Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A BOOK AND A CHAT with Alley (YA Blogger)



On tonight's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest "Ally" YA blogger extraordinaire




Listen and enjoy thirty minutes of entertaining chat as Storyheart and Alley discuss about her blog "Sarcastic Humour and Chewed Pen Caps" (yeah! the English way of spelling humor), YA writing, authors, having 15 seconds of fame, strange pets and anything else we got round to discussing.

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

It is a really enjoyable and interview that I'm sure will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ally's Blog Sites are:

http://humourandpencaps.blogspot.com


and

http://arts-collision.blogspot.com

Any Authors who would like to contact her for book reviews etc can do so at

simply.chaotic.xx@gmail.com


You can listen to the show at.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
or
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com

FAMILY PET NEWS:


One of the things that came up was my family's new pet (arrives Sunday)
A lot of Americans do not understand what a hedgehog is, though many might have seen one if they have read Beatrix Potter. As there they would meet Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. In fact there is even famous hedgehog hospital names that in England.






Any way as promised, here is our (still to be named)new pet






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

Monday, June 29, 2009

An Interview with Tiqa Khairi - goodgirlsreadbooks




As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

Name: Atiqah / Tiqa Khairi,

NAME OF BLOG: Good Girls Read Books,

Location of blog goodgirlsreadbooks.blogspot.com


How long have you been blogging?

I have my personal blog which has been going on for a year and my book review blog which I just started this year.


What books do you read?


I read mostly Young Adult Fiction but I like to broaden myself to other genres too.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?


Ooh. This is a tough one. If I had to choose, I'd say Courtney Summers. She's really brave in what she writes especially considering she's a debut author.


What is your favorite author/book of all time?

Gail Carson Levine. She is most probably the only fantasy author that I love. Seriously. I'm not keen on fantasies but her works are amazing. Ella Enchanted is an all-time fav.

How many books do you have in your library?

I hate this question! I feel like such a loser because I don't have that much books. Erh, around 40-50 books, I guess? I know right! So little.

How many books do you read a week?

Well, that depends. I don't usually get to read a book a day (although I'd love to do that) so its most probably 3 books a week? Considering I do have a book that week.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?


I follow too many blogs its hard to list out but the one that stands out are most likely Em's Bookshelf(www.emsbookshelf.blogspot.com) She's the first blog that I really follow. The Story Siren(www.thestorysiren.com) is one hell-of-a blog and I loveee Addicted To Books (www.addictedtobooks1993.blogspot.com) Amy *thats the writer of the blog* writes great reviews, I'm always up for her opinion.


When is your favorite time/location to read?


I don't have specific time/ location. It's not like I love to read when it rains and refuses to read if its sunny or something like that. But when I read, I'd prefer peace and quiet.


If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?


This is good! But so hard. Erm, gosh. I don't know because every character has some sort of dilemma and I can't see myself in the dilemmas they're in so I really have no idea.


Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

It has crossed my mind. I even had a lame attempt on it (and just in case you ask : No you can't read it. Its completely mortifying! ) but my mind is pretty much set on just reviewing. Words just don't love me as much as I love them! Cruel creatures!!


"Know that feeling"

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?


Ooh. Maybe a billboard at New York City. Now wouldn't that be awesome!

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

I'm happy to interview any author I can. Really. Hit me up with 'em.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Mmmm, I am very clueless when it comes to fashion. If you ever see me look good or mildly decent, its thanks to an hour of nagging from either my sister or my father (they don't like me to embarrass them in public)


If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

Finally! An easy question. Only I don't think you have to think for this one since its just asking for your contact info. Anyway, you can directly email me to : the_rulez@hotmail.com (before u ask what's with the e-mail let me just say I was 11 and I had no idea what I'm doing)

I guess that wraps it up. Thanks Barry. I'm excited!!

Thank you so much for being a guest on my blog Tiqa, I hope you get lots of follow up and authros asking you for interviews and reviews.


Barry



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

Sunday, June 28, 2009

STORYHEART SUNDAY UK BLOG - OLD ENGLISH SAYINGS

So what to write about this week? The weather... well anybody who has seen any of Wimbledon Tennis this week will see the UK is having the sun that the east coast of the USA isn't getting.
Or perhaps about Sport?
Running Marathons (as in the picture). The fact that in the USA Soccer finally hit the head of the sports pages as the US Team not only beat Italy but then went on to beat the current world champions Spain to reach a final game against Brazil. The fact that the British and Irish Lions Rugby tourists lost the second game (of three) against South Africa, in a brutal match that ended up with 5 of the Lions players needing hospital treatment, and that loss to the very last kick of the game.



Instead it has been pointed out to me that I have been a little lax in blogging about more of the old English Phrases and origins of them. So that will be today's blog.


SON OF A GUN

After sailors had crossed the Atlantic to the West Indies, they would take the native women on board the ship and have their way with them in between the cannons. Some of the women the sailors left behind would have boys, who were called sons between the guns.

PATENT LEATHER

After the Patten shoe which the young women wore in the buttery. When the cream spilled on their shoes, the fat would tend to make the leather shiny.

MINDING YOUR Ps & Qs

Ale was served at local taverns out of a "tankard" ... you were charged by the angle of your elbow ... half-way up... you drank a pint, all the way up... you drank a quart. Since the Quart cost so much more than the Pint, you were warned to "Mind your Ps & Qs"

It has also be related to a short hand way of saying... "Mind your please and thank you's"

WET YOUR WHISTLE

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used to blow the whistle to get some service.

FROG IN YOUR THROAT

Medieval physicians believed that the secretions of a frog could cure a cough if they were coated on the throat of the patient. The frog was placed in the mouth of the sufferer and remained there until the physician decided that the treatment was complete.

RULE OF THUMB

An old English law declared that a man could not beat his wife with a stick any larger than the diameter of his thumb.







Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG
BIG BEN... OR IS IT?
THE USA NEEDS A CITIZENS CHARTER

FROM CHARIOTS TO NASCAR
WHAT IS FATHERS DAY?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Literary Saturday


Today has really be a "Literary Saturday"

It all started with Kim Smith being my special guest on "A Book and a Chat" talking about her new book "A Will to Love", amongst many other things

Actually it started before that, when for the first time many weeks we actually had a sunny day on the east coast instead of rain.

Any way as normal my chat with Kim was interesting as well as fun, and you can hear the program at.

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

During the afternoon I went to Borders and met the guest I had for my Tuesday blog radio spot Nantucket novelist Nancy Thayer.
Nancy is the author of nineteen novels, including Moon Shell Beach, The Hot Flash Series (Hot Flash Holidays, The Hot Flash Club, The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again), Custody, Between Husbands and Friends, An Act of Love, Belonging, Three Women at the Water's Edge, and Everlasting.

You can also hear my chat with Nancy at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Not only was Nancy there but her daughter "Samantha Wilde" as well.

Samantha's book "THIS LITTLE MOMMY STAYED HOME" was also released this week. This book is a must being described as a "Laugh Until You Pee Your Pants" books.

I managed to not only have Nancy sign my book, but also to purchase a signed copy of Samantha's book.

As I said at the beginning, a very literary day.





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

Friday, June 26, 2009

Across the Pond and Back Again


As promised in yesterdays blog, here is the first chapter of my new book, well up to now it is...



CHAPTER 1

Fred sat staring at the newspaper the airhostess had given him, the picture of Chipper Evans holding the baseball.

Above it was the headline.

“CHIPPER EVANS, WITH HIS 500th RUN BALL
A GIFT HE SAYS, FROM A FRIEND ACROSS THE POND”

A friend across the pond, that’s what Chipper, had called him. Now here he was flying back across that same pond.

His mind flipped through the last couple of weeks and how much his life had changed. Faces and events like on one of those old time black and white movies flashed across his memory. The friends he had made, the adventures he’d had, even his fight with Steve Harris. And above all Brit and what she had become to him.

Love at first site, he’d never believed in, perhaps not at first site, but what there had been and grown into something special and the pain he felt when Brit had turned to go, told him it was for real.

The unhappiness and anger that he had felt in having to go to America in the first place had been replaced by an even deeper sadness at leaving the USA.

Trying to drag himself out of his melancholy, Fred pulled out the envelope from his jacket pocket. A check for a thousand dollars and two return first class tickets. Phil and Julie had also promised that Brit would be coming over to England for Christmas.

His thoughts were interrupted by a message over the planes intercom.

“Will Fred Squire please make himself known to a member of the cabin crew.”

Fred Squire? That’s me! Now what?

He looked round, but the only members of the cabin crew he could see were busy elsewhere.

Make himself known; did that mean he had to go somewhere, stand up or what?

A “ping pong” sound from further down the cabin brought realization and he hurriedly looked the “call attendant” button in his arm rest.

To his surprise it was Mandy the attendant who had looked after him when he’d arrived in the US that made her way towards him.

“Errr, there was an announcement” he said “I’m Fred Squire”

“Yes” Mandy said, “I thought I recognized the name, Fred not Frederick isn’t it.”

Fred was surprised she remembered him.

“Well young man”, Mandy continued. “It seems you are a bit of a celebrity. We’ve had a radio message from New York. Central control, have told us that you are to be upgraded to the first class cabin.”

She handed the openmouthed Fred a piece of paper, slowly he read the typed words.

“Please upgrade passenger Fred Squire to first class. And tell him it is from the New York Mets, even though we lost, as a thank you to a true sportsman.”

First Chipper and now the team his five hundredth run had helped beat.

“Is this all a dream?” he asked Mandy.

“No dream hero. You’re now a first class passenger. Do you have any hand luggage?”

Fred pointed out his bag in the overhead compartment. He then slowly followed Mandy and his luggage towards the front of the plane, feeling like everybody every passenger was staring at him.

There were only a couple of people in the first class area and both of those were deeply engrossed in tapping away on their laptops. It was another world in first class the seats looked like armchairs. One of which Mandy escorted him to.

Sensing Fred’s confusion Mandy explained how the seat could be altered until it was almost a bed.

As the announced to get ready for take off came over the intercom, and the plane started to taxi towards the runway. Fred Squire his emotions in total turmoil, did up his seat belt prepared to leave America.

In a car heading back North towards Connecticut, A very pale and quiet Brit sat in the back of the car. Her eyes pricked with tears and her lip was red as she bit it trying to control her feelings.

I am not going to cry! I am not going to give in! I will toughen up and never be that weepy teenager again.

Julie looked around at her daughter as if sensing the turmoil she was going through. She was just about to say something when she felt Phil hand on hers. She looked at her husband, seeing concern on his face, matching that on hers. Phil gave a slight shake of his head and mouthed the word “no” before squeezing his wives hand.

Time, it would take time.

She looked out the car window, noticing a plane slowly climbing into the darkening skies.

For all of them!





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

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Across the Pond and Back Again

"Across the Pond and Back Again" is the title of my next book.

I have booked a few days vacation, the principle idea being to try and do some writing done on this new book. Of course with Terror 1 and Terror 2 at home plus every other kids from near by seemingly living in our house, doing any form of creative writing in my house is almost impossible.

All parents know only too well, the "don't do that" and "he/she took my ball", "can I go" etc that punctuates the air about every five minutes.

I was planning to get away, like one hears about in writers groups, some for of reclose like log cabin, though perhaps a Hemingway bar like location would be better. I was thinking... perhaps to the somewhere by the sea like Mystic. However, with my eldest son now getting married back home in England this October wedding costs and plane tickets have put a complete kibosh on any thoughts of that.

So it's spending time writing in the library, nice and cool/dry the only issue I have is while there are nice comfy chairs and computer access tables, to use my own lap top at a table, where I can with a little cable stretching reach a power supply I sit on solid wood chairs.

(I guess they don't want people to sit there for long) Unfortunately this is not the most comfortable thing when still recovering from back surgery.

Still I have created four chapters yesterday before having to retire to the bar for a recovery beer.

I will share chapter one with you all in tomorrows blog...


A BOOK AND A CHAT

Guest for the next few weeks on my Radio Show are:

June 27th Kim Smith
June 30th Alley – Humor and Pencaps (blogger)

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Views, Reviews and Weird News



VIEWS:

"Across the Pond" my YA book had a fresh Press Release today as it moved from POD to being printed and available in Ingrams and thus book stores. As part of this a couple of companies have been sending out fresh news about my press release. The result of this is a huge influx in my mail of reviewers and bloggers asking for copies of the book to review. I know it all costs, but to me as I have stated many times a review from these bloggers. The folk you know by now I call the "SHAM WOW" of YA literature (they soak up everything) means a lot to me.

At the same time I am trying to sort out my book requirements, new book marks and cards etc for my appearance at "Sub-Fest - Groton" at the Submarine Base, New London, CT. Where I my book will be over the four days and I will be appearing, in person on JULY 4th. After all as I said when I had a choice of days, what have I got to celebrate on July 4th, it was the one battle we lost *grin*. Interesting I had to contact NCIS to be included it being a navel base, but no it wasn't Gibbs or any of his team.

WEIRD NEWS:

Right ear is 'better for hearing'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8116321.stm


Hummingbirds 'faster than jets'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8091944.stm


Zambia leader hit by 'press leak' (Monkey pee’s on President)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8117649.stm



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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A Book and a Chat with "Nancy Thayer"





On today's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest is New York Times "Best Selling Author" Nancy Thayer.

Nantucket novelist Nancy Thayer is the author of nineteen novels, including Moon Shell Beach, The Hot Flash Series (Hot Flash Holidays, The Hot Flash Club, The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again), Custody, Between Husbands and Friends, An Act of Love, Belonging, Three Women at the Water's Edge, and Everlasting.


http://nancythayer.com/



Listen and enjoy thirty minutes of enjoyable chat with Storyheart and Nancy Thayer as we discuss about her new book "summer house", and anything else that we found to discuss. From ghosts and the BBC to having young children.

Take a thirty minute break and share this fun radio program, listen, learn and enjoy.

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



You can listen to the show at.



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

or

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com





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

Monday, June 22, 2009

An Interview with Amelia "Book Junkie"


As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

What is your Name?

Amelia

What is the name of your blog?


Book Junkie

What is your blog address?

www.bookjunkiereviews.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

9 or 10 months.

What books do you read?

I'll read pretty much any genre. I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, but there's always exceptions. Reading is my escape from the world, so I prefer fantasy/supernatural books.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

Ooh tough one. Right now I'd say... Willow by Julia Hoban. I haven't finished it yet, but it's amazing so far.

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

Acheron/Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

How many books do you have in your library?

Oh I really don't want to count them right now. It was 225 a month ago.

How many books do you read a week?

In a good week, 5-7. (My best week I read 8) A bad week 0-2.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

Dahlia's Eclectic Mind ( http://dahliaseclecticmind.blogspot..com/ ) or Bites ( http://litbites.blogspot.com/ )


When is your favorite time/location to read?

Night on my couch. The only time and place my house is relatively quiet..

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

I'd be... Tory from Acheron. (If you haven't read Acheron, spoiler warning.) She's smart, she ends up marrying Ash, she's gets a ton of powers from his mother, and many other reasons.

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Yes. I've had a lot (I think 15) book ideas in the past 2 years or so, but I haven't been able to sit down and write them yet.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

Larry King will interview me with one of my favorite authors, because it just popped in my head :)

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

Sherrilyn Kenyon. She's my favorite author, and her books are a godsend. Plus, she lives like an hour away from me, so that's pretty cool.


What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

That I'm gothic. I don't act like a lot of goths, I just love the clothes. Hot Topic+credit card=happiness

Another one is that I'm 16. Some authors have asked my to review their book then find out my age and have second thoughts.

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

Email, cullenwan2b@yahoo.com is my "business" email.


Thanks for interviewing me, it's fun being on the other side of the questions.


Thank you so much for being my guest, good luck for the future and keep up the good work.




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

Sunday, June 21, 2009

STORYHEART SUNDAY UK BLOG - What is Fathers Day ?

First I must state, that "FATHERS DAY" is not one of my favorite days, and this coming from a Father. However for those of you who have read my blog MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND, you know that I am not happy about America changing MOTHERS DAY. Fathers day is just another add on that the US has added to the card sellers calendar. After that of course it was Grandmothers day right down to second cousin twice removed day.

Despite that I thought I would go into the origins of Fathers Day.

There are two possible origins to Fathers Day:

The first observance of Father's Day is believed to have been held on July 5, 1908 in a church located in Fairmont, West Virginia, by Dr. Robert Webb of West Virginia at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South of Fairmont. The church still exists under the name of Central United Methodist Church.

The better known origin however is that it was started in Spokane, Washington, by a lady named Sonora Smart Dodd, in 1909.

While listening to a sermon on Mothers, day, and having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

Dodd, had no problem with the commercialization of the holiday and endorsed several promotions to increase the amount of gifts.In this aspect she can be considered the opposite of Anna Jarvis, who actively opposed all commercialization of Mother's Day.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.


What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

(Author is unknown)




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG
BIG BEN... OR IS IT?
THE USA NEEDS A CITIZENS CHARTER

FROM CHARIOTS TO NASCAR

Saturday, June 20, 2009

A Book and a Chat with "Joan Early"




On today's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest is award winning author "Joan Early"

http://joanearly.com


Listen and enjoy thirty minutes of enjoyable chat with Storyheart and author Joan Early, as we discuss about her new book "Look Both Ways", and anything else that we found to discuss. From Cajun food to writing and editing.

Take a thirty minute break and share this fun radio program, listen, learn and enjoy.

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



Tuesday June 23rd my special guest is author NANCY THAYER


You can listen to the show at.



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

or

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com





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

Friday, June 19, 2009

Have you misssed your chance ?




WEIRD NEWS:

Hundreds seek to wed rich Korean





Hundreds of men have answered the advert on the Sunoo website

Almost 400 South Korean men have entered a competition to marry a businesswoman with a fortune worth about $18m (£11m).

The men were responding to an advert on the Sunoo matchmaking website.

The woman, 49, is described by Sunoo as "elegant, slim, feminine and active" and is looking for a "soulmate".

Eight finalists have been chosen from the 394 applicants, aged 37-49, and include company employees, teachers and bank workers.

"As a business operator, she was too busy to find her husband herself," a Sunoo spokeswoman told reporters.

"The bride prefers average but serious persons to high-flying professionals," the spokeswoman said.

The unnamed woman enjoys sports and travelling, and she wants her new man to have a "warm heart".

"She wants a soulmate with passion for life, who will share the ups and downs of life and can spend time to travel with her" said Sunoo's spokeswoman.

The millionaire plans to interview two or three of her eight finalists each month until she finds her match.



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

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Weather, Guests and Childrens Stories

Somebody remarked at work today, that I should be used to all the wet weather we've been having so far in Connecticut this so called Summer.

While perhaps once upon a time it was true that the UK did get a lot of rain and perhaps not as hot a summers as in the US, with the climate change those days are gone.

Throughout the 90's and early part of this decade, in the South of England, we had drouts and hosepipe bans (means you can't water your garden). We had many Summers where the temperature was hotter than many places in the Mediterranean.

An article on today,.s BBC states... "The UK needs to plan now for a future that will be hotter and bring greater extremes of flood and drought." The fact that there's also been Tornado's of sorts in the UK over the last few years. Perhaps it's my country that will have to get used to American weather.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8107014.stm

A BOOK AND A CHAT

Guest for the next few weeks on my Radio Show are:

June 20th Joan Early
June 23rd Nancy Thayer
June 27th Kim Smith
June 30th Alley – Humor and Pencaps (blogger)

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




FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES:




THE THREE CURSES OF RIBANIA


http://romance2read.com/sirpot.mp3

PETER AND KINGS TEAPOT

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ov5xU7BcvE

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHH6kxD



SIR POT AND THE GOAT

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXABQ3T7cj0

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae4ZFHsLN6Y


I do so hope you enjoy them



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

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Views, Reviews and Weird News



VIEWS:

"Across the Pond" my YA book had a fresh Press Release today as it moved from POD to being printed and available in Ingrams and thus book stores.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rekindle Bittersweet Teenage Memories with
Across the Pond
A story for the young and young at heart

CT – June 17th, 2009 – Since the book came out in September 2008 “Across the Pond” has become a huge hit. Storyheart has been compared by some as “a modern day Judy Blume,” and “Across the Pond” has been placed in the same category along side books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight.” Enjoyed by people all over the world, with over a hundred interviews and reviews already received, the book, while intended for the Teen/Young Adult market, has become popular with people of all ages.

Until very recently “Across the Pond” was only available for purchase online, it will now available at a book store near you.

With romance, adventure, humor, first love and even a little sport thrown in for good measure Storyheart takes the readers on magical trip that all will enjoy, “Across the Pond.”

Protagonist, Fred Squire, leaves England for a vacation in the USA and he’s definitely not happy about it. Everything changes when he meets Brit, the attractive American girl who helps him adapt to the US way of life and awakens his pangs of affection. Struggling with his feelings for Brit and the language, Fred’s world is turned upside down when, after a confrontation with the neighborhood bully, Steve Harris, Brit tells Fred her dark secret.

Life continues to throw Fred a curveball when he catches a baseball worth a small fortune. Further run-ins with Harris, a crazy family BBQ, and a chase through a mall all add to Fred's American adventure.

Will Fred and Brit’s budding romance stand through the test of time? What happens when Fred goes back to England? Witness the unexpected yet thrilling twists and turns as their story unfolds. For more information on Across the Pond, log on to www.Xlibris.com

About the Author
The author, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart”, was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. In 2000, he left his beloved country and went to the USA to be with the woman he'd met and fallen in love with on the Internet. With his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm, Barry is a much sort after interviewee on radio and TV. He at present is living in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.

Across the Pond * by Storyheart



REVIEWS:

Reviews on Amazon alone now number 84, here are a couple received since last week.

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story., June 11, 2009
By Lonna H. (Chesapeake, Va) - See all my reviews
When Frederick Squire (Fred) finds out that his parents have won a vacation to Australia he is thrilled, that is until he finds out that he will not be joining them. He is given the choice of visiting his grandparents in Scotland or Phil and Julie (family friends) in the United States. When he first arrives in the United States, he is overwhelmed by the differences between here and his home in England.

After some vocabulary misunderstandings, Brittany (Phil and Julie's daughter) and Fred find they enjoy each other's company very much. After meeting some of Brit's friends and enemies Fred feels even closer to her. Young love begins to blossom over typical teenage activities like lunch at the mall, shopping, and baseball.

This book combines humor, conflict and romance into a story that everyone will enjoy. I really enjoyed this book, and I am certain my daughter will too.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read For Our Young Adults, June 10, 2009
By Stefani Partin "Stefani" (Citrus Heights, CA) -

When I first started reading this book, I thought about my daughter who just had her first experience in an airplane by herself. I could tell by reading the first chapter that this was a book that was geared towards young adults. Even though I am a mom in my thirties, I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my oldest daughter who loves to read.

This book is about a boy name Fred who travels from England to the USA to stay with his parent's friends while they go on a trip to Australia. He is mad at the beginning and ends up falling in love. It reminds me of my young teenage years when I first experienced the feelings of love towards young men.

WEIRD NEWS:

Belgian girl's tattoo 'nightmare'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8104645.stm

US man 'posed as his dead mother'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8106010.stm



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

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A Book and a Chat with "I heart monster"



On tonight's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest "Iheartmonster"

Listen and enjoy thirty minutes of enjoyable chat as Storyheart and Shesten better known as "Iheartmonster" discuss about her blog, YA writing, authors, Zumba and even her own language.

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

It is a really enjoyable and interview that I'm sure will be enjoyed by people of all ages.


http://www.iheartmonster.com


Saturday June 20th my special guest is author JOAN EARLY


You can listen to the show at.



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

or

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com





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

Monday, June 15, 2009

An Interview with Lexi from "Another page is used" blog spot



As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

blog spot name: another page is used...

blog address: http://anotherpageisused.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for about a year now.

What books do you read?

I read any kind of book. I'm interested in a lot of different things so I have to read many different kinds of book. But my favorite would probably have to be Young Adult. It's what I read the most.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

Uhm, my favorite book of 2009, that I've read so far, would have to be Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. She's one of my favorite authors.


What is your favorite author/book of all time?


My favorite book of all time would have to be The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold.

How many books do you have in your library?

I have over 150.

How many books do you read a week?

It usually depends for me. Sometimes its 1 or 2, other times it's up to 6.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

My favorite blog to follow would have to be.. Books Make Great Lovers. Ashley runs a very nice blog and we read different kinds of books, so sometimes when I need a certain kind of book to read, I go to her(:

(That's Ashely at booksaremylove.blogspot.com)

When is your favorite time/location to read?

I don't really have either. I'll read wherever, whenever(:

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

Oh, this is a hard one. I would probably have to choose, Tally Youngblood from The Uglies series. I think that it would just be really fun to live her life, also my friends say that I seem a lot like her, so it would be fun to see if that really is true(:

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Yes, I have thought about it. I'm currently working on one right now. I've started a couple before and one of them actually came very close to being completed.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

I'm not really sure. There are so many different was and I don't know which way would be the best for a blog. But I'd probably have to say, having a well known author talk about you and/or your blog(: something like that.



If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

For me, it would be a hard choice choosing between Ellen Hopkins and Jodi Picoult. I would absolutely love to interview both of them. But if I was really forced to choose one, I think I would have to choose Jodi Picoult because she is my favorite author so it would be amazing to have that chance.


What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Readers might not know that I'm really good at listening and giving advice. I make friends really easily and people always seem to trust me. I'll help anyone with anything.

(That is a good thing!)

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

The best way to contact me, for anything, would be my email, am.ernsberger@hotmail.com

Thank you so much for being my guest Lexi, keep up the great work and good luck with your blog, we'll be watching for that first book to be completed.



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

Sunday, June 14, 2009

STORYHEART SUNDAY UK BLOG - From CHARIOTS to NASCAR

In the week when Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronalda agreed to transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid for eighty million pounds ($131,215,730). The World Twenty20 crickets tournament is going on. in rugby the British and Irish Lions are touring South Africa heading for the first test match, France beat New Zealand, and lesser teams such as the USA, Canada, Russia etc are playing. And the Penguins finally pick up the Stanley Cup in the seventh and final play off game, more or less without the help of Sydney Crosby. I'd though for my Sunday blog I'd go into a sporting event, which unlike most of what I've listed above American's actually follow and "almost" understand. The sport of NASCAR... okay so I use the term sport loosely.


When NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) was formed in 1948, there was a definite shortage of new cars in the post-war era. The feeling was that race fans wouldn't stand for new cars being beat up on a race track while they were driving a rattletrap pre-war automobile, so "Modified" cars were the early staple of NASCAR racing. In some instances during the early days, rental cars were actually used as race cars by point-chasing drivers who had no locked-in "ride" for an event. Cars were typically either driven to the track or "flat-towed" behind pick-ups and family sedans. From those early days NASCAR now sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 39 states, Canada, and Mexico. NASCAR has presented exhibition races in Suzuka City, Japan, Motegi City, Japan, and Melbourne, Australia.

NASCAR is one of the most viewed professional sports in terms of television ratings in the United States. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in over 150 countries. NASCAR holds 17 of the top 20 attended single-day sporting events in the U.S., and claims 75 million fans who purchase over $3 billion in annual licensed product sales. Many marketers consider NASCAR fans the most brand-loyal in all of sports and as a result, Fortune 500 companies sponsor NASCAR more than any other Motor Sport.

SO WHY NASCAR?

Okay so NASCAR is popular, and in the southern states perhaps even a religion, but where did the idea come from.

Just think... highly sponsored teams, vehicles with tremendous horse power, cheered on by thousands, going round and round in a circle, with spectators dressed up in the colors of their favorites, and spectacular crashes that add to the mix.

Basically NASCAR is a modern version of Chariot racing.



The most famous arena was the Circus Maximus, which was 600 meter's long and 200 meter's wide. It could hold up to 250,000 people (25% of the population of Rome). Seats ran in tiers around the arena Chariots were pulled by two or four horses, and were driven seven times around the ring at extremely fast speeds. Great skill was needed and sometimes accidents happened, drivers were also trampled to death on a regular basis. Big crowds turned out to watch the races. The racers were divided into teams, red, white, blue and green, and their fans wore these colours. Huge bets were placed on the races.

At one end of the track, there were boxes where the chariots waited. The judges sat above them and started the race by dropping a white handkerchief. A fence ran down the middle, called a Spine, and the chariots went around this. Chariots were pulled by two or four horses, and were driven seven times around the ring at extremely fast speeds. Great skill was needed and sometimes accidents happened, drivers were also trampled to death on a regular basis. Big crowds turned out to watch the races. The racers were divided into teams, red, white, blue and green, and their fans wore these colours. Huge bets were placed on the races.

At one end of the track, there were boxes where the chariots waited. The judges sat above them and started the race by dropping a white handkerchief (flag?).

Even today, these arenas would be spectacular. Seating 250,000 people, it would be the biggest stadium in the world. Today the largest stadium can hold 120,000 people, so this shows how far advanced the Romans were two thousand years ago.

So the next time, you see a NASCAR event, just think.

"Are you really watching modern day chariot racing?"




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG
BIG BEN... OR IS IT?
THE USA NEEDS A CITIZENS CHARTER

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Radio Guests and Other Writings


Saturdays Radio Show

My special guest on today's "Book and a Chat" was Irene Watson, Author, entrepreneur, and therapist, her life has taken her on many paths, with breakthrough results and exemplar growth, to find her authentic and true self. We chatted about her life, and her Amazon Top Ten Best Seller - "The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference"

Check out

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

and enjoy yet another interesting and entertaining chat show.

Other Writings

Before I completed "Across the Pond" my latest novel, and honestly I am trying to write the next volume, but time hardly ever seems to available. I wrote a lot of short romance stories many of which you can read and there are about 60 of them, at http://romance2read.com

Before that however I did write some stories for younger children, in fact two of them actually go put on as musicals by junior schools in England.

I have dug a three of these stories out of the dusty pile of "items to follow up on" and they are ready for me to share them with you.

They are three stories are ones elementary children as well as those young at heart would enjoy.

THE THREE CURSES OF RIBANIA


http://romance2read.com/sirpot.mp3


I also found I'd already taken the other two stories from recordings of my TV Show I used to have on local TV


PETER AND KINGS TEAPOT

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ov5xU7BcvE

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHH6kxD



SIR POT AND THE GOAT

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXABQ3T7cj0

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae4ZFHsLN6Y


I do so hope you enjoy them



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

Friday, June 12, 2009

Future Guests on "A Book and a Chat"

A BOOK AND A CHAT WITH ????

The bookings are coming in thick and fast, the guests that appear on a show have all really enjoyed themselves. In fact many have chatted on with me after the show for almost an hour. I have received loads if emails and comments from people who enjoy the easy style of the friendly chat over a cup of tea.

Let's face it that is what it is all about. I'm no literary genius, no library or book buff. I'm a person who likes to have a chat, who loves to have a laugh and who's aim is to make the show interesting got all people who listen during or after the show.

Any way I thought I'd share with you, what or rather who is coming om the show over the next few weeks.

While perhaps some of the names might not mean anything now, look out for details nearer the time, and enjoy each and every radio show.

June 9th Wendy Wax
June 13th Irene Watson
June 16th I Heart Monster (blogger)
June 20th Joan Early
June 23rd Nancy Thayer
June 27th Kim Smith
June 30th Alley – (Humor and pencaps blog)
July 4th No Show - Subfest
July 7th Sandee Sgarlata - The Day After Tomorrow,"
July 11th David Liss
July 14th Susan Chodak
July 18th No Show – Capa Avon
July 21st Barbara Bonfigli
July 25th Karina Spencer
July 28th Pat McDermott
Aug 1st Tina Howe
Aug 4th Lanaia Lee
Aug 8th Brian Sandell
Aug 11th Alycia Ripley
Aug 15th Chamein Canton
Aug 18th Douglas Abrams
Aug 22nd Barbara Bretton
Aug 25th Randy Sue Coburn
Aug 29th J.R. Hauptman


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




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

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Review High, Helps Writers Get By


What writer's heart does not beat a little faster, who's chest does not swell that little bit with pride when the receive a review. More so a review stating how much a person has enjoyed their work.

The review might come in many forms. A report on Amazon, an email, a comment on a blog or a kind word during a radio show.

Each in it's own way balances the knocks, pressure and heart ache when producing the finished product. The hours bend over a keyboard, the re-writes, let alone the three ring circus that one goes through trying to get your work published.

I feel so humble reading the many words about my book that people have been kind enough to either post send me since my book came out last October. I am sure this has helped not only with the sales, but the publishers deciding to go from POD to being printed by a major printer and the book being placed in Ingram's.

This will mean the book by (I hope by end of July) will be available in book stores. The issue with many book stores or are they really book warehouses these day? Is that they want a credit back for any non sales. POD does not normally provide that, but from a publishing house it does. So if you like "Across the Pond" will be out there with the "Big Boys" by the end of July. No only that but any day now, it will be re-released with a fresh Press release which includes some of the things that have been said about it in it's first 8 months of publication.

I must have received well over a hundred reviews of the book, with my total on Amazon currently standing at 82, which to me is fantastic. YET!!!! even as I am writing this blog, I went to check the count and low and behold a fresh review has just arrived. So make it 83 on Amazon.

This is from the latest review...

"This book combines humor, conflict and romance into a story that everyone will enjoy. I really enjoyed this book, and I am certain my daughter will too."

The fantastic thing to me is that these reviews come from people from the age to ten to eighty year olds. As anybody who has heard be on radio or red some of my blogs will know. I am not one for "pigeon holing" books into genres. To me if a person enjoys the book what does it matter their age.

The thrill of reading that a mother has enjoyed a book as much as the child they purchased it for is as pleasing as others reviews that compare me to “a modern day Judy Blume”.

When a person writes that “Across the Pond” has been placed in the same category along side books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight.” What more can you ask for.

As I started of saying at the top of this blog.

"What writer's heart does not beat a little faster, who's chest does not swell that little bit with pride when the receive a review."

I for one am so very grateful for every last word.


My Amazon Reviews




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


Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com
Follow my daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Follow my Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokp