Everything I Never Told You

Blog Tour: Exposure by Jennifer and Morgan Locklear

Published on June 18, 2014 by James Dennard1 Comment

SUMMARY

Publicist Shaunna Noble is no stranger to the ego-filled dysfunction of Hollywood’s elite, but is she ready for her two biggest clients to turn into her worst nightmare?

Kyle Petersen and Michelle Cooper are Hollywood royalty, everyone’s favorite celebrity couple, but while on location filming their new summer blockbuster, Kyle ambushes his wife with divorce papers and orders Shaunna to destroy Michelle in the media. Unwilling to comply, Shaunna spectacularly and publicly quits her job, humiliating Kyle in the process.

David Quinn, a struggling actor cast alongside the A-listers, is caught in the crossfire. When pictures surface of David and Michelle out on the town, media and fans rush to crown them Hollywood’s new hot couple. Kyle explodes, tensions boil over, and everyone’s lives and careers are thrown into jeopardy.

So what’s a publicist to do? Especially when Shaunna finds herself falling in love with the sexy and talented David. Can she put out fires on the set while keeping the flames burning in the bedroom?

Love, lies and passion. What happens when the naked truth is exposed?

Bio

Morgan and Jennifer Locklear met in 1989 as teenagers and became high school sweethearts. They have been married since 1995 and live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with their two children, a son and daughter.

Although both enjoyed creative writing in their youth, they have only been working as a writing team since 2010. Since then they have created a dozen full-length and short stories together.

Jennifer has been employed in fundraising and development for a non-profit organization since 2000. She also enjoys participating in charitable activities, both locally and online. In her (limited) free time she is an avid reader.

Morgan has been employed in the hospitality industry since 1998. He has been active in the local performing arts community since childhood with many acting and directing credits to his name. He is also a musician and songwriter and has recorded 6 albums.

Cover Reveal: The Raven by Sylvain Reynard

Published on May 27, 2014January 6, 2015 by James DennardLeave a comment

From the author of the Gabriel’s Inferno saga, Sylvain Reyanard comes a new trilogy “The Raven” a paranormal romance that will make you fall in love with Reynard’s writing all over again. We at La Literati are proud to be part of the cover reveal for this amazing new series.

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!

-Edgar Allen Poe

Cover Reveal
The Raven by Sylvain Reynard
May 27, 2014

The Raven

by Sylvain Reynard

Blurb:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

Release Date:

Early 2015

About the Author

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

You can find Sylvain at

Twenty Questions with New York Times Best Selling Author- Sylvain Reynard

Published on April 16, 2014January 6, 2015 by Tosha Michelle4 Comments

Sylvain Reynard, author of the Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy and the upcoming paranormal romance The Raven, was kind enough to answers twenty random questions, posed by yours truly. In addition to being a good sport, an amazing author and a friend to humanity, Reynard has a stellar sense of humor. Check it out. And, be sure to check him out at. http://www.sylvainreynard.com/

1. If you were going to write an article about yourself, what would the headline be?

Anonymous Author Writes Article About Anonymity.

2. Describe your current mood using a color?

Amber.

3. What’s the theme song of your life?

The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles.

4. Do you take selfies? If so, care to share? 😉

I don’t. I have been known to photobomb, however.

5. Favorite sound. Least favorite sound?

Laughter.
My alarm clock.

6. What’s your favorite SR quote?

“Kindness is never wasted.”

7. What was the last film you saw?

Noah.

8. Do you sing in the shower?

Badly.

9. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I were more patient.

10. Can you impersonate anyone famous?

I’m really good at impersonating anonymous authors, especially at parties.

11. Describe your dream sandwich.

There’s a sandwich shop in England called Prêt a Manger. https://www.pret.com

I enjoy almost all their sandwiches and could eat their daily. Their Ham & Cheese Baguette is my favourite.

12. What’s your favorite smell/scent?

I like the smell of coffee and oranges.

13. What was your first car?

A horse and buggy, actually.

14. How old were you were you discovered your love for writing?

I can’t remember, but I was writing with crayons…

15. If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Why?

I’d like to be an elf from the woodland realm, as described by Tolkien.
http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Woodland_Realm

16. Innie or outie?

Pardon?

17. Clowns. Creepy or cool?

Not really a fan of clowns …

18. What your favorite poem?

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

19. Do you prefer ponytails or pigtails?

(Sigh)

20. Tell us about your upcoming novel?

Thank you.

I’m writing “The Raven,” which is the first in a new series. It’s a paranormal love story set in Florence, Italy, and it will feature a cameo with the Professor. It’s possible other characters from The Gabriel Series will also appear …

Here’s the description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Cassita vulneratus.

I have a cover design and a release date for “The Raven,” but we haven’t announced them yet. Look for an announcement soon.

Thanks again Tosha for inviting me to join you and your readers.
It’s a pleasure,
SR

Allison, Andy and David. “It’s feel like a coming of age”

Published on April 15, 2014April 15, 2014 by Tosha Michelle1 Comment

Shameless plugs. I’ve been informed there will be candy. Three books to add to your shelf or Kindle( but not kindle)

Undiscovered Gyrl
by THE Allison Burnett

Synopsis-

“Beautiful, wild, funny, and lost, Katie Kampenfelt is taking a year off before college to find her passion. Ambitious in her own way, Katie intends to do more than just smoke weed with her boyfriend, Rory, and work at the bookstore. She plans to seduce Dan, a thirty-two-year-old film professor.

Katie chronicles her adventures in an anonymous blog, telling strangers her innermost desires, shames, and thrills. But when Dan stops taking her calls, when her alcoholic father suffers a terrible fall, and when she finds herself drawn into a dangerous new relationship, Katie’s fearless narrative begins to crack, and dark pieces of her past emerge.

Sexually frank, often heartbreaking, and bursting with devilish humor, Undiscovered Gyrl is an extraordinarily accomplished novel of identity, voyeurism, and deceit.”

Allison Burnet knows how to a craft a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. His gift for storytelling and for getting into the mind of a 17 year old girl is remarkable and a bit eerie. You’ll be moved by her depth, her struggles and desire to be loved. You will feel her very being. You will relate to Katie. Hell, you could be Katie. This book will sing to you a heartbreaking, bluesy melody that will linger and wrap around your soul.

Undiscovered Gyrl is not just a voyeuristic look into the mind of a troubled teen. It is a haunting, cautionary tale that will leave you disturbed and changed. It’s about connections and the need to be love. Engrossing, moving, full of angst and humor. Burnett’s language is lyrical and economical. His imagination and creativity knows no bounds. The end of the book is risky, bold, and brave much like it’s heroine and the message she imparts.

2. Electroboy-A Memoir of Mania
by Andy Behrman (Starbucks addict, Abba dancing, tuna eating, man of the people)

Synopsis-

“Electroboy is an emotionally frenzied memoir that reveals with kaleidoscopic intensity the terrifying world of manic depression. For years Andy Behrman hid his raging mania behind a larger-than-life personality. He sought a high wherever he could find one and changed jobs the way some people change outfits: filmmaker, PR agent, art dealer, stripper-whatever made him feel like a cartoon character, invincible and bright. Misdiagnosed by psychiatrists and psychotherapists for years, his condition exacted a terrible price: out-of-control euphoric highs and tornadolike rages of depression that put his life in jeopardy.”

A mind you won’t forget, a narrative that will linger. A Trifecta of sex, drugs and a bi-polar brain. This book is a stand out in the mental health genre. Andy is a stand out in life. Read the book. Feel the chaos. Be changed.

Children of the Canyon
by David Kukoff

Synopsis-

“Children of the Canyon tells the story of David, a boy growing up in LA’s fabled Laurel Canyon neighborhood as the 1960s counterculture is coming to an end. David’s record producer father works with the reclusive former leader of a surf music band on an album that promises to elevate the legacies of both men to immortal status. His distant, peripatetic mother rides the waves of activism and feminism in and out of David’s life. The elusive Topanga, named for the city’s last remaining Eden, whom David meets on the beach the night of his parents’ separation continues to elude his futile attempts to reconnect with her throughout the decade. Through David’s eyes, we bear witness to the fallout from the California Dream’s malfunction: the ruined families, failed revolutionaries, curdled musical idealism, and, ultimately, the rise of the conservatism that put the country on its present path.”

COTC is a coming of age book that even J.D. Salinger would endorse. It will speak to the child you were. It’s relatable, real and moving. The themes of abandonment, love, the fragility and resiliency of the human spirit will resonate.

Get lost in a book today..

.so, I can have my candy tomorrow.

Letting Go

Published on March 13, 2014March 13, 2014 by Tosha Michelle1 Comment

Letting Go

Autumn leaves falling off tall stately trees.
Dancing embers in transition, falling
Creating dust like gold full of somber wonders.
The tree has learned the art of letting go.
It is not afraid to stand alone, its branches bare.
It knows and accepts life’s rhythm;
Birds leaving their nest,
Flying away into abstract blue,
Singing their haunting freedom song, like
Psalms of divine inspiration,
They too know the art of letting go.
The tide effortlessly rolling out to sea,
As it caresses the ocean one last time, with its
Crashing waves kissing the sand
Leaving only its foam and
A majestic roar in their wake, as
Nature takes her course,
Mother Earth teaches us the art of letting go.

All About Paul Sampson. The life, the times, the movie. NOTT

Published on March 2, 2014March 2, 2014 by Tosha Michelle11 Comments

This interview was done with the sole purpose of getting into the talented chaotic mind of actor/director/writer/producer, in particular, his film Night of the Templar. One of his friends once told him that he wanted to get into his mind. Paul responded with “we would never let you leave”. This interview you are about to read is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

When did you discover your love for writing and acting?

That’s a two-part question, so I’ll answer it in ‘two-parts’, ‘a’ and ‘b’.
Writing: I don’t love the actual process of writing whatsoever. I don’t like to sit in front of a computer in seclusion for days, weeks, months at a time. If I were a cat, I’d be an alley cat, so the whole inside house cat thing kills me. but I love thinking and creating. I began writing only as a vehicle to get my thoughts on page (and out of my head). …. I wish I could magically get my thoughts (and scripts) on page without ever having to sit in front of a computer. You know, just blink like the chick from ‘I Dream of Jeanie” and wham, they magically appear.

Acting: I’m often hired to portray (on stage and in films) some very ‘peculiar’ off-beat, disruptive, and completely unhinged characters that seem to have gone far around the bend… and they pay me… what was the question again? Yeah, who wouldn’t love that….hahhaahhahahaa

Describe yourself in three words?

Someone very close to me once described me as ‘Fast, Reckless, and Lucky.’ However, I would say ‘Cute, Cudlee, and Adorable.” Why are you laughing?

What a typical day like for Paul Sampson the writer?

It usually begins with a Human Sacrifice, followed by Sex, Drugs, Rock n’ Roll… it’s basically the same as any other day for me….and, yeah, I knock out as many pages (writing) as ‘inhumanly’ possible before passing out from exhaustion.

How did Night of the Templar come to be?

I was doing research on ‘Jack the Ripper’ and the White Chapel murders for several months, and the conspiracy theory of its connection with the Free Masons kept on popping up (everyone loves a good mystery and scandal). And I was intrigued enough to start researching the Free Masons. Lo and behold there were links, or mention that they were possibly an ‘extension’ of the Knights Templar, which at the time I knew very little about. That all changed. I became somewhat obsessed with their history. And then a thought popped…and I began to write the ‘medieval’ part of Night of the Templar…the rest followed. Sometimes the wand finds the wizard. I don’t know what that last line means, but I’ve been waiting to use it for quite some time so I’m just throwing it in now.

Do you ever sing in the shower?

Yes. I sing everywhere. If I went to your house, I would sing in your shower.

Night of the Templar is a mixture of many different genre, action, drama, murder mystery, horror, comedy, which is adds to its appeal. Was that your plan all along?

I’ve been asked that before, and it’s strange, Tosha. When I wrote Night of the Templar, I didn’t have a specific genre in mind. It just came out. I’ve written many scripts and for the most part, there may be a dose of ‘zany’ sprinkled in there for good measure, but they are usually somewhat ‘definitive’ in their genre. But Night of the Templar is just a journey. One minute you’re intrigued with a medieval dramatic scene, the next you’re watching pure adrenaline action, and a beat later you’re holding your eyes from a tongue being pulled out of someone’s head….and then a jolt of dark humor comes your way. And all along it’s kind of murder mystery, but not. It just fell out of my head that way. Luckily, it flows nicely and people keep writing to me every day of how much they enjoy it….most of these letters are from ‘institutions’ …

Do you have any hidden talents?

If I told you, they would no longer be ‘hidden.’ It’s like telling a secret, kind of defeats the purpose, right.

Night of the Templar was David Carradine’s last feature film, how did this last line of dialogue affect you emotional?

‘Well, old friend, I’ll see you in the next lifetime’, and he goes, ‘Old friends, old soulmates…’
Well, when we actually exchanged the lines it was not as big a deal, because obviously, he was still alive. But in the editing room, after he had passed, I was looking at the footage and was like, ‘oh, shit, how strange, how very strange’… and there were several other things in the movie that were like that. Very strange ‘after the fact’ or rather ‘before’ that I captured during shooting that occurred after. As they say, there is nothing stranger than the act of Life imitating Art. And yes, that last statement I just said is another one of those sayings I wanted to get in that I’ve been trying to work into a conversation all day long.

How did you go about getting the rest of the great cast of my favorites, including Udo Kier, Norman Reedus and Billy Drago?

It seems like you’re referring to the ‘modern day’ cast. Norman was the first person on board. We were doing a film together in Bulgaria and I showed him the medieval footage, and told him the overall premise….and he said he was in. So it was only the two of us for a while. When the time came, he suggested Udo Kier, so I sent him (Udo) the script and he wanted to meet with me to discuss. And then there were three. Max Perlich came about next. Norman and I are both friends of Max. And then there were four. David Carradine was next. He knew who I was, I got the script to him, and within 24 hours he said yes. Billy Drago came last, actually last minute. I had met Billy briefly some time before hand and I had him in mind. However, I originally had someone else playing the role of Shauna the Chef. They ‘fell through’ last minute….very last minute…and luckily Billy was available and was gracious enough to help out. He really saved the day. I love that guy.

You seem to work with your friends…Norman in 4 films, Max Perlich, , Robert Miano… Would you like to do other projects with them?

No, I never want to see these people again. Ever! Is that even a real question? hahahaha. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to work with their friends? (That’s a rhetorical question, Tosha, it doesn’t require a response on your end…just clarifying….that’s all)

What coming up for Paul Sampson? What are you currently working on?

Since Night of the Templar has been released, I had five (5) other script concepts in my head that I had either already started writing or needed to begin (writing) from scratch. And now, four out of the five of them are in at least a rough draft form (I’ve been very very busy lately, secluded in a dark room, doing my due diligence to say the least). I’ll begin the last one (script) next month. After that, I’ll have all the concepts (and hopefully voices) out of my head and I can just go and act for a long time. I’ve been asked to do a couple of movies coming up soon in the year. But just a little insight, one of the scripts I polished is ‘Captain Invincible’ and the one I’m going to start next month is the feature for ‘Shamus (the Clown)’. It’s time to Rock!

Pudding or pie?

Pie. Definitely. I like Pie. I like Pie with a delicious Crust. I like Pie like most of us. I like Pie it’s a must. I like pie while riding the bus. To have it with cream is a dream. Pie is fun, oh my, oh my….take my pie and I’ll punch you in your … throat…

What’s your favorite movie?

Why, Night of the Templar, of course. Like ‘duh.’ And yes, to see how to view simply go to http://www.NightoftheTemplar.com hahhahhahaaaaa

You can also find Paul on Twitter @realpaulsampson

Ability Therapy by Sarah Mueller

Published on February 13, 2014February 13, 2014 by James Dennard1 Comment

Ability Therapy, published in 2013 by Abbey Press, is a book by Sarah Mueller that encourages those of us with disabilities, whether physical or mental, to keep a positive attitude. In her book, Sarah also dispenses wisdom regarding how to help people without disabilities understand, relate to, and help us. Statistics tell us that one in five people have a physical disability, so the book serves as a gentle reminder that if you yourself do not have a physical disability, odds are that someone you know does.

Ability Therapy is arranged in thirty-six concise chapters, each with an accompanying picture drawn by R.W. Alley. The illustrations are elves in various situations that match the discussion of each chapter. This is an unique and whimsical idea that makes you smile as you read. The style of the book is perfect for several reasons. It is a short book that is easy to read in one sitting. The small dimensions of the book mean it can be stored and easily referred to whenever you want to reread it. And you are going to want to return to the book regularly to enjoy it and review the wisdom in its pages.

The thing I like most about Ability Therapy is how it encourages us to adopt a positive attitude in the face of our challenges. Perseverence in the face of failure. Doing as much as you can and pushing your limits. Always respect yourself and others. These are some of the lessons Sarah exhorts us toward in her book. Having a physical disability myself, I related to so many things mentioned in the book. I know from experience that the lessons Sarah shares are hard won. One of the chapters that talked about dealing with doubts when it seems you have an “invisible” disability was familiar for me. I find that a lot of people know me for quite a while before learning that I have a disability. I am sure that young people (and even not-so-young people) who read this book will beneift from the advice in these pages.

We will welcome Sarah on our on February 27. On a personal note, I am particularly excited about talking with her. She has Spina Bifida, the same physical disability I have. We have exchanged electronic messages for a while. But this will be the first time we have talked by phone.

Jim (a.k.a. Niles)

Rules to Get Through Another Hallmark Holiday-by Tosha Michelle

Published on February 13, 2014February 12, 2016 by Tosha Michelle14 Comments

1. Flowers picked, not bought. Any idiot can call the florist. It takes a special idiot to go out and create his own bouquet of suck up.

2. Absolutely no gifts from CVS or Walgreens

3. No plush toys, unless they are of the adult variety.

4. The same applies for appliances.

5. A card is a must. Extra points for a homemade one with a love letter inside.

6. Ladies, break out the sexy underwear, or better yet, no underwear.

7. Also, girls, no personal ads to your snuggly, buggly, baby boo…. especially if it’s the first date.

8. Gentleman no gifts inside a ring size box, unless it’s actually a ring…a really really big ring…

Otherwise, your night is going to get all kinds of awkward .

9. If you are alone and single on Valentine’s Day, or married and alone (hey, you never know), kick Cupid to the curb, grab a friend and go out and celebrate YOU.

10. Make love the star of the show all the time, not just on some commercial cliche holiday made popular by Hallmark. Love is alive and all around us. Take time to experience and bask in it presence every day of your existence. Embrace love. Feel love. Be love.

“Where there is love there is life.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

The Weight of Words author, Georgina Guthrie. on writing, wine and love in an elevator.

Published on February 12, 2014February 12, 2014 by Tosha Michelle9 Comments

Our guest today is The Weight of Words author, Georgina Guthrie. GG can write her socks off and she’ll have you reading yours off. Georgina was kind enough to talk to us about writing, the critics, lust and red, red, wine. Apparently, it does go to her head. Sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the class, the sass and a bit of smart ass that is the lovely Georgina Guthrie. Oh and buy her book! Yes, you!

1. What compelled you to write The Weight of Words?

Compel is a strong word. What actually happened was a convergence of timely events. I discovered an on-line writing community at a point in my life when I’d changed jobs and had extra time to genuinely pursue a hobby I’ve always enjoyed, but never actually shared with others. The Weight of Words is a story that’s been rattling around in my head for over 20 years, since my own days at Vic. *winks*

2. What kind of research did you do for the book?

I didn’t do much in the way of research, with the exception of rereading Antony and Cleopatra, just to refresh my memory of the dynamic between those two characters in preparation for one of the scenes. I don’t really consider reading Shakespeare to be “research” though. Research sounds laborious. I don’t find the Bard laborious. You probably figure that out. 

3. How much do you think about your readers when you write?

That’s an interesting question. When I was posting on-line, I thought about readers’ responses a great deal. Not that I pandered to readers, but I did sometimes think about what they might like to see characters doing. In the edit-for-publication stages, there’s certainly consideration of readership, but not as much room for scenes designed merely to “please audiences.”

4. In the novel, desire is a huge theme. The longing between the main characters Daniel and Aubrey is palpable. They yearn so much for one another but can’t be together. Why do you think the forbidden is so enticing?

Daniel and Aubrey don’t want to be together because their relationship is prohibited—they want each other in spite of the forbidden aspect. Having said that, we live in a culture where delayed gratification is becoming less and less the norm, in all the things we do, relationships included, and the reluctance to delay having sex in relationships is certainly a part of that.

As far as Daniel and Aubrey go, their desire to be together is inspired by their circumstances, too. Daniel is desperate for a meaningful human connection after having a miserable year. When he meets Aubrey, he almost hears something “click” in his brain—his heart, wherever that type of epiphany lives.

5. The Weight of the Words is the first in a trilogy. When can we expect the next book to come out?

I’m about to move into the editing stages with Better Deeds than Words. I think it’s safe to say early summer (but don’t hold me to that. LOL).

6. Shakespeare’s work factors heavily in your novel. Have you always been a fan of the Bard?

My first exposure to Shakespeare was reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a ninth grade English classroom. And yes, I was blown away from the outset.

7. Who are you reading? Who are some of your favorite authors? What are some of your favorite books? Who did you read while writing this book?

I have a very eclectic reading taste. I love Canadian Lit—Margaret Atwood, Ann-Marie Macdonald, Timothy Findlay, Robertson Davies. But I also love world literature—books that teach me about life in other cultures. My favourite books in that vein are A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. We all need escape though, and I love YA books for that very reason. Unfortunately, when writing and editing, reading goes on the back burner.

8. Do you read reviews of your writing? How do you react to particularly good or bad reviews? Do you incorporate criticism or praise from reviews into your learning process as a writer?

I struggle with self-confidence, so I’ve found reading negative reviews, or stumbling across people bashing my writing in a public forum to be difficult. (I’m not referring to constructive criticism—more so to thoughtlessness and nastiness). I was more bothered by it when I was posting on-line. I don’t understand the compulsion some people have to react so negatively and harshly to something that is free.

Now that I’ve published, it’s a little different. I try to take a useful kernel from even the nasty reviews. Obviously, I want to become a better writer. If someone’s negative review helps me achieve that, then great!
(You’ll notice that I only addressed the negative part of this question. LOL. I need to do a better job of feeling bolstered by the positive reviews instead of allowing a few negative reactions to rise to the top. Working on it!)

9. You’re able to evoke strong emotional responses from your readers, what advice can you offer writers wanting to forge that same kind of connection with their readers?

When I write, I do my best to keep the characters real. They’re not superheroes, or porn stars or fairy tale characters. They’re real, and because of that, they’re flawed and possibly more recognizable. People are more likely to connect with those kinds of characters and to identify with them…to say, “yep, that’s totally something I would do…”

Random
1. Describe yourself in three words
Kind. Self-deprecating. Um…sleepy?
2. Kindle or traditional read?
Both. Sometimes at the same time, sometimes alternating.
3. Would you rather be trapped in an elevator with James Purefoy or Sylvain Reynard?
Sadly, I had to Google James Purefoy. I guess that answers that question…LOL.
4. What’s your theme song?
I don’t think I have one. I can tell you this—whenever New Order’s Bizarre Love Triangle comes on, it doesn’t matter where I am, I drop everything to dance and lip sync. Does that count as a theme song?
5. I say pudding. You say…
Treacle. (Oh man, now I’m craving treacle pudding. Damn you!)
6. Beer, wine, or hit me with the Jack, baby?
Wine. Unequivocally.
7. What would you title your memoir?
That’s a toss-up. If it were about writing:
In my Write Mind.
If it were about life in general:
How Red Wine Saved my Life

_________________________________-
You can find GGon the web being fabulous at:

Tweets by georgey_girl

http://www.inmywritemind.com/

and check out The Weight of Words, available at Amazon.com

Andy Behrman Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania

Published on February 10, 2014February 11, 2014 by Tosha Michelle6 Comments

Stigma has long surrounded mental illness and is rooted in a lack of understanding and ignorance. It’s important that we as a society become informed and educated about what mental illness truly is. Here’s a clue- it’s not called an illness for nothing. It’s an ailment and a disease. Andy Behrman’s Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania is one book that helps shed light on mental illness, specifically bi-polar disorder. Andy’s book reads like a Quentin Tarantino film with a dash of Steve Martin thrown in. I defy you to read this book and not come away reeling.

Fueled by his mania, Andy was on a collision course with disaster including: drugs, illicit sex, prostitution, aimless globetrotting, and art forgery along with a stint in jail. Did I mention illicit sex? I did, well I mean some downright kinky and risky stuff. It’s amazing Andy lived to tell the tale. This, my friends is the reality of bi-polar disorder: self destructive behavior, substance abuse, promiscuity, extreme highs and crushing lows. It’s brutal.

Andy has been battling this debilitating disease for the better part of his life. Misdiagnosed for years, he was prescribed a pharmacy’s worth of prescription drugs meant to stabilize his moods and help him function, but to no avail. As a last resort his doctors had him try electroshock therapy. After many rounds, he’s now stable and thriving. But what a journey to get there. In a head spinning and roller coaster ride of prose, Andy chronicles his bouts of mania and depression. His words mirror the disease itself. You’ll get a taste of the bitter pill that is bi-polar disorder. Andy is shockingly honest and real. He holds nothing back. Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania is disturbing, poignant and eye opening read. Andy doesn’t just explain bi-polar disorder, he makes you feel it.

To learn more about Andy Behrman please visit his website at http://www.electroboy.com
And you can find him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/electroboyusa

He’ll also be joining us on our podcast La Literati in March. Details, coming soon.

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