KJA TO POST REGULARLY ON JEFF RIVERA’S GATEKEEPERSPOST.COM
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Author and media personality, Jeff Rivera launches The Gatekeepers Post, a new social media community intended to make a significant impact on the conversation of book publishing.
The Gatekeepers Post is a cross between Huffington Post and Publishers Weekly, the outlet features some of the most important and respected voices in book publishing.
Brett Battles Debuts His New Novel At Book Soup - March 26th!
Brett Battles presents and signs The Silenced: A Novel
Date: Saturday March 26, 2011 - 4:00pm
PURCHASE NOW
Professional “cleaner” Jonathan Quinn has a new client and an odd job: find and remove the remains of a body hidden twenty years ago inside the walls of a London building, before the building is demolished.
But Quinn and his team are being watched. Suddenly caught in the cross fire between two dangerous rivals, Quinn must unravel the identity of the body and why it still poses so great a threat even in death. Because a plot stretching from the former Soviet Union to Hong Kong, from Paris to London, from Los Angeles to Maine, is rapidly falling apart. And Quinn hasn’t been hired just to tie up loose ends—he is one.
About the Author:
Brett Battles lives in Los Angeles and is the author of four novels in the acclaimed Jonathan Quinn series: The Cleaner, which was nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller and a Shamus Award for Best First Novel; The Deceived, which won the 2009 Barry Award for Best Thriller; Shadow of Betrayal; and The Silenced. He is currently at work on his fifth novel.
Thinking Outside of the Box - Radio Interview with Jeff Riveria
http://www.gatekeeperspost.com
The Gatekeepers Post is the leading social media book publishing community on the web....More
In a world where anyone can self-publish their own books in seconds using Smashwords, Kindle or PubIt, it’s a constant struggle for many that choose that route and to be taken seriously by the industry.
Dr. Ken Atchity, CEO of StoryMerchant.com and producer of over thirty movie projects, likes to think outside of the box. Story Merchant provides users who want to publish traditionally or independently the opportunity to receive coaching by a former literary manager and one of the most prolific film and television producers in the business.
In our interview with Atchity today, he talks to us in great depth about what it really takes to get published today, the alternative opportunities authors have to get published and what he looks for as a producer when acquiring projects.
Story Merchant Client Jin Robertson's Major Dream - A Memoir For The Decade
"Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD" is the memoir of Jin Kyu (Suh) Robertson, PhD. When reading Robertson's memoir, you'll soon realize that her life is the true representation of the "American Dream." Absolutely nothing was too great for her to overcome - and she succeeded in both life and career despite the oppressive obstacles she faced.
The beginning story of "Major Dream" begins with Jin receiving her PhD from Harvard at the age of 57 - not exactly the age of most college "students." It was an extraordinary moment in her life and one that she shared with family and friends who supported her. It was also the culmination of everything she had accomplished in her thirty-five years of being in America.
Harvard degrees and the level of success that Jin has received as an International motivational speaker and writer didn't come easy for this Korean immigrant who began her life in America as a housemaid. She was twenty-two years old, spoke no English and after purchasing a one-way ticket, had only $100 to her name - plus crushing debts to pay.
Born in 1948 in a small Korean fishing village named Wollae, Jin was pretty much isolated from the world. Her parents had never been to school and the family lived in abject poverty. Jin's father was a forced-laborer in a coalmine and Jin provides enough of her family's background for readers to visualize how denigrating their lives were.
"Major Dream" is truly remarkable in that it tells the story from beginning to present day of a young woman who succeeded against all odds and who ran the gamut from factory worker, waitress and housemaid to become a Major in the United States Army, Harvard graduate, a popular inspirational/motivational speaker and bestselling author.
Jin's story in "Major Dream" will appeal to every one of all ages who desire to live happier and more fulfilled lives. Immigrants to America, students, people who are trying to build careers or businesses and military personnel will especially find inspiration in "Major Dream"'s pages.
Jin is quite popular on the motivational speaking circuit, but somehow found time in her busy schedule to write her memoir, "Major Dream", and currently is the host of a radio talk show on the Voice of America/World Talk Radio called "American Dreams: The Sky Is the Limit."
"Major Dream" is an engaging read that will have you hooked from the beginning page and keep you mesmerized to the end. Jin's story has been lauded by critics as "one of the most profoundly affecting memoirs of the decade." Her incredible success proves that people really can create the lives they desire.
Regardless of background and hurdles to be faced, readers will find hope from "Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD", and realize that if Jin Kyu Robertson, PhD can do it, it's possible for anyone to achieve the American Dream.
Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard Ph.D., by Jin Kyu Robertson, Ph.D.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith
Western Author Alex Cord to Sign A Feather In The Rain at the Lewisville, TX Costco Warehouse Store
March 26, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.
Costco Warehouse store, Lewisville Tex.,
851 S. State Hwy 121,
Costco Warehouse store, Lewisville Tex.,
851 S. State Hwy 121,
A classic tale of love and passion, written by the noted film and TV actor, A Feather in the Rain is based on an event in Alex’s life.
Alex Cord began writing a journal after the death of his son. He says that soon after he started writing, the story took on a life of its own. His many western acting roles, plus a lifetime spent as an accomplished horseman, enabled him to create a background of gripping reality for A Feather in the Rain -- a love story of heart and passion.
The book signing event is open to Costco members.
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Feather in the Rain. I felt a real affinity with the characters and hope to one day see this book as a motion picture."
Harrison Ford, actor
Ernest Borgnine, Academy Award-winning actor, says of A Feather in the Rain, "Alex has written one of the finest love stories I’ve ever read."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Cord was stricken with polio at age 12, and confined to a hospital. He fought his way to recovery and at 13 was sent to a ranch in Wyoming to further his therapy and recovery. A few years later, he was on the rodeo circuit. When a rodeo mishap left him in the hospital for “too long,” he returned to high school, obtained his diploma and went on to study literature at New York University.
Alex starred in more that 30 feature films including Stagecoach and The Brotherhood. He has also starred in more that 300 television shows, among them Airwolf, Mission Impossible and Walker Texas Ranger.
Review copies of A Feather in the Rain are available.
Contact: Linda F. Radke, Five Star Publications, Inc.
Phone: (480) 940-8182
Websites: www.AlexCord.net
Based in Chandler, Ariz, Five Star Publications publishes and promotes award-winning fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, children's literature and professional guides. More information about Five Star Publications, Inc., a 25-year leader in the book publishing/book marketing industry, is available at www.FiveStarPublications.com.
The 2011 International Book Awards (IBA 2011)
FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES!
Sponsored by JPX Media Group based in Los Angeles, California
Over a thousand national and international authors and publishers have already entered this year’s competition. Winning an IBA award gives your book added prestige, honor and tells prospective book buyers, librarians and media professionals to take your book seriously! Last year’s winners and finalists are enjoying added sales, more internet traffic to their websites and global media coverage.
• All 2009-2011 Published English Titles with an ISBN are Eligible
• Affordable Entry Fee! $69.00 per title/per category
• Results will be Announced May 2011 in New York at Book Expo America!
Enter today and get your book the attention it deserves!
Hurry! Our Final Entry Deadline is fast approaching.
Visit http://www.internationalbookawards.com for full details.
AEI Clients Teran and Teman Evans on Rachael Ray Show
DIY This, Not That!
Not sure which DIY home improvement projects you can really handle on your own? Click on the video for answers! Interior designers and twins Teran and Teman Evans are pointing out common pitfalls for do-it-yourselfers, but before you start any project, Teman jokes there is one factor every home improvement hobbyist should consider: "Can I afford to fix it if I screw it up?!" Watch Video!
Beach Book Festival Call for Entries
2011 BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
NEW YORK _ (February 9, 2011) _ The 2011 Beach Book Festival has issued its call for entries to its annual awards honoring the hottest reads of the summer season.
The Beach Book Festival will consider self-published or independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children's books, teenage, how-to, science fiction, romance, comics, poetry, spiritual, compilations/anthologies, history, business and health-oriented books published on or after Jan. 1, 2007.
Submitted works will be judged for general excellence, i.e., the potential of the work to be an engaging beach read this summer season. More information on the festival and entry forms are at www.beachbookfestival.com. Regular registration deadline is May 25, 2011.
The 2011 Beach Book Festival will honor winners at a June ceremony at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City.
"The Kennedy Detail" Tribute - The Pipeline
The Newsletter of the Association of Former Agents of the Unites States Secret Service
(from Sgt John Cummins, Texas)
(from Sgt John Cummins, Texas)
Last night I had the privilege to view the Discovery Channel's THE KENNEDY DETAIL. I sat in silence throughout the program's airing, as I witnessed what appeared to be a difficult story for each agent to tell.
Having lived during that sad time in our nation's history, and seeing the additional federal inquiries that have been undertaken or proposed because of questions arising through the years, I always felt that the agents' silence outside of these investigations was not only an act of loyalty toward our slain leader, but also in loyalty to the Presidency itself. I would like to think tha the media at some point would realize this also and collectively stop trying to gain interviews.
I always assumed that no additional evidence would come from the agents' recollections of the events before and after the assassination, but rather that we would learn more about how they coped with the "trauma" in the coming days. I've always hoped that they were somehow able to be at peace, through knowing that a multitude of contributing factors allowed the incident to happen, and not anything they did. These men, I believe, are heroes of the highest order. At a time when insurmountable odds were present and hopelessness could have been graphically present, they chose to continue in their duties, with hope. that the President didn't survive was a tragedy for this nation; but many efforts that day were carried out with the best of determinations. We cannot be any less proud, that in the face of adversity and despair, those who wse depend on chose to continue tn their efforts even when the choice of giving up was well within reach.
I am grateful to every agent who participated in the creation of last night's program. Their difficulty in withholding emotion only showed the world that outside of their professional demeanor when at work, they are rightfully human. Thank you for letting us have a small glimpse of your personalities and for recalling an event which was undoubtedly difficult to relive.
Sincerely,
Sgt. John Cummins
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
Abilene, Texas
cumminsj@taylorcountytexas.org
ARTICLE BY STORY MERCHANT CLIENT BARACK LEVIN
Stay-at-Home Dad Survival Guide
Parents.com
Parents.com
Whether it's the fledgling economy or a simple sign of more modern times, a growing number of men are deciding to stay at home with the kids and let their wives deal with rush hour traffic and casual Fridays. Case in point: In 2005 the US Census Bureau reported there were 98,000 stay-at-home dads nationwide; today, that number is closer to 2 million -- and climbing. "A stay-at-home dad is still considered a rare specimen," says Barack Levin, a stay-at-home dad and author of The Diaper Chronicles. That can make the transition from full-time employee to full-time father a daunting one. Luckily, we have some survival tips to make those first few months easier.
AEI Client Larry Thompson's Jacket Cover for The Trail
Literary Guild describes The Trial: A pharmaceutical giant’s disregard for human life spurs to action a small-town lawyer in Larry D. Thompson’s stunning courtroom drama, The Trial. Luke Vaughn’s rage stems from the fact that, unbeknownst to him, his daughter, a rebellious teenager, volunteered for a clinical drug trial that’s left her in desperate need of a liver transplant—and he can’t afford it. So Luke decides to make the culprits pay, and he chooses to do so in the venue he knows best…the courtroom. When Luke discovers what he suspected all along—that the drug company and the FDA knew the pill carried potentially lethal side effects—he thinks the case is won. But his adversary’s prescription for silencing the opposition calls for bribery, kidnapping…and murder.
TheTrial_2
STORY MERCHANT CLIENT LISA CERASOLI DOUBLE WINNER!
"I have extremely high hopes for "Nora Jo" especially, because of its purpose ... I hope it makes a true impact and helps raise money and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer's."
"As Nora Jo Fades Away" has WON for Auto/Biography in the DIY Book Festival
Ninth annual event honoring independent authors and publisher.Visit Website
and "On the Brink of Bliss and Insanity" WON for Romance in the Los Angeles Book Festival.
Awards ceremony takes place Friday, March 4 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, the home of the first Academy Awards.
The Christian Science Monitor Revies Behind the Dream
Behind the Dream
A key Martin Luther King aide offers a fascinating new, first-hand perspective on the “dream” speech. 
Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation By Clarence B. Jones and Stuart Connelly Palgrave Macmillan 204 pp.
On August 28, 2010, thousands assembled in front of the Lincoln Memorial for a rally organized by Glenn Beck, the conservative talk-show host. According to Beck, the gathering aimed to “Restore America’s Honor.” While it was not especially clear when or why the country’s honor had been lost, this almost entirely white crowd had traveled to Washington to make known its belief that something was not right in America.
It was no coincidence that the site on which Beck’s ardent army had decided to make its stand was the scene of another demonstration held on the same date 47 years earlier. On that day in August 1963, a quarter of million people, black and white, gathered with a more specific aim in mind: to help overcome racial oppression in America.
The principal speaker was not a talk-show host, but a black minister, and he gave one of the great speeches in American history. He told the nation of his dream about a better future, one in which character mattered more than skin color.
The words uttered by Martin Luther King Jr. on that summer day have become part of America’s collective memory. Schoolchildren watch clips of the address in the nation’s classrooms and college students study King’s words and write papers analyzing every particle of his language.
In Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation, Clarence B. Jones, King’s lawyer and one of his key aides, offers his distinctive perspective on that extraordinary August day, on King’s speech, and on the black freedom struggle. (It is not altogether clear what role Jones’s co-author Stuart Connelly played in this joint enterprise, since the book is told entirely from Jones’s first-person perspective.)
There is much to savor in this book, even though it skims the surface of the struggle for racial justice and offers little that is new on the subject of race in America. Despite this, Jones’s recollections of life in the movement alongside King are often compelling. Take, for example, Jones’s description of how the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson soothed a sometimes despondent King on the phone by performing his favorite hymns.
“I sure could use some cheering up, Mahalia,” King would say into the phone. And then, wherever she was, Jackson would sing for him. Drawing strength from her voice, an exhausted King would lean back in his chair with closed eyes, as the music washed over him.
The night before King spoke to the nation in August 1963, Jones was one of a small group of advisers who huddled with him in a Washington hotel, debating what the country’s most important civil rights leader ought to say. A prescient Ralph Abernathy, an important figure in the movement, reminded King that he had to inspire the crowd. “Martin, you have to preach,” he said. “That’s what the people want to hear.” And the next afternoon, King would do just that.
If Mahalia Jackson had helped King through tough times when he was on the road, Jones makes the case – in the book’s climactic scene – that the singer played a vital role in King’s historic address.
Jones and Jackson were both close to King as he stood before the assembled thousands. The author was just 15 yards from the lectern, watching the minister’s every gesture and listening intently to his every word. As for Jackson, she was no passive observer of the event.
Several paragraphs into the speech, King paused before continuing to read from his prepared text. At that moment, Jackson urged King on, calling out, “Tell ’em about the ‘Dream,’ Martin, tell ’em about the ‘Dream!’ ” Upon hearing the singer’s cry, Jones recalls, King began to improvise, shifting “gears in a heartbeat,” as he pushed the page aside and abandoned the words on the lectern before him. (Among leading King biographers, none has told the story in this way.)
In “honoring Mahalia’s request,” Jones claims, King proceeded to tell America about his dream. Comparing the minister’s effort to the work of a great jazz soloist, Jones writes of King’s deep and abiding trust in Mahalia Jackson. She was the minister’s muse, he observes, and King instantly understood the value of her suggestion and “decided to run with it” by describing a dream founded on equality and justice.
Over the next two years, the work of King and countless other race activists would lead to the passage of legislation that would fundamentally reconfigure race relations across the nation.
While today the United States is dramatically different from the land King was working to change, who would deny that his dream commands us to do far more than we have? Perhaps the best way to “restore America’s honor” today would be to pledge that no further generations need pass before King’s dream is wholly realized.
Jonathan Rosenberg, a professor of American history at Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center, has written widely on the civil rights movement.
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