Jun 02

Nobody Told Me: Ellen Franklin Mae Unzipped!

One of the most interesting writers in the world today has to be Ellen Mae Franklin. She has a list of positive reviews that would make most independent writers roll over with jealousy. Her sales are solid. Her fanbase is strong.

Yet, she has been overlooked by many of the fantasy readers roaming this world for great reads…

Why? Why hasn’t she been discovered?

 

 

Read her reviews and decide for yourself…. Is she as good as her fans believe?

 

[important]

“The Unseen Promise takes us on a magical journey in juxtaposed worlds, and one dependent on the other. Such a moreish cast of characters. Franklin knows how to show, rather than tell, and she’s certainly not a timid writer. A multitude of characters means you have to stray on your toesand you can’t miss a paragraph. I found that I sometimes had to go back and re-read parts, however this was not too much of a bother. Franklin’s witty prose make The Unseen Promise: The Tarkeenia Saga, something fresh, in my opinion. A keen fantasy reader, I await the next book in this particular series.” [/important]

[important]“The world of Tarkeenia is rich in fantasy and fabulously imaginative characters – this due to the talent of the author, so beautifully written that the reader is immersed in a tapestry of luxurious description, action and wonderment. Although from the imagination (we assume), it is as if this world is real, as if the author has researched each detail so that it becomes a live tangible place. It is a tale of good and evil, and pride and prejudice, with twists and turns that hook the reader from the start. I don’t give spoilers, however, will say that although a story of epic length, it’s world is worth exploring, so settle in for the ride and thrill with each word.

Highly recommended.”[/important]

[important]”I highly recommend this book! It’s an exciting, fast paced fantasy book. It takes place in a magical world, where with battles between good and evil. They are trying to manipulate Tarkeenia. Once you start reading this book, you won’t want to stop! I am excited for the author to come out with her next book. This is fascinating and compelling!”[/important]

[important]

“If you’re looking for a fast paced fantasy story with compelling threads and a mixture of exotic characters – then this is for you. The story is set in a world governed by magic and is basically a battle between good and evil powers that want to manipulate Tarkeenia for their own satisfaction. I found it hard to put the book down and was eager to resume the read – captivation is the tool of this author. I cannot wait for follow up works to this piece.”

[/important]

 

The verdict is down to you… Are you an Ellen fan like me or are you going to make the mistake of missing out?

 

[notice]Don’t miss out on this great read![/notice]

Jun 01

Don’t Make More Than One Mistake!

The new Chris Keys novel has finally arrived…

In its complete form.

What’s it about?

Tyler Stone chooses murder over divorcing his two timing, money grubbing wife. He plans the perfect murder down to the smallest detail only to find himself staggering through an astonishing array of challenges all in the effort to avoid making that One Mistake that would reveal his involvement to the authorities.  Every murderer makes at least One Mistake. It only takes One Mistake to get caught and everybody makes at least one. Tyler Stone made several, but the biggest one was having committed the crime in the first place.

What do the reviewers say?

I think it was always on the cards that Chris would write something that would stick. If he has a chance of gaining a worldwide bestseller, it is with this one.

Tyler Stone is a man possessed as he deals with the reality of an impending divorce. He knows he will lose everything in the end. He knows that he has ONE chance. He needs to kill her and he needs to create the perfect murder.

He can’t afford to make ONE mistake…

Every crime is solved with the help of one criminal oversight, whether it be Columbo finding the all important cigar butt shaped piece of evidence or Kojak seeing a reflection of the murderer on his shiny, bald head. There is always one major clue that leads the cops, PI or inquisitive niece to the real murderer.

Tyler researches, he plans, he plots and finally he has the perfect murder.

The only question now is… Will it go to plan? Will he succeed? Will he rid himself of a wife who wants nothing more than to destroy him?

Chris Keys kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. He kept me rolling around turning pages and glued to his words. I didn’t know what would happen next. The plot twists, it turns, and the way he drives the narrative to keep the reader right on top of the story is masterful. You feel like Chris is telling you the story over a bar with a beer. His words have a warmth seldom seen in a book. He makes you feel like his secret companion, the one he needs to tell the story to before he dies.

This is a book that truly shows a side to Chris Keys that really makes him stand out. His earlier books, interesting as they were, did not have the same feel. This one feels like something that you would read again and again and again. It has a sticky feel it to. An addictive feel. I don’t think anyone could accuse him of being anything less than original with this one.

The book is out now and you would be crazy to miss it. Absolutely crazy! Don’t make even ONE mistake…

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[important]Get your copy right now (June 1st & 2nd) FOR FREE![/important]

May 31

(Reblogged) Keys Unlocks the Wale: An Interview with Nick Wale

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We asked Nick to take a photo during the interview…This is what we got…

Maybe I should tell you a little about Nick. He cut his teeth in the harsh world of “Independent Publishing,” the world where the many release their books to the few. Ask him about his first hit and he will tell you about Terry Irving. Ask him about his home life and he will tell you about his girlfriend Lori. Ask him about the world of books and you will hire him. He has ideas that many people wouldn’t even think of.

It was a hot summer day, not a bad cloud in sight. Nick is an ardent believer in the Law of Attraction (LOA) and you will always find him sitting, thinking about his next move. Disturb the peace at your own peril. Looking like a country boy, he is at home in t-shirts and jeans. His hair always short and his accent very English. Let’s go take our lives in our hands and disturb his peace and quiet…

Q) Hey, Nick, what’s new with you?

A) Hola Chris. How goes my buddy, the bestseller?

Q) Pretty good! Okay, so I have been up all night racking my brains to think of things to ask you. You started as an interviewer right?

A) I did. I was a pretty green kid actually, asking questions that I thought were pretty clever. The fact is, I didn’t get really good until the first time an author got mad at me.

Q) What happened?

A) I asked him questions he didn’t like and he got so mad he left. I decided from that moment on, that you didn’t need to ask the most invasive questions to get results. You just needed to get your interviewee on side and find out what makes them tick.

Q) Did you always want to interview people for a living?

A) Hell, no! I loved it– but I didn’t want that career forever. I still enjoy it from time to time. Sometimes, I feel like returning to it, but that won’t happen.

Q) What is Hot Books?

A) Chris, Hot Books is a way of thinking. It’s a new idea I had to help move books. We list them and then buy a continual Facebook ad to keep the customers coming. They see a book they like, they buy it, and the page grows as writers come along and ask for their books to be added to the page. It’s a way of putting a lot of product out there without spending thousands on advertising. One page, one advert and one cost.

Q) Now, I have read somewhere that you have never worked with a flop? Is that true?

A) It’s a lie. I have worked with a flop. A book I once worked with was so bad it didn’t sell a single copy. I couldn’t get anyone to review it. I guess that’s what happens when an author writes a book about pubic hair.

Q) Why did you take it on?

A) Because I thought it might take off. I thought it could be a novelty– it wasn’t. It was an attempt to write something that would become a modern classic and frankly, it was so bad, the author eventually gave up trying to sell it. I think he wrote a straight-forward murder mystery next. I wasn’t asked to promote that one. I think my opinion of his ode to pubic hair pissed him off.

Q) How would you describe yourself?

A) Smart, intelligent, handsome… Nah, I guess I would describe myself as a modern day baby-boomer.

Q) You believe in the ethics of the baby boomers?

A) I think it worked at the time– that was probably the most productive time humans have seen in recent years. The recent move towards welfare dependency is rather scary, but I don’t talk politics.

Q) Why is that?

A) Because my job is to talk about books, writers, the great things people are putting down on paper. Nothing in my job description gives me the right to sanctimoniously rant about politics to people who want to hear about books.

Q) Do you believe other artists and promoters should feel the same way?

A) Not at all. Feel free to do whatever you want! Just don’t ask me to give my political opinion during an interview.

Q) So, what is different about your approach to the promotion of writers?

A) I believe that all books can potentially make money. I believe that all writers have the right to make a living from their books and my whole ethos is promotion for fair prices. I started Novel Ideas to work with independent authors who couldn’t get on the big rollercoaster called the “PR MONSTER.” You know, the ones who couldn’t afford the big guns to come out and spread the word about their books. The way my approach differs is simple– I do the leg work and appeal to the people who read books. I use the tools we all have–the internet–and I make sure everyone knows that the book exists without flooding the world and driving everyone mad.

Q) Do you think you are the future of PR?

A) No, I actually think I have more in common with the past. The way the record companies worked in the 50s and 60s. Back then, you knew a record was good if you could hear it endlessly without getting sick of it. I have the same approach. I take a writer’s work, and I submit it to the public in a way that they take without thinking “oh GOD NOT AGAIN”.

Q) Do you think many writers over-promote their work?

A) Yes, almost certainly! I think there are already so many books on the market and then people go crazy promoting their books and soon the whole market becomes so. People just walk away and look for new places to spend their money. It is so easy for a writer to scare away readers.

Q) Of all your interviews, which was your favorite?

A) I can’t choose a favourite, per se. I think my favourites have been the interviews I have done with guys like Boyd Lemon, Mike Trahan, Mike Walsh and Gordon Osmond. I also really enjoyed the interviews I have done with writers like Joseph Langan and Greg Eddolls. My first big interview was with Terry Irving. I am very proud of my body of work.

Q) Have you ever had a difficult interview? How do you deal with that?

A) Sometimes, you get people who don’t really know what to say. When that happens, you just have to go along with it and play it by ear. I think a good interview takes chemistry and to get chemistry you have to spend time building up a rapport. Take a guy like Mike Trahan– If you walk in there and try to shark him, he will kick your ass out of that interview quicker than a flash. You have to know what to ask and how. The boundaries are set by the interviewee, and if you want to be experimental, don’t do it with someone who is likely to dislike being experimented on.

Q) What would you class as experimental?

A) Again, politics is the number one NO during a general interview. Do not start a political flame war. Do not threaten the interviewee. Keep things above board and do not ask things that you would not like to be asked. You are not David Frost– therefore, do not pretend to be.

Q) What do you think of David Frost and his famous interviews with Richard Nixon?

A) There you go trying to be experimental.

Q) Is it true that you broke all attendance records on the weekly book webinar?

A) Yes, I did… But that was some time ago, now. I think that record must have been broken by now.

Q) What did you think of the interviews you have attended on that show?

A) Angie (Harris) is one of the most interesting interviewers I have ever come across. She has this way of putting people at ease. I think Gordon (Osmond) is crucial to the success of the show because he has such a literary knowledge. I think most writers would feel happy to be on that show. Lori (Nick’s fiancee) and I attend all the time.

Q) So, what is next for you?

A) Well, currently, we have highly-placed books with Terry Irving and J.W. Northrup. I think Ellen Mae Franklin is a forthcoming bestseller and we should find out where her book is headed over the next few weeks. My money, however, is on Mike Trahan. His E-book just came out and I think it might just be the biggest hit Novel Ideas has ever worked with.

Q) Thank you for your time, Nick!

A) Not a problem, Christopher.

Chris Keys1

Chris Keys is author of several books including the soon to-be-released novel “One Mistake.”

He currently lives happily in Tennessee with his wife, Donna. You can read more about Chris Keys here!

 

May 30

The Gift Part Two Got E-Booked!

The wait is over! The second volume of Mike Trahan’s highly acclaimed biographical series is now available on Kindle!

Have you been waiting for this moment?

I know I have! E-readers around the world can now travel with a copy of one of the most interesting books written about the Vietnam War…

You can get your copy right NOW right HERE!

 

[notice]

A Note From Mike Trahan:

“This book covers my Air Force years from October 1966 to April 1970. It begins where my first book “The Gift” left off. I have just graduated U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training and am on my way to my assignment in C-141 Jet Transport Aircraft. I will take you along as I fly the C-141 all over the world for two years. Then we will go to Vietnam and fly combat missions in the AC-47 “Spooky” Gunship and the EC-47 “Electric Goon” during my last year on active duty.

Come along with me. I think you will enjoy the ride!”

~ Mike Trahan

[/notice]

 

 

 

Review

Mike Trahan wrote the second instalment of his spellbinding biography- The Gift: Part 2, finally! I was given a pre-release copy to read and review. What can I say? Not only is it one of the most fascinating books I have ever read, it has topped his first book “The Gift.” (Click here to read my review of Part 1.)

Hard to do? Well, yes, the first book was one of those biographies that kept the reader turning the pages. The mounds of 5-star reviews it received pretty much proved that it was a slam dunk from the start. Now, I was one of the first guys to review that book and frankly, I loved every moment of it. I learnt about myself, as well as about Mike Trahan.

Who is Mike Trahan? Mike is one of those guys from Texas you instantly want to share time with. He has stories, experiences and memories that most people will never attain. He was a pilot from the get-go, he went to Vietnam, came back and settled down with his family and became the ultimate family man. He doesn’t brag, boast or beg. He has a very conservative attitude towards the people he spends time with. Mike Trahan is a man you don’t mess around, but you can be sure if he likes you, he will be there for you.

All of this comes across clearly in his book. He has a way of making you feel like his best friend as he pours his life story out for you to read. He is talkative, jolly, friendly at times, but always with a hint of seriousness- any man who witnesses war will have that streak of seriousness. This book is about the Vietnam War- Mike tells it as he experienced it.

This volume has a harder edge to it than the first instalment. We are taken from Texas to a living hell. We are taken on flights that must have terrified and missions that honoured a country. We are told a love story, we are taught about the true meaning of a patriot. Mike Trahan pours his heart out with emotion, vigour and beauty as we are taken with him on a voyage of destruction and re-birth.

This book is another 5-star volume. You can’t afford to miss this one. If you do then you will be missing a part of history you can’t find elsewhere.

 

[important]Get your copy straight away! Click here![/important]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 29

Novel Ideas Updates….

Nick Wale 

Contact: Nick Wale

Email: Nick@nickwale.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEL IDEAS STEERS TWO HIT BOOKS INTO THE BESTSELLERS LISTINGS

Novel Ideas are proud to announce that two of the authors we represent have broken the top ten listings on Amazon. Terry Irving has broken the top ten and top five respectively with his biography “Full Circle“. The book has been given five stars by consecutive reviewers.

J.W. Northrup has been constantly in the bestseller charts for the past two weeks. His first true hit was called “Fishing with my Father“, and it was a constant seller. His second release was called “Running with the Runs” which broke all his previous sales records. His new release entitled “Throwing Rocks At Deer” has just zoomed into the top ten. Way to go, J.W!

Chris Keys is about to release his new bestseller “One Mistake”. Keys has been busy over the past couple of weeks promoting the pre-release sampler of “One Mistake“. His new book comes hot off the heels of his previous top ten bestseller “Chris’s Quotes” which kicked off his renewed effort to climb to the top of the literary world.

May 29

One Mistake: Chris Keys is the Man- A Review by Nick Wale

Chris Keys1Chris Keys has written “One Mistake” (released on Amazon June 1st). What a tale it is!

I think it was always on the cards that Chris would write something that would stick. If he has a chance of gaining a worldwide bestseller, it is with this one.

Tyler Stone is a man possessed as he deals with the reality of an impending divorce. He knows he will lose everything in the end. He knows that he has ONE chance. He needs to kill her and he needs to create the perfect murder.

He can’t afford to make ONE mistake…

Every crime is solved with the help of one criminal oversight– whether it be Columbo finding the all important cigar butt shaped piece of evidence or Kojak seeing a reflection of the murderer on his shiny, bald head. There is always one major clue that leads the cops, PI or inquisitive niece to the real murderer.

Tyler researches, he plans, plots and finally he has the perfect murder.

The only question now is… Will it go to plan? Will he succeed? Will he rid himself of a wife who wants nothing more than to destroy him?

Chris Keys kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. He kept me rolling around turning pages and glued to his words. I didn’t know what would happen next. The plot twists, it turns, the way he drives the narrative to keep the reader right on top of the story is masterful. You feel like Chris is telling you the story over a bar with a beer. His words have a warmth seldom seen in a book. He makes you feel like his secret companion, the one he needs to tell the story to before he dies.

Now, on the downside, this is the first book that truly shows a side to Chris Keys that really makes him stand out. His earlier books, interesting as they were, did not have the same feel. This one feels like something that you would read again and again and again. It has a sticky feel it to. An addictive feel. I don’t think anyone could accuse him of being anything less than original with this one. If you read his earlier work you will be disappointed because this one is really the peak. It’s the one that will define the work of Chris Keys.

The book comes out early next week and you would be crazy to miss it. Absolutely crazy! Don’t make even ONE mistake…

“Chris Keys is a writer I have always wanted to emulate. If ever I write fiction, it will be in the style of a great writer like Keys.”~ Pat Mcmillan~ Author of “Happiness For Kids” and Happiness consultant.

 

 

May 28

‘Four Emmy Awards Irving’ and ‘Two Books Clark’ Give It Away…

Today happens to be called the “National Day of Irving-Clark or as we Brits call it “Irving-Clark Day”…

Who is Irving-Clark?

Terry Irving and Tommy Clark are two authors currently doing a free giveaway on KDP. I was asked to mention both of them on my site today. I thought the best way to do that was to just put them together in their own little free corner! Let me tell you about their work…

Tommy Clark

Tommy Clark

Tommy Clark is a well-known author currently giving away copies of his fanatically addictive book Rogue’s Phoenix Chronicles Book 1.

Synopsis

Life in Rogue’s Phoenix has been simple for Dylen Debaskin and his brother, Tristen. Squires to their prince, Ryddin McRuine, they long to become knights. When problems arise with trade between the neighboring countries, they find an opportunity to prove their worth to their prince and his father, the king. But the party soon begins to realize that the trade problems barely scratch the surface. As they delve deeper they discover that there’s much more at stake than they had imagined. A reclusive thieves’ guild known as Blackshroud has started making waves between the four factions of Rogue’s Phoenix — and their plans just might be bigger than the squires and their prince can handle.

 

 

Reviews for Tommy Clark

“I was asked to review his latest release Rogue’s Phoenix Chronicles Book 1: Thieves and Kings. What did I expect? Well, I wasn’t sure exactly. I know Tommy is a fine writer, but he is also working with a subject that has been written to death. The fantasy world of knights, kings and all things currently associated with role-playing video games has been a subject I have been asked to review a lot. I have turned down many of them, so why am I reviewing this one? Several reasons– the first being that Tommy Clark can write and he writes with distinction. He makes the story his own. The second reason is that I think he has a long future ahead of him! I really do believe that he has one of the most interesting writing styles of today.”

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“First I have to say that I do not like fantasy fiction–like not even a little bit–so the main reason I give this book 5 stars is for the simple reason that it kept my attention from page 1 to the end. There were a few loose ends at the end of the book which kinda annoyed me BUT I know that the second book will be coming out around the holiday season 2013 so I’m hoping my questions will be answered then. The story is enjoyable, the characters are memorable. I would definitely recommend this book to any other self-titled fantasy fiction haters!”
Meet Terry Irving

Terry Irving has already written several books… His “Courier” novel was a smash hit, and he sold the sequel “Warrior” before it was even written. Then, under the guise of Mike Mauss, he wrote “The Unemployed Guy’s Guide To Unemployment” and hit another home run. Now, he brings his life to the forefront with this latest release. The book is called Full Circle and tells the story of his early life.

Synopsis

Terry Irving first arrived in Washington, DC as a shaggy college freshman protesting the Vietnam War in 1969. Almost 40 years later, he is still in Washington, writing books and working as a freelance journalist.

His career has spanned world events from The Berlin Wall to the Indonesian Tsunami; he has worked everyone from Ted Koppel to Don Imus, and he knows the truth behind the television images and the sadness and depression that often underlies the cheerful facades of journalists, politicians, and celebrities. This is his story!

Reviews For Terry Irving

Most writers of history were never present at the events they write about. Most also don’t include autobiographical points writing about it. In “Full Circle: (Time Cut: 1969 to 2013)”, author, award winning producer and one time motorcycling courier for TV networks, Terry Irving, writes as historian and autobiographer. “Full Circle” is at times gut wrenching at the same time as being as free wheeling as the early 70’s time frame he presents here. But the book is not just one of history, it is also the story of the development of a man from the dysfunctional academic parents to finding his place in a rapidly changing world. It’s a fascinating, fast paced read throughout. Looking forward to more from Terry Irving.

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Terry Irving must be one of the most interesting men on the face of the planet. I am not kidding! He has literally experienced everything a man can experience. This is the first volume of his biographical series, and it has been the first book to keep me wide awake with anticipation for the next volume in a long time!

What does Irving do that works so well? He just writes with such intense honesty! His family were rather weird, and he just tells all as he witnessed it. His alcoholic mother and his distant father. The haunting successes of his family and the deep, dark lows of his family all did their part to create the writer as he stands today. He tells how he was expected to be a failure like his “uncle” and a failure he believed he would be…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 27

Four Emmys Irving Returns! A PR Release…

 

Terry Irving

Contact: Nick Wale

Email: Nick@nickwale.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMMY-WINNER TERRY IRVING REJOINS THE NOVEL IDEAS FOLD WITH NEW BOOK

Terry Irving has bounced back with a brand new bestseller entitled “Full Circle” which tells the story of his illustrious TV career. The book also tells the tale of Irving’s early dealings with the peace movement of America. After successfully signing a publishing deal with a British publisher for his first novel “Courier,” Terry found himself without a PR team and returned to the Novel Ideas fold to help promote his work.

A split between Irving and Novel Ideas was not well publicised and many Irving fans found themselves wondering if he had returned back to the world of TV. Terry will be appearing with Novel Ideas editor Nick Wale for a feature length interview that will follow on from his recent appearance on the weekly book hangout.

“Full Circle” is currently listed for Kindle. It is the first part of “Time Cut: 1969-2013” which will be releasing a new segment each month throughout 2013. (Purchasers of the latest segment will automatically receive the earlier segments as well.) Terry has also been involved in the creation of a documentary that is tipped to be another award winner.

Novel Ideas is pleased to announce that Terry Irving is a client again and eagerly awaits a brand new interview series.

Full Circle is currently on general release.

An Interview With Terry Irving will be published at the end of the month of May 2013

May 27

Frankly, Franklin Rules!

Bestselling writer Ellen Mae Franklin informed me today that she was going on a sales drive. Her book “Unseen Promise” has been nothing more than a pure, golden, smash, shockingly successful HIT!

“The author proves a fertile imagination when she sketches the world and characters. And I do not mean a few characters, but a plethora. Whether they are main characters, or transient one, whether they are on the good or evil side, all of them will incite and about each of them you’ll want to know more.”~ Reviewer

Carol Bond (who writes under the pseudonym Ellen Mae Franklin)

Ellen at home with the coy writer at play look.

What makes Ellen tick? Her keen sense of humour? Her abundant writing talent? Her strong sense of what is good for her characters?

“If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy story with compelling threads and a mixture of exotic characters – then this is for you. The story is set in a world governed by magic and is basically a battle between good and evil powers that want to manipulate Tarkeenia for their own satisfaction.“~ Reviewer

No, it’s her creative mind that makes Ellen one of the strongest, most interesting and frankly, one of the strongest selling fiction writers of the independent world…

“The action is sustained, always occurs or something happens, and the events links and has continuity. There are no forced artifices, everything flows logically. In the end I will say that The Unseen Promise is a book that (1) I will definitely reread and (2) with the same pleasure.“~ Reviewer

What more can I say? You need to read this one!

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Synopsis

Set on the world Tarkeenia, this story marks the struggle between god and man, magic and indefinable evil. Monsters walk the shadows and the tip of balance between dark and light, good and evil. Even on a good day, living is tenuous.

Strangers become friends, uneasy alliances are tainted by betrayal and self gain. Unlikely heroes salvage what they can, in a world on the brink of chaos.

Flesh eating Specks, turn the living to dust, Murrdocks and Dwarves, Benzines and Magi all strive to make do in a world bubbling with wild magic. Will Tarkeenia survive the tug and pull of the very spoilt and the very wicked? Will those lost to the dark, find a way back to the light? Is it possible to forget, or forgive and begin again? All these questions and more are answered in this first book, as the reader walks Tarkeenia’s many paths.

About Ellen

Born in Adelaide, South Australia, this mother of three is following her passion for Fantasy writing. She published The Unseen Promise in 2013, after revitalizing the urge to complete the first book in the Tarkeenia Sagas. She is currently working on subsequent manuscripts and is involved in various writing and creative communities. I am writing under the pseudonym of her children’s middle name – Ellen Mae Franklin.

Nick Wale Says

I think Ellen is one of the brightest stars in the self-publishing world of today. When I first read “Unseen Promise” I wasn’t sure what to expect…. Yet! I was hooked by the second chapter! Ellen has a way with words… You need to see her work to believe it!

unseenpromise

Get your copy right now!

 

May 26

Say NO To Drink Driving… Take Away The Keys….

I wanted to interview Michael Haden about his work with MADD. I think it’s important for people to realise the danger of drink driving. I, myself, have always been a great believer in taking away the keys before the damage is done. Michael explains in this interview how one of his most hopeful students was killed in a driving incident. He wrote his book “A Deal With God” in tribute to her… He also wrote the book to spread the word that it is unacceptable to drink and drive… If in doubt, take away the keys guys…

 

michaelhadenQ) Hi Michael! I want to start by asking you where you live? Furthermore, what kind of area do you live in?

A) I come from Odessa. My city has extremely poor all the way to extremely rich. It is very diverse, and I am comfortable in the middle.

Q) I ask that because you grew up in middle America of the 70’s and I was wondering if the education of that period shaped you as a writer? Did you always know that you wanted to be a writer?

 

A) My dad was a studio musician and substitute teacher. My mom worked for the post office. In grade school they made fun of me because I was always reading. I got them back by nailing the highest IQ score in the school. It took me to the age of 30 to get the idea of writing a book.

 

Q) So, where did you get the inspiration to write your book? Did you always have some idea of how it would turn out? A plan?

 

A) It was always going to be non-fiction though. All the way up to the initial writing process, I thought I would go non-fiction until an amazing story line popped into my head. It seamlessly meshed with the non-fiction biographies I was researching at the time.

 

Q) It just popped into your head? What were you doing at the time?

 

A) I was working alone. My technician was in the hospital and I was working alone one week and a movie started playing in my head. The movie ended up being my first book “A Deal With God”.

 

Q) Let me ask you something that many people may struggle to answer. I want to ask you something that will make you look deep inside yourself. Who is Michael Haden?

 

A) Michael Haden is a successful businessman who happens to be a very good soccer coach. I love working with young people. I learn more from them than they do from me. My girls team is currently ranked 6th in the state and we have gotten 15 girls college scholarships over the last two years.

 

Q) Let me ask you something really important here Michael. You wrote your book about Deana. A talented girl who was killed tragically. How did you know her?

 

A) My son is 26. My daughter is 24. My daughter is in the book. She is Alexa on pg. 16. She was best friends with Deana.

 

Q) Now, you wrote your book “A Deal With God” as a tribute to Deana. What would you say is the overall message of the book?

 

A) One careless action can manifest exponentially to hurt a lot of people.

 

Q) I need to ask this. Do you think if Deana were still around today- would you have written a book?

 

A) No. She was my sole inspiration. She was that dynamic and charismatic. I always wanted to write a book, but I needed this kind of inspiration to put me over the hump.

 

Q) I guess, the book allowed you to express all the emotions that you felt after the death of Deana. Did you write “Deal” as a memorial? As a warning?

 

A) The book started as a story I told my younger players on road trips. The legend of Deana Murphy. She was an example of always giving max effort. When people heard me verbally tell her story they all told me to write it in book form.

 

 Q) Well, I think every credit is due to you Michael. The book is outstanding! I just wanted to ask about the work you have done to try and reduce drink driving. Is that okay?dealwithgod

 

A) Sure!

 

Q) You are an active supporter of MADD?

 

A) I certainly am, Nick. I did a TV piece on Studio 10 on CBS With MADD in Tampa and I have done a fundraiser with MADD in Canada. For all those readers who aren’t familiar with MADD, let me explain. MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. It is an organization that promotes not drinking and driving. We are working on a big take away the keys from a friend or relative about to drink and drive.

 

Q) How successful has MADD been so far?

 

A) Truly successful, Nick! Every year we have less and less auto crash fatalities due to drunk driving. That is partly down to MADD.

 

Q) Well, thank you for your time and I hope all our readers take the time to go and check out “A Deal With God”. It a truly wonderful piece of work.

 

A) Thank you, Nick!

Check out the website for MADD right here!

Pick up a copy of Michaels book right here!