VBT Cafe' Blog

Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day - Meet & Greet with Lauren Clark - Dancing Naked in Dixie

Lauren Clark writes contemporary women’s fiction set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with love, family and friendship, and the challenges that life unexpectedly throws at all of us!

“This is a very fast paced story that is often laugh out loud funny, but it also has its somber moments. The author’s storytelling ability allowed me to actually visualize the story as it unfolded.”
-Brenda C, Readers Favorite

Her characters are real women; smart and sassy, who tackle complicated issues with tenacity and intelligence. Readers will empathize and relate to her flawed yet likable heroines. A former TV anchor and journalist at WWNY and WTVY, Lauren’s stories allow us an insight into the excitement, drama and fast- paced world of media.

“Author Lauren Clark writes so well you can feel what the characters feel.”
-Lauren Davis, News Anchor WVLT-TV

Lauren is a reformed news junkie, a non-reformed coffee drinker, and an official library geek. Her big loves are family, paying it forward, eight hours of sleep a night, and homemade macaroni and cheese. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast where she is surrounded by family and and true-blue friends that inspire her writing and keep her sane.

Stay Tuned is Lauren’s debut novel. Her second book, Dancing Naked in Dixie is due for release in May 2012.Sign up to Lauren’s newsletter to stay in the loop with all of Lauren’s book news!

“If you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella (author of “Confession of a Shopaholic”) and Emily Giffin (author of “Something Borrowed”), then I think you will be truly enjoy this novel.”
- The Romance Bookie

Genre: Southern Fiction/Chick Lit/Light Romance
Release Date: May 2012

Website: http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/

Find Lauren’s books on Amazon here!

Main Website Tour Link: http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/category/laura%20clark/1.html

Giveaway - There will be a grand prize giveaway for a signed print of Stay Tuned , her first novel, and 2 $15 Gift Cards.

Dancing Naked in Dixie
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.
With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.
Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

Schedule:

May 28 - Review & Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 29 - Review & Interviewed at Books Are Cool
May 30 - Interviewed at AZ Publishing Services
May 31 - Review & Interviewed at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
June 1 - Reviewed at Hire to Inspire
June 1 - Reviewed at Ereading on the Cheap
June 4 - Review & Interviewed at My Reading Addiction
June 6 - Interviewed at Mk McClintock's Blog
June 7 - Interviewed by Ami Blackwelder

June 8 - Reviewed by Cindy Vine
June 8 - Reviewed at Taking Time for Mommy

June 11 - Review & Interviewed at B00k R3vi3wS
June 12 - Review & Interviewed at Froggarita's Bookcase
June 14 - Reviewed at A Library of Our Own
June 16 - Reviewed at Self Taught Cook

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Introduction with Chrisso Courtis - Chrisso Diet

Chrisso is a Diet expert. He graduated from Ashworth College with a degree in (Nutrition, Diet, and, Health) Chrisso has read nearly all the diet books, and knows what really works. He has also done extensive research about diets and how they affect .people

Publisher is Publish Green ---
Chrisso has a degree in Nutrition Diet and Health

Genre: Diet/Fitness

Date of Release: March 25/2012

Purchase Link - http://www.amazon.com/Chrisso-Diet-Thin-Life-ebook/dp/B007OXT4O4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337915319&sr=1-1

Website - http://chrissodiet.devhub.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chrissodiet
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chrissodiet

Chrisso Diet is a diet program that will help you lose weight fast
and it will also help you remain slender for the rest of your life.

This Diet/Lifestyle book is like no other...

Chrisso earned a degree in ( Nutrition , Diet , and Health)

Chrisso knows all the right and proper secrets to weight loss.

{He is a Diet Expert}

He has done extensive research on nutrition, diet , and health. All that we can say is that this unique diet plan works.

The diet will really help you achieve your desired goal weight.

How the program works - You will follow the three-step regime:

STEP 1: The Begin Step [ A 20 Day Program ]

STEP 2: The Add-On Step [ Until you reach your goal weight ]

STEP 3: The Maintenance Step [ Secrets , tips , and advice on remaining thin forever! ]

Chrisso's incomparable diet book will guide you ( The Easy Way )

Chrisso's intention is to help you achieve you perfect dream body.

You will find out many tricks and tips on managing your weight.

In Chrisso Diet , Chrisso reveals life-altering weight loss secrets.

This extraordinary Diet book will truly change your life forever.

The Book Also contains 40 very powerful Affirmations

The Final chapter includes Healthy recipes like: soups , salads , and main dishes.

The Chrisso Diet, is a diet Celebrities will love!

Schedule:

Book Blitz Sponsors
June 18
Virtual Book Tour Cafe'Authors Promoting AuthorsSoliloquy
My World
MK McClintock
Black Diamond's Book Reviews
AZ Publishing Services
Books, Books, and More Books
Cindy Vine
Margaret West

Tour:

May 27 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 29 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
June 5 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
June 7 - Interviewed by Margaret West
June 11 - Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
June 13 - Guest Blogging at Words I Write Crazy
June 15 - Book Featured at Hard Cover Feedback
June 18 - Book Blitz
June 20 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
June 22 - Interviewed & Reviewed at My World
June 26 - Interviewed at KWOD Radio
June 28 - Interviewed & Reviewed at Black Diamond's Book Reviews
July 2 - Interviewed at MK McClintock's Blog
July 3 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
July 5 - Reviewed at A Word Fitly Spoken
July 6 - Interview & Review at A Book Lover's Library
July 9 - Guest Blogging at Mass Musings
July 12 - Author & Recipe Feature at Writing Innovations Ezine
July 19 - Book Featured at Louise James' Blog
July 23 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Book Blitz with Great Prizes - 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously by Christine Agro

www.theconsciouslivingguide.com

Today Only! Click the link above for full details.

"Life is a journey. Spiritual evolution is a spiral. Living a conscious life puts you in the driver’s seat of your own magnificently spiraling journey." Christine Agro

We've been asleep at the wheel of our lives and the time is now to wake-up and start steering!

In this inspirational book, metaphysical expert Christine Agro shares 8 simple yet powerful tools, life changing insight into why we are here and how our lives work, as well as 42 concepts that encourage and support conscious living.

Have you ever wondered why certain relationships are so challenging, or just wished you could find greater balance and inner peace? Christine's information is simple and life changing. Once you read it, your view of life and the people you interact with will be positively changed forever.

Christine agro is an inspiring metaphysical expert. As a clairvoyant, empowering teacher and natural healer, she has, for 12 years, been helping people understand and embrace the true beauty of being here on this planet. She has been sharing her unique approach to health, wellness and conscious living for more than 12 years. Christine provides a truly holistic overview, whether in one-on-one sessions, in courses and workshops or speaking. Praised by grateful women, parents, animal guardians and celebrity clients across the globe for her intuitive and extraordinary gifts as a healer, she has been hailed as “magical”, “transformational” and “inspiring.” Christine has been featured in The New York Times and has been interviewed on radio shows around the world, quoted in health and consumer magazines and e-zines nationwide and is the founder of The Conscious Living Guide ™. In 2001 Christine graduated from the School of Natural Medicine with degrees in Naturopathy, Western Herbs, Iridology, and Natural Physician. She also completed three years of Clairvoyant study at the Inner Connection Institute in Denver Colorado. In 2000 Christine received her Raw Foods Teacher Certification from the Ann Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico and Christine received her Yoga Teacher Certification from the Shambavanda School of Yoga based in Colorado. Christine lives outside of NYC and shares her life with her husband Chuck and son Caidin as well as Brew the dog, Cassie the Cat, Cha Cha Blue the Parakeet and all the animals who visit her daily.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Meet & Greet with Dana Rongione - The Delaware Detectives

Hi! My name is Dana Rongione. (Yes, I know that's a mouthful.) I live in Greenville, SC with my husband, Jason, and my two dogs, Tippy and Mitch.

Having been a Christian for nearly 28 years, I know what it is like to experience both joy in the journey and weariness in well-doing. Currently self-employed as a writer and speaker, I struggle (like many other Christians) to balance the demands of work, family, church, health, chores, etc.

I enjoy all types of writing, but my true joy lies in writing devotionals that will encourage and uplift the weak and weary Christian. This blog, A Word Fitly Spoken, is currently read in over 15 different countries, allowing me the opportunity to spread the message of hope and joy throughout the world. I also have another blog, Song of the Day, that offers the truth of the Word in song.
I currently have three published devotionals and numerous articles in magazines and e-zines across the country. I am available to speak at local ladies' meetings or writers' workshops. You can find out more about me and my ministry by visiting my website at DanaRongione.com.

Publisher: A Word Fitly Spoken Press
Genre: Middle-grade Mystery
Release Date: March 2012
Website:http://DanaRongione.com

Purchase Link:http://www.amazon.com/The-Delaware-Detectives-Dana-Rongione/dp/1470007460/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334771853&sr=8-2

http://www.facebook.com/danarongione.author

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4998892.Dana_Rongione

What do the following have in common: a muntjac deer, a toilet, and a hairless cat? They are three key factors in uncovering a treasure that may or may not exist. But for Abby and Jamie Patterson, these items are essential ingredients to fulfilling their grandfather's greatest desire. Is the fortune real, or are the siblings following a path to nowhere as set down by an eccentric old woman? The quest is on, and time is running out.

One Commenter from the tour will win a Kindle Gifted Copy.May 22 - Meet & Greet at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 24 - Reviewed & Interviewed at Books Are Cool
May 30 - Guest Blogging & Review at Loves 2 Read
May 31 - Guest Blogging at This Author's LifeJune 2 - Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
June 5 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
June 7 - Interviewed at MK McClintock's Blog
June 11 - Interviewed & Reviewed at A Book Lover's Library
June 13 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
June 15 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
June 19 - Interviewed at Unnecessary Musings
June 21 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
June 26 - Interviewed at Hardcover Feedback
June 28 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews

Monday, May 21, 2012

Meet & Greet with Deidre Havrelock - Saving Mary:The Possession

Today we are pleased to introduce you to Deidre Havrelock, the author of Saving Mary. Welcome to the first day of your tour Deidre. We are so glad to have you.

Deidre believes theology is for everyone! It’s for working moms and soccer parents and for introverted engineers who don’t know what to say at dinner parties. It’s for energetic athletic-types who traverse mountains on cool bikes and for lethargic teenagers who write dark poetry. It’s for Trekkies and Twihards and Gleeks, nurses and teachers and those who Twitter and Ping. It’s for older people with Labs and round-faced happy people with too many cats. In other words, theology is not just for theologians. Did you get that? You do not have to be an intellectual to comprehend theology. You do not have to be a preacher. And yes, there is so much more to the Bible than what churches, on average, are currently teaching. Understanding the spiritual teachings of your Christian faith is fun … and more than that, it’s important.

Genre Spiritual Memoir

Publisher Etcetera Press

Release Date April 1, 2012

Format kindle

Purchase Link http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Mary-Possession-Book-ebook/dp/B007QG7P3G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333559298&sr=1-1

Website Link www.deidrehavrelock.com

If you’re a fan of supernatural fiction then you will be captivated by this true story about a spiritually sensitive girl and the path that led to her possession. Part one of a two-part series, Saving Mary is the story of a modern-day Mary Magdalene—the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons.

Deidre Daily is drawn to anything seemingly spiritual, desperately seeking a spiritual existence. But inside this vibrant girl hides a terrified child who sincerely believes she has married the devil. Through a series of spiritual encounters her fear turns into reality, and she ends up possessed.

Deidre’s fascinating memoir relays her story from childhood to adolescence: invisible eyes leering at her from the corner of her bedroom, horrible nightmares tormenting her, and her desperate attempt to find God—only to end up possessed. It is a candid account of possession from a first-person perspective. This dark memoir brings to light an intricate world of deceitful spirits hell-bent on manipulating and damaging an innocent girl’s life, not only through her dreams, but also through seemingly every-day encounters.

Schedule:

May 21 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 23 - Guest Blogging at Mass Musings
May 25 - Interviewed & Reviewed at Black Diamond's Book Reviews
May 30 - Interview & Review at A Book Lover's Library
June 4 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
June 6 - Interviewed & Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
June 8 - Book Featured at Louise James' Blog
June 12 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
June 14 - Interviewed at Books Are Magic
June 19 - Guest Blogging & Review at My World
June 21 - Interviewed by Margaret West

June 21 - Book featured at The Book HoardJune 25- Reviewed & Interviewed at The Writing World
June 27 - Reviewed at The Lucky Ladybug
June 29 - Guest Blogging & Review at Indie Writer's Review
June 30 - Reviewed at Self Taught Cook

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Hot Topic Tuesday - Are You A Spammer?

Social Networking - Right vs. Wrong. Are you a spammer?

We see it all the time, especially on Twitter. "Hey! My book is now available. You will love it. Read it and let me know what you think! www.purchase.com"

"Did you get a chance to read it yet? www.purchase.com"

"I know you want to read my book. You will love it. Go buy it now. www.purchase.com"

So what makes these statements spam?

When a random @username is placed in front of it and you have not developed a relationship with that person. Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to market and promote yourself, and just picking random followers from your list is a good way to lose followers and possibly get you booted off Twitter and Facebook.

I cannot tell you how annoying it is when people start doing this, trying to gain reviews. It is wrong. You cannot just blast people with this type of information. You will get turned in for spamming and even lose your account. There are proper channels to take, and a professional manner to approach others to get your book in reader's hands.

We've discussed it before, and if you signed up for our newsletter, you even got our free ebook on Building Your Platform. You need to form a relationship with your readers/followers, before you start blasting them with info about your book. I know we all want sales, but guess what? You are in business for yourself now, and you will need to treat it like a business. So many forget this, and it only hurts them in the long run.

People will eventually unfriend you and just start ignoring your tweets and status messages. Is that what you really want?

Wrong: Picking random people and tweeting them everyday to buy and review your book.
Right: Use lists, put your twitter followers into a list of reviewers. Form a relationship with them.

Wrong: Friending people just to talk about you.
Right: Form a relationship with them. Never friend anyone you don't really want to be friends with hopes to gain a new fan.

Wrong: Using the link to purchase your book in every single tweet.
Right: Use your purchase link in your About Me.

My good friend RachelintheOC wrote a great post on this very subject, check it out Don't Be A Social Media Douche. She also offers training in social networking via Bad Redhead Media. Get a consult with her by emailing rachelintheoc@gmail.com

Are you a spammer?

What drives you most crazy with social networking?

If you would like to submit a topic for Hot Topic Tuesday, please send email to bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Immortality For Your Soul! Introduction - Demon Vampire by Virgil Allen Moore

Excerpt:

His eyes closed. The red apparition somehow soothed and calmed him. It was speaking directly now. It was murder. He could hear it above the raging storm coursing through him. It forced upon him glimpses of her dead body, a sight of torment. “The vast ocean of power I can grant you. The encompassing absolution of being I offer, to walk without equal as an abomination among monsters. To be feared as no other.” The voice sighed inside him. It's breath warm on the back of his thoughts. “Am I truly so disgusting? Is this not what you asked for? Do I not tempt you? Offer you what you need? Do I not wet your tongue with my invitation?”
Fear swept him, his choices were not sovereign. His gut knotted in indecision. The hot blanket of seduction that had cloaked him was convincing. It was generously welcoming. He hesitated, not knowing the demon's destination or his own. He could feel his soul slipping, a grip once tight, now failing him.
党Let it happen, give yourself to me. All you ever have to do, is acknowledge me. Your soul will satisfy my desires, my requirements.” The voice was commanding. It spoke as a god dwelling in the recesses of his senses. It continued. “Rip, tear, rend, and swallow the blood like milk.” The demon inside beckoned with a sadistic suggestion.
He was unsure, the deal was tempting, even acceptable in a sick flight of fancy. The power was enthralling. His confliction was disturbing, he was not a murderer. He knew as much, as he doubted his own integrity. It was tempting, wet in his mouth, keen on his fingertips. Absolute strength on a level unrivaled. The knowledge that no other being would ever be able to contest him. It was a spectacular promise. It was seductive.
The voice posed its question a final time. Its confidence was unrelenting. “Is my simple price so steep, so dire, costly, that you would die a fool's death to deny me the path fate has allowed me to etch in the stars?”

Demon Vampire asks the question, if given the choice to have power, grace, and immortality at the cost of your soul, what would you do? What if the choice was easier than you think? Small incremental segments of you childhood for a boost in strength? The ability to protect your loved ones for the corners of your mind that you don't often use? Regeneration for the traits that make you who you are? If faced with a grave decision of morality, what would you choose?

Virgil Allen Moore has been writing for seventeen years. He began as a poet and eventually turned to long fiction. In his words "My pen wields visceral morality as I write. I use my poetic knowledge to woo and satiate the minds of the world." His books are written for their vivid imagery and well defined storytelling. He blends old world refinement with a modern feel in a way that gives strength to the core of his novels. With his books, you are left not just with a sense of accomplishment, but a moral choice. The reader has choice over how they feel through the story. The ordeals of the characters are transmuted to the reader, lending a direct sensation of emotion that only the best novels can evoke. When you read his words, you will be rewarded. As he says, "If you enjoy vampires, you will be enthralled by mine."