Glad you're here. You'll find reviews of various products....books, dvd's, music, and who knows what else you might find with a review! There will be an occasional interview and maybe even a few giveaways! Enjoy your time here and find yourself a treasure or two!


Monday, July 11, 2011

Interview with G. Edward Snipes, author of "I Called Him Dancer".

What made you write I CALLED HIM DANCER? Have you ever danced, taken lessons?

The only dance lesson I’ve received came when I was walking in the woods. A yellow cloud surrounded me and I began swatting yellow jackets like a break-dancer. Upon reflection, I don’t think I had the grace needed to make it big, so I quit after my first lesson. No more bees for me.

The inspiration for I Called Him Dancer came from a song performed by Tralena Walker and co-written by Tom Webster. I attended a meeting at the Atlanta Writers Club. Tralena and Tom were guest speakers. The topic was on how to write a story in lyrics for songs. Not my cup of Formosa Oolong, but at least it was entertaining. After performing the song, "Dancer", either Tom or Tralena said, “We’ve been looking for someone who will turn the song into a novel. We think it would make a great story.”

Until those words were spoken, I was a passive observer. I looked up and words were swarming around me like those yellow jackets. They attacked my head while I lay screaming on the floor. Okay, maybe I didn’t scream – but my mind did. In an instant, the story unfolded in my mind and I knew this was something I was to write.

I knew nothing about dancing (other than what the bees taught me). Tom and Tralena gave me the lyrics and I started researching and writing. I have to admit that I worried about the dancing scenes, but I knew things took shape when people began asking how I became so knowledgeable about dance. I thought back to the bees and said, “It’s just something that hit me while walking in the woods.”

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

When I was a child, I got my first book. I flipped through the pages, then tore it apart. I didn't know it at the time, but that's exactly what you do when editing a manuscript.

I hated writing when I was younger. I only did what I had to do, and sometimes not even that. Writers block was more like writers dementia. My mind didn't return to me until after ... hmm. What were we talking about?

In 1998, I became active in prison ministry. Many of the men I ministered to were eager to learn. Someone asked me if I had my studies or notes on paper. I agreed to write out the next study and then my writing career was born. The problem wasn't that I couldn't write. It was that I didn't have something to say. Or didn't realize I had something to say. Over time writing transformed from a task to a passion.

Is I Called Him Dancer your first fictional story?

My first fictional story was written in high school. It wasn’t supposed to be fiction, but hey, the best fiction looks like the real world, right? I’ll tell you the story.

In high school, I had a class that was dedicated to writing a 30 page research paper. I chose the topic, The Arms race between the US and Russia. It was the 1980s when the Cold War was still on everyone’s mind. We spent weeks in the library researching our topic. I say ‘we’ in the general sense. My research was sports and other useless browsing. At the halfway point, we had to turn in our research note cards. The teacher graded them and as she returned them, she said, “Some of you aren’t going to pass this class.” She paused in front of my desk as she said this, and then dropped my notecards on my desk. She continued, “You cannot write this paper with less than 70 research cards.”

I counted my cards. Seven. A very weak seven. This information must have shocked my brain, for I didn’t even think about this again until the teacher informed the class that the rough draft was due in the morning. “Holy cow! It’s due tomorrow?” I said.

After school, I visited a few friends, ate dinner, and watched TV. It was now nearly bedtime. No more goofing off. I sat down and began to write. The information flowed. I clearly needed more research sources, so I interviewed military experts born mere minutes ago. But hey, Colonial Imagination was still a source. I wrote thirty pages – somehow. And I got a good grade in the class. After all, no one had more expert sources than I did.

I should have known then that writing was in my future, but it would be more than two decades before I discovered a passion for writing.

Tell us a little about your book, I Called Him Dancer.

For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless friend, who has given up on life.

Who is your favorite character in I Called Him Dancer?

The character that inspired me the most is Kenyon. Many readers have stated the same. He’s human, struggling to do what is right, and lives by a genuine faith. At times he wrestles between what he knows God wants him to do, and what he wants. Kenyon is down to earth, not preachy, yet his life has an impact on others.

In the story I tried to present Christianity in an honest light. Many who claim to be Christians show hypocrisy and drive others (like the Dancer) away from the faith. This is a real problem in the Christian culture. Kenyon shows what sincere faith looks like. He’s far from perfect, but his simple faith impacts those around him. Kenyon’s sincerity is something the Dancer can’t understand and it piques his curiosity.

What would you like your readers to take away from this novel?

I want people to look at the reality of how faith impacts the world around us. Hypocrisy is being pretentious about faith, and there is a difference between failure and hypocritical behavior. Christians shouldn’t feel dejected when they fail. It’s part of this life of reaching upward.

Also, we all know someone who appears hopeless and hostile toward God, but we don’t know what the Lord is doing behind the scenes. Ultimately, hope is what everyone should take away. Hope that readers are not alone in their struggles. Hope that our lives can make an impact – even with our imperfections. Finally, hope that the people we care about are never out of God’s reach.

How can readers get in touch with you?

You can flash a light on the clouds that says, ‘Free chicken fingers,’ and I’ll play Batman music and come running. Some people prefer the simpler route of connecting with me on Twitter @eddiesnipes. My Facebook username is eddiesnipes. It might seem like a strange coincidence, but my LinkedIn name is also eddiesnipes. Even more crazy is my website: http://www.eddiesnipes.com. On each of these, I just closed my eyes and typed out random keys. I might have peeked on a few letters. You can get the book through online bookstores or your local Christian bookstores.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

p.s. I read this book and it was absolutely wonderful!! It got 5 stars from me!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

And the winner is.......

Jo....you are the winner of the book, "Holy Guacamole"! I do hope you will like it. Even though my opinion was not 4 or 5 star, do give it a chance! It just might be the book for you!
Have an awesome weekend!
Blessings,

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Glass Roads PR Book Tour of "Holy Guacamole"

Book Description:
Nestled along San Diego's coast, the former romantic getaway of the silver screen's most notorious lovers is now the sizzling hacienda of Bonnie Miller's culinary boot camp. "If you are what you eat, make it hot, spicy and irresistible," is her motto, and this queen of Southwestern cuisine enjoys quite a savory life; success, fame, and a reputation for the finest palate west of Barcelona. That is, until a pot-rattling bang causes Trace Domingo, a washed-up sports writer, to crash into her life. His arrival turns up the heat at the culinary boot camp as Bonnie discovers in life's recipe book, it is not the spices which add the most flavor, but how truly hungry you are.

 

My Review:
Holy Guacamole has a bit of everything….murder, suspense, romance, cooking, etc. I was a bit disappointed with the book. After reading the blurb, I thought it sounded like a really awesome book! Unfortunately I found it much too “busy”. The authors tended to jump around from place to place way too often which didn’t allow the story to develop enough for me. Just when you would get in one situation, ready to spend a little time there, you were whisked away to another place with another character.

I really wanted to love this book! I only “liked” it. I did read it all the way through but it took me much longer than I would’ve normally taken. It was just hard to get into. I wish the authors would’ve developed the characters a bit more and let us get to know them a little better. This is my honest opinion of Holy Guacamole. I would encourage you to go to Amazon and read the other reviews of this book before making up your mind. Everyone has different tastes in books!

***I was provided a review copy of this book by Glass Roads PR in exchange for my honest review***

If you would like a chance to win a copy of "Holy Guacamole", please leave a comment along with your email address. No email address, no entry! A winner will be randomly picked out of all eligible entries on Wednesday, 5/25.
Thanks for stopping by Janet's Treasures and may God bless you!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

We have a winner!

Charity U.....you have won Penny's book, "Kaydie"!! You will absolutely LOVE it!
Thank you to all who stopped by and entered the contest! Wish we could've given each one a book!
Penny's books are truly worth buying, if you don't win copies!!
Blessings,

Sunday, April 10, 2011

"Kaydie"...my review and interview with Penny Zeller, author




Can Kaydie ever learn to trust a man again?

Penny Zeller does it once again with “Kaydie”! We first met Kaydie in “McKenzie”, the first in this Montana Skies series. She is McKenzie’s sister and has come to live with her and her brother in law, Zach, after the death of her husband Darius. When Kaydie first met Darius she was smitten. He treated her like a queen and had made many promises in order for her to agree to marry him. Shortly after the marriage the abuse started, both physical and emotional. She would go days without eating. Darius had taken to robbing banks in order to have money for his wants. In a shoot out with authorities, Darius is killed. Kaydie is left with nothing, except her unborn baby.

Kaydie moves in with her sister and her family where she learns how women live on a ranch. She is very wary of everyone but her family at first. She slowly learns to trust the people in McKenzie and Zach’s life.

Jonah Dickenson is Zach’s head ranch hand, very dependable, well liked, and trusted. He is a bit taken with Kaydie when he meets her the first time. He offers his help but Kaydie doesn’t want anything to do with a man again. She is determined to raise her baby on her own, without a man’s help. Jonah tries to just be a friend at first. He knows she has had a hard time but doesn’t know all of the details. He just wants to try and make this pregnancy an easier time for her.

If you haven’t read “McKenzie”, Kaydie and her sister were raised in luxury. Servants, nannies, cooks, etc. They never had to lift a finger to do anything. Needless to say, their mother isn’t happy that 2 of her 3 daughters have ended up living on a ranch, doing things for themselves, not wearing the beautiful gowns they were used to wearing. Kaydie’s parents have picked out the man they want Kaydie to marry and they pay him handsomely to cross the country, bring her home and marry her.
Kaydie has known Cedric Van Aulst since childhood. She has a friendly relationship with him so she believes she knows him well and can trust him to care for her.
When Cedric arrives at the ranch, he declares his intentions for Kaydie. Jonah has fallen in love with Kaydie and wants her for his wife. Who will Kaydie marry? Who will love Kaydie’s baby like a father should?

Penny has, once again, written a very exciting, moving story of love, betrayal, forgiveness and God’s unending love. She has shown us that God can heal hearts and open them to the goodness He desires for us.

Thank you, Penny, for another wonderful book! We can't wait for the 3rd one in the series, "Hailee".

If you would like a chance to win a copy of this awesome book, please leave a comment with an encouraging note for Penny. (no comment, no entry) Giveaway is open to US residents only and will end at midnight, 4/18/11. Winner will be announced on 4/19/11. Thanks and good luck to all of you!!


And now for my interview with Penny:                    

Interview/Giveaway (U.S. residents)

Bio:
Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com).She is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women’s prayer group. Penny devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom. Kaydie follows McKenzie in Montana Skies, her first series with Whitaker House. When she’s not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband, Lon, reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers at her Website, www.pennyzeller.com.

Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, Janet. It is great to be here!

Your most recent release is a historical fiction romance, titled Kaydie. Do you write novels exclusively? No, I have also written two nonfiction books and a children’s picture book. However, historical romance is my favorite genre to write J

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Prioritizing! I think this is one of the biggest challenges of being a writer, especially since I work from home. I have posted my writing hours on my office door, not so much for visitors, but for myself.  It reminds me that if I don’t set time aside for my writing, it will be spent doing a host of other “necessary” things.

I have to be deliberate about putting aside time for my writing.  I work while my children are in school and then quit for the day when they come home.  My husband and my children are my main ministry, so they are most important. I also do a lot of volunteer work. In order to keep my priorities in perspective, which is so important, I spend a lot of time in prayer seeking God’s guidance in using my time wisely.  

Kaydie was released just this month and is Book 2 in your Montana Skies Series. Can you please give us a brief synopsis? I am thrilled about the release of Kaydie. A short synopsis is as follows:

Since the death of her abusive husband, Kaydie Kraemer’s life has been easier, but she’s wary of men and builds a wall of protection around her, staying with her sister McKenzie as she awaits the birth of her baby. Haunted by her painful marriage, Kaydie is determined never to fall in love again, and it will take the grace of God to change her mind—the same grace that works in the heart of ranch hand Jonah Dickenson, a confirmed bachelor who has unhealed wounds of his own to overcome.

Cindy Sproles produced a fantastic book trailer for Kaydie, which can be viewed at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwihs6rsqDk

You love to dot your novels with humor. Lucille, one of the secondary characters in the book, brings several laughs throughout the chapters. Tell us a little about her. I absolutely love writing about Lucille Granger! Her character remains in all three books in the series and she lends so much humor. She owns the Granger Mercantile with her husband, Fred. She is the town busybody and tends to be a gossip, but she has a good heart. Her main goal in life is to arrange marriages for the eligible bachelors of Pine Haven, beginning with Zach in the first book. She started her business, Lucille’s Love Connections, and carries on the tradition with Jonah in the second book and Nate in the third.

Speaking of humor, what is something funny or absentminded that you did lately (that you’d care to admit!) Just recently I sent an email to myself on accident. I didn’t realize that and wondered why the person I thought I had sent it to hadn’t responded. After several days, I checked my “sent” box and sure enough, I’d sent it to myself! I told a friend of mine and she mentioned that that was an honest mistake and nothing to worry about, as long as I didn’t reply to myself! J

What TV shows/movies did you love to watch as a child? I loved The Cosby Show and Magnum P.I. (When I was about 12, I had a crush on Tom Selleck. J ) As for movies, my mom would make us all-you-can-eat nachos on Sunday afternoons and our entire family would sit and watch the Five Mile Creek movies. Such fond memories!

Who are some women in history that you greatly admire? I greatly admire Esther from the Bible and Helen Keller.

Speaking of people in the Bible, if you could meet one person from the bible, who would it be? (besides Jesus, of course) Wow, I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one person! There are so many amazing people in the Bible. I would have to say there would be a three-way tie between Esther, Daniel, and John the Baptist. All exhibited such courage in the face of adversity, and I love how God brought them through that adversity. What testimonies and what inspirations to us all!

Where can readers purchase a copy of Kaydie? Kaydie is available everywhere books are sold, including Amazon at
http://www.amazon.com/Kaydie-Montana-Skies-Penny-Zeller/dp/1603742174/ref=pd_sim_b_1

What’s up next for your readers? I just finished the third and final book in the series, Hailee, which is scheduled for release in September. I'm also working on a second historical romance series that takes place in the Post-Civil War Era. I recently finished book one in the series and have started writing book two.

We look forward to the opportunity afforded us to possibly win a copy of your new book. If you were to meet a reader or fan face to face, what might you chat about?

When I meet a reader or fan face to face, I love to chat with her about what she envisions herself doing for God’s Kingdom and how can I pray and encourage her in that pursuit. If she is pursuing her dream as a writer, I tell her that one of the most important things to remember in being a writer is that if God has called her to do it, He will guide her every step of the way. In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services governmental agency so I could stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my career, beginning with writing magazine articles. I would advise her to give her writing to the Lord and to not give up! I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens another (much better) one.

Where can fans find you on the internet? I love to connect with my readers at my website
www.pennyzeller.com,

my blog www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,

on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and

on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts

Parting comments? I would like to again thank you, Janet, for having me here, and also thank my readers for their support and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without you! Secondly, I would like to let everyone know that from April 1 – May 15 is my official blog tour for Kaydie. I will have all the details (including a chance to win Hailee, the third book in the series) on my FB author page, so be sure to stop by!

Reminder:  to enter to win a copy of "Kaydie" you MUST leave a comment with an email address to contact you. I would also love it if you'd leave an encouraging comment for Penny!
God bless!!




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