Mancode:Exposed Book Bash - 3 Days Only

Why is today different than any other day?

It’s not, really. Maybe not for you. It’s just another day of spilled coffee, kids whining, and laundry to fold. Oh wait, that’s me.

However, today is a big deal for this chick, self-published author and social media consultant you may or may not have heard of, Rachel Thompson. People like to give her lots of nicknames, but mostly she goes by RachelintheOC, aka the Queen of Snark and oh, don’t forget BadRedhead. #asif

Here are a few facts about this fiery spitfire (and we’ll get to the BIG deal in a minute):

• Her first book, A Walk In The Snark, an essay collection based on her popular blog RachelintheOC.com, hit #1 on the Kindle Motherhood list last fall and has become a mainstay, beating out the likes of (ahem, celebrity blondies) Tori Spelling and Jenny McCarthy. This book covers men, women, and relationships, but also more poignant topics like loss and grief.

• Her second book, The Mancode: Exposed, released in December, hit #1 on multiple lists (Motherhood, Parenting and Family, Parenting and Relationships) as well as placing in the overall Amazon Top 100 in January – within its first month of release! This book is all-out humor: men (Mancode), women (Chickspeak), love, relationships, sex, and of course, chocolate.

• Rachel is a cofounder of the popular group, the Indie Book Collective. While no longer an active member, she volunteered her time helping hundreds of writers learn the ins and outs of book promotion and social media for over a year and cowrote Dollars and Sense: The Definitive Guide To Self-Publishing Success. Check it out.

• Her social media consulting group, BadRedhead Media, specializes in social media, particularly Twitter, helping authors learn how to brand themselves, and figure out the world of Amazon. Her clients are varied and cover all genres. Follow @BadRedheadMedia on Twitter for free tips or visit her site for fees and info.

So…what’s the BIG deal?

Starting today, for THREE DAYS ONLY, The Mancode: Exposed is 99cents! (Reg. price $2.99.) Yep, you read that right. That’s why THURSDAY - SATURDAY, is special. Only these three days so don’t wait!

No strings, no hoops. Simple click here (Amazon exclusive, no Kindle required) and purchase your discounted copy of this popular #1 bestselling humorous collection of essays on men, women, relationships, chocolate, and sex. (Adult content warning.)

Remember, no Kindle is required to download an Amazon eBook. But you already knew that, yes? Simply download their free Kindle apps for computer, tablet, or smartphone. Even cloud. It’s very easy.

Do you have questions for Rachel? Visit her site, Twitter, Facebook, or email her at RachelintheOC@gmail.com. She’s very friendly….after coffee. Especially if you send Nutella (we hear she’s a fan).

Finally, Rachel is happy (well, as happy as she gets) to eSign her eBooks for you (go to Kindlegraph.com) to request her signature. Again, no Kindle required. It kinda rocks.

Thanks for hanging and enjoy the discounted read!

  I'm a chick who writes stuff that makes you laugh. My blog has been nominated for funniest blog this year. I've been told I write in the style of that Dickens guy. Kidding.

I'm a mom, a wife, and a recovering pharmaceuticals rep. It's been a long process but I'm doing okay, thanks.

I usually write about men (The Mancode), marriage, kids, being a mom, living in the OC (ya know--being a pale redhead living in a sea of blondes) and vodka. Not necessarily in that order depending on the day.

I also write occasionally about serious stuff, like the death of someone I once loved or lost love--so don't be shocked if you come visit and don't see the funny.

Don't come here looking to find advice about how to be sweet or nice. I'm pretty much allergic to both of those words.

If you want to learn how to find humor in everyday life, well, I'm really not your girl either. Mostly I just laugh at stuff and make up words (See "Refrigeratoritis and Manesia.")Yet somehow it all seems to work.

And don't call me cute. (Hint: babies and puppies are cute. Grown women are not.)

VBTC Pit Stop - Guest Post with Cindi Maciolek

Touring with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe', I am pleased to welcome Cindi Maciolek. Welcome Cindi, so glad you could stop in.

You Can Write that Memoir!

For some reason, all my life, people have asked me how they should go about writing a memoir. Some felt they’d led an interesting life. Others wanted to capture family memories. Still others wanted to leave a gift to their children and grandchildren. Sometimes it was as simple as a collection of stories; other times, it included recipes or mementos. Many wanted to take a traditional chronologic approach. No matter, it was all important to them.

Now, I’ve only just recently written my first memoir, so why I received so many inquiries through the years, I have no idea. However, I think I’ve learned a few things that might just help you accomplish your dream of writing your memoir.

1. Gather the stories. Make a list of events and happenings you absolutely want to include in the book. Then, capture whatever memories you have and jot them down.
2. Don’t think you won’t remember. As you begin to write, you’d be amazed at how much comes flowing back.
3. Try the tape recorder method. Or, in today’s technology age, the digital mp3 method. Always keep something with you so you can record ideas as they pop up. Many cell phones have a memo feature. Use it.
4. Tell the stories. Some people are just better at talking than writing. So, tell the stories to someone but record it as you’re doing so. Then, play it back and transcribe it from there.
5. Everything doesn’t need to be included. Just like cleaning your closet, keep what’s important and toss the rest.
6. Get different perspectives. This can be fun if you have a large family, because everyone will remember an event differently.
7. Look through photos to spur your thoughts. At the same time, you can select which ones you want to include in the memoir.
8. During the editing stage as others are reading it for comments, they’re sure to come up with missing details or stories you may have forgotten. Take the information then determine if you want to add it in.
9. Write from the heart. This is more than just a collection of facts. Your very DNA is in the book. Say it with love.
10. Publish it! Whether you want to keep it private among your family, or put it out into the world, your memoir will delight for years to come.

Cindi R. Maciolek is a writer and business consultant, whose published works include Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion; Java Jems: 5 Minute Inspirations for Busy People and The Basics of Buying Art. She’s also a contributing author to the books Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passion and Life Choices: It’s Never Too Late. Maciolek has written numerous articles for the luxury marketplace, including the Robb Report and Luxury Las Vegas. Maciolek lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. www.cindimaciolek.com. 

Can four ounces of feathers and personality change a person’s life?

She can if she’s the Divatiel!

Cindi was looking for a roommate, and finally settled on a fine-feathered friend who was a gift from a co-worker. What she got was a loving, intelligent, fun, free-spirited, demanding – Jaké.

After recovering from illness that put her near death’s door, Jaké healed and was let out of the cage so she could spread her wings. She lived her life with gusto. Jaké took risks, used her intelligence to her advantage and loved unconditionally. She took charge, not only over her surroundings but over her owner as well. Luckily, she had a cooperative Mommy in Cindi.

Not only was she demanding, Jaké did things some humans have never done. She flew on an airplane several times, went on numerous road trips and ate fresh vegetables daily.

Jaké lived a very long life and had many adventures along the way, most of which are captured in this book.

Jaké was first a gift to William, then a gift to Cindi, and now a gift to the world.

Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion will tug at your heart strings and bring a smile to any animal lover.  

Cindi is a writer and business consultant, helping small to mid-sized companies with everything from strategic planning to marketing activities. 

Her writing focus is on books, CDs and screenplays and sharing those lessons, experiences and ideas with others.

Her recently released book, Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion, is the true story of life with a diva-tastic cockatiel, a story any animal lover would enjoy.

Java Jems: 5 Minute Inspirations for Busy People, is both a book and CD, a unique combination of spoken word and original music. Her first book, The Basics of Buying Art, is sold out. There’s more to come. Stay tuned!

Cindi was also a contributing writer for The Robb Report and Luxury Las Vegas for many years and had articles published byDelta Sky Magazine. 

Her travels have taken her to 23 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

Contact Cindi through her website: www.cindimaciolek.com 

Thank you for taking time with us today Cindi!

Websites

www.divatiel.com
www.cindimaciolek.com
www.grandarborpress.com

Purchase Links

www.divatiel.com/shop
www.divatiel.com/amazon-store
http://www.amazon.com/Divatiel-Reflections-birds-companion-ebook/dp/B006RDKJO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326259724&sr=8-1

Follow Cindi's Tour:

February 7 - Meet & Greet at the VBT Cafe' Blog
February 9 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
February 11 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
February 13 - Guest Blogging BK Walker's Musing of the Mind
February 15 - Guest Blogging at Authors by Authors
February 17 - Interviewed at Writing Innovations
February 20 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
February 22 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
February 24 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
February 28 - Book Frenzy at VBT Cafe' Blog
March 1 - Twitter Party
March 5 -  Interviewed at BK Media Entertainment 
March 7 - Reviewed & Guest Blogging at MK McClintock Blog
March 9 - Interviewed with Louise James
March 12 - TBA

Today Only - Book Frenzy for Immortal Becoming by Wendy S.Hales

Stop in to Wendy's website for full details - http://www.wendyshales.com/immortal_becoming_book_frenzy.html

Help support a new debut paranormal romance author!

Please "Tag" & "Like" while you're there :).

Shane Einar is a five hundred year old Volaticus Elven warrior, sworn to duty and honor. His species has inhabited the earth since the beginning of time. The sources of vampire, elf and fairy myths, Volaticus are in reality something altogether different. He never expected to meet Jess Reed. A female living amongst humanity completely unaware that she is Hulven, a human/Elven hybrid race of Volaticus, or that she is on the cusp of Becoming into her Elven traits. Shane should turn Jess over to the Symbiosis of Species Council, SOSC. His attraction to her along with her ability to enrapture him with a smile bars him from it. He rightly suspects that this female is his bloodmate. 
Jess had always been psychic, a painful and confusing fact of her life. Empowered by Shane's love, Jess is launched into a world of unimaginable passion where enlightened species walk among humanity. When given a choice to sacrifice the power and beauty of their bloodmating to aid in the rescue of victimized females from breeding cages under the control of an Elven rogue, they discover that honor and destined love comes with a price. 

Today Only - Book Blitz with Aaron Drew - Light Under the House

Join the Blitz!

 

For TODAY ONLY, when you purchase Light Under the House by Aaron Drew for just $.99 on Amazon.com, with your proof of purchase, Aaron will gift you another book of your choice valued at the same price of $.99, (exluding Erotica). That's 2 books for the price of 1! So jump on the bandwagon and go get yourself some awesome books!

 

Send Proof of Purchase to bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net with your Amazon receipt and the book of your choice (title and link) and preferred email. Once it's been verified, Aaron will gift you your book and send you a personal note of thanks.

Can the Worst of Times Make for the Best of Lines? Guest Post by Aaron L

 

I think I heard somewhere that life is pain. I beg to differ. Life is the ability to survive the pain.
When I began my journey into creating my novel Light Under the House, I only had a germ of a plot and not much else. I was a college drop out at the time and didn't have much going for me. I had also sown a lot of seeds into endeavors that turned out to be useless. I had a mountain of wasted opportunity and regrets piled up. I wasn't a trained expert in any field. What did I know? Then again, I did know a few things  I knew about rejection. I knew about the loss of friendship. I knew about living with frustration, anger, and fear. I knew those things. I knew I had a story to tell.

So I asked myself, what does it look like to overcome the wounds I've been dealt? What does it look likeil and come back again? What does faith in action look like? As I started to ask myself these questions, the novel grew and so did I. In the process I learned some key things:

If you want to challenge the reader, you have to challenge yourself. Light Under the House is a novel about character. I knew I wanted to be better. A better brother, son, friend, a better man. If I didn't find it challenging, I was certain no one else would.
Don't be afraid to be open and generous. I've learned not be afraid to talk about issues through my story and its characters that are personal me and my struggles. Our scars are just proof that we're still alive; we can show them.
Everyone has a strength; let yours shine. Don't get me wrong; it's not all pain. I've lived a very blessed life. While it was true that I didn't have any technical expertise, I did have life experience. By the time fifteen I had lived in numerous places in the U.S. and abroad. I had been around the world. I had diverse experiences to draw upon in dealing with people and life. It also helped to hone a unique perspective. What are your strengths?
So can the worst of times make for the best of lines? I think it can. If not, I'm sure I'll survive it.

Aaron L might be a newcomer to the creation of fiction but is not one when it comes to the arts and all things creative. Growing up in places from Seattle to South Africa, he spent a lot of his time drawing. Aaron always knew that his future lay in a creative field. In 2010, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in graphic design. Although the usual application of this degree is in the creation of different types of art and design, Aaron chose instead to focus his creative skills on the task of storytelling. He lives near Chicago, Illinois.

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Under-the-House-ebook/dp/B0060C2O92

Aaron L
kuumbacandle@hotmail.com
Creator of the upcoming book "The Light Under the House"

Aaron L might be a newcomer to the creation of fiction but is not one when it comes to the arts and all things creative. Growing up in places from Seattle to South Africa, he spent a lot of his time drawing. Aaron always knew that his future lay in a creative field. In 2010, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in graphic design. Although the usual application of this degree is in the creation of different types of art and design, Aaron chose instead to focus his creative skills on the task of storytelling. He lives near Chicago, Illinois. 

See his website at www.lightunderthehouse.com 

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