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Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers

1. Background Check - Valerie McGilvrey has an extensive background in investigations, background searches and skip tracing. Her first book, Skip Trace Secrets has become an industry standard. She has been interviewed by Psychology Today, written articles for Allstate and is the editor and writer for her online blog thedailyskip.com
   
2. The problem of getting Rich Quik … part two - Here’s the bottom line… I love to laugh, I love to drink and I love to eat. I love writing. As a child I had stories going through my head. It took me a long time to realise I should write them down, therefore clearing my mind. Little did I know another one would pop up! I wanted to be painter since I was a child. I was told, while being assessed at the end of my art foundation, I should go into drama or be a stand-up comedian. I’m short, so even if I did ‘stand up’ it’d be hard to see me and I realise that was their way of telling me I was rubbish at art. I’ve worked in various jobs and I have been extremely lucky to do what I wanted to do… though I have a habit of changing my mind every so often. If you want something, go for it. The only thing holding you back is you. You only have one life so don’t say ‘if only’ say ‘well at least I tried’. Writing, like anything creative, is an exposure. Not everyone likes what you write, what you say or what you think… but some people do. That’s my focus. On the people who like what you write… what I write. And what keeps me going? Microdermabrasion and margaritas … seriously…
   
3. American Karma – Twilight of the Marijuana Gods by Doug Shear - I'm the author of two books: Rhubarb Culture, a futuristic novel set in a Miami, and American Karma - Twilight of the Marijuana Gods, a memoir about hitchhiking across America in the 1970s. My first play, Saint Peter at the Gate, was produced in Toronto, Canada and Boca Raton, Florida. I also write and perform spoken word pieces, such as A Loophole in Law of Karma at the Life Out Loud event in Ybor City, Florida, as well as My Big Fat Greek Dick, Nitro & Glycerin and Mudfishing at the Actor's Playhouse in Coral Gables, Florida. To blow off steam, I perform stand-up comedy at seedy local clubs that I would never visit as a patron. To make a living, I do a variety of things. I have a small succulent and cactus nursery in my backyard where I grow and sell items on eBay and Etsy. I have some niche websites that make a trickle of money, such as http://intimatehair.com and http://primopot.com and http://moneyslant.com. And I do a bit of marketing for some select clients. Eventually I hope to figure out what to do with my life. My email is dougshear@aol.com
   
4. The Bride by Kacie Taylor - I love to write! Even if I never make it big as an author, I will continue creating characters and places for them to exist outside my imagination. I also read, cook, eat, draw, paint, snuggle with my hubby, play with my niece and nephews, eat some more, and spend time with family. Oh, and I watch a hideous amount af TV. Curse you, Netflix!
   
5. Suburban Underbelly by Michele Theron - Thank you so much for considering my new book. Michele
   
6. Straight Talk From Heaven - Martha McGinnis is a suburban housewife and mother of three. She received her MBA degree and worked in the business world for many years. John McGinnis is a retired lawyer who transcribed these psychic conversations, recording Martha's words as they poured forth spontaneously. The technique used for these readings is described in our volume in some detail. We are told that others are capable of using the same methods to contact not only family members, but other people in heaven as well. A major theme of this book is that communications from earth are received with joy in heaven. A fund of divine wisdom awaits those who reach out to God's kingdom. You can listen to an interview with John McGinnis by following this link: http://www.loatoday.net/john-mcginnis-conversing-with-the-other-side/
   
7. 1,001+ German Language Flash Cards - Dominik Schröder is a German Language teacher from Hamburg. He is a husband and father to three children between the ages of 4 and 9, one boy and two girls.
   
8. 1,001+ French Language Flash Cards - Professor Pierre Dubois is a French Language teacher from Normandy. He is a husband to Alice Dubois and father to two young children, one boy and one girl. Teaching French is his passion and his teaching methods have always been driven by research and backed by science.
   
9. Intermezzo, A Short Love Story - Ida Tornovski was born into a politically divided Europe. Writing only in English now, she spends her time between the ‘Old Country’ and the United States.
   
10. Racing Dragons by Todd A. Burnett - Born in Idaho, but living in the UK, Todd is an avid reader of authors like Pratchett, Adams, Rowling and Tolkien. Having served in the US Navy for 8 years, Todd has seen a few places. His career in writing has mainly been for reports and technical authoring, but he has a "Superior" award for copywriting from the Journalism Education Association of America. He enjoys raising his young son and reading anything he can get his hands on, but would love to find the time to write his next novel.
    
11. The Weight of Gold by Thomas K. Carpenter - Thomas K. Carpenter writes in diverse genres including YA dystopia, post-cyberpunk science fiction, dark and gritty fantasy, and alternate reality historical mystery. His latest series, the Alexandrian Saga, has garnered rave reviews from readers and critics. His best selling novels and short stories can be found at all major online retailers. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, two kids, and one oafishly large labrador retriever. Visit him online at www.thomaskcarpenter.com. The fifth novel in the Alexandrian Saga, Empire of Alexandria, will be published in February of 2014.
    
12. Finding Inner Peace, the Key to True Happiness - For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed laughter. It feels so good when you laugh, as your entire face brightens up and this feeling of peace and happiness floods your entire being. Smiling and laughter are universal languages understood by all. I take great pleasure in seeing other people smile and laugh as well. This sensation of superabundance leaves you wanting more. I believe that yearning, we feel, is inner peace and it is within each one of us. It's always been there. It's time to reconnect with it. What I have realized on my journey through life is that I was the one who got in the way of having this inner peace and happiness. It's my genuine conviction that you and I were created to enjoy all the abundance that is our natural birthright through the endowment that we were born with. For the vast majority of my life I've lived searching for this inner peace in various external ways. I've tried pleasing others in hopes that I would be at peace from within; only to find that when I was alone I felt empty inside. I've tried shopping to fulfill that void, only to find that you cannot buy inner peace as it's a gift and all we have to do is accept it and receive it. Once my eyes were open to this inheritance, after trying everything else to find this genuine inner peace I thought I would give it a try and claim possession of the gift. Wow, I had no idea how this precious legacy would change my life and change my life instantaneously! I let go of trying to be in charge of everything and everyone around me and just let it be.... It's my belief that it is never too late to acquire the heirloom that is yours! Since this transformation has taken place in my life, truly I have connected to and live from the place of inner peace. My life is lived with an authentic happiness that I longed for. I am indeed grateful for the spiritual awakening that has plugged me into not only living life but enjoying every day with a heart filled with an overflowing abundance of gratitude. This is why I write the books I write. I have a grand desire to share what I've come to know with the world, as we are all connected. Our inheritance unites us together and when you choose to accept the endowment, your life shifts from ordinary to extraordinary in what feels like a blink of the eye. "Each one of us has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." Before my transformation I had read this quote by Gandhi and I craved to have this in my own life. I am so grateful that today I have it! I have learned how to stay centered and to stay in the space of inner peace and happiness. This is what I share in my books so everyone has an opportunity to acquire the knowledge to receive the greatest gift of all! Oscar Wilde said, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." May you find your absolute inner peace that brings you true happiness and live the precious life you have been given. Alice Hocker alicehocker.com
    
13. A Little Birdie Told Me - Barbara Monier has been writing since the earliest days when she composed in crayon on paper with extremely wide lines. She studied writing at Yale University and the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, she received the Avery and Jule Hopwood Prize. It was the highest prize awarded that year, and the first in Michigan's history for a piece written directly for the screen. She has two completed novels, YOU, IN YOUR GREEN SHIRT and A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME.
    
14. The Last Call - M.A.P. is a long time writer who recently uploaded his exciting book on Amazon to share with the world. He hopes to gain many fans with his unique style of writing and special characters. His sequel to The Last Call is in the works and is grateful for all that share in his literary adventure.
    
15. Once Humans - Massimo Marino comes from a scientist background: He spent years at CERN and The Lawrence Berkeley Lab followed by lead positions with Apple, Inc. and the World Economic Forum. He is also partner in a new startup in Geneva for smartphone applications: TAKEALL SA. Massimo currently lives in France and crosses the border with Switzerland multiple times daily, although he is no smuggler. "Daimones" is the first volume of the homonymous "Daimones Trilogy" and is based on personal experience and facts with an added "what if" to provide an explanation to current and past events. It is his first novel. Watch the book trailer at: http://youtu.be/gqqn0YtPrrw "Daimones" is the recipient of the 2012 PRG Award Reviewers' Choice in Science Fiction, and the Seal of Excellence in Quality Writing from both the Awesome Indies (awesomeindies.net) and the indiePENdents.org association. The second volume, "Once Humans", starts seven years after the events narrated in "Daimones". The Communities led by the Selected are about to thrive and peace and security reigns on Eridu...not for long. He also writes short chilling, twisted, horror stories, oftentimes while having breakfast. Go figure why. If interested in more details about Massimo Marino, please see his full profile on Linkedin: http://ch.linkedin.com/in/massimomarino On Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/MassimoMarinoAuthor The new addition of the family is actually...two. Two British long hair cats, a Chocolate one aptly named Nutella, and a Lilac one who was named Hermès; quick and cunning, moving freely between the worlds of the mortal and divine, as emissary and messenger of the gods, intercessor between mortals and the divine, as all cats are. They walk over the keyboard when the best prose is about to arrive. You can see pictures of these two rascals from Facebook. Discovery: it seems many authors have pets, and authors' cats invariably end up napping on the keyboard...
    
16. Speak No Evil - Cat Byrd has had thirteen books published by traditional publishers under a different name pen name. She was a bestselling author for one of her prior publishers. Her favorite authors are Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson, and Harlan Coben. If you like novels by these authors, you will most likely enjoy See No Evil. Cat is fascinated with all things mental health, which comes through in the psychological thrillers she writes.
    
17. Johnny Graphic and the Etheric Bomb - D. R. Martin is the author of Johnny Graphic and the Etheric Bomb, a kids' ghost adventure. The second book in the trilogy, Johnny Graphic and the Attack of the Zombies, will be out later in 2013. You can learn more about Johnny Graphic at johnnygraphicadventures.com.
    
18. The Sanibel Sunset Detective Returns - Ron Base is a former newspaper and magazine journalist. His novels and works of nonfiction have been published in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. He has written screenplays and worked with such legendary filmmakers as John Boorman and Roland Joffe. He has published three Sanibel Sunset Detective mysteries and is at work on a fourth book in the series.
    
19. Omega Dog - James Rush lives in Illinois.
    
20. Combustible - CC Abbott lives near the beach with a couple of dogs and a cat with ambivalent feelings toward humanity (the cat, not CC). When not writing, CC hangs out at local establishments or a well-worn hammock on the gallery watching the sunset.
    
21. APEX by Glyn Gardner - I’m Glyn Gardner, and I’ve recently self-published APEX my zombie thriller set in northeastern Louisiana. I grew up in Grand Prairie Texas, a suburb of Dallas. I was a normal suburban kid; playing football in the front yards (and the occasional street game), basketball in the driveways, and all the other things young boys do. I grew up watching Friday the 13th, and Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Shining. The movies that spoke loudest to me were the Apocalypse types. The Stand and Night of the Living Dead were my two favorites. I’d always been a fan of one other type of movies and books. Those were military in nature. I’d always been fascinated with the military, and guns, and things that went boom. I graduated from South Grand Prairie High School in 1990. After high school, I took my first steps away from home and went to Southwest Texas State University. In 1994 I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Unfortunately, although I wanted to be a cop, I wasn’t able to get on with any law enforcement agency. So, the next chapter in my life began with a trip to the Army recruiter’s office in San Marcos Texas. The army opened my eyes to so much of the world. I spent 7 years active as a Combat Medic in places like Germany, Kosovo, and Bosnia. It was here in the former Yugoslavia that I learned what real horror was. After seven years of struggling to run faster than my lungs and legs ever wanted to run, I met my soul mate and got out. I spent the next 5 years following her around the world (she is an Airman in the Air Force). During this time I was able to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing. As a former army medic, working as a nurse on the floor was never my goal. It always seemed too mundane, and routine. I knew from my first day of nursing school that I wanted to be an Emergency Room Nurse. In April of 2011 my dream came true. I haven’t looked back since During my travels with my wife, we have had 2 wonderful boys. They are the greatest joy in my world. I realized as I wrote this book that the worst horror for a father isn’t the death of himself or his neighbors, but the safety of his children take priority. My oldest is almost 10, and is chomping at the bit for the day he gets to read his daddy’s book. He’s a bit of a mini-me. And soon, he will get the chance.
    
22. Asking For Directions: Facing The 7 Crossroads Of A Man’s Life - Richard Grehalva is a author, speaker,consultant,coach and the founder of "The Grey Hair Entrepreneur" -- he is a recognized industry expert on persuasion and influence for creating mindset performance strategies in information product development, marketing & consultative selling, leadership and personal development. He combines the heart of a teacher and the head of a successful business executive to guide organizations and individuals to reach their true potential. He teaches small business owners, experts, and other Boomerpreneurs how to turn their knowledge and experience into becoming trusted advisors in their market.To maintain his competitive spirit, he is an winning race car driver and sometimes includes his live video feeds from the track to illustrate his points in motivational speaking events. He is the son of Greywolf an elder and teacher and often incorporates his teaching into his programs.
    
23. The Tesla Secret by Alex Lukeman - Alex Lukeman is the author of the award-winning Action/Adventure thriller The Tesla Secret. He was in the Marines and spent years on the road as a professional folk singer. He likes riding old, fast motorcycles, sipping Barbados rum and playing guitar, usually not at the same time. You can email him at alex@alexlukeman.com. He loves hearing from readers and promises he will get back to you.
    
24. A Stairway To Danger - Ben grew up practically living in the local library. Reading was his escape and the library was his portal. He loved boys adventure stories and he’s been amazed at the reports that say boys don't read. So he decided to write the kind of stories he remembered. Tales of lost gold and river caves, and fun. And stories of friendship that endures through adversity and danger. Adventures that inspire and educate, and, most of all, entertain.
    
25. Swept Up by the Spirit - After 18 years of furniture building, mostly self-employed, seven years of contracting, designing and building luxury homes, the Lord brought forth His plan. Through a radical conversion and total life turnaround, my work since 1982 ha been “ woodworks to Glorify Him”-crosses and church furnishings- through our business, Images of the Cross. In 2012 He added our first book, Swept Up by the Spirit. Married to my wife , Nancy , since 1958, four children, fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We have been members of Alleluia Community since 1987 and continue full active running the race.
    
26. How To Pray Through Depression & Loneliness! - I have been a Christian for approximately 15 years now. I am totally devoted to Him. I was lost, in complete darkness, then He found me. So, my heart is not only filled with gratitude for what He has done on the Cross for me, but also because He called me by my name, He got hold of me when I was not even aware of Him. How can I not surrender to Him? I am so undeserving! Can you understand the magnitude of His gift? Can you see the depth of His grace and love? What a Savior! What a blessing to be found and approved by Him. I love you with His Agape love in my heart May my redeemer, my Savior and the Master of my life, be glorified!
    
27. First Cause - Paul West was born and raised in New York City; he currently resides in Harlem, where he has lived for much of his life. After graduating from NYU with a B.A. in History, he worked in the education and nonprofit world for many years before switching lanes and working in advertising and then fashion. First Cause was conceived as a screenplay idea in the early 1990s, when West was still an undergraduate; he shelved the project for nearly a decade, and began work again in 1999. Paul West is a sports enthusiast, a student of people, a lover of music, a voracious reader and a fervent believer in human possibility. Paul is also a writer for Through The Fence Baseball, primarily covering the NL East and New York Mets, and a recurring guest on Fox Sports Radio. To follow Paul's Through The Fence articles, go to http://throughthefencebaseball.com/au... and for Paul's other sports writing, visit PDub's Sports Hub at http://pdubssportshub.wordpress.com/ To follow Paul on Twitter, go to https://twitter.com/firstcausenyc
    
28. Keeper Of Reign Book 1 by Emma Right - Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one. Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before having children.
    
29. Organic Gardening’s Black Gold Composting: The ultimate gardener’s guide to composting - "Proven Organic Gardening Techniques for a Happy and Healthy Lifestyle" Organic Gardening has followed the full circle of old knowledge, to outdated practices, to new found and updated technology. An example of this is the development of the Bokashi technique from a Korean method practiced for hundreds of years. Mike grew up on a small farm in Iowa and acquired the art of organic gardening as practiced by his father. When large-scale chemical fertilizer farming became vogue, his father refused to use them. His reasoning: "They smell like oil and oil isn't good to eat". With his knowledge grounded in experience, he continuously researches and experiments to learn new workable and practical techniques. Mike loves to say that an advantage of "Farm Life" was being able to raid the huge family garden for snacks freshly plucked from the rich soil all summer long. This love of garden snacking has followed him all of his life and he feels that everyone should be able to do it. It doesn't matter if you have a large garden, patio garden or containers. Now that he is retired, he enjoys writing books with his step-by-step methods to help others enjoy a happy and healthy organic lifestyle. "Garden Snacking" aside, Mike has a zest for life that includes sailing, motorcycles, sports car racing and just plain inventing personally useful things.
    
30. Post Pattern by David Chill - David Chill was born and raised in New York City. After receiving his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Oswego, he moved to Los Angeles where he earned a Masters degree from the University of Southern California. David Chill is the author of two novels, Post Pattern and Fade Route. Post Pattern was a finalist in the St. Martin's Press contest for new private eye mystery writers. Both novels have received critical acclaim. David Chill presently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.
    
31. Darkening Danger - Author: King Solomon's Journey, Hidden Mountain. Reliquary of Dimensions, Darkening Danger, and upcoming Concealed. Book Reviewer; Voting Member of The National Book Critics Circle. Sammy's professional background is in the social sciences. She reads, and enjoys the study of world religions, ancient cultures, and social structures. Sammy takes pride in her eclectic views, believing in brotherhood and human compassion. These days, she spends time writing fiction, and adapting to an ever changing blueprint called life. Sammy is a strong advocate for children, and has devoted a great deal of time to children caught within the social system. Her greatest hope is to see a cure for Epilepsy for her son and millions of others like him. Please, support the Cure for Epilepsy!