http://awesomegang.com

Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers

1. 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.
   
2. Where’s My Book? The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide - Samantha Moss is co-author of InSPAration, a book for teens on healthy living, and author of Pottery Barn Flowers and Pottery Barn Photos. She also edited the award-winning Pottery Barn Design Library, a series of 10 books filled with style ideas for the home. Samantha is based in Oakland, California, where she lives with her husband, Boyd, and a shy little dog named Belly. To see what she's up to, visit her online at www.samanthamoss.com. Lesley Schwartz is a professional teen organizer, academic coach and tutor. She started working with teens 10 years ago as a social studies teacher in the Bay Area. For the past five years, Lesley has combined her experience as an educator with her organizational skills to help teach kids organization and time management skills. Additionally, she created a customized academic planner now being used in Bay Area schools. She holds a bachelor degree from Wellesley College and earned a teaching credential from Mills College. Lesley lives in San Francisco, California. Visit her website at www.lesleyschwartz.com.
   
3. The Rift by SKN Hammerstone - My name is SKN Hammerstone and I am a YA horror author. I write everything creepy and disturbing on a YA level. This means demons, angels, and mind tricks. I am always more than willing to talk to my readers and potential writers so contact me whenever you want to. I am a fairly young author and am still learning about the literary world and publishing as well as my own writing. The only thing I can guarantee is that my books will always have a scare factor.
   
4. The Deceived - My name is SKN Hammerstone and I am a YA horror author. I write everything creepy and disturbing on a YA level. This means demons, angels, and mind tricks. I am always more than willing to talk to my readers and potential writers so contact me whenever you want to. I am a fairly young author and am still learning about the literary world and publishing as well as my own writing. The only thing I can guarantee is that my books will always have a scare factor.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Secrets Of Sanctuary Hospital A Hidden Enclave For Angels, Demons, And Vampires by L.A.A. Law - Living on the east coast, I love to travel to Maine. It is just far enough away to enjoy time with my wonderful family without the weight of work or competing schedules, but close enough that most of the short time to escape is not taken by travel. The beautiful scenery and abundance of woods and rocky beaches offers us peace and tranquility. I am the mother of three wonderful children and work in a law firm. Writing is something I never thought I could do. My vast work experience is more in accounting and legal work dealing with figures and asset allocation. Writing became a way to allow my mind to escape for short periods of time while my body stayed anchored to care for two dying parents and ensuring that I could still provide a warm and loving home to my children who agreed to be uprooted to help care for their grandparents. My children and I decided to list the book for free on several sites in hopes that if people found it entertaining they would donate what they would have paid for the book to a local hospital helping children who suffer from cancer and their families because although we experienced how cancer could change your life, we saw how devastating families who have children fighting cancer suffer and we wanted to find some way to help. We are also trying to figure out if there is a way to list the book on Amazon to reach more readers but have the payment of any royalties go directly to a local hospital near us, but we are awaiting a response from Amazon on the inquiry. We thought it might be a way for people to make a donation easier, but then it would be to the hospital of our choosing, so we want all options available to people. If anyone knows of a way to get this out there, please email us at SanctuaryBook@outlook.com. Thank you
   
7. Ten Proven Strategies to Overcome Fear – Live Your Life’s Full Potential 10 Ways to be Fearless and Happy - I'm Mycheal Scott, I love the subject of psychology, business, and how to move people. I have a BA in psychology, school of science and mathematics @ Rowan University in South Jersey. Helping people is great pleasure in my life, and I feel like we are all here to serve! Thank you
   
8. Heads & Tales by Karina Kantas - Karina Kantas originates from the UK but lives in Greece. She writes short, thought provoking dark flash fiction and specialize in urban thrillers.
   
9. The Castle of Desires by Neale Osborne - Neale Osborne was born in 1970, in Birmingham, England. A freelance artist since 1992, his illustrations and caricatures have appeared in a wide variety of places: on posters and packaging, on stage, in exhibitions, and publications such as the Times Literary Supplement, The Gramophone, Mojo and programmes for the BBC Proms. His debut children’s book ‘Lydia’s Tin Lid Drum’ was published in 2009, at a launch alongside fellow Oxford University Press authors Geraldine McCaughrean and Shirley Hughes. ‘The Castle of Desires’ is his first work for older readers ~ a ‘double-bill’ of tales that mirror each other: one, the story of a studio of animators set in the 1930s, interspersed with the Gothic legend of a castle that can fulfil the dreams of its keyholder ~ desires and ambitions with tragic consequences. His latest book is the follow-up to his debut. ‘Lydia’s Golden Drum’ is a stand-alone fantasy adventure, drawing upon many legends and folktales, but with the distinctive spicy flavour of ‘The Arabian Nights’. Many of Neale’s pictures, including a gallery of illustrations from the ‘Lydia’ novels, can be found at his official website ‘The Land of Ozborne’
   
10. How To Write Memoir For Others - Ruhama Matalon, Loves people, loves words and loves life. Ruhama has over twelve years experience in documenting, writing, writing greetings, writing songs,writing play scripts and writing memoirs for others. Writing, did we mention that? It is hard to count the amount of people that Ruhama helped revealed what was on their hearts, whether it is writing their biography or writing speeches and greetings for real life events. Since the moment she began to write professionally, Ruhama has not stopped learning and developing. Among the things that Ruhama has done - courses for biography writing, university screenwriter course, creative writing; and today, after many years of experience she can and would like to contribute from her experience and help enrich the world of others. Ruhama specializes in personal growth and throughout the way has added to her resume a verity of tools such as guided imagination, NLP, YEMIMA method, group guidance etc. Ruhama began to write about her enriched experience and the knowledge she has required through the years. The results are international best sellers that are very helpful, with practical and simple advices for writing, life and just in general. Ruhama's writing is refreshing and humorous. She keeps her writing flowing and young. Full of energy, always with new ideas, very creative and a talented writer - this author is developing a different variety of books which are very valuable to its readers.
    
11. Low Carb Diets: Complete Beginners Guide To Losing Weight The Low Carb Way - If you want to lose weight but aren't sure where to start, then Bryan Peterson is your go to guy. You can tell he truly wants the best for his readers and that he will do anything to help his readers reach their goal. If losing weight is your main focus right now, Bryan is your guy.
    
12. The ‘Fishy’ Adventures of Gus, Toby and TooToo (Big Tale 1) - The 'Fishy' Adventures of Gus, Toby and TooToo (Big Tale 1) written by Joyce Mitchell, children's author in Georgia
    
13. Principles for the Gathering of Believers Under the Headship of Jesus Christ - Gathering as believers under the Headship of Jesus Christ. Brother Greg and brother Edgar are the main editors for this book and there have been over 100+ contributors from the body of Christ.
    
14. Here Kitty, Kitty (25 Fun Stories About Cats and Kittens: Ages 4-8) - Uncle Amon's main mission is to create books that create a positive change in the world. Uncle Amon sets himself from other children's book author because he uses real-life events and characters to create his stories! His books are filled with important lessons, morals, and values that create strong character in young children. His books teach values such as sharing, caring, compassion, manners, and many more! "I always shoot for the moon. And if I miss? I'll land in the stars." -Uncle Amon
    
15. STOP HAIR LOSS !! Ultimate Guide To Causes, Prevention And Treatment Of Hair Loss. Strengthen Your Hairs And Prevent Hair Loss !! by Mark Stevens - I am a writer and social worker. Besides writing, my other interests include reading, movies, coffee and learning as much as possible. Mark Stevens
    
16. KIKI AND THE CUCKOO Competition and Anger by Elizabeth Happy - ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elizabeth Happy spent her childhood in South America, England and Germany, coming to the United States when she was fourteen. She was graduated from Columbia University, majoring in anthropology, and received an MA in creative writing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she has taught writing and poetry. She has also been associated with the education department of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She has published short stories and poetry for adults and a children’s book, Kiki and the Cuckoo - Coping with Competition. ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR Andra Chase was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she attended the John McCrady Art School. She now lives in Kansas, where she has continued her study of art and art history and has worked as an illustrator and designer of printed media. Her paintings have been exhibited in juried and solo shows throughout the Midwest. Chase is a longtime bird fancier and nature lover with almost two decades’ experience painting the Kansas landscape
    
17. Freed by Temptation - Lexie Scott is the author of numerous short stories, articles and three books. Living in Toronto, Canada, she loves reading and writing books about romance and crime – sometimes both at once.
    
18. Surrender - Melody Anne is the author of the popular series, Billionaire Bachelors, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult Series out; Midnight Fire and Midnight Moon - Rise of the Dark Angel. She's been writing for years and published in 2011. She hold a bachelors degree in business, so she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen. When Melody isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She lives in a small town that she loves, and is involved in many community projects. She hopes you enjoy her stories.
    
19. Are Not My People Worthy? - Wendell Mettey grew up in Cincinnati, OH and has a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reverend Mettey has served as Pastor for several churches in the Cincinnati area. In 1991, after visiting war-torn Nicaragua and witnessing the poverty and devastation, he felt called by God to resign from his church and begin Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization. Reverend Mettey is the author of numerous devotional & inspirational publications. In addition to these books, Reverend Mettey has published several compilations of stories, sermons and reflections.
    
20. Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book Two) - I'm fascinated by the mysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs, out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains, and you have a story worth writing, and reading. Today I live in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on the mix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When I'm not writing, I'm people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sorts of danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross my path.
    
21. The Holy Bible: True or False? by John Rayburn - John Rayburn spent several decades in broadcasting. He served as a news/sports anchor and show host on both radio and television. His TV newscast achieved the largest Share of Audience figures of any major-market TV newscast in the nation. His network credits include reports and appearances on The Today Show, Huntley-Brinkley News, Walter Cronkite News, NBC Monitor, NBC News on the Hour, etc. He recorded dozens of books for the National Library Service via the Library of Congress and narrated innumerable Radio/TV recordings, as well as hosting Senior Showcase for nine years on a PBS-TV outlet. He interviewed celebrities from many walks of life, including Ronald Reagan (then SAG President), then-Senator John F. Kennedy, Presidents Richard Nixon and Harry Truman, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Art Linkletter, Hugh Downs, Charlton Heston, Gene Autry, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton, Nat King Cole, Helen Forrest, Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Bob Feller, Jack Dempsey, Muhammad Ali, Red Grange, Johnny Unitas, John Elway, Leslie Neilson, Jane Russell, Alex Trebek, and hundreds of others. Rayburn has traveled extensively throughout the nation, plus Europe, the United Kingdom, etc., gaining information and making observations about our national foibles.
    
22. IT STINKS TO BE PINK! by KATHRYN L. NOVAK - CHICAGO BASED ARTIST & POSITIVE THINKER WHO LOVES TO HELP PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN. From the Author This book is based on my own life experiences. It is a story I felt I had to write. I wrote this book to help children stand up against anything that tears away at their self-esteem. Hopefully, it will help them to lead happier lives. I have told my story to many young people in an effort to help them to see that they are all wonderful just as they are and that, they are in control of their own destiny. I have always thought how wonderful it
    
23. Exiles of Raifor - C.H. Ashton was born in 1987. He has lived in Red Bank, New Jersey his entire life. He has two brothers and one sister. He is a dog lover, but enjoys the company of most animals equally. His favorite animal is the turtle, because of its durability, solitude, and longevity. Her attended Red Bank Regional High School and graduated in 2005. He published his first novel Exiles of Raifor in 2013. He was inspired to become a writer after reading the novel Ender’s Game during an eighth grade field trip. He is currently a full time writer, and a part time computer repair consultant. C.H. currently lives in Red Bank, New Jersey.
    
24. Elseerian - As an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Returning to school, he started and ran several successful businesses, and finished his first novel in 2008. By 2010 he'd finished his third and began preparing them to publish. Discovering Indie publishing in early 2012, he uploaded a trio of books to Amazon in June, October, and December. By the end of the year he'd sold ten thousand copies and all three had landed onto bestseller lists. His YA fantasy series, The Chronicles of Lumineia, has garnered excellent reviews and continues to expand its readership across all ages. For more about the World of Lumineia or upcoming sequels, visit his website at www.Lumineia.com.
    
25. Bluegrass Betrayal - Robert Monahan was born in Newburgh, New York a small town situated along the banks of the Hudson River, and moved to the Bluegrass of Kentucky when he was ten years old. Living across the road from the famed Calumet Horse Farm, he began his love for Thoroughbreds almost immediately. Robert began his writing career in college during the late 60’s, honing his skill during his Air Force years while stationed overseas during the Vietnam War. He found a love for poetry and song lyrics as he started and developed a contemporary folk-music group which won several talent shows during his Taiwanese tour of duty. The Kentucky Chronicles are a series of novels each of which depict a thrilling sequence of plots including: world travel, murder, kidnap, suspense and lust-filled romance, while employing the beautiful, lush and verdant hills of the Bluegrass area as their home-based setting. Bluegrass Betrayal, the second story in the series, won several awards in 2011 including: honorable mention at the San Francisco Book Festival, finalist in the International Fiction Awards and finalist in the Best Awards, as well as finalist and winner in the Indie Book Awards.
    
26. How my Gay Uncle F’ed Up Christmas - My name is Nicholas Black. I'm a former member of the US NAVY, and the French Foreign Legion. I have fought professionally in the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and have won two world titles in the process. I've done stunts with Chuck Norris (Walker: Texas Ranger), defused explosives, hit targets at +1,000 meters, made America's Most Wanted list, worked with "Freeway" Ricky Ross, co-written with Jimmy DaSaint, and met the Prime Minister of Pakistan.