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.

VBT Pit Stop with author Tasha Wright

Please give a warm welcome to Tasha Wright,  author of "When A Tattered Past Catches You".

Synopsis:

Tough willed, strong as nails Willa will do whatever it takes to provide for her family even if that meant putting her life in danger or on hold. Living the street life meant not allowing anything or anyone to get close enough to hurt or destroy her. But, after the death of her mother she is forced to return home and confront a past she tried to erase from her memory.

As Willa confronts a tragic past she also has to confront something else, her long lost love, Damon. Living the street life and becoming the head woman in charge was something Willa did with ease but there was always something or someone missing in her life. Will Willa let down her guard and allow Damon back into her life again or will she continue to live the street life?

Thank you so much for stopping in Tasha.  It is a pleasure having you here today.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I first began writing short stories when I was sixteen years old. My mother pushed me to utilize my wild imagination, so she bought me a computer. From that day I have never stopped writing and I still have the same BIG passion as I did when I had first begun writing.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I feel for each author it will be the time they dedicate to writing. Of course when your work is published you then have so many events and things you will need to do to promote your work but you must make time to continue writing on other works as well. For myself, it would take me about nine months to complete a book. However, many authors will read their work and make the necessary changes, which could run you into a year.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

When I am writing my work schedule is very hectic. I have so many things to juggle with my personal endeavors as well as work and school.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to write about things people can relate to. I write in such a way that I appear to be talking to my readers. I want my readers to have a connection with me when they are reading my work.

How do books get published?

Of course you have to present a body of work to wither a publisher or agent. It depends on the writer what route they would like to take. I used a book entitled Writer’s Market for a while. It gave me every publishing company in the United States with their contact information and what you will need to submit for them to determine if they will represent you. You will need to stay dedicated and understand that every agency will not accept your work. With every no there will come a yes as long as you are presenting quality or promising work.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I use my own imagination of things that happen in relationships and everyday life. I do not take things from my family or friends lives and write about it. I feel that would be a huge exploitation of their lives.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book when I was 21 years old. However, I didn’t take the steps of publishing the first book until about two years ago.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I am not writing I just try to relax. I have a loving boyfriend who is very supportive of my writing so there are many times he will make the time to get me away from my atmosphere and allow me the time to rest my mind.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is very supportive of my writing. My family has always encouraged me and they are very excited for me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I have learned that I can challenge myself and multi task. Many times I will write two or three books at a time. I toggle between each book and it has shown to really benefit me.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

You must first have the desire and the passion to write. Learn the basic structures and grammars so that you’re writing quality books. When you do find your representation, check them out! Every great person must have an even greater team behind them. Writers know what they want to say and sometimes see a word that isn’t really there and that is where your editor will come in. Remember it is not just you, it is a team.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I just began with actually publishing so I have had the pleasure to hear from some of my readers. There has been a pattern of them enjoying my ability to write about things they can relate to. Readers have also said they like the fact that if they think they have figured out what will happen I take a turn and flip it. My work is unpredictable.

What do you think makes a good story?

I feel it takes imagination and desire to write a good story. You do not want to write several books and have your readers feel you write about the same things all the time. That will tire your readers and possibly turn them away.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I began writing short stories when I was sixteen years old and at that time I set a life goal to become a published author. I am doing what I want I wanted to do and I love every moment it. I am very humbled and appreciative.

Thank you for taking time to chat with us.  Tasha is on Virtual Book Tour with Authors Supporting Authors and The Virtual Book Tour Cafe',  so be sure to follow along with her at her various pit stops,  leaving a comment along the way for your chance to win a copy of When A Tattered Past Catches you.  You can view her tour schedule at her website http://authortashawright.webs.com

Purchase When A Tattered Past Catches You at the following locations 

www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.Amazon.com, www.Borders.com,

When a Tattered Past Catches You

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Please Welcome Author Katie Salidas

Our guest today is Katie Salidas. Please give her a warm welcome. She is the author of Immortalis Carpe Noctem, and today we will discuss Katie as a writer. Thank you for stopping in today Katie.


Please tell us a little about yourself....

I'm a dreamer. I love to sit and think up stories. I can often be found staring at my computer screen waiting for the muse to strike. When it does, watch out. Thankfully, I have a wonderful and loving family that lets me indulge my need to write. Both my husband and my wonderful daughter know about “Mommy's writing time.” They are super supportive.

Is your family supportive in your writing?

Oh yes, my husband is my biggest fan and promoter. He's also my hardest beta reader. He's not afraid to tell me when a scene just plain sucks; then again, he's also there to tell me how great they are too. And like any good husband, he's my rock when I'm feeling particularly blue. My daughter thinks her mom is just great! She can't really read my stories (and a good thing too as they are a bit mature for her) but she will tell anyone and everyone that her mommy is an author. I've also got a set of extremely supportive parents. When Immortalis was first printed, my Dad bought 20 copies and sent them off to every member of the family.

Do you recall how your interest in writing started?

It started with a story idea that just wouldn't quit. I'd started writing Immortalis 5 years before it was published. After running into many plot road blocks, I shelved the story and tried to move on. But the story just wouldn't let me put it to rest. It demanded to be told and after multiple revisions I found I loved not just the story, but the process. Since then I have been writing constantly.

How long have you been writing?

I've written things down in some form since I was a little girl, but the real, focused writing started around 5 years ago.

What inspires you to write?

I'm inspired by the things I see. Not so much the exact stories, but the questions behind them. For Immortalis, I wanted to answer questions about vampires. Why can't they go out in the sun? Do they have beating hearts? Are they really the walking dead or something else? What are their origins? What would it be like to be a vampire? The answers to the questions really help the story unfold.

Do you ever suffer from writers block? What do you do about it?

Sadly, all the time. Sometimes I just can't write, the muse won't speak. When that happens I try to do something else writing involved. I revise work I've had sitting on the back burner. I read (reading provides inspiration), I work more heavily in the critiquing group (critiquing helps sharpen our writing skills) or sometimes I just sit and stare at the computer screen until something strikes!

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements for writing?

A good muse and a quiet place to hear her. LoL. There is so much that goes into writing it is hard to pinpoint one or even two things to say are most important. You need a good story in your head, and the drive, and not to mention the time to write it. Beyond that you need patients and skills too. Like I said, so much is involved.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Seeing my story in print is akin to childbirth, it's a beautiful thing to see years of hard work finally turn into something you can hold in your hands. It is a dream come true.

Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about any upcoming events?

I am actively promoting this new release, touring the blogosphere. Stop by www.RisingSignBooks.com to see all of my upcoming appearances.

You will find all of Katie's dates for her virtual book tours on her site. Leave a comment for Katie and you may be the winner to receive a copy of her book, Immortalis Carpe Noctem!

Katie, it has been a pleasure chatting with you. I hope you will stop in again when your next book is released. I wish you much success!

VBT Pit Stop with author Ya Ya of Reflections

Today my guest is Ya Ya.  She is the author of a fabulous poetry book titled Reflections:Thoughts,Passions, and Truths.  Please give her a warm welcome.




Thank you so much for being with us today Ya Ya. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?




I first realized that I wanted to be a writer when I was in 7th grade. I had a very supportive mother and my language arts teacher was wonderful. They both pushed me to try my hand at all areas of writing, including journalism. Poetry was the one that I fell in love with.





How long does it take you to write a book?





This is my first book, and it took me about 6 months of serious writing. My earliest poem was written in 2005, but I’d taken a long break before writing again.



What is your work schedule like when you're writing?



My weekends are devoted to writing. Even if I write something that I don’t like very much, I still do it. It’s like exercise.



What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?



I have to have jazz music playing.



How did you publish your books?



I got my book published through Passionate Writer Publishing. They were so helpful and friendly. I submitted a few of my poems and the rest is history.





Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?





I’m inspired by anything that’s going on around me. I read magazines, newspapers, watch the news. I love to write about strangers and their stories—that’s my new thing. Sometimes, I just sit and jot down a few ideas about the things that going on around me.



When did you write your first book and how old were you?



Reflections: Thoughts, Passions, and Truths is my first book. I was 19 when I wrote my first poem, and I’m now 23.



What do you like to do when you're not writing?



I’m a big ‘Mama’s girl’ so, as long as I’m with my mother, I’m happy. We’ll go out to eat together, or we’ll go shopping.



What does your family think of your writing?



They all have mixed opinions about my poems—particularly my sex poems. The only opinion that really mattered was my mama’s, and she was just so happy that I got published, she pretty much overlooked everything else.



What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?



I learned a lot about myself. I learned that if I really push myself, I can produce more than just some cute little poems about butterflies and water. I learned to live through my poems.



How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

This is my first book, so I guess that this is my favorite.



Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?



People always tell you to keep a journal so that you write down inspiration, but I suggest that you also write down your feelings at the moment and anything that will help you to recapture the moment and the mood.



Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?



I don’t hear too much from my readers. So far, the majority of them have been family and class mates, and they have different feelings about different poems.



Do you like to create books for adults?



I do. I like to know that people my age and older are reading my books.



What do you think makes a good story?



I think that the ability to keep the attention of a reader is vital. It’s hard to do, and if anyone has learned how to do this technique, I appreciate a tip.



As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?



I wanted to be a teacher.
 
 
Thank you so much for taking time to chat with us today Ya Ya.  Your book looks fantastic,  I just love the cover. 
 
Ya Ya is on virtual book tour with Authors Supporting Authors.  You can see her schedule to follow her tour at the Virtual Book Tour Cafe.  Her book can be purchased through her publisher at Passionate Writer Publishing. 
 
Leave a comment for Ya Ya here today for a chance to win a copy of her book,  as well as a book light for your nightly reading pleasures.
 

Prize Give Aways Start Today for Virtual Book Tours!

Virtual Book Tours for Authors Supporting Authors has been going fantastic! We have over 20 authors on tour, with over 30 stops! WOW! So here I am, going to give you a list of hosts participating with their links.

For everyone that leaves a comment after each authors post that is on tour, you will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of the authors books, plus these fabulous prizes, with more prizes added everyday!



Writers Pack includes a journal, matching pen set, book light and book marker from one of our authors.












We have 8 book lights to give away in a variety of colors.













We have four $25 and one $50 Visa Gift Card!

I will be giving away 2 Visa Gift Cards.

Author Aurora Lightbourne will be giving away one $25 Visa Gift card with her Crossword game with her tour. Visit her site for more details.

Author Melody Dempsey will be giving away one $50 Visa Gift Card with her tour for anyone that comes close to guessing the plot of her sequel for The Forest Portal!


















Free design and Free printing & shipping of a 8.5 x 11.5 Heirloom book from Heritage Makers. This is a great gift for any family. (a $135 value).
Donated by Patti Hultstrand


Write until your heart’s content with the 11.5x8.5 storybook. There’s plenty of room for journaling right along side your photos. A nice size for family traditions and heritage stories.

• 21 high-quality pages, expandable to 99 ($0.99 per extra page)
• Personalized, hardbound cover
• Completely customizable
• Create your own design or try a template
• Just add photos and your words
• Simple drag-and-drop placement

Plus books upon books will be given as prizes, simply for leaving a comment after each authors post! Simply visit each blog, become a follower, leave a comment, TADA! You are entered into the drawings. Visit often, or subscribe via email so you will be notified when each drawing will be done, and if you won!

Hosts Participating with Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Book Tours:

• Denise Verrico - Immortyl Revolution
• Tina- Sue Ducross - Authors Promoting Authors
  
• Lauren Harvey - Ramblings of a Philiadelphian
• Ami Blackwelder - Hot Gossip Hot Reviews
• Margaret West - Paranormal Romance
• Hart Johnson - Watery Tart 23
• Louise Wise - Louise Wise
• Lily Oak - Hedge Witchery
• Paula Phillips - Paula Zone
• Lisa Jackson - Reviews and Interviews
• James C. Wallace II - Magician Of Oz
• KiKi Howell - Authors By Authors
• Susan Hanniford Crowley - Nights Of Passion
• Patti Hultstrand - AZ Publishing Services
• Fiona Ingram - Fiona Ingram Author
• Trish Silver - Trish Silver
• Katie Salidas - My Immortal Stories
• Cate Masters - Cate Masters
• Lillian Brummet - Conscious Discussions
• Teresa Krueger - Teresa's Reading Corner
• Stephanie Suesan Smith - Information Central
• E.J. Stevens - From The Shadows
• Andi Newberry - Healing Your Way Through Divorce and Radiant Light
• Lori Caswell - Dolly Caswell
• Wendy Keel - My Book Addiction and More
• Mandie Stevens - Taking Time For Mommy and Mommy Reads Too Much
• Lee Libro - Literary Magic
• Alissa Grosso - Alissa Grosso
  
• BK Walker - BK Walker Books Etc., Walker Muse, Live Journal, Immortality and Beyond, Virtual Book Tour Cafe, Blog Talk Radio.

Wow! Now that is quite a list! You can see ALL authors on tour by visiting the Virtual Book Tour Cafe. Just click on their banners to be taken to their pages to learn more about them!

To start off the give aways - today through May 9, if you leave a comment for this post, you will be entered into a drawing to win this book:




So why not leave a comment for your chance to win today! Winner will be announced next Sunday, May 9, so get your comment in for an entry to win!

Good Luck!