Tag Archives: Virtual Book Tours

Robert Steven Williams, Author of My Year As a Clown: On Tour # 2

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This post was most recently updated on November 19th, 2013

How does a man really feel after the break-up of a 20-year marriage?

Publisher: Against the Grain Press  (Dec. 26, 2012)
Category: Contemporary Fiction/Literary Fiction/Humor/Relationships
Tour Date: November 4-19, 2013
Available in: eBook,  325 pages

With MY YEAR AS A CLOWN, Robert Steven Williams introduces us to Chuck Morgan, a new kind of male hero—imperfect and uncertain—fumbling his way forward in the aftermath of the abrupt collapse of his 20-year marriage.

Initially, Chuck worries he’ll never have a relationship again, that he could stand in the lobby of a brothel with a hundred dollar bill plastered to his forehead and still not get laid. But as the emotionally raw, 365-day odyssey unfolds, Chuck gradually relearns to live on his own, navigating the minefield of issues faced by being suddenly single—new routines, awkward dates, and even more awkward sex.

With My Year As a Clown, Robert Steven Williams will attract fans of the new breed of novelists that includes Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, Lolly Winston, and Tom Perrotta, delivering painfully honest glimpses into the modern male psyche while writing about both sexes with equal ease and grace in a way that’s hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.

Robert Steven Williams is the recipient of the Silver Medal for popular fiction in the 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards for My Year as a Clown.

Watch the Video:

Praise for Robert Steven Williams and My Year As a Clown:

“Realism, humor and insight are mostly the order of the day in My Year as a Clown: a fairly complex novel whose epilogue drives home the notion that, while Chuck’s life may have some things that go well, it does not have a Hollywood-type happy ending.“- Charles Baker, IndieReader

“Williams’ characters give us the real-deal: a gut wrenching and often humorous look, showing us the everyday horrors of what it’s like to start all over again as one approaches middle age.”–Suzan-Lori Parks, novelist, playwright and screenwriter. Winner, 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog“Merits aplenty it had.  Topping them was the humor sometimes gentle and subtle but that reached ROFL proportions at times.  There were a number of eccentric characters that stay with me months later as memories that get confused with memories of someone I once knew.  Not that I’m confusing the characters with someone I ever knew but when something triggers a vague memory of them, I’m at first searching my memories of real people from my past before it dawns on me they were characters in a novel.  Which is high marks for the author. The journal like format for the story gave it an easy flow and worked well to allow us to follow Chuck through the morass of the first months and the slog towards happy that followed.” Joy Renee, Joyful Story
“Chuck is an interesting character, but in the end he is just the guy next door. An average Joe of sorts. I really enjoyed reading the book in the guys view. There are a scarce amount of books following the man’s POV after a divorce or break-up (or just in general). I also loved how it seemed that Chuck was writing some sort of journal to keep his sanity throughout Claudia leaving him.
I really enjoyed the array of characters the author gave us. Chuck met some rather interesting people along the way.
I enjoyed the journey and it really made me think about myself and what I would do in a similar situation. Even though I’m a chicka and he is a male, I still found myself connecting to him.”–Carole Rae, Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings
 
“My Year As A Clown is an honest portrayal of both heartbreak and healing. When Chuck finds his wife’s betrayal I really felt his pain. Yet through the humor, humility and honesty, Williams was able to lead us into the depths of an emotional male. All of the doubts, insecurities, and even the fears have all been revealed. I enjoyed the true honesty of My Year As A Clown and highly recommend Williams novel to anyone that needs a pick me up or even words of encouragement.”– Brianna, A Book & a Lattee

About Robert Steven Williams:

Robert Steven Williams is an author, singer-songwriter, and musician. His debut novel, My Year as a Clown (Against the Grain Press), was released in January 2013.

As a writer, Williams was a finalist in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and was awarded a Squaw Valley Writers Community Thayer Scholarship. He attended Bread Loaf, Sewanee and the Squaw Valley Writers’ Conferences, and worked closely with the esteemed fiction writer, Barry Hannah. His short fiction has appeared in Carve Magazine, The Orange Coast Review, and the anthology Tall Tales and Short Stories Volume II. Additionally, he was the executive producer of the critically acclaimed BOOM! Studios CBGB Comic series, nominated in 2011 for a Harvey Award for Best Anthology. Robert’s work has also appeared in Poets & Writers Magazine, Billboard, USA Today  and LetterPress, a newsletter for writers. He is also co-author of the best-selling business book, The World’s Largest Market.

As a musician, Williams studied songwriting with Rosanne Cash, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and other top country writers. In 2005, he released the critically acclaimed CD “I Am Not My Job,” featuring Rachel Z (Peter Gabriel, Wayne Shorter) and Sloan Wainwright.

Robert’s Website: http://www.robertstevenwilliams.com/
Robert on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-Steven-Williams/151139431616038
Robert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSWwriter
Robert on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111002605881778815727/posts
Robert on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/robertstevenw/
Robert on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/rocknovel

Buy My Year As a Clown:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Nov 4 Interview & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto Nov 6 Review
Bookalicious Travel Addict Nov 6 Guest Post
From Isi Nov 7 Spotlight
Roses & Beps Nov 8 Excerpt
Every Free Chance Nov 13 Review, Guest Post & Giveaway
Giveaways & Glitter Nov 14 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Nov 18 Review & Giveaway
Paperback Writer Nov 19 Guest Post


 

Seth Eisner, Author of Journey to Galumphagos: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 28th, 2013

Publisher: WindSide Alley Books (August 4, 2013)
Category/Genre: Middle Grade, Action/Adventure
ISBN: 978-1491082324
Tour Date: November, 2013
Available in: Print & ebook, 84 Pages

Life can be tough for a loner like Emily. She’s had enough of being the perfect target for bullies. She persuades her brother and sister to run away with her to Galumphagos Island, a paradise on earth. But they find out that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the street, or even the other side of the ocean. They need all their courage and cleverness — and a little luck, too — to get out of the mess they landed in. Seth Eisner blends fantastic creatures, exotic travel, non-stop action, and humor in his story about three young children who learn that real courage isn’t just about adventures. It’s usually about ordinary things, like asking that other lonely girl if you can share her lunch table.  Journey to Galumphagos is sure to entertain both adults and children.

Praise for Journey to Galumphagos:

“In this entertaining, fantastical adventure for middle-grade readers, three siblings discover that running away from problems might create more of them. A well-paced, delightful children’s book with a moral that’s clear without being heavy-handed.“-Kirkus Review

“This enchanting book tells the story of 3 siblings who escape their routine life of parental control and classmates bullying to an anticipated fun-filled, exciting life of play on an island inhabited by lovable, furry creatures. When they learn that “the grass is always greener…” is not true, the children demonstrate creativity, co-operation, and perseverance in order to return home, much wiser for their experience. With new confidence, they can successfully make good decisions in dealing with adults and intimidating classmates. The illustrations are clever and help further conversation with children. As an educator, I recommend this as a book for curious independent readers and for adults to share with children. I’d love to read of further journeys by this author!”– Phyllis, Amazon Reviewer

“As I read Journey to Galumphagos, all I could think of was how great it would be as a Pixar movie, a-la “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”-style. The kids precociously abandon their parents for a better place, a wonderful land where kids can do whatever they want and spend their days with wonderful giant teddy-bear like creatures. Only when the kids arrive on Galumphagos, things are immediately a little kooky. Birds that bite, turtles that fight, and Galumphers who won’t leave you alone day or night (did I just make a rhyme?!) — this book made me happy and I look forward to sharing it with kids. Enjoy!“- Ellen C. Maze, Author

“Seth Eisner has created a paradise for kids who are picked on or bullied or just not accepted in the sometimes brutal world of school, and has also pointed out some of the confusion with the language that our common idioms (“pain in the neck”) present to elementary school-aged children. In this case, the expression is “pain in the neck” (as opposed to “pain on the neck”). I remember my own daughter, when that age, responding to my comment, “How do you like them apples?” with “What apples, Mom?” and smiled when I read Seth’s words.
Also smile-worthy are the excellent illustrations that Ellen C. Maze has provided for this fantastical journey of three children (Emily and her brother and sister) who learn firsthand that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. (Another expression that children might well take issue with: “What grass? What fence?”)
Elementary-school-aged children and their parents should enjoy reading about Emily’s journey to Galumphagos and back. And all of us should appreciate the underlying plea for acceptance of each school-aged child on his or her own merits, since it is common knowledge that bullying and ostracism of those who are “different” in the schools of today has become a real problem. (And, after 33 years in classrooms and 150 teacher years in the immediate family, it’s a problem I know well.)”– Connie Corcoran Wilson, Author

“Awesome book.  The title is pretty funny.  I liked the twist of the book.  It is a really good book for any third grader and over.  I don’t just love it because my great uncle wrote it.  I really think it is a great book.  And I think you should really read this book!  And I hope there will be a sequel.”– Ian, a Third-Grader 

About Seth Eisner:

Seth Eisner was an unemployed English professor who wrote a 400-page dissertation on Jane Austen before he gave up trying to be poor and went to law school.  He spent most of his career as inside counsel at Kraft Foods.  He retired as Vice President and Associate General Counsel.

Seth has been married to Rosalind for 44 years during which she has shown almost infinite patience.  They have three adult children, three children-in-law, and six grandchildren, none yet old enough to read Journey to Galumphagos, but they will be by the time the sequel comes out next year. 

Seth Eisner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.eisner.98?fref=ts

Buy Journey to Galumphagos:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Nov 11 Review & Giveaway
Reading for Sanity Nov 13 Review
Deal Sharing Aunt Nov 14 Review
Rose & Beps Blog Nov 15 Guest Post
Books, Books & More Books Nov 18 Review
The News in Books Nov 20 Review
The News in Books Nov 20 Interview and Giveaway
Saving for 6 Nov 21 Review
Joystory Nov 21 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Nov 22 Review & Giveaway
Daddy Blogger Nov 24  Live Interview on Hangout
Daddy Blogger Nov 25 Review (postponed)
Paperback Writer Nov 25 Guest Post
Rhodes Reviews Nov 26 Review
Rhodes Reviews Nov 26 Giveaway
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia Nov 27 Review(postponed)

Angela Shelton, Author of Tilda Pinkerton’s Magical Hats: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on August 14th, 2013

case6.140x9.210.inddPublisher: Quiet Owl Books  April 1, 2013)
Category: Children’s Literature/Fantasy/Magic
Tour Date: July- Early August, 2013
Available in: eBook and Print,  196  Pages, including a 344 Word Glossary
Illustrated by James Murry

Eleven-year-old Madison Mae and her younger brother, Albert, want to help save the family farm during troubled times. When a mysterious Magical Hat Shop appears by their grandpa’s red tractor mailbox, the children meet Tilda Pinkerton who presents them with one-of-a-kind hats, causing new ideas and talents to suddenly burst forth. As a flood of harm comes rushing towards the farm, Tilda Pinkerton teaches the children how they can accomplish much more than anyone ever imagined.

Increase your child’s vocabulary, self esteem and awareness of social issues, while they enjoy a great story!  Tilda Pinkeron’s Magical Hats does it all. Grades K1-4.

Praise For The Adventures of Tilda Pinkerton:

“INCREDIBLE! WOW! AMAZING! I’d go on but I think you’d get tired of it but I also don’t want you to think that I’m being overly promotional or something. I truly fell in love with The Adventures of Tilda Pinkerton. 
This book had me smiling and laughing. What makes it so unique? Well, there are great characters and such, but it all comes down to the words. Yes, words! The names of the characters are based on what they do and their personalities.  My mind was flying off in ways it could help kids learn new words and enjoy doing so.”-Rebecca Graf, A Book Lover’s Library

“Once I dived into the book  I have to say it did not disappoint! The Adventures of Tilda Pinkerton is so well written and entertaining from start to finish.  It was one of those books that I hated to put down and definitely want to share. The story line is so well thought out and put together that I was pleased  see that this book is just one of many that will come from Tilda Pinkerton.  I love the fact that Angela Shelton wrote a book that is a suitable for both children and adults.  Young and old will both love this book and rest assured if you are looking for a gift for a birthday or for Christmas coming up this book would be perfect!!”– Jayda, Two Children and a Migraine

“This is a truly lovely story.  If Dr. Seuss had written a novel it would be just like this–whimsical, charming, colorful as an artist’s palette, with moral values wrapped in parables like peaches in whipped cream, with epic struggles of good against evil and full of the wonder and wisdom only ever comprehended by the heart of a child.  This story will speak to every child heart aged 8 to 88.”–Joy Renee Davis, Joy Story

“The characters are colorful and quirky, the writing style easy and fun. And, word geek that I am, I absolutely loved that the story is also a bit of a dictionary: for “big” or “new” words, there are footnoted definitions.  Also, most characters have surnames that reflect their personalities. The vocabulary is amazing, and you learn without consciously learning (the best kind). I was sucked into the story, trying to work out the tangles on my own — piecing together clues, and trying to figure out the bad guys versus the good guys before all was revealed. There’s adventure, suspense, a little romance, and a dash of space-y goodness; I look forward to future adventures of Tilda.”– Rebecca, A Word’s Worth

“Finally a character in a book that loves words as much as me.  I love Tilda and her zany way of talking. So exciting to have a book so entertaining and enlightening.
I highly recommend this book.  Read it to yourself, read it out loud, read it to your kids, watch your vocabularity grow.  And the best part is no one will know you had so much fun with words.”–Mindy, Boks, Books & More Books

About Angela Shelton:Angela Shelton

Angela Shelton is an author, actor, blogger and public speaker. She has been writing since she was eight years old. Her first novel was adapted into the movie Tumbleweeds. Angela won a regional Emmy award for her portrayal of Safe Side Superchick in The Safe Side video series created by Baby Einstein’s Julie Clark and America’s Most Wanted’s John Walsh. After living in Los Angeles for over a decade, Angela left the big city for a one-light country town to marry her first love and fulfill her dream of writing books in a barn house.

Find out how Angela has incorporated the character of Tilda Pinkerton into an entire line of book projects, each geared towards a different age group at  www.MagicHatShop.com

Angela Shelton’s Website: http://angelashelton.com/
Angela Shelton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelashelton
Angela Shelton on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaSheltonFanPage
Tilda Pinkerton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tildapinkerton

Buy Tilda Pinkerton’s Magical Hats at:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Book July 2 Review & Giveaway
Books, Books & More Books  July 3 Review
Books, Books & More Books  July 5 Guest Post
Haunting of Orchid Forsythia July 8 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers July 9 Review & Giveaway
Sincerely Stacie July 10 Review
Library of Clean Reads July 11 Review
Cozy Little Book Journal & The Bookish Elf July 15 Review
Cozy Little Book Journal & The Bookish Elf July 16 G & Guest Post
Carole Rae’s Ramblings July 17 Review
Reading Novels Online  July 19 Review
Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell July 19 Review
Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms July 19 Review
Saving for 6 July 22 Review
Saving for 6 July 23 Guest Post
Thoughts in Progress July 23 Review & Giveaway
Joy Story July 25 Review
Haunting of Orchid Forsythia July 26 Interview
From L.A. to LA July 29 Review
Heck of a Bunch July 30 Review & Giveaway
Second Bookshelf July 31 Interview
Pragmatic Mom Aug 5 Review
Sweet Southern Home Aug 6 Review
VW Stitcher Aug 7 Review
Musing with Crayolakym Aug 8 Review   
DWED Blog Aug 9 Review & Interview
Giveaways & Glitter Aug 13 Review         

John Daly, Author of From a Dead Sleep: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on July 16th, 2013

Publisher: BQB Publishing  (June 25, 2013)
Category: Thriller/Suspense
Tour Date: June 24th-July 19th
Available in: eBook,  398 pages

Few residents in the small, secluded mountain town of Winston, Colorado, have kind words to say about Sean Coleman. He’s a bully, a drunk, and a crime‐show–addicted, armchair detective with an overactive imagination. After a night of poor judgment, Sean finds himself the sole witness to the unusual suicide of a mysterious stranger.

With the body whisked away in the chilling rapids of a raging river, no one believes Sean’s account. Tormented over the doubts and mockery of the people of Winston, Sean embarks on a far‐reaching crusade that takes him across the country in search of the dead man’s identity and personal vindication. At the end, he hopes to find redemption and the truth—but sometimes the truth is better left unknown. There are times when the truth invites evil. There are times when the truth can get you killed.

“Some writers are thoughtful. Some have style. John Daly has both. When I read his work, it’s time well spent.” – Bernard Goldberg, New York Times bestselling author of ‘Bias‘.

View the Trailer:

About John Daly:

A lifelong Coloradoan, John Daly graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration and computer information systems. He spent the next fifteen years developing accounting software and Internet-based workflow collaboration solutions.

With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBSNews journalist and The New York Times bestselling author.

John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green’s career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, From a Dead Sleep.

From a Dead Sleep is the story of a profoundly flawed man who witnesses a tragic event that no one else believes, and that man’s quest for the truth and redemption. The mystery novel unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

John lives in Greeley, Colorado, with his wife and two children. You can visit John’s website at johndalybooks.com or fromadeadsleep.com.

John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDalyAuthor
John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnDalyBooks

Pre-order From a Dead Sleep:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
BQB Publishing

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious books June 21 Spotlight & Giveaway
Recent Reads June 24 Review & Giveaway
Romance & Inspirations June 25 Guest Post
Books, Books & More Books June 26 Review
Ordinary Girlz June 27 Review
My Cozy Corner June 28  Review & Giveaway
Housewife Blues & Chihuahua July 1 Interview
Celtic Lady Reviews July 2 Review & Giveaway
Saving for 6 July 8 Review & Guest Post
Buried Under Books July 9 Interview
Succotash Reviews July 10 Review & Giveaway
Laurie’s Non-Para.Thoughts & Reviews July 11 Interview
A Book & a Lattee July 11 Review & Giveaway (Postponed)
Serendipity July 12 Review
Manic Mama of 2 July 15 Review & Giveaway
Literary Etc. July 16 Review