books – Page 3 – Everything I Never Told You

The Weight Of Words-(The be all, end all of books)

Published on February 3, 2014April 1, 2014 by Tosha Michelle9 Comments

The Weight of Words, by Georgina Guthrie, is a delight for lovers of the Bard and romantic fiction. Aubrey Price is a University of Toronto student finishing up her last semester of her undergraduate degree, and striving to graduate with distinction. She is very down to earth and spirited, and works part-time for the Dean of College to make ends meet. Aubrey’s world is shaken up when she encounters the dean’s son, Daniel Grant; a handsome and complex man. There is an instant and palpable attraction. There is one slight problem; Daniel is her TA in her Shakespearean studies course. The university has a rigid anti-fraternizing policy. To further complicate matters, Daniel already has a black mark on his record. What does a woman do when the only man she wants is out of reach? What does a man do when the only woman he desires is off limits?

The Weight of Words is a must-read and a wonderful debut for Georgina Guthrie. It may sound trite, but I was hooked from the first sentence. And the book has yet to let go; even after reading the final page. While The Weight of Words has elicited comparisons to Sylvain Reynard’s brilliant trilogy, Gabriel’s Inferno, make no mistake, Guthrie has an idiosyncratic voice that is distinctly her own. I fell in love with Aubrey and Daniel, and you will too. Audrey is, quite literally, a contradiction in terms. One moment she might be throwing out words like dude, deets, or the occasional F-bomb. The next she is reciting Shakespeare with ease. Guthrie has a knack for channeling the way college students talk, as well as an extensive knowledge of the Bard. In Aubrey, she has created a brilliant, witty, feisty to the core, fiercely independent, young woman. How can you not love that? As for Daniel, move over Mr. Darcy. Gabriel, get thee behind. You gentlemen have some new swooning competition. Daniel is handsome, worldly, a bit of a brooder, but equally as sharp and witty as Aubrey. The chemistry between the two leaps off the pages (Holy, hotness, moly).

The book provides all the passion, angst, humor and sexual tension that any lover of romantic fiction could want. The cast of characters is hilarious and lively. A particular favorite of mine is Penny (Daniel’s brother’s English fiancée). She is ballsy, has no filter, and will leave you in stitches. She’ll teach you some colorful colloquialisms too- cheeky git that she is.

Guthrie also presents Shakespeare in a fun and entertaining way. The reader can’t help but feel the author’s love and appreciation for the Bard. If ole Shakey were alive today, Guthrie’s novel would surely make him even more smitten with the “weight of words”. Who knows, perhaps he had a prophetic vision of her book when he was writing Sonnet 18 😉 Could his beloved have been a novel? Okay, maybe not. But let’s go with it, shall we? I leave you with the Bard words and encourage you to purchase The Weight of Words. Georgina Guthrie is a masterful storyteller with an observant eye, a witty writer that will make you laugh out loud, and an author with a finely tuned sense of emotion and romance. I can’t wait for the next installment in the ongoing romantic adventures and hardships of Daniel and Aubrey.

SONNET 18
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st;
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

You can find Georgina Guthrie on the web at:

Tweets by georgey_girl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgina-Guthrie/133334970209975
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19139026-the-weight-of-words

Interview with Author Ellen Totten

Published on January 22, 2014February 9, 2014 by Tosha Michelle4 Comments

Ellen Totten in addition to being a lovely human being is also an amazing writer. I just finished her latest work A Scent of Gardenias in one sitting (no less). I was entranced by the story of Sarah Ann Baker, a young woman who’s early beginnings were rooted in happiness and love only to be tainted by tragedy and lost. As an adult Sarah is faced with even more adversity and heartbreak, but her optimism, force of will, and her never wavering belief in hope serves as a guiding light on the road to happiness, reconciliation and survival. A Scent of Gardenias is not only a love story, but also a mystery with the mystic woven throughout. You see, Sarah has the gift of a sixth sense- a sense of foreboding and knowledge of bad things to come.There’s enough suspense in A Scent of Gardenias to keep you guessing up until the end. Overall a stellar read. Ellen was gracious enough to consent to an interview. We discuss her life and work.

Hi Ellen, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

First, I want to thank you, Tosha, for the invitation to be interviewed about my new book, “A Scent of Gardenias.” It’s a pleasure to be here.

I’m a native of Boston. In 1967, I was transferred to Washington, D. C. because of my job, and based at National Airport with Delta Air Lines. It was there I met and married my husband, Jerry, who was with Naval Sea Systems Command. Because of our work, we were able to travel the world and meet some wonderful people who became lifelong friends.

Has writing always been a passion of yours?

1. After my career of thirty years, we retired to Florida in 1992 where we both took up the game of golf, and I found I had a love for writing. When we moved to The Villages in 2006, I took classes in creative writing at our Life-Long Learning College and joined a writing group. During these sessions with the group, we read chapters and receive feedback from the members, some of whom have backgrounds in journalism and editing.

Describe your writing process?

I do most of my writing in the morning; however there have been times I’ve written late at night because of poor sleeping habits and my mind won’t shut off. I love listening to soft classical music without lyrics when I write.

Your latest work titled “A Scent of Gardenias” is paranormal romance, which you wrote under the pen name Elena M. Tell us a bit about the novel and why you opted for a pen name?

I wanted to write a ghost story, however my story evolved into something more along the way. There is always a story in the news, unfortunately, about one child bullying another. And how bullying can be instrumental resulting in a tragedy like Columbine or even suicide.

I wanted to explore how, with the support of a loving family and, perhaps a friend or two, a child could overcome these threatening roadblocks in life. It’s a story about a woman who finds the power within herself to rise above a lifetime filled with ridicule, loss, abuse, and courage to love again.

I chose to use my real name this time, Elena M (M stand for Marie), because I felt this was the best book I have written so far and wanted to separate it from the others. Although, I was pleased with my second novel, “Lake Charm.” I wrote it under the name of Ellen M. Totten.

In the book the main character, Sarah, endures some horrific abuse at the hands of her husband. What prompted you to focus on the theme of domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a cancer in our society that continues through generations. The only way it can be broken is if women can find the courage to leave and seek help. Often times, children are born into this despicable environment and later become abusers themselves. A man who truly loves a woman would never subject her to such violence. I wanted my story to be dedicated to these women and inspire them to find their way out and seek help.

On a lighter note, what authors inspire you?

The author that inspires me like no other is Sylvain Reynard. I have never been addicted to an author’s writing as I am to his. He touches my heart and soul with his brilliant prose and compassionate heart. His characters actually become part of your life, and you never want the stories to end. He not only entertains you with an amazing love story (I refuse to call them erotic because they aren’t), but he educates you in the process. He inspires me to be a better writer.

Is there any book you have read and thought “Darn, I wish I had written this?”

No. Being a novice writer, I can’t say that I have. I only aspire to improve what I write in the future.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?

I would say to them never be afraid to start. Write for yourself and what is in your heart. If you have a favorite author or genre, read as much as possible to find your style.

Please tell our readers where they can buy your wonderful books.

My books can be found on Kindle, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Books-A-Million in paperback for those who prefer to hold a book.

Interview with Vietnam War Vet and Author of Quadalajara — The Utopia That Once Was.-Jack Tumidajiski

Published on January 20, 2014October 14, 2014 by Tosha Michelle1 Comment

Today, I ‘d like to introduce you to a friend of mine. A friend I have had the pleasure of knowing now for eight years. He truly is one of the kindest, funniest people I’ve ever met.. His tenacity and resilience inspires. My friend’s name is Jack Tumidajiski. He is a Vietnam war vet who managed to get out alive, but only five days backs from the war Jack woke up in a hospital bed paralyzed from the neck down. By 1972, he had moved to a commune of paralyzed veterans in Guadalajara, Mexico, an experience which inspired him, 30 years later, to write a book: Quadalajara — The Utopia That Once Was. Jack’s book chronicles his entire life, including his personal experience with paralysis. But it is, first and foremost, a tribute to the people he met in Guadalajara. It’s a must read, and I promise you will be inspired. Jack was kind enough to consent to an interview.

Jack, thanks so much for agreeing to do this interview. Let’s start at the beginning. What prompted you to tell your story? Why did you write the book?

I wrote the book to set the record straight and preserve the memories of those who experienced it and that unique place in time that will never be replicated. To give people a better understanding of what people with disabilities–whether spinal cord injured or otherwise–have had to experience and overcome since the first paraplegics and quadriplegics injured during World War II began to survive long enough to actually be discharged from military and veteran’s hospitals into a world not yet ready for them. Long before Christopher Reeve made the terms quadriplegic, paraplegic and spinal cord injury commonplace and helped raise awareness around the world, many unknown and forgotten people worked tirelessly to help one another and make a difference.

Why Guadalajara? What drew you there?
Guadalajara was, as advertised, 365 days of sunshine, reasonable cost of living, famous for its year-round nearly perfect weather, and beautiful senoritas. It was a no-brainer.

How did Guadalajara become “Quadalajara”
While many spinal cord injured veterans lived out their final years wasting away in a VA hospitals, afraid to face the outside world, a number of ‘The Men’ decided to explore the exotic notion of visiting this place in Mexico that a number of their hospital buddies spoke so highly of. By the mid-1950’s, there were reports of and by paraplegic veterans exploring and visiting places in Mexico. Although most of these initial stories appeared in articles in PVA’s Paraplegia News, word of mouth spread in VA hospitals and civilian care centers from New England to New York to Chicago and on to Southern California where a steady pipeline of wheelchair users–both veteran and non-veteran, men and some women–continued to swell the ranks of those desperate and/or adventurous enough to gamble their future happiness–or lack thereof–on this intriguing ‘South of the Border’ option.

What been the response of fellow vets to your book?
A collective-yawn (wink)? Actually expected to hear from more Vets–but everyone has their story to tell. My target audience seems to be female baby boomers who lived through the Vietnam era.

What sets “Quadalajara — The Utopia That Once Was.” Apart from other books?

It’s a unique book both inspirational and historical. The appendix of the book alone contains almost every article, document or story a researcher of the Guadalajara Era could hope to find. Included are hundreds of bios of many of the original explorers and pioneers who first venture south of the border looking for freedom, independence and a second chance in life

What books do you read?

I used to read on a semi-regular basis but since I wrote Quadalajara I have not read another book. Favorite author: David Horowitz, among other biographers.

Any advice for aspiring writers?
If you’re planning on writing a book, find out everything you can before you begin–including marketing, promoting and new technologies that make books more accessible. Don’t be left with boxes of hardcover books in your living room!
Jack, thank you so much for taking the time to discuss the book and your life.

You’re welcome, T. Now where are my cookies? 

To purchase the book and find out more about this amazing man, please go to

http://www.quadmexico.com/index.html

What Does The Fox Say?-An Interview with Gabriel’s Inferno Author, Sylvain Reynard

Published on January 3, 2014January 6, 2015 by Tosha Michelle11 Comments

Sylvain Reynard’s trilogy, Gabriel’s Inferno, is creating enough buzz of late to rival E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey. Both series have roots in Twilight fan fiction but that’s where the similarities end. Reynard’s series stands on its own and bears little resemblance to the Twilight saga. Gabriel’s Inferno casts a spell that is distinctly its own romantic potion of style and syntax. A spell that both USA Today and The New York Times have fallen under, not to mention the hordes of readers around the globe who are bewitched by the story of Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved Julianne. If you haven’t had the pleasure of getting acquainted with these characters you’re missing out on a compelling love story with themes of hope, forgiveness and redemption. The trilogy also pays homage to one the greatest works of the Western World –– Dante’s Divine Comedy. Through Gabriel and Julianne we get to rediscover Dante’s love for Beatrice and the idea that all deep love is tinged with regret, nostalgia and loss, but also hope. Gabriel’s Inferno is a story that will touch you to your core and leave you wanting more, a story that is smart, fully formed and with enough depth and insight into the human condition to make the reading experience resonate and linger.

Who is the man behind the curtain, the mastermind behind this great work? No one knows. Sylvain Reynard is a pen name. “Sylvain” is Latin for woodland, “renard”is French for fox. Beyond the pen name, we know he’s Canadian, a tad shy and kind to a fault. I’ve never witnessed an author more accommodating to his readers. We also know he has the gift of snark. You have to love that. What more do we need to know? The important thing is the art of his creation. The man can write fiction that enthralls. Keeping his identity a secret is ingenious, sly as fox., even if he’s shy as a rabbit. There’s the allure of the unknown. Look at the cultish adoration J.D. Salinger elicited by being private and inaccessible. The readers can make Sylvain Reynard whomever they want him to be. The mystery only creates more buzz for the trilogy. Who among us doesn’t like a good puzzle?

Reynard, Sylvain Reynard (shaken not stirred) was gracious enough to agree to a written interview with yours truly. I’m not sure if it was out of the goodness of his heart or because I stole his argyle sock collection and am holding it for ransom. (Fans of the books will get that). At any rate I was delighted. I’m in awe of his intellect and his word-building expertise. Reynard is top drawer. Prepare to be dazzled.

SR, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Let’s begin with how does it feel to go from writing Twilight fan fiction to being a bestselling author? (And by the way were you Team Edward or Team Jacob?)

Hello Tosha. It’s a pleasure to be with you and your readers. Happy New Year.

I’m very fortunate to have been part of a writing community that was generous and supportive. Many of my fan fiction readers are still reading and supporting my work. Of course, I’m grateful for all my readers, both long time readers and new ones.

(Parenthetically, it should be noted that I was a Volturi supporter and longed for a greater back story on those characters …)

What’s been the most challenging and rewarding elements of writing the Gabriel’s Inferno trilogy?

I’ve really enjoyed interacting with readers from around the world – some of whom are reading the books in other languages – and listening to their reactions. On most days, I interact with readers on all the continents except Antarctica. (And if you are a reader in Antarctica, please drop me a line. I’d like to hear from you)

To what extent do you feel your fiction is autobiographical? How do your life experiences, impressions and emotions impact your writing?

Certainly my life experiences shape my writing. But I wouldn’t say my novels are biographical. Think of me as the quiet person in the railway station or airport who is watching everyone else with curiosity, wondering what their stories are.

How has your writing evolved since the first novel of the trilogy? Would you like to branch out into other genres down the line?

Hopefully, my writing has improved technically while maintaining my uniqueness. With my next project, I’m moving into the paranormal genre, but I have a couple of other projects I’ve been working on as well and one of them is a young adult novel.

Gabriel and Julianne spark so much passion in your readers. What it is about these characters that resonates so strongly?

Both characters are imperfect and in some cases, their imperfections can be frustrating. But human beings are frustrating. We’ve all encountered those who don’t behave the way we would wish them to, but somehow if we care about them, we want them to find happiness and redemption. I think it’s the same with Gabriel and Julianne. Readers are cheering them on.

You were able to incorporate the arts, literature and cultural references into the books in a masterful way. Did you hope to not only entertain but educate through your work?

Usually when I add these references to the narrative it’s to illustrate a point. But I’ve heard from a lot of readers who were unfamiliar with some of the art and music mentioned in the narrative and were interested in learning more about them. I’ve had some great discussions with readers about the cultural references.

If Gabriel’s Inferno is made into a feature film, would you write the screenplay? If so, I know that often in film, the movie ends up telling a very different story than the original screenplay. Would you be worried about maintaining your authentic voice with your characters?

I can’t comment on film at the moment. But I think most authors would agree that if you partner with a producer who shares your enthusiasm for the subject matter, they will treat the characters and the narrative with respect.

Now for what everybody wants to know about any good writer: Who do you read? Not in a causal “I’ll get back to this book in a few days” but, in “I must breathe, eat and sleep this novel?”

I tend to favour nineteenth century fiction. I also read non-fictional historical and cultural works. I enjoyed Steve Jobs’ biography, for example. But one of the best books I’ve read in the past ten years is “Shake Hands with the Devil” by Romeo Dallaire. It’s his account of serving with the UN Mission to Rwanda in the 1990s. It really affected me and changed my outlook on peacekeeping, the UN, and the western world’s attitude toward Africa.

Tell us about your upcoming paranormal romance book The Raven?

Thanks for asking about it, Tosha. “The Raven” is set in contemporary Florence and focuses on two worlds – the world readers were introduced to in The Gabriel Series – and the dark, secret underworld that lies in its shadows. Readers can learn more about it here:

http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2013/11/my-next-novel-revealed.html

I know you have several charities that you are involved in? Could you expound on that please.

Thanks for mentioning this. I try to use my platform as a writer to raise awareness of various causes and charities. Two organizations that I support are The Salvation Army and Covenant House. Both groups go places many of us can’t or won’t go, to bring hope and help to those in need. They’re worth supporting and they always need donations of goods and time.

And now for a few questions to satisfy our readers’ curiosity, and by readers, I mean me.

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Lord of the Rings

Heathcliff or Mr. Darcy?

I’m closer to Superman, I think, but I appreciate the compliment.

Swann’s Way or The Picture of Dorian Gray? Neither 😉

Literature of pleasure, of utility, both or neither? Both, in balance.

What‘s your greatest extravagance?

Usually it’s books. But I have a terrible weakness for Apple products.

Describe yourself in three words, omitting the word private and its synonyms

I’m quite average.

How would you rate this interview on a scale of argyle socks? 1 being these don’t match my suit, they’re hideous, take them away, to 10 being dear Lord, what a lovely pair of socks. I’ll be sure to wear them again.

I’d rate it 10/10. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you and your readers. Thank you for the kind invitation and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2014, SR.

_____________________________________________________________—-

There you have it folks. I have to extend my thanks to SR and to the lovely Nina Bocci for setting the interview up.

You can find the mild mannered man of steel on the web at the following locations.

http://www.sylvainreynard.com/

https://twitter.com/sylvainreynard

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSylvainReynard

And his official fan page

http://www.argyleempire.com/

You can purchase the trilogy through Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis

“Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption.

When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide.

An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love, and redemption, Gabriel’s Inferno is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man’s escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible—forgiveness and love.”

Attention all Writers and Bibliophiles

Published on December 11, 2013December 21, 2013 by Tosha Michelle6 Comments

Uh huh, yes, I’m talking to you, OK, well, not talking, but,you know.what I mean. In addition to Chit Chat Chicks Live which if you haven’t checked out, you really should. (we bring you laughter, snark and some pretty amazing guests)…I’ve started a new podcast with my dear friend James Dennard If you enjoy books, are handy with a pen and paper, then La Literati might be the show for you. This is our way of giving back to all our writers friends, who’s words inspire and transform us. Folks like you. We’d appreciate it, if you would like our Facebook page. We’re so needy! We’re booking poets and authors now. Feel free, to get in touch. Please, see, links after description and a little info on James and myself.

Show Description

La Literati is a monthly show about poetry, books and the authors who inspire. We strive to bring you in depth interviews that illuminate. Every conversation is a story. We hope through our show, the listeners will develop a greater appreciation for writing, reading and those addicting things called book.

Join hosts, Tosha Michelle and Jim aka Niles, the constant readers, as they take you on a literary journey of discovery, wonder and the fine art of reading- a Bibliophilia dream.

Don’t forget the coffee and chocolate. We’ll provide the Southern hospitality and entertainment.

The Hosts

Tosha Michelle- a reformed Southern Belle, who lives to write, thrives on creativity, earning degrees and majoring in snark. A lifelong devotee of Godiva chocolates, so hide your sweets. A human rights advocate and lover of all things feline and girly

Jim-Teacher. Writer. Book Lover. True Southern Gent. David Hyde Pierce’s Doppelganger (at least according to his pal, Tosha Michelle)