Monday, December 31, 2007

Achieve Your Dreams

Well...last year I left one publisher for another and by the time the year ended, I had two books in print and nine released as ebooks. Two more books were supposed to be in print by the end of December, but my publisher had family problems and she got sick.
I created and uploaded four book trailers for all the books that have been published. Signed a contract for my tenth book which will be released January 1, 2008 and I am presently working on a book trailer for that book. I've joined I don't know how many Ning groups and uploaded all my books and trailers on each and every one them, and did a book tour with a very creative lady. Set up my own blog and a myspace account. And have finally persuaded a gift store owner to purchase and carry my books in his stores.
Meanwhile, my husband and I have been running back and forth from Colorado to Illinois back to Massachusetts to attend to funerals and to take care of his sister's and brother in law's estates, and putting up with relatives who seemed to have materialized from out of the woodwork. Both passed away last year. His sister in February and her husband in October ...and that's not over yet.
Meanwhile, I am hoping to get my husband's manuscript approved and published so I am working on getting that together to submit. Other than that, nothing much. :)! Oh, I almost forgot. I am going to be interviewed on Phil Harris's Blog Radio Show on January 14 at 8:00 pm. How cool is that? *grin* (Of course, I won't be alone, they'll be four others with me as well, but still...) :)

Best,
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 21, 2007

My New Novel The Odyssey

Hi,

My new novel The Odyssey will be released as an ebook in January from Write Words, Inc., imprint ebooksonthe.net. Here's a short blurb of the new novel.

A small sleepy New England town is suddenly thrust on an unintended journey to a place before time began. A devastating flood bearing down on the unsuspecting village devastates a neighborhood. When the waters finally subside, a strange object — a probe — emerges from the depths of a sinkhole. Two young brothers inadvertently activate its teleportation system sending the town and its unconscious citizens soaring towards a dead planet that has been drifting in space. Eons ago, its twin suns were on the verge of colliding destroying all life thereon. In a desperate effort for survival probes were sent from the stricken planet forward through time to the far reaches of the Universe. When the people of the tiny village of Oakville awaken they will discover that the incident that befell their town would soon become a reality that would change their lives forever.

I don't have the cover for the novel yet, but will post it when my son sends it to me.:)!

Elena

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

NIkki Leigh's New Blog Promotional Opportunities

Opportunities for Feature Authors
Authors have several ways to promote their books on the new tour site. All members have the chance to register and to create a profile page. These pages include the author name, book title, book description, your website and blog address along with some additional information.For details about the benefits to registered authors, click here.
Authors who would like to schedule a tour have the chance to create a feature author page that will include excerpts, reviews, and much more. In addition, feature authors are given a section of the site to use during their tour. They can post reviews, excerpts, character details, setting details, table of contents, testimonials, details about the author and much more. For complete information about being a feature author, click here.
Standard blog tours allow you to "travel" through cyber space on your own. Several of the beauty aspects of this new site include:
1 - You are in charge or what is posted and when on the tour
2 - We bring interested visitors to you in one location
3 - Several authors will tour at the same time and you each have the chance to benefit from the visitors that is on the site to visit any of our feature authors
4 - Being in one location for the week or the month allows you to get to know potential readers easier without making them chase you around in cyber space.
5 - Your tour takes place within a website that is SEP optimized to attract search engines and the site had over 3,000,000 visitors during 2007.
These are just some of the benefits. Our introductory prices are very low for feature author tours - take a look and feel free to contact me with questions. I can be reached at:
nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and please put "Blog Tour" in the subject line. I have immediate openings and would love to learn more about you and your books.

Nikki Leigh

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Author's Guild

Hi, Everyone!

Frankly, I'm upset. I received an invitation from Roy Blount, Jr., President of the Authors Guild to join them and at a discount as well. I took him up on his invitation and sent in the application and check for a year's dues as he suggested. The last sentence in his letter was "Please join us today. We need each other." Well, apparently, the Authors Guild staff doesn't agree with him. Several days later I received an email from the Authors Guild which quite frankly ticked me off. This is what it said:

Dear Ms. Bowman:
Thank you for your application for membership in the Authors Guild. Unfortunately, we are unable to process the application because we lack sufficient documentation of your publishing credentials. On your application you listed Cambride Books as the publisher of your book. We could not find adequate evaluative information on this publisher in either our records or publishing reference materials.
Contracts offered by American publishers that may qualify you for membership are usually expected to include all three of the following stipulations:
- a provision by which the author retains ownership of the copyright;
- a significant advance;
- a provision which specifies the manner in which royalties are calculated and a mechanism by which they will be paid.
(If you did not receive an advance, but have sold substantial numbers of books and have received substantial royalty income, your application may still be considered. In this case, you will need to provide documentation of the book sales and royalty income.)
If you will send a copy of your contract with Cambride Books we will be able to move forward wit
h your membership application. It is a standard Guild procedure to request more information on publishers unfamiliar to us before processing an application. Please be assured that all personal information you supply to the Guild is held in the strictest confidence.
As soon as we receive the additional information we will present it to the Membership Committee for evaluation. We look forward to adding your name to the Guild rolls.
Sincerely,
Terry King (Mr.), Membership Dept.
The Authors Guild
31 East 32nd St., 7th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-563-5904; fax: 212-564-5363
"


What I find interesting is that earlier this year I did apply for membership in the Authors Guild and previously sent them the information they required. It was rejected because they do not consider my publisher a "qualified" American Publisher. Not only that but in this latest rejection email they spelled my publisher's name incorrectly.
I didn't ask a second time to become a member of this Guild, nor would I. They sought me out. So why seek me out only to reject me...and mind you the invitation came from the President of the Guild? Where he got my name, I haven't a clue, but if they are so desperate for authors to join them why the snobbery? I have no idea what their "requirements" consider a "significant advance" and/or "substantial royalties". All I can say about the Authors Guild is that they are too big for their own britches. And yes, I did ask them to return my check. :)

Thursday, December 6, 2007

My New Contract

Hi, Everyone!

Recently signed a new contract for my novel The Odyssey with Write Words, Inc., ebooksonthe.net. Just received the galleys and the novel is scheduled to be published as an ebook in January 2008. This makes my tenth book with Write Words, Inc. and their imprints, ebooksonthe.net and CambridgeBooks.us. Don't know what the next one will be about but, I expect it will soon make itself known to me.

Best,
Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

Even Eagles Need A Push

I just wanted to share with you something that came in my email this morning.


Even Eagles Need A Push

The eagle gently coaxed her offspring toward the edge of the nest. Her heart quivered with conflicting emotions as she felt their resistance to her persistent nudging. “Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?” she thought. This ageless question still remained unanswered for her.

As in the tradition of the species, her nest was located high upon the shelf of a sheer rock face. Below there was nothing but air to support the wings of each child. “Is it possible that this time it will not work?” she thought. Despite her fears, the eagle knew it was time. Her parental mission was all but complete. There remained one final task – the push.

The eagle drew courage from an innate wisdom. Until her children discovered their wings, the
re was no purpose for their lives. Until they learned how to soar, they would fail to understand the privilege of having been born an eagle. The push was the greatest gift she had to offer. It was her supreme act of love. And so, one by one, she pushed them and they flew.

David McNally, wrote these words in his book, Even Eagles Need A Push. It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. Although most people truly want to reach their full potential, they don’t always have the initiative and the discipline to get started on their own. One of your greatest responsibilities as a parent and leader is to enable your children to be all they can be. Many times “the push”, with a little encouragement, is all they need.

Always look for opportunities to challenge others because many of them are like sticks of dynamite; the power’s on the inside, but nothing happens until the fuse gets lit.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 30, 2007

My Daughter's New Jewelry Video

Hi, Everyone!

My daughter just uploaded a video for her designer's jewelry on YouTube, and the event that she has planned for December 3rd. In this video she has also mentioned my books and the jewelry that she has designed for my characters in the Sarah's Landing Series. If you have a mind to, please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks a million.

Here's the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY_0uMkkN8U

Best,
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Imposter

Time-Rift-2

The Legacy Series

The Sarah's Landing Series-2

Kindle

Hi, again!

I don't really know what "Kindle" is, but from what I have been able to discover, it is a unit that downloads all sorts of stuff, e-books included but in a different format, which Amazon has introduced. It's a wireless, portable reading device with instant access to more than 90,000 books, blogs, newspapers and magazines. What the description says it will do is: Whether you are in bed or on the train, Kindle lets you think of a book and get it in less than a minute. (No, it isn't based on telekinesis. You have to pick out the item you want and hit the submit button for that to happen). From the sound of the reviews, this gadget is a miracle worker. The unit is the size of a paperback, the font can be made larger or smaller depending upon who's eyes, young or more mature)that are doing the reading. Apparently, it also answers questions you give it. You can look up a book, review it and buy it right away. Entire books download in a few seconds. 765 reviews are already listed on Amazon about this unit giving it 3 stars. Some think, this is the wave of the future for ebooks. The question is: what will this do to print books?

Elena

My Books

Hi, Everyone!

For reasons I won't go into here, I have been unable to get my books in Barnes and Noble and Borders brick and mortar stores. I'm not sure they are even listed with them. And independent book stores in my area are nil. But hope springs eternal.

There is an upscale "gift" shop in the same area which supports, TJMax, a clothing store, and a supermarket, that recently opened up a Christmas shop in the area that once held a drug store. On an impulse I went into the gift shop and asked the manager if she would carry my books. She sent me over to the Christmas Shop to speak to the owner of the Gift Shop and after discussing the prospect of his carrying my books in his store he was agreeable.

Since I do have several copies of Sarah's Landing-I-Contact - from iUniverse on hand, along with copies of The House On The Bluff and The Gatekeeper's Realm, I was fortunate enough to sell him (yes he bought them outright), 5 copies each of The House and Gatekeeper and 4 of Sarah's Landing. In all he wrote me a check for 14 books. He said if they do well in that store, he will put them in his store in another town. I asked him if he would like me to set up a book signing for him. He answered that he would be for it when things get slow. WOW!!!

I was hoping to get my books in his store, but I didn't expect him to buy them outright and place them in his gift shop. Said he always wanted to add books to his gift shop but never got around to it. Luckily, I was the first local author who had walked in with books in hand and possibly at the right time as well. Now all I need is for them to sell and for him to ask for more books. Wouldn't that be great!!! *grin* from ear to ear!!!!

Elena

Monday, November 26, 2007

Kindle

Hi, Everyone!

I just recently learned that all of my books with the exception of The Imposter is listed on Amazon.com's kindle list. I'm not sure just what "kindle" is yet, but hopefully, it will be the wave of the future for readers...that is those who prefer to hold an electronic device in their hands instead of a book. Personally, I prefer a book in my hands, but I can see the advantage of a device that would hold more than 200 items in one small hand-held apparatus. Anyway, that's my take on it. I will admit, it was wonderful to see all my books listed.

Best,
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU_cDvprOqo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh0IBGa3cU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFv1-K9cki4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4QA3M3G3A

My Book Trailers

Hi, Everyone!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and looking forward to the Christmas Holidays. Recently, I uploaded a new trailer for The Sarah's Landing Series-2 adding music to it that I found adds to the video. I had to remove the music from Time-Rift because I was informed that it distracted viewers from reading the script. So for now, Time-Rift-2 has no music until I can discover what would really go with it. The urls to all of my videos are listed below. Hope you can take a moment or two to view them. I had fun putting them together and trust you think it was worth your while to visit.

Thanks again.

Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.sarahslanding.com
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU_cDvprOqo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh0IBGa3cU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFv1-K9cki4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4QA3M3G3A

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Interview with Christee Gabour Atwood

Today we have a special guest, Christee Gabour Atwood. Christee is a multi-talented creative woman whose attributes run a large gauntlet. Some of her professional titles are:

Radio and Television Host
Newspaper Columnist
Association Executive
Certified Corporate Trainer
Master Facilitator
Public Relations Director
College Faculty
Advertising Director
Universal Studios Tour Guide
Editor/Publisher
Lobbyist
Volunteer Coordinator
Stand-up comic
Convention Planner
Actress
Corporate & Non-profit Consultant
Festival Coordinator
Entertainer in the unemployment line

She likes to think of it as career-induced ADD.

EDBB: Welcome to my blog Christee. It's a pleasure to have you here.

CGA: Thanks! It’s a pleasure being ‘had’ here… Well, you know what I mean.

EDBB: You have so many creative attributes, how do you decide which to focus on and when?

CGA: Ack! You’ve hit upon my greatest challenge right there. I have difficulty narrowing my projects down to work on one thing at a time.

I’ve had to incorporate the system of hiding all other shiny objects from myself while I’m working on a project. I’ve even created a separate desktop on my computer so that I only have the one file I’m working on visible and all the other folders are neatly out of sight.

I believe if I were a little better focused, I’d be more successful, but having the attention span of an over-caffeinated gnat has kept life really interesting for me.

EDBB: What affect do all your projects have on your home life? Does your family support you in your multi-faceted career?

CGA: I don’t have any children, thank goodness. Those poor kids would never have a clean pair of underwear…

My husband and my pets support me whole-heartedly. And yes, I end up traveling quite a bit, so that my dog actually barked at me one time when I came home. The hard part is that husband always gets the “exhausted me”, while everyone else gets the “awake me”.

It also means that I have pet dust bunnies in my home, plastic containers in my refrigerator that I’m scared to open, and the artistic statement of “fur” on my ceiling fans.

But all of that is part of what makes me individual … an individual whose house no one comes to visit … but an interesting one nonetheless…

EDBB: Which of your hats do you enjoy wearing the most and why?

CGA: I love alternating between the solitude of writing and the exhilaration of performing. It’s the best of both worlds. I also get to see the immediate impact of my words and that helps me continue to develop my skills.

EDBB: Of your 19 plus careers, which do you spend the most time on? And why?

CGA: Right now, I spend the most time on seminars and training. It makes Mr. Electricity Bill very happy. It’s also really rewarding to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. I love helping people become stronger communicators.
But it’s funny how that has transferred into my writing career. My three books that are coming out right now are based on that training. They’re business and training books, Succession Planning Basics, Presentation Skills Training, and Manager Skills Training. And they are written from the experiences I’ve had working with people in those seminars.

EDBB: How did you breach the Radio and Television World to become a Host? A Newspaper Columnist, a Tour guide for Universal Studios?

CGA: I’ve got to tell you – radio is the best place to work on your communication skills. It teaches you to use the ABCs: Accurate, Brief, and Clear. It was that ability which allowed me to move into all the other careers that I’ve had.

In radio, I concentrated on the spoken word. In television, I was able to practice presentation skills. And those skills made me stronger in getting messages across. Every career I’ve had is just practicing that in different settings.

EDBB: Just how did you entertain all those out-of-work people in the unemployment line, and did the "powers that be" offer to pay you for your time?

CGA That was when I developed the first material for my stand-up comedy act. And I made almost as much money as I did in stand-up comedy.

In other words, I didn’t make a thing. Darn. But honestly, I’ll do anything for a captive audience. Don’t ever get stuck in an airplane seat next to me.

EDBB: The title(s) of your books are an inspiration. How did you come up with them?

CGA: Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis was actually a collaborative effort between the publisher and me. The editors there were all fans of the show “Six Feet Under”. However, the show was canceled at the same time my book came out.

I’ve always had good timing like that. My first humor book came out the week of September 11th. My second came out around the time of Hurricane Katrina. I don’t think my publisher wants me to put out another humor book. They’re scared of what might happen.

My titles always choose themselves. They usually include something that frustrates me and the twist that allows me to laugh at it. Like the upcoming sequel to Three Feet Under is In Celebration of Elastic Waistbands. It just represents where I am in my life.

EDBB: Can you tell us what your exact thoughts were at that moment in time when that blue-eyed young man called you "Ma'am"? Or, do you consider that information Top Secret?

CGA: No secrets here. I was heartbroken. I thought I was going to be “Mrs. Robinson” in The Graduate. Instead I was Mrs. Kravitz in Bewitched.

EDBB: How long did it take you to write this novel? And why did you decide to write this particular one?

CGA: It took 45 years. It was a conglomeration of thoughts and columns I had been writing for years. I actually sat down to write it after getting “spayed”. After my hysterectomy I had to sit still for a few weeks and was terribly bored, except for those moments of excitement and cursing that accompanied a sneeze. I put it together during that time. The book was even funnier to me while I was still taking the pain killers…

Why? I just liked the idea of embarrassing myself publicly and making people realize that it was okay to admit that we are a bundle of insecurities, a mass of conflicting thoughts, and more than a little confused. I enjoyed realizing that all the mistakes I’ve made in life have added up to me being the person I am today. And that person is not half-bad, so I guess they weren’t such terrible mistakes after all.

EDBB: Given your heavy schedule why did you decide to add writing to your resume?

CGA: I’ve been writing since childhood, when my parents owned a small weekly newspaper and I took my naps in the bottom drawer of the file cabinet. It’s been more natural to me than speaking ever since they gave me my first black cast iron Royal typewriter and I set up office in the hot water heater closet at home.

The written word is incredible. It allows us to create our own world where we decide the weather. It allows us to be the hero and the villain. It makes us think beyond what exists and ask, “What if?” And that “what if” is the best start to anything we’ll ever write.

EDBB: How much time do you spend writing your books? How does this adversely impact on your other professional careers?

CGA: I write a few hours every day. Some of it makes it into my books. The rest is filed away for future projects. There’s no such thing as wasted writing! And there’s no time for concepts like writer’s block. If you’re a taxi driver, you hit the road. If you’re a maid, you clean things. If you’re a writer, you throw words at a piece of paper. Some of them stick.

Quite often a lesson from my professional career makes it into my writing and vice versa, so these careers actually positively impact each other. And, with my short attention span, it works well for me to have a number of things to work on available to me at any given time.

Have you ever noticed that, when you have only one thing to do in a day, it takes all day to do it? If you have lots to do, you get each thing done more quickly? That principle works well works for me…

EDBB: If you weren't writing books, what would you prefer to be doing instead? Which of your many "hats" would you prefer to wear all the time?

CGA: I have to admit, I don’t want to do anything other than what I’m doing. I love writing and speaking with people. The opportunity to do those two things for a living is my dream life. Of course, I wouldn’t mind having a little financial security, but I feel that enjoying the basic four food groups and indoor plumbing are somewhat overrated in the big scheme of things.

EDBB: Thank you Christee for visiting my blog today. It was a pleasure getting to know you. Congratulations on your career, you are an inspiration to all of us.

CGA: Thanks so much. It’s been fun! And my career, which is just a work in progress, is better because I get to visit with people like you!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

ReadersStation Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

I'm sharing the link to the Readers' Station Newsletter for November. Hope you'll give it a glance and enjoy visit the site.

http://www.readersstation.com/nov_2007.htm

Best,
Elena

My video urls

Hi, Everyone!

I'm taking Steven's suggestion and posting the urls for my videos on my blog. I will try to upload the embeds later, but for now here are the urls. Hope you take a moment or two to view them.

Thank you!

Elena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4QA3M3G3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Sze3j0X_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh0IBGa3cU

Friday, October 26, 2007

My Venture Into My Characters

Hi, All:

Last night(which was the 25th of October, 2007), my local library held their authors day event.

Unfortunately, we were competing against the Boston Red Sox and the World Series. As a result there were less than twenty people at the event. When it was my turn to get up and speak about my books I thought I'd do something different than telling the audience all about me. I explained to them that rather than talking about my books I would like to introduce them to my characters.

At first, I don't think they understood what I was going to do until my characters starting telling them who they were and how they came to be. Since we were limited to the amount of time we had, I could only introduce the characters from the Legacy Series. It went over big. I received a huge applause and people came over to me after and thought it was a marvelous idea, and they were interested in learning more about the characters and the books. I only sold a few copies, but people did take my flyers and then rushed off to get home to see the ballgame. After all this is RedSox Nation. Can't compete against that.

Elena

Friday, September 28, 2007

Unable to add Video

Well, I made a valient attempt to put the video on here, followed directions, but nothing happened. Don't know why, but I can't spend the entire day here trying to figure that out, so I will remove the video url and try again another time. :(

Best,
Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

The New Reader's Station Anthology- Journeys of a Lifetime

The new Readers' Station Anthology will be coming out soon, if not sooner both in print and as an ebook from Write Words, Inc., ebooksonthe.net and from Cambridge Books. The title of the book is: Journeys of a Lifetime, An Anthology by Members of the Readers' Station. The authors contibuting to this anthology are:

Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield.

There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. The following are reviews that were already posted on this anthology:

Reviews: Journeys of a Lifetime

I read with delight this collection of stories and poems that speaks to the heart of each author’s journey through life. Each person views life through the eyes of her own experience and from that perspective creates fiction that brings the human experience into focus, providing insight that can be gained no other way. Below I provide a quick peek into each piece.

One Summer’s Day, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

This is a delightful snapshot of life lived in a less complicated time (and I quote) “…when times were hard and … the poor didn’t know they were poor…”

Model Number 1007, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

All humans’ carry with them deep-seated fears that surface in dreams, especially as children. A computer intent upon doing away with humans has to be high on the list of scary things.

The Waiting Room Princess, by Bryn Colvin

This author has a unique way with words and touches a deep need in all of us—to be seen and understood for who we really are.

Bread Making, by Bryn Colvin

I found this piece fascinating. This author has collected bits and pieces of folklore about the making and eating of bread over the centuries, and the significance people have attached to it.

Networking - It Can Help Your Promotional Work, by Shri Henkel

This short piece is packed with ideas on promoting oneself as well as one’s work. Networking with other people is the key to working smarter instead of harder.

Acceptance, by Nikki Leigh

The age-old struggle between generations plays out on the pages of this story. All of us want acceptance and to know that those we love recognize and appreciate us for the individuals that we are.

Nearing Noon, by Nikki Leigh

This short story written around the unpredictability of weather on the ocean delivers a nice twist at the end. You’ll enjoy this one.

Behavior Most Unlawful, by Dorice Nelson

The first piece in this grouping provides the reader with an insightful glimpse of the character, Bruic, and his return to his homeland on the Island of Gael, from which he was kidnapped many years earlier. The next piece leads the reader into chapter one of Lost Son of Ireland, where Bruic is now a trusted companion to warrior king Olaf the White.

Shank’s Mare, by Dorice Nelson

This story takes place between the prologue and chapter one of Saratoga Summer 1863. The cast of characters includes the five O’Malley brothers who have returned from brawling in the village. The two elder brothers reap the worst of their father’s wrath for their shenanigans and suffer the worst punishment.

Flying Lessons, by Nora Peterson

This nonfiction piece presents sound advice about learning to invest in the stock market. Her admonition to learn the lingo and go through pre-flight training before heading for the skies is good information for planning one’s financial future.

Tooth-Fairy Wisdom, by Ginger Simpson

This whimsical tale depicts how a tooth fairy earns her wings. Delightful!

Two Screwdrivers, by Donna Sundblad

This artfully crafted tale is set in the past. A child makes a simple request for two screwdrivers, which becomes the bridge that connects a son and a father upon his return home from the war.

Zombie Hospital, by Angela Verdenius

Read this story, with a twist of irony at the end, and you will never again view hospitals quite the same as you used to. This tale gives the reader a view of a perfectly normal person in a perfectly normal setting, then it takes you deep into the scariest recesses of the mind.

Perceptions, by Angela Verdenius

A preconceived notion can manifest itself in many ways. We of form a quick opinion about a person, which can prove to be in error if we take the time to really understand that person. This delightful story gives much food for thought.

Fire, by Angela Vedenius

One only understands fire and what it can steal away after looking the monster in the eye. The message of this piece is “preparedness.”

India Dreaming, by Anne Whitfield

The purpose for which the Taj Mahal was built is reflected in this beautiful story of one man’s adoring of the woman he loves, and declaring that love in the shadow of that magnificent building.

Nadene Carter

****

Journeys of a Lifetime
By: Members of the Readers Station
Cambridge Books
August, 2007

There is magic in books.

I firmly believe this. When I was a child, I could open the covers of a book and travel anywhere: Egypt, the Prairies, distant lands. I could go anywhere, travel anywhere, by the simple act of opening a book and reading the words presented to me.

Apparently, the lovely ladies at The Readers Station think so too. Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sunbald, Angela Verdenius and Anne Whitfield have compiled an anthology of fiction, poetry and non-fiction pieces all with the theme of journeying or travelling. And what a trip it is!

Normally I'm not too fond of anthologies. The theme that links everything together is usually very lose and there are always a few good stories leaving the rest to wallow in their mediocrity.

That is not the case with Journeys of a Lifetime. Each wonderful piece is introduced with a Travel Log written by the pieces author who is your tour guide. You're given a destination, what you'll see along the way, what to pack and the local customs. This keeps the travel theme nicely centralized and helps introduce the story in a fun way.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading but I was enchanted by each and every piece. Though the stories and articles are all by different authors, everything flowed so beautifully that I was done the anthology in two days and left thirsting for more. Though I loved every piece and it would take me several pages to write about each one, here are two that stood out for me.

The Waiting Room Princess by Bryn Colvin. This story was so simplistic yet so incredibly beautiful. Waiting for a train late at night, Tom is approached by the train stations lone cleaning woman. Blind, Tom cannot see her but he can hear her voice; it's exotic and like a fresh breeze. Tom is bitter because of his blindness and Eve, the cleaning woman, is cursed by beauty.

Tom lost his sight in a chemical accident and Eve's beauty is responsible for the death of many people; when they look upon her beauty, they die. Can a bitter blind man and a woman whose beauty kills heal each other?

Acceptance by Nikki Leigh. I loved every word of this piece. Kennalyn Jones is waiting for something. Watching the mailbox with anticipation, today she receives what she has been waiting for: a letter from Harvard Law School. Ecstatic, she runs to tell her father Captain Bart who is not as happy as Kennalyn about the news.

Frightened of living alone, his wife having died and his other daughter gone, Bart is not happy at all about Kennalyn's acceptance. Will Kennalyn follow her dream and go to Harvard or will she let her love for her stubborn father keep her where she does not want to be?

What makes Journeys of a Lifetime different from other anthologies is that each authors love for their subject's shines through. Their words really have the power to help you travel to far off lands, to wonderful situations. It really is a book you will want to read and re-read again. Or even enjoy it one story, one journey, at a time.

Journeys of a Lifetime is an absolute gem and a feast of literature. There is something for everyone here, even the most picky of readers. I was spellbound as I travelled with the wonderful women of The Readers Station and I didn't want my trip to end.

I know that I will be forever spellbound by Journey's of a Lifetime and will keep taking each of the journeys in the book over and over again.

Jamieson Wolf


****

That's it for now.

Have a wonderful day.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

My New Video

Well, I finally finished the video for The Legacy Series. This one has music to it, and it's for The House On The Bluff, the Gatekeeper's Realm and Adams Point. But before I do anything else with it, I sent it along to my daughter for her opinion before I put it up on YouTube. It's a lot of fun, but can be frustrating putting these videos together, especially when my system crashes on me in the middle of it and I hadn't saved it. Maybe, in due time, I'll get really good at this and can make them better. Meanwhile, there are presently two stand-alone books, Time-Rift and The Imposter that I am going to be working on videos for. I need to find the right music for both of them, so I am still diligently searching. The URL for the video is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk


Guess that's it for now.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy day.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

New Review of Adams Point

Here's another review from Romance Junkies on the last book in the Legacy Series:

From: Romance Junkies

Title: Legacy Series: Adams Point
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: RJchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: Write Words, Inc.
Release Date: 2006
ISBN Number: Print: 1594314527/ ebook:1594315043
Author Homepage: http://elenadb.home.comcast.net/
Author Email: elenadb@comcast.net
Format: EBOOK/PRINT
Rating: 4.5 blue ribbons

When we last visited ADAMS POINT in the previous book, GATEKEEPER'S REALM, readers were left with many questions regarding the spirits that inhabit the made over Inn which had once been known as Pierce House. Guests have disappeared and there's a sinister wraith hoovering over the building. Some of the guests have opted to return to Caleb’s Cove where they believe they’ll be safe from the danger lurking at Adams Point, but are they really?

Ethan, Abigail and the guests who chose to remain at Adams Point have no clue what to expect from the wraith or what to do to appease it. With two couples already missing, Tony’s mysteriously disappeared, and unbeknownst to anyone at Adams Point, Jill, one of the guests whom Ethan had dropped off in town has also disappeared. The apparition obviously intends to do whatever it has to in order to ensure his demands are met and until then Ethan, Abigail, Tony and the guests are all at its mercy.

Abigail harbors hope that Jacob, one of the original ghosts - and a friend, will escape the wraith’s clutches long enough to clue them in on what needs to be done to release them all from the nightmare in which they’ve found themselves. In the meantime, the men devise plans to find and rescue the missing people while protecting the women. One of their plans is for the women to leave Adams Point and stay at Caleb’s Cove where they’ll be safe. Only it soon becomes painfully obvious that the wraith’s plans don’t include allowing any of them any measure of safety. The only way to satisfy it is to return to the Inn and attempt to appease it somehow. Where have the missing people disappeared to and why? Will Jacob be able to break the wraith’s hold and return to Abigail to let her know what’s going on and what needs to be done to correct the situation?

After reading GATEKEEPER’S REALM I was fascinated with the characters and the vivid imagery that enthralled me throughout the storyline. I’m thrilled to say that Elena Dorothy Bowman's continuation of the story in ADAMS POINT contains all the same traits that have made the LEGACY series a thrilling read. I loved the men’s alpha attitude and determination to protect the women and had to laugh at the women’s ‘not without us’ attitude. While the sinister apparition kept me guessing at what stunt it would pull next I was really hopeful to ‘meet’ Jacob and learn just how he could help satisfy the wraith. I do have to confess while I was quite sure there would be a happy ending for the couples, I wasn’t anticipating the emotions which I experienced at the end of the story - sorry I can’t say more because it’d give too much away.

I would recommend reading all three of the books in the LEGACY series - HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAMS POINT in order to fully experience the wonders carefully hidden and guarded in this fascinating house/Inn.


SNIPPET–
Guests are disappearing, unwelcome ghosts are making their presence known and the resident ghosts are nowhere to be found. Welcome to ADAMS POINT, the final book in Elena Dorothy Bowman’s LEGACY series. It is sure to hold you spellbound as you experience the wonder of an ancient prophecy and it’s effect on everyone who visits the area.


© Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com

Review of Gatekeeper's Realm

Thought you might enjoy reading this review from Romance Junkies;

From: RomanceJunkies

Title: Legacy Series: Gatekeeper's Realm
Category: Paranormal/Futuristic
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: Rjchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: Write Words, Inc.
Release Date: June, 2007
ISBN Number: Print: 1594314519 - Ebook: 1594314810
Author Homepage: http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
Format: EBOOK/PRINT
Rating: 4.5

An ancient relic granted by Divine Decree to a Noble Knight who had been mortally wounded is buried beneath the foundation of a home - this home had once been named Pierce House but now is known as THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF. Only a direct descendant of the Noble Knight may take possession of the house - and even he or she will be tested by the house to deem if he or she is worthy.
Abigail and her consort, Ethan, have fulfilled the prophecy surrounding their current dwelling which they’ve converted into an Inn. It’s a beautiful house steeped in mystery and ghostly wonders - who cling to the old ways. There’s no electricity, no running water, no central heating system, no phone and no television. Abigail’s a bit apprehensive about their first guests. There’s a possibility they’ll get spooked and want to leave especially once the ghosts make themselves known. There’s no way of telling how the ghosts will react to guests at the Inn and Jacob, the apparitions’ "Ambassador," knows it will just depend. Many of the ghosts have been living there for centuries and may not like having visitors in their house.
As soon as the first guests arrives a shapeless apparition appears over the Inn. Abigail, Ethan, and Tony (town sheriff and sometime permanent resident of the Inn when he’s not working) quickly realize that this apparition is not one of the ‘Others’ and they question who it is and what it wants. The ghostly appearance doesn’t scare off the guests though and is just the beginning of the bizarre appearances which will be taking place over the next couple of days. What will happen when the guests unexplainably begin to start disappearing - one or two at a time? Is the house holding them hostage?
I don’t normally read ghost stories but I have to tell you I was fascinated by this one! Elena Dorothy Bowmen’s GATEKEEPER’S REALM takes an ancient prophecy and brings it into a modern day setting with results that will steal your breath. I was enthralled by the ghost scenes and the guests reactions to each of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next or to whom it would happen. The storyline moved along at a quick pace but it never lacked enough descriptive information that I was easily able to imagine each of the scenes.
I would highly recommend reading HOUSE ON THE BLUFF first simply because I believe it goes into more of the details of what Abigail had to endure in order to claim the house. Of course, I’m also going to recommend the third book, ADAMS POINT, because there are questions that are left unanswered in this story and I’m dying to find out the answers. HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAMS POINT are all available now.


© Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com


Best,
Elena

My Video Trailers

Hi All:

I've been busy working away on my video trailers for my books. As you may know I have already uploaded the Sarah's Landing Series video on YouTube as well as a number of other sites, eight in all counting Youtube. Right now I am working on videos for my other books and searching through royalty free music to see what would fit. Some of the tunes I like are much too short to even think about, but I am diligently going through them. I think I've got the Legacy Series set to go except for a change in a cover. Then, there are the other two books that I need a video for...or perhaps three, I haven't heard back about my last submission to my publisher, but I know she has been very busy. I did send back two print galleys for Sarah's Landing-I-Contact and for the last book in the Legacy Series, Adams Point and waiting on them as well. The tentative date for the release of Sarah's Landing-I-Contact, is December. It should be up on Amazon.com and the new ISBN for this edition is: 1-59431-497-7. As to Adams Point, I haven't seen the release date as yet, but when I do I will post it. In the meantime, I believe there is the possibility of pre-ordering the books from Amazon. The ISBN for Adams Point is: 1-59431-452-7. I will post the Legacy Series video on the same sites I posted the first one with. This time, there will be music with it. If it stays the same the music is called Comfortable Mystery by Kevin MacLeod. Guess that's it for now.

As always, best wishes to all of you and may all your dreams come true.

Elena

Monday, September 17, 2007

Nikki Leigh Guests on Elena Dorothy Bowman's Book Blog

Today, I would like to welcome my special guest Nikki Leigh, a very enterprising and talented woman, to my blog. Nikki is the author of Lady Lightkeeper, the second book in the Misty Cove Chronicles. Among other avenues she is engaged in, Nikki is also an astute business woman who has written several non-fiction books under her real name Shri Henkel.


EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbookblogspot.com Nikki. It's a pleasure to have you here.

Nikki: Thank you for inviting me.

EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…I understand you have a myriad of interests and programs that keep you hopping.

Nikki: I’m a fulltime freelancer. This includes writing and promotional work for various clients. I handle bookkeeping for six businesses. I own one business and am a partner in a home improvement business (I’m also a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia). My 1st book was released in January 2006 and my 12th is scheduled for release later this year. The vast majority of those were written in the last two years. In addition, I just finished my seventh ghostwriting project. I’m also the founder of the Readers Station which is a website and message board where readers and authors can connect.

EDBB: Would you like to tell us about your book… Lady Lightkeeper and how it came about?

Nikki: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas. The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and its not over.

EDBB: Where did you get the idea to write Lady Lightkeeper?

Nikki: I’ve done extensive research about Cape Ann and I got some great ideas when I read about the history of the area. When I was in Cape Ann, I took a picture of this -www.alamy.com/stock_photography/2/1/Charlie+Borland/A5EAAA.html. Then one day I discovered the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (http://www.gfwa.org/) and the memorial. The first time I saw this (http://www.gfwa.org/memorial/statue.html) I immediately thought of Lizbeth and her children. I think people will understand the connection when they read the book. The women of Cape Ann had to be strong and the children faced a lot of loss in their young lives. I actually dedicated Lady Lightkeeper to these women. This is a quote from the dedication –
Lady Lightkeeper is dedicated to the strong women of the Cape Ann coast who supported their men and cared for their families and the community. I worked to create a character in Lizbeth Kinsey who reflects this spirit. I should also add that the characters in this story are not based on any specific individuals, but my hope is that they embody the spirit, resilience and determination of the Cape Ann community.

EDBB: What got you interested in writing about lighthouses and light keepers?

Nikki: I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses for years and I’ve always loved the ocean. My earliest memories of the beach were when I was three and hurricane Camille was nearing the coast. As I learned more about lighthouses, I started learning about the lifesaving service and my fascination continued to grow. History, the ocean, lighthouses and architecture are some of my favorite things and my stories incorporate all of those interests. More and more people have become interested in lighthouses, but I joke that I was into lighthouses before the masses got on board.

EDBB: You live in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, yet your books the Misty Cove Chronicles are based on Cape Ann in Massachusetts? Why did you choose this setting instead of the mountains for your series?

Nikki: I knew people say we should write about the things we know, but I enjoy research. I’ve had the idea for the contemporary Misty Cove story for many years, but I couldn’t figure out where to set the story. Cape Cod seemed like a possibility, but after visiting the area, I knew that wouldn’t work. On the same trip, my brother and I took a day to visit Cape Ann. I heard about the area because The Perfect Storm came out that summer at the theatres and of course, I read the book. It sounded like an interesting area and I insisted that we visit while we were close. We got to Gloucester and I just felt like it was the right place for my first story. I incorporated a lot of my main character’s family history in that story and when Stormy View was finished, I got the idea to actually write the history of her family. Widow’s Walk began and it continues in Lady Lightkeeper. Besides, there aren’t any lighthouses in the mountains – I had to move my stories to the coast. (As a side note, my other fiction series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and I know that area very well.)

EDBB: How many visits did you make to Cape Ann to flesh out your series?

Nikki: I’ve only been to Cape Ann once on a trip to Cape Cod with my brother in 2001. But, I’ve also done a lot of research and have an extensive Cape Ann and lighthouse library in my office.

EDBB: What was so fascinating about Lighthouses in Cape Ann, Massachusetts that caused you to use them as the setting for your stories?

Nikki: As I mentioned above the history of the area caught my imagination and the story took off from there.

EDBB: In this series, which of the characters did you find difficult to portray, the one easiest?

Nikki: I do a lot of work to create my characters before I start to write and I find this makes it easier to get into their mind. I actually have a couple of characters who narrate the story. Lizbeth tells the majority of the story from her point of view and her best friend and supporter, Sara, tells most of the remaining story. A couple of scenes are told from Abigail Westley’s point of view.

Lizbeth and Sara are very easy to write. Ida, the villain, is a lot of fun to write. Abigail is probably one character that I had difficulty writing. She is a good hearted person, but she has a lot of prejudices that come to the fore in various situations. Those attitudes also stir up trouble with Lizbeth on a regular basis.

EDBB: What advise would you give a fledgling writer? Why?

Nikki: Stick with your dream and work hard to stay positive. It’s a tough profession, but its worth all the work when you hold your books in your hand. Continue to work to hone your skills. I let my own doubts and the doubts of other people stop me from writing for years. Finally, I got past those concerns and I can’t imagine not writing.

EDBB: What was it that caused you to want to become a writer?

Nikki: I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I started freelancing fulltime to earn money, but my fiction is more a labor of love. There have always been ideas for characters and stories in my mind – my writing gives me a chance to delve further into their stories and to share them with others.

EDBB: Thank you Nikki for visiting my blog. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Nikki: Nikki has offered the following for all who join her in her tour.

Each person who buys a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.

In addition, each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month, one person will win a copy of Lady Lightkeeper. Again, if the winner bought the book already, I'll send them another book as a prize. Any questions, let me know. nikki-leigh@excite.com.


Note: Cape Ann is also the location my novels, the Sarah's Landing Series, is set in. It is amazing that two people who never met before and do not live anywhere near each other have used the same lighthouse for their books. It really is a small world. Elena Dorothy Bowman

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Resurrenting the Champ

HI, All:

I entered a contest on Gather re: Resurrecting the Champ. And I chose my father as my Champ:

My Father! I loved going to the movies and I loved to read as much as my Father did. Inspired by my Father, I have been writing off and on since way back when it only cost a dime to go to the Saturday Matinee, or any other time I could scrape up the price of a ticket. And in most cases when the ending was not to my liking, I felt compelled to go home and rewrite it.
When we were young, my four brothers and I would listen to my Father reading stories to us every night after we were ready for bed. These wonderful memories took place mostly during the winter months. The summer months were devoted to the one or more of the beaches that were an all day excursion with our parents on the week-ends. During the week my brothers and I would walk to the local beaches and get in trouble on our own.
When bed-time was drawing near, my Father would start a fire in the fireplace and when we were ready he'd have us sit on the floor all around him while he sat on a big stuffed chair. Once settled he would take a book off the library shelf (yes, we had a room that had book shelves inbedded in all the walls and they were always stacked with books). We never knew which book he would take down, so it was always a mystery until he started reading.
I remember him sitting on his stuffed chair, watching our faces as he began to read the first chapter in Jules Verne's novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He would read to a point that left us hanging and wanting more. But he always stopped when the hour was up. By that time, the warmth from the crackling fire had done its magic; drowsiness had taken its toll and we were desperately trying to stay awake so he would read more. But the time was up and no amount of pleading would change his mind. Reluctantly, we'd leave the room with all the books in it and go to bed with visions of the story in our heads wondering what was going to happen next. The following night the ritual would continue as we waited for the next installment in our venture under the sea in Captain Nemo's fantastic submarine, The Nautilus.
And as the years passed swiftly by the many books off that library shelf took my brothers and I to many places we would never have visited without Dad's stories. I decided to try my own hand at writing and quickly discovered I enjoyed writing stories…putting words down on paper gave me a sense of accomplishment…but I never did anything with it. When I wrote my first novel it was just for the pleasure of it. It wasn't long after that writing became an obsession with me and I have been writing for publication ever since.

End of story

I can still see my father sitting in his chair waiting for us with a smile on his face to begin reading. We didn't have much growing up, but we had a Dad who loved to take us to exotic places through the pages of a book.

Elena

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Adam's Point from Romantic Junkies

Hi, Everyone!

Received a great review from Romantic Junkies this week...4.5 blue ribbons. It won't be posted on their website until September, but here's an excerpt of it.

After reading GATEKEEPER’S REALM I was fascinated with the characters and the vivid imagery that enthralled me throughout the storyline. I’m thrilled to say that Elena Dorothy Bowman's continuation of the story in ADAM’S POINT contains all the same traits that have made the LEGACY series a thrilling read. I loved the men’s alpha attitude and determination to protect the women and had to laugh at the women’s ‘not without us’ attitude. While the sinister apparition kept me guessing at what stunt it would pull next I was really hopeful to ‘meet’ Jacob and learn just how he could help satisfy the wraith. I do have to confess while I was quite sure there would be a happy ending for the couples, I wasn’t anticipating the emotions which I experienced at the end of the story - sorry I can’t say more because it’d give too much away.

I would recommend reading all three of the books in the LEGACY series - HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAM’S POINT in order to fully experience the wonders carefully hidden and guarded in this fascinating house/Inn.

Title: Legacy Series: Adam's Point
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: RJchrissydionne@yahoo.com

Monday, August 13, 2007

KIm Baccellia Guests on Elena Dorothy Bowman's Book Blog

Today, I would like to welcome my special guest Kim Baccellia, a Young Adult Writer, to my blog. Kim is the author of Earrings of Ixtumea. A fascinating tale about a young girl who dismisses the legend about her Mexican grandmother's magical earrings as a silly fairytale...until the earrings thrust her into the parallel world of Ixtumea.

EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com Kim. It's a pleasure to have you here.

Kim: Thanks for inviting me!

EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…and about your book?

KIM: I’m the author of the YA multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea.

Earrings of Ixtumea is a fast-paced fantasy featuring a young Latina who discovers ancient traditions in her family history that propel her to a magical civilization, where she struggles against evil forces that threaten her family, her heart, and her life.

EDBB: What book was it that made you want to be a writer? What was it about that book that piqued your interest?

Kim: I admit when I was in middle school I used to love reading Harlequin romances. I would write my own romances. Later, I loved such stories as The Far Pavillions and Clan of the Cave Bear and wanted to write books that would take the reader away to different worlds and time periods. I loved pure escapism. I even wrote my own fan fiction. I was a huge Star Trek and Star Wars fan. While in college I was introduced to such great fantasy writers as Orson Scott Card, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. I was hooked.

EDBB: What did you do before you were an author or were you always a writer?

Kim: I was a bilingual teacher for eight years for South Whittier School District. I was a Sheltered English teacher for seven years for Tustin Unified School District. My favorite subject to teach? Writers Workshop, of course!

Before that I was a telemarketer, sales clerk, and I even worked at the BYU library while going to school. My favorite jobs involved being around books.

EDBB: Who publishes your books and what has your experience been with publishers? How long did it take you to get your first book published?

Kim: Virtual Tales is my publisher. They’ve been great and supportive. It took about two years to write Earrings. Another year or so to do revisions on my story and a year for it to come out in print. So over all, it took about four years.

EDBB: How did it feel when you first glimpse a copy of your first book with your name on it and held it in your hand?

Kim; Unbelievable at first. Then awesome!

EDBB: Are your stories based on real people, a combination of people, or are they all figments of your imagination?

KIM: They’re a combination of things. My imagination is huge. I remember being the storyteller of my neighborhood as a kid. I base my stories on a little of everything.

EDBB: Do you write a character chart for each of your characters, or do you imagine each one as your work progresses?

Kim: I use a character chart that lists the strengths, quirks, and traits. I also list the character’s faulty thinking and wound.

I cut out pictures from magazines of what I think my character looks like and post them in my writing room. My room changes to reflect what book I’m working on. Right now I have 1976 things and music in there as I’m working on my YA contemporary book, Bullets of Truth. I even have pictures of me during that time period and my father in the basement making bullets.

EDBB: What do you like the best or least about writing?

Kim: I love how you can bring your characters to life. I love it when people read my work and tell me how much my story affected them.

The least favorite thing is how long it takes to get published. It takes more than talent in this business. You need to be persistent and not to give up.

EDBB: How long have you been writing?

Kim: Since I can remember. I was on the high school newspaper staff. I wrote a horoscope column in middle school and my own poetry and gossip paper while in junior college. I also put together slide presentations based to my poetry. It seemed like I was always writing.

EDBB: Why did you want to become a writer?

Kim: It’s a part of me. My father used to tell me it was in my genes. I’m related to the author of Tarzan.
For a long time I put aside writing to have a more secure position, teaching. But the words wouldn’t leave me. I found myself attracted to writing programs for children. I ended up making writing a big part of my student’s experience. Then I thought why don’t I follow my advice to my students and write my own book?

Once I signed up for a creative writing class at UCI extension program, I was hooked. There was no turning back.

EDBB: Thank you Kim for being my guest for today.

Kim: Thank you for having me.

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Friday, August 10, 2007

Review of Gatekeeper's Realm

Hi,

With permission from Romance Junkies and Chrissy Dionne

From RomanceJunkies.com
Paranormal/Futuristic
Gatekeeper's Realm
By Chrissy Dionne
May 1, 2007 - 5:27:00 AM


An ancient relic granted by Divine Decree to a Noble Knight who had been mortally wounded is buried beneath the foundation of a home - this home had once been named Pierce House but now is known as THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF. Only a direct descendant of the Noble Knight may take possession of the house - and even he or she will be tested by the house to deem if he or she is worthy.

Abigail and her consort, Ethan, have fulfilled the prophecy surrounding their current dwelling which they’ve converted into an Inn. It’s a beautiful house steeped in mystery and ghostly wonders - who cling to the old ways. There’s no electricity, no running water, no central heating system, no phone and no television. Abigail’s a bit apprehensive about their first guests. There’s a possibility they’ll get spooked and want to leave especially once the ghosts make themselves known. There’s no way of telling how the ghosts will react to guests at the Inn and Jacob, the apparitions’ "Ambassador," knows it will just depend. Many of the ghosts have been living there for centuries and may not like having visitors in their house.
As soon as the first guests arrives a shapeless apparition appears over the Inn. Abigail, Ethan, and Tony (town sheriff and sometime permanent resident of the Inn when he’s not working) quickly realize that this apparition is not one of the ‘Others’ and they question who it is and what it wants. The ghostly appearance doesn’t scare off the guests though and is just the beginning of the bizarre appearances which will be taking place over the next couple of days. What will happen when the guests unexplainably begin to start disappearing - one or two at a time? Is the house holding them hostage?
I don’t normally read ghost stories but I have to tell you I was fascinated by this one! Elena Dorothy Bowmen’s GATEKEEPER’S REALM takes an ancient prophecy and brings it into a modern day setting with results that will steal your breath. I was enthralled by the ghost scenes and the guests reactions to each of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next or to whom it would happen. The storyline moved along at a quick pace but it never lacked enough descriptive information that I was easily able to imagine each of the scenes.
I would highly recommend reading HOUSE ON THE BLUFF first simply because I believe it goes into more of the details of what Abigail had to endure in order to claim the house. Of course, I’m also going to recommend the third book, ADAM’S POINT, because there are questions that are left unanswered in this story and I’m dying to find out the answers. HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAM’S POINT are all available now.


© Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Gatekeeper_s_Realm_7970.shtml

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Barnes and Noble

Today I received a phone call from Barnes and Noble in Nashua, New Hampshire. I have been invited to a local authors' book signing September 16, 2007. Of course, since B&N doesn't work with my distributor I have to bring in my own books. But that's okay. Whatever it takes to get my books signed and sold at B&N. I have had several book signings at B&N when my old now defunct publisher was with Ingram and Lightning Press, and sold a number of books of my novel The House On The Bluff, the first book in the Legacy Series. Now, I will have not only the first book in the series but the second book as well to offer. The Gatekeeper's Realm is Book 2 in the series and I am hoping that those who purchased the first one will be eager to read more and purchase the second book. There is a third book to the series which is not in print as yet, but that shouldn't be too long in coming. Anyway, that's my thoughts for today.

Oh, I should mention that on August 13, I will be hosting on my blog, Kim Baccellia virtual book tour. Hope you'll drop in and get to meet Kim

Elena

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

So You Want to Write A Novel

Hi, Everyone...These are some pointers I picked up along the way and thought to share them with you.

SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL?

If your work has been written, bound, and someone else is the audience, does anyone really have to be paid for their work to be published? Is it less valued if the work has been for one's family rather than the marketplace? Or is it valued because someone simply believed that what you have written is worth reading?

Stop dreaming about being a writer. Stop thinking about being a writer. Stop talking about writing. Just write. Use paper and pen, word processor, typewriter or tape recorder, but start. Then follow through until you've said what you must. Remember, there's always editing tomorrow.

You should have an idea or two that you'd like to write about. Begin by putting the first words on paper (or a file in the computer). You don't have to be structured at this point, because as you write, you may decide to reposition some of your paragraphs or chapters to other parts of the book. Just continue to write. Try to do at least 10 pages, (double-spaced) a day. Always finish the sentence or paragraph you are working on before you stop writing. If possible jot down a few notes on where you think you'll be going with the story before you leave it so you won't start out cold the next time. You don't really have to know the ending before you start. It will come in time.

When you begin again, reread what you have written the previous time, and continue on. You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish by doing this. You don't have to know the ins and outs of a particular place from a first hand experience as long as you do research on the subject or area you are writing about. Writers, artists, and crafts people learn from their mistakes as well as creating good work. No creative person created a masterpiece without many words, brush strokes, or stitches in their needlework. It is the sum total of a person's work that allows her to become skilled. One must write every day and evaluate and rewrite later. There can always be rework of the original, but there must be an original.

Remember it's only the first draft, it's not cast in stone. Make time to write. Early morning or late at night. I started writing after the kids went to bed and continued to two or three in the morning before my husband turned out the lights. (I had to go to work the next day). Like exercise, it is hard to get started and hard to be self-disciplined, but the process becomes the reward. It simply feels good doing it. The pleasure and absorption of the creative person is its own reward.

I found myself writing during working hours when something popped into my head. If it's not possible to do this (write during working hours) try using a recorder. A thought here, a sentence there, and when you reread your notes, you can come up with a chapter or two. This is important because one can never recapture those fleeting thoughts, even if one thinks so. Once gone, it seldom re-emerges. Always carry a tape recorder or small notebook with you so you can jot down these precious gems when they make themselves known.
When writing don't think about the big picture. Concentrate only on one chapter at a time. If the opening paragraph stumps you go to the next and go on from there. Before you know it, looking back, you've accomplished far more that you could have imagined possible. As a race-horse must wear blinders to keep himself from being frightened by distractions, so too must writers keep their focus on smaller portions of their environment to enable concentration and creativity.

Remember for writers: The key to success in writing is focus, focus, focus.

Don't get hung up on words. If you can't come up with the right word you want to use to begin with, place something similar in that spot that will trigger your memory and research it later. When I'm stuck on a particular thought or paragraph, I put a couple of asterisks in bold letters in the problem area and continue working elsewhere. Initials will work too. When I'm ready to go back and tackle the problem, or insert missing data or details, I use the search and replace feature on my word processor to find those asterisks and get going again.

Always keep a Thesaurus or Synonym Finder by your side as you write. I do.

Always get to know your characters. Define your characters by filling out a character chart on each one. Detail everything you'd like your character to be and how you expect your character to behave. This way, when the character in question does something or acts out of character you'll know something isn't right.

Setting is most significant in a mystery story. But it's just as important in other stories as well. If you can't visit various sites for atmosphere, research.

Certain moments in real life seem to imprint themselves on one's brain. Why these particular scenes are locked in is unclear but analyzing them and describing them can be useful to your stories, either the one you're working on or another at some other time.

What's the first thing you do when you put together a jigsaw puzzle? Several answers are suggested -- find the corner pieces, find the straight edges, do the top, bottom, and sides, etc. But the answer really is: The first things you do is pour out all the pieces on the table, and then you sort them out.

Now when writing an article or articulating an idea write -- without any thought to form or structure. Pour out all your ideas for the piece into your computer. After that, rearrange your thoughts. Print a draft copy so you can refer back to particular phrases after you start changing the sequence of your original thoughts. This simple puzzle idea really helps keep one on track.

The technique of clustering to record the first flush of unorganized ideas about a subject helps to quickly jot down fleeting thoughts about people and places.

All stories must have conflict -- good versus evil, a triumph over a problem. Always ask yourself -- what's the conflict in my story. How did my subject overcome it?

Research, research, research information you wish to include in your story. Even in fiction writing, when using any historical incidents, be sure they are accurate. There is nothing worse than a writer including in their work inaccurate historical references that can easily be dismissed by the reader, who may then do the same with your work.

Before you sit down to write, make sure (as much as possible) that all distractions have been eliminated so your creativity isn't disrupted. Always wear comfortable clothing; have something to drink nearby (ex. water, juice, coffee, tea...no hard stuff please) so you won't have to stop working to quench your thirst. The same applies to snacks and/or lunches -- if you're working through.

So what if after all of the above, you can't get past the first three chapters of a novel? Don't despair. Put it aside and start something else. Perhaps they weren't meant to be a book on their own, only short stories, or, those chapters may come to fruition in another novel and at another time.

After printing out the first chapter, because everything always looks different when actually printed in black and white, re-read it, make corrections and changes in red (so it can be seen easily) then re-type, with emphasis on smoothness and continuity. Before going on to the next chapter.

When all the chapters have been written, edited and printed out, and your story or book is finally complete, re-read the entire project making changes as you do. Re-type and repeat the process until you feel comfortable with what you have written before you let anyone else see or read it. Because if you get hung up on a sentence or section, so will the reader.

After my critic's have commented on my work and I have made the suggested changes and all seems well, I send it out to publishing houses and/or agents and wait. I try to keep three copies of a story out at one time. When rejections arrive, I immediately send my work out again to the next name on the list. But that was before I acquired an Agent. Still, I always keep duplicates of my work. Copies have been known to go astray before (and even after) reaching the editor's desk.

The most important factor to remember is, keep positive and keep writing. Perseverance will win out.

Good Luck And Best Wishes.

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Monday, July 23, 2007

My Book Trailer

Hi,

I have been working off and on for several months on a book trailer for all nine of my books. But I haven't spent every second of every day on it. I think I've gone as far as I can with it, but I'm waiting for my son and daughter to let me know what they think before I go public with it. At the moment, I haven't any music to go with it, and have been thinking of what music I would like to be able to use. I would love to use one of Chris Daughtry's songs. But I wouldn't know how to go about asking Clive Davies for permission, or have the money I am sure it would cost to do so. Anyway, I wouldn't know which one to choose...but it would have been nice.

I've been working on a new novel...it started out as a novella, but is now a novel...the tentative title is The Odessey. Whether that is what the final outcome will be...I can't say as yet. I'm still working on it and wonder where it will all take me...I have an idea for the ending, but it hasn't materialized yet. Well, tomorrow is another day.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Blog Name Change

Hi, All:

I just changed my blog URL to elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com. I thought the older version was too long and could be a hindrance, therefore the change. Frankly, I didn't know what else to change it to other than what I did.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Readers' Station Anthology

Coming Soon: Journeys of a Lifetime
Anthology - from the Readers' Station

Contributions by Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield

There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. More information will be posted soon by the publisher, Write Words, Inc., Cambridge Books and ebooksonthe.net.

Visit the Readers Station at: www.readersstation.com

Thank you,

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenabowman-scifimysteryromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

The New Book Review Blog and My Virtual Book Tour

Hi, Everyone:

I just sent the New Book Review a copy of my review of the Gatekeeper's Realm...yes I had permission from Romance Junkies to do so. It will be up on their blog soon if not sooner. The URL is: www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com...The New Book Review is...
...associated with Authors' Coalition, founded by Carolyn H0ward-Johnson, directed by Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.

Another place to advertise our books. Also want to let you all know that I am on my virtual book tour and today I am at Plug Your Book: http://www.plugyourbook.blogspot.com.

Take a moment to drop by both blogs and leave a comment. Thanks.

Elena

Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenabowman-scifimysteryromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

The Novel "Pearl" by Newt Gingrich

I just completed the novel "Pearl" by Newt Gingrich. I had heard that the book was based on historical fact with some fiction thrown in. Also that it was from a Japanese point of view as well as American. I will say that I was intrigued by the way the book was written. Newt did a great job in describing how the Japanese felt, and their determination to be considered an equal to the rest of the world, even if it meant deceiving others to accomplish their goal. I knew what happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941, and how that attack affected our nation, however, I found the book very interesting and learned a little more about what led up to it. What was surprising to read was how the Japanese felt that attacking Pearl would help them achieve their goal. They had hoped that it would not lead to war but to their higher standing in the Pacific. To their dismay, it didn't turn out that way, but since they had made the first strike, they believed the destruction of our Navy would lead them to complete victory over the United States. This is the first book of the series and it starts long before the attack and ends with it. Book 2, from what I've heard picks up at that point in this series. I highly recommend to anyone interested in history to read this book.

My Virtual Book Tour

Here it is, the 9th day of my book tour and everything seems to be going great. Today I am at the Boomer Chic blog, but unfortunately, the URL I have listed doesn't work. So I can't sign in and let people know I'm there. I guess these things do happen, but perhaps I can discover what the problem is and finally sign in.

While I'm on my book tour, other things are happening. As a member of the Readers Station, several authors, myself included, have put together an anthology. We had a contest to name the anthology and one of our readers won by naming it "Journeys of a Lifetime" by members of the Readers' Station. The anthology will be released by Write Words, Inc., as an ebook with their imprint ebooksonthe.net, and in print by their imprint Cambridge books. The print edition will be available for sale on Amazon.com. Nine authors have contributed to this anthology and it is bound to take you on many interesting and surprising journeys. Look for it...it will be available within the coming month.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Virtual Book Tour

Hi, All:

Yesterday was my third day of my virtual book tour. Couldn't help but wonder how many popped in for a look see...Whatever the number, I hope they enjoyed reading the interview.

We have the week-end off, but will be back on tour on Monday.

Thank you!

Elena

New Contract-The Imposter

Hi, All!

I have a new contract, my ninth, with my publisher, Write Words, Inc., for my contemporary novella entitled The Imposter, which will be released soon. It is different than what I normally write, but thought you might be interested in an excerpt to the book:

Excerpt - The Imposter

It all began with a newspaper article in a major local paper. According to the article, a woman sold a book she had written as "property" to a movie producer, and as a result, a new nighttime television series was born. The series, fifteenth in the ratings, had been running successfully for several years. Naturally, this made Mrs., although she preferred to be called Ms., our local novelist, a heroine of sorts and, as she portrayed herself, a willing contact in the arts.
Two local women, having read this article and believing in its validity, were hoping for an avenue to open up for their talents through a mutual contact, since they were both involved with writing and producing a musical stage play. A phone call to this "successful Hollywood Writer" resulted in a meeting at which time she promised to be their "contact". With the addition of their artist friend, the imposter led them down a twisted path of well-placed lies and acts of deception This clever imposter had beguiled professionals and novices alike at their own disciplines.


ElenaBooks, Out of the Author's Mouth, PUmpUpYour Books Promotion, Novels, online book promotion, Reviews, romance, space, Virtual Book Tour, author publicity, Gatekeeper'sRealm, The Imposter,

Thursday, July 5, 2007

My Virutal Tour

Well, it's the second day of the tour, we had the Fourth of July off. Went to my brother's home in Duxbury, to enjoy the Fourth with relatives and friends. My husband and I brought 50 giant hotdogs and buns to match, others had a combination of great dishes for everyone...not to mention the more adult drinks for the grown-ups and soda for the kids. My brother has an olympic size pool in his backyard and the kids were having a ball, diving and swimming. Splashing the adults was out. Anyone who did that was immediately removed from the pool. While I was sitting at the "bar" minding my own business and drinking a cup of punch...non-alcoholic...I was stung by a bee. Of all the people there, the bee made a direct dive toward me. Wouldn't you know it. Last year I was the only one who tripped over his newly inlaid patio and hit my head on the red bricks. Everyone thought I had really knocked myself out. But I have a hard head and all turned out well. Can't wait to see what happens next year. Well that's it for now, have to get back to the tour blog.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Virtual Book Tour

Today was the first day of my virtual book tour. Don't know how it's going to turn out, but the people, who are conducting this tour, PumpUpYourBooks, are doing a great job getting interviews for the tour. What I am hoping for is that people who drop by will find my book interesting enough to want to read it, and the first and third books as well.

Have to get back to the blog I'm at today. Will post again later. Thank you!

Elena

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Virtual Book Tour

Hi, Everyone!

I'd like to announce that my virtual book tour will be starting on July 2, 2007. You can read about my book tour and see my itenerary at:

http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2007/05/join-romance-suspense-mystery-and.html

Please come and join me at my stops. I will be there on the days posted and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

See you there!

Best,
Elena

Saturday, June 9, 2007

New Release - The Gatekeeper's Realm-Book 2-Legacy Series

Hi, Everyone!

I would like to announce to the group that the second novel in the Legacy Series, the Gatekeeper's Realm has been released in print by Write Words, Inc., Cambridge Books and is now up on Amazon.com. Haven't received my copy yet, but looking forward to holding it in my hands.

More good news: I just received a great review from Once Upon A Romance for the third book in the series, Adam's Point., which, according to my publisher, will be released in print after the Sarah's Landing Series.

Here's a preview of the review:

A brooding apparition hangs over the House on The Bluff on Adam’s Point. People are missing and the spirit that has taken control of the house isn’t about to give them up easily. While Ethan and Abigail are used to dealing with the vagaries of their house and the usual spirits that inhabit it, they have no idea how to deal with this new spirit who seems to be holding the house and its occupants hostage.

As the house both attracts and repels the inhabitants, Ethan, Abigail and their guests begin their search for their missing friends within. As they search the mystery surrounding the house starts to unwind as portals into other worlds open up. Can they survive long enough to save those who are trapped?

To read the entire review...here's the link:
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/Adam'sPointReview.htm

Elena


Saturday, May 26, 2007

Characters

Hi, I decided to try to introduce two of the characters in my books. Don't know how this will work out, but would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you:

My name is Alexandra McKay. I am a character in the science fiction novels, by Elena Dorothy Bowman entitled the Sarah's Landing Series. I first arrived on the scene in her first book, The Contact. I was minding my own business looking out at the ocean when Joshua Morgan, the astronaut scrapped from the ill-fated flight of Earth's first Star Ship to deep space, happened by. He was on a mission. A mission to Sarah's Landing, but he decided to stop for a moment and take in the depth and breadth of the Atlantic Ocean. He didn't see me at first, I guess because the ocean fascinated him so. But I couldn't take my eyes off him, and I believe my staring at him made the back of his neck tingle. Anyway I like to think so, because that's when he turned around and saw me standing there watching his every move. He spoke, sort of, not much of a conversation. Just the usual, nice day, isn't it? Wasn't the scenery beautiful, you know stuff like that. I was late and I had to leave, so I waved goodbye and told him I'd see him in Sarah's Landing. You should have seen the look on his face. He couldn't believe I knew where he was going, but you see, I did. We did meet later in Sarah's Landing, and I wasn't sure he remembered me, but he surprised me…he was hoping we'd meet again, yet, his words faltered, it was as if he couldn't speak…only for the moment. At the time neither of us knew where this would all lead. But our lives were destined to be entwined. How, well, we can go into that later. At the moment, I just wanted you to know that I exist, and that Joshua Morgan exists and that Sarah's Landing will always have a place in our hearts. And if you want to know where this all leads, you'll have to read the books. Bye for now,

Alexandra McKay

My name is Joshua Morgan, I'm one of the lead characters in Elena Dorothy Bowman's novels, The Sarah's Landing Series. I was a part of the Space Command and scheduled to be on Earth's first space exploration flight. But, as luck would have it, I was stricken with a viral infection hours before launch. Someone else went in my place, a young, nervous, accident prone, absent-minded junior member of the team we called Allen. Allen was the one who came up with the advanced propulsion system capable of traveling light years in seconds, how or why, no one ever knew. But if I had been on that ill-fated flight I never would have met Alexandra McKay, the love of my life. Well, not at first, but she did make me forget what I was in Sarah's Landing for. She knew I was in love with her before I did. She tried to warn me, not to do anything foolish, to leave the building, to find another place to live, but to my regret, I didn't listen. I mean she said she had psychic abilities. She could see things I couldn't see, and that I was in danger. I found that a bit difficult to swallow, so I just let her rant, and ignored her premonition. When she went off with her friends on a trip to New York was when the full brunt of her predictions came to fruition. How or why? You'll have to read the books.

Joshua Morgan

Sunday, May 6, 2007

The Legacy Series

The House On The Bluff - Legacy Series - Book 1:

The last voice heard from the house was an 18th Century ancestor's blood-curdling screams in the dark of night, but no one ever saw or heard from that person again. What was it about the "house" that made people tremble? Why had no one ventured near it since 1789; why had no one dared? Had it not been there for centuries, standing tall ... empty ... beckoning?

Abigail Adams Pierce could not envision that the information she stumbled on would take her on a hair-raising journey she would never forget. A journey that once started would have no turning back, even at the risk of losing her life in the physical sense and being trapped within the spiritual realm, which had invaded the Pierce House. And nothing, in her wildest imagination, could have prepared her for the effect her discovery would have on her life from that moment on. This was her family's legacy - handed down from the 11th Century - to the descendent who dared to enter in spite of its warnings. To the day she entered her ancestral home, with its promise of terror or fulfillment, The House On The Bluff maintained its enchantment and its ageless elegance, standing as a silent sentinel waiting for the one long destined to enter who could shatter its secrets.

*********************

Reviews:

* timeless-tales.net *

by: Shannah Biondine
Timesless Tales
Reviews for the discerning reader
3 1/2 Stars *** /*

The House On The Bluff is known as The Pierce House to locals of Adam's Point. Abigail Adams Pierce arrives in this small New England town determined to investigate the house, which is part of a mysterious family legacy harking back to eleventh century England. The house has been abandoned and has spent most of its many decades perching in eerie, empty silence above a cove known as the Bay of Death. This is not a charming New England bed and breakfast type of home, and boats dropping anchor in the bay it overlooks are invariably lost. Their crews are said to mysteriously disappear without a trace.

Beyond rumors of ghostly inhabitants and unexplained events, Abigail knows her ancestors have tried and failed to conquer the house and its secrets. Others have come before her and tried to reside within its walls, only to flee in terror. Legend says one brave descendant must enter the forbidden structure and unlock the secrets from its past. Only this stalwart descendant and his/her champion and consort will be accepted by the house--an entity with definite ideas of its own.

Readers who've ever become disoriented in a large mall or lost their cars in sprawling parking lots will be able to relate to the helpless feeling Abigail experiences. Just parking her Jeep outside or leaving one room to enter another touches off bizarre episodes in and around Pierce House. Abigail must find the courage to stay the course, no matter what.

The austere setting provides a suitable backdrop for the moody atmosphere of the storyline. I really liked the premise and enjoyed the way the author weaves in ancient history and colorful background lore from varying time periods.

**************************

* Lighthouse Literary Reviews - ebooksonthe.net *


Reviewed by: Lori

The House On The Bluff
by Elena Dorothy Bowman

ebooksonthe.net
February 2006
ISBN#: 1-59431-354-7
Romantic Suspense/Mystery/Thriller

Rating:

The House on the Bluff is called the Pierce House and it has a mind of its own. Abigail knows this, but takes up residence anyway. Her first night in the long abandoned house, she finds a beautifully prepared room just waiting for her to stay within. Visions and dreams of pirates, Revolutionary soldiers, and the like keep her from sleeping well. The mystery of the Pierce House deepens from there.

Abigail is terrified, but refuses to leave the house. She meets Ethan Benedict who encourages her not to stay in the house. Living close by, heís heard stories about the house and it doesn't sit well with him to have her there alone. Abigail, however is a woman with a mission and Ethan finds himself standing beside her, through some turbulent adventures.

Tony Harridan is the town sheriff. He too knows the stories. He too is instantly protective of Abigail. He joins Ethan to keep Abigail safe. She may need them both to survive. The Pierce House has secrets it doesnít want to give up.

... the mystery is good and suspenseful. Ms. Bowman does a wonderful job creating a creepy atmosphere and likable characters. The complex story unwinds a little at a time tugging at the reader into Abigail's plight.

***********************

* Enchanted Ramblings *


Reviewed by: Autiotalo

The House On The Bluff
by Elena Dorothy Bowman
ISBN: 1-59431-354-7
Published By: Write Words

Rating:

Abigail arrives at Pierce House to take up residence, unconcerned by the rumours that the house is haunted, and that boats that stray into the Bay of Death overlooked by the house often disappear - as did the last owner of the house. But Abigail is fulfilling a prophecy that goes back to the time of the Crusades, and Pierce House ? and its ghosts ? will test the strength and resolve of Abigail and her friends Ethan and Toby before it finally reveals its secrets.

A romance and a ghostly mystery, this book mixes contemporary with historical flashbacks as Abigail seeks to uncover the secrets behind her new home. It's a taut psychological thriller...A creepy tale that will have you looking over your shoulder as you read.

********************

* mysteryfiction.net *


By: Anne K. Edwards
Title: The House on the Bluff
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher:Ýebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 1594313547
Genre: Paranormal Romance

A mysterious house lures people to it and they are never heard from again--alive. This causes fear in the neighborhood of Adam's Point to leave so it is isolated as well, except for one young man who is staying at his family's summer cottage.

Abigail has come to lay claim to this house with its bleak atmosphere, but the question is, will she claim the house or will it claim her? She is tempted more than once to flee the sights and sounds she encounters, but determination makes her stay.

A story that seems to have a touch of horror, but the reader will find there is a twist in the plot that leads away from that idea. Ghosts abound with doors closing on their own, mysterious music with no apparent source, meals appearing on cue with no staff, cold unappealing rooms, all adding their own touch to the atmosphere of a house you will enjoy visiting while waiting for Abigail and her new friends, Ethan and Tony, to figure things out.

Talented author Elena Dorothy Bowman offers the reader something new in paranormal romance in a world peopled by fun characters (including the house). You'll feel as if you've actually visited the place, so well done is the description.

Recommended as a fun read. Enjoy. I did.