Dyan Garris Talks About Her Book Promotion

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Dyan Garris

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

I was born in Illinois. I live now in Arizona and Florida.

2. How did you get started writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. I wrote a children’s book when I was seventeen.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I swim every day. I love to walk as well. When I’m not writing books I’m writing and playing music. I’m a professional psychic. Everything works together.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I don’t know, but they can ask me and I’ll probably answer.

5. What inspired your first book?

I had an Old English sheepdog that my little brother was fascinated with. I wrote him a little book about the dog’s adventures.

6. How many books have you written?

Six.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

My genre is all Metaphysical Self-Help. The titles are:
Voice of the Angels – A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards
Voice of the Angels – A Healing Journey – The Journal (for use with the cards)
Voice of the Angels – Meditation Journal (for use with my CD series of music and meditation)
Voice of the Angels – Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking
Fish Tale of Woe – Lost at Sea (A small story with a very big message)
Money and Manifesting

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre?

My work is all self-help. It chose me.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track?

Being a clairvoyant counselor, I focus for a living. If I couldn’t focus I wouldn’t have any clients. It’s simply a matter of quieting the chatter of the conscious mind. It’s a mindful focus. I’ve had a lot of practice.

10. Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Of course I have to teach you something while answering this question. We do not “make” money. Money is energy. We create an open pathway for the energy of money to flow to us. I write because I have something to teach and I love to do it. When the creative pathway is open the money follows. It’s energy.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used?

The key to marketing is distribution. You can have the best book in the world and if nobody can find it you won’t be selling very many copies of it. Amazon is great, Baker and Taylor/Barnes & Noble are all very important. Author signings are wonderful ways to connect with people. Radio interviews should be at the top of anyone’s list as well.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used?

The Virtual Book Tour is the most unique thing I’ve done in terms of marketing. It’s great fun.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

Yes, websites should be one portal of distribution. I have about 15 websites. The main site is www.voiceoftheangels.com There is a lot going on there. I write a Daily Channeled Message there. For my music one of the main sites is www.myspace.com/voiceoftheangels

14. Where can people order your books?

People can order my books through Amazon.com, any traditional bookstore, or through my website.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

Right now they are just in print, however, I’m working on getting them into e-books.

16. Will you write more books?

No, Money and Manifesting is the last one for now. It’s at the top of the toolbox of tools for spiritual growth and transformation that I’m almost finished building.

17. What do you have in the works now?

I have two more items that go in the toolbox. One is a DVD animation. The other is another music CD that will vibrate to the eighth chakra. The existing CDs are a series of music and meditation CDs that each vibrate to chakras one through seven.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Looking into my crystal ball, I see…..oh, that would be absolutely no fun to peer in on my future. I’ll just let it unfold.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

I’m doing it. The Virtual Book Tour is just great for book promotion. I’m also very fond of author signings because I like to connect with people directly.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Well, again, it all depends upon how you define “successful". To me there is no success and no failure. Those are simply perceptions and usually they are someone else’s perceptions. In my definition of success everything is simply an opportunity.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, author of the Book Promo 101 series. For more information, visit – www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm.

Dyan Garris May Blog Tour

This week, I'm starting to coordinate a special virtual blog tour for Dyan Garris. Some of you participated during the tour we are doing this month to promote her latest book Money and Manifesting. We appreciate every one that has participated with us.

In the middle of May, we are going to do a week long tour to promote the wide variety of life changing products and services that Dyan offers on her website. Please contact me for a full list of her products. If you haven't visited her website - the address is www.voiceoftheangels.com

For this tour, we are looking for blog owners who deal with the topics listed below. If you would like to focus on these topics on your blog, please contact me. To participate, I simply need each blog owner to review her website and to send me for 5-10 questions about the products or services that she offers. I also have a document that has all the items, the prices and descriptions listed. I can forward that to anyone who needs the list.

These are the topics that we want to focus on during her tour in May.

1. Manifesting
2. Self-empowerment
3. Patterns and belief systems
4. What really gets in the way of people manifesting what they want
5. Music as a way to unblock energy and as a healing tool
6. Meditation, mindful meditation, connection in general
7. Chakra balance and energy field
8. Angels and angel cards
9. Psychic ability
10. Integration of mind, body, and spirit and why it's so important

This tour will be May 12th through the 16th. We can also schedule blog visits for a couple of days before or after those dates if needed. Dyan Garris is also available for radio interviews - contact me for more details.

In return for your participation, your blog will be promoted through the tour schedules and the promotional messages that I post to promote each blog visit on the tour. This can be a good way to generate new visitors for your site. It also creates a good number of links back to your site.

If you discuss any of the topics listed above on your blog, feel free to contact me to schedule a date for Dyan Garris to be a guest on your blog.

SPECIAL NOTE -

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.

For more information about Dyan Garris and her virtual tour, you can check the full schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-schedule.html and here are more details http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-blog-tour.html.

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – www.voiceoftheangels.com and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/.

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Learn How Dyan Garris Began Her Incredible Journey

There are several promotional events going on this week and I want to share the details with you.

Dyan Garris’ virtual blog tour for Money and Manifesting is in its fourth week. We’ve had a great month sharing information about Dyan’s latest book. This book is perfect for people who are interested in the law of attraction, but have had problems manifesting.

Tuesday April 22 - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ - Learn more details about Dyan Garris and also, Money and Manifesting.

Wednesday April 23 - http://melissaalvarez.blogspot.com/ - Dyan visits with author, Melissa Alvarez and she has written an article. It shares her personal story of how she began creating the assorted items that is in the toolbox she created. She has many items to share with people who want to learn how to take their life to a higher and better level.

I would also like to extend an invitation for you to listen to an interview I did on Monday afternoon with author, Joyce Anthony. We talked about her background, the social issues that are important to her, the process she uses to write and her novel, Storm. I invite you to learn more about this special lady – www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Author of the Book Promo 101 Series

Join the Dyan Garris Blog Tour This Week

The virtual book tour for Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris is in its third week. Joyce Anthony hosted Dyan Garris this week on her blog Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Something different was posted on each day and you are welcome to read these past posts. The link to her blog is http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog .

On Wednesday and Thursday, Sharon Hurley Hall is hosting Dyan Garris on two of her blogs. This gave Sharon the opportunity to ask two different sets of questions and to post on blogs that feature the same themes. These are Sharon’s scheduled days and links -

Wednesday April 16 - http://bimblogger.wordpress.com

Thursday April 17 - http://www.reikivoyager.blogspot.com/

On Friday, I get the opportunity to host Dyan on my Communati.com blog. She has gathered many wonderful reviews for Money and Manifesting and I wanted to share several with you.

Friday April 18 -

http://www.communati.com/litekepr/reviews-money-and-manifesting-dyan-garris-0

Dyan Garris’ full tour schedule –

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-april-tour-schedule.html

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Author of the Book Promo 101 Series

Learn How to Take "The Secret" Further - Tuesday Evening

Dyan Garris’ blog tour continues this week and she spends 4 days with Joyce Anthony. Joyce shares Dyan’s bio, the summary and introduction for Money and Manifesting. She also shares an interview she did with Dyan and on Wednesday, Joyce shares her review for Money and Manifesting.

Tuesday evening – you have the chance to chat with Dyan Garris to learn more about her, her book, manifesting, the laws of attraction, how her book compares with The Secret and you have a chance to ask your questions. She has a lot of great information to share.

Sunday April 13 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Bio and Summary

Monday April 14 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Introduction

Monday April 14 - www.lunar-living.blogspot.com

Tuesday April 15 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Interview Posted and An Evening Chat at http://pub29.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/2488831080 (8-10 EST)
(YOU CAN VISIT WITH DYAN GARRIS DURING THIS CHAT - CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO TALK WITH DYAN AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER)

Wednesday April 16 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

If you missed any of the interviews on Dyan’s tour – I recommend that you visit her virtual tour home page – http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Dyan+Garris. Her full schedule is located at http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/dyan-garris-april-tour-schedule.

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Fiction Imitates Life – Van Gogh Missing from Heist - and in Miniature

Fiction Imitates Life – Van Gogh Missing from Heist - and in Miniature

Police were still searching Monday for three masked men responsible for the daring heist of four Impressionist paintings Sunday from a private art museum in Zurich. The paintings, valued at $163 million, included works by Cezanne, Degas, Monet and Van Gogh. The burglary follows on the heels of an earlier theft, also in Zurich, of two Picassos on loan from Germany.

In a case of fiction imitating real life, the search for another missing Van Gogh is the focus of “SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT,” A Miniature Art Mystery by Christine Verstraete, coming in May from Quake/Echelon Press, LLC. The missing painting is a miniature replica of Van Gogh’s famous work, “The Starry Night.”

In SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, Sam and her best friend, Lita, with the help of a mischievous Dachshund named Petey, try to find the missing painting so Sam's mother can get it to the museum, where it belongs.

Spooky family secrets unfold, Petey digs up an ancient curse, and Sam fears her friendship with her best friend is doomed.

Can she find the miniature masterpiece before it's too late?

Will she and her best friend, Lita, go home forever friends – or enemies?

Art Recovered! And.... was it a protest? See

http://stolenvermeer.blogspot.com/2008/02/stolen-art-watch-swiss-art-heist.html

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT will be published in May ’08 from Quake/Echelon Press, LLC, www.quakeme.com ISBN: 978-1-59080-579-4

Contact: Christine Verstraete
chris@cverstraete.com

Ethnic Presidency Blog Blitz Continues - Phil Harris Interviews Dyan Garris

The virtual book tour for Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris continues into its second week. Friday, April 11^th she visits with Phil Harris on his blog - http://philipharris.blogspot.com . Learn more about how we can use the laws of attraction and manifesting to improve many aspects of our lives. If you missed any of her tour stops, they are archived on Dyan’s virtual book tour home page located at http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/april-2008-feature-authors. Her schedule is posted on that page.

The virtual blog blitz for The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House by Earl Hutchinson, is shifting into high gear. The full list of blogs which will feature information about the book are listed here http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Ethnic+Presidency+Blitz+Schedule . These blogs will share plenty of information about several topics from the book. This election year has been one of the most unique in years, but The Ethnic Presidency takes us back to recent decades to show how race has played a part in many elections. We invite you to visit any or all blog stops. There is plenty of information to share with you.

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Democrats, GOP and the Asian Vote

http://karen.pnn.com/5525-politics

http://communati.com/steven-clark-bradley/ethnic-presidency-earl-ofari-hutchinson

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/

http://bookmarket.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=523145%3ABlogPost%3A89647

If you would like to join the Ethnic Presidency Blog Blitz – feel free to contact me for more details – nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Author of the Book Promo 101 Series

April 10th - Virtual Blog Tour Details for Dyan Garris and Earl Hutchinson

The virtual book tour for Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris continues into its second week. Thursday, April 10^th she is visiting two radio shows. Feel free to visit the links below to listen or to call in and ask questions.

Heal Yourself Talk Radio Show - http://healyourselftalk.com (2–3 pm EST)

League of Extraordinary Paranormal Women Radio Show - 7 PM EST or 4 PM PST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/League_of_Extraordinary_Paranormal_Women

If you missed any of her tour stops, they are archived on Dyan’s virtual book tour home page which is located at http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/april-2008-feature-authors and her full schedule is linked to that page. We invite you to visit any or all of her tour stops, radio interviews and a chat next week. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more.

The virtual blog blitz for The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House by Earl Hutchinson, is shifting into high gear. The full list of blogs which will feature information about the book are listed here http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Ethnic+Presidency+Blitz+Schedule . These blogs will post a variety of information about the book and several topics from the book. This election year has been one of the most unique in a very long time, but The Ethnic Presidency takes us back to recent decades to show how race has played a part in many elections. We invite you to visit any or all blog stops. There is plenty of information to share with you.

http://fictionwise.blogspot.com

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Obama and the X-Factor of Race

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-president.html

http://www.loveambassador.blogspot.com/ - Hillary and Obama Roadshow

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/

http://publishedauthors.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=956540%3ABlogPost%3A44872

If you would like to join the Ethnic Presidency Blog Blitz – feel free to contact me for more details – nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Author of the Book Promo 101 Series

Dyan Garris - April Tour Schedule

Tuesday April 1 - http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/

Wednesday April 2 - http://newagedaily.com/dyan-garris/

Thursday April 3 – http://www.themarketingmindset.com/

Friday April 4 - www.SHE-web.com (click on special guest)

Monday April 7 - www.up-the-downside.com – Mike Jay

Tuesday April 8 - http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com

Wednesday April 9 - http://whitewolfinvesting.blogspot.com

Wednesday April 9 - A Time To Heal Internet Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AskClaudia - 9 PM EST or 6 PM PST
(YOU CAN CALL IN OR LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE - CLICK THE LINK FOR CALL IN INFORMATION OR TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW)

Thursday April 10 - http://healyourselftalk.com (2–3 pm EST)
(YOU CAN CALL IN OR LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE - CLICK THE LINK FOR CALL IN INFORMATION OR TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW)

Thursday April 10 - 7 PM EST or 4 PM PST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/League_of_Extraordinary_Paranormal_Women
(YOU CAN CALL IN OR LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE - CLICK THE LINK FOR CALL IN INFORMATION OR TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW)

Friday April 11 – http://philipharris.blogspot.com

Sunday April 13 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Bio and Summary

Monday April 14 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Introduction

Monday April 14 - www.lunar-living.blogspot.com

Tuesday April 15 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog - Interview Posted and An Evening Chat at http://pub29.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/2488831080 (8-10 EST)
(YOU CAN VISIT WITH DYAN GARRIS DURING THIS CHAT - CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO TALK WITH DYAN AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER)

Wednesday April 16 - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

Wednesday April 16 - http://bimblogger.wordpress.com

Thursday April 17 - http://www.reikivoyager.blogspot.com/

Friday April 18 - http://www.communati.com/litekepr/reviews-money-and-manifesting-dyan-gar...

Monday April 21 - www.selfgrowth.com

Tuesday April 22 - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/

Wednesday April 23 - http://melissaalvarez.blogspot.com/

Monday April 28 - http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/money-abundance/position-self-empow...

Tuesday April 29 - http://reikisisters.blogspot.com -Dee Savoy

Wednesday April 30 – http://www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion/author-promo-interviews

June 30 - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pharris (8 – 9 EST)
(YOU CAN CALL IN OR LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE - CLICK THE LINK FOR CALL IN INFORMATION OR TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW)

To learn about the products Dyan offers, visit her website - www.voiceoftheangels.com. You can order your copy of Money and Manifesting from her website or from http://www.amazon.com/Money-Manifesting-Dyan-Garris/dp/0977614069

Virtual Book Tour Schedules

This page contains links to a variety of blog tour schedules and I'll add more tours to this list.


Virtual Tour Sample Schedules and Tour Home Pages


C J Scarlet - The Kindness Cure (November and December)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/cj-scarlet-is-starting-kiss-revolution.html

Tony "Tony Nap" Napoli - My Father, My Don (November)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-father-my-don-by-tony-tony-nap.html

Gurutej - Four Kundalini Yoga DVD's (November and December)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/gurutej-presents-4-kundaini-yoga-dvds.html

Dyan Garris - Doors to the Soul (Automatic Chakra Balancing DVD) November & December
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/dyan-garris-introduces-her-chakra.html

Mark Tewart - How to be a Sales Superstar (November and December)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-be-sales-superstar-by-mark.html

Kevin Gerard - Conor and the Crossworlds Book Three (November)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html

Lili Fournier - Quest For Success (PBS DVD) - October
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/quest-for-success-dvd-directed-by-lili.html

MaAnna Stephenson - The Sage Age (October)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/sage-age-by-maanna-stephenson.html

Shobhan Bantwal - The Forbidden Daughter (Month of October)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/forbidden-daughter-by-shobhan-bantwal.html

Winton Churchill - Email Marketing for Complex Sales Cycles (September 15th - October 15th)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/winton-churchill-email-marketing-for.html
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/winton-churchill-in-more-detail.html

Susan Wingate - Bobby's Diner (E-book Release)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/08/bobbys-diner-by-susan-winga

Hugh Ballou - Transforming Power (July 28th - August 29th)

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/transforming-power-virtual-tour-with.html

Dave Richardson - Vietnam Air Rescues (Touring in August)
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/vietnam-air-rescues-by-dave-richardson.html

Mirella Patzer Promotes Her Medieval/Adventure/Romance - Bloodstone Castle

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/mirella-patzer-virtual-book-tour.html

Karen Salmansohn - The Bounce Back Book (May 27th to June 30th)

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/bounce-back-book-tour-schedule.html

Dyan Garris - Radio Tour to Promote Her Healing Journey Toolbox (June through August 14)

http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/dyan-garris-radio-show-tour.html
Jill Lublin Author of Get Noticed… Get Referrals http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/jill-lublin-author-of-get-noticed-get.html

Jim Musgrave Author of The President's Parasite
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/presidents-parasite-by.

Dyan Garris - Money and Manifesting
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-april-tour-schedule.html

Earl Ofari Hutchinson - The Ethnic Presidency Blog Blitz
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/earl-ofari-hutchinson-ethnic-presidency.html

Patricia Guthrie - In the Arms of the Enemy
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/patricia-guthrie-author-of-in-arms-of.html

Christie Gabour Atwood - Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/christie-gabour-atwood-author-of-three.html

Yvonne Perry - Right to Recover
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/yvonne-perry-author-of-right-to-recover.html

Earl Ofari Hutchinson - The Ethnic Presidency Blog Blitz Schedule

The blogs that are participating in the blog blitz will be added below -

~~~ SATURDAY APRIL 5

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON - BIOGRAPHY AND AUTHOR PHOTO

~~~ SUNDAY APRIL 6

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
ETHNIC PRESIDENCY - SUMMARY AND COVER ART

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-presi...

http://missmaesite.blogspot.com/2008/04/earl-ofari-hutchinson-author-of-...

http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Politics%2C+The+Ethnic+Presidency%2C...

~~~ MONDAY APRIL 7

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
ETHNIC PRESIDENCY INTRODUCTION AND TABLE OF CONTENTS

http://www.myspace.com/tributebooks

http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/

http://karen.pnn.com/5525-politics

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-presi...

~~~ TUESDAY APRIL 8

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
HILLARY AND OBAMA ROADSHOW

http://loveambassador.blogspot.com - Hillary and Obama Roadshow

http://weblog.xanga.com/StevenClarkBradley/650866369/the-ethnic-presiden...

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-presi...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK3REEULN0ZFA8A

http://traceyhkitts.blogspot.com/
HILLARY AND OBAMA ROADSHOW

http://stevenbradley.blogspot.com/2008/12/ethnic-presidency-by-earl-ofar...

~~~ WEDNESDAY APRIL 9

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
REAGAN AND RACE

http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/2008/04/ethnic-presidency-talk-abou...

http://karen.pnn.com/5525-politics

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Steven-Clark-Bradley/blog/2008/04/06/The-Et...

http://philipharris.blogspot.com

http://www.zimbio.com/Hilary+Obama+Road+Show

http://loveambassador.blogspot.com - Hillary and Obama Roadshow

http://undergroundcontroversy.blogspot.com/2008/12/ethnic-presidency-by-...

~~~ THURSDAY APRIL 10

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
OBAMA AND X-FACTOR OF RACE

http://fictionwise.blogspot.com

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/

http://loveambassador.blogspot.com - Hillary and Obama Roadshow

http://postonfire.com/Politics/The_Ethnic_Presidency_by_Earl_Ofari_Hutch...

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-presi...

http://publishedauthors.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=956540%3ABlogPost...

~~~ FRIDAY APRIL 11

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog
DEMOCRATS, GOP AND THE ASIAN VOTE

http://karen.pnn.com/5525-politics

http://communati.com/steven-clark-bradley/ethnic-presidency-earl-ofari-h...

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/

http://bookmarket.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=523145%3ABlogPost%3A896...

~~~ SATURDAY APRIL 12

http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog -
DEMOCRATS AND THE BLACK VOTE

http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/blogs/stevenclarkbradley/ethnic-presidency-...

http://murderatwork.blogspot.com/2008/04/will-america-accept-black-presi...

~~~ SUNDAY APRIL 13

http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com

http://nikkisreviews.blogspot.com/2008/01/ethnic-presidency-by-earl-ofar...

~~~~~~ ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATING BLOGS ~~~~~~~

http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixvideotrailersandbanners

http://www.mirellapatzer.com

www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com

Patricia Guthrie - Author of In The Arms of the Enemy Tour Schedule

Patricia will be touring cyberspace throughout the month of March. You are welcome to join her on any or all of the tour stops. Feel free to post a message and ask questions. The interviews will also be posted here to make it easy to find all of the information about Patricia Guthrie and In the Arms of the Enemy. We look forward to meeting you during March.

March Touring Author Schedule – Patricia Guthrie

Mon March 3 – Start at The Beginning - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com

Tues March 4 - What I Know So Far - http://deirdresavoysays.blogspot.com/ - Dee Savoy

Wed March 5 – Author Spotlight - http://www.selenaillyriasthoughts.blogspot.com/

Thurs March 6 – Yvonne Walus – http://yewalus.blogspot.com

Fri March 7 – A Book Blogger’s Diary - http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com

Mon March 10 – http://marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com – Dee Owen

Tue March 11 – Interview With Maggie (heroine) - http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/

Wed March 12 - http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/ - Marilyn Meredith

Thur March 13 – Gayle – http://nuzzlingmuzzles.blogspot.com/

Fri March 14 – Candid Canine - http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

Mon March 17 – Sabrina - http://equinespirit.blogspot.com/

Tue March 18 – In Detail with Nikki Leigh - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/

Wed March 19 – Pamela Kinney - http://PamelaKKinney.blogspot.com

Thur March 20 – Book Promo 101 Interview – www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion/author-promo-interviews

Fri March 21 – Sue Jeffels - http://fictionwise.blogspot.com

Sun March 23 – Bryn Colvin - http://romeroticawriters.blogspot.com

Mon March 24 – Dorice Nelson - http://awriter-dorice.blogspot.com

Tue March 25 – Male Character Interview (Playboy) - http://lethimtalk.blogspot.com/

Wed March 26 – Joyce Anthony - http://fictionwise.blogspot.com

Thur March 27 – Dorice Nelson -
http://celticmusings.blogspot.com

Fri March 28 – Toni LoTempio - http://tonisplace.blogspot.com/

Mon March 31 – Share Your Hero - http://shareyourhero.blogspot.com

Mon March 31 – Book Promo 101 – Radio Show – www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh

Christie Gabour Atwood Author of Three Feet Under - Tour Schedule

Here is a bit of information about her book Three Feet Under – Journal of a Midlife Crisis.

A Celebration of Midlife … and Elastic Waistbands

Christee Gabour Atwood remembers the exact moment when her “midlife crisis” began. She was visiting the campus where she had attended college when she says, “A handsome young man opened a door for me. And then he called me ‘ma’am’.” With that one word, she knew midlife was upon her.

Many people recognize this scene or have ones similar to it that marked the beginning of their midlife crises. And that is what Atwood is celebrating in both her book, Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis, and in the program she will be offering at (location & date).

“Midlife is not an age. It’s an adventure,” states Atwood. “It’s a time to laugh with others at the things we have in common. Things like the ‘fat end of our closets’, where we hide our big-size clothes. Or things like changing our life goals every day. Or even things like realizing that we chose our car more for the color than for what’s under the hood. And that’s okay.”

These are the episodes that Christee shares with her audiences at readings from her book. And she finds that her audiences have just as many stories to share with her.

“I began to realize after a few of my programs that audience members have hilarious midlife moments to share too. So, instead of spending the entire time reading from the book, I started asking for their best midlife stories. And it has been received so well that now I am working on a sequel to Journal of a Midlife Crisis that will include stories from audience members.”

What are the most important lessons that Atwood says midlife is teaching her? First, she says that midlife is a wonderful time of life when people can begin to appreciate the use of elastic waistbands. She also says that this period of her life has helped her to learn new skills – including how to look “cool” while she tries to remember where she parked her car at the mall. Christee also notes that midlife is a time when people finally start to get comfortable “in their own skin”.

“We spend so much time worrying about our waistline, our hair, or what others think of us. I see midlife as a time to stop worrying about those sorts of things and concentrate on what we think of ourselves. After all, that’s the only opinion that truly matters.”

Christee Gabour Atwood’s background includes a variety of careers, including speaker, corporate trainer, humor columnist, association executive, radio and television personality, and even a period as a stand-up comic. But, she notes, writing has always been her passion. “I’ve always written and wanted to pursue it as my livelihood, but I was so hooked on those silly things like eating and paying rent that I never took the plunge to make it my career.”

So why is she taking that plunge now? She shrugs, “I’ve decided that eating is highly overrated.”

To view excerpts of the book or to order it online, Atwood suggests a visit to the website, www.JournalofaMidlifeCrisis.com.

Atwood will present the program, A Celebration of Midlife … and Elastic Waistbands, on (date & location). Attendees will be able to bring their copies of the book to be autographed or to purchase books that evening at a booksigning and reception which will follow the presentation.

She invites all ages to join her at the session to laugh at – or get prepared for -- midlife moments. Attendees will also be invited to share their midlife episodes for possible publication in the sequel to Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis. And, as a final note about the program, Atwood says the only item an audience member needs to be sure to bring is a sense of humor.

Christee Atwood Schedule

• Thursday Nov 1- http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion-0
• Friday Nov 2 - http://www.judgebookbycover.blogspot.com
• Tuesday Nov 6 - http://blog.myspace.com/wigglewot
• Wednesday Nov 7 - http://www.startatbeginning.blogspot.com
• Friday Nov 9 – http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com
• Monday Nov 12 – http://memawriter.gather.com
• Tuesday Nov 13 – http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com
• Wednesday Nov 14 – http://www.mizging.blogspot.com
• Thursday Nov 15 – http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/author-promotional-interviews
• Monday Nov 19 – http://marjo-mumswritings.blogspot.com
• Tuesday Nov 20 – http://elasticwaistbands.blogspot.com
  Wednesday Nov 21 – http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com
• Thursday Nov 22 – Thanksgiving
  Monday Nov 26 – http://pamelakkinney.blogspot.com
• Wednesday Nov 28 – http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com
• Friday Nov 30 – http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com and
  www.thewritersmeow.deviantart.com

Christee Gabour Atwood’s website – www.journalofaMidlifeCrisis.com

She has a very long list of various things she has done in the past – these are just a few. You’ll hear about some others as the month proceeds.

• Developer, Writer, and Facilitator of the Leadership Development Institute of Baton Rouge City Parish Government
• Stand-up Comic who was never once hit by a rotten tomato
• Bad actress who sat a few rows behind George C. Scott in a courtroom scene in In The Heat of the Night
• Voiceover Actress – Television, Radio, Audio Books, Documentaries, and Films
• Universal Studios Tour Guide, which assures you she know how to point to her right and her left…
• Young Career Woman of the Year, Central Louisiana, (back when I was a young woman … but I’m not giving the year)
• First female DJ in Central Louisiana (Highest rated radio program in history of La - 1986)
• And she’s an occasional entertainer in the unemployment line…

Feel free to join us on the blog trail with Christee, it will be an entertaining month.

Yvonne Perry Author of Right to Recover Tour Schedule

Nashville author, freelance writer and speaker Yvonne Perry will launch a virtual tour on Sept. 3 for her new book, Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America.

Perry uses more than 600 hours of intensive research and interviews to challenge the validity of President Bush’s decision to deny federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Readers can visit various web sites (blogs) from Sept. 3-27 to learn more about Right to Recover and ask the author questions about stem cell research. Right to Recover (Nightengale Press) contains insights from dozens of researchers, doctors, and political and religious figures, as well as stories from patients who hope to transform their lives through stem cell implants.

The 333-page book, which arrives in bookstores on Oct. 1, 2007, explores the research being done using stem cells derived from in vitro fertilized eggs on laboratory animals and presents findings to support its curative potential on humans.

The book has been endorsed by organizations such as Cure Paralysis Now, the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and Parkinson’s foundations from several states.

Dates and locations for Perry’s virtual book tour are

• Sept. 3 – The Writer’s Life at http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com/.
• Sept. 4 – Pump Up You Online Book Promotion at http://www.pumpupyouronlinebookpromotion.blogspot.com/.
• Sept. 5 – Family, Fun and Faith at http://communati.com/main/blog/familyfunandfaith.
• Sept. 6 – Plug Your Book at http://www.plugyourbook.blogspot.com/.
• Sept. 7 – Be My Guest! at http://www.bloggingauthors.blogspot.com
• Sept. 10 – The Story Behind the Books at http://www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com
• Sept. 11 – Start with the Facts at http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com
• Sept. 13 – Start at the Beginning at http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/.
• Sept. 17 – Straight from the Author’s Mouth at http://www.straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com
• Sept. 18 – Inspired Author Self Promotion at http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
• Sept. 20 – Author Talks at http://www.authortalks.blogspot.com/.
• Sept. 24 - Cheryl Malandrinos at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com
• Sept. 25 – Judge Cover at http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com
• Sept. 26 – Publishing Secrets for Authors at http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com
• Sept. 27 – Muze’s Musings at http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com

“Right to Recover is a thought provoking book that puts stem cell research in layman’s terms,” said Perry, host of the weekly Internet podcast, Writers in the Sky. “It also addresses the political and religious issues surrounding blastocyst (embryonic) stem cell research and gives a logical appeal to those who are straddling the fence. It corrects inaccurate information being spread by misinformed politicians and religious leaders. More than 500 organized groups are in favor of overturning the Bush prohibition on federal funding.”

Perry’s book reveals that

• The removal of one stem cell does not necessarily damage a 32-cell blastocyst (frozen embryo).
• Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells can replicate themselves to become any type of cell in the body.
• A blastocyst, which is created in a test tube, cannot become a human until it is implanted in a uterus.
• Many frozen embryos are never used and later destroyed.
• Many Biblical scriptures, including Ephesians 2:10, support stem cell research.

“While working with Reverend Dan Bloodworth of the Brian Bloodworth Stoke and Head Injury Research Foundation, I became keenly aware of, and very interested in, the healing potential of blastocyst (also known as embryonic) stem cell research,” Perry added. “President Bush’s decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 had a heartbreaking impact on members of our society who have physical and medical disabilities.His decision and the mindset of the misinformed right-wing ultra-orthodox party must be challenged if our society is to benefit from blastocystic stem cell biotechnology.”

The author dedicates chapters to defining the separation of church and state, rebutting President Bush’s statement in opposition to stem cell research, and dismissing any link between stem cell biology and cloning. More than half of the book is dedicated to better understanding, research findings, the significance of federal funding, possible cures, and testimonials.

Right to Recover includes quotes from some of the world’s leading medical professionals. Stem cell biologist Dr. John A. Kessler says that “illnesses such as heart attacks, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, spinal-cord injury, and many others will be treatable.” Stephen Hawking, a leading scientist who suffers from motor-neurone disease, says that “banning the use of stem cells from human embryos is the equivalent of opposing the use of donated organs from dead people.”

Actor Christopher Reeve noted before his death that “stem cells have already cured paralysis in animals.” In a letter to Don C. Reed, Reeve wrote, “One day, Roman (Reed’s son) and I will stand up from our wheelchairs and walk away from them forever.”

Reverend Dan Bloodworth endorsed the book, writing, “Over the years I have read literally thousands of articles and documents from around the world about the subject, and Right to Recover is the most complete work I have ever read.”

Perry is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, speaker and author who enjoys writing about topics that inspire excellence and uplift the spirit. She has authored 11 children’s e-books known as The Sid Series; the humorous book E-Mail Episodes, and the book More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife. As the founder of Write On! Creative Writing Services, she has personally co-written, edited, ghosted or formatted more than 20 books for customers. She also writes and/or develops articles, biographies, brochures, press releases, web text, and newsletters.

Perry earned a bachelor’s degree in metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology in Birmingham, Ala. Right to Recover retails for $19.95.

For more information about Perry or her new book, call (615) 884-1224, send an e-mail to write_on_yvonne@comcast.net, or visit http://www.yvonneperry.net.

FREE Promotional Options For Author

Update March 14, 2009 - I have made some major changes to the blogs I'm offering and I am updating this list to reflect those changes. These changes should make it easier to find information and give additional exposure to every one who submits information about their books and themselves.

ANY published author is welcome to submit these questions and answers to promote their books. To use any of these blogs - click on the link, click on "how to submit" in the top corner of the blog and follow the instructions. I ask that you send the questions and answers as an RTF file. It is also good to send a jpg file of your book cover - no PDF files for the cover art. When you complete the interview, send to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with the interview title in the subject line and I will add you to the list for that blog.

I have divided the blog lists for fiction and non fiction books to make it easier to find the ones you need. I've added several new blogs lately - so if you've been here before - there are some new options.

Two quick updates -

The print edition of Book Promo 101 is available. The print book is oversize 8" x 10" and the layout is gorgeous. The print edition of Book Promo 201: Harness the Power of the Internet with Web 2.0 and Social Media Marketing is in layout and will be available in early spring 2009. If you would like details about the contents of this book and also to sign up to be notified about the release, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_201.htm

I offer a wide array of promotional services to authors. Feel free to take a look at the possibilities and contact me with questions. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed, let me know and we can talk. For a list of these services visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

I offer a wide assortment of virtual book tour options and the current list is located at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/virtual-blog-tour-options.html and I offer virtual blog tours which coordinate and enhance Amazon Best Seller Campaigns - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/02/amazon-best-seller-virtual-blog-tour.html there are a number of options and price ranges and we can talk about other options. I'm planning to add more services in 2009. If you'd like to be added to my mailing list to get the latest updates, send me a message at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

This is the full list of promotional blogs - the name, the blog link and the link to full instructions are listed for each individual interview.

Promotional Blogs for Fiction Books

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about story setting.
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Villains in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_7729.html

Heroine in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_134.html

Hero in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Best Friend - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_28.html

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies
If a movie was made about your book, which actors and actresses would play the main characters? This is your chance in case a movie of your book and it can be a lot of fun.
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

Interview a Male Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_6392.html

Interview a Female Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_1859.htm

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html

Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Promotional Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html
Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter

How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. I did edit a couple of first chapters to maintain a PG-13 rating for my visitors. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list. All the blogs are listed on my Blogger profile which is located at - www.blogger.com/profile/00985309338453728557.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Author Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Details with Christee Gabour Atwood

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis
Christee Gabour Atwood

What inspired the book?A desire to laugh at myself and see if anybody else laughed along. And the fact that I had a rent payment due.

This book has also been therapy for me. I don’t like it when I see people upset by midlife experiences, when I see the lack of appreciation of elastic waistbands, and also when I see airbrushed supermodels creating unrealistic ideals of what beauty is. Writing this book has helped me put those thoughts on paper and see that I’m not the only who thinks that way.

What makes this book special to you?

This book is special because it made me realize that it’s okay to be myself and to write what I enjoy reading. I discovered that if I write something that appeals to me, at least I have an audience of one. I can build from there.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

People must read this or I’ll come to their houses and talk to them. Yes, be afraid. Be very afraid.

It’s also a great book for airplane trips and trips to the bathroom. Not as a toilet paper replacement, but as short format reading for the attention-challenged like myself. I get bored and trail off when…

It’s also a chance to laugh if you recognize yourself in any of these episodes. And isn’t that what makes life fun?

If laughter is the best medicine, this book replaces at least one dose of fluoxetine. (If you recognize that drug, welcome to my club. You need this book.)

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Everyone in the world needs to read this book. Is that too obvious?

Okay, almost everybody in the world needs to read this book. Infants can wait a few years before they pick it up. People need to read this book to help them understand friends who are going through midlife crisis, to prepare themselves for surviving it, or just to laugh at midlifers. Either way, they’ll get a laugh. Or they’ll decide they never want to sit next to me on a plane. Either one is a valuable lesson.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

You know what’s funny? I get creative when I get angry. I found that writing is my therapy. I remember coming home from a job interview and banging on my typewriter (yes, this was a while back) and complaining about the guy with seven strands of hair draped across his head who seemed more interested in doodling on his desk blotter than in my brilliant answers to questions. So I wrote and wrote and little by little the anger started getting really funny. I took the interview to the furthest extreme by describing the fellow as a superhero who only interviewed people in between saving the world from fast food drive-thru workers. From this experience, my humor column was born.

We decide our responses to situations. Anything that makes us mad can also make us laugh. We just have to flip it and take it to the extreme.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

The biggest stumbling block in my writing is the attachment of my rear end to a chair. I found that the answer for me was to start with short format materials.

With the attention span of an over-caffeinated gnat, it really helped to be able to sit down and write a humor column that was complete at the end of the sitting. It was those humor columns that eventually became the basis for this book.

Also, try writing the worst book you can. This really helps relieve the pressure we put on ourselves when writing. Geez, even Pavarotti had to clear his throat before he sang. Plan to write a lot of phlegm before some good words sneak onto the page.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

People become authors because they like to be abused by editors, agents, and critics. Because they feel that performance appraisals by one boss are not enough. Instead they want their work appraised by everyone, including that crotchety woman who said that no one has written a good book since Gone With The Wind. In other words, we write because we’re insane.

I became a writer because I love the thrill of creating a world and living in it while writing the story. I get depressed when the story is finished because I don’t want to leave. It’s like the darkness in the theatre when a good movie fades to black. It’s nice because you were there, but you still want more.

It’s also therapy and is a heck of a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Last year, for National Novel Writing Month, I put on a chicken suit and sat in the window of a Waldenbooks for a month, writing a novel called, “Danger, Deceit, and a Demon … named Myron”. I got some incredible press – in fact, you can even see the article on CBS News webpage at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/08/print/main2241177.shtml

I was on the national radio show, The Satellite Sisters, and other various radio shows, television shows, and possibly even made it into a junior high school newspaper, but that might have just been a rumor.

I’ve emceed a Menopause Fashion Show for a hospital. Lots of elastic in that one. I’ve done talks for anyone who would stand still – and that includes turning around in elevators and saying, “I suppose you wonder why I called this meeting.”

I’ve offered myself as a fill-in guest for any radio or TV show within driving radius on a very short turnaround time. I’ve gotten calls with “We’re taping in 30 minutes. Can you talk about something?” and I’ve done it.

After the chicken suit episode, I got a reputation and ended up hosting the Harry Potter Release Party at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Now, they’ve called me back to be Mrs. Claus and read my children’s Christmas poem to kids who’ve eaten too much candy.

I’m working on a promotion idea right now to do a “mall tour” because I can create events with malls and I can shop at the same time. Sounds like heaven to me.

I created a Girls Night Out group that met at a local bookstore and discussed our midlife adventures. We later moved to bars and liked it much better… although we tended to forget what we had talked about.

And the list goes on and on…

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I’m living this book. I’m not the only person who could write this book. That’s what makes it special. This is a book any person can and should write about their experiences. It’s sharing these experiences that makes this time of life fun instead of frenzied, happy instead of harried, bonding instead of brooding, and other assorted alliterations…

I hope other people will read this and say, “I could do that” and turn around and write their stories. The more of this that we share, the more we’ll all realize that we’re crazy … but at least, we’re in the same boat.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "It’s the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Every once in a while we need to realize that there are others like us. There are other people who pretend they’re on the cell phone in the car so people in the neighboring cars won’t realize that they’re talking to themselves. Others who read the comics instead of the business section of the paper. Others who think that, if God had intended us to stay one waist size, he wouldn’t have invented elastic waistbands. This book shares those moments. It’s a great gift to remind ourselves that we’re not alone.

Also, it’s not just a book for midlifers. It helps others understand midlifers.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

This quiz will tell you if this book is for you:

Do you use your exercise bike as a coat rack?
Do you want to know how to look cool while searching for your car in the mall parking lot?
Do you believe people on the show Survivor could never last through 39 days in your workplace?Do you believe that cheesecake and Prozac share many of the same healing qualities?
Do you use the phrase, “I remember when none of that was here”?
Do you list your hair color as “Number 168”?
Do you believe that the birthday of Thomas Hancock, the inventor of elastic, should be a national holiday?
If you even grinned at any of those, you need to read this book…

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that.
I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

November is National Novel Writing Month, where thousands of people worldwide will try to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Everyone has a book in them. They just need permission to give it a shot. This is the month to do it.

I’m a Municipal Liaison in Louisiana, which means that I help writers in the state coordinate events and communication during the month.

I’ll also be writing my sequel to Three Feet Under, entitled In Celebration of Elastic Waistbands, during this month. Like I mentioned before, last year I got national attention when I wrote my novel in the window of a bookstore while wearing a chicken suit. This year I’ll be wearing elastic waistbands. Much more comfortable than a chicken suit…

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can share is laughter. And, as an added bonus, it burns calories.

My theme for life is “If I laugh at myself first, then the rest of the world is laughing with me, not at me.”

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thank you! This has been a lot of fun and it’s kept me from hitting the refrigerator for a few minutes. That’s a good thing, because there’s just so much elastic in the world…
Website: Christee.biz

Blog that’s just getting started: http://elasticwaistbands.blogspot.com/

You can order Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis at Amazon.com or any online bookstore as well as getting at your local bookstore. If they don’t have it, please ask them to order it!

You can also check out my new business and training books, Succession Planning Basics, Presentation Skills Training, and Manager Skills Training at Amazon.com.

Interview Presented By
Nikki Leigh - Author of Book Promo 101
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm