http://awesomegang.com

Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers

1. Ted Bear Esq. – his photo album by Christine Larsen - I am Christine – a wife, mother, grandmother, and throughout each of these also a farmer for 40+ years. I'm a 'used to be' – Secretary, Lifeline Telephone Counsellor, Community Careworker, Student Mentor, and Tutor. Today I'm a born-again writer, after successfully completing a respected writing course back in the 1970's. One of my markers of that time suggested – ‘I fear for your work at the hands of hard-nosed editors who regard all love as sentimental nonsense’. He was right. I couldn’t handle the rejections of my story submissions, and put my creations aside, believing I had an over-inflated opinion of my work, and actually had no talent. Despite this, once in a while over the years, I would fan the embers and try again… with the same result. Success and recognition came at last a couple of years ago thanks to my creations on Squidoo and Ezine Articles, when a different writing career than I had envisaged began. An online journal led to my own website, and the recent creation of my booksite, ceedee4kids dedicated to my children's stories. At last all paths have led me to self-publishing success with my series of children's e-books, and the first book in a series of farming memoirs now in its final editing stages – to be published as soon as I can wrap my head around the requirements of submission to Smashwords, my latest giant learning curve. Several more children's books are also in various stages – one quite close to fruition, others still in my 'think tank' or in the roughest draft forms.
   
2. Small Knitty Gritty Folk Tales by Christine Larsen - I am Christine – a wife, mother, grandmother, and throughout each of these also a farmer for 40+ years. I'm a 'used to be' – Secretary, Lifeline Telephone Counsellor, Community Careworker, Student Mentor, and Tutor. Today I'm a born-again writer, after successfully completing a respected writing course back in the 1970's. One of my markers of that time suggested – ‘I fear for your work at the hands of hard-nosed editors who regard all love as sentimental nonsense’. He was right. I couldn’t handle the rejections of my story submissions, and put my creations aside, believing I had an over-inflated opinion of my work, and actually had no talent. Despite this, once in a while over the years, I would fan the embers and try again… with the same result. Success and recognition came at last a couple of years ago thanks to my creations on Squidoo and Ezine Articles, when a different writing career than I had envisaged began. An online journal led to my own website, and the recent creation of my booksite, ceedee4kids dedicated to my children's stories. At last all paths have led me to self-publishing success with my series of children's e-books, and the first book in a series of farming memoirs now in its final editing stages – to be published as soon as I can wrap my head around the requirements of submission to Smashwords, my latest giant learning curve. Several more children's books are also in various stages – one quite close to fruition, others still in my 'think tank' or in the roughest draft forms.
   
3. Small Folk Rhymes by Christine Larsen - I am Christine – a wife, mother, grandmother, and throughout each of these also a farmer for 40+ years. I'm a 'used to be' – Secretary, Lifeline Telephone Counsellor, Community Careworker, Student Mentor, and Tutor. Today I'm a born-again writer, after successfully completing a respected writing course back in the 1970's. One of my markers of that time suggested – ‘I fear for your work at the hands of hard-nosed editors who regard all love as sentimental nonsense’. He was right. I couldn’t handle the rejections of my story submissions, and put my creations aside, believing I had an over-inflated opinion of my work, and actually had no talent. Despite this, once in a while over the years, I would fan the embers and try again… with the same result. Success and recognition came at last a couple of years ago thanks to my creations on Squidoo and Ezine Articles, when a different writing career than I had envisaged began. An online journal led to my own website, and the recent creation of my booksite, ceedee4kids dedicated to my children's stories. At last all paths have led me to self-publishing success with my series of children's e-books, and the first book in a series of farming memoirs now in its final editing stages – to be published as soon as I can wrap my head around the requirements of submission to Smashwords, my latest giant learning curve. Several more children's books are also in various stages – one quite close to fruition, others still in my 'think tank' or in the roughest draft forms.
   
4. Stutter Creek by Ann Swann - Ann Swann is also the author of All For Love, a contemporary love story published by 5 Prince Publishing. She is the author of Stevie-girl and the Phantom Pilot, and Stevie-girl and the Phantom Student, and Stevie-girl and the Phantom of Crybaby Bridge, tales of the supernatural. She has also written numerous award winning short stories. She lives in Texas with her husband and their rescue pets. She loves libraries and book stores and owns two different e-readers just for fun. Her to-be-read list has taken on a life of its own. She calls it Herman. Contact email: swannann76@yahoo.com
   
5. Rock Lists For Obsessive Music Connoisseurs, Zealots, and Junkies by Brian Boone - Brian Boone wrote the music trivia (with jokes) book 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll (Except When I Hate It).' He is a regular contributor to Funny or Die, Popdose, Splitsider, The Retroist, and his work has appeared on McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Adult Swim, The Bygone Bureau, The Impersonals, and The Huffington Post.
   
6. Magic, Giggles & Love By Barbara A. Kellom - Barbara Kellom is a daughter, mother, and friend to many. Kellom loves children and reading. She enjoys volunteering and learning. Ms. Kellom is a Ph.D candidate in Psychology, and an advocate against child abuse. Her poems were first published at the age of nine. Her love for memorizing, reciting and sharing poetry led her to write poetry for her daughter. Barbara lives in the midwest with her family and 10 year old dog! Her favorite pasttimes are enjoying music, family and laughter!
   
7. ZIIN by M.W.W. Michael Wilkerson - U.S. Veteran & Author M.W.W. Michael Wilkerson wrote ZIIN, and have future novels on the way! He will become the next World Famous Author! https://wilkersonbooks.com
   
8. How To Meditate Like Buddha: Beginner’s Meditation Guide by Julie Schoen - Julie Schoen is an author, yoga instructor, former model, teacher, founder of Yoginiology.com, and co-founder of the company Little Pearl Publishing. Over the past six years, Julie Schoen has dedicated her life to pursuing knowledge in both the field of yoga and beyond, sharing it through her writing and teaching. As an experienced teacher and yoga instructor, Schoen has traveled the world studying and absorbing the wisdom of each person she meets. Her daily yoga and meditation practice helps her to cultivate gratitude and joy for life and all of its beautiful opportunities. A devoted wife and mom, she is thankful for the opportunity to make a living writing, teaching, and traveling, pursuing her constantly evolving passions one day at a time.
   
9. Gypsy Duke by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
   
10. A Guide to The Present Moment - Noah Elkrief has helped thousands of people to experience the unconditional peace of living in the moment through his individual counseling practice in Manhattan, his popular video blog, and his book, "A Guide to The Present Moment", which hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller List in Stress Management, Happiness, Counseling, and Zen. From the time Noah was just six years old, he started meditating every day. While devoting himself to meditation, Noah also managed to achieve worldly success as he worked on the trading floor at Goldman Sachs in New York, traveled around Europe as a corporate strategy consultant based out of London, and was accepted into the prestigious Mensa society. In the summer of 2009, Noah's life drastically changed when, in one moment, the vast majority of his thoughts just vanished from his mind. Without almost all of his thoughts, Noah was left with the indescribable experience of peace, freedom, and wholeness that he had always been longing for. As it turned out, this wasn't just a passing experience, and almost all of his thoughts barely attempted to return. Once Noah's mind had become predominantly silent, any time a new thought entered his mind and tried to create suffering, he could see very clearly how the thought wasn't true. What he discovered was that when he didn't believe his thoughts, his thoughts stopped creating emotions, and they stopped taking his attention. That left Noah with the virtually uninterrupted experience of peace. Noah then left the corporate world to dedicate his life to helping others to live in peace, mostly by sharing his 5-step process for how to identify and stop believing the thoughts that create everyone's unwanted emotions.
    
11. The Catalyst by Chris Reher - I am a first generation Canadian currently and out of necessity residing on planet Earth (which, in the general and interplanetary scheme of things could REALLY use a catchier name, if you ask me. I mean, imagine heading past Proxima Centauri and someone asks you whence you came and you tell them "dirt". All theological implications aside, that just won't do.) My first full-length work of fiction, Flight To Exile, is a fantasy which, I just realized, takes place on a planet that doesn't have a name at all and blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy in ways that are probably illegal. I then headed out far beyond Proxima Centauri and found a nifty story that soon turned into a Space Opera complete with wormholes and improbable laser guns. What fun. Laws of physics need not apply if you find a way to explain them away. The series stars Nova Whiteside as a space marine whose pesky humanity keeps getting in the way of her doing her job according to protocol. Currently, there are four books in the series, with two more planned. When not finding ways to torture my subjects or entice them with inter-species hanky-panky, I design web sites or write about designing web sites. I enjoy long walks on the beach or, given the local beach shortage, write about beaches far beyond Proxima Centauri.
    
12. Everything You Need to Know About The Aquarius Zodiac Sign - Chloe Miller is an author in her own right, a keen observer and Astrologer. She was born and raised in Germany where she attended elementary school before she moved to Canada at age 12 together with her parents. Since childhood she has always had an introvert personality. Chloe's love for Astrology was something embedded in the core of her nature. She is an observer who always loved to learn why people do the things they do. She also loves people, enjoys learning about them and finding ways to help them grow to become better. Chloe studied Astrology for two years and that enhanced her ability to study and learn about people in many ways. She has written several books about each zodiac signs, crystals, personal charts and numerology. Chloe has been able to learn to get out of her shell through travelling and living in different parts of the world. This experience made the art of meditation a big part of her life as well. Astrology has become a part of Chloe's daily life and she enjoys the creativity and love it brings. Chloe enjoys music and adventurous travelling
    
13. Everything You Need to Know About The Libra Zodiac Sign - Biography Chloe Miller is an author in her own right, a keen observer and Astrologer. She was born and raised in Germany where she attended elementary school before she moved to Canada at age 12 together with her parents. Since childhood she has always had an introvert personality. Chloe's love for Astrology was something embedded in the core of her nature. She is an observer who always loved to learn why people do the things they do. She also loves people, enjoys learning about them and finding ways to help them grow to become better. Chloe studied Astrology for two years and that enhanced her ability to study and learn about people in many ways. She has written several books about each zodiac signs, crystals, personal charts and numerology. Chloe has been able to learn to get out of her shell through travelling and living in different parts of the world. This experience made the art of meditation a big part of her life as well. Astrology has become a part of Chloe's daily life and she enjoys the creativity and love it brings. Chloe enjoys music and adventurous travelling
    
14. 2012 Lunar Contact - I love science fiction, sci-fi movies, sci-fi novels, sci-fi stories, it doesn't matter I love them all and I can never get enough. I like my science fiction stories to be based on science and my characters to be challenged with finding creative solutions to problems of survival, freedom, or revenge. And most of all, I insist on action. That's why I always try to keep a fast pace in the novels I write. I hope to always entertain the reader and give a few surprises as they immerse themselves in new worlds of adventure.
    
15. Overlords of K Street by James Hargreaves - I was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but moved to the States in 1987. I am now a U.S. citizen. My father was in textiles, so we travelled quite a bit when I was young. I spent many years in Germany and India. I went to the University of St. Andrews but, rather stupidly, did not ever play golf there. As a young man my dream, for some inexplicable reason, had always been to become a newspaper man in Australia. So, upon graduation, I headed to Australia in pursuit of said dream. It became rather quickly apparent that some sort of qualifications were needed. Yes, even for Australian journalism. So I came to the States to study journalism at the University of Georgia. There I met my beloved mentor, Conrad Fink. He taught me how to write clean and hard. He killed my purple passages and made me a better writer for it. We lost Conrad last year. After Athens I began a long career in newspapers that took me to Georgia, Florida, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. This book marries my love of journalism, America, travel, and politics. It took me three years to write.
    
16. Lunar Contact - I love science fiction, sci-fi movies, sci-fi novels, sci-fi stories, it doesn't matter I love them all and I can never get enough. I thrill to the movie special effects of space ships, aliens, and weird planets. I enjoy the mind twisting potential of time travel and the endless possibilities of the future. But Hollywood just doesn't crank out the movies fast enough, so I spend my time reading books and writing books. I like my science fiction stories to be based on science and my characters to be challenged with finding creative solutions to problems of survival, freedom, or justice. And most of all, I insist on action. That's why I always try to keep a fast pace in the novels I write. I hope to always entertain the reader and give a few surprises as they immerse themselves in new worlds of adventure. Join me on jdclarkeauthor.com for the latest in science and science fiction. Or email me at author.jdclarke@gmail.com for comments or questions.
    
17. Beyond Your Book: The Essential Guide to Building Your Author Platform - Marquita Herald writes about personal growth, the power of resilience and living life on your own terms. When she's not working on a new book or sharing inspiring stories with audiences, she is working on one of her blogs. She makes her home in rural Maui and her professional experience includes 20 years as a road warrior traveling the world on behalf of the Hawaii tourism industry, followed by a decade of as an award winning small business coach and trainer. Marquita is the creator of the acclaimed personal growth blog, IGG - Tips, Tools & Tantalizing Ideas and her new The Business of Being an Author blog.
    
18. HELP FOR FRAZZLED MOMS, A Practical Guide for Surviving Those Tough Years - Nancy Goodell and Ann Garrett are the authors of TLC FOR FRAZZLED KIDS, Helping Grown Ups Help Kids. This book is a practical step-by-step guide for working with children who are experiencing trauma, injury, sickness, or the ongoing challenges of living in this complex world. Because today’s children contend with high levels of emotional vulnerability, the results may be a wide range of acting-out behaviors. TLC FOR FRAZZLED KIDS is a resource for parents, teachers, therapists, and child-care workers. The methods support the overall development of resilient children as they learn strategies for safety and success. Their latest book for Kindle is entitled: HELP FOR FRAZZLED MOMS, Surviving Those Tough Years. Nancy Goodell has worked with frazzled folks as a special education teacher, dance/movement therapist, school director, mother and grandmother. Her life’s work supports growth-producing interactions between adults and children. Nancy grew up in Nebraska and has lived on both coasts. Currently she and her husband live and work in Southern California. Ann Garrett has worked with frazzled kids in residential treatment, crisis counseling, and education for over thirty years. She is also the author of six books for children: FINS and FLIPPERS-SCALES and NIPPERS, KEEPER of the SWAMP, STARDUSTERS, TALES of TAILS, WHAT’S FOR DINNER? and WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?. Ann lives, works, and writes in Southern California. Nancy and Ann have been presenters at the Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking, Soroptimists and Kiwanis groups. They also work with several parent, teacher, and community organizations in Southern California.
    
19. The Legionnaire: Origins - Mr. Parkinson was an Air Force avionics technician, a decorated veteran of the Persian Gulf War and several peacekeeping missions. He has lived overseas in numerous countries and travels extensively. He has written a newspaper column on computers and been published in several magazines.
    
20. Heaven on Earth: Simple Ways to Be Happy - Timothy McKinney lives in Redondo Beach, California with his wife Cindy and their two children Heather and Robbie. He went to the University in Southern California, where he got degrees in business and psychology. Since 1997, Tim has been a corporate trainer who conducts workshops on subjects related to happiness and workplace effectiveness. He is a passionate vegetarian who enjoys SCUBA diving in the kelp forests of Catalina Island.
    
21. Mary of Shadows - Jeffrey Aaron Miller is a 1997 graduate of the Creative Writing program at the University of Arkansas. He has held a wide variety of jobs over the years, from social worker to bus driver, from postal carrier to pastor, but through it all, he has remained a storyteller. He is the author of numerous novels, both print and e-books, in the genres of science fiction, fantasy and YA. He resides in Northwest Arkansas with his wife and children.
    
22. A Garden for Sarah by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
23. How Would You Fight A Lion by Jasmine Schwartz - Jasmine Schwartz's mystery series, including the novels Farbissen and Fakakt, has been in the Kindle Free Top 10 for mysteries and #2 in women sleuths with more than 21,000 downloads.
    
24. 7 Blind Dates by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
25. Fairies & Fantasy by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
26. Secrets and Lies – (A Medical Suspense Thriller Novel) - Natashiah Jansen is a South African Indie writer living in Luxor, Egypt. She grew up in Somerset West a countryside town, about 20 kilometers from Cape Town, in the Western Cape known for its vineyards and beautiful mountains. After leaving South Africa in 2007 she traveled Egypt extensively living in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Cairo, Luxor and also visited Alexandria and Dahab at the gulf of Aqaba hence some of her stories are inspired by the desert and rural village life. She finally settled permanently in Ziniya Bahry a village in Luxor, where she lives with her two children. At first it was very daunting to adapt to village life but after getting used to literally chasing her dinner in the back yard and peeling peas, she loved it. She enjoys writing fiction of all genres including romance, mystery and thrillers. When Natashiah is not writing she enjoys her mornings walking on the banks of the Nile watching the locals going about their daily lives. The temples are also one of her favorite hang outs if she needs inspiration for Paranormal or science fiction genre. Facebook http://on.fb.me/X0C9xI Twitter https://twitter.com/NileChick
    
27. A Dream Come True by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
28. Once Upon a Fairy Tale by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
29. Elves & Dragons by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.
    
30. To Save a Jew part 1 by Felicia Mires - Felicia Mires began her writing career years ago when she became bored with what she found available in the Christian Fiction market. Hoping to entertain herself and provide inspiration to other Christians, she wrote her first novel, Diamonds are for Eden. Since that time, she has written more than 20 Christian novels (all with a bit of romance), even becoming a finalist in the ACFW competition. Along the way, she has judged multiple writing contests, edited scores of books for other writers, and discovered a wealth of fascinating Christian fiction. But, God did not create man, or woman, for books alone. Thankfully, there is relationship. Felicia has been married for over 25 years to Gene Mires, from whom she gains a plethora of hilarious and creative ideas. Felicia and Gene have three incredible children. They also enjoy pastoring Young Adults at Life Church. Ahh, the drama...and unending plot ideas. Life is full of relationship. If you need a bit of inspiration or encouragement, try Christian Fiction by Felicia Mires.