Meet Margaret West in our Host Appreciation Feature

Next up in our Host Appreciation Features is Margaret West.  Margaret is an paranormal romance author and does a lot of work and consulting during book tours.  Please give her a warm welcome.

1.    What do you love most about blogging?

I love to chat. I’m the person who will walk into a room of strangers and come out knowing them all lol Blogging is the same thing. I like meeting people from all walks of life. I have met some really lovely people, some I have stayed friends with for years, yet never met. Blogging is like second nature for me. A lovely way to meet new people from all over the world without leaving my office.

2.    Do you have a most memorable post?

God yes. A long time ago, when I was a novice blogger I had a guest on my blog and she wanted to write something herself for a post. My site is PG rated and I never gave it a second thought. The next day I got a ton of emails saying do you know what’s on your blog. I hadn’t checked the post fully. I just dutifully loaded it on. It was the most explicit sex scene I have ever read. Actions that would make a brothel madam blush.....I still feel faint thinking about it now!!!

3.    What is the funniest thing you have ever blogged about?

Tampax string lol No seriously. The perils of tampax string. How many ladies have had their’s break off in their hands? That was an hilarious blog which had me spluttering into my cup of tea.

4.    What do you hope your readers will take away from your blog?

Hopefully my friendship, help. Information. I’m told I am a mind of useless information lol

5.    Where do you hope to take your blog in the future?

Everywhere I hope. I never really think about it.

6.    Do you ever have contests and/or giveaways on your blog?

I always have them on my blog. I just did a fabulous one. I always give something to a random guest.

7.    In your opinion,  how would readers,  old and new,  benefit from your blog?

Readers can get to know the author as a person not just a writer. I like my blogs to be quirky. For the authors personality to shine through. Authors get to know new authors with whom they can swap idea’s with, information anything really. From this year alone, just from blogging, I have received a publishing deal, Article writer job for a magazine and two radio show offers. Can’t be bad!

8.    Anything you would like to share,  thoughts,  events,  etc?

I’m a host for Blogfess so I hope to meet a lot more people on the way this year. I’ll be giving away a ton of things as well as unique gifts too as a thank you to a random commenter.

Blog sites  http://margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
http://magsx.blogspot.com/


Thank you for sharing with us Margaret and for all you do :).  You're the best.

Meet Jackie O'Neal in Our Host Appreciation

http://onealmediagroup.blogspot.com/

Jackie is one of our newer hosts to The Virtual Book Tour Cafe',  but she is appreciated just the same.  Welcome Jackie,  and thank you for joining us and helping us get to know you better.

As the news editor of Women's Online Magazine, she came in contact with entrepreneurs who were eager to keep their profiles high in the marketplace. As a result, she launched O'Neal Media Group a public relations consultancy that works with small business and non-profits. Her expertise in strategic planning, research and media relations has helped her clients get noticed by the media while realizing their communication goals and objectives. A journalist as well, who writes for ASSIST News Service, http://www.assistnews.net - she speaks the language of the media for effective pitching. Her commitment to the public relations profession, led her to engage in a year long course toward accreditation via The Public Relations Society of America http://www.prsa.org In addition, she has been a college professor teaching advanced English composition courses, and holds an M.F.A. in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College.In 2007, she was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2007, Jackie completed a Masters in Sacred Theology at Agape Seminary in Clearwater, Florida. She continues her seminary studies as a Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Counseling.

1.  What do you love most about blogging?

I love the freedom and creativity of blogging. I can share my insights, promote my clients and programs in a fun, conversational way.

2.  Do you have a most memorable post?

I blogged about an Italian chef and her newest book. Through the process, I learned some great recipes. I asked her about the message she wanted to convey, and she said:

"First of all, that you can make any meal into a special occasion with a special meal and don't have to wait for a Holiday to cook these recipes/menus. *Holidays should not be about the material gifts we receive but about the other gifts that we take for granted- having food on the table and friends and family and others to share the food with. These are the real gifts to be thankful for!"

3.  What is the funniest thing you have ever blogged about?

I had written an artilce for ClassesUSA.com  about  "The Power of the Pen"- not only did the Miami Herald pick it up becasue it included an interview with Stefan Pinto, a Playgirl centerfold and budding actor from Miami, but   I blogged about the exposure. I had no idea my source was a Playgirl centerfold!

4.  What do you hope your readers will take away from your blog?

I'd like my readers to stay up to date on new books and updates.

5.  Where do you hope to take your blog in the future?

I'd like my blog to be a home for authors on virtual blog tours, more and more in the future.

6.  Do you ever have contests and/or giveaways on your blog?

I'm thinking about doing a giveaway offering a copy of my own book Woman Priest: A Collection of Spiritual Reflections and Commentary on Today's Issues

7.  In your opinion,  how would readers,  old and new,  benefit from your blog?

 Readers will go up on the learning curve about exciting authors promoting new books on a range of topics.

8.  Anything you would like to share,  thoughts,  events,  etc?

I have a reading coming with Free-range non- fiction in New York:

	October 6 · 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Location	The Cornelia Street Cafe
Created By	Woman Priest: A Collection of Spiritual Reflections And Commentary
More Info	I've been invited to read from my book WOMAN PRIEST by Mira, the founder of Free range fiction reading: http://freerangenonfiction.com/ 29 Cornelia Street, NYC 10014

I also teach PR tips  on WIZIQ  :

	October 6 · 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Location	The Cornelia Street Cafe
Created By	Woman Priest: A Collection of Spiritual Reflections And Commentary
More Info	I've been invited to read from my book WOMAN PRIEST by Mira, the founder of Free range fiction reading: http://freerangenonfiction.com/ 29 Cornelia Street, NYC 10014

AND--

I also teach PR classes on WIZIQ: http://www.wiziq.com/jackie-oneal796678

Jackie  Audrey O'Neal 

O'Neal Media Group

http://onealmediagroup.presskit247.com

(609) 334-8621 (office) 

E-mail: onealmedia@live.com

Want To Do Your Own PR? Join Us Monthly: http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/354603-pr-intensive



Author of Woman Priest- A Collection of Spiritual Reflections And Commentary on Today's Issues http://onealmediagroup.presskit247.com/Woman_Priest

Author of  O'Neal Media Group: PR Case Studies, Tips, And Success Stories 


 As seen and heard on  The Huffington Post, USA Today, NPR The Women's Perspective, NPR Blog,Seattle Post-Intelligencer.com, Ground report, The J.P. Godsey Show- WHKT 1650 AM, and  PBS

  Books editor in collaboration with KZSB 1290 AM,  Communicating Today, Channel 10, The J.P. Godsey Show  WHKT 1650

Thank you for sharing with us today Jackie and for all you do with hosting.  It's greatly appreciated.

Bookshelf Cleaning Party!

I have so many books on my bookshelves right now.  I am receiving new books on a regular basis and am out of room.  So I am going to do a bookshelf cleaning party.  So with that being said,  if you would be interested in doing a bookshelf cleaning party with me,  join up using the below form.

Not ready to part with your books just yet?  That's ok,  you can use any prize giveaway you choose.

Let's Make It A Virtual Party!

Party Date - November 5 - 7.  Starting at 11:59am on the 5th.  You will need to have your post ready before Midnight,  on November 5.  To sign up,  use the form below.  Spread the word and let's have fun!



If you would like to help out and create new buttons,  you can submit them with code/picture to bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net.  It would be greatly appreciated!  Watch here for a list of participating blogs as well.

Dishing It Out with Ginger Simpson

First on our Host Recognition Feature, and I'm sure she will amuse you as much as she does me,  I would like to welcome Ginger Simpson!  Ginger has been hosting book tours with us for a few months now and she is a wonderful woman and host.  She is the owner of the "Dishing It Out" blog.

Welcome Ginger!

I had the opportunity to ask Ginger a few questions.  So let's get started and learn more about Dishing It Out with Ginger Simpson!

1.  What do you love most about blogging?
Blogging allows me to interact with people almost immediately after they comment.  It also gives me a place to rant, rave, and celebrate milestones in my life and career.  For several years I did a monthly newsletter, but when blogging became the rage, I switched over and I love it.

2.  Do you have a most memorable post?
I have more memorable posts than you have room for.  I always wanted to be a stand-up comic, so I use humor to entertain my readers…that’s when I’m not hosting a slew of other authors to help promote their work.  I believe in paying it forward.

3.  What is the funniest thing you have ever blogged about?
Oh, my gosh.  I’m sixty-four-years-old and I can’t recall where I was three minutes ago.  I guess people will just have to go to my blog and find what amuses them most.  Trust me, I’ve blogged about a lot of things…actually, I just recalled one post called “A Little Saturday Toilet Humor.”  Here’s the link: http://mizging.blogspot.com/2009/02/little-saturday-toilet-humor.html   If you’re easily offended, then don’t go, but I laughed for hours when I read it.

4.  What do you hope your readers will take away from your blog?
I hope people will see that I’m a real person with a life, family and problems just like everyone else.  Since my life is an open book on my blog, I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t see the obvious flaws.

5.  Where do you hope to take your blog in the future?
I love that my “followers” are growing in numbers, and I’m jazzed when I see new names added to my email subscriptions.  I would love to one day be recognized as one of the most entertaining and informative blogs on the web.

6.  Do you ever have contests and/or giveaways on your blog?
I host fellow authors frequently, and many times, prizes are awarded to a name picked from someone who commented on the post.  I’ve held contests myself, given away copies of books, promo items, and even promised to dedicate a WIP to only lucky person.  People like getting things for free, even if it’s not something costly.

7.  In your opinion, how would readers, old and new,  benefit from your blog?
I believe that the vast genres and topics displayed at Dishin’ It Out can be a form of entertainment for all ages.  I always ask my visiting blogger to post a disclaimer prior to presenting anything that has sexual content or may be offensive to some folks.  I expect to see much more for the younger crowd since my first YA offering, Shortcomings, will soon make a debut.

8.  Anything you would like to share, thoughts, events, etc?
I have eight new releases coming in 2011.  I would love to have people stop by my blog, http://mizging.blogspot.com, and my website, http://www.gingersimpson.com and check out the coming attractions.  There is something for every age group.  I love to hear from fans and peers alike, so comments are always welcome.  Thank you so much for letting me share a little about myself and my blog.

Absolutely Ginger and thank you so much for all you do.  You run a wonderful blog and I hope everyone will take the time to stop in and see you.  Eight new releases is quite a few and I am wishing you much success!

Please stop on over to Dishing It Out and/or leave a comment for Ginger here.  Show her some blogging love :)!

David Fingerman, author of Silent Kill,  will be appearing on Ginger's Blog on October 20th.  Be sure to check it out!

http://virtualbooktourcafe.blogspot.com

Virtual Book Tour Host Recognition

Hello once again!  We all had a blast with Blog Fest 2010!  Special Thanks to our host - Cinnamon at http://ajourneyofbooks.halfzero.net for all the hard work in putting this together! 

I have been running virtual tours since April now,  and because I have a lot of hosts working with me,  I want to give all of our hosts a little credit for all their hard work.  Hosts have worked very hard to make book tours run smoothly and put in a lot of time in preparing posts. 

Starting this month,  I am going to start doing a blog feature,  spotlighting our hosts from The Virtual Book Tour Cafe'.  Each feature will provide you with information about the blog as well as links to their sites,  and upcoming events and news. 

So be on the look out for our first feature with some great blog hosts!  Stop in to meet them and see what they are all about!

We Have A BlogFest Giveaway Winner!

Celebrate Good Times Come On!  BlogFest was a blast this past weekend.  There were some great prizes to be given away and fantastic blogs to visit!  I hope you all had as much fun as I did.

I have drawn the winner to my giveaway using a tally count and random organizer.  It actually worked out really well :). 

I know you're wishing I would just get on with it!  Okay okay,  here you go.  Drumroll please......

Lori from Dolly Cas's Thoughts!  CONGRATULATIONS LORI!  I will get you your prizes out to you asap! 

Thank you to all who participated in BlogFest,  for visiting my blog and becoming a new follower!  You are all amazing! 

Have a fantastic week everyone!

BlogFest 2010 Starts Today!

Hello and welcome to Walker's Musings of a Mind.  It's that time!  Now through September 12th at 11:59pm EST we will be participating in BlogFest 2010!  I hope you will enjoy your journey,  hopping from blog to blog entering for some terrific prizes.  If you get lost you can always go back to our host http://ajourneyofbooks.halfzero.net/   to start over with the list of blogs participating.

It's a blog party so let's PARTY!!!!!!!

So here's my giveaway and rules to enter:

I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card along with a writing journal and book light.

To enter:

A Must is to become a new follower with a valid email address and leave a comment stating so.

Additional Entries:


+2 Entry for following me on Twitter
+2 To become a new fan on Facebook
+2 For Joining Authors Supporting Authors

Please be sure to list all the entries you are qualifying for and don't forget to leave me your email address.  Have fun and below you will find a list of the next set of blogs participating.  Make sure you click the link and enter for more great prizes.

	Wendi Zwaduk: Romance To Make Your Heart Race http://wendizwaduk.blogspot.com/ What Book is That? http://www.whatbookisthat.com/ Wicked Readings by Tawania http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/ World According to Books http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/ Writing is a Blessing http://writingisablessing.blogspot.com/ You Have How Many Kids?? http://the-winfields-7.blogspot.com/ Young Adult Books Reviewed http://yabreviewed.blogspot.com/ {...is a book whore} http://isabookwhore.blogspot.com/

Happy BlogFest 2010!  Good luck!

VBT Pit Stop - George Hudson in the Spotlight

George Sherman Hudson was born and raised in Atlanta Ga.. After being continuously rejected by different publishers because of the subject matter contained in his books while serving time, this father of two did some research and started G Street Chronicles, the urban book publishing company that's ran by him with the help of his COO and fiancé Erica Jones . While George is continuously working hard to make G Street Chronicles a recognized name in the literary industry, he's also working hard on his highly anticipated REAL series. George has authored five books in all. His debut book Drama is in stores now. Having published more than 10 titles in the first year of business George is determined to make G Street Chronicles an urban lit powerhouse.

The drama just doesn't stop in the lives of Deb, Tammy, and Lisa. Deb, the hard worker and savvy entrepreneur is blessed with a multimillion dollar contract, but has to enjoy the success without the comfort of her man whose fledging music career has him busy from state to state. Tammy has everything a diva could want, a multimillion dollar home, expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, and she thought love.

Drama is a book a lot like sex in the city with black characters, each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character.  They take turns telling their side of the story.  It has everything, humor, emotions, great characters, and a lot of drama.

 website: http://www.gstreetchronicles.com


Since I am an author and  publisher of Urban Literature, I though you all would be interested in the history of Urban Lit.  This is a genre of fiction known variously as "street lit," "ghetto lit," "urban lit" or "hip-hop lit" has begun registering impressive sales, catching the attention of the publishing industry. Previously sold as typewritten photocopies on street corners, these pulp-fiction books now appear in slick paperbacks available in bookstores and online, for instance on
my website: http://www.gstreetchronicles.com. I found most of the following information on
Wikipedia.

Urban Fiction was (and largely still is) a genre written by and for African American's.  Although my book Drama has universal appeal.. In his famous essay “The Souls of Black Folk,” W. E. B. Du Bois discussed how a veil separated the African American community from the outside world.[1] By extension, fiction written by people outside the African American culture could not (at least with any degree of verisimilitude) depict the people, settings, and events experienced by people in that culture. Try as some might, those who grew up outside the veil (i.e., outside the urban culture) simply could not write fiction truly grounded in inner-city and African American life.
In 1965, The Autobiography of Malcom X was published. Because this non-fictional read captured the realistic nature of African American urban life for coming-of-age young men, the book has consistently served as a standard for reading among African American teenaged boys.

In the 1970s, during the culmination of the Black Power movement, a jailed Black man named Robert Beck took the pen name Iceberg Slim and wrote Pimp, a dark, gritty tale of life in the inner-city underworld. While the book contained elements of the Black Power agenda, it was most notable for its unsparing depiction of street life. Iceberg Slim wrote many other novels and attained an international following. Some of the terminology he used in his books crossed over into the lexicon of Black English.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, urban fiction in print experienced a decline. However, one could make a cogent argument that urban tales simply moved from print to music,[3] as hip hop music exploded in popularity, with harsh, gritty stories such as "The Message" and "Dopeman," set to a driving, strident drum rhythm. Of course, for every emcee who signed a recording contract and made the airwaves, ten more amateurs plied the streets and local clubs, much like urban troubadours telling urban fiction in an informal, oral manner rather than in a neat, written form.  Hip Hop lit in print form, though, is thriving.[
Toward the end of the 1990s, urban fiction experienced a revival, as demand for novels authentically conveying the urban experience increased, and new business models enabled fledgling writers to more easily bring a manuscript to market. With this new wave of renaissance street lit comes a whole new ballgame when it comes to promotion and exposure. Aside from hand-to-hand sales, which seems to work best in a genre where word-of-mouth has proven to be worth more than any large ad campaign, the Internet has increased the authors and publishers the ability to reach out to the genre's readers. With Internet savvy, many self-published authors who once had no shot of recognition are now household names.
You are all invited to my website to investigate the books that fit this genre very well.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-George-Sherman-Hudson/dp/0615314082/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281797093&sr=8-3