Author Interview - Debut Author Jodie Dye

Today on bookaholic I am honoured to welcome debut author Jodie Dye. Welcome Jodie. It is a pleasure to have you join us today.

Thank you. I am really pleased to be here.

I am sure the readers would love to hear about you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I am a very simple woman who loves to spend time at home with my family. I am a wife to a wonderful husband who calls me his queen. I have three beautiful children from a previous marriage, and so does my husband. So we have a nice big family, but only the 2 youngest are at home with us. My days are spent home-schooling my youngest son, who is in the 4th grade. My teenage son is attending the local public school. When I am not teaching my son, I am usually reading and writing myself. I love learning new things. I have a very peaceful home, and it has been this way for 3 years now, since I married this man.

Now if we go back about 20-30 years, my life was not simple. It was hard. I grew up without a mother, spent a lot of time on the street life, doing drugs, and getting myself into a lot of trouble. From living in my car to being in a gang, the stories are endless. Many of those stories are in my book.

Your book sounds really interesting. Can you tell the readers about it. 

My book is based on the book of Esther, and each of the characters in that book has a common thread that weaves into mine. After getting to know them a little better, we can trust that the specialist who ordered the beauty treatments knows what he is doing. There are twelve beauty treatments that I myself have received and have changed my life. The beauty treatments that I refer to are for the inner man. They are for the spiritually minded.

Where did you get the inspiration for your book?

After a heartbreaking end to a relationship I deeply desired, my heart was open for what God wanted for me. God spoke to me in the middle of the night (as you would hear a melody in your mind) that he wanted me to remain unavailable for one whole year for any dating relationships. He wanted me to prepare my heart for Him, just like Esther in the Bible prepared for King Xerxes. She prepared with beauty treatments and special food for 12 months before she even met the king. So I heeded the call and committed to prepare my heart by studying the book of Esther in depth. I fasted from food every other day for the entire food so that I received spirit led, spirit fed food that would change my life forever.


Your Christian faith is obviously a very real part of you. How does that blend with your writing?

YES my Christian faith is so very much a part of who I am and what I write about. If it weren’t for the testimony of what Jesus did for me at the cross, then I would not have a testimony to share. I would have ended up in prison or I would have died never knowing the life I could have in Him. So in everything I write about I hope to give God the glory for what He has done for me. He pulled me out of darkness, and He forgave me for all my sins, and put me on a new path that gave me a Hope and a radiant beauty that only He could give…oh there is just so much He has done.


When you are not writing what types of books do you read? What would you say was the best book you have ever read?

I love to read Christian fiction books that have a great story line of real life situations and non-fiction books that help me to grow spiritually. The best book that I have ever read would seriously have to be the Bible. I can say that because I read it almost everyday and I have been reading it for over 20 years and it still speaks to me. I find new treasures in it all the time. I love the Bible so much!


Have you any other books in the pipeline?

Yes I do! I am working on a workbook for Beauty Treatments, so that people can do as a church bible study.

I am also finishing up my second book called Special Food because Esther not only received beauty treatments but also special food. So they will go hand in hand. The Special Food book is almost done, and it is packed with inspirational ingredients and righteous recipes to increase ones hunger for God’s Word.

Then I will be working on my third book called, The Cluttered Castle, all of my books have a royal theme from the book of Esther.


As a new writer what would be your number one piece of advice to other new writers? 

If writing is what you like to do, then do it with your whole heart. Give yourself the quiet time to develop the new skill. Keep a journal and write down everything you think is a new idea for you, because chances are, it will also be a new idea to someone else. And one more thing, “Don’t be afraid to be YOU in your writing!”


Now we are going to get personal. What would you say is your favourite food?

My favourite food is anything Mexican. I love tacos, burritos, beans, rice, avocados, cheese, and sour cream; hmmm this is making me hungry just thinking about it. I know I what I am eating for dinner tonight. J


What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, cuddling up to my man and watching a good movie, playing scrabble with my son, taking long baths with candlelight and chatting with friends on social media sites or the phone. I enjoy the outdoors in warm weather. I enjoy going to my church. I really do enjoy a lot of things.

My Amazon link US:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936578638/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

My Amazon link UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-Treatments-Jodie-Dye/dp/1936578638/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382985796&sr=1-1&keywords=beauty+treatments+jodie+dye

My youtube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D162si95hwQ

My facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/innerbeautytreatments

My website:
http://www.innerbeautytreatments.com/

My twitter account:
https://twitter.com/JodieDye1

My goodreads author page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7217221.Jodie_Dye

Wow Jodie. You have certainly had a fascinating life. I am really looking forward to reading your book, as I am sure are all Bookaholic readers. Thank you for taking time out of your hectic writing schedule to be with us today. 

That's us again Bookaholic's. Remember to grab a good book and keep reading. I will be back with you all again soon.

W is for wasted by Sue Grafton - Murder most Foul

Welcome back to Bookaholic. We are off on the murder trail today with a review of Sue Grafton's W is for Wasted.

I love the Kinsey Millhone books and I was looking forward to this one arriving. My excitement was rewarded as this is another great book form the Grafton stable. With series books often interest runs out after bout 10. However, Sue Grafton has managed to keep her books fresh and I will be sorry when the series ends at z. That's if it does end there that is.

There are two stories running through this book. The first is that a homeless man is found dead with Kinsey's business card in his pocket. Kinsey is, of course, dragged in to finding out about his murder. The other is that of a washed out PI who is on the trail of a hot investigation. The stories run parallel, but about half way through the book are drawn skilfully together. The usual cast of characters are not all in evidence in this book, but Henry still makes an appearance. I have to a admit to loving Henry. There is also a new character in the guise of a very strange cat. He is as well drawn and believable as every other character in the book.

Although this is not an edge of the seat book the storyline, and Grafton's writing style, still has you on reading long into the night. This is not a quick read, at over 700 pages, but it is still an excellent read. This is another book I would highly recommend. If you haven't read a Kinsey Milhoney book then you need to remedy that immediately. If you want to start with the first in the series A is for Alibi.

That's it for now Bookaholic's. I'll be back soon with another review. See you all soon and keep reading. 

Guest Post by Author Linda Newberry

Today we have a very special guest on Bookaholic. Linda Newberry is here to tell us all about her life as a writer and her books. As an added bonus these books are free this weekend (26/27 10 13). The links to all the books for both UK and US are on the blog. Over to you Linda, and thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to visit us today.

Thank you Wendy, and thank you to your readers for hosting me today. I was in corporate America for nearly forty years. I’d planned on retiring from my purchasing position at a major corporation, but instead was forced to come home (several years before normal retirement age) due to the advancing chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis. When I found that I was unable to return to work, I looked for something I could do for short timeframes daily, something that would allow me to continue my relationships with old co-workers, vendors and clients and be able to serve them. It was imperative to continue to make a useful contribution. In September of last year, I began the No Limits Connection blog. It is a Busy Person’s Workday Bible Study. The email list began to grow.


In November, I dusted off an old book I had written several years ago. It was a word study of Isaiah 60 (Say What?!) that I had developed a daily confession out of. The confession, with constant use, made huge changes in my mindset and eventually the outward trappings of my life. I rewrote the book and published it on Amazon, first as a Kindle book in December and then as a paperback in February. Early this month I released the second book (Great Men Think…) on the importance of thinking, not as men do but using the blueprint God has laid out for us.

The No Limits Connection is now reaching people in 38 countries and continues to grow.

Both of my books are going to be on Free Promo for Kindle version this Saturday and Sunday. If you haven't picked up your copy or if you'd like to share this with anyone in your networks who would be interested, the more the merrier.

Say What?! ‘What’ You Say is Your Future! (2013 Global Ebook Awards Silver Medal Winner!)

It merges the time-honored principles of Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich with the practical disciplines of Bruce Wilkinson’s The Prayer of Jabez. Linda Newberry delves deep into the meaning of Isaiah 60 and paints a poignant picture of the life God desires for you. God’s promise is outlined in this chapter giving a glimpse at happiness. Ms. Newberry helps you tap into this knowledge and achieve a better life.

Amazon US Link

Amazon UK Link

Great Men Think Alike - Like God

We talk a lot here about our thinking; what we choose to think, catching ourselves thinking things that serve no useful purpose to our direction or our goals, and deciding that when we find useless thoughts invading our mind....we stop and re-think with useful thoughts. This is similar to re-tooling a failing piece of machinery. You take out the failing tool and replace it with a new and functional tool to allow you to produce the desired end result. This is our life and thinking our tool to be useful and productive. It is time for us to wake up and begin to think for ourselves again. Great Men Think Alike – Like God will guide you into productive and effective thinking.

Amazon US link
Amazon UK Link

If you have read either (or both) books, I would appreciate your taking the time to drop by Amazon and review them.

Amazon Author Page: Link

Paperback Versions Available at: Link

Website: Link

Wow you certainly seem to have packed a lot into your life. Amazing story of what brought you to writing, and not giving up in the face of adversity. I wish you all the very best with your future career.

That brings us to the end of another Bookaholic post. See you all again soon. What will come out of the bag next time. Tune in and find out. Till then buy a good book and keep reading

A Day in the Life of a Writer by Wendy H. Jones

Some time ago I entered a competition about the day in the life of a writer. I didn't win, I may add, but I thought it would be a bit of fun to post it here. Read on and see what happens on just one day of my life.

It’s 8 am and I spring out of bed with the speed of a striking snail, ready and eager to face another exciting day as a writer. “Cough, Cough, Cough”. Okay maybe I’d better start with some aspirin, cough mixture and a cup of coffee. I’ve decided the fact I’m ill warrants a day in my dressing gown. If it was good enough for Noel Coward, it may bring me a similar measure of inspiration.

Armed with Coffee I’m sitting at my computer and open up and read my work in progress. No Hang on I’ve got an idea for the fourth book in the series. Quick, write it down, where’s that notebook? Ah now that’s settled I can get on with the current novel. Actually, before I get going maybe I should just check Facebook, Twitter, et al. As an author I can’t let them fall by the wayside. My legions of adoring fans will expect it. What do you mean I’m still writing my first novel? It’s never too early to build up a fan base. Now I’ll get it done more quickly if you leave me alone.

Right that’s me back at the computer ready to get those keys smoking. I’m feeling a bit hungry though. Crumbs look at the time. No wonder I’m hungry I’d better take a break and have some lunch. No one can write on an empty stomach. I need food to fuel my brain.

Back at the keyboard but this next bit is quite tricky. I need to get the forensic evidence just right or I’ll have Police Officers, from Dundee to Auckland, writing in and complaining when my masterpiece is published. I crack open my browser and am immediately transfixed by a news item about a shooting in my area. I’d better read that. It could be good for research.

Oh no I’ve just realised I didn’t do my bible study this morning. Sorry God, I’m on it now. Thirty minutes later, cup of coffee in hand, I’m back at the keyboard and feeling much more energised and positive. Straight into the research I go. Forensic research is so interesting, all that blood and brain flying around. It’s a bit like Leviticus really. There always seems to be things flying around in that book. Usually pig’s bladders I’ll give you that, but a striking similarity never the less.

Now that I’ve got my blood stains sorted out, my fingers are flying across the keyboard. I’m thanking my long dead mother for all those typing lesson she made me take. Not that it was thanks coming out of my mouth at the time. My English teacher joins her in the hall of those who have helped me on my journey. Thanks Mrs Ferry. Never forgotten.

So by 5 pm I’m looking at my daily word count of 3000 words, happy but exhausted. It’s hard work sitting at your desk writing all day.

By the way this was written last winter so I am not ill before everyone starts worrying about the state of my health. I'm in fine fettle today. What's happening in my day today - writing this morning and reading a great mystery this afternoon. It's a writers life. By for now Bookaholics. See you soon. 

Book Blogger Spotlight Bookaholic - Indies Unlimited

There is great excitement here today on Bookaholic. As a blogger I have been interviewed by the amazing Indies Unlimited Blog. For those of you who don't know, Indies Unlimited is a site which supports and celebrates Independent authors. Their blog is one of the best I have read and is well worth following if you are a reader or an indie author. They are currently running a series  highlighting book bloggers. I can tell you I was both surprised and giddy with excitement when I was asked if I would like to be interviewed. I consider it a great honour.

Find out more about me as a reader and an author at the Indies Unlimited Blog. I can guarantee there will be things you don't know about me in here. It will be great to see you there and feel free to ask any questions or leave a message.

Thank you Indies Unlimited for the opportunity.

Normal service will be resumed Shortly on Bookaholic. See you all soon.

The One Year Holy Land Moments Devotional - Review

Today on Bookaholic's we have something completely different. 

For a Christian there are many daily devotionals out there, so why am I taking the time to review this one? I have found this devotional to be unique, as each day the Bible passage is looked at from both a Jewish and Christian perspective. 

Each day Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein provides a commentary on a bible verse, looking at why this is important in the Jewish Faith. Tremper Longman then looks at the same verse and how it applies in the New Testament. Having done the first week of the devotional I have found it to be interesting and informative. As a Christian I found the insight into the Jewish application not only interesting, but also found that it strengthened the New Testament application.

It can often be difficult to envisage how the Old Testament applies in our lives as Christians. However, this book does this in bite size chunks. The commentaries are easy to understand and yet are insightful. This book has refreshed my enthusiasm for studying the bible, both Old and New Testament together and this can only be a good thing. One thing that needs to be asked when considering a devotional is - does it strengthen my relationship with God. The answer to this is a resounding yes.

I was given this book by the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not expected to provide a positive review and have done so based on my use of this book.

That's it for today from Bookaholic's. See you all again soon. Until then keep reading.

PR for Writers in the Social Media World

Share This Too by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Today's blog is a bit different. Firstly it is a book review of a book on social media, a real gem of a find. Secondly it is some of the insights I have gained from just a couple of chapters of the book which we, as writers, can all use. 

When I first saw this book I wasn't sure whether to get it as I do not work in the field of PR. However, it looked good so I thought I would give it a go. This is one of the best decisions I have made. It says at the beginning of the book that it could be used by anyone, not just those working in PR, and they are right. What it does is give us a fascinating insight into the world of social media and how we can use to it enhance our online reputation. From start to finish it is packed full of so much advice that I barely know where to start reviewing it. Each chapter is concise and to the point and written by a different expert in the field. Each chapter gives a number of case studies, which are skilfully used to explain and enhance the discussion in the text. These are, on the whole, from large brands, but could easily be applied to any business large or small

Although this would appear to be an academic text it does not come across as such. It is easy to read and the points are expertly made in a style, which makes them easy to understand and apply. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to use social media in business. This is one of those few books which, If I could give it more than five stars I would. This is high praise indeed from someone who reads and reviews a lot of books.

One of the first facts which I picked up on is that the average age of people using Facebook is now over 40. I found this interesting. Often as authors we can be so focussed on using social media to promote our books we forget about the demographics of the people reading our posts. Although I write books for adults, the books themselves can be read by anyone, teen or adult, who is old enough to read and understand the book. Therefore I am missing a large chunk of potential readers if I focus on Facebook alone. THis supported a programme I was listening to on Radio 4 the other day. The speaker was saying that to the younger generation are no longer using Social Media. It is not considered cool now that their parents are on there. What does this mean for those of us who write for the teen or young adult market?

Lines between traditional and digital publishing are being blurred. For example, if we are interviewed by a local paper it is likely to be published in both paper and digital copies. This will then be shared on Facebook, Google and Twitter by the newspapers. However, this can then be shared by anyone reading the posts. Our reach is no longer local but national or international. 

Engaging, and interacting, with customers is one of the most important things which can be done by companies. We, as authors, are running a company. Sharing engaging content is crucial. As authors we carry out every role in our company, including PR. This is our chance to positively influence our readers, or potential readers. Dom Birch, advises a three pronged approach. Firstly listen. Secondly Engage. Last is seeking to influence or persuade. 

Content creation is covered widely. One particular area I picked up on is, what is your audience behaviour? This includes, what they read and what they watch. How do they share and interact? What is of interest to them and how do they share? We, as writers, need to be finding the water coolers around which our readers, and potential, readers gather. We then need to interact with them in ways in which they will find meaningful. 

This is just a tiny fraction of what is in the book and how it can be applied to our life as writers. I have read the whole book and it is jam packed with ideas and ways in which we can improve our use of social media to drive our PR strategy. So much so, that I am going to analyse the whole book in this way. Not for the blog of course, but because I want to get as much out of it as possible. 

The links to the ebooks are on the side of the page. There is some odd pricing going on. If you click on the links you will see what I mean. At the time of writing the hardback is only £1 dearer, and is actually $6 cheaper than the ebook. Amazon may have sorted this out by the time you read this blog. However, whichever way you buy the book I am sure you wont regret it.

I was given a copy of this book by Amazon for review purposes. I was not influenced in any way to provide a positive review. I have done so based on my reading of and enjoyment of the book.

Rather a long one toady, but hopefully helpful. I will see you all soon back here on bookaholics. 

4 Top Apps for Writers

As regular Bookaholics will know, not only do I love reading but I also love technology. Today I am combining both into one great blog for writers. I have a lot of apps on my phone, many of which have been reviewed several times in other blogs. However, four I have found to be particularly useful in sparking my creativity. They are also a lot of fun. Who said writing has to be boring.

Spice Mobile

Cost: Free for App. Requires a subscription of either £1.49 per month or £4.99 per year.

Available for:  iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet

This app is designed as a phrase thesaurus with over 22,000 phrases and more being added daily. At first I was a tad confused as I thought it would provide phrases that you could use in your writing just like a regular thesaurus. However this turned out not to be the case. 

The phrases are those from real books. You type in a word and it will give you several phrases which contain that, or similar words. The idea is that it sparks your creativity. Once I realised this I spent a very happy couple of hours looking up phrases and thus making up my own. Not only was this great fun but I now have many different phrases which I can use in my current, or future, books.

I would like to add that this company is genuinely helpful and their customer support is second to none. I contacted them and they had replied within a couple of hours. They answered all my questions and were happy to continue to support me. 

I think this app is well worth the yearly price, especially as it grows and more phrases are added. 

iThesaurus Plus 

Cost: Free

Available for:  iPhone (as iThesaurus), iPad

This is a straightforward digital thesaurus so why have I included it here as a top app. This app is slick and fast. In just a couple of seconds you have a long list of words which can be used as a replacement.

The beauty of the app is that you can take it wherever you go, in your pocket. Prior to this I was using The New Oxford Thesaurus which probably weighs more than a healthy sized new born.

The app does have advertisements, but these are at the bottom of the screen and I have not found them to be intrusive.

So hence my inclusion. A simple app, yet highly useful and effective. No writer should leave home without it.

Lost the Plot? Writing Prompts Generator

Cost:  £1.49

Available for:  iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets

 With this app WYSIWYG. You tap it and it generates a prompt that you can use in your writing. These are a lot of fun, but can also prove useful. Here are a couple of examples.

"After the incident with the otters was resolved I felt a lot better."

I write murder mysteries set in Dundee and would have great fun getting this into my book. Doesn't it just conjure up a lot of images. Mind you knowing the Dundonian's ability for getting up to mischief it might conjure up too many images. For all those from Dundee reading this, the last part was a joke.

"Never seeing her again was not enough. Something extra was required to guarantee it."

I could write a whole book around this one, as, I am sure, could many of you.

I would go on but I don't want to get in trouble form the app makers for putting too many out. I love this app. Another one which every writer should have.

Writing Prompts by writing.com

Cost:  £1.49

Available for:  iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet

I have to thank fellow author Chris Longmuir for pointing me in the direction this one. For those of you who don't know Chris, she writes gritty crime books also set in Dundee.

This app is designed to provide inspiration for writers. It is so jam packed with features I am finding it difficult to know where to start. Along the bottom of the app are several areas- sketches, scenes, texts, words and news. You click on one of these and then shake your device. A prompt is then generated.



As an example a scene I was given was :

Place:  Shipyard
Character:  A US Senator
Object:  A digital camera
Time/Date:  Spring 2025

Again I could write a whole book with this one, but if I didn't like it I just shake again. Simple.

How about this text, "Write a short dialogue between two zoo animals about an event at the zoo that day." Now how can I fit that in to my current WIP? I've an idea already.

The news section can only be used with WiFi or 3G as it takes you to an actual news item from the day. Who knows what news item might spark your creativity and get that novel moving.

I hope this has helped all my writer friends and readers. All that help and inspiration for less than £8.00. A bargain as they say. Just one caveat - all prices were correct at the time of writing. These may be changed by the app developers and this is out-with my control. There are no links to the apps here providing them all would have cluttered things up. It is easy to do a search in your preferred app store and download from there.

Have a great week bookaolics. If you are a writer, have fun with the apps. If you are a reader grab a book and get reading. If you are both you have a decision to make. See you again soon on bookaholics.

Cover Reveal Murder of an Oil Heiress by Candy Ann Little

This is a very special day on Bookaholic as I am amongst one of the first to be able to reveal the cover for Murder of an Oil Heiress by Candy Anne Little. I was very fortunate to be able to review this book some months ago and as the book will be released in November I am sharing that review once again.

Book Blurb

The Texas sun isn’t the only thing that is scorching hot. Mallory Dillingham is beautiful, successful and primed to take over the family oil business when her father is ready to retire. However, that isn’t soon enough for the billionaire heiress. She wants it all. And, she wants it now. Mallory will stop at nothing to get what she wants, including seduction, lying and blackmail.

Joseph Barnes has stepped into her slippery trap. Can he find a way out before his evil sister-in-law destroys his marriage to Sarah? Will the Dillingham family be able to survive the destruction caused by her devious plot?

Review

As a mystery this book works well but it is the characterisation where it really comes in to play. The characters are extremely well written and every aspect of the way in which humans behave can be seen in this book. I felt I could picture each character perfectly and one of them is the most loathsome I have ever come across in a book. I felt like killing them myself. The way the characters interact was also well drawn. I also enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the book and the way in which it could have been any of the characters who could have committed the murder. The ending has a surprise twists which adds well to the overall plot of the book. This is not an on the edge of your seat type mystery but one which is enjoyable. It is not long but definitely well worth reading.

At the beginning of the book there is a scene which is adult rated. However this is completely in context and sets the scene for the subsequent events. 

Author Bio 

Candy Ann Little grew up in a small town in Ohio. She now resides in Michigan with her husband, two adult kids and 4 cats. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys helping with church activities - especially working with children - reading, cooking and baking. She is the author of The Unwilling Bride, and a mystery novella, Death By Broken Heart.

Social Media Info 

 Blog Site: http://candylittle.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/candy.little.79

Google+: https://plus.google.com/110593682762322707650/posts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/candyannlittle

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4672789.Candy_Ann_Little

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/candyannlittle/

Buy Links

http://www.amazon.com/Unforgiving-Ghosts-ebook/dp/B009A0ABAK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350240532&sr=1-1&keywords=unforgiving+ghosts

http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwilling-Bride-ebook/dp/B004LLJ1RW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336758461&sr=8-1

 http://www.amazon.com/Death-Broken-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B006K89U3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358837536&sr=1-1&keywords=death+by+broken+heart