DR. MEL'S MESSAGE - From my novels to my other projects, no telling what you will read. This is the only place you will get to read about how I developed a screenplay into a novel and what is the driving force. I will talk about many things from films to books to acting to producing. It really will depend on where my mind takes me. I hope you will join me on this journey.
Okay, I am finally starting to feel like myself again after that battle with whatever I had. I hate getting sick in the summer. What kept me going was picturing myself at the beach. Somehow that always works.
I have some great news! I finally contracted my narrators for both A.D.AM. THE BEGINNING OF LIFE and for my next novel SECRET ROMANCES: A FORBIDDEN THIRST FOR LOVE. Rebecca Roberts will narrate A.D.AM. THE BEGINNING OF LIFE and Kris Scenzey will narrate the other. Both women are fabulous at what they do. I feel extremely fortunate to have found these two. With that said, to date, I have hired the following narrators from ACX to narrate my novels. By clicking on the links to my books below, you can read them right now.
Kris Scenszey - SECRET ROMANCES: THE FORBIDDEN THIRST FOR LOVE (Launches this winter)
I can't wait to share samples on this blog from all of these fabulous narrators and my books. So, be sure to subscribe to my blog to keep up. You won't want to miss the excerpts.
Now I want to tell you about a book called Chaos Theory: The Biker Variable written by J.B. Sandkamp. This is Sandkamp's first novel and what I find interesting is that the author didn't write the book until the age of sixty. I can identify with that. For my readers who loved THE KEYSTROKE KILLER: TRANSCENDENCE and the dark, deep, and twisted elements of it, then this book is for you. Please be advised that this book contains graphic scenes of sex and violence.
Mason Metcalf, thirty-three, and vice president of the Knights of Chaos Motorcycle Club, had his hand on his Glock and was about to regretfully dispose of this inconvenient witness to an illicit transaction gone badly wrong. Dead girls tell no tales, but the president shook his head. They would be bringing the girl along with them. Under normal circumstances, he would never have met her. They didn’t even move in the same universe. He would probably be dead before he was forty, killed in a barroom brawl, knifed in prison, shot during the commission of a felony, or dead in a moment’s inattention on the Harley. She was destined for a higher purpose. Cleone, somewhere on the high-functioning end of the spectrum and a prodigy, had goals, important goals, and she wasn’t too fastidious about how she achieved them. A gang of bikers might be a good start. History is full of these improbable chance meetings. It’s almost as if something purposeful moves us about for its own amusement.
My author tip for today is quick and easy. To sell more books, you have to write more books. Yikes! Did I write that? Yes, I did. The more books you have available on the market, the more royalties you receive because you build a fan base. It is easier to sell your second book than it is your first. Of course, that also means that you have to remain active on your social media sites and interact. Therefore, don't be a one trick wonder and sit on your laurels of one book. Get busy and write.
Next, and this is on the same line of writing more books, consider writing a sequel to your book. One feedback that I received about my novel NEVER STOP RUNNING was they weren't ready to leave my characters and setting. They wanted more. It wasn't because the plot wasn't development. In fact, it was the opposite. They loved my characters and wanted more. So, yes, I am writing the sequel. I am also writing the sequels to THE KEYSTROKE KILLER and A.D.A.M.
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Today's author interview is Christine Reidhead and I think her book comes just in time for all the college graduates who are searching for jobs. Reidheid has years of experience and her book offers sound advice. Please take the time to get to know her and her book.
CHRISTINE REIDHEAD
How to Ace a Job Interview: A Simple Guide to Landing Any Interview
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
The youngest of five children, I was born in Mesa, Arizona, to Phyllis and Daniel Cluff. I lived in Duncan, Arizona until I was 11 years old, then moved to Benson, Arizona, and spent my high school years there.After graduating from Benson High School in 1997, I attended Pima Community College, where I played on the college's basketball team. After transferring to Eastern Arizona College, I continued to play basketball and earned an Associate’s degree in General Studies in 2004. I then went on to attend Prescott College, wherein 2009, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, before also earning my Master’s of Science in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix. Now at Grand Canyon University, I am just one year away from completing the school's Doctoral Leadership and Organizational Development program.
What inspired you to author this book?
I am a Business Professor at Navajo Technical University.What inspired me to write this book is my students.They come across challenges where they need some extra help and guidance.I felt this would prepare them for job interviews so they could gain confidence as they go through the process, which can be intimidating.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I love my cover because it shows the nervousness of people when they are about to go into an interview. You have people from all walks of life competing for the same job you are.This cover depicts the waiting room right before an interview.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Oh, there are many people who have had a great influence on me.I don’t think I could name them all!If I started naming them, I feel many of them would feel left out.As far as an inspiration as a writer, that would be Tom Davis.He is a tireless worker and definitely a great mentor to me.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Having the guts to write a book for the first time!Just the fearless determination to do things outside of my comfort zone and constantly challenging myself.I am a huge goal setter and really try to set goals to always keep improving. I am never satisfied with mediocrity.
Tell your readers about your book.
This book is a quick read and very simple. It highlights the three types of interviews: face-to-face, telephone, and video. It then goes into the three stages of the interview process: before, during and after. After that, it goes into the common interview questions and how to answer them.Finally, it describes common interview mistakes and how to avoid them.
Who is your target audience, and why?
The target audience would be anyone preparing for a job interview.We can go for a job interview at any stage of our lives.This is very broad and can be useful to anyone who reads it.
If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
It’s a quick simple read packed with key information.
You are involved in a non-profit organization. Please tell my readers about them.
I started a nonprofit organization called AfrikRising.It targets one of the most poverty-stricken continents in the world. We serve the underserved and provide basic needs, services and education. I feel little by little we can help improve this world. As a whole, I believe we take our basic luxuries for granted. These orphaned children need assistance, they need a little charity to provide hope in their lives. The majority of children in Africa are born into poverty and die in poverty. I really love serving and bringing smiles to children’s faces.
Tell us about your podcasts and where we can follow them.
I currently have four podcasts.The first one is called, “Be the Change Nonprofit Podcast.” This highlights nonprofit organizations and provides them with a platform to showcase their organization and the things they are involved in.A lot of nonprofits do not get the coverage or respect they deserve with all the service and good works they are doing. The second podcast is one that I do with my brother called, “Sports Talk with Sheldon and Christine.” We discuss sports topics from that week and highlight current sporting events. The Tribal College Movement is a podcast I do with Tom Davis. He is one of the founding fathers of the tribal college movement. Lastly, I do a podcast on the Life of Mark Poulsen.He was the Vice President of Motorola and spent 30 years with that organization.I love doing these podcasts as these are people and events that I am very passionate about.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
One of my greatest successes in life is being a mother to my two boys.No matter how much success or accomplishments that come into my life, nothing tops being a mother.My two boys are the joys of my life and the reason I do what I do.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I feel experience sets me apart from other writers. I have a lot of experience in many areas.
What one piece of advice do you have for new authors.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t let fear dictate your success in life. So many people tell you not to do something because they aren’t familiar with it or because that’s not something they have done. Don’t listen to anyone else and just jump in! I think we don’t obtain our potential because we listen to other people. Do what you want to do and aim high!
"BECOMING MISS IZZY is the best book of the summer for your middle school child." Dr.Carol Michaels
As a middle school principal, I witnessed first-hand the struggles adolescent girls have with confidence, body acceptance, and peer relationships. I am sure middle school readers will identify with Miss Izzy and will find her story entertaining, informative, and enlightening. I highly recommend this read.Dr. Alice Mical
“Well Done Ladies - WOW !!!!!!” Truly an inspirational book, I love how “Becoming Miss Izzy” transcends time. Memories surfaced of my childhood as I read each word. The book is so well written, stirring emotions within readers of all ages. Parents would be wise to read this with their girls. I love how the story strengthened family relationships while a clear plan was laid to help guide the characters to a successful outcome. Sad to think that girls today still have the same challenges that I faced as a child. So glad resources like Becoming Miss Izzy are available building self-confidence, respect within yourself and towards others.”Debbie - Grayslake, IL
