Greg Sandora on His #NewRelease - Jack Canon's Women of the House @GregSandora #Thriller

Tell us about yourself. 

I’m originally from the Portland, Maine area, lived, and worked there for years before moving to Southwest Florida. My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and his mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays our family loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one-man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree, owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. Currently a professional manager I’m living in Florida with My beautiful wife and children, and following my passion. I have a deep faith. I believe God helps us in all things.

Name a few of your favorite authors and why.

Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Eckart Tolle, I love books on spirituality.

Tell us a bit about your family. 

Originally we were from the Portland, Maine area. My mom graduated from Westbrook High School and lived in the same small town her entire life. My dad was in the Air Force stationed in Guam; he returned to work in accounting and went back to school to earn a degree in art. My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and my mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays we loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one-man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree, owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. I am currently a professional manager living in Florida with my beautiful wife and children, following my passion.

Why did you feel you had to tell this story? 

I always wanted to tell this story. Jack Canon is the everyman in us that dreams of setting things right. The story has tender moments of deep intimacy and romance, woven throughout a real thriller. The characters are true friends, working for the common goal of winning the Presidency. The story is basically set in Washington and on the campaign trail and has plenty of corruption, billionaires, and beautiful woman to keep the reader entertained. All the following components are featured: Washington Politics, Corruption, Romance, Love, Tenderness, Murder, Love, Suspense, Presidential Politics, Power, Passion, and Thrills. Jack and his friends stop at nothing to make a better America for all citizens.

Name one thing you absolutely can’t go without when writing.

My computer, I use word. Second, for my morning writing, coffee.

How do your family and friends feel about the book? 

My family and friends have been supportive. Funny story – I sat down in the living room in our most comfortable chair and wrote the first paragraph. I liked it even though it didn’t end up making it into the book. Finishing that paragraph I announced to my wife and 22-year-old son that I was writing a book. We still laugh about the eye rolling. The idea came to me all at once – the entire story. I wanted to tell a story of great characters that are the best of friends. There’s tenderness, romance, political corruption at the highest levels, not to leave out murder and revenge.

Why should everyone read your book?

One reader review put it this way, “Readers will love Jack Canon from the very first pages. He is confident and ready to fight for his dream. He has wanted to change this cruel and unjust world since he was 10 years old. Now he has a real chance to make a difference and he’s not going to let it go. America needs such a man. So, if you’re …indignant at what is currently happening, then you’re going to love this amazing character.

Do you ever experience writer’s block and how do you overcome it? 

I don’t get writers block because I wait until the story literally explodes onto the page.

What is your favorite part of the process of writing a book?

I love when the characters seem to come alive.  It starts to happen after the first few chapters. Then when the books half way done, and you get a chance to read it from the beginning. The characters personalities take shape and help the story with their distinct feelings and mannerisms. That's my favorite part of the process.  Overall the best part is sitting down to read the completed book.

If your book was made into a movie, who do you picture playing each part? 

My sister-in-law has already chosen Ben Affleck to play Jack Canon. Funny – I took the first draft to Disney. At first she didn’t have any interest, but my mother-in-law was reading and commenting – enjoying the story. So, my sister-in-law, Terri, picks up the pages mom had finished and turned them quickly – long story short – she ended up loving Jack! She bought a kindle just to read the final version. I figured Katherine Heigl could play Sandy. Sandy is blonde and beautiful and fixes herself up to look like Marilyn Monroe for Jack. Daphne Cole is going to be tough to cast being the most beautiful woman perhaps on the planet.

Tell us more about your main character, Jack Canon! What would his dream holiday destination be? Which celebrity would he love to meet in real life?

Jack Canon is an idealist, he wants to make the world better for all people.  His dream holiday would be a week in the mountains, waking up early to watch the morning sunrise. Jack's favorite celebrities are Anthony Hopkins, he thinks he'd be a good billionaire financier Gene Hobbs in the story.  He likes Katherine Haigle because she reminds him of Sandy Collins his beautiful assistant. He also likes Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks for their incredible performances.

Two months have passed since the long awaited inauguration of the New President of the United States - Jack Canon. Now he must live up to his promises. The World is wounded, people are hurting, the new President must keep the country afloat. Jack leads a very full life - The first couple's relationship is hot with passion, but he can never admit that to Sandy, his best friend who is also head over heels in love with him. The Women of the House provide a welcome distraction while helping with the arduous task of running the country.

As President Jack must make tough decisions: Global Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Korea on the brink of war, all while thwarting International Greed. Women of the House is a story of noble sacrifice at extremely high cost. Who's going to be the first to be strong enough and willing to pay? It's not all work in Women of the House - Think the Wedding of the Decade meets the Crime of the Century.

Jack Canon's Women of the House, is a story filled with Love, Lust, and Loyalty where passions can run wild! In Sandora's monumental sequel, patriotism and valor mingle with an undying love that refuses to quit. Ride along as Jack Canon fights back against the most evil people on the planet. Readers are sure to embrace this unforgettable tale which will appeal to fans of political adventure, suspense and romance alike. Jack Canon's Women of the House is a story of kindness, passion and courage that can't be separated.

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Genre - Romantic Thriller

Rating – PG-13

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Caroline Kennedy's Publishing Journey @StephenWardBook #expose #scandal #mustread

My Publishing Journey

Firstly I have to admit I was extremely fortunate in my original publishing journey. It all seemed to happen so swiftly and so easily. I had heard of writers struggling to get their manuscripts noticed, receiving numerous rejections and searching desperately for an agent who would put them on their books. Not so for me.

I realized I had the makings of a sensational book, i.e. it was not the accepted story of “The Profumo Affair” but a totally new look at the case with hard evidence demonstrating government wrongdoing, police corruption, judicial abuse of power and an Establishment bent on seeking revenge. At the same time I wanted to do justice to the story and had doubts about my ability to write it so that the greatest number of people would read it and reviewers would take it seriously.

So I decided to offer the research to a writer known for his investigative books – David Yallop (author of such best-selling books as “In God’s Name”, “The Day the Laughter Stopped” and “Beyond Reasonable Doubt”). I didn’t know David. I had never met him. But I had read his books and felt he was the right person to approach. I found out the name of his agent, Jenne Casseroto, wrote to her, and asked her if I could show him my material on Stephen Ward. To whet his appetite I included some of the research. To my amazement and thrill David Yallop called me less than 24 hours later and asked me to come to his house to show him what I had discovered that was so different from the accepted story about “The Profumo Affair”.

A day later I was in David Yallop’s house in North London with tapes, papers, documents, letters, interview transcripts all spread out on his living room floor. David, his wife Anna and myself pored through the research material most of the night. And then I posed the question, “Will you write the book, David?” He replied he would have loved to but he was on a deadline to write his own book. “However,” he said, “I want to introduce you to my publisher, Tom Maschler of Jonathan Cape, he will absolutely love this story.”

David Yallop kept his word. Within two days I was sitting in Tom Maschler’s office and it took David and me no time at all to convince him that this was going to be a special book. Tom was thrilled with the subject and impressed by the research. I expressed doubts, however, that I could do the book justice and asked his advice. He immediately suggested teaming up with Phillip Knightley, the long time investigative journalist at the Insight Team on the Sunday Times and a world-renowned expert on Intelligence Services and espionage. “This book,” announced Tom, “will be a number one best seller!” And he was right

"How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward" is a major expose of a government cover-up that has lasted half a century. It is a powerful story of sexual compulsion, political malice and ultimate betrayal. A number-one bestseller when it came out in 1987 under its original title, "An Affair of State", the book reveals never-before-heard testimony that has been uncovered by the authors in the years since the scandal broke. Using startling new evidence, including Ward’s own unpublished memoirs and hundreds of interviews with many who, conscience-stricken, have now spoken out for the first time, this important account rips through a half-century cover-up in order to show exactly why the government, the police forces, the Judiciary and the security forces decided to frame Stephen Ward. 

Stephen Ward is now the subject of an upcoming Andrew Lloyd-Weber musical and this book offers a wider perspective on its complex, central character as well as a broader insight into one of the greatest scandals of the past 100 years. As the authors’ research reveals, Ward’s “trial of the century” was caused by an unprecedented corruption of justice and political malice which resulted in an innocent man becoming a scapegoat for those who could not bear to lose power. This is an epic tale of sex, lies, and governmental abuse whose aftermath almost brought down the government and shook the American, British, and Soviet espionage worlds to their core. With its surprising revelations and meticulous research, Ward’s complete story can finally be told.

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Genre – Politics, Espionage, Scandal

Rating – PG-16

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Birth of an Assassin by Rik Stone @stone_rik

Chapter 42

Jez let his mind dwell on the ceiling’s dull paint rather than think about his recent nightmares. But those thoughts wouldn’t stay down: whatever happened, he would achieve justice for Viktor.

Anna came out of the bathroom, hair wrapped in a towel, turban style. “We still have time to travel south,” she said. He sighed. She looked desperate again. “Please think about it. I promise this isn’t a test. No tricks. I’m telling you what’s in my heart, and I think we should run.”

Vertical tracks forged between his eyebrows. “We’ve already been through this, Anna. I do trust you, but I’ve made my decision.”

“But I don’t think you’ve thought it out properly. From what I can see, Mitrokhin has high-ranking contacts everywhere and I don’t think even Petrichova can save you. The captain has the guile of a fox and his cunning outwits us all. Please, Jez,” she implored, “go with me now.”

He got off the bed and embraced her. “I don’t know why you’ve become so worried. I’d never imagined you like this, but whether what you say is true or not, I won’t run. I must win justice for Viktor – and for me, come to that. Viktor has been murdered and I’ve been set up to look like his killer.”

Anna wept against his chest, and he couldn’t figure why. Of what he knew about her, it was totally out of character.

“I want you to remember this,” she sobbed. “And I’m speaking from the heart. No matter what happens, this is what is real and this is the memory I want you to hold onto. I love you, Jez, I love you.”

Baffled, he realized that having a real relationship with a woman was an enigma. Her declaration seemed distressed rather than tender. The only way he could think of handling this was to let it go straight over his head.

“And I love you, Anna, but I must go back.”

*

Outside the hotel the snow lay thick, and despite the best efforts of a heavy blanket of cloud, the cold had worked its way through.

“I’m glad I packed the ski jacket. Cold or not, this suitcase has me overheating. I know you’ve put my stuff in with yours, but what a weight.”

“Just girl things,” she smiled, and stepped out ahead.

“That’s right, don’t wait for me. Oh…” he said, almost stopping, “I forgot to pay for my lodgings at the hotel.”

She turned and raised an eyebrow. He grinned.

“You’re right, all the troubles I’ve got and I should worry about paying for a room. I’ll let the state sort it out.”

She laughed.

They trudged through the snow until they came to Railway Station Square – part of Stalin’s rebuild of the city. Anna wore the same azure coat with fur trimmings and fur hat as on the second day of their reunion, and he wondered how such a beautiful woman could really be interested in him.

“You look like a film star dressed like that, but aren’t you worried someone might be following?”

She tutted. “You seem to be worrying enough for both of us.”

She was so avant-garde, maybe she hadn’t carried out as many missions as she’d suggested. “Oh well, nearly there,” he said.

She smiled sadly.

He stopped to cross an avenue near a trolley rank. Six or seven people queued closely together, ankle-deep in snow, exhaling frosted breath as they waited for their ride. At last, a lull in the traffic. Anna went ahead. Jez kept a half metre behind, but something jarred his senses. Above the din of the city an explosion rang out. He turned to the direction of the noise and then looked at Anna. A hole had opened and blossomed in the back of her coat. His heart seemed to stop beating. She’d been shot and he couldn’t move. The force of the bullet had arched her back. She spun to face him, stumbled, eyes widened in shock.

The crowd at the trolley rank scattered in panic and shrill screams pierced his ears. But still, he couldn’t move – Anna.

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Genre - Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Rating – R

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Website http://rik-stone.simdif.com

Author Interview – Vadim Babenko

What made you want to be a writer? The books I have been reading since childhood.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? In my opinion, the most difficult part of writing any novel is maintaining the required level of energy and concentration for the several years it takes to complete it.

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Of course, you learn while you write – systemizing all the thoughts you had before, going deeper into understanding the true nature of your ideas, your protagonists, their motivations, etc.

Maybe, sometimes, writing a book gives you a more authentic real life experience than real life itself.

Do you intend to make writing a career? As it’s written on one of my website pages, “writing for me is not a career, not a means to celebrity. It’s truly the essence of my being, the core of my existence.” And that’s true.

At the same time, I’m a full-time writer – I’m not seriously involved in anything else. I don’t know if this makes my writing a “career” or not.

What is your greatest strength as a writer? I’m able to concentrate on one idea for a long time, and I’m always willing to endlessly edit my texts. I consider a literary text to be finished only when it resists any further improvement. Yet I know that perfection is unachievable.

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Genre – Literary Fiction

Rating – PG13

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Website http://www.vadimbabenko.com/

Author Interview – Emma Right @emmbeliever

How important are friends in your life?

Very.

How many friends does a person need?

As many as he/she can handle. I feel every relationship needs maintenance and catching up, so it takes up a lot of time and investment.

What does love mean to you?

An emotion every person needs to dote on others, sometimes more than they realize.

Do you find the time to read?

I make time to read every night. No matter how late I get to bed, (and i sometimes don’t get to bed till the wee hours of the morning,) I try to read about 10-30 minutes. Sometimes my eyes are tearing away and I still go on reading. I feel that’s a way to improve my writing, too.

Last book you purchased? Tell us about it.

Cyber Storm by Matthew Maher. I heard it’s good, so I’m reading it now.

What is your favorite quality about yourself?

I don’t think there is anything I would call a favorite quality about myself. But if you put a gun to my head and force me, I’d say it’s my imagination.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself?

OMG. Too many to list.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

Switzerland, or New Zealand. I love snow-capped mountains.

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Genre - Young Adult Adventure Fantasy  

Rating – G

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Website http://www.emmaright.com/Home.aspx

Rik Stone Gives Practical Advice for Fiction Writers @stone_rik #amwriting #writetip

Practical Advice for Beginning Fiction Writers

The truth of the matter is a full length manuscript is nothing more than an expanded short story. And a short story is a blown up account of something that interested you over coffee, or in a pub, or a musing on the way to work, a joke, an anecdote, a newspaper article, an idea of what you might have done if you’d won the latest lottery (we’ve all been there). The source is endless. But whatever it is you come up with, it should have a beginning, middle and an ending. Obvious maybe, but having a complete idea of what you want before putting pen to paper is important. 

The Story: A writer formulates a tale from a basic idea and helps it grow; no one sees every word, line, or chapter of their text in the preamble of thought. At some point it might take on a life of its own where you feel your hand is merely being guided, but that can’t happen until you’ve made a start. Write your idea down in its simplest form. As I said, it needs a beginning, middle and an ending. Beginning; Tom falls for Mary and she likes him too. But Mary is seeing a boy called Harry. Middle: Harry is a bully and Mary has been afraid to break up with him for as long as she can remember. Tom is no hero but feels compelled to be with Mary. Ending: Tom is forced to stand up to Harry. Things go wrong; Harry gives Tom a good thrashing. But this gives Mary the strength to dump Harry and go off into the sunset with Tom… Not a blockbuster in the making, I’m sure, but you can see where I’m going. Those few short sentences provide a skeleton to put flesh on. Now you have your own idea written down, think about it before going further. It’s better to rearrange the bare bones before you have to start pulling flesh out the way to get at them.

Research: Okay, the words flowed, your ideas were brilliant – but were they accurate? Unless you’re writing something like Sci-fi or fantasy there is a high probability that your narrative will incorporate real events – make sure what you write is correct else the reader will lose belief in your ability: try to use more than one source to verify your work.

Patience equals quality: You finish your tale, great, you’re excited, the world of readers must see it, and they must see it now. Nope! From my own standing, you must complete at least 4 drafts – up to you, but that’s my unwritten rule. Done it, good, but you’re not finished. The work should be edited by a pro, and that even goes for the pro editor who writes; it is too easy to overlook your own mistakes. You’ve got it back from your editor – rewrite. Do not look at it and say they were wrong. They might be, but their interpretation is how they understood your written word, so if they didn’t get what you meant then you probably didn’t make it clear. Accept the criticism, that’s what you paid for. 

Finished: Not yet, you’ve rewritten the book and you love it. It couldn’t be better. So how come it isn’t finished? Well, it might be, but you’ve just messed about with work that has been professionally edited and the quality might have taken a dip. Pay out to have it copy-edited/proof read. The few extra pennies you spend will be worth it.

Done it all? Great, you’re finished – good luck with the next steps.

Set against the backdrop of Soviet, post-war Russia, Birth of an Assassin follows the transformation of Jez Kornfeld from wide-eyed recruit to avenging outlaw. Amidst a murky underworld of flesh-trafficking, prostitution and institutionalized corruption, the elite Jewish soldier is thrown into a world where nothing is what it seems, nobody can be trusted, and everything can be violently torn from him.

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Genre - Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Rating – R

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Connect with Rik Stone on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://rik-stone.simdif.com