http://awesomegang.com

Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers

1. Viral House -

   I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 13th, 1955. I grew up in Richmond Indiana and attended Richmond High School, graduating in 1973. I am married to Penni, and the father of Chris and grandfather to three grandsons, Austan, Ethan and Corbin. I recently became the great-grandfather to Katelyn. For the last ten years I have worked as an American Sign Language interpreter at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. My favorite things to do are read and write. I was first published in my high school literary book "The Quill", and have wanted to write a novel ever since. But some of us are late bloomers, and it took me 40 years to publish my first novel, "Viral House". Hopefully it won't take another 40 to write the next one. I hope you enjoy reading "Viral House" as much as I enjoyed writing it!

   Viral House is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
2. Winter’s Heart by Michael Kanuckel -

   Michael Kanuckel lives in a small Ohio farm town with his two sons. They share space with a library of over two thousand books and movies. Since the age of four, Michael has written fiction and said that he was going to be a writer. He has published short stories in various fantasy and science fiction magazines over the years. This is his first novel.

   Winter’s Heart by Michael Kanuckel is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
3. Rocked -

   Clara Bayard is a wealthy business owner who, following the brutal death of her parents, used that wealth to create a secret identity and a lot of cool gadgets in order to protect the city she adores, and keep others from experiencing the same pain she did. Wait, no. That's Batman. Clara is a just a regular gal living in the Mid-Atlantic region. She loves writing sexy stories about flawed people doing exciting things. When she's not writing she enjoys talking to strangers in bars and marathon-watching TV shows everyone else has seen already.

   Rocked is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
4. Gluten Free Vegetarian Cookbook: Gluten Free Recipes, Baking and Diet for Better Health by Sue Henderson -

   Sue Henderson was born in Liverpool and was brought up on a diet of meat and 4 Beatles. Sue has long since given up eating meat but she still hasn't given up The Beatles. She became a vegetarian in 1984 and moved to Perthshire, Scotland with her husband and 2 children in 1989. She was inspired to write her book "Gluten Free Vegetarian Cookbook" after her daughter was diagnosed with gluten intolerance. This came as a shock, as she had believed by following a vegetarian diet she had been giving her children the best start without suspecting that her daughter was suffering from coeliac disease. A Vegetarian coeliac cookbook was born out of her predicament. Her cook book offers a selection of family gluten-free vegetarian recipes. Please visit her website veggieblogger.com for more information about living a healthy vegetarian lifestyle as well as links to a variety of vegetarian topics.

   Gluten Free Vegetarian Cookbook: Gluten Free Recipes, Baking and Diet for Better Health by Sue Henderson is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
5. Lily Steps Out by Rita Plush -

   Rita Plush’s writing practice includes fiction and non-fiction. Her short stories appeared in many literary journals including The Alaska Quarterly Review, The Iconoclast, The MacGuffin and Passager, before they were included in the collection, Alterations (Penumbra 2013). She is the author of the novel, Lily Steps Out (Penumbra 2012). Rita, and the publication of Lily Steps Out was the feature article “published and proud,” in Newsday’s Act II section in July, 2012, and “Rita Steps Out,” was featured in the Times Ledger, August, 2012. She is at work on a second novel, Feminine Products, that follows some of the characters in “Lily.”

   Lily Steps Out by Rita Plush is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
6. I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room -

   Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace (optioned for a movie). She has published several short stories.

   I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
7. A Rifleman in World War II -

   Edward Watson is a retired military veteran and father/grandfather. He served 3 tours in World War II and spend months traveling the globe. He was raised in the south and enjoys spending free time with his family and pet dogs Molly and Jacob.

   A Rifleman in World War II is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
8. Halloween: 20+ Scary Stories & Ghost Stories -

   Uncle Amon began his career with a vision. It was to influence and create positive change in the world through children's books. Whether it be an important lesson or just creating laughs, Uncle Amon provides insightful stories that are sure to bring a smile to your face! His unique style and creativity stand out from other children's book authors, because often times he uses his life experiences to tell a tale of imagination and adventure. "I always shoot for the moon. And if i miss? I'll land in the stars." -Uncle Amon

   Halloween: 20+ Scary Stories & Ghost Stories is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
9. Motivation -

   Dave Ball is a self published Author and has been working online in some capacity since the advent of the internet. From selling on eBay to creating and designing websites, it is easy to say that Dave has a passion for all things web. After working successfully in the Web design arena for a decade, Dave then decided to get into internet marketing and also become an adviser for many with his blog www.daveballonline.com. Never one to chase the trend he decided that by writing books he could attain a higher readership in the areas he is passionate about, self help. Self help books according to Dave have been around for hundreds of years and he claims that a lot of it is just rehashed rubbish.The difference with Dave Balls books is that he writes about the tried and tested theories and brings his own experience in copyrighting to the fore and breaks down what should be complicated into an easy read.

   Motivation is a post from Awesome Gang

   
   
10. 21 Teen devotionals… for girls! -

    Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She gives all the glory to God for what He is doing through her life. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

    21 Teen devotionals… for girls! is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
11. Everyone Burns -

    “Makes a living by travelling, talking a lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and occasional smarty-pants.” John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.

    Everyone Burns is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
12. Selling Made Simple – How to Win More Sales Using 12 Dazzling Sales Strategies -

    Jim Meisenheimer shows salespeople and entrepreneurs how to increase sales, earn more money, have more fun, and how to do it all in less time. Common sense ideas that get immediate results. He’s been nominated to the Speaker Hall Of Fame four times. Jim is also the author of 7 books including the best selling “The 12 Best Questions To Ask Customers.” He is the creator of the Sales Trailblazer Sales Training Program which provides sales tips and proven selling strategies in 24 lessons spread over 24 weeks. His newest training program is for sales managers who want to become better. The program is called Effective Sales Management.

    Selling Made Simple – How to Win More Sales Using 12 Dazzling Sales Strategies is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
13. The Unwanted Winter -

    Richard Heredia was born in 1969 in the Canal Zone of Panama City, Panama. Having spent the first year of his life there, he has since moved to Los Angeles, California where he lives with his wife and children. Wanting to be a writer at a very young age, he began learning his craft through avid reading, after his mentor suggested he read as much as possible in order to learn from the best. Since that summer day in 1984, he has never stopped. After college and a successful career in the Tech Industry, four years ago, he finally decided to sit down and commit himself to his lifelong dream of writing novels. He is the author of the first two volumes of the Saga of the Twelve’s – The Unwanted Winter and Winter’s Fury (Reboot Jan. 2014) - and of Book One of the Shadow Seed Series – The Misbegotten. Aside from reading and writing, he enjoys listening to music, dancing with his babies, camping, fishing and playing the odd video game with his son. Keep an eye out for the third volume of the Saga of the Twelve’s – The Shroud of the Lesser - due out in Summer 2014. Richard has slated Estefan’s Death, Book Two of the Shadow Seed Series, for publication sometime in 2015.

    The Unwanted Winter is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
14. The Misbegotten -

    Richard Heredia was born in 1969 in the Canal Zone of Panama City, Panama. Having spent the first year of his life there, he has since moved to Los Angeles, California where he lives with his wife and children. Wanting to be a writer at a very young age, he began learning his craft through avid reading, after his mentor suggested he read as much as possible in order to learn from the best. Since that summer day in 1984, he has never stopped. After college and a successful career in the Tech Industry, four years ago, he finally decided to sit down and commit himself to his lifelong dream of writing novels. He is the author of the first two volumes of the Saga of the Twelve’s – The Unwanted Winter and Winter’s Fury (Reboot Jan. 2014) - and of Book One of the Shadow Seed Series – The Misbegotten. Aside from reading and writing, he enjoys listening to music, dancing with his babies, camping, fishing and playing the odd video game with his son. Keep an eye out for the third volume of the Saga of the Twelve’s – The Shroud of the Lesser - due out in Summer 2014. Richard has slated Estefan’s Death, Book Two of the Shadow Seed Series, for publication sometime in 2015.

    The Misbegotten is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
15. Surviving your Holyday by Klaus G. Muller -

    Dr. Klaus G. Muller has worked – in a former incarnation – as an investment banker in Dusseldorf, Paris, New York, Brussels, Luxemburg and Rome. During more than 300 business and private trips he fell victim to the travel bug. Since many years he has now been crossing the five continents and visited a hundred countries. His experiences as a globetrotter led to the publication of the present book ( printed by Beck publishing house of 1763, Munich – first edition sold out in seven months, now out of print). The updated and extended text is now published as e-book. Having a Chinese heart, another of his printed books is a chat about the history of civilisation of the Middle Kingdom and about a charming collector's item: "A Pinch of China. Snuff Bottles – Mirror of the Chinese Soul", German and English in one volume, with many beautiful photographs of his collection (Böhlau Publishers, Vienna). He is just finishing a manuscript "How to Make Your Business Trip a Success."

    Surviving your Holyday by Klaus G. Muller is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
16. Master Your Self-Defeating Emotions -

    Roger K. Allen, Ph.D., is a highly respected expert and innovator of personal and organizational development services and products. As founder of the Human Development Institute, Roger has delivered hundreds of workshops and seminars on topics of personal growth which have been acclaimed as among the most powerful learning experiences available anywhere. Since 2000, Roger has certified over 700 consultants and coaches around the country to utilize his personal and organizational development products.

    Master Your Self-Defeating Emotions is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
17. 21 Power Habits for a Winning Life -

    Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, teacher, musician and songwriter. Krystal specializes in helping people live their best life now, reach their full potential, overcome barriers, heal from their past, & develop a happiness lifestyle. Krystal is the co-founder of New Day Counseling in Michigan. Her web sites include: Christian-Kindle-Books.com, BeHappy4Life.com, NewDayCounseling.org, NewSongProductions.com, Baby-Poems.com as well as Facebook.com/WordsOfInspiration, and Be Your Best blog.

    21 Power Habits for a Winning Life is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
18. Willpower: The Owner’s Manual – 12 Tools for Doing the Right Thing -

    Frank Martela, PhD, is currently a visiting scholar in the Human Motivation Research Group at the University of Rochester, NY. His research concentrates on the ultimate factors of human motivation. Frank has wide experience in lecturing about motivation and willpower for both academic and general audiences. He has gained personal experience with willpower while participating in four different Worldloppet cross-country skiing marathons in Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Switzerland. Most recently, utilizing the tools he learned while writing this book, he ran his first marathon in Mad Marathon, Vermont, in one of the more challenging US marathon courses with over 850 feet of vertical between the lowest and highest points of the course.

    Willpower: The Owner’s Manual – 12 Tools for Doing the Right Thing is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
19. Firefall -

    J. H. Bográn, born and raised in Honduras, is the son of a journalist. He ironically prefers to write fiction rather than fact. José’s genre of choice is thrillers, but he likes to throw in a twist of romance into the mix. His works include novels and short stories in both English and Spanish. He’s a member of the Short Fiction Writers Guild and the International Thriller Writers where he also serves as the Thriller Roundtable Coordinator and contributor editor their official e-zine The Big Thrill.

    Firefall is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
20. Spooks (The Phoenix Saga, Pt 1) by Paul Howard -

    I am an author, screenwriter and film maker, my screen credits include the cult classic "Night Terror" (1990) and the soon to be released "Hunt For the Desert Apeman" in collaboration with M.L. Behrman. I published my first novel: "The Galley"(2012) and its' short story extract: "The Unthinkable (The Great Fire of Rome)"(2012). My newest books are "Timelines: The Beethoven Incident"(2013) and the first installment of "The Palindrome Chronicles": the short story "We Were Here!(2013)" In October my newest book, "Spooks" was published. After spending my early years in the Midwest, I migrated to Southern California where I received most of my education. There is an old saying: "You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy." I think that's true in my case. Although I've lived in L.A. most of my life, the simple ways of Southern Illinois are still close to my heart. I love the opportunities to get away to the quiet of the deserts and countryside. It helps me to think. My joys in life are playing the guitar and spending time with my grandchildren, (as well as writing!). As or m style of writing, what can I say. Once, in my college days, a literary mentor of mine commented that he was "Shocked and appalled by the naked austerity of your prose. Don't ever change it!" I followed his advice. My books are compact in verse, but not in content.

    Spooks (The Phoenix Saga, Pt 1) by Paul Howard is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
21. The Price by Mark Holborn -

    Mark Douglas Holborn was born in the small village of Lambeth, just outside London Ontario. Lambeth the typical town where everyone knew their neighbors, no one locked their doors, and parents never knew where their kids were except at feeding times. In between playing either hockey or baseball he acquired a vast collection of comic books to help feed an overactive imagination. With the help of his grandmother his passion for reading evolved to books of both fantasy and history. Visiting family in England and Scotland seeing the castles, weapons, armor and the battlefields fueled that imagination deeper. After watching Star Wars for the hundredth time he wrote his first novel in three days, the inability to sleep and the constant clicking of the typewriter greatly annoyed the rest of the family. After graduating High School and the local college he got married, and enjoyed a career in the Financial Industry. Fathering two amazing kids, he still found a little time to keep writing, working on different novels at the same time. Now being a single parent, one child done university the other almost done he has been able to devote more time into finishing and re-writing previous books.

    The Price by Mark Holborn is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
22. Love & the Goddess -

    Living in Ireland, Mary Elizabeth Coen is a former teacher and lifestyle journalist. Mary Elizabeth developed a passion for writing, mythology, philosophy and the study of ancient spiritual traditions. As an avid researcher, she travelled to Mayan sites in Mexico, visited a famous healer’s ashram in Brazil and undertook a shamanic journey through Peru. Mary E. runs a website called Goddess MECA where she shares her love of books, cookery, nutrition, fashion and mythology. The url is www.goddessmeca.com

    Love & the Goddess is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
23. 30 Days To Loving God With All Your Heart -

    Paul Meier received a Masters of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a Masters of Sacred Theology degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He is now an ordained Lutheran pastor and has served ten years in parish ministry. Meier writes from the practical viewpoint of someone who spent fifty years asking questions as a layperson: high school teacher, coach, and small businessman. He admits to frustration with the church in its slowness to embrace new ideas and its reluctance to speak boldly against theologies developed by the ancients that now serve tradition and the institutional church more than they serve people. When he gets too frustrated, he goes fishing. He's a member of the board of directors for Trinity/HOPE, an organization that feeds children in Haiti (www.trinityhope.org) and also serves as the chairperson in his synod for the ELCA Malaria Campaign as it joins others to eradicate malaria from third world countries.

    30 Days To Loving God With All Your Heart is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
24. Screaming To Be Solved -

    Lauren Hope creates a modern twist on the classic ‘whodunit’ story through intriguing suspense intertwined with hints of romance and mystery. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, studying abroad in Italy, a tiring run as a news anchor, and working in the corporate world, Lauren decided writing was her ultimate love and calling. She set to work on her first series and was published in 2008. She is the author of the enthusiastically reviewed Shadow Series – Hidden Shadows and its sequel, Chasing Shadows - and her newest novel, Screaming To Be Solved.

    Screaming To Be Solved is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
25. Untethered by Katie Hayoz -

    Katie Hayoz was born in Racine, WI, but ended up in Geneva, Switzerland, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two fuzzy cats. She devours YA novels like she does popcorn and black licorice: quickly and in large quantities. Untethered is her first novel and won 2nd place in the Mslexia children's/young adult novel competition.

    Untethered by Katie Hayoz is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
26. Stranger Danger – How to Talk to Kids About Strangers by Kristi Porter -

    Always a reader, Kristi Porter never thought much about writing until she entered a writing contest sponsored by the Detroit Free Press. Her nightmare vacation story - The Worst Vacation Ever - went on to be published in a travel anthology that sold over a million copies worldwide. This was followed by numerous articles published in local magazines and newspapers. As her love of writing grew, she added adult fiction and short humor pieces to her repertoire. But writing isn't all Kristi does. A preschool teacher, she won the Governor's Award for her work with young children and is dedicated to the education of young children. She also enjoys bicycling, video games, photography, Facebook, and spending time with family. She lives in Michigan with her husband, son, and a menagerie of cats.

    Stranger Danger – How to Talk to Kids About Strangers by Kristi Porter is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
27. Tear Stained Beaches -

    Courtney Giardina has always had a creative streak and a wild imagination. She has been fascinated by writing and the entertainment industry since she was a kid. Courtney grew up dancing, cheerleading and playing piano before she turned to writing as her creative outlet. She won an award for her writing in elementary school and wrote countless poems, songs and short stories. Courtney was born and raised just outside of Rochester, NY. In 2012, she moved to Charlotte, NC and has been focusing on finally doing all the things she said she would do “someday.” After making a New Year’s Resolution in 2012 to write her first novel, Courtney completed Tear Stained Beaches after 9 months of long nights and wearing out the delete button on her keyboard. She has also started acting and has appeared in 3 short films in the Charlotte, NC area. She has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys living a very healthy lifestyle.

    Tear Stained Beaches is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
28. 21 Power Habits for a Winning Life by Krystal Kuehn -

    Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, teacher, musician and songwriter. Krystal specializes in helping people live their best life now, reach their full potential, overcome barriers, heal from their past, & develop a happiness lifestyle. Her inspirational and empowering approach has been helping people all over the world for over 20 years. Her articles, poetry, and songs have been published locally and internationally. Krystal has a passion for encouraging others. She believes everyone has untapped potential for greatness, and everyone can live a life of fulfillment and true happiness. Krystal is the co-founder of New Day Counseling in Michigan. Her web sites include: Christian-Kindle-Books.com, BeHappy4Life.com, NewDayCounseling.org, NewSongProductions.com, Baby-Poems.com as well as Facebook.com/WordsOfInspiration, and Be Your Best blog.

    21 Power Habits for a Winning Life by Krystal Kuehn is a post from Awesome Gang

    
    
29. MISTER D: A CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK ABOUT OVERCOMING DOUBTS AND FEARS by Elizabeth Stevens -

    Mister D, the first book by film and television writer/producer, Elizabeth Stevens, is an empowering, entertaining fable for 4-8 year olds about overcoming doubts and fears. Elizabeth was born in Boston and currently lives in South Pasadena, California with her husband and writing partner, James Bruner, and their family. A romantic drama, "Ice Dreams", written by Elizabeth and James for The Hallmark Channel, was nominated for the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for Television by MovieGuide.org. The Story Behind Mister D Like so many other parents, I used to take my daughter, Jennifer, to her Karate lessons several times a week. It was a big part of our lives. She took Karate from one of Chuck Norris' senior Black Belts. Chuck was active in his schools and we used to see him all the time at the belt tests. One day before one of her advanced belt tests, Jennifer nervously said to me, "What if I make a mistake during the test?" I felt for her. She looked so scared. I think she was nervous that she would let me down. I wouldn't have been disappointed, of course, not if she had tried her best. I asked her, "Do you know everything you need to know for the next belt?" "Yes, I do." she said. I then asked, "Have you practiced?" Of course, I knew that she had practiced since I always watched her class, but I was trying to make a point. She smiled and said, "Yes, Mom, I have practiced a lot." I told her that when you have doubts and fears then you can't focus. And when you're not focused, that's when you can make mistakes. I suddenly thought of something. "Why don't you think of your doubts as Mister D... During your test, if you feel scared, just say in your mind -- Go away Mister D!" Jennifer looked at me and nodded. I could tell that she liked the idea. She tested and did really well. After it was over, she ran up to me, showed me her new belt, and said, "It worked!" Jennifer was so excited. I was too. I was so happy that something I thought of to help her, had actually helped her. I told my husband, James, about it later that evening. "You should write it as a children's book," he said. I told him that I didn't know if I could. He then said to me, "You better tell Mister D to go away."

    MISTER D: A CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK ABOUT OVERCOMING DOUBTS AND FEARS by Elizabeth Stevens is a post from Awesome Gang