A Book and a Chat with Brian Jud

 One of the shocks that authors find when their book is published is that far from the hard work being completed once their book is written and published, in fact it’s only just starting and the “getting it out there” is where the real hard work starts.

My guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” is Brian Jud", author, book-marketing consultant, seminar leader, television host and president of Book Marketing Works and founder of the “Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association” (CAPA).

Back in the 90’s Brian published a series of books about finding a job, including “Job Search 101” and learned that there was limited information about how to go about marketing your book once it is published.

Brian is now a book-marketing expert helping publishers market their books in non-bookstore markets to increase their unit sales, revenue and profits. He is the author of “How to Make Real Money Selling Books” and “Beyond the Bookstore” describing new ways to sell more books to special-sales buyers.

He is a partner in Premium Book Company which offers commission-only sales of nonfiction, fiction, children’s titles and remainders to buyers in special markets.

If you are looking for help in marketing in any shape or form indeed if you just want to learn more Brian offers many web sites, seminars, online discussions and seminars many for little or no money.

Book Marketing Works (http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/ ) provides book-marketing products and services can increase your sales, revenue and profits. Check the site for a huge wealth of marketing information.

Brian also shared with us about “The Association of Publishers for Special Sales” (APPS) which can help you sell more of your books and make more money with large quantity non-returnable sales to non bookstore buyers. Check out http://www.spannet.org/ to find out more about APPS including their first Annual Book Marketing conference as well as plenty of helpful tips and information.

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on A Book and a Chat with Brian Jud

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Brian Jud

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Brian Jud"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Brian Jud"

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

The 400th "A Book and a Chat" with Cheryl Malandrinos

Back in February 2009, after appearing on a few radio shows, and with experience of running a couple of local TV shows narrating stories from my romance book as well as filming local karaoke, I thought… why not try your own radio show. Loving a good old “chin wag” as we say in England I thought it might be good fun, little did I know just how much.

After a couple of practice runs the first “A Book and a Chat” was aired on March 7th, with my first guest being a fellow radio show starter and author Kim Smith.

Now a couple of years or so later here I am hosting my 400th radio show.

For this special 400th addition of “A Book and a Chat” I am very pleased to say I have Cheryl Malandrinos as my guest. Cheryl is freelance writer and editor, a founding member of Musing Our Children; she is also a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing.

Cheryl has been working on blogs, reviews and virtual book tours for more years than the show has been running, and was one of the first people, along with Dorothy Thomson who I met when my own book “Across the Pond” was published.

During an entertaining and I hope informative show, we discussed how things have changed in the world of publishing and promotion since the show has been running.
Cheryl herself has had success with her book “Little Shepherd” which as we learned during the show will be followed by “A Christmas Kindness” next year. About “Little Shepherd”

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior’s birth. Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King?

With Christmas just around the corner, I can highly recommend her book for those young readers in your family.

Over the last 400 shows, I am very proud of the many, many comments I have received from guests, nearly all love the style and many have come back for a second third, fourth or even fifth time.

I have had some very famous guests on the show during these last two years from Emmy award winners such as Louise Shaffer, to authors such as Steve Berry who have 72 million copies in print throughout the world. I love to involve the YA Bloggers, as I call them the “Sham Wow” of YA literature as they soak everything up. I have made it a point to include bloggers as guests on the show as well as many debut authors. After all they might be debut authors today but they could be the stars of tomorrow. Class of 2K10, 2K11 YA debut authors were great and I already have several from Class of 2k12 signed up for the show.

There are a few drawbacks in having what sometimes has been five shows a week, the jokes and anecdotes tend to repeat themselves, but I always try and make the chat flow and love to laugh as anybody who has listened will tell you. Many guests are what can only be described as “scared” when they first call in and we chat before the show starts, but as I say to them, it’s honestly just a chat over a cup of tea (in my case English PG Tips), and so many have told me afterwards how much they enjoyed the easy going format and style, that they were completely at ease.

One good sign as to how the show is being enjoyed is the way the time seems to rush by for all over them, this I very soon realized and started running some 1hr specials, which again people have enjoyed.

I have in the last 400 shows I have covered subjects from abuse to life coaching, from Picture books to historical fiction. I have within three days covered a multi-million selling author such as Steve Berry, to William Link whose name might not be one you remember straight away until you realize he and his late writing partner wrote all the Colombo series, Murder She wrote and so much more. To be followed by a local author who had written some small books of stories about famous horses which were being sold on local “tack” shops
.

I love the various styles that can appear on the show, learning about people’s fights over illness and abuse, historical novels about periods in history, Leaning about floods, disasters, love and laughter, the eclectic mix of shows not only keeps me looking forward each week to the next show but I hope my listeners as well. I have made many friends along the way learned many things, about the art of writing as well as telling a good story.

Along the way I have come up with this parallel universe theory, which has become a pet theory of mine.

I think there is this parallel universe where all these stories are situated, all us writers are is the conduit that allows the stories to be share din our world. Ask almost any author and they will tell you that no matter how much you outline or plan the story, the characters come along that were not even thought of, and take over the story, you get led down different paths not even thought about as the story develops. When you have completed the novel, and look back on it, often you can’t even remember writing some of it, let alone using some of the language and words which you’d never use. Yes... the parallel universe writes story for you… well that’s my slightly tongue in cheek theory.

As you can imagine I’ve had some shows that have ended up more like a comedy show, while others have brought tears to many a listener.

One show that will always stand out for me was back in November of 2009. My guest was M.M Anderson and we were talking about her book “Werewolf Dreams”. There is an option and for people to dial into the show to chat to my guest themselves, and on this day a call came in to my switchboard, that as a show host you are able to control. I opened the phone connection and asked who wanted to talk to M.M. Anderson. All I got in response was some growling a cross between a dog and Chewbacca; yes a werewolf had dialed in to the show.

My guest thought it might be one of her children and threats were made, but on checking the number it was from a totally different state.

So from Werewolf’s to film stars, multi selling authors to ones with their first book, abuse to humor, peoples to pets, tears to laugher I’ve seen had them all on A Book and a Chat” 400 show downs, and hope to have many more to share with you.

I guess a few new one liners are required, and you never know, perhaps I’ll even have another call from a werewolf.

So listen now and share an interesting and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today Chat with Cheryl Malandrinos

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Cheryl Malandrinos

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Cheryl Malandrinos"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Cheryl Malandrinos - Little Shepherd"

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 Bettina Restrepo

A fresh member of the class of 2K11, Bettina Restrepo is today’s guest on “A Book and a Chat”.

Bettina Restrepo has made quite a splash onto the literary scene, firstly with her picture book Moose and Magpie, an entertaining and humorous book about the life of a moose. Now this reformed business woman turned author, is creating waves within the YA readership with her debut novel “Illegal”.

Struggling from an early age as to what language she was meant to speak with a Columbian father and German mother, much travelled Bettina, had her first touch of success when coming 2nd in a creative writing contest she thinks because the winner had better penmanship than she did, though her subject “The Teacher Compactor” might have had something to do with her being in the runner-up spot.

Nicknamed “The Pusher” by the 2K11 group for her pushing and refusal to give up attitude, even to perhaps sometimes cheating at board games, Bettina has been called “endearingly weird”, and “Dr. Pepper-coming-out-of your-nose—funny.”… An obvious guest for my show.

During a hugely interesting end entertaining show, she shared with us much about her life and her work, from the early days to the new book she is writing called “Tella Novella” (of some such spelling).

With dial in and chat room questions we touched on much about her book, it’s subject and her path to publication.

About Illegal:

Illegal is the story of Nora, a Mexican immigrant who crosses the border illegally to find her missing father in Houston. We are all immigrants, so this story just isn’t about one nationality looking for family in a Texas town. It’s about how we love and survive.

Her book while touching on the aspects of illegal immigration from Mexico is one that people across the world can relate to, leaving loved ones, immigrating etc, and I am sure that in the near future the book will become a must read worldwide for YA and none YA readers. I am sure Bettina Restrepo is a name we will hear a lot more of.

So sit back and listen to today's interesting and entertaining show as I host today's "A Book and a Chat with Bettina Restrepo".

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Bettina Restrepo".

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Bettina Restrepo"

You can find out more about my guest and his books at:
"Bettina Restrepo - Illegal"

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 Author Warning

After my Male YA Month we are back with general books and issues for all ages and people. As you all know and have heard from numerous authors and guests who have appeared on the show, us small, and in some cases not so small authors about supporting the small independent book stores.

There are though sometimes some issues, and my two guests on the show today, both of whom have appeared as show guests in their own right Melissa Crandall and MJ (Mo) Allaire talked of their own experiences and issues at one of our CT local stores. Providing some very useful information and guide lines, for other authors who might be planning book signings on a small local shop.


Both these ladies explained about issues with “Burgundy Books” Norwich Road, East Haddam CT. Both of the authors have in the past done book signing events in this store, and neither has received any money for the books sold, and as we heard through the show, even though they have taken the store to the small claims court, and won, and have a marshal trying to recover their money, nothing so far has come to fruit. It almost seems if you turn round and play the ostrich burying your head in the sand then you can get away with things.

Several interesting aspects and tips for authors were discussed during the show including perhaps just having a simple contract you and the store both sign to protect both of you.


As well as this warning I was able to bring up something myself and yesterdays guest Alan Gratz were able to discuss about some small book stores, and I’m “not” talking second hand stores, but some stores he has seen selling “arc” copies of books. There again I’m sure the author and the publisher might be interested if seen, as an “arc” is just an advance copy donated to people for reviews etc, not sold.

To end the interesting show we heard what the two ladies are up to in their own literary lives, with fresh books on the way.

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat Author Warning".

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Author Warning"

You can find out more about my guests and their books at:
"MJ Allaire"
"Melissa Crandall"

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

MYM A Book and a Chat with Jon Skovron

It’s not everybody’s dream to act a Shakespeare play in a warehouse with temperatures in the nineties, wearing a woolen sailor suit, nor was it Jon Skovron’s, my guest on today’s Male YA Author “A Book and a Chat”. In fact that was the start of him giving up the acting and following his writing career, which eventually has lead to the hugely popular debut YA novel “Struts & Frets”.

Jon is an insatiable music geek who can play eight instruments, but none of them well… (According to him). He started writing in junior high, which developed into short stories at high school. He also, wrote songs and still has is old song books, from which some of the songs within “Struts & Frets” have been taken.

As we heard during the entertaining program, Jon shared with us, how one of the main influences in his writing is Vanity Fair by William Thackeray. John shared how he definitely feels a very intense connection to Thackeray's work unlike any other author he’s ever read. What's weird is that, stylistically speaking, is that they are nothing alike as writers.

As with Sammy the hero of “Struts & Frets” music runs in Jon’s family, with characters such as Sammy’s grandfather not far away from his own relation.

About STRUTS & FRETS:

Music is in Sammy’s blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy’s indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don’t self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band’s compromises and reassure Sammy that his life’s dream could become a reality. But practices are hard to schedule when Sammy’s grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend.
When everything in Sammy’s life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together.

The book has been called “honest, urgent, inspirational, hilarious and moving”.

The story is told in a voice that will resonate not just with teenage musicians but with anyone who ever sat up all night listening to music and wondering if they’d ever find their place in this world.

We also heard about Jon’s new book “Misfit” a sarcastic yet lovable half demon girl in a Catholic School, a bigger and darker book, which is due to come out in the Fall of 2011. With a second a follow up to “Misfit” already underway, and a third story in the planning stage, Jon Skovron, is a name week hear a lot more of in the future.

So sit back and enjoy today's Male YA Author "A Book and a Chat with Jon Skovron".

Barry

Direct link to the show
"A Book and a Chat with Jon Skovron"

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Jon Skovron"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Jon Skovron - Struts & Frets"

MALE YA AUTHOR MONTH GUESTS

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond


Nov 15th Jon Skovron - Author of "Struts & Frets" and "Misfit (2011)" - Mon 6:30pm EST

Nov 16th Barry Lyga - Author of "Fan Boy and Goth Girl", "Boy Toy", "Hero Type" etc… - Tues 6:30pm EST

Nov 17th James - Author of "Book Chic" blog - Wed 6:30pm EST

Nov 18th Daniel Nayeri - Author "Another Faust", "Another Pan" - Thur 6:30pm EST

Nov 20th Scott Westerfeld - Author of "Uglies", "Pretties", "Special", and "Extras" - Sat 11:00am EST

Nov 23rd Steve Brezenoff - Author of " The Absolute Value of -1", "Alley of Shadows" etc… - Tues 6:30pm EST

Nov 24th Alex - Author of "Alex reads books" blog - Wed 6:30pm EST

Nov 25th Estevan Vega - Author of "The Sacred Sin" and "Arson" - Thur 6:30pm EST

Nov 27th Allan Frewin Jones - Author of "The Faerie Path" and "The Warrior Princess" series - Sat 11:00am EST

Nov 30th Alan Gratz - Author of "Something Wicked", "Something Rotten", "The Brooklyn Nine" etc… - Tues 6:30pm EST



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 "Harmony from PAYA"

I have blogged about PAYA and the fantastic work that Harmony, Yan and Josh Berk have done to support YA literature in Pennsylvania. So it was with great pleasure that I had Harmony along with a couple of other dial in guest on my show today.

PAYA, Bringing (More) YA to PA, is an initiative started by book bloggers Harmony and Yan with help from Tenner author and PA librarian, Josh Berk, in response to dramatic Pennsylvania state budget cuts that have reduced library funding by more than 25%.

Since I grew up in Pennsylvania, this struck a chord with me. Plus, I think it is absolutely amazing and impressive that Harmony, a just-turned 15 year old, and Yan, a 17 year old student, have taken this kind of initiative and done such an incredible job organizing a website, book drive, and auction, with plans for an annual Philadelphia YA Book Festival beginning summer 2010. Oh, and that’s in addition to their regular book blogging and schoolwork.

The show explains how PAYA came about, and what it is doing to help schools and library's in PA. Share the knowledge of how three young people have taken on the responsibility to help Young Adult Readers in Pennsylvania and how you to can help PAYA.

After all as Kat one of the dial in guests commented.

"Everybody should be able to read a book no matter what state or country they live in."

You can find out more about PAYA at


http://bringya2pa.blogspot.com

Join me as I chat with Harmony as she is my guest on todays "A Book and a Chat"

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond/2009/11/07/A-Book-and-a-Chat-with-HAMRONY

or on my blog spot at

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com


Barry



BARRY EVA (Storyheart)

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"