November 2006, Vol. II, No. 8

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Created for friends of Armchair Interviews, authors and books!

Armchair Interviews: Connecting Authors to Readers

PLEASE Share this with a friend...forward the e-mail with link. --

Thanks, Andrea and Connie

In this issue:

NEW! Each article listing above is now linked to the article below.

www.ArmchairInterviews.com Mail address: 5511 Southwood Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437

Armchair Interviews is how two friends who love to read and interview authors came together to connect authors to readers. We review books and some one-on-one author interviews that we post on our Web site.

WITH PRIDE:
Named one of Writers Digest 101 Best Web Sites for Writers

CONTEST REMINDER...

The Backward/Forward Writing Contest

With the clocks being turned back each fall as we lose daylight saving time, we thought it would be a good theme for our next short story contest--not daylight savings, but palindromes.

Palindrome: A word, phrase, verse, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward. These are as many as we can quickly come up with--so knock yourself out finding other palindromes you can use. (Goggle palindrome.) The rules are on the web site andthe contest is over on Thanksgiving Day. Have fun writing...

"A wastebasket is a writer's best friend."
-- Isaac Bashevis Singer, Nobel-prize winning author

The National Book Awards--November 15

(Information from Media Masters, Tracey Daniels, Senior Partner http://www.mmpublicity.com

The winner in each of the four categories--Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature--will be announced at the National Book Awards Benefit dinner and Ceremony in Manhattan on November 15.

Each winner receives $10,000 plus a bronze statue. Each finalist receives a bronze medal and $1,000 cash award.

The finalists were selected by four distinguished panels of judges who were given the charge of selecting what they deem to be the best books of the year.

Their decisions are made independent of and without interference by the National Book Foundation and their deliberations are strictly confidential.

To be eligible for a 2006 National Book Award, a book must have been published in the United States between December 1, 2005 and November 30, 2006 and must have been written by a U.S. citizen.

This year the judges chose from a record 1,259 entries submitted by publishers. The Young People's Literature category had the biggest jump in entries with an additional 59 titles over last year.

For more information about the Awards, www.nationalbook.org

FYI: AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, a graphic novel for young adults by Gene Luen Yang (see our review), is one of the 20 finalists.

" "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."
-- William Wordsworth

NEW-NEW-NEW

Armchair Interview's "Second Anniversary" Contest

Our newest "palindrome" writing contest mentioned above, with a Thanksgiving Day deadline, will be fun--so give it a try. Guidelines are on the Reader's Place and Author's Place on the web site.

January 2007 is our second anniversary, and we are celebrating by having a contest with MONEY prizes:

--$100 first place --$50 second place --$25 third place

Sharpen you pencils and get your thinking cap on, and PLEASE follow these simple submission guidelines.

Entry Info:

  1. Entrance fee of $10 to be paid through PayPal (CASI Publishing) or by check or money order to CASI Publishing mailed with entry.
  2. All entries are to be sent via U.S. Mail to Armchair Interviews Contest,5511 Southwood Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437
  3. Deadline (entries must be received by) is January 15, 2007.
  4. Three winning entries will be announced in our April ezine and posted on our web site. You can add the honors to your resume.
  5. Winners will be announced March 15 after our judging team reads them ALL.
  6. ALL entries must be previously unpublished in anyway shape or form.
  7. Entry must be on three separate sheets--PAPER ENTRY ONLY!
  8. First page is your name, address, email, phone, genre and name of story
  9. Next two pages are the story, with your story name only (not author) so the judges do not know who wrote what! We'll know.
  10. ALL entries become the property of Armchair Interviews.
  11. Copyrighted or previously published entries will not be accepted.

Submission Content:

1. Length is 500 words maximum.
2. You can pick any genre but poetry.
3. It can be serious, schmaltzy, quirky--or whatever adverb is left!
4. Story will be judged both on content and quality of writing (grammar, etc.)
5. Must use minimum of 5 of these 10 words/phrases

  • elephant
  • red light
  • hard drive
  • Armchair Interviews
  • feather
  • Las Vegas
  • pregnant
  • Post-It Notes
  • elementary
  • surprise

6. Underline the key words when used.

Have fun ....

Disclaimer: We cannot acknowledge receipt of your contest entry. If any of these guidelines are not met, your entry will be discarded and your $10 will not be refunded.

"A writer and nothing else:
a man alone in a room with the English language,
trying to get human feelings right."
-- John K. Hutchens, New York Herald Tribune, 10 September 1961

Minneapolis Bookstore Events

Once Upon A Crime, independent mystery bookstore, has author appearances and signings all the time. If you love mystery, check it out.

The store is located at 604 W. 26th St., Minneapolis, MN 55405--612-870-3785.This is were we announced the winners of our first mystery contest last year, doing it in conjunction with the launch of SILENCE OF THE LOONS, a collection of short stories by Minnesota mystery writers.

www.onceuponacrimebooks.com http://www.onceuponacrimebooks.com

Upcoming Events:

-- Thurs. Nov 9 - 7:00 Robert Alexander RASPUTIN'S DAUGHTER at Kramarczuk's 612-379-3018 215 E. Hennepin Minneapolis reservations for dinner required.

-- Mon. Nov. 13 - 7:00 John Connolly THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS

--Wed. Nov. 15 - 7:00 Brian Freeman STRIPPED

--Tue. Jan. 7 - 7:00 Robert Alexander RASPUTIN'S DAUGHTER trade paper edition

INTRODUCING...Jeff Foster

Remember the old TV commercial for Remington shavers where the man says he liked using the Remington so much that he decided to buy the company.

That describes Jeff Foster--one of our valued reviewers--although he isn't buying the company, but helping us give it more value!

The first time we sat down to have a work session, we realized all three of us are left handed. That just must be a good sign.

Jeff has a background in sales and marketing and is going to lend us a helping hand, computer savvy insight, marketing ideas that go on and on--and whatever comes up. We are thrilled to have Jeff join us.

Jeff has been writing short stories forever and is a longtime fan of thrillers and adventure novels, by writers such as Ken Follet, Alistair MacLean, Wilbur Smith and Bernard Cornwell from whom he draws his inspiration.

Jeff has written several books: PERIMETER May 2005, SURROUNDED BY WITNESSES he has out to agents, and A SIMPLE EXCHANGE that is almost finished.

Go to our web site under About Us to read more about Jeff. He will be an integral part of our growth and will be contacting publishers, authors, agents, affiliates, etc. etc., so you'll be hearing from him.

Welcome, Jeff, and thanks for joining us.
-- Andrea and Connie

Did you know:
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

Advertise Your Book, Classes, Products
in Our Ezine and Web Site

Who should advertise? Authors, workshops/seminars/classes, writer's products, etc. etc. etc.

So if you wish to place an ad in the ezine or the web, write minimal copy and feature your book cover. Connie will design the ad for the one-time $50 fee. The cost of the ad itself AS OF AUGUST 1, 2006, is $75.00 for a month on the web or one ezine.

The ezine ads will always be at the end of the ezine. The web ads will be on the book review main page and all ads rotate, so to see them all, "refresh/reload" the page.

If your market is readers or writers, they will know about you.

Fee is $75 paid in advance by check (only) to CASI Publishing, LLC (that's Armchair Interviews mother ship). Ezine deadline is 25th of each month.

Web ad placement has no specific deadline. They will be placed when received.

Fee is $75 paid in advance, same as above, for 30 days posting. on both of these the design is one time so you might want to say that in some way.

GET NOTICED...advertise in our ezine and reach our very niche market that might be ideal for your product or service.

--Connie Anderson, write for mailing address: Connie@ArmchairInterviews.com


"For-a-Fee" Audio Interview Opportunities

Publishers, do you want to really promote an author?

Authors, do you understand the value of scheduling an interview yourself!

We post the interview on our web site for 180 days, depending on which plan you purchase. They are then available for download to list on your MP3 or IPOD (i.e., podcasting).

With over 1,400 book reviews posted, we believe Armchair Interviews has given a great service to publishing houses and to independent authors/publishers.

One of the special benefits we can provide authors is to do a 15-20 minute audio interview that would be posted on our web site--FOR A FEE. It is a good use of your marketing dollars. Contact us for details.

Write to Connie@ArmchairInterviews.com . Please email (rather than call) to give us records for our files.

Thanks for considering Armchair Interviews as part of your marketing plan. Our stats can show you how many people have listend to different interviews, different genres--people who now know those authors a bit better.

Repeated Notice: No New Book Reviewers Needed

As of November 2006...almost 2000+ book reviews later! When more books start coming, we'll put out a call for new reviewers.

"Writing comes more easily if you have something to say."
-- Sholem Asch

Ethics of Product Placement in
Children's and Young Adults Books

"It's harder and harder to find commercial-free space in kids' lives. Books used to be a refuge from that kind of blatant materialism."

-- Susan Linn, cofounder of the advocacy group Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood

Joann Klimkiewicz, Hartford Currant columnist, has written on this subject. She stated that no money is passed in the most blatant exampled to date.

Running Press, the publishers of Cathy's Book: If Found, Call (650) 266-8233, and Proctor & Gamble (P&G), makers of Cover Girl cosmetics, have placed Cover Girl product names throughout the book, due out this fall.

This $17.95 book, geared to young girls and teens, will be promoted by P&G on their own website.

Why is Armchair Interviews noting this? Certainly not to promote this book--but rather to again remind parents to be aware of what their children are reading.

Does cross-promotion change how your daughter will look at this book--and its products?

Or, shock, shock, are you surprised this cross-promotion has finally hit Young Adult books as it is so pervasive in our children's food, games, movies, etc.

This is a decision every family needs to make. It just seems to be getting harder to keep our children free from commercial interference.

Reading for our children should to enjoy, learn, relax-but not encourage to buy specific products.

Up Close and Personal With Reviewers

Kathy Perschmann, Minnesota

Kathy has been a librarian since 1978, all those years working for Carver County (Chanhassen, Minnesota). She had also worked at a small anthropology museum in Marin County, California.

Kathy has traveled to the Soviet Union during the years 1985-1990, working leading tourist groups in citizen diplomacy efforts. She also hosted Soviet citizens here, and participated in the Mississippi Peace Cruise, the St. Louis to New Orleans segment. She has traveled to England three times and has friends in Bedford.

Kathy writes a weekly column for the Chanhassen Villager, and also submit to Chanhassen Magazine in her work for the library. She has had interviews and articles published in various magazines and newspapers.

When Kathy isn't working (or doing a ton of reviews for Armchair Interviews, her hobbies are knitting, pottery, reading, playing at the park with her grandchildren.

NOTE:

Armchair donates many of our extra books and those we've reviewed to the library where Kathy works. We've also donated books to fundraisers for other libraries or non-profits.

New Genre Category Added

We have added Thriller/suspense to complement mystery genre. We will not be re-categorizing ones already posted under mystery, but watch for this genre to grow on our site. Previously "thrillers" were put in mystery/suspene.

Do you know the difference? A mystery is when it is not obvious who the murderer is whereas in a thriller, you know almost immediately, and then the chase begins.

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Armchair Interview fans: Have you submitted YOUR book to a major publisher yet? Learn the ropes with Dianna Booher (author of 43 published books) at the "Get Your Book Published" 3-Day Workshop November 30-December 2 (Dallas, TX). You'll shape the perfect proposal for your book. See http:www.GetYourBookPublished2006.com for details.

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"Sleep on your writing; take a walk over it; scrutinize it of a morning; review it of an afternoon; digest it after a meal; let it sleep in your drawer a twelvemonth; never venture a whisper about it to your friend, if he be an author especially."
-- A. Bronson Alcott

Now We Are Using "Scare Tactics"

Andrea sent this email to one of our publicists...

"There comes a time in every reviewer's life when they know they have posted too many reviews and can't remember the books." (It was about a duplicate posting)--however, his reply sure made our day!

"You really scared me with that opening line 'There comes a time in every reviewer's life when...' I thought you were going to tell me something had happened and that you were THROUGH with doing reviews--or something like that. I think the blood drained from my face! Glad it's not something serious!

Nice to know we are appreciated, Dave.


" "The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shockproof shit detector. This is the writer's radar and all great writers have had it."
-- Ernest Hemingway, interview in Paris Review, Spring 1958

Christmas Books We've Reviewed and Recommend

COOKBOOKS:

  • The Essential Christmas Cookbook
  • The Family Christmas Cookbook: Best-Loved Recipes from The Christmas Annual

CHILDRENS

  • The Bump on Santa's Noggin
  • Sarah's Christmas Presence
  • Has Anyone Seen Christmas
  • On Christmas Eve
  • PEEF and the Baby Sister
  • Little One, We Knew You'd Come
  • Santa Knows

CRAFTS

  • Christmas Decorating & Crafts

INSPIRATIONAL

  • The Twelve Days of Christmas: Unwrapping Gifts

MYSTERY

  • A Christmas Secret

A "Thank You" Note

By Jeffrey Anderson, Publicity Director

I want to thank Armchair Interviews for participating in the Love of Reading Online Book fair. I am thrilled to report that we had around 24,000 people visit the website during the three days of the fair. It is literally amazing to think of that many people hearing about and visiting a Website in its first week online. You helped us make this a big success. I hope that we were able to bring new readers to your site as well and that the Love of Reading site will continue to be a place for people to discover all the great Websites in the virtual reading community.

We are already planning a second fair, tentatively for spring 2007. Our goals are to give visitors more interactive features and to give participating sites more up front exposure to make the next event even bigger. I do hope you'll consider participating again.

FSB Associates
http://www.fsbassociates.com

Now That's How to Show Appreciation!

Jim Michael Hansen, a Colorado attorney, is the author of the "Laws" novels, including NIGHT LAWS, SHADOW LAWS and FATAL LAWS, which are hard-edged legal/crime thrillers featuring Denver homicide detective Bryson Coventry.

http://www.JimHansenBooks.com

ANDREA'S ADDED NOTE: I was introduced to Hansen's writing by Pat, the owner of Once Upon a Crime bookstore in Minneapolis. It was her recommendation that made me read, review (and enjoy) two of Hansen's books from this new, self-published author.

And for Pat's support of him, Jim Michael Hanson sent her six autographed copies of the book as a thank you for her sending one my way for review! Now that's a thank you.

-- Andrea

"Having imagination, it takes you an hour to write a paragraph that,
if you were unimaginative, would take you only a minute.
Or you might not write the paragraph at all."
-- Franklin P. Adams, HALF A LOAF, 1927


Our Name "In Lights!"

REVIEWER: Jeff Foster

"Another great one from James Patterson. Hold onto your seat!"-- Armchair Interviews. This blurb appears on James Patterson's website for his new book, CROSS! That is so exciting to see.

http://www.jamespatterson.com/praise_cross.html

REVIEWER: Pattie Reitz

Pattie writes: If you go to this link, you'll see that my review was put into the "editorial reviews" section of SEEING IN THE DARK. How cool is this!

http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Dark-Getting-Depression- Finding/dp/0764201999/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt/104-3304027- 5018314?ie=UTF8 "...quite possibly the definitive Christian book about depression... This message is long overdue and sorely needed."
-- Pattie Reitz, armchairinterviews.com

It's the "real deal" when your words are selected for the "editor review" section.

"A good novel tells us the truth about its hero;
but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author."
-- G.K. Chesterton

What Are Our Reviewers Reading?

By Laura V. Hilton

I just finished reading MIXED UP WITH THE MOB by Ginny Aiken. Lauren DiStefano's brother died, leaving her the sole caretaker of his son. But then she thinks her deceased brother tries to kill her. Is Ric really dead, or is she imagining things? This Love Inspired Suspense is full of quirky humor and non-stop action.

I'm currently reading MORNING SKY by Judith Miller. Lilly Verdue arrives in Nicodemus, Kansas during the summer of 1880 and drastically changes life for the Harban family, as well as the small town community. Lilly is a mover and shaker and determined to have the town do things her way. But why exactly did Lilly flee from New Orleans? Is she running from something dangerous?

I'm also reading GOD IS NOT THROUGH WITH ME YET by Thelma Wells. This Christian Living book teaches us how to hold on to God in the difficult times. Filled with interesting stories and antidotes, this book is entertaining as well as educational.

I hope to also read A CAROL FOR CHRISTMAS by Robin Lee Hatcher, FIREWORKS by Elizabeth White, and THE POTLUCK CLUB TROUBLE'S BREWING by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson within the next week or so.

Our Reviewers Get "Kudos"

REMINDER: If you have favorite reviewers, you can type their name in the Search section on our Great Reviews page and find all their reviews--even if you are looking up your own name, a certain author, specific publisher, etc.

REVIEWER: Yuka Mizushina

Thank you, I read the review on your website and I am delighted. Please convey my thanks to Yuka Mizushima as well.

M.K. Ajay, author
DRIZZLE OF YESTERYEARS

REVIEWER: Andrea Sisco

I just wanted to thank you for the lovely review of my novel, NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER. I'm really honored by the kind thoughts, and the review is exceptionally well-written too.

Jordan Sonnenblick, author
NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER

REVIEWER: Maria Hoeffer

Since you have been so involved with the book review of MANY FACES TO MANY PLACES, I thought you might enjoy the latest NEWS!

"USA Book News Proudly Announces MANY FACES TO MANY PLACES winner in the Spiritual Category of the 2006 National Best Book Awards." USABookNews.com is the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses.

Judy LeBlanc, author
MANY FACES TO MANY PLACES

REVIEWER: Connie Anderson

Thank you so much for the wonderful review you wrote for IF WOMEN RAN THE WORLD, SH*T WOULD GET DONE. I especially love how you mentioned such a variety of content from the book, which seems symbolic of the many awesome, butt-kicking things women do each and every day. I think that's really the beauty of women: No matter our situation or circumstance, we take care of business and we get sh*t done. If there's one thing I want readers to take away from this book it's that no matter what anyone has ever told them or what they have or have not done, they are good enough to do, be, and have their deepest heart's desire. They are worthy of a visit from the get sh*t done prize patrol. And they are amazing and deserving of celebration. Thanks for helping me spread that message.

Shelly Rachanow, author
IF WOMEN RAN THE WORLD, SH*T WOULD GET DONE.
http://www.ifwomenrantheworld.com

ADDED NOTE FROM SHELLY:I was on your site over the weekend and signed up for your ezine--I'm excited to start reading it. I also made a long list of books I want to get, starting with IF THERE'S ONE THING I'VE LEARNED and SO YOU'RE NOT MOTHER THERESA.

REVIEWER: Lauretta Ali

I just read the review...wow...I'm so glad your reviewer liked MY INVISIBLE HUSBAND. I'll definitely add this to my press kit. You all have made my day. Again, thank you very much for such a quick turnaround.

Shelia M Goss, author
MY INVISIBLE HUSBAND
http://www.sheliagoss.com

NOTE: Sheila on her own web site used the entire review and headlined it: Armchair (Interviews) gives MY INVISIBLE HUSBAND--4-Star review

REVIEWER: Elysabeth Eldering

Thank you so much for the review for LESSONS FROM THE GYPSY CAMP. Elysbeth did a great job and truly understood the book's message. Reviews like this help. It's difficult getting through the noise out there. You almost have to do something BAD to get attention!

I love your site. The armchair graphic is wonderful. Thank you for your support.

Elizabeth Appell, author
LESSONS FROM THE GYPSY CAMP
www.readelizabeth.com

REVIEWER: Connie Anderson

Thanks for taking the time to review my book, SARAH'S CHRISTMAS PRESENCE. I am so glad you liked it. I love your web site. As a writer, and even more as a former bookstore owner, it is great to see such a resource for readers. Thanks again!!!

David Karpinski, author
SARAH'S CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

Curled Up with a Good Bookhttp://www.curledup.com/index.htm

Curled Up with a Good Book features book reviews and recommendations across fiction genres--mainstream & literary fiction, science fiction, chick lit and romance, mysteries & thrillers--as well as a complete range of nonfiction, audio book & graphic novel reviews.

FAQ for Authors on Our Web Site

We have established some simple and easy-to-follow guidelines for publicists, publishers and authors to directly request a book review.

Read them on the Authors Place page of our Web site.


Buy Your Books, Music & Etc. Through Us-- It goes toward covering a little of our expenses. We make it easy: Use the link provided by each book reviewed. Buy Your Books, Music & Etc. Through Us-- It helps cover some of our expenses.


===============================================

SPREADING THE WORD

Paid Advertising Disclaimer: Armchair Interviews (CASI Publishing, LLC) does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the paid advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any ad. Please do your own due diligence before purchasing any product.

Want your ad here? Reach readers, writers and authors with products or services, newsletters, workshops, classes, etc. etc. Contact Connie@ArmchairInterviews.com


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SAMPLE AD (For real service)

EXPERIENCED EDITOR SEEKING AUTHORS! Writers, need a trained eye to prevent grammar, content and flow problems before submitting projects? Experienced in copyediting books and materials of all kinds. References available. Fast editing and turnaround with reasonable rates. For details, Connie Anderson--952-835-4731

Connie@WordsandDeedsInc.com--http://www.WordsandDeedsInc.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Our Armchair to Yours ...