A Book and a Chat with Jennifer Cervantes

Today on “A Book and a Chat”, I’m chatting with Jennifer Cervantes, author of middle grade novel Tortilla Sun.

While Jennifer is a native of San Diego, California with Spanish/Mexican heritage her background includes a blend of German, English, French and Irish. This, as Jennifer shared with us, not only produced a wide range of food choices but also enabled her to grow up with stories with a lot of diversity.

As we found out in what was a really entertaining as well as educational sixty minutes, we have to thank Jennifer’s daughter Jules for pushing her mother to open the flood gates of Jennifer’s obvious talent that has lead to this her first book, but I’m sure not her last.

Tortilla Sun, as mentioned is a middle grade book, but far more than just that. It is beautiful story that's also filled with some elements of magic. The characters and the description of the life’s and locations are like an artist painting a picture, in Jennifer’s case using words rather than brush and paints.

Tortilla Sun

The story is about a tender, magical story about 12 year old Izzy Roybal who is sent to spend the summer in her nana’s New Mexico village where she is soon caught up in the foreign world of her own culture, from patron saints and soulful food to the curious and magical blessings Nana gives her tortillas. In Nana’s village she meets Mateo, the adventurous, treasure seeking thirteen year old boy who lives on the other side of the bolted door in Izzy’s bedroom and six year old Maggie who is raising her cat, Frida, as a dog and sees marshmallow ghosts float out windows. When the wind begins to whisper to Izzy, she is soon led on an adventure to learn about her father’s mysterious death, who she really is, and to connect the hidden pieces of her past.

During the show we discussed about the issues and challenges of not only writing a novel but what happens after the novel is produced, the waiting for the final copy and then the work that starts after that. The discussion ranged across how the book and the story transcends across groups and ages, and how the characters almost write the book themselves.

From ghosts to making Tortilla, from NFL to Jennifer’s next projects the sixty minute show, as always when you are enjoying chatting, just flew by.

So why not sit back and lsiten to "A Book and a Chat with Jennifer Cervantes" or else down load the show and listen at another time.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Jennifer Cervantes"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
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You can find out more about my guest and their book at:
"Jennifer Cervantes - Tortilla Sun"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

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A Book and a Chat with Shari Maurer

I am very pleased to have another one of the 2010 debut YA author, the wonderful Shari Maurer and her novel "Change of Heart".

According to her family history, Shari has been reading since the age of three, or so the story goes. Not only that but writing to authors as well, even if they were dead.

Throughout her life hearts have played a great part in Shari’s life, from being born near Valentine’s Day and her marriage to her doctor husband. This and the illness of her own daughter lead her co-author of "The Parents' Guide to Children's Congenital Heart Defects," published by Three Rivers Press in 2001.

During the show Shari shared with us what lead to the production of this book and how the book was aimed to help and educate also the fact that an updated second addition might be on its way soon.

Following the heart theme Shari has produced her first YA novel “Change of Heart”

When you’re 16 years old, it never occurs to you that you might die. Emmi Miller’s got a fabulous life. She has tons of friends, does great in school and is an all-star soccer player who played in Europe last summer. It even looks like Sam Hunter, a totally cute baseball player, might be interested in her. And then she gets a virus. No biggy, right? Until the virus goes to her heart and weakens it so much that, without a transplant, Emmi will die.

Will Emmi get a heart in time? Is Sam too good to be true? What about her new friend Abe, who has also had a transplant and guides her through these scary times — is he just being supportive or is there more going on between them? And will Emmi realize it before it’s too late?

It is a book filled with reality, a heart gripping and honest story that young adults and not so young will be able to read, enjoy and relate to.

One of the items that Shari shared with us as we chatted during a very enjoyable and entertaining sixty minute show was her support or organ donation. As Shari told us, 18 people die per day due to lack of a potential donor. Shari has been working with Donate Life as part of her book release to try and get more people to become organ donors.

You can find out more about this at http://donatelife.net

Today’s show is one that people will not only enjoy but also make them think. A Book and a Chat with Shari Maurer is something to listen to and enjoy.


Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Shari Maurer"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Shari Maurer"

You can find out more about my guest and their book at:
"Shari Maurer - A Change of Heart"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

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A Book and a Chat with Robert Boich

A Book and a Chat with Robert Boich.

Along the way through the 160 odd shows I have been lucky enough to host, there has been a sprinkling dealing with abuse all be it sexual, religious or as in today’s show alcohol and substance abuse. My guest on today’s show however looks at the issue in a slightly different way in his book “Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting!: A Bridge from Addiction to Early Recovery”

While there are many books dealing with the subject of alcohol and substance abuse, rather than deep discussion on the spiraling down to the bottom of the bottle as many books do, the story instead focuses more on the changes that are necessary in order to live a sober life style.

During the show Robert shared how the keeping of journals and short essays he had written during this period lead to his production of “Excuse me your life is waiting. We discussed the almost healing process that there is in sharing what went on during this period in Roberts life as well as how he hopes that putting his issues down in the book will help others.

Indeed Robert told us that he has received not only comments from those going through such a recovery but also from others who just found what was discussed in the book, could also relate to their everyday lives.

Robert told us about his next work a novel based on World War I and the battle of Verdun, and how much he has enjoyed the knowledge gathering for this book.

The thirty minutes show is one you will find enlightening as well as entertaining.

So sit back and enjoy a “A Book and a Chat with Robert Boich”.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Robert Boich"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Robert Boich"

You can find out more about my guest and their book at:
"Robert Boich - Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting!"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

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A Book and a Chat with Estevan Vega

On today's "A Book and a Chat" is young author Estevan Vega and his now novel "Arson".

While in elementary school, Estevan wrote short stories for class, and to his surprise, did rather well. His love and discipline for fiction launched his desire to become a fulltime writer. When he was fifteen, Estevan published “Servant of the Realm,” his first novel. In August 2007, “The Sacred Sin” was published.

His new novel “Arson” is not a story of horror and terror, well not in the Stephen King format of horror stories; however it does tell a story of two young people whose lives are basically torture and torment. A story-lines that dwells somewhere in between fiction and reality.

The demons in the book are not monsters or murders, but rather inner demons. The book covers many issues that young adults face: peer pressure, uncertainty, family conflict and insecurity. With elements of suspense and terror as well as romance it is a book that will leave the reader wanting more.

During the show Estevan shared with us how this story as well as his writing style developed, enabling him to exercise some of his own ghost and feelings along the way.

While it is a schange in style from “The Sacred Sin”, the response Estevan has received from new readers and previous followers alike is a sign of just how far this young author can go. I for one can’t wait for the follow up novel.
So why not listen now to an entertaining thirty minutes of “A Book and a Chat with Estevan Vaga”.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Estevan Vega"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Estevan Vega"

You can find out more about Estevan and his book at:
"Estevan Vega- Arson"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

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A Book and a Chat with Janet S Fox

My guest on today’s A Book and a Chat is Janet Fox is another member of the wonderful 2K10 group of authors, those who have their debut YA novel coming out this year. Her book is called "FAITHFULL" and we learned during the show it is for Janet more than just a book.

Janet's mother was also a writer and encouraged her daughter at an early age to write stories. In 3rd grade she found out that you could become a writer as a profession when her teacher, I discovered that writing was a profession. I could be a writer. People would pay me to tell stories! My teacher, Mrs. Weber, secretly sent a poem I wrote to the town newspaper. This was the start, as Janet describes it...

"When my mom showed me the poem – published! With my name in the paper! – I was so excited. I have to say, it was the beginning of my career."

During the show, we learned how Janet's writing talent and been overtaken by her love of Geology amongst other things, until the death of her mother and finding of her mother’s writings, "kick started" the production of "Faithfull" Janet debut YA Novel.

From Yellowstone Park to a young girls life in 1904, all aspects of not just the book but some of Janet own views were discussed in this entertaining sixty minutes of a Book and a Chat.

FAITFULL

It’s YA historical fiction set in 1904, with romance and mystery and a unique setting – Yellowstone National Park. An exciting setting for the story, with its deadly yet spectacular hot springs, geysers, and animals. This provides a spectacular background for the novel and enhances the experiences of the books protagonist, Maggie Bennet.

The show covered so that it is impossible to go over everything that was discussed in the sixty minutes. So why not sit back and share “A Book and a Chat with Janet Fox”


Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Janet S Fox"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Janet S Fox"

You can find out more about Janet and his book at:
"Janet S Fox- Faithfull"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

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A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel

Tonight's show was visited by another of the wonderful Class of 2K10 debut authors, Michele Corriel.

Michele is an award-winning journalist, columnist and freelance writer. During her eleven years as a newspaper journalist, she garnered First Place awards from the Montana Newspaper Association and was recognized by the National Newspaper Association.

One of the other items that Michelle has introduced and that we chatted about during the show is the Paper Towel Poetry dispenser. Standing 5 feet tall on a leg of its own, a simple paper towel dispenser awaits to dab a taker with poetry after lured by the words, “Poetry Dispenser. Please Take One".

Michele explained during the show how this idea came about and the response she has received from sharing not only her own work but that of other poets.


Michele's book Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery is due out in July, so right now I do not have a book cover to share with you. However Michele did chat with us, how the book came about, the trials of getting it published and how being part of the SCBWI aided the path to publication. We also chatted about other projects she is working on.

Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery
(Blooming Tree/Tire Swing Press, July 2010) is the first in a series of middle grade mysteries based on the main character, Thomas Weston, who loves everything about newspapers, inky fingers and all. He dreams of having his own newspaper at school, so when all the cats in his town of Fairview start disappearing, he figures he can prove himself and solve the mystery. Oh, yeah, and he thinks in these really funny headlines.

I am sure that while Michele book is a Mid-grade novel it will be enjoyed by people of all ages, so look out for Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery when it hits the shelves in July. And before then why not listen and enjoy tonight’s “A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel”.

During the show I kept thinking that the hero of Michele's book sounded familiar, then suddenly remembered after the show that my guest on last Tuesday's was "Tom Weston" hows that for planning?

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Michele Corriel"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Michele Corriel"

You can find out more about Michele and his book at:
"Michele Corriel"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

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A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston

My guest tonight, Tom Weston used to be a successful CEO of a consulting company, doing the rounds as conference speaker and writer of industry articles and business books. Then he visited Luxembourg.

From that trip the germ of an idea for a story was born, which developed when Tom returned to Boston, into not only his first YA novel "FIRST NIGHT" but also into his latest novel "The Elf of Luxembourg".

As Tom shared with us during the show the development of the characters and the story line of both books have not been as planned with characters making themselves known and leading him along different paths to the ones he set out to write.

Classed as a “History Mystery” both books allow Tom to fill the story with education as well as adventure.

Tom shared with us, how a trip around the Granary Burying Ground on Boston, not only lead to finding the name of the ghost who shares the plot on “First Night” but also how her age and the period when she lived helped shape more of the story.

Tom’s latest book "The Elf of Luxembourg", brings in a character which almost takes over the story from Jackie and Alex the heroes of the series, when they meet Cuchaquicha. His desire to be reunited with his wife and son connects Alex and Jackie to the past, but it is also a love story that readers get to see unfold as the book progresses.

From writing to producing an animated movie, through making calendars and even jigsaw related to his work, the show was a fascinating and entertaining thirty minutes.

So sit back and listen to “A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston”


Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Tom Weston"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Tom Weston"

You can find out more about Tom and his book at:
"Tom Weston - The Elf of Luxembourg"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready

My special guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” is author “Jeri Smith-Ready”. While Jeri has several books and trilogies under her writing belt, her new book “SHADE” is her debut venture into the realms of YA literature.

Jeri’s early plans save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. This did not deter her however and her first book written in 1995/6 was about an environmental crusader-type guy fighting a coal mining company. This novel never saw the light of day and as Jeri explained she now classes it as her first “practice novel”. Her second attempt proved much more successful, though being ahead of her time with EBooks did turn her novel more into a “cult” book than actually find her overnight success.

“Requiem for the Devil” did however put the name of Jeri Smith-Ready onto the literature map. The book garnered a cult following (which is a nice way of saying only a few people read it, but those who did, loved it). This following included Stacy Boyd, who later became one of the editors for a new imprint of female-focused fantasy, Luna Books. Stacy asked Jeri to submit a proposal, and the "Aspect of Crow" series was born.

The Aspect of Crow trilogy proved to be a huge success, being soon followed by “Wonderful Game" the first book in the extremely popular “WVMP Radio Series”.
During the show Jeri shared with us her current work in progress as well as what might be happening in her other” Urban Fantasy” novel, before we started discussing her YA book “Shade”.

What people say about “SHADE” which will soon be follwed by her next book in the series "SHIFT"

SHADE is a hauntingly good story and an intriguing beginning to a new series. Jeri Smith-Ready proves again why she is one of my very favorite reads! --P.C. Cast, New York Times-bestselling author of the House of Night series

The perfect combination of mystery, ghosts and romance, SHADE left me breathless. --Lisa Schroeder, author of I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME

Smith-Ready writes movingly and well about music, first love and the drama of having too much responsibility thrust upon your teenage shoulders. Her world is first-rate and every one of her characters rings true. You'll want to read the next book in this exciting series immediately, but alas, you'll have to wait. --RT Book Reviews.

Jeri proved a really interesting and entertaining guest and the show is one people of all ages will enjoy. So why not sit back and listen to today's "A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Jeri Smith-Ready"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Jeri Smith-Ready"

You can find out more about Jeri and her book at:
"Jeri Smith-Ready - Shade"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

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A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White

It is always good to have a previous guest back on the show to find out the latest news on their book, and perhaps what they will next be producing. Today is was the return of Amy Brecount White and her wonderful book "Forget-Her-Nots".

It was really interesting to hear how Forget-Her-Nots, though considered a YA novel, is being enjoyed by ages 12 & up, which in some people's eyes puts the book into the younger YA category. She shared how many people — especially parents, booksellers, and librarians — have told her they’re grateful for that!

Amy shared with us some of the reponses she's had from people of all ages to her book, and some of the questions and comments that have been put to her.

During the show Amy shared how some of the most amazing and enthusiastic fan letters for Forget-Her-Nots have come from 11-year-old girls who are strong readers and long to be reading up. In Laurel, the books main character, they find a heroine they can relate to.

We also learned a little about Amy's next book "String Theories".

So if you want to find out the latest news on Amy and her wonderful book, listen to tonight's "A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White"

Barry

Direct Link:
"A Book and a Chat with Amy Brecount White"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Amy Brecount White"

To find out more information about Amy Brecount White, her book "Forget-Her-Nots":
Amy Brecount White - Forget-Her-Nots

Check out http://abookandachat.blogspot.com

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess

My special guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” is Leah Cypess. Like many other authors Leah started writing items at a young age, but in the case of Leah this was in first grade where she wrote a story narrator by an ice-cream cone in the process of being eaten. Then in fourth grade with the influence of Black beauty and Lassie Leah wrote a story about a girl who is shipwrecked on a desert island where she and her faithful dog have numerous adventures.

This was the starting point for Leah’s travel through the world of writing, which has led to her debut novel “MISTWOOD”.

After a shaeky start to the show with some gremlins in the” Blogtalkradio” switchboard we eventually were joined by Leah to start what was a thoroughly interesting and entertaining show.

Leah shared much about her writing and journey to publication, as well as some in-depth information about her YA fantasy novel “Mistwood” how the story came about as well as a brief glimpse into the story and the characters.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Everyone tells Isabel that she is the Shifter – the ancient shape-shifting creature who has protected the kings of Samorna for centuries. They need her to be the Shifter. Prince Rokan risked everything when he rode into the Mistwood to summon her to his side; Ven, the magician's apprentice, has devoted his life to studying her legend; and even Princess Clarisse, who fears and hates her, depends on Isabel's powers to further her own plans.

But Isabel doesn't feel like the Shifter. She feels like a lonely human girl, beset by flashes of memory that do more to confuse than to help her. If she is the Shifter, why can't she change her shape? Why doesn't she remember what made her flee the castle so many years ago? As she is drawn deeper into a web of magic and assassination, Isabel will have no choice but to look for answers. But her search will lead her to the one question the Shifter hasn't faced in a thousand years: where does she come from, and what does she really want?

During the show Leah also provided some helpful tips for would be and current authors as well as sharing with us her experiences in being a debut author, as well as part of the “10er’s”. We also heard that Leah would be one of the group of authors signing her book at BEA in New York later this month.

So why not sit back and listen to yet another great show about the wonderful batch of debut authors from 2010 on "A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess".

Or else download the MP3 file and listen to the show at your own conveniance.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Leah Cypess"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Leah Cypess"

You can find out more about Alexandra and her book at:
"Leah Cypess - Mistwood"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

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A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark)

My guest on tonight’s show was Adele Walsh, creator of the great YA blog "Persnickety Snark".

I am really glad to finally manage to get Adele as a guest we have planned a couple of other appearances, but illness and then a move from Australia to Japan have delayed Adele being a guest up to now.

Yes that's right she dialed into the show from Japan.

Adele is Australian teacher currently living in Shizuoka, Japan. She has taught for the past six years in Australian classrooms but is now taking a year off this year to teach Japanese kindergarteners.

As she shared on the program one of the reason she started her blog was to try and bring more books and the works of YA authors into Australia.

Adele and her blog Persnickety Snark (remember the name when voting for next year’s blogger awards) is one of the "Sham wow" YA bloggers that I try and support whenever I can. Back in 2009 when she started the blog her aim was...

“The aim for Persnickety Snark is that it be a home for YA (Young Adult literature) reviews and authors interviews with an emphasis on Australian authors. I offer constructive and honest reviews as well as in depth interviews, thought provoking discussion posts and an unique perspective".

She does that and so much more.

During the show as well as discussing how Skippy he kangaroo could be the Australian version of Lassie, we discussed how she is creating a YA top 100 of all time. With over 700 people taking up the challenge, I’m sure the outcome will be interesting as well as in some cases surprising.

The show was an entertaining thirty minutes as Adele shared with us her views and some of her favorite authors on today’s “A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark)".

So why not stop by and listen to show now, or else download it and play it when you have a few moments.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Adele Walsh (Persnickety Snark) "

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Adele Walsh"

You can find out more about Adele and her blog at:
"Persnickety Snark"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz was my special guest today on "A Book and a Chat", and what a great show it was, with almost as much laughter as there was literary content.

Alexandra grew up in a bilingual Spanish/English-speaking family in various parts of the US, but has also lived in Puerto Rico, Austria, and Britain.

Of course knowing that my guest had spent toms time in England it was a topic discussed about during the show featuring the language issues and the aspects of some of her three years she spend at Bath University completing her MA in “Writing for Young People”. The issues with being a tourist guide in Bath, and how people wondered why the water was green, to how she appeared and did not appear in two films.

Along what was a thoroughly enjoyable forty-five minutes of chat, Alexandra lead us from her literary beginnings to the production of her debut novel…

“Of All the Stupid Things”.

“When a rumor starts circulating that Tara’s boyfriend has been with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn’t just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for three lifelong friends.

Tara’s training for a marathon, but also running from her fear of abandonment from her father.

Whitney Blaire seems to have everything, but an empty mansion and absentee parents leave her looking for her own value in the wrong places.

And Pinkie has a compulsive need to mother everyone to make up for the mama she’s never stopped missing.

Then the new girl arrives in school and Tara starts to feel things she’s never felt for before for a girl. Can the girls’ friendship survive when all the rules have changed?”

“Of All the Stupid Things”. paints a story of reality covering issues such as lesbian relationships, to the joys and clarity of the mind that can come with marathon running, with a freshness that all will enjoy.

The inspiration behind the book cover, simple, yet one that will catch your eye, the response received and the fact that some people forget it is fiction and think the book is really about Alaexandra all were discussed during the show

The story unfolds and the lives of the characters in the book merge in such an impressive way, that you know “Of All the Stupid Things”. will be the first of a long line of successful novels by today's guest Alexandra Diaz.

The show is one you will not want to miss.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Alexandra Diaz"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Alexandra Diaz"

You can find out more about Alexandra and her book at:
"Alexandra Diaz - Of All The Stupid Things"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry