Interview: Jennie Helderman, Author of As the Sycamore Grows

Joining us today is Jennie Helderman, author of As the Sycamore Grows. Helderman broke the glass ceiling at age ten by becoming the first girl page in the Alabama State Legislature. That surge of girl power wouldn’t be the last time she saw a need to put women’s issues at the forefront.

A 2007 Pushcart Prize nominee, Helderman coauthored two nonfiction books, Christmas Trivia and Hanukkah Trivia and writes profiles for magazines. Previously she chaired the editorial board of the 120,000 circulation alumnae magazine of Kappa Kappa Gamma, The Key.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Jennie. It's wonderful to have you here. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?


I test the water before I jump in but then I may do a cannon ball from the high dive. I can’t sing; I can’t even clap to music. I’m still married to my first husband. I like puzzles, mysteries, Scrabble and good wine. I’m calm during a crisis. I appreciate good friends. I’m comfortable in my own skin.


Where did you grow up?
Gadsden, Alabama, the fourth largest city in Alabama way back then. With its four picture shows, it was bigger than Mayberry but similar in many ways. I walked to school every day and to the double feature on Saturdays. And when I did something wrong, my mother knew about it before I sneaked home.


When did you begin writing?


I was born writing, wrote a play at ten, edited the high school newspaper, but English 101 stymied me. Everybody had read James Joyce but me. I thought he wrote a poem about trees. And that was the beginning. Over the years afterward I wrote much nonfiction but I didn’t see myself as a writer. When I finally returned to fiction, I declared myself a writer. I was well into middle age by then and mature enough to see the worth of my words.



What is this book about?


As the Sycamore Grows is a true story about two people, Ginger, who escaped the padlocked cabin hidden in the woods to find emancipation and fulfillment; and Mike, who admitted the abuse and would do it all again. I liken it to a lifestyle akin to that of The Glass Castle while Sleeping with the Enemy in the woods, when the enemy totes a Bible and packs a .38. It’s a story about redemption, hope and the resiliency of the human spirit.

What inspired you to write it?


Curiosity at first. With her business suit and brief case, Ginger looked like a prosperous professional woman, yet she told me about living without electricity and eking subsistence from the land. What I saw didn’t jibe with what I heard. And that became a challenge for me, a puzzle to solve. I had no idea the story would sweep me along on a journey of discovery.


Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?



Yes, an online group of women across the globe. We’ve been together almost ten years now. All are published; some are pro’s. One is a playwright in England, another a poet in Shanghai. I know I gain from this association, and we’ve become good friends. Of course, we had to meet face-to-face. Our one conference has turned into a regular event now with about 20 out of 30 attending. The group critiqued Sycamore until they almost memorized it! They are sharp, candid and constructive.


Who is your favorite author?



Today’s favorite might be different tomorrow. I think Rick Bragg is the best story-teller I know. I love Louise Erdrich’s descriptions. I like Margaret Atwood.


If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I formed my own company and self-published. Had I known then---I would have started at least a year sooner, maybe two. The learning curve has been steep. I need two of me just to keep up with the business of a book, which means I haven’t done all that I need to do. Social networking is lagging, despite my good intentions.


Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?


As the Sycamore Grows is available anywhere books are sold. Any store can order it if they don’t have it in stock. And it’s available as an e-book. I intend to do a Spanish translation when I find time.


Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?


Oh, yes. http://www.jenniehelderman.com/  and http://www.asthesycamoregrows.com/. Either one; they’re linked.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?



Yes. The trailer is on the website.


What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?



I hired two publicists, one who specializes in the Atlanta metro area and the other in Los Angeles who has his hand on the national media. Plus he’s now shopping a film treatment.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Nobody’s going to hack into your computer looking for your work, so submit, submit, submit. And when it bounces back, tweak and submit again.


What is up next for you?


I’ve just reclaimed the rights to my first two books, novelty gift books, which I’m revising for the 2011 holiday market. As soon as they’re off to the printer, then I’ll turn to one of the stories people have brought to me or one that’s circling through my head. Have you ever heard of funeral fresh flowers?


Is there anything you would like to add?



Newspapers are shrinking, e-book sales and self-publishing are soaring; the publishing industry is in upheaval. We all see changes ahead, but I think the changes will go beyond paper, ink, and downloads. I believe we’re on the cusp of major changes in how we communicate, every bit as big as the invention of moveable type or even of paper. Whatever form that takes will be good.

Thanks for joining us today, Jennie. We wish you continued success.

A Parent’s Bereavement: Faith in a Time of Crisis, or Crisis of Faith? by Susan Petersen Avitzour, Author of And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones

Today's special guest is Susan Petersen Avitzour, author of And Twice The Marrow Of Her Bones.

In her memoir, And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones, Susan Avitzour uses narrative, poetry, and a journal to grapple with the profound personal, philosophical, and spiritual questions raised by her eighteen-year-old daughter’s illness and death from leukemia. Ultimately, she faces the challenge many of us must confront in the course of our own lives: How to affirm faith and love in an unpredictable, often cruel, universe.

A Parent’s Bereavement: Faith in a Time of Crisis, or Crisis of Faith? by Susan Petersen Avitzour

I am a religiously observant Jew, and have been for thirty-five years. Ten years ago, my faith was challenged in the starkest way possible, when my eighteen-year-old daughter Timora died after a six-year struggle with cancer. Her illness and death brought me up against perhaps the most perplexing of all questions facing all people of faith: How could the loving God in whom I believe have allowed all this to happen? And, conversely, how can I continue to love God even after all that has happened? Indeed, how can a loving God preside over a world in which people – including millions of children – have suffered and died unjustly since the beginning of human time, and how can any thinking person remain faithful to such a Being?

I address this issue (among many others) in a memoir of my journey with my daughter during her illness, then without her after she left this world, entitled And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones. I respond – tentatively and humbly, as one must necessarily answer such questions – with my own concept of a personal God.
Children, and many adults, believe in a simple, one-to-one relationship with God. It’s a kind of bargain: If we lead a good life, evil will not befall us. But I consider my connection with the Divine somewhat differently. I see God as having created the world, set it in motion, and given us the principles by which we may live our lives as spiritual and moral beings. I do not see Him, however, as continuing to directly cause everything that takes place in our present world. Rather, I understand His presence in this era as providing us with a well of strength to draw upon when life presents us with its inevitable trials and tragedies. Perhaps even more importantly, He continually grants us the capacity to love and draw comfort from one other. These gifts empower us to survive our losses, and to build new lives for ourselves when our old ones seem to have fallen apart.

As I write in my memoir: “Loving God keeps me from bitterness, cynicism and despair, by opening me to the healing energy that keeps me from paralysis and gives me the strength to go on. Especially, to go on performing acts of loving kindness, and raising my children to do the same, even after our devastating loss. For by engaging in acts of kindness, by forging loving relationships with those around me, I become – so I believe – a vessel for giving, and for receiving, God’s own love….

God has been an enormous source of the strength and resilience that has enabled me to face the suffering I’ve both experienced and seen others experience in this world. And my faith enables me to feel grateful for my life despite that suffering, and to look toward the future with hope.”

Bereavement – even the loss of a child – need not cause a crisis in faith, if we decide to go on living and loving as we were created to do, and trust our Creator to bestow upon us the spiritual gifts that allow us to do so.

Susan Avitzour was born in 1955. She earned degrees in French literature and law before moving to Jerusalem, where she and her husband raised seven children. She worked as a lawyer, mediator, grant-writer, and translator before returning to school in 2005 for a Masters degree in clinical social work. She now works as a cognitive-behavioral therapist, helping people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her fourth daughter, Timora, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 12. The family spent the next six years struggling to maintain a normal life while she underwent extensive treatment, including two bone marrow transplants. She died in 2001, at the age of eighteen. In addition to her memoir, And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones, Susan has written short fiction, which has been published on line and in Israel Short Stories, a collection of stories by English-speaking writers living in Israel.


To learn more about Susan Avitzour, author of And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones, we invite you to visit her site - http://www.fiveyearslater.blogspot.com/. For the full virtual tour schedule, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2011/01/06/twice-the-marrow-virtual-tour/  

Interview: Heather Haven, Author of Murder is a Family Business

Joining us today is Heather Haven, author of the humorous PI series, The Alvarez FamilyMurder Mysteries. The first book, Murder is a Family Business, was released in January by MuseItUp Publishing. The second book, A Wedding to Die For, just came out this month. We'll talk to Heather about her childhood, her writing, and what she's working on next.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Heather. It is wonderful to have you with us. Can you tell us where you grew up?

I was born in Sarasota, Florida, during the winter hiatus of the Ringling Brothers Circus. My mother was a featured performer and my father was an elephant trainer. I like to say I was born ON a trunk at Ringling Brothers Circus. I grew up in Florida, which is a great place to raise kids. You’re outside all the time. I can tell what year it was by what bathing suit I was wearing, so much of my life was spent in the water. I was a pint size Esther Williams. Honk if you remember her.

When did you begin writing?

I can remember doodling around with songs I’d hear on the radio as a kid, writing lyrics to music that didn’t have any, and singing them along with the song when I heard it again. Or I would see a person on the street and mentally create a whole backstory for them, come home and write it down. My mother still has one or two of those stories hanging around. She read me one just the other day. Pretty terrible but I think I was around eleven at the time. What do you want from a kid? Anyway, I’ve been a writer all my life.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Yes, yes and yes, although I really like to write first thing in the morning, when I’m at my freshest. That doesn’t always work out.

What is this book about?

Murder is a Family Business is a contemporary novel, the first in a series of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries. This story begs the question:

Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.

Set in the present, Murder is a Family Business is the first in a series of humorous mysteries revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitch’ Stephanie Plum, and the rest of Alvarez Family, detectives all. Completing the family is Lee’s Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. When this group is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of computer software. Seemingly light and frothy on the surface, the novel nevertheless explores familial love, the good, the bad and the annoying.
What inspired you to write it?

I felt my mystery series had to include two important elements: the recently immigrated, which is one of America’s natural resources, and the family unit. Most importantly, I wanted to write about a funny, upbeat protagonist, such as Lee Alvarez, who had a few things going for her. Not perfect, but striving. I didn't want to have yet another protagonist who learned nothing, who was ostracized from those she loved, who owned one crummy black skirt and life was one long penance. Let’s have a joke now and then! Lee is a lover of life and tries to learn from her mistakes, of which she makes plenty. She leaps before she thinks. She also loves handbags and dancing. She has strong familial support, even though they are often one big pain in her jazzercised derriere.

Hence, the Alvarez Family Murder Mystery Series, a family of detectives, was born. The first book -- which took me so long to write, planets have been formed and deteriorated in that time -- I knew had to be called Murder is a Family Business to set the tone for the series. However, the Alvarez family is a little off-center. They aren't the ‘classic’ family i.e., father, mother, sister, brother, and large dog, all driving around in a shiny SUV eating Snickerdoos. Of course, these days a family like that is harder to find than a dinosaur with feathers. Oh, wait a minute. Archaeologists are digging those up all the time from unsuspecting peoples’ backyards. That means the Ozzie and Harriet family does still exist somewhere. Helloooooo out there!

Who is your favorite character from the book?

Get ready for it – the cat, Tugger. But here’s why. Rum Tum Tugger is based on my own cat that I lost three years ago at 16-years of age. I loved that cat and still miss him to this day. I know we all love our animals but there is often the exceptional one that like certain people, you connect with in a very special way. When I write about my boy, Tugger, he comes alive again, if only for a short time.

Who is your biggest supporter?

It takes a village to write a book. I never forget that. I owe my husband, family, and my writing buddies for any success I might have.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

Yes, I am. How can any writer live without feedback? I’m very fortunate to live in the Bay Area where there are venues for writers to explore and utilize and some fabulous, generous writers, to boot. I have access to a world of good feedback and support and I thank them for all they give me.

Who is your favorite author?

Shakespeare. If we could but meet, I would like to ask the Bard, 'how did you do all that amazing, high quality work in one short lifetime and why did you leave your wife your second best bed? Inquiring minds want to know.' All kidding aside, it's phenomenal what that man turned out. Will was a true genius. Oh, yes, and P.G. Wodehouse. Funny, funny writer. Another Englishman.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have gotten an MBA or Law degree. Oh, you mean about writing? Not a thing. All roads led to here. I’m happy.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

My books, Murder is a Family Business and A Wedding to Die For are at MuseItUp http://tinyurl.com/3893lu3. Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/3rgplcq, or many of the other sites that sell books.


Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/
Follow Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

Murder is a Family Business Youtube book trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79vqXtCrRsE

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write, write, write. It's very basic. You can't be a writer if you don't write. So don't talk about it, don't moan about it, don't apologize for it, just do it. Sit down and write. It doesn't matter if it's for fifteen minutes, 2 hours, or all day. The point is you're writing, even if you only get out one good sentence. It keeps the juices flowing, keeps you thinking, on your toes. Find the best time of day for you and make yourself write. Approach it as a job. Whether you feel like it or not, you have to go and do it. Soon it will become habit. That's what you want. Soon you'll see stealing fifteen minutes here, twenty minutes there, an hour or two on a good day, you'll get something done. So WRITE, my darlings.

What is up next for you?

I’m in the final throes of editing the 3rd book of the Alvarez Series, Death Runs in the Family. I also have another novel awaiting my return. It’s darker, more serious, and takes place when the U.S. enters WWII, although the war is not the main thrust of it. Then there are two 3-act plays and several short stories that are tapping their toes in anticipation of work done on them. I juggle a lot of projects at one time.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Consider writing even if it’s only your family history, a memoir, something of interest only to you and yours. You’ll be better for it. Then go out and plant a tree. The world will be better for it.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Heather. We wish you the best.

Book Review and Giveaway: Elizabeth I by Margaret George

A breathtaking, eloquently written historical novel awaits you in Elizabeth I by Margaret George.

In 1588, Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, was preparing her kingdom for its inevitable showdown with King Philip's Spanish Armada. While England struggled to find the necessary funds to support the fight, it seemed Spain's coffers overflowed. Even after pushing back the first threat, and with selling off inherited lands and crown jewels, the queen knew a future fight could prove disastrous for her people.

Having lost her love and soul mate, Robert Dudley, she is forced to move on as her destiny and that of Robert's widow and her cousin, Lettice Knollys, collide.

Even if she could shake Lettice, the rumors and concerns over the succession to the childless queen continue to plague her.

In this moving portrait of the legendary queen, George provides the reader with a book they won't be able to put down.

Margaret George came to me as a referral from one of my other favorite historical authors, C.W. Gortner. Having read Gortner's The Tudor Secret (The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles), I was already familiar with the legacy of Elizabeth I. His story, however, focused on a much earlier part of Elizabeth Tudor's life. I have to admit, I was immediately taken with this larger than life woman who was destined to become the queen of England.

George's novel begins thirty years into Elizabeth's reign. The historical research necessary to tackle this project must have been extensive, but it shows in every page of Elizabeth I. The reader is drawn into Elizabeth's court, she is surrounded by such historical figures as Raleigh, Drake, Shakespeare, the Earl of Essex, the Cecils, Francis Bacon, and more.

As more of an America history reader, the scene between Sir Walter Raleigh and Elizabeth when he reports that the colony in Virginia has disappered, was extremely touching. Last year, when we visited Roanoke, we took in the Lost Colony Outdoor Theatre for the first time. Raleigh had left the colonists and sailed for England to pick up much needed supplies. Thanks to Philip and his Spanish Armada, no one returned to America for three years. When they did, the only signs of what might have happened to the colonists were the word "Croatoan" carved into a post of the fort and "Cro" carved into a nearby tree. Their fate remains an unsolved mystery.

Elizabeth's tense relationship with Lettice propels this novel along nicely. Told from both women's point of views, Elizabeth I provides a great deal of insight into these famous rivals.

In my opinion, the gauge of success for an historical novel is that the author portrays the people and events in such a way that the reader can believe that everyone and everything happened exactly as portrayed. George's masterful storytelling, her rich details, and her knowledge of the era and its famous players, definitely achieves that goal.

I highly recommend Elizabeth I to every lover of the Tudor era and to those who relish a perfectly told story that leaves you hungry for more.

Title:  Elizabeth I
Author: Margaret George
Publisher: Viking Adult
ISBN-10: 9780670022533
ISBN-13: 978-0670022533
SRP: $30.00

Also available in a Kindle edition.

The author paid to promote her book with a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book! This fee did not include a review. I received no monetary compensation to provide my honest opinion of the book.

This was such a popular request with bloggers that the tour filled up within days. Here is your chance to own a copy of the hardcover version of Elizabeth I.

1) You must be a follower or subscriber of The Book Connection to win.

2) For your first entry, leave a comment with a valid email address. You can't win if you don't provide an email address.

3) One additional entry if you friend me on Facebook. Leave a comment with your profile link to show you're friending me.

4) One additional entry if you follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment with your profile link to show you're a follower.

5) One additional entry if you friend Margaret George on Facebook. Leave a comment with your profile link.

6) Three additional entries if you blog about this contest. Leave a link to your post here.

7) You must be 18 or older and reside in the U.S. or Canada to be eligible to win.

Deadline for entries is 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Winner will be selected out of all entrants who followed the rules governing this contest. The book will be shipped via USPS media mail. The Book Connection is not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

Winner of Six Metres of Pavement by Farzana Doctor

Our congratulations go out to Meredith, the winner of a copy of Six Metres of Pavement by Farzana Doctor. We'll be contacting Meredith by email shortly. She'll have 72 hours to respond with her mailing address. If we don't hear from her during that timeframe, we'll select a new winner.

Visit us on Tuesday for a review of Elizabeth I by Margaret George. Look for details on how you can win a copy of this amazing new historical novel.

Interview, Susan Kronick, Author of Sarah, They're Coming for You

Joining us today is Susan Kronik, author of Sarah, They're Coming for You. She has a Master of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a Ph.D. in Paranormal Studies/Psychology from Union Institute and Graduate School, as well as being an adjunct psychology professor at Barry University and Palm Beach State College. A psychic and a medium, she has the gift of seeing the dead since she was a child. She also has taught parapsychology classes through the Palm Beach County School Board, as well as at Palm Beach State College. Susan has extensive experience in the area of investigations of haunting and the paranormal. She lives with her husband and her four spoiled rescue dogs in south Florida.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Susan. It's wonderful to have you with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A. I might be just your average middle aged psychology professor, married, have four rescued dogs, and live in sunny south Florida. I am an avid Miami Dolphins football fan, I have a sweet tooth which I indulge by baking delicious cookies and cakes. What makes me not so average is my gift of seeing ghosts. I have seen spirits of the departed my entire life.

Where did you grow up?

A. I spent most of my childhood in Kew Gardens, a neighborhood in Queens, NY. My bossy personality has been compared to Carrie Heffernan, a character in the television show “King of Queens.” We then moved to beautiful Glen Cove, Long Island, which I really consider my true childhood home.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

A. My sister and I had been begging for a dog for the longest time. I remember a Friday evening my dad came home from work, and tucked under his coat was a wonderful surprise, our very first dog, a tiny eight week old poodle puppy we named Gigi. My mom nurtured the doggie like a baby, preparing cooked rice and chicken for her, as this was before the days of gourmet puppy foods!. My parents taught me to love and respect animals, which continues to this day.

When did you begin writing?

A. Aside from writing my doctoral dissertation, I was very content being a college professor. Weary after enduring three hurricanes in Florida, my husband and I, with dogs in tow, moved to upstate New York in 2007. Not used to the never ending string of dreary cloudy winter days, not to mention never ending snow, I sank into an Edgar Allen Poe depression. Sitting down at my laptop one day, beside the warmth of our fireplace, I began writing my debut novel, Sarah, They’re Coming For You. Fortunately, I had the majority of the manuscript completed by the time we moved back to sunny Florida in December 2008! The sunshine state is just too darn cheerful for me to have written “Sarah” The book would never have been written if we not lived up north!

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

A. I wrote “Sarah" during the day. I am definitely a morning person! My creative juices dry up after 6:00 PM.

What is this book about?

A. I consider the book to be a classic ghost story. Sarah, the protagonist is a married college professor with the gift of seeing the dead. She has been tormented by nasty entities throughout her entire life. The ghost of her great great grandfather has always interceded on Sarah’s behalf, saving her from the rogue ghosts who wish to claim Sarah’s soul for eternity. The only way she can end the haunting plaguing her is to journey to her family’s ancestral castle in the Alpine town of Meiningen, Austria. With the help of a mysterious stranger, along with the discovery of her great great great great grandfather’s diary, Sarah heads to the old country to face her ghostly tormenters head on.

What inspired you to write it?

A. I am Sarah! The book is inspired by actual events from my own life! I didn’t initially set out to write an autobiography. The experts say always write about what you are familiar with. Rereading the first few chapters, it became quite apparent that I was writing my story. Of course, my ancestral home in Austria was actually a modest house, not a castle. Although I have encountered my share of nasty spirits over the years, I did not have to travel to Europe to confront the ghosts! My trip to Austria with my mom in 1990 was actually just a relaxing vacation.

Who is your biggest supporter?

A. My entire family has been wonderfully supportive, particularly my husband and my sister.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

A. I relied on my editors and publisher at Wild Child Publishing to critique my work. Once my manuscript was accepted by them for publication, I endured almost a year-long series of edits and rewrites to perfect the book into a work worthy of publication.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I am indeed looking for an agent. I am currently signed up for a two month virtual book tour (April/May) with Pump up Your Book. When that expires, I will most definitely be looking for a booking agent to promote me (and my book) on the speaking circuit, book tours and media appearances as a ghost hunter.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

A. I lucked out! I was offered a contract a mere three months into my search for a publisher.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

A. My book is offered at www.Amazon.com/kindle,www.wildchildpublishing.com, http://www.omnilit.com/, http://www.bookstrand.com/, and http://www.mobipocket.com/.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

A. My website is http://www.susankronick.webs.com/. I am also doing a two month virtual book tour during April/May with http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/. I will also be the featured author in the June issue of Paranormal Underground Magazine at http://www.paranormalunderground.net/.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Signing on with Pump Up Your Book!

What is up next for you?

I have started a second book, The House on Gingerwood Lane, about an old Victorian home which has the ability to send its occupants back in time to the year 1892.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I have investigated countless hauntings over the years throughout the United States in the capacity of a medium as well as a paranormal investigator. In addition to having taught courses in parapsychology through the Palm Beach County School Board and at Palm Beach State College.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Susan. We wish you the best.

Pump Up Your Book! Announces May ‘11 Authors on Virtual Book Tours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join a talented and diverse group of 38 authors who are touring with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Tours during the month of May 2011.

Follow these authors as they travel the blogosphere from May 2nd through May 27th to discuss their books. This month is filled with a variety of genres: historical novels, science-fiction books, thrillers, young adult fiction, mysteries, and more! We also have several nonfiction titles during the month of May.

Amazon Kindle bestselling author Vincent Zandri returns to talk about his thriller, “Godchild.” Other thrillers this month include “Eyewall” by Buzz Bernard, “The Shepherd” by Ethan Cross, “People of the Book” by award-winning author Kathi Macias, and “Dying Memories” by Dave Zeltserman.

Historical novels in a variety of subgenres come to you from Ron Fritsch, New Times bestselling author Margaret George, Douglas W. Jacobson, Elle Newmark, M.J. Rose, and Terri Wolffe. Christian fiction titles are being promoted by J.J. Hebert and Paula Wiseman, while mysteries come to you from Heather Haven, Hans Landor, and Jean Henry Mead.

Nancy Stewart returns this month with her bestselling children’s book, “One Pelican at a Time.” Kai Strand tours with her middle grade fantasy book, “The Weaver,” and the YA fantasy novel, “The Mirror of Yu-Huang,” is being promoted by author Christine Norris. Lory Kaufman is also touring with his YA fantasy novel, “The Lens and the Looker,” and The Hippie is touring with a teen non-fiction memoir, “Snowflake Obsidian.”

Other non-fiction titles come to you from Jennie Helderman, Thom Hunter, Borneo Tom McLaughlin, Dr. Labib Mikhail, Allison Moore, Hermina Krista Pettiford, Nzingha West, and Mitch Stephen. Also on tour are B.A. Chepaitis, Chad Coenson, Therese Fowler, bestselling author Darien Gee, Emily Sue Harvey, Susan Kronick, and Alexandrea Weis.

Carla Malden, daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Karl Malden, tours with her poignant memoir, “AfterImage,” and author Tinisha Johnson returns for her third tour with Pump Up Your Book to promote the launch of her new website Have Stress Relief Now. Johnson founded the self-help, inspirational online membership site as a blog in 2009. Her vision to help others manage stress, turned into a full-fledged website in April 2011.

Visit YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZD0aPlGvcU  to view a video trailer introducing our authors on tour in May.

Pump Up Your Book! is a virtual book tour agency for authors who want quality service at an affordable price. More information can be found on their website at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/.

Contact Information:

Dorothy Thompson
Founder of Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Tours
P.O. Box 643
Chincoteague, Virginia 23336
Email: thewriterslife@yahoo.com