Month: May 2009

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Following Joe

9781432727192_cov.inddFollowing Joe

by Alvin Ureles

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

Award-winning author, Alvin Ureles, draws on the writings of biographers Richard Frothingham and John Carey in this historical novel paying tribute to the life of Joseph Warren III.

Ureles has used a unique approach in authoring “Following Joe.” He attributes the authorship of this fictional account to John Warren, Joseph’s youngest brother. The story is told using John’s voice. I soon lost sight of the fact that Ureles is the creator of this amazing account as John related background information, stimulating dialog, and a detailed description of the political unrest during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

After graduating from Harvard, Joseph Warren III studied medicine and soon had a successful practice in Boston. He married heiress Elizabeth Hooten. In the eighth year of their marriage Elizabeth died leaving Joseph a young widower with four motherless young children.

Warren was soon involved in Freemasonry and in politics. Among his Masonic friends were John Hancock, Samuel and John Adams, Paul Revere, James Otis, and other radical activists concerned about England’s ill treatment of the Colonies. Joseph was elected to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and was commissioned to second major-general in 1775.

Ureles brings the historical background of this period in American history to life as he carefully develops his characters, with an exciting historical plot familiar to American history enthusiasts.

The book is filled with the conflict of war, of conscious, power struggles, and greed. The chaos of the battlefield is described so masterfully that as a reader, I was interactively drawn into the conflict. I heard the cries of pain from the wounded, was sickened by the sight of blood everywhere, and devastated by the loss of a friend.

Patriotism, bravery, and loyalty were undermined by the threat of treason, the duplicity of a friend turned spy, the safety of loved ones, rumors, and covert operations. The Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s famous ride, and the battle of Bunker Hill took on new importance as Ureles’ characterizations became real to me in their struggles to help bring freedom and independence to America.

Ureles, a Medical Professional himself, expertly described details and procedures, related to caring for the injured on the battle field, and the earlier recruiting and training of these men by Joseph Warren III.

“Following Joe” by Alvin Ureles is a book that gives a fresh approach and new insights into the political climate preceding and leading up to the Revolutionary War. Patriots like Warren bravely and sacrificially led to the birthing of our nation and our freedom at a tremendous personal cost. I was awed by the sacrifice, service and virtues displayed by these dedicated patriots.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/followingjoe

Book Promotion

Self-Published Books for CEOs

Do you have a self-published book that is ideal for executives, CEOs, or corporations? There is a company that specializes in reaching that market. You will find information about them at http://800ceoread.com – and that also happens to be their telephone number, where you can find out about submitting your self-published book for consideration if you feel it is appropriate for their market: 1-800-CEO-READ.

Good luck and have fun!
Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Choosing a Publisher, Networking, Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing and the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference

I recently had the privilege of attending the annual Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference as a faculty member representing independent and on-demand self-publishing. Although, as the name implies, this was the Colorado Christian writer’s conference, attendees gathered in Estes Park, CO from all over the map.

Thanks to Marlene Bagnull and her staff. The conference was wonderfully orchestrated and attracted outstanding energy and author talent.

Perhaps the latter being most refreshing. In the old paradigm, authors would bring proposals to events like this in order to sell themselves to an acquisitions editor. The editor, in turn, looks at this proposal and considers whether she can sell not the manuscript, but some form of it, to a predetermined audience. Sound limiting, or even worse, familiar?

I was personally impressed by the number of conferees who recognize and are pursuing independent self-publishing. Writers merging art with the business of publishing, and ones who are required to sell no one but themselves on the potential of their project.

Understanding that publishing as a business continues to be a theme here. Beyond researching the commodities of your self publishing options, make sure yours has demonstrated success in getting author books sold. That indicates they not only the options and services, but consulting acumen to help you reach your greatest potential.

Have fun. Keep writing.

– Karl Schroeder

Book Promotion

Self Published Authors on Senior Lifestyles

Ron Kauffman’s radio talk show “Senior LifeStyles Intelligent Talk Radio with Ron Kauffman” features 3 segments of about 3 minutes each on all variety of senior topics including Medicare, law, Reverse Mortgages, and seniors who got published. If you think Ron might be interested in featuring you or someone you know on his radio talk show, here’s the contact information to “pitch” your idea:
(561) 818-0039 or (561) 626-4481

The Senior Lifestyles website is at: www.seniorlifestyles.net

Good luck and have fun!
Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Sunaru

9781432713553_cov.inddSunaru

by Lawrence Lueder

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

The author has taken us into the future, with space travel made easy, new planets discovered and the dangers of setting up a new civilization. One cannot take on the expedition if they do not meet the requirements, one of which is that you are an ex-con and willing to fight. Also on board are frozen embryos, clones and a mix of people from other planets.

The discovery of Sunaru is one of excitement and danger- no civilized person has been here before. What they didn’t realize is that they are not alone- Manators, horrex and bull-bears are in hiding waiting for them. In an instant they will appear and one of the explorers will disappear.

Through the author’s excited voice and description, the readers are able to imagine that this one-day may be where we live. It is filled with drama, daring escapes and creatures you couldn’t even imagine. Mr. Lueder brings in new concepts of families, medicine, weaponry and survival that none of us might even imagine.

I must say that science fiction isn’t something I read a lot of; however, while reading “Sunaru” by Lawrence Leuder I felt that the author was giving us a preview of what’s to come. This is the first in a series for the author; the ending of the book leaves you wanting more.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/Sunaru