The Weaver – author interview – Kai Strand

Today, we welcome a local San Fernando Valley girl who shares her novel and her life as a valley girl. 

About Kai Strand

Kai Strand is a children’s author of middle grade and young adult novels. She was born and raised in the mid-west, where she inherited a wholesome outlook on life. She lived in California long enough to become a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. They now live in Central Oregon where the most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, “Do your dishes!”

Obviously, Kai likes to write. The Weaver is Kai’s debut book. She reads a lot as well and calls it research. Kai loves to garden, and is trying out a greenhouse for the first time this year. She loves to sing. You might find her singing in Latin while browsing at Target. Most of the time she isn’t aware she’s singing aloud. She and her family love to hike and geocache. Kai walks 45 miles a month for exercise.

You can visit Kai online at www.kaistrand.com or at her blog, Strands of Thought, www.kaistrand.blogspot.com.

About The Weaver

In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish.  But instead of weaving a better story, she’s weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.

Read an Excerpt!

Chapter 1

A Mother’s Shadow 

Given ample sun and water, a flower grows strong and blooms full But grown in shade it is spindly, weak, and off color

Tucked in a lush valley between two snow-capped mountains was the village of The Tales. Those who lived in the village were known as Weavers. Each person in The Tales could tell stories about anything at anytime, and they often did. Prose, poetry, limericks or yarns; they told stories of all types and styles.

On a balmy spring morning, Mary Wordsmith and her mother, Abigail, made their weekly visit to the produce market.

Thumping an acorn squash, Abigail said, “At last, here’s one that isn’t going soft.” She handed the squash to Mary who absently dropped it in the basket on her arm.

Interview

Hi Kai, 

Welcome to the Hollywood Daze!

Thanks for having me, today! I love your url! I must share that my best friend and I were valley girls before it was cool. She and I totally spoke like that! Oh my God! But we didn't know it until the movie, Valley Girl, with Nicolas Cage came out. I remember our horror when we realized that we really did talk like that. After that, we worked so hard to change our speech patterns. Hard habit to break - that valley speak!

Q:  I understand you are a former Californian. Will you tell us if you lived in Northern or Southern California and two things you enjoyed about living in the land of perpetual sunshine?

A:  I lived in So California, Orange County to be exact. For awhile I owned a turbo convertible and on those painfully sunny days, I loved driving along Pacific Coast Highway with the top down on the car, wind blowing through my hair, scent of sea salt tickling my nose and hearing the seagulls cry. So carefree. I also loved those years it was 80 degrees on Christmas Day and we'd be splashing around in the swimming pool. A white Christmas is overrated.

Q:  Will you tell us a little about your book?

A: About The Weaver: In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish.  But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.

The Weaver has a little magic and alot of storytelling. It's a story about acceptance. It's a story about support. But mostly it is about determination. It's written for children 9 - 12 years old.

Q:  How did you come up with the idea for your book?

A:  I belong to an online critique group called Silver Web. I was sitting at my computer one day casting around for an idea for a new book and the logo of my crit group was staring back at me.  I thought to myself, "We weave words like a spider weaves its web." That was the nugget of the idea.

Q:  When did you start writing your novel and how long did it take?

A:  I don't remember! I really don't remember when I started. I plowed through about 2/3 of the story and then let it sit for a long time before finishing. Edits were pretty spotty.  I just don't have a clue how long this book took to write.

Q:  Who is your favorite author?

A:  I'm not very good with the "favorite" word, because that indicates I like one above all others. But I get enthusiastic about different things from different writers. Maggie Stiefvater has the most beautifully lyrical voice in her writing, plus she's super approachable and funny. How can you not like someone who calls her car Loki? I respect the heck out of Suzanne Collins. My sons were enraptured by her Gregor the Overlander books and then she comes up with the Hunger Games series that were addicting to a broader audience. Skill! Scott Westerfield is another author who just gets it. Knows his audience and what resonates with them. Also very approachable and really respect that in an author. I admit I have this odd reaction of jealousy everytime I see a book from Cassandra Clare, and I see them EVERYWHERE! She actually seems like a lovely person and my reaction is completely ridiculous. I've loved everyone of her books.

Q:  Do you have a favorite book that you could read more than once?

A:  Hands down the Harry Potter series. The charcterization alone is so deep and well vetted that you learn something new about them (main character and supporting characters alike) each time you read. The complex storyline, the tons of hints dropped throughout the series. Plus I've shared many, many hours over these books with my children, so they have such a happy association tied to them.

Q:  Since everyone outside of California believes we are all star struck, who is your favorite actor/actress, if you can narrow it to just one, or at least your top three?

A:  I'm totally star struck when I meet famous authors, but actors not so much. However ignorant I am of who the latest heart throb is, I do take notice when someone is actually a good actor and not just a pretty face. Nothing wrong with a pretty face, mind you.  Anyway, I think I'd have to answer Johnny Depp. He's so versatile. He plays the quirky or dark roles like in Alice and Wonderland and Pirates, but he was great in the dramatic role in Finding Neverland. He can actually act and he's not afraid to. It is only my complete ignorance of actors that allows me to chose a favorite in this category. If I were more educated, I'm sure there were be more names on my list.

Q:  Do you have a favorite movie that you could watch again and again?

A:  Pride and Prejudice. Any version. Love the story. And I prefer the story to the book. Rare for me, but true in this instance. (Phantom of the Opera - love the music, PS I Love You - such a sap for a good love story, Apollo 13 - always exciting, Independence Day - funny! ...)

Q:  What's next in your writing life?

A:  I'm shopping a contemporary middle grade for a slightly older audience than The Weaver and a young adult fantasy series that is really awesome and fun and I can't wait until I can share it with the world. I just have to find the right place for these stories first.

Kai, thank you for sharing your book with us and I wish you the best of luck in your book promotion.

Rebecca, thanks for inviting me to join you! It's been fun sticking my toes in the sand again. It has been too long since I've visited California, thanks for the trip down memory lane. 

The Real Hollywood Trivia Interview with Gail Graham, Author of Sea Changes

The Real Hollywood Book Chat welcomes Gail Graham, author of the literary novel, Sea Changes. Find out what Hollywood actor she would pick to play her main character, her favorite author and what books she’s read by this author.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gail Graham’s previous novel, CROSSFIRE, won the Buxtehude Bulle, a prestigious German literary award. CROSSFIRE has been translated into German, French, Danish, Finnish and Swedish. Three of Gail’s other books were NY Times Book of the Year recommendations. Gail lived in Australia for 32 years, where she owned and operated a community newspaper and published several other books, including A COOL WIND BLOWING (a biography of Mao Zedong) STAYING ALIVE and A LONG SEASON IN HELL. She returned to the United States in 2002, and now lives in Tucson, Arizona.

ABOUT THE BOOK
When Sarah’s husband dies suddenly, she is left with no anchor and no focus.

Grief is an ever-present companion and counseling a weekly chore with minimal results, but when Sarah decides to end her life her suicide attempt takes her to an underwater world where she finds comfort and friendship. Afterwards, back on the beach she wonders – Was it a dream? Was I hallucinating? Or am I going mad?

Her efforts to make sense of the experience lead to Sarah’s becoming a suspect in the alleged kidnapping of a young heiress. Now her worlds are colliding – and the people she trusts are backing away, not believing a word she says. She must decide what is real and what is not. Her life depends on it.

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

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.”

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!