Category Archives: Author Tours

Tegon Maus, Author of ‘Bob’: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on December 1st, 2014

Bob CoverPublisher: Tirgearr Publishing (September 5, 2014)
Category: Soft Science Fiction
Tour Date: October, 2014
Available in: ebook, Approx. 165 Pages

After 27 years as a newspaper man, Peter Anderson’s career is slipping away… at least it was… until he stumbled upon the story of a lifetime.

Sent to do a fluff piece about lights in the night sky over Arizona, he discovers far more than he ever expected when he comes upon a mysterious young woman held prisoner in a basement.   After helping her to escape she disappears before he can learn the truth about who she is or where she came from.

His search for her leads him back to the lights in the sky and leaves him with more questions than answers.   The only thing he knows for certain… the only thing he can count on are the two words offered repeatedly by his friend and guide…. “IS BELT.”

Praise for Tegon Maus’s ‘Machines Of the Little People’ (The Eve Project, Book 1):

“Compelling Science Fiction.  As this story unfolds the characters are all so amazing, from psychic elderly ladies, to nine ‘sisters’ and sinister spy like characters and agents. Then, if that is not exciting enough, add to the equation a blossoming love affair, secret research projects and deadly weapons and you soon come to realise that this book is captivating from the first page.”-Susan Keefe, Book Reviews by Susan Keefe

“This novel is most extra-ordinary in how the author can take something and logically make it to be something else.  One thing is for sure. The Eve Project is filled with unique characters.  I think you’ll enjoy this author’s wild imagination! It makes for a good read. “- Kathryn Svendsen, Shelf Full of Books

” The plot is intricate and very cleverly written. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction or fantasy. It is a quick read that can be read in a single afternoon. I’m pleased that this is part of a series. I look forward to seeing what Mr. Maus will do with this series.”-Belinda Wilson, Amazon Reviewer

“The characters come alive, and the writing is fast-paced and exciting, keeping the reader turning the pages.”-Virginia E. Johnson, Amazon Reviewer

Praise for Tegon Maus’s ‘My Grandfather’s Pants’:

“Brilliantly written and a test of one’s affections.  While I found this creative fictional work both hilarious and seriously action-packed, woven within the pages are the internal struggles acted out externally.  Not only do I recommend this book as it is 5 star quality, but too do I recommend Author Maus fantastic science fiction delights. An Author with hopefully many more works on the horizon, I rate his creativity to be extremely high.”–Valerie Caraotta Top 1000 Reviewer, Amazon

“ My Grandfather’s Pants is a funny and surprising novel. An enjoyable combination of fantasy and suspense with a touch of romance. The protagonist, Jack is a likeable old soul thrown into a bizarre situation, and the way he handles the bizarre challenges he faces will keep you guessing . . . and laughing. Pick up this book if you want to take a ride on a saucy, madcap rollercoaster. You won’t be disappointed!“- Joseph N. Sidari, Amazon Reviewer

“A rollicking adventure. I laughed and laughed as poor Jack learns to be careful what he asks for as he just might get it–every man’s fantasy of being pursued by a slew of women. Tegon Maus is an amazing writer. You won’t want to put the book down once you start it.”–Terri Valentine, Amazon Reviewer

About Tegon Maus:tegon maus2

I was raised pretty much the same as everyone else… devoted mother, strict father and all the imaginary friends I could conjure. Not that I wasn’t friendly, I just wasn’t “people orientated”. Maybe I lived in my head way more than I should have, maybe not. I liked machines more than people, at least I did until I met my wife.

The first thing I can remember writing was for her. For the life of me I can’t remember what it was about… something about dust bunnies under the bed and monsters in my closet. It must have been pretty good because she married me shortly after that. I spent a good number of years after inventing games and prototypes for a variety of ideas before I got back to writing.

It wasn’t a deliberate conscious thought, it was more of a stepping stone. My wife and I had joined a dream interpret group and we were encouraged to write down our dreams as they occurred. “Be as detailed as you can,” we were told.

I was thrilled. If there is one thing I enjoy it’s making people believe me and I like to exaggerate. Not a big exaggeration or an outright lie mind you, just a little step out of sync, just enough so you couldn’t be sure if it were true or not.  When I write, I always write with the effort of “it could happen” very much in mind and nothing, I guarantee you, nothing, makes me happier.

I have consistently placed in the top 3 in 189 writing contest in a variety of genres and I have been featured in magazines a couple of times to raise money for Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Website: http://www.tegonmaus.com/#!
Author on Tirgearr Website: http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Maus_Tegon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TegonMaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tegon-Maus/150255051766767
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tegon/tegon-maus/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/101974688416833509592/posts

Buy ‘Bob’:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Follow The Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Nov 4 Spotlight & Giveaway
Bound 4 Escape Nov 4 Review
Shelf Full of Books Nov 5 Review & Giveaway
Pinky’s Favorite Reads Nov 6 Interview & Excerpt
Cassandra M’s Place Nov 7 Spotlight & Giveaway
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov 11 Guest Post
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov 11 Excerpt
Christy’s Cozy Corners Nov. 13 Review & Giveaway
The Writing Desk Nov 14 Guest Post
Deal Sharing Aunt Nov 17 Excerpt
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Nov 18 Review
Celtic Lady’s Review Nov 19 Excerpt
Room With Books Nov 21 Guest Post & Excerpt
Carole’s Book Corner Nov 24 Excerpt
Two Children and a Migraine Dec 1 Review

 

 

 

Jamie Lisa Forbes, Author of ‘The Widow Smalls’: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on April 2nd, 2020

Widow Smalls 2CoverPublisher: Pronghorn Press (October 20, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1-932636-97-0
Category: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Tour Date: November, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 231 Pages

Thirty years of browbeating from rancher Bud Smalls has penned his wife, Leah, into emotional isolation.  Now Bud is gone and Leah owns the ranch, but there is no help forthcoming from Bud’s brothers who want to force her out and take the ranch for themselves.  When their attempt to humiliate her instead becomes her opportunity to succeed, Leah begins to find her way back to herself and learns how much she can gain by opening her heart.

The Widow Smalls is just one of the stories in this collection by the WILLA Award winning author of Unbroken, Jamie Lisa Forbes, who writes about the hardships of making a living from the land with an understanding that comes from first-hand experience.

Her deftly drawn characters include star-crossed lovers, a young rancher facing his first test of moral courage, an inscrutable ranch hand claiming an impressive relative, a father making one last grasp for his daughter’s love and a child’s struggle to make sense of the world around her.   Each will pull you into the middle of their stories and keep you turning the pages.

Praise for ‘Unbroken’:

“Throughout this beautifully written story, I pictured the scenes, the characters, and visualized it all as if I walked among them. Five stars.”-Laurel Rain-Snow, Rainy Days and Mondays

“Unbroken is a powerful, absorbing book from the first page to the last. Forbes’ Wyoming ranch background adds rich flavors to the story. The author draws realistic, complex characters. Unbroken is an unvarnished testimonial to a way of life that few of us know.”– Mary E. Trimble, author of ‘ TUBOB: Two Years in West Africa with the Peace Corps’

“The author brings to life the setting in this story. I could easily envision ranch life, and how being responsible for the land could consume someone. The harshness of the elements, or the struggles of managing livestock seemed so realistic. I found myself being drawn into this story right away. There was so much to this story, the author not only allowed a very realistic look at ranch life, but also paints a story of family drama and broken relationships. A story well worth reading.”– Brenda Casto, VW Stitcher

“The writing is realistic and true to the nature of life in rural Wyoming. Harsh winters, endless wind, and dependence on neighbors to survive form the backdrop of this novel. Ms. Forbes writes with a sparseness of prose to match the landscape. This book is one that opens a window onto a way of life few people experience.”- Suzanne Lilly the TeacherWriter

“Unbroken was a very satisfying read for me.  I found myself putting off eating so I could read “just one more chapter” because I was so involved in the lives of the characters.  Ms. Forbes has a way of drawing you into the lives of the characters and making you feel like you are there living and working beside them, being friends with them.  It’s wonderful and when the book is over you feel sad, because you want more of the story even though the story has come to its conclusion.  But you want more because you don’t want to leave the characters. 

To me that is the mark of a good book, when the characters and the storyline stay with me after finishing.  When I’m still thinking about something they said or did or wondering about a point the author was making or even applying something to my life.  Unbroken has something for everyone.  Descriptions of ranching life, romance, friendship, parenting, tough decisions and so much more.  There is never a lull in the plot and I found it to be an amazing read.”- Crystal Fulcher, My Reading Room

About Jamie Lisa Forbes:Jamie Forbes

Jamie Lisa Forbes was raised on a family ranch in southeastern Wyoming.  She graduated from the University of Colorado with honors in 1977 and then lived in Israel until 1979, when she returned to her family’s ranch and raised her own family over the next fifteen years.  Today, she writes and practices law in Greensboro, North Carolina.  She enjoys spending time with her grandsons and playing old time Appalachian fiddle.  With her Arabian horse, Cody, and her cattle dog, Reb, she still devotes part of her life to the outdoors.

Jamie Lisa Forbes won the WILLA Award for her novel ‘Unbroken’.

Buy Widow Smalls:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
IndieBound

Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 3 Review & Giveaway
Pinky’s Favorite Reads Nov 4 Interview & Excerpt
Inspire to Read Nov. 5 Excerpt
Cassandra M’s Place Nov. 6 Review & Giveaway
Back to Books Nov. 7 Review
WV Stitcher Nov.10 Review
Dr Bill’s Book Bazaar Nov. 11 Review
Deal Sharing Aunt Nov. 12 Review & Giveaway
Unshelfish Nov 13 Review
Indie Re Behind the Scenes Nov 13 9 PM Eastern Live Interview
Bound 4 Escape Nov. 17 Review
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov. 18 Guest Post
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov. 18 Excerpt
Room With Books Nov 19 Interview & Excerpt
Lady in Read Nov. 20 Review
The Book Binder’s Daughter Nov. 26 Review
Manic Mama of 3 Nov 19 Review
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov. 28 Review
Two Children and a Migraine Dec 3 Review

Craig Staufenberg, Author of ‘The Girl Who Came Back To Life’: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on January 7th, 2015

girlwhocamebacktolife_cover_highresPublisher: Create Space  (April 16, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1497532731
Category: Fantasy, Magic, Fairytale
Tour Date: October, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 180 Pages

“When you die, your spirit wakes in the north, in the City of the Dead. There, you wander the cold until one of your living loved ones finds you, says “Goodbye,” and Sends you to the next world.

After her parents die, 12-year-old Sophie refuses to release their spirits. Instead, she resolves to travel to the City of the Dead to bring her mother and father’s spirits back home with her.

Taking the long pilgrimage north with her gruff & distant grandmother—by train, by foot, by boat; over ruined mountains and plains and oceans—Sophie struggles to return what death stole from her. Yet the journey offers her many hard, unexpected lessons—what to hold on to, when to let go, and who she must truly bring back to life.”

Praise for ‘The Girl Who Came Back To Life:

“Once I started it, I had to finish it in one sitting to see what happened to Sophie.”-Lisa R.

“I am an avid reader and an experienced editor, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The story is unique and interesting. I have not read one like this one before. It is appealing in a very human and also a very transcendent way – calling on our desires to have strength, to make amends, to feel, and to forget.”-Dara S.

“Sophie’s coming-of-age story is harrowing, but also incredibly unassuming and honest. There is a simplicity and a clarity to your writing that makes this epic journey seem relatable.”-Isaac S.

“A very good read!”-Frank B.

Praise for Craig Staufenberg’s ‘9/11 heartbreaker’:

“Author Craig Staufenberg has created an amazing little graphic novel that is touching and compelling and not at all what I expected.”-Nolan B. Canova, Crazed Fanboy 

“What could have been exploitative or overtly cheesy and sentimental instead comes off as personal. This are memories and views that aren’t forced upon the reader. The rough art ads to that personal touch. This really feels like an illustrated journal entry. The writer has something to say, and needed to get it off his chest.”Bret Schenker, Graphic Policy 

“Staufenberg, who began the book as a means of exploring our generation’s memories and feelings about September 11, has created one of the most poignant and thought-provoking reactions to the events of that day that I’ve had the pleasure of encountering in any form of media.”-Marc, With Great Power 

“By the end, the philosophical introspection and haunting feel of the 911 heartbreaker give this tale a very unique feel. I’m really glad I spent some time with this heartbreaker.”-Jason Sacks, Comics Bulletin

About Craig Staufenberg:CraigStaufenberg_AuthorImage

Craig Staufenberg is a writer and filmmaker living in NYC.

Website: http://craigstaufenberg.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouMakeArtDumb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
/YouMakeArtDumb
Google+: https://plus.google.com
/108490376831859338288/posts

Buy ‘The Girl Who Came Back To Life’:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Sept 30 Giveaway
The News in Books Oct. 1 Review
The News in Books Oct. 1 Guest Post
Pinky’s Favorite Reads Oct. 2 Excerpt
Cassandra M’s Place Oct. 3 Review & Giveaway
Mom With A Kindle Oct. 3 Interview & Excerpt
100 Pages A Day Oct  5 Review & Excerpt
Christy’s Cozy Corners Oct 6 Review & Giveaway
Wall-to-wall books Oct. 7 Review
I’m A Voracious Reader Oct. 8 Review
The Rest Is Still Unwritten Oct. 10 Guest Post & Excerpt
Sweet Southern Home Oct 14 Review
Becky’s Barmy Book Blog Oct 14 Guest Post & Excerpt
Geeks in High School Oct 15 Review
I Feel So Unnecessary Oct 16 Review
Rockin’ Book Reviews Oct. 17 Review, Interview, & Excerpt
The YA Lit Chick Oct. 20 Review
Lady in Read Oct. 21 Review
LetsTalkAboutBooks Oct. 22 Review
Falling Books Oct 24 Interview & Giveaway
Deal Sharing Aunt Oct. 27 Review, Interview, & Excerpt
What U Talking Bout Willis? Oct 29 Review
What U Talking Bout Willis? Oct 29 Excerpt
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Nov 1 Review
The Librarian Fatale Nov. 3 Review
Mom Does It All Nov. 4 Review & Giveaway
A Dream Within A Dream Nov 5 Review & Giveaway
JBronder Book Reviews Nov 6 Review
Cici’s Theories Nov 10 Review, Guest Post, & Giveaway
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Nov 11 Review
Manic Mama of 3 Nov. 7 Review & Excerpt
I Can Has Books? Nov 12 Review
Two Children and a Migraine Nov 13 Review
Indie Re Behind the Scenes Nov 20 11 am CST Live Interview (Google+ Hangout)
The Book Lovers’ Lounge Nov 24 Review

Lloyd Lofthouse, Author of ‘Crazy Is Normal’: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 24th, 2014

Crazy is Normal a classroom exposePublisher: Three Clover Press (June 14, 2014)
ISBN: 978-0986032851
Category: Biographies and Memoirs, Educators
Tour Date: October, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 386 Pages

Multi award winning author, Lloyd Lofthouse kept a daily journal for one-full school year and that journal became the primary source of this teacher’s memoir.

“Readers who envision eager students lapping up learning led by a Tiger Teacher will be disappointed. Lofthouse presents us with grungy classrooms, kids who don’t want to be in school, and the consequences of growing up in a hardscrabble world. While some parents support his efforts, many sabotage them—and isolated administrators make the work of Lofthouse and his peers even more difficult.

Throughout this memoir, though, Lofthouse seems able to keep the hope alive that there’s a future for each student that doesn’t include jail—thanks in large part to his sixth period journalism class and its incredible editor, Amanda.” – Bruce Reeves

Praise for ‘Crazy is Normal’:

“Lloyd has written an honest and fascinating story of a year in the working life of a dedicated California public school teacher. This is a must read for those thinking of becoming a teacher, is a public school teacher or administrator, or has children in the public school system.

What works most effectively is how Lloyd shows the contrast between the two student extremes – the top achievers who take what Lloyd offers and learns how to conquer the world, and the many slackers who appear determine to sabotage their teacher’s best efforts to teach them the skills they need for a successful future.”-Tim M, Amazon Reviewer

“Lots of teachers I know wish they had kept a daily journal as detailed as Lofthouse’s; you forget so much. He’s done old teachers a favor, and will have them nodding their heads — “yes, that’s the way it was.” Parents and teachers who live in lusher locations may turn their nose up at his toughness and military approach to classroom rules, but in the long run it’s the students who profited. Someday maybe someone will keep a similar journal and write a parallel account of life in a “nice” school classroom. A great read that gradually moves the reader from a sense of “crazy” to a sense of “maybe there’s hope.”- Unhirsute, Amazon Reviewer

“Lloyd Lofthouse has written a powerful memoir in Crazy Normal that took me back to time we shared at Nogales High School. His reflections and anecdotes based on his daily journal brought so many memories of my own teaching experiences there. This is not fiction, but retelling of events that might give insight for many into the challenges a teacher faces every day.

Lofthouse’s journal shows a later picture of the community. The kids who populate the pages of his memoir don’t have dirt floors, but many of them are still new to the country and the language. Some are headed to colleges and universities while others, if they graduate from high school, might be the first of their families to achieve that diploma.

I had to take breaks from reading when Lloyd described the grueling and frustrating teachers’ meetings. These were not times I wanted to revisit now that I have retired after thirty-seven years of teaching. But like Lloyd, my good memories are of the students who walked through my doors every day. I revel in their accomplishments and their ability to overcome huge societal obstacles in order to succeed. Nogales is a place like many other American high schools where crazy is normal.

I applaud Lloyd Lofthouse for his dedication and hard work on behalf of kids who needed someone who cared enough to help his students learn and grow. His story is worth telling—and worth the read.”- GailtheReader, Amazon Reviewer

Watch the Interview:

About Lloyd Lofthouse:Lloyd Lofthouse

Little did Lloyd Lofthouse know in 1999, when he married Anchee Min, that he was beginning a journey of discovery. His first trip to The Middle Kingdom was on the honeymoon with his bride, who introduced him to China and Robert Hart (1835-1911), the main characters in Lloyd’s first two novels, My Splendid Concubine and Our Hart. The next decade was a journey of discovery. Lloyd now lives near San Francisco with his wife–with a second home in Shanghai, China.

Lloyd earned a BA in journalism in 1973 after fighting in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. While working days as an English teacher, he enjoyed a second job as a maitre d’ in a multimillion-dollar nightclub. His short story, A Night at the ‘Well of Purity’ was named as a finalist for the 2007 Chicago Literary Awards.

Lloyd has won 15 awards for My Splendid Concubine and 5 awards for Running With the Enemy.

Website: http://lloydlofthouse.org/
Author’s Den: http://www.authorsden.com/lloydlofthouse

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lflwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lloyd-Lofthouse/168775989838050
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116728680363586998839/posts

‘Crazy Is Normal’ will be on sale for only $0.99 from October 1-November 15, 2014 on Kindle!

Buy ‘Crazy is Normal’:

Amazon 

Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct. 1 Review & Giveaway
Inspire to Read Oct. 2  Guest Post & Excerpt
The Wormhole Oct 3 Guest Post
Cassandra M’s Place Oct. 6 Review & Giveaway
Pinky’s Favorite Reads Oct 6 Interview & Excerpt
Dr Bill’s Book Bazaar Oct. 8 Review
Being Tillys Mummy Oct 9 Guest Post
Being Tillys Mummy Oct 9 Excerpt
Unselfish Oct 13 Review
Back Porchervations Oct 14 Review & Excerpt
Sincerely Stacie Oct. 15 Review           
Heck Of A Bunch Oct. 17 Review & Giveaway
Books, Books & More Books Oct 21 Review
Rockin’ Book Reviews Oct 22 Review, Interview, and  Excerpt
The Book Binder’s Daughter Oct. 23 Review & Interview
The News in Books Oct. 29 Review
The News in Books Oct. 29 Guest Post
M. Denise Costello Oct. 30 Review & Excerpt
DWD’s Reviews Oct 31 Review
She Treads Softly Nov. 3 Review          
CelticLady’s Reviews Nov 4 Review      
What U Talking Bout Willis? Nov 10 Review & Excerpt
From Isi Nov 11 Review
Manic Mama of 3 Nov. 12 Review & Excerpt
Reading To Distraction Nov 12
Booknerd Nov 14
Deal Sharing Aunt Nov 17 Review, Interview & Excerpt
Feminist Reflections Nov 18
My Devotional Thoughts Nov. 24 Review & Excerpt