Latest Across the Pond and Storyheart News

Across the Pond a book for the young and young at heart. YA, teen, romance what ever you like to call it.


With the book now being available in book stores I have started to receive some new reviews from the book launch, including this one which is my first at AMAZON UK.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Across-Pond-Storyheart/dp/1436371767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248385667&sr=1-1

I also have been asked and produced a guest interview at another blog

http://mariah-readingadventure.blogspot.com/2009/07/here-is-interview-with-storyheart-what.html

And the third and final good news for today is that my blog has received the :Humane Award"



According to this award's description, it is to honor certain bloggers who I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a regular basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world.





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

Literary Saturday - what is "Christian Literature"?

Normally I blog on a Saturday about that days radio guest, however today I did not have a radio show. The reason being this morning I was a guest speaker/panelist at a Connecticut Authors and Publishers (CAPA) event.

As stated on the program...

"During the first several minutes of the program, each panelist will share a brief story of an appearance to promote their book. Following this first segment, a Question & Answer period will follow, where each panelist can attempt to provide his or her "best answer" to the questions posed by the audience, based on their experience. The venues may include libraries, bookstores, other book sale venues, television and radio."

My chat and answers went down really well with promoting as I always do the use of the internet for publicity and just getting your name out there. Of course I mentioned my favorite subject the fantastic YA Bloggers that are out there, or as I call them the "Sham Wow" of YA literature.

One question I was asked, and it has been asked before is if my book is a "Christian Book?"

What are Christian books, Christian Authors etc, what does it mean?

I mean to say.. ones mans Christianity is another mans Judaism. Words like bloody and hell are in the Bible, yet used as "Bloody Hell" which is a common saying in England, might be classed as bad langauge.

Some reviewers/readers have said great for teens teen and good "Christian Book" others have said some bad language...(not sure where unless we are talking about "bloody hell")

Basically I'm lost. I mean what about all the "begating" in the bible, and after all were not Adam and Eve were the first sex experts?

Any way I think the book might be classed as a good Christian book, but then I could have just been agreeing to sell copies and possibly be a guest speaker at an event or two.

So if anybody could explain what "Christian Literature" is, not counting the monthly news letter from your local church (at least in England), I'd be very glad.

This by the way is my church from back home in England. St Marys (East Barnet) built in 1080... yes that old, and still has many parts (walls doors, arches etc) from the original Norman building. I was christened, sang in the choir and had one wedding ceremony there.

Barry




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

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"

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

Views, Reviews and Weird News

With having to change my radio show from Wednesday to a Tuesday, my Views, Reviews and Weird News blog has moved to a Wednesday. A blog about radio show guests, some of the interviews, book reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

VIEWS:

I've had another fun couple of weeks with my blog radio show. Saturday I had young blogger Ashely as guest talking about her blog, books, reading and everything else, then today I have author Wendy Wax to be on the show to chat about her book "The Accidental Bestseller"


I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with "bye back" which means they can now be available in "normal book stores" not just online. I'll tell you morer about this over the nextr few weeks.

REVIEWS:

The number of reviews fir my book continues to increase almsot daily, I am now up to 81. Here are the last five reviews...


4.0 out of 5 stars A good easy reading coming of age story, June 9, 2009
By Roger Yocom (Madison Alabama)
Across the Pond by Storyheart is a good easy reading coming of age story. It deals with a boy having to go on vacation to a place he has never been and staying with people he has never met. While there he deals with some of the many conflicts and problems faced by teenagers everywhere. He has the usual confusion about girls, what they think, and how to react to them. Running into bullies and having to stand up to them. He falls in love and has to deal with understanding the girl, her parents, and her friends. Along the way there are fun explorations, educational experiences, conflicts, and tribulations. In the end evil is vanquished, good reigns supreme and boy and girl are set to live, laugh, and be happy at least until the next chapter of their lives. So all in all it is a fun book with many good positive themes. I would recommend this to any teenager (or young at heart) looking for something light and fun to read this summer.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lively and entertaining storyline!, June 8, 2009
By Tatiana (Grand Rapids, MI USA)
Brit has a secret.... Something she is afraid to share with even her very best friend. But when Fred comes from England for a visit with her family, she finds a new friend, a true confidant, her first love and her English Knight. As we learn the secret that Brit has kept hidden, Fred discovers the differences in life "Across the Pond" and his school project book fills up. Fred learns about love, baseball, bullies and what lifelong friendships are all about. Filled with humor, great character development and a wonderful storyline, this young adult book will definitely keep readers interested chapter after chapter. I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Fred and Brit, and readers of this book, including myself, will want to learn what happens next!

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for both young and old, June 2, 2009
By Nichel B. (New York, NY)
Across the Pond is a book that is easy to read, but still has a interesting story for anyone to enjoy. It is a story about relationships, family, and love. These are subjects that we can all relate to and appreciate.


3.0 out of 5 stars First Experiences, June 1, 2009
By Lai "Austin Lover" (CA, USA)

"Across the Pond" is an easy reading novel particularly for the younger teens of both sexes. It provides a humorous and interesting cultural exchange of vocabulary/terminology for all ages. Its simple plot renders it good reading material for anyone who wants to stay away from the TV for a couple of hours on a lazy weekend.

The story carries out many firsts experiences - it's refreshing to walk the journey of a young teen boy's first love, first experience of an American baseball game, first fight over a girl, and many other firsts. It does reflect on a happy family with strong relationships between parents and a teenager.

Everyone loves a knight in shining armor story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ah! To Be Young Again!, May 29, 2009
By rejw2004 "Raina Johnson" (Chicago, IL USA)
Across The Pond is a wonderful example of young love and all that it brings with it. I felt like a kid again while reading this book. It brought back so many wonderful memories of what it was like to first experience True Young Love. The characters, Fred and Brit, are a true reflection of what most teenagers are like. This book brings to light the good and the not-so-good experiences some teenagers face. I think this book would be an excellent choice for anyone with teenagers. I'm far from a teenager and found it impossible to put down. This book is full of morals, values and wonderful examples of try human spirit. And let's not forget, Love.

WEIRD NEWS:

US fisherman hooks live missile
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8092123.stm


Twitter hype punctured by study

Twitter is being used as a broadcast medium, the study says

Micro-blogging service Twitter remains the preserve of a few, despite the hype surrounding it, according to research.

Just 10% of Twitter users generate more than 90% of the content, a Harvard study of 300,000 users found.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8089508.stm


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

An Interview with LIV from LIV'S BOOK REVIEWS

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".

Today my special guest is Liv from Liv's Book Reviews

Hi Liz, welcome to my Across the Pond tell me about yourself.

Name I write under - Liv

Blog spot name - Liv's Book Reviews

Blog address - http://livsbookreviews.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

Let's see here...I think it's been since February 2008 which seems like SO long ago. When I started, I never imagined that I'd keep it going this long. In that time, I've done over 300 posts and written over 100 reviews. What's funny is that at first I exclusively posted reviews. No memes, no random posts, no features, no nothing. Now, I don't post as many reviews as I should. I post waaay too many posts about nothing. Haha. I guess that's the way it goes.

What books do you read?

I mainly read young adult fiction and within that, contemporary and urban fiction. It's the stuff I relate to most. But lately, I've been adding more and more "adult" books to my pile. I've requested a bunch of Jodi Picoult's books from Bookmooch as well as James Frey's A Million Little Pieces and Seabiscuit. I've been branching out more.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

If I had to pick just one, I'd say Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers. That book was just so real and emotional and precise. As it was her debut novel, I'm excited to see what she has coming out next. This year I also read Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld which was released a while back but it has definitely become a favorite of mine. Those two books outshine every other book I've read so far this year, I think.

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Hands down. I give the same answer every time. That book is phenomenal. It's just got so much to offer to everyone. It can't be classified as a "girl book" or a "boy book" or even a young adult book. I had my dad read it and he loved it. And that's saying something because my dad normally sticks to his murder mystery books. I'm really excited to see what Catching Fire has in store for Peeta and Katniss.

How many books do you have in your library?

Maybe 120? I don't buy a ton of books because they're super expensive but I do make good use of Bookmooch. It's kind of funny though because I'm super particular about how my books are shelved and organized. I have them all in alphabetical order by the author's last name and I only shelve the books I've read and liked. If I haven't read them they go under the bed in a pile. If I don't like them, they go to Bookmooch.

How many books do you read a week?

About two, which is not enough in my opinion. I used to be able to read a lot more but now that I'm in high school, my education and my studies are my priorities, which doesn't leave a whole lot of time for reading. I do try to sit down and read for a little bit each night though. It's a nice little ritual. And it helps me to slowly and steadily get through my books.

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

Oh gosh. I don't think I can pick just one but I'll name a few...I love Reviewer X because Steph's amazingly blunt and tells it like it is. Plus she gets tons of great ARCs so it's nice to get an early opinion. I also really like Pop Culture Junkie because she posts about all sorts of book-related stuff, not only reviews. As for non-book-related blogs, I like Color Me Katie and Little Brown Pen.

When is your favorite time/location to read?

Late,late,late at night, laying on my bed. It makes me feel rebellious. Haha.

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

Maybe Diana Holland from the Luxe series. Which might sound strange because so far Diana's been pretty unfortunate. I like her because she's sassy and spunky. Plus, it would be fun to be a part of that whole drama-filled world. So either her or Katniss. Because Katniss is just bad-a**. And she gets Peeta.

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

Actually, no. I don't think I'm that great of a writer. I've tried to write some short fiction pieces for school before and it was a disaster. All of my ideas are just ridiculous. I'm better at opinion writing. And I like that more too because it's personal and direct. I have thought about going into the publishing industry in some other form though. Like as an editor or publicist or...something else. Writing's just not for me.

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

Oh dear. I have a horror story about this. So last year, my cousin mentioned that I had a blog to the school librarian. Bad. Because the librarian told all of the teachers. So a bunch of the teachers that had had me as a student over the years were now aware of the fact that I was publishing my thoughts/opinions on the internet and that I was actually getting a little bit of attention for it. A few comments here and there. And then the principal caught wind of it and he thought it would be a great idea to give me some sort of honor in front of the whole school. I swear, I bawled for an hour. And, I know, I know, the internet is a public thing and it's out there for everyone to read, but the odds are that none of those teachers would have ever known what I was doing. Which is the way I wanted it. For me, my blog's a private thing that I've only told a few people about. It's like an escape. So. If I was able to advertise my blog I don't know if I would. I kind of like it the way it is. Although it would be quite cool to have an excerpt of a review of mine published in a book or two or something like that. I have a little blurb in John Green's Paper Towns which makes me sooo happy.

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

John Green. But not just interview over the internet. I'd want to go sit at a coffee shop and video tape it all. Because while John Green is an awesome author, he's also an awesome person, and to be able to sit and talk with him would be beyond cool.

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

Ummm. I have no idea! Maybe my age? People are always surprised to learn that I'm just in my early teens. I'm no college student.

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. livsbookreviews@gmail.com I try to respond to all of the emails that I get.

Have you ever seen a tree kangaroo? (that is just for me, one of my fave weird animals)

No! But I'm going to google them right now. :)

Thank you so much for being my guest Liv, good luck with your blog and keep up the great work



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

A BOOK AND A CHAT with "KIM SMITH"

Writing, Readers, Guests, Blog Radio, even problems in New Zealand all on "A Book and a Chat with Kim Smith today.

This morning at the last moment (owing to a guest no show) I was lucky enough to have writer, radio host and friend KIM SMITH as my guest on "A BOOK AND A CHAT"

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

Listen to my chat with Kim as we discuss, books, blog radio, guests, even troubles in New Zealand and a three year old who purchased a digger online.

As normal it is a fun listen with much fun, laughter as well as usefull information.

Listen to the show, join in the fun... You can find out all about Kim at....

Kim Smith
Avenging Angel, a Shannon Wallace Mystery (2008)
A Will to Love-coming June 11, 2009
Http://www.mkimsmith.com




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

News Views and Weird News

Tuesdays blog is normally the time I get to update people about up and coming radio show guests, some of the latest interviews and reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

NEWS:

I have started the last few weeks to make my Monday blog an interview with one of the young bloggers or as I now call them the "Sham Wow" of Teen/Ya fiction. After a wonderful, radio interview with "Greenbeanteenqueen" last Saturday Mondays blog guest was Zoe from "Zoe's Book Reviews". I already have several more bloggers signed up either for radio of blog interviews.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) on "A BOOK AND CHAT" I have Soap star turned author Luise Shaffer as my guest 6:30pm EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with "bye back" which means they can now be available in "normal book stores" not just online.

REVIEWS:

A fresh review on Amazon taking my total there to 69.. even as I check to post the interview I find another fresh arrival taking my total up to 70!!!!!

"Across the Pond by the author Storyheart was an enjoyable book and I found it a pleasure to read. It was fun and entertaining to read. Fred had lots to learn about the different words and expressions in the American English language which was kind of funny to read. This is a perfect novel for the young adult and teen genres who will enjoy the book as much as I have as an adult reading the book. I look forward to reading more of Storyheart's books."

"This was a very pleasant book to read, I enjoyed the budding romance between the two characters and tip my hat to the author for keeping their romance sweet and touching and resisting the urge to make it too grownup.

Obviously the book is aimed at a junior high to high school audience, but I found my 30 year old self laughing and sighing at the two main characters as their feelings for each other developed.

The author does a great job of building a romance while maintaining a lighthearted vibe with plenty of laughs at the differences between us Americans and our cousins "across the pond."

I would happily recommed this book to family and friends and encourage my local school's library to add it to their shelves! "

WEIRD NEWS:

This week there are two peices of news from China, both related and showing you just how quickly news can change.

Sunday last is was announced.

China is building what is billed as its first sex theme park, aimed at improving both the sex education and the sex life of its visitors.

Due to open in Chongqing in October, Love Land will include displays of giant genitalia, naked bodies and an exhibition on the history of sex...
Among the attractions is a giant rotating statue of the lower part of a nearly naked woman.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8053596.stm

Then on Monday, the very next day new headlines...

China Sex Theme Park Demolished

China's first sex theme park, aimed at improving both the sex education and the sex life of its visitors, has been torn down before it even opened.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8054893.stm

Talk about ever changing news

That's it for this week, more weird news next Tuesday



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

Across the Pond - By Storyheart January 24th

Across the Pond - by Storyheart January 24th

More news and views on my Young Adult Fiction Novel “Across the Pond’

Still waiting on the mp3 recording of my appearance, on Thursday’s The Tony Kay Show at http://ArtistFirst.com. It was a very enjoyable as it always is talking to Tony.

I will post the link to the radio show recording as soon as I have it.

After two reviews appearing on Thursday at Amazon, I was very pleased yet another great review there on Friday. This makes a total of 35 reviews I have received since my book came out in October, 31 of which are at Amazon.

Work carries on for my Virtual Book Tour with “pumpupyourbookpromotion.com” which starts in February.

I am checking for any other reviews and blog interviews every day also checking out some more possible school visits

Fridays Review:

***** England to America adventure, January 23, 2009
By T. Williams (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews


Across the Pond is a great read. I love how the author pointed out all the differences between England and America in a funny way. I enjoyed the story and imagine any teen would as well. The characters are down to earth and human and the story is one kids can relate to. The romance felt very real and I read this from cover to cover in one sitting. This is an excellent book.

I like the part, and several others have said the same… that the person read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
Another plus from this review was that when I checked their other reviews I noticed I had a five star and Oprah’s Book only got four stars *grin*


So that’s all the news for today more to come tomorrow.


Storyheart
Author of “Across the Pond”
http://across-t-pond.com