What an amazing post and great NEWS for my friend and fellow author, Diane Olsen! She has been hard at work the last year or so turning out the next to books of the Rising Wind series. Book one of Rising Wind: The Thunder Beings is released on Amazon and what a ride the opening of the story IS! And the e-book is only .99 cents as book two titled: Ice and Bone is almost ready to DROP…
CAT
It has been a very long while since I have posted on blog and I do apologize as I have been feverishly writing after I released RISING WIND: The Thunder Beings. It seems GOD had other plans for me to continue the story of Sercora and Gideon and now it has become a three book series!
Especially after this nasty COVID and pandemic, I decided to go for it and began writing the next books. Well, the writing and work is done for the rest of this series. If you have not had a chance to dive into book one, The Thunder Beings of Rising Wind, below I am sharing some exciting NEWS…
Even though Thunder Beings is already out and released? My publicist and I submitted all three books to the series through a literary influencer, Readers Favorite to get a feel of…
Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.
“Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Non-Fiction – Memoir book “The Girl from Cairo” by Peggy Hinaekian, currently available at” http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/166413381X.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
“Reviewed By Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite“
“The Girl from Cairo: A Memoir by Peggy Hinaekian is the autobiography of an Armenian girl who grew up in exile in a suburb of Cairo known as Heliopolis. Peggy’s family were considered well off by Egyptian standards but her mother was required to jump through all sorts of hoops to keep their true economic status a secret from their friends and neighbors. Peggy’s father was a roguish, but lovable character whose one fatal flaw was his inveterate gambling. His gambling had cost the family dearly and they lived on their wits, especially Peggy’s mother’s wits to hide their true economic downfall. Attending a strict Catholic girl’s school in Heliopolis, Peggy’s lack of knowledge of sexual matters was exposed as she fell desperately in love.
Living in Cairo, through WWII, an Egyptian war for independence and war over control of the Suez Canal made for a scary route to adulthood for the young woman. All through the troubles, though, Peggy’s vision for her own future never faltered. She would, she believed, travel to America and make it into movies or as a fashion designer. As the country descended into war over the Suez Canal, it was time for Peggy to leave Egypt and seek her fame and fortune in the big, wide world.
The Girl from Cairo: A Memoir is an interesting story of a different culture and the difficulty of growing up in a country where you not only look different than the majority of the population, but your ideals, mores, and cultural beliefs are in stark contrast to the bulk of the people. Author Peggy Hinaekian did come across at times as incredibly self-absorbed and perhaps even selfish but one has to weigh that against the whole concept of being seen as a foreigner, or an interloper in the country where you were domiciled.
Doubtless, the Armenians in Egypt felt they had to look to themselves first and foremost because nobody else would. What struck me the most was the willingness Peggy showed to change direction and often location with little or no planning of how she would survive in a different situation. Her courage and belief in herself were so refreshing for a young woman of this era. I particularly enjoyed her willingness to flout established practices and norms in Egypt. She was a woman who knew her own mind and nobody was going to tell her how she should behave. This is an intriguing coming-of-age in a situation that few of us could imagine, let alone experience.”
“I did enjoy this read and can definitely recommend it.”
(You can learn more about Peggy Hinaekian and “The Girl from Cairo” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-girl-from-cairo where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.)
Readers’ Favorite LLC Media Relations Louisville, KY 40202
BIOGRAPHY
Of Armenian origin author, Peggy Hinaekian was born and raised in Egypt. Her paternal grandfather had the largest private library in Egypt, and Peggy was introduced to books in three languages (English, French, and Armenian) at a very young age.
Peggy grew up in a very cosmopolitan environment and was an avid reader. Since the age of ten, she kept a journal and always wrote short stories, essays, and children’s picture books.
She immigrated to Canada with her first husband and then went on to the United States, where she pursued a career in fashion designing in New York in fine arts. After her divorce, she left that behind and moved to Geneva, Switzerland, and continued her career as an artist.
Peggy Hinaekian is a writer and author; she is an internationally recognized, well-established artist living and working in the United States and Switzerland.
Now with three literary works to her credit, you may purchase her books from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and many fine online book stores. She is married, raised three beautiful sons, and resides with her husband part-time in Florida and California.
Well, Easter is just around the corner kids, moms, dads, and grandparents!
And it looks like the Easter Bunny is going to have a pretty busy time this year and may need some help.
I know one person who can actually help the bunny with lots of fun books to read, color books, bedtime story books, game book, kids fiction reads, and reads for all ages, and much more, Yup!
So, meet Cats amazing friend, Stevie Tenderheart. He is widely known throughout the Pacific Northwest as a former comic strip, in books with lots of vibrant cool colors, Stevie dolls, and more. I do believe Stevie knows the Easter Bunny pretty well. But parents may want to know more about just who is behind these amazing literary products for their children.
So, parents, let me introduce you to Steve William Laible. Steve is a best-selling American Children’s Author and a proud United States Air Force veteran who served his county fighting for our freedoms. Now retired after 22-years of service. He has three beautiful grown children of his own, sure enjoys writing children’s fiction books.
I caught up Steve and (Stevie) over on my friend, Vinny O’Hare’s book site called Awesome Gang. https://awesomegang.com/steve-william-laible/… He was happy that Cat is sharing the Author Interview here in The Reading Den with his permission, of course! I hope you enjoy learning all about this amazing Author, Steve Laible and his side-kick Stevie Tenderheart!
As the author always says,
“I shall be in transports of delight when parents, and especially children, discover Stevie Tenderheart Books.” ~Steve William Laible
Interview With Author Steve William Laible
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired USAF Mustang–Captain. 22 years distinguished career, 14 enlisted, 8 as officer, with special joint service tours of duty at Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon; Commander-in-Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC) Hawaii; USAF Honor Guard, Wash DC under Reagan Administration; White House Fellowship nominee; Superintendent of Publishing, HQ 15AF; Commander, Civil Engineering SQ & Commander, Operations Support SQ, supporting two F-16 fighter squadrons in Korea. Received Bronze Star device for Desert Shield/Storm; Lauded as USAF Outstanding Administrator of the Year…
Born in Ashland, Oregon. Retired from USAF on New Years Eve 1993 (age 40) returning to Grants Pass, Oregon to raise my then, three young sons as a single dad in the hometown atmosphere I enjoyed growing up among some 250 remaining relatives. I created a comic strip in 2005 based on a retelling of my youth. Published for five years in the Daily Courier then picked up in the Sneak Preview (readership 200k) est. Ended the Stevie Tenderheart strip to write more as those panels were so confining.
I published my first Stevie Tenderheart children’s book, My Favorite Place to Be…(A Bedtime Story). It comes with a companion coloring book. Then, Stevie Tenderheart Wait a Minute! (A Bedtime Story) also with a companion coloring book. To date 600+ Goodreads ratings/reviews. Worst: “Too many words.” Best: “Best children’s author to come along since Dr. Seuss.” [As if, but still. Pretty cool.]
After a few more Stevie Tenderheart illustrated picture books (Ages 4-8): Tick Tock (Midnight Confusion); Seven Rules (On Becoming a Fantastic Kid) along with Seven Rules (On Raising a Fantastic Kid); I made the transition to Stevie Tenderheart novellas: Billy Jack (The Great Escape) & A Silent Kiss Goodnight (Stevie and the Tooth Fairy).
Also with a family fun night returns board game book about a board game I created as a single dad. It’s called, Backfire by Kodel.
I wrote Billy Jack (The Great Escape) above for 10-year-old men & the kid still inside you. (Giggles Assured)
It will get boys reading again for pure entertainment. It was written in a storyteller’s voice rather than quoted he said, she said conversations making it much easier to read & follow along with in the lessons being shared without their knowing. There are 1-2 page stories within stories presented with loads of humor & hijinks. The lessons are based on true stories & not preachy. They’ll learn better that way. Lessons about responsibilities, personal & financial; competition & sportsmanship; first crushes; anti-bullying; independence; and consequences.
Billy Jack is a really fun read/ride. ( Hashtag #CowboyPromise!)
It makes for a wonderful bedtime story bonding experience reading 5-10 pages each night until children can read it on their own.
Seventeen books to date. Many Stevie books are available in print, Kindle & audiobooks.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stevie Tenderheart A Silent Kiss Goodnight (Stevie and the Tooth fairy) a novella meant to excite children sparking their imaginations and put to rest any fears they might have about losing their first tooth. It’s based on a true story mixed in with fairytale musings. Kids will never really be sure when their legs are being pulled. It’s a splendid bedtime story. It is in print, Kindle & audiobooks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I become the child! My discipline comes from writing my comic strip. I audition every word. I write with a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor. It has to be funny the first time and the umpteenth time. At 2am and again at 10am or 4pm. I basically sit & my laptop in the quiet of the evening not looking up again for 15 hours with only a thought. Then, somehow, as it’s still not clear to me, I channel my inner-child. My audience is ever-present in my mind.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hemingway for the vibrant detail. Twain for the adventure & exploration of imagination.
What are you working on now?
Stevie Tenderheart A Second Kiss Goodnight (A Bedtime Story) likely my final illustrated children’s book.
My goal as an American children’s author is two-fold.
1. Stevie books help parents put their children to bed on time, every time. Just be mindful when you say, “It’s Stevie time.” As they will likely hear, “It’s TV time.”
2. Stevie books help children feel safe, loved, silly & cozy at bedtime.
~Stevie Tenderheart Books
Stevie Tenderheart Book
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have 4M+ engagements (likes, loves, shares, comments) using Facebook’s boosted posts over the past five years.
I also use Cost per Click (CPC) “click” advertising (bids) on Amazon (Sponsored Branding & Lock Screen) ads Kindle & Fire tablet) devices which also populate Amazon’s eight global platforms (US, UK, CANADA, SPAIN, GERMANY, ITALY, FRANCE, & AUSTRALIA) in addiction to Google ad words.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the joy of it. The pure love of creating & expression. Let your stories become your legacy…
What is the best advice you have ever heard? Listen.
What are you reading now?
Where the Crawdads Sing…Diary of a Wimpy Kid series…
What’s next for you as a writer?
To expand my transition from illustrated picture books writing more true life misadventures (novellas of about 120 pages) for children (Ages 10+).
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A rhyming dictionary. Stevie Tenderheart Billy Jack (The Great Escape) because I am so proud of it & enjoy reading it often as my childhood lives on those pages; any of number of books on Walt Disney (as I met him once when I was five or six). He knelt down & patted my head whispering magic in my ear. I felt anointed all the while Alice in Wonderland (the real one) kissed me on the cheek. The Eloquent Universe (String Theory).
This is for the parents to let you know Steve’s book are all available on Amazon in E-book and Paperback formats. He does have a few as audiobooks too! Since Easter is coming? Cat highly recommends purchasing Stevie Books in place of all that candy for all the kid’s and they look great in Easter Baskets! Besides, a few Stevie Tenderheart books are much less expensive than visits to the DENTIST… 🙀 🎁📚📚🐰🐰🐰
HAVE A HAPPY EASTER From CAT and STEVIE TENDERHEART!
Happy Spring Reading has begun! Sharing a fabulous historical gripping new mystery by author and writer Kim Carter who was just on Book Blog Tour and there were some awesome book blogs that a great job sharing all about Kim’s new book!
ENJOY!
*Cat*
Even though this may have been shared back in 2017?
It still rings true today and my writing and author friends need to know and explore becoming a member just as I am …
~Author/Advocate, Catherine Lyon
RAVE WRITERS – INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS (RWISA)
***
Many have asked “What is a RWISA writer? “What does a RWISAwriter really look like?”
Well, I’m going to paint a very vivid picture for you. Here is the anatomy of …
*A RWISA Writer is one who loves words. They are better known as “connoisseurs” of the written word and they share a special relationship with the written word. Their command of the English language, almost superb;
*A RWISA Writer is adamant that what they put out for the public to read is at its top-notch, absolute best. Because we’re all human, when they find that what they have published is not up to their highest standard, they give no thought to the possibility of losing out on book sales, but instead, quickly moves to remove the book from sale until it’s fully ready for public enjoyment;
Cat sure enjoys helping authors of all genres, even children’s authors, so please meet a new friend and author, Ray Price. He has released his first adorable book titled “Build with Bricks.” A cute take on an old tail of the “Three Little Pigs,” but Ray’s is “Baby’s First Brick.”
If you have little ones restless for a new read? Then parents and grandparents will want to get this one! A must for any child’s library and will read over and over again. The illustrations are crisp, colorful, fun, and vibrant; your kids will love and a great story with teachable lessons within the storyline.
The Cat was honored to do a little author interview and asked Ray some questions about what he enjoys about being a writer and new author. Here is what I learned. Cat hopes you enjoy the interview, then go to Amazon and today for all your tots!
BABY’S FIRST BRICK! Build with Bricks is a Pigquel to The Three Little Pigs. Mudball is a bi-racial pig who learns the valuable lesson of hard work. He studies hard & learning how to build with bricks is tough, but will it be enough to save this pig from becoming a pulled pork sandwich?
CAT’S Author Interview With Ray A. Price
Ray, tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. My name is Ray A Price, and I have always enjoyed writing, even as a child. I have written short stories, theatrical plays for stage, poetry, and legal documents. In my current career, I am a fraud investigator. My job is always different, and I enjoy it. Build with Bricks is my first book published. It was a dream of mine to become a published author, and in 2020 I finally fulfilled that dream.
What inspired you to write a children’s book? My daughter was my biggest inspiration to write “Build with Bricks” and become a children’s book author. When she was in kindergarten, I would volunteer to be a parent guest reader for her classroom. I would buy a picture book and some cookies and share them in the classroom. After I did this, my daughter, Alivya, said, “Dad, I know you are a writer, so will you write a book for me?” So after that, I sat down and started work on Build with Bricks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits? I like to snack on pastries when I write, lol. Pre Covid, I visited coffee shops, sat down with my laptop and a pastry, and wrote for hours. Now I’m writing at home, and I usually buy something from a local bakery.
What authors or books have influenced you? Laura Numeroff, Marcus Pfister, Shel Silverstein, and Sam McBratney are just some authors I admire as some of the best in the business. Children’s books that stick and have a lasting effect are so influential; I think these authors have created stories like that.
What are you working on now? I have a series of books coming next, the first one releasing later this year. “My Brother is a Werewolf” is my next book, and I cannot wait to share this picture book with everyone. It is about a girl named Brie who accidentally turns her little brother into a Werewolf. She will do anything to fix him because cleaning up werewolf poop is as bad as you think it is.
What advice would you give for new authors? My advice to new authors would be to find a good group. ‘Build with Bricks’ was a project that I worked on with several talented individuals. My editor Lynda Dietz was so crucial to helping me bring the story together in a cohesive fashion.
Mandy Huey, the illustrator, spent so much time breathing life into the characters and world. Her artwork is so unique and amazing that I was happy & proud to have worked with her. My wife Stormie and daughter Alivya helped with marketing the book and just being my support system. Building a team that can help cultivate you and your work is essential and should not be overlooked.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you, what books would you bring?The Grapes of Wrath, The Watchmen, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Lastly, where can readers connect with you on social media?
Raymond A. Price is a gifted children’s author and writer who resides in Washington, PA. It is a small city 30 miles away from Pittsburgh., PA. He is married to his soulmate for eight years. They are raising a beautiful daughter who is now twelve and has a four-legged companion who is part of the family, a seven-year-old English Bulldogge named Gibby.
Raymond studied and received a degree in political science at Washington & Jefferson College. He also a martial artist studying Kung fu. A few of his hobbies are spending time with his family playing video games, and cooking new recipes. He plans to stick to writing more children’s stories as he feels it’s essential.
Ray says, “Children’s stories are some of the first stories we hear growing up, and, as humans, this can be very influential in our development.”
Cat’s Book Review of Ray’s New Release ~ Build with Bricks
What a delightful and adorable children’s book this is. It is a must for parents for your little ones’ home library. With clear, crisp, and colorful illustrations, kids will want to read this one over and over. They will love piggy Mudball!
Exceptional teachable book with several lessons to share with them. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, and this book will make a great gift for kids any time of year. A fun, colorful, and different take on the story of “The Three Little Pigs,” and wait till you see how bricks are incorporated into real life. Highly recommended for all ages!
"CAT'S BOOK LIBRARY 4 READERS" 