler-Willis calls a “high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal ride through the criminal underbelly of the automotive world.” You can visit Doug Hewitt and read a free PDF chapter of The Dead Guy at www.HewittsBooks.com.


INTERVIEW:


1. 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.
Hello Shipwrecked crew!

You have some unusual problems here, shipwrecked on a deserted island. I have my novel with me, and it’s called The Dead Guy. Let me say right away, my main character is also confronted with some unusual problems, and he goes through the thought process on how to solve them. Let’s face it he’s diagnosed in Chapter 1 with a fatal, untreatable disease. How can he go on? How can a shipwrecked crew go on? So, as you can see, you might have a lot in common with The Dead Guy.

Skipper and Gilligan, did you know I have a boat ride in The Dead Guy? Actually, it’s a chase scene on boats. Cool, huh? It’s not a three-hour tour, but how can you resist? My amateur detective, an insurance fraud investigator named Jack Thigpen, confronts the bad guy, who promptly abducts a pre-teen girl and takes off across Lake St. Clair. You might even see some nautical terms in there.

Mr. and Mrs. Howell, a lot of the action takes place in Grosse Pointe, a suburb of Detroit (the Motor City). Lots of country club action here. Do you think the bad guy is a member of the country club? You’ll have to read The Dead Guy to find out.

MaryAnn, Professor, and Ginger, you’re going to have to read The Dead Guy to find out if there’s a role for you when the book gets optioned for the silver screen. I have in mind some parts for you, but I need your input.



2. 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?
Dear Wheel of Fortune personnel,
I believe my tennis playing sidekick, Octavia Popodakis, would be a great word puzzle. Let’s face it, if someone guesses “o”, they’re halfway home! Plus, it’s my favorite name of all of my fictional name creations. It has such a ring to it! Say it three times really fast, and you’ll see what I mean.


3. 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?

Rhett is referring to a paragraph at the end of The Dead Guy, in which my main character Jack Thigpen believes he is succumbing to the fatal disease he is diagnosed with in the first chapter. It’s not often an author can imbue a character with an insight into death, but this is one of those instances! And let’s face it, Gilligan Island residents need to think about what they need to wrap up before they die. We all do. It’s a mental thing, right? Or is it? If you read The Dead Guy, you might gain some real insights.


4. 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?

This is a tribute to The Dead Guy and my main character, Jack Thigpen. Yes, I created him. But once I did, he dictated to me what he was going to do. Jack Thigpen is one of the most alive characters I’ve ever created, and I owe this book mold to him. If you want to read a good mystery novel, read The Dead Guy.

Not only do I want to thank Jack, I want to thank my wife, Robin Hewitt, who has supported me and my writing through some rough times. We always tried to maintain a positive outlook, and I owe this to her. Thank you, Robin.



Thank you, Doug Hewitt, 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.

Thank you for having me! I’ve had a few reviewers comment on what a great movie this would make. Fast paced. Great dialog. Excellent pacing. I hope to see The Dead Guy at a neighborhood movie screen soon!


Pump Up Your Book Promotion
“We take books to the virtual level!”

Author Lloyd Lofthouse - guest post - My Splendid Concubine

Yesterday, The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat spoke with Lloyd Lofthouse author of the historical fiction novel, My Splendid Concubine. In his interview Lloyd shared with us his favorite actors for film and television. As a California native we asked him to share his experiences growing up in Southern California.

About the Book:

Driven by a passion for his adopted country, Robert Hart became the “godfather of China’s modernism,” inspector general of China’s Customs Service, and the builder of China’s railroads, postal and telegraph systems, and schools, but his first real love is Ayaou, a young concubine.

Good morning Lloyd,

Thank you for having me here at The Real Hollywood. There is so much about California that I love. I was born in Pasadena on VJ day, so I’m a California native. Dad was drunk and celebrating but not about me being born. The week before, he’d been drafted to report to the army to train for the Japan invasion. A nurse talked him into adding “Victory” as one of my middle names.

During my childhood, dad loved driving into the local mountains to camp. His favorite was Hart Bar campground near Big Bear Lake. We slept in an army surplus tent. Mornings were filled with the scent of frying bacon, eggs and potatoes cooked in a heavy, black, cast iron skillet over a campfire. These trips took place before California was webbed with freeways. We took roller coaster rides on two lane roads to reach the mountains. As a matter of fact, the first freeway in the nation (possibly the world) was built in Pasadena. California has always been a trend setter that way.

California had one of the first national parks, the Angeles National Forest where I’ve hiked in the San Gabriel Mountains. I’ve also backpacked into the Sierras near Mammoth Mountain where I’ve skied. I’ve skied most of the Southland too—once in a blizzard. On one backpacking trip, we hiked through hip deep snow to Duck Lake. A storm blanketed the area the week before and our tracks were the first in that white blanket.

Most of my youth was spent in a town nestled against the foothills in the San Gabriel Valley. I graduated from Glendora High School. I have fond memories of crossing the street from my parent’s house to reach the grove and pick sweet, juicy tree-ripe oranges—something rare today. My first car was an 1854 Buick Century. I wished I still had it. Here’s a poem I wrote about that first car. The poem shows what it was like to be young.
Dinosaur Driving

At fifteen in 1960
I hated the three-ton T-Rex
From the start,
That day my dad said
It was the only one
I could own.

Ready to please
Like a pooch,
She was a smiling,
Toothy fifty-four
Blue and white,
Four door,
Automatic
Buick
With bench seats,
A soon-to-be classic.

When the brakes gave out
Screeching like fingernails
Across blackboards,
We leaped out
Pushing backwards
Stopping the Rhino from
Rolling through red lights.

When the timing went,
The dragon belched blue flames
Scorching the underside
Of the hood.

With the hood off,
That topless
Playboy centerfold
Rolled like a tumbleweed
Through back streets.

Mike, precariously perched,
On the fender
Adjusted the carburetor
With a long necked screwdriver
Leaning back to
Avoid flaming eruptions.

Passing a school-bus stop,
The serpent belched fire
Scattering children like
Frightened autumn leaves
Running from a cyclone.

She never failed us
Cruising Hollywood & Vine
Weekend Nights
Nervous,
Horny,
Trolling for female kind.

It didn’t matter that we
Never met anyone.
The old gal kept moving
Gulping gas by the quarter,
A willing accomplice.

On New Year’s Eve
We sailed down Pasadena’s
Colorado Blvd
Desperate to share
Bench seats
With strangers in skirts
Gliding by party people
Waiting through the night
For the Rose Parade.

A Benedict Arnold,
I eventually
Betrayed my coach,
Into an unwanted,
Over the hill
Halloween pumpkin
At midnight
Recycled into trashcans.



MY SPLENDID CONCUBINE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '09 will officially begin on December 1 and end on January 30. You can visit Lloyd's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in December and January to find out where he is appearing!

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Lloyd Lofthouse, My Splendid Concubine, historical fiction, online book promotion, virtual book tour, blog tour, virtual blog tour, book blog tour

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 Real Hollywood Chats with Author Jerry Pollock

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat welcomes author Jerry Pollock, author of Messiah Interviews: Yesterday, we highlighted the book and told you about the author. Today, he shares his book with us and tells us who he picks as his favorite actor and actress.

About the Book:

Ever since the Creation of Adam and Eve, man has grappled with knowing whether life exists after death. Because humans achieve the possible, while God accomplishes the impossible, only the Creator knows our fate and destiny at the End of Days. Scientist Jerry Pollock weaves his Messiah Interviews story of an imperfect life on Earth with an imaginative account of being interviewed in Heaven to be the Messiah. The writing becomes a testament to Divine morality, and to finding truth and sincerity in one’s heart.

As readers embark on a journey of knowledge and understanding, they’ll join Jerry on an exploration of the implications of biblical history on our modern world. Through a series of unexplainable events, Jerry empowers readers to decide if an additional personal spiritual effort is worth making in this life, in order to possibly gain entrance to an uncertain futuristic Garden of Eden, the Messianic Age. In a process of the dreamlike interviews with biblical personalities―the angel Gabriel, Methuselah, Chanoch, Seth, King David, Moses, Jacob, Abraham and the prophet Isaiah―Jerry is forced to bear his soul and his own hidden demons.

As human beings, we are all flawed. That’s how the Creator made us. During the course of reading the book, readers have the opportunity to ponder the improvement of their own imperfections, in order to meet the requirements set out in the Messiah Interviews for admission into a future blissful life at the End of Days. The book is God-centered and discusses, briefly or at length, various topics, including The Ten Commandments, Creation, Evolution, Good and Evil, Primal Therapy, Bipolar Disorder, Resurrection, Aging, Twelve Tribes of Israel, Monotheistic Religions, Third Temple, Messiah, and the Messianic Age.


Hi Dr. Jerry Pollock,


Welcome to The Real Hollywood Blog,

Jerry: Thank you. It’s my pleasure to be having this honest exchange with you.


RH: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?
Jerry: Without question, Robin Williams. My book, the Messiah Interviews would actually be better as a stage play, perhaps a movie, because of the interview format of the book, where the main character, Yoseph, is questioned by his biblical interviewers – the angel Gabriel, Methuselah, Chanoch, Seth, King David, Moses, Jacob, Abraham, and the prophet Isaiah. The first eight interviews take place in the Third Temple in Heaven and the final interview with Isaiah takes place in the future Third Temple on earth. Seven of the biblical figures are the Seven Shepherds or Seven Princes that will assist the Messiah at the End of Days. The book focuses on the Messianic Age, the second Garden of Eden, and what it takes for each of us to get there. God gives us a lifetime to improve our moral character, but we seem to continually choose wrong over right. The role requires an actor that can play a dramatic role and bring a sense of humor to the part. Robin Williams is a wonderful actor and he has acted in Heavenly roles.


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

Jerry: I’m partial to actors that have Shakespearian training. I grew up in Toronto and was exposed to Shakespeare’s plays in High School. Christopher Plummer comes to mind as does Kenneth Brannagg. William Shatner is Canadian with a Shakespearian background I believe. I would also choose character actors like Tom Wilkinson and Alan Arkin. Brad Pitt surprisingly has a lot of versatility as does Al Pacino, so both of them might be a terrific King David and prophet Isaiah, respectively. Pacino did King Richard in the park in New York. Omar Sharif is better than ever and Sean Connery still has the magic in some of his roles like Finding Forrester. There are others. Some of the greats unfortunately are now deceased. I’m an old time movie buff but I’m not so good at this new stuff. I loved the old time classic actresses like Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, Katherine Hepburn, Barbara Stanwyck, Anne Bancroft, etc. All About Eve with Davis and Anne Baxter was an amazing movie as was the Thorn Birds TV series with Stanwyck. I would also have to add Richard Chamberlain to my list. And Kate Hepburn with Bogey in The African Queen. Well that’s hard to top.



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.

Jerry: I would love to be approached.



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

Jerry: My favorite actor was Alec Guinness. Like Laurence Olivier once said, “most actors play their roles from the outside in; Alec and I develop the character from the inside out.” Those guys were something else. They came up through the English Theater system. I loved Guinness in the Lavender Hill Mob. Today, I like Merryl Streep as my favorite living actress. She would have to be the female Guinness equivalent with her range and depth. When I was a youngster, I was in love with Elizabeth Taylor. God, she was beautiful in a Place in the Sun with Montgomery Clift.


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

Jerry: Yes, Stalag 17. I loved William Holden and this movie was the greatest. Holden was not a great actor but he had great roles. I have watched Stalag 17 over and over again and see it every time it comes on TV. Did you see Holden and Kim Novak in Picnic or Holden and Guinness in the Bridge on the River Quai? I like to watch the Marx Brothers movies as well. I still laugh with Groucho, Chico, and Harpo. I’m 67, so my grandchildren don’t have a clue as to the oldies.



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

Jerry: Probably Nelson DeMille because of his story telling ability. I have read The Charm School, By the Rivers of Babylon, Plum Island, The Cathedral, etc. He writes with a sense of humor.



RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

Jerry: Well right now, I’m busy marketing my books, Divinely Inspired: Spiritual Awakening of a Soul and Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God. When I have some time, I would like to write the screenplay for the Messiah Interviews. Of course, I would have to learn to write a screenplay. Divinely Inspired is a spiritual memoir and is a prequel to the ‘not so fictional’ novel, Messiah Interviews. A third book in this trilogy ought to be written and I may do so when I gain more spiritual insight. If anyone reading my words knows anyone who could help with a stage play of the Messiah Interviews, I would be most appreciative of your assistance. You can email me at either jerrypollock@bellsouth.net or thirdtemple@bellsouth.net



RH: Where can my readers find your website?

Jerry: Go to either www.shechinahthirdtemple.org or www.thirdtempleinfo.com
Be sure to visit my Blog to find out about me and the books. I’m just learning to Blog.



I thank you Jerry for sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

And thank you to The Real Hollywood Blog for your kindness and for allowing me to share with your readers. I wish you all the very best in the New Year.

Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God - Author Interview - Jerry Pollock

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat spotlights author Jerry Pollock, author of the spiritual/religious novel, Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God (Shechinah Third Temple, Inc., Jan 09), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in January on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion! Join us tomorrow for his interview.


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ever since the Creation of Adam and Eve, man has grappled with knowing whether life exists after death. Because humans achieve the possible, while God accomplishes the impossible, only the Creator knows our fate and destiny at the End of Days. Scientist Jerry Pollock weaves his Messiah Interviews story of an imperfect life on Earth with an imaginative account of being interviewed in Heaven to be the Messiah. The writing becomes a testament to Divine morality, and to finding truth and sincerity in one’s heart.

As readers embark on a journey of knowledge and understanding, they’ll join Jerry on an exploration of the implications of biblical history on our modern world. Through a series of unexplainable events, Jerry empowers readers to decide if an additional personal spiritual effort is worth making in this life, in order to possibly gain entrance to an uncertain futuristic Garden of Eden, the Messianic Age. In a process of the dreamlike interviews with biblical personalities―the angel Gabriel, Methuselah, Chanoch, Seth, King David, Moses, Jacob, Abraham and the prophet Isaiah―Jerry is forced to bear his soul and his own hidden demons.

As human beings, we are all flawed. That’s how the Creator made us. During the course of reading the book, readers have the opportunity to ponder the improvement of their own imperfections, in order to meet the requirements set out in the Messiah Interviews for admission into a future blissful life at the End of Days. The book is God-centered and discusses, briefly or at length, various topics, including The Ten Commandments, Creation, Evolution, Good and Evil, Primal Therapy, Bipolar Disorder, Resurrection, Aging, Twelve Tribes of Israel, Monotheistic Religions, Third Temple, Messiah, and the Messianic Age.

EXCERPT:
The Archangel Michael is speaking in Heaven:

“We have deliberately chosen a sinner: you, Yoseph, who has knowingly cheated in science. Yet, you have publicly repented and confessed your sins to your Stony Brook University administration; and sent letters of apology to the former institutions that you attended. Moreover, you have expressed your heartfelt remorse and your sincere regrets for all of your sinful actions in your published book, Divinely Inspired: Spiritual Awakening of a Soul, for all to see. We have intentionally chosen someone who has suffered horrifically, yet has the potential through his suffering to look inside and understand human nature. We also have especially not chosen a tzaddik, the wisest, most righteous, and perfect of men. We are testing the potential of a simple imperfect man. If you succeed in answering our questions, you will become King Messiah, and return to earth to take your place at the End of Days. If our assessment of you is that you are not the person, we had in mind, then we will have failed once again in finding the true Messiah.”

Rebel in Blue Jeans - Author Interview - Beverly Stowe McClure

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat would like to welcome Beverly Stowe McClure, author of the young adult novel, Rebel in Blue Jeans (Twilight Times Books, Oct '08).

Beverly is on a virtual book tour for the month of January with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and they are offering a way to WIN PRIZES! 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.



ABOUT THE BOOK:
What’s a girl to do when her mother runs away with the drummer in a rock band, her friendly relationship with the boys on the neighboring ranch starts to change, and a handsome college guy takes an interest in her? Sixteen-year-old Rebel Ferguson faces these challenges with courage and humor and decides to do three things:
1. Bring her mother home where she belongs.
2. Show her neighbors, Will and Sully Garret, she’s not interested in a serious relationship with either of them.
3. Prove to the Garrets, and to herself, that Rick, the cute college guy, is a gentleman.

Nothing turns out the way Rebel plans, however, and she discovers that people are not always what they seem, and she’s a lousy judge of character. If only humans were as trustworthy and dependable as her puppies, cat, and horses. Can she forgive everyone who has disappointed her?



Hi Beverly Stowe McClure

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Book Chat,

B: Thank you for inviting me to your blog today. I’m happy to be here and look forward to meeting everyone and discussing my novel, Rebel in Blue Jeans.

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

B: There are so many cute and talented actresses today that this is a tough decision, but I would choose Alexis Bledel to play Rebel Ferguson.

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

B: Zac Efron is perfect for Will Garret. For Sully—Cody Linley, Josie—Ashley Tisdale, Rick Parsons—Taylor Lautner

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.

B: I can only imagine since this hasn’t happened, but I think I’d be walking on air, in a dream world, not wanting to wake up. If I had to talk to the producer I’d likely be speechless, my tongue and brain unable to connect. Hopefully, he’d understand.

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

B: Actress: Natalie Wood
Actor: Clark Gable
Yeah, these are older actors but they were great in their day.

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

B: Yes, two. Gone With the Wind and The Patriot

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

B: My favorite author is usually the one I’m reading at the moment. There is one author that I watch for her latest books: Mary E. Pearson. I’ve read David vs. God, Scribbler of Dreams, A Room on Lorelei Street, and her latest The Adoration of Jenna Fox, which will be made into a movie. I can’t wait to see it.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

B: My YA historical novel, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, will be out in 2009. Also, Just Breeze, my MG contemporary is scheduled for summer, 2009. Two more of my stories will be published in 2010.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

B: http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com
Rebel has a site too: http://rebelinbluejeans.wordpress.com

I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

B. I have enjoyed visiting with you and will be happy to answer any questions readers might have. It would be awesome to see Rebel made into a movie. One can dream. Thanks again, for this opportunity to talk about my writing and my latest book.


The REBEL IN BLUE JEANS VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 officially begin on January 5 and ends on January 30. You can visit Beverly's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in January to find out more about this great book and talented author!

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!

Sam's Quest - The Royal Trident Book 2 - Author Interview with Ben Furman

The Real Hollywood welcomes guest author Ben Furman and Book 2 of Sam’s Quest, The Royal Trident. Ben is on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion promoting his novel. Read below to see who Ben names as his favorite actor and actress and be sure to leave a comment and be entered to win a gift certificate.


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 October 30!




ABOUT THE BOOK:

Samantha Costas, called Sam, a descendent of the Originators, the keeper of the Crimson Crystal, and the savior of the Awokian people, is the bridge to the World of Bergeron and its lands of good and evil.

Prince Buznor, an Awokian from Innerworld on a diplomatic mission, is seriously wounded during a surprise attack. He calls out to Sam as he falls into a raging river and is swept away. The Crimson Crystal glows, alerting Sam that her friend is in danger. She descends to the World of Bergeron where she comes face-to-face with the most powerful evil she has ever encountered. This evil must be defeated or all is lost.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ben R. Furman, former FBI counterterrorism chief, has drawn on this experience to write about high-tech terrorism, chemical, biological, and nuclear threats, and transnational criminal cartels. During his career he investigated kidnappings, extortions, bank robberies, led SWAT teams and was the FBI counterterrorism chief assigned to address threats against the United States by terrorists of all stripes. He also writes fantasy adventure novels with positive messages for the young adult, juvenile market and is the Rexus CEO, a corporation that conducts international corporate investigations involving industrial espionage, internal theft, business due diligence and background screening. You can visit his website at www.blackhawkpress.com.



Hi Ben

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Blog,

Thanks for inviting me.

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

Ben Furman, (BF) The studio interest in the trilogy is an animated series, either movies or TV. So, I really don’t have a young actress in mind for the heroine or for the supporting actors. I haven’t followed current child actors and don’t know who would be a good fit the parts. My guess: Should a movie be made the studio would make that call, and I’d be standing in the outside lot near the hotdog stand when the choice was made.

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

BF:No sale yet and nothing is chipped in stone at this point. It’s been a two year process so far. I’ve made it through the initial and second cuts. What’s it like? Pretty much a master-slave relationship and guess who plays the roll of the slave? I’m still in the game. Patience!

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

BF: Male: Bogart or Tracy.
Female: Judith Dench

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

BF: Casablanca, and I do.

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

BF: I don’t have a favorite author. It really depends on my mood and my subject interest at a particular time.. But Robert Ludlum is one.

BF: Books: The Osterman Weekend, The Apocalypse Watch, The Holcroft Covenant, Covert One: The Hades Factor, The Bourne Identity.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

BF: I’ve just completed the plot and outline for Sam’s Quest: The Catacomb of Evil, Book 3 and I’m in the middle of writing a counterterrorism thriller, Chimera.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

www.blackhawkpress.com
www.blackhawkpress.com/blog

I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

I appreciate your time and providing me the opportunity to speak with you about the book.


THE ROYAL TRIDENT VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on October 1 and end on October 30. You can visit Ben's blog stops at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.wordpress.com in October to find out more about his 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 October 30!

Her Godmother - Author Interview - Cate Cavanaugh

Yesterday at The Real Hollywood Book Chat we posted an excerpt from a fantasy children’s novel, Her Godmother (Star Publish, Nov. ’07). Joining us today is author Cate Cavanaugh, and she shares with us some of her favorite authors and actors include.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cate is a published author, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, as well as a syndicated columnist in the spiritual and metaphysical genres. In addition she is a published print columnist in New York and was political commentator for WJFF radio in New York and podcast commentator for. Her work also appears in a number of new age publications including but not limited to Self Growth, Lightsource, E Spirit, Grannymoon, Witch's Voice and Pagazine. She also writes for Circle of Stars a New Age ezine and is an eclectic Witch.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book blurb: Allie is experiencing a family breakup. Her father is an alcoholic and her mother decides to leave him. Allie stays with her godmother Brigid, who lives in rural upstate New York, while her mother plans a new life and relocation for them both. Allie is having a wonderful time until one night, when awakened by a thunderstorm, she peeks out of her window to see her godmother dancing on the lawn in the rain. What Allie is about to discover is that Brigid is rather "colorful" or should we say...

Hi Cate
Welcome to The Real Hollywood,

Hello and blessings to you!

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

CC: Allie is a little girl and I am not familiar with the newest of child actors but if she were the age (or could play it), I feel Dakota Fanning would make a great Allie. As for Brigid, Allie's godmother, Cate Blanchett would be a good pick as she can play anyone!

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

CC: Well, the supporting characters are a cat and a dog They might need to be CGI to capture the personalities they both have in the book.

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

CC: My favorite actors are Morgan Freeman and Armand Assante, an actor who has been much overlooked. My favorite actresses are Angelina Jolie and Queen Latifa

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

CC: I have many! The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, American Gangster and, with Halloween (Samhain for Pagans) coming up I always watch Monster Squad and The Lost Boys as a holiday ritual so to speak.

RH: Who is your favorite author?

CC: My favorite author has to be J.H. Lawrence.

RH: What books have you read by this author?

CC: Sons and Lovers, Women In Love, Lady Chatterly's Lover

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

CC: I am looking to launch a media career based on my nonfiction work which is in the metaphysical/spiritual and self helps genres. I am widely read on the web and was a widely read politcal columnist in New York but feel the stronger connection to my spiritual path and what it can offer to others. My work can be read on numerous ezines, including selfgrowth.com.

RH: Where can my readers find your website? I have three websites: quantumspirituality.tripod.com, catecavanagh.com and somethingmagicalinourmists.blogspot.com

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

I really appreciate your giving me the opportunity to speak with you! Blessings to you and your readers!

--
CATE CAVANAGH
Author, HER GODMOTHER

HER GODMOTHER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 officially begin on October 1 and will end on October 30. You can visit Cate's tour stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in October 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 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 October 30!

Book Chat - Her Godmother - Chapter Excerpt

The Real Hollywood presents Hollywood Screaming during the month of October and today’s Book Chat features an excerpt from a Fantasy children’s novel Her Godmother. Author Cate Cavanagh is on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and during her tour if you leave a comment your name will be entered to win a FREE virtual book tour to a published author with a recent release or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published The winner will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on October 30!

Join us tomorrow for Cate’s interview at The Real Hollywood blog. You can visit her website at www.quantamspirituality.tripod.com or her blog at www.magicwithcate.blogspot.com.



About the Book
Shouldn't we have our own Witch? Allie is experiencing a family breakup. Her father is an alcoholic and her mother decides to leave him. Allie stays with her godmother Brigid, who lives in rural upstate New York, while her mother plans a new life and relocation for them both. Allie is having a wonderful time until one night, when awakened by a thunderstorm, she peeks out of her window to see her godmother dancing on the lawn in the rain. What Allie is about to discover is that Brigid is rather "colorful" or should we say...


Book Excerpt
Allison—or Allie, as she was called—sat in the front seat in the car, next to her mother, Darla. She was too big for a car seat and yet too small for the seatbelt that rested on her cheek. Her view was limited to treetops and clouds. She wanted to fidget her seatbelt looser, but she knew better. Instead, she sighed and asked, "What is Aunt Brigid like?"
"I don't expect you to remember her. It's been a while…" her mother said, almost as if she was talking to herself while she looked ahead at the road.
"Since she moved to the country we've stayed in touch, but you haven't seen her for a few years. You were little when she moved."
"I remember," Allie piped in, "that she gave me my stuffed unicorn, the carousel horses, and that colorful rock collection-"
"And she always sends you beautiful flowers on your birthday!"
"And she sends those pretty satin bags with lace all around them. How does she make them?"
"I know your Aunt Brigid will show you how she does everything, if you ask her," she said suddenly, remembering Allie's question of a few moments ago.
"Oh, I think I would like that."
Allie was a smart girl who always got good grades in school and made friends easily. Taking after her mother's family, she had thick, straight black hair. Because it never stayed in place, it was cut pageboy style, just under her ear lobes. Allie was not patient and often squirmed when getting a haircut. Dark freckles dotted the bridge of her nose. Her eyes were "McKay blue." That is how her grandfather always described them. "You can tell a McKay by their eyes," he always said. They were not just blue, they were dark blue, but when the sun shined upon the face of a McKay, those blue eyes sparkled liked sapphires. Allie had a laugh that was infectious that could make anyone laugh, even if they did not know why. She was also a kind and thoughtful girl. She enjoyed being popular, but she always went out of her way to become friends with children who were new or shy. Once Allie took to someone, everyone else did too. She never said a bad thing about anyone—not even about her father. Never about her father!


HER GODMOTHER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on October 1 and ends on October 30. You can visit Cate's tour stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in October to find out more about her latest book!
Join us tomorrow at The Real Hollywood blog for Cate’s interview with Book Chat.

Kindred Spirits - Author Interview - Marilyn Meredith

Today’s interview at The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat is with Marilyn Meredith, author of the mystery novel, Kindred Spirits. Yesterday, Marilyn provided us with a chance to read her book with chapter one excerpt. If you missed reading it I highly recommend reading it, but be sure to click back here and read some of the funny antics in Marilyn’s hobby of collecting celebrity autographs.

While Marilyn is on her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion a special promotion is being offered to all authors and commenters. Leave a comment and win 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. The winner(s) will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on October 30!

About The Book
Trouble in Deputy Crabtree’s marriage is soon forgotten when the body of a murder victim is found in the wake of a forest fire. Sent to Crescent City in search of information introduces Tempe to the victim’s Tolowa relatives and friends–along with two stalkers and Big Foot.

Upon her return home, a pig’s heart on Tempe’s front porch serves as a warning. Detective Morrison becomes an unusual ally, and the victim’s spirit visits Tempe in the night. She and husband Hutch set off for Santa Barbara in an effort to flush out the murderer and once again she finds her own life threatened.

About The Author
Marilyn Meredith is the author of award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest, Smell of Death, from Tigress Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives. Visit her at www.fictionforyou.com.







Hi, Marilyn Meredith,

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Blog,

MM Thank you for having me, this should be interesting.

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

MM: Since Deputy Tempe Crabtree is Native American, the actress would have to be Native American. Katreri Walker would be my first choice as she is close to the right age and looks enough like my descriptions of Tempe. A second choice would be Irene Bedara. She might be a bit too young, though. There aren’t a lot of Indian actresses to choose from. If there were a Tule River Indian who was an actress, she would be my first choice—but I don’t know of any. I do know some women of Native American heritage who would fit the part, but unfortunately they aren’t actresses.

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

MM: Tempe’s husband is auburn haired and I don’t know of any actor who would fit. Judge Reinhold would have been perfect—and still might. Her son, Blair, is blond and in his twenties—probably any young man of this description would fit. Adam Beach could easily play the part of Nick Two John.

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.

MM: I’ve not been fortunate enough to have that experience—darn.

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

MM: I love movies. My husband and I got to the movies often and watch DVD’s at home. I have lots of actors and actresses that I enjoy. I especially like those who are able to really change with the part and not just play themselves in every movie. When I was a kid, I collected movie star autographs. Once I chased an actor’s car (Van Johnson) on foot and caught him at a stop light and got his autograph.

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

MM: The one movie I did watch over and over was Gone With the Wind—and I’ll probably watch it again. When it first came out I was a kid and my mother and I went to see it five times. I grew up in Los Angeles, my dad worked for Paramount Studios, and our family went to the movies every Friday night, so I’ve always been a movie fan.

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

MM: One of my favorite authors is William Kent Krueger and I’ve read all of this books, but particularly like the Cork O’Conner series—and I suppose it’s because of the Native American elements in the books.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

I’ll be spending the next few months promoting Kindred Spirits, the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. The next one will come out next fall, Dispel the Mist, and I’m working on the one that comes out after that.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

MM: http://fictionforyou.com and I also have a blog http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/


I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

MM: And thank you for inviting me to visit your blog, it’s been fun.

KINDRED SPIRITS VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '08 officially begin on October 1 and will end on October 30. You can visit Marilyn's blog stops at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.wordpress.com in October to find out more about her new book!