Thursday, October 31, 2013

Interview + Review -Ally Breedlove-When Will The Heaven Begin, The Ben Breedlove Story

It's not often that such an inspirational book comes along and I'm so pleased to welcome Ally Breedlove to The Reading Frenzy to talk about her book When Will The Heaven Begin, about her brother Ben and what he meant to her and the world.




  • ISBN-13: 9780451468154
  • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
  • Publication date: 10/29/2013
  • Pages: 320

 


Overview:
An inspirational and heartrending memoir about Ben Breedlove, whose videos about his near-death experiences and visions of heaven went viral in 2012, written by his sister, Ally Breedlove.
On Christmas Day 2011, Ben Breedlove’s soul went to heaven. But it wasn’t his first time there. Ben suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that posed a constant risk of sudden death. His condition, a thickening of the heart muscle, worsened over time, leaving him weak and fatigued. It also led Ben to some close calls medically, in particular cardiac arrest on four separate occasions, during which he felt the presence of angels and experienced the perfect peace of heaven.




Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Author Interview Antoinette van Heugten- The Tulip Eaters

Today on The Reading Frenzy I'm so pleased to bring you an interview by a personal favorite author of mine, her debut novel Saving Max received well deserved rave reviews and this her second novel is an exceptional piece of literary historical fiction in her latest just released yesterday The Tulip Eaters.
Sit back and enjoy our interview then RUN don't walk to pick up a copy of your own.





  • ISBN-13: 9780778313885
  • Publisher: Harlequin
  • Publication date: 10/29/2013
  • Edition description: Original
  • Pages: 368





Overview:
In a riveting exploration of the power the past wields over the present, critically acclaimed author Antoinette van Heugten writes the story of a woman whose child's life hangs in the balance, forcing her to confront the roots of her family's troubled history in the dark days of World War II. It's the stuff of nightmares: Nora de Jong returns home from work one ordinary day to find her mother has been murdered. Her infant daughter is missing


Praise for Saving Max:
"A high-speed chase of a novel, Saving Max is like the best of John Grisham with a feminine twist."-New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge
"Antoinette van Heugten combines the tender, unshakable bond between mother and son with an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller." - International bestselling author Diane Chamberlain
"Parents of children with serious behavior problems will find their worst nightmares come alive in van Heugten's debut murder thriller...[with] more than one harrowing twist toward the end..."-Publishers Weekly


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

**GIVEAWAY** Blog Tour Sarah Morgan- Interview + Review of Sleigh Bells In The Snow

Today I welcome back a personal favorite author from across the pond, author Sarah Morgan whose first full length romance novel Sleigh Bells in The Snow is available today and is getting rave reviews, not that I'm surprised because this lady knows her love stories. So sit back enjoy our interview and my review courtesy RT Magazine on this my stop and the first stop on her blog tour sponsored by her fabulous publisher Harlequin. Then enter for a chance to win this fabulous prize package (US & Canada Only). Details and entry form below!




  • ISBN-13: 9780373778553
  • Publisher: Harlequin
  • Publication date: 10/29/2013
  • Format: Mass Market Paperback
  • Pages: 384








Monday, October 28, 2013

Thank You Jon Clinch

Please use this post to thank Jon Clinch for his gracious presence
during our read of his most amazing novel
The Thief of Auschwitz 



Jon I'm especially indebted to you for your guidance through some of the minefields of the novel. For bringing such a beautiful piece of work on on of the most ugly circumstances the world has ever known

and to all my readers those who actively participated and silently so
thank you too!

Friday, October 25, 2013

#1 NYT & USA TODAY author interview Susan Wiggs- Review of Candlelight Christmas


I'm so happy to bring you not only the multiple award winning, bestselling author but one of my all time favorite storytellers who is releasing a Christmas Lakeshore Chronicles novel-Candlelight Christmas. For those who are rabid fans like me this is the story of Logan O'Donnell, Charlie's dad and Daisy Bellamy's ex.
Here's what she says about her latest novel––"It’s a book I couldn’t wait to write–my modern, take on the “Pride and Prejudice.” It’s everything I love about the holidays–snow, romance, kids, dogs, food...and did I mention romance? It’s definitely one of my most romantic stories ever."
Enjoy the rest of our chat below









Overview:
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSAN WIGGS INVITES YOU TO AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS
A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.


Reviews of Susan’s novels:
"Wiggs tells a layered, powerful story of love, loss, hope and redemption." -Kirkus, Starred Review on The Apple Orchard
"This brilliant and epic family drama...fills the senses...courtesy of Wiggs' amazing narrative and supreme skill as a writer." -RT Book Reviews, Top Pick! On The Apple Orchard
Wiggs hits all the right notes in this delightful, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant Christmas treat, which will please Lakeshore Chronicles fans as well as garner new ones."
-Library Journal, starred review on Lakeshore Christmas
"Wiggs, a consummate storyteller, has few equals when it comes to evoking deep emotion in readers. Richly detailed and textured, the characters are superb. But it's her observations about our modern lives and times that really stand out."-RT Book Reviews on Lakeside Cottage
"With the ease of a master, Wiggs introduces complicated, flesh-and-blood characters into her idyllic but identifiable small-town setting."-Publishers Weekly, starred review on The Winter Lodge
"Rich with life lessons, nod-along moments and characters with whom readers can easily relate. Delightful and wise, Wiggs's latest shines."-Publishers Weekly on Dockside

_________________________________________________________________________________


Please welcome #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling author and one of my all time personal 
favorites Susan Wiggs to The Reading Frenzy.

Susan I’m so excited to have you here!
SW: Love your site. I get lost exploring it every time I visit. So thanks for having me.

Tell us about your latest Lakeshore Chronicle novel Candlelight Christmas.
SW: It’s a book I couldn’t wait to write–my modern, take on the “Pride and Prejudice.” It’s everything I love about the holidays–snow, romance, kids, dogs, food...and did I mention romance? It’s definitely one of my most romantic stories ever.  

You mentioned in an earlier interview that there is not a set number for Lakeshore Chronicles.
What keeps the series interesting to you?
SW: My readers. They keep me so invested in bringing the town and these characters to life. In the mind of a reader, a character takes on a life of her own, and suddenly we have this living, breathing thing. It’s hard to stop thinking about them. It’s a very organic process, like a real community that grows and changes.

Susan, according to your bio on your website you wrote your first novel when you were 8.
When you think back are you amazed at what you’ve accomplished in your career? 
SW: I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to make writing my career. I owe it all to my publishing team and to readers. I’m always amazed that it’s all unfolded in such a rewarding way.

What was your reaction to your first #1 bestseller?
SW: February 2009. It was a cold, rainy day and I had to go out on the pool diving board to get a cell phone signal. When my agent gave me the news, I went bananas, and as soon as I hung up, I jumped into the ice cold pool. Big mistake–I was wearing a heavy sweater, jeans and wool socks, and I sank like a stone. But I survived and had that unforgettable moment!

Tell us how different these release days are from the first few?
SW: It’s always exciting. Nowadays, more people are paying attention–my publisher and agent, readers and colleagues. It’s nerve-wracking and a bit surreal when the sales reports start rolling in.

I have read most of what you’ve written and reviewed you both as a reader and for 
LibraryJournal and RT magazine. The AppleOrchard RT review is mine.
Do you read your reviews?
SW: Yes. If a reviewer is willing to read and comment on my work, I am interested in what they have to say. I have a lot of respect for reviewers. A good one is an expert at pointing readers to books they’re likely to enjoy.

Which type of review is more important to you?
SW: The raves, of course! Seriously, the ones that mean a lot to me are the ones that give their honest thoughts about a story, and give enough detail to tell readers something about the book. 

I love all your novels. You have such a unique voice and way of storytelling that just makes 
me feel warm and fuzzy. But like most people, I have a favorite, one that speaks especially to 
my heart and as I mentioned in our previous interview that would be Just Breathe. Not only 
did I read it in one sitting but I re-read it at least once a year.
SW: Oh my gosh, thank you. Just Breathe was republished in August in a special book group edition. 

Do you have a favorite?
SW: The NEXT book, the one I haven’t spoiled for myself by writing it. But I do love JUST BREATHE because Sarah, the main character, has such a cool job (comic strip artist) and the setting–Point Reyes, CA–is such a magical place.

Susan, one of the other things I love about your novels is that even in stand alones I may see 
a friend or two. Like in Just Breathe we actually met your protagonist and her husband in one of your Lakeshore novels.
SW: That’s very cool that you noticed. I like to imagine characters as having a life outside the book. I think about where they are and what they’re doing when they’re not “on the page.”

At what point did you realize that her story wasn’t finished?
SW: Sarah seemed out of sync with her husband. I always knew there was something more to her.

Susan, what part of being an author do you find the most frustrating?
SW: The juggling act of trying to promote a new book when you’re also trying to write the next one. I love getting out and getting online to visit with readers, but at the same time, I have to hole up and write. I need more hours in the day!

Susan, what is your opinion of social media as a whole and how should authors utilize it?
SW: I love that I can connect with readers instantly and hear what’s on their minds. I think it’s great to be able to alert people to upcoming books and events.

Thank you so much for answering my questions. Good luck with the newest release!
SW: Thank you. I hope you like CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS. You’re so terrific to take time to review them.

Will there be any Susan sightings or fan meets?
SW: Yes! Check my web site: www.susanwiggs.com and join my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/susanwiggs for up-to-the-minute info, and to connect with me and other readers. We do lots of flash giveaways on the page, so join in!















Connect with Susan Website- Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads


My Review of Candlelight Christmas
Courtesy RT Reviews

RT Rating
Wiggs’ latest romance is a heartwarming tale, showcasing her iconic Avalon, N.Y., all decked out for Christmas. Her narrative demonstrates her unique, piquant humor and innate ability to connect relationship dots. Her couple is perfect, the little boy precociously charming and her co-stars rock! This one can be read as a stand-alone.
Logan O’Donnell loves being a dad — it’s the being a single dad part he hates, along with the fact that his son Charlie lives so far away. Divorce hasn’t made him bitter, only more determined than ever to find his own happy ending. And a friend of his sister’s might fit the bill. Darcy Fitzgerald’s dreams of family were shattered with her husband’s betrayal and his children’s defection. She’s happy being single and doesn’t need the complications of a relationship — even if her BFF’s brother is yummy. But Christmas is for miracles, maybe even the forever kind. (MIRA, Nov., 336 pp.,$16.95)
Reviewed By: Debbie Haupt



Thursday, October 24, 2013

Author Interview-Debra Mullins-The Prodigal Son


I'm pleased to bring you award winning historical romance author Debra Mullins who is debuting her new Paranormal Romance series with Prodigal Son. I asked her about this new venture she told me –"I’ve always wanted to write paranormal as well as historicals. If you looked at my DVD shelf, you’d see tons of science fiction and paranormal TV series and movies. And I’ve always been fascinated by Atlantis."
See the rest of her answers below.



  • ISBN-13: 9780765336866
  • Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
  • Publication date: 10/1/2013
  • Series: Truthseers Series
  • Pages: 368





Overview:
Prodigal Son—the new paranormal romance from acclaimed historical romance author Debra Mullins
Bounty hunter Rafe Montana is a Seer, descended from the fabled Atlanteans. He uses his inherited power to “see” criminals across the globe and track them down, and he’s just started on a new case.
PRAISE:
“Debra Mullins opens up a whole new universe as she takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride into sexy adventure. The world isn't what you thought. You won't put it down.”
—Susan Squires, New York Times bestselling author on Prodigal Son
“Passion, intrigue, and heartfelt emotion—Debra Mullins delivers captivating romance!”
—Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author of A Week to Be Wicked


Debra HI! Welcome to The Reading Frenzy

Tell us about your debut to a new paranormal romance series Prodigal Son.
Cara McGaffigan is a software developer from New Jersey who has come to Las Vegas in search of her stepbrother Danny, who jumped bail after stealing a car from his boss.  Danny is all the family Cara has left, and she is constantly bailing him out of trouble. Bounty hunter Rafe Montana is also looking for Danny. Rafe is descended from a powerful Seer of Atlantis and has inherited abilities that allow him to find anyone, anywhere. But when it comes to Danny, Rafe can’t see anything. This is enough to make him take the case. Cara and Rafe eventually team up and hit the road to find Danny. What they don’t realize is that Danny didn’t just steal a car. He stole a powerful stone that comes from Atlantis itself—and there a people who want it back.

Debra you also write award winning historical romance.
Why dip your toes into this fantasy/paranormal genre?
I’ve always wanted to write paranormal as well as historicals. If you looked at my DVD shelf, you’d see tons of science fiction and paranormal TV series and movies. And I’ve always been fascinated by Atlantis.  The similarity between historical and paranormal is the world building. In both genres, I’m transporting you to a different reality, which requires similar skills.

You’re a long time author having been writing for over 20 years.
What is the biggest challenge for an established author?
To stay published. After fourteen books, it gets harder and harder to stay fresh and relevant. There are new, wonderful writers coming up every day, and it forces me to up my game.

How do you go about researching a paranormal novel?
The beauty of paranormal is that you can make stuff up. I researched Atlantis and found whatever I could about it. The thing is, other than what Plato wrote about Atlantis, there has yet to be any undeniable archaeological proof that the city actually existed. So I used Plato as my guide and then added my own imagination to create the world of Atlantis and the powers possessed by its citizens.

Debra you’ve received many awards for your novels.
Which one or more are still on your want list?
I was once nominated for the RITA from Romance Writers of America, but I did not win. I’d love to win one of those!

Go way back to your first release day.
How did it differ from this one?
My first release day was in January 1999 – the previous century! Technology was very different back then. We printed our manuscripts and mailed them via the post office, not by email. Digital publishing didn’t really exist yet. There was no Facebook or Twitter, and Amazon was in its infancy. There was barely email! I had to wait and hear from my publisher if the book was being well received. Today, I can just check out online forums and reviews by bloggers to get an idea if it’s doing well. Very often, if a blogger really liked the book, they will announce the review on Twitter and copy me. That’s a nice perk.

What’s next for you?
PRODIGAL SON is the first in a trilogy, and I just finished the second book, about Rafe’s brother Darius. I’ve also got some historical projects on the burner, so I’m not completely moving away from that.

Debra I’d like to dip into personal territory now.
Your website states that for your honeymoon you and your groom booked The Quiet Man (your favorite movie) Tour through the sites in Ireland where the movie was filmed.
What was your favorite sight?
There are so many beautiful places in County Mayo and County Galway, where the movie was filmed. My favorite places were Ashford Castle and the village of Cong. Both played huge parts in creating the village of Inisfree and still look remarkably the same as when the movie was filmed in 1952.

Where’s your favorite place to write?
I have an office at home with a door, which is where I do most of my writing. If things are too distracting at home, I will also set up camp in Starbucks for a couple of hours.

Debra, thanks so much for answering my questions.
Do you have events/signings listed for fans who’d love to meet you in person?
I just came back from the Seattle area, where I did a public booksigning at a writer’s conference. My next appearance right now will be in Tempe, AZ on April 5, 2014. I will be posting that info on my website.


Debra Mullins is the author of thirteen historical romances for Avon Books and one paranormal romance for Tor/Forge. Her books have been translated into several languages and nominated for awards from both the magazine RT Book Reviews and Romance Writers of America and its chapters, including the Golden Heart, the RITA, the Holt Medallion (twice), the Book Buyer’s Best Award, and the National Readers Choice Award. She also won the Golden Leaf Award for Best Historical for her book, A NECESSARY BRIDE.
Debra has spoken at various RWA chapter meetings, as well as the national RWA conference, the Liberty States Fiction Writers conference and the Emerald City Writers’ Conference in Seattle. In August 2009, she gave a full day special event for the Orange County chapter of Romance Writers of America with author Charlotte Carter, where she spoke on the topics of character and conflict.
Born and raised in the New York/New Jersey area, Debra now lives in California and has been actively writing for over twenty years. A language nerd, she could speak four languages by the time she graduated high school. At age 16, she went to France on a student exchange program for a summer. By the time she came home to the U.S., she was dreaming in French.
She is currently finishing a paranormal trilogy for Tor/Forge. The first book, PRODIGAL SON, is due out in October 2013. Debra is a member of Novelists Inc., Liberty States Fiction Writers, and several chapters of RWA. You can find her on Twitter using @debramullins and on the web at www.debramullins.com.




Connect with Debra WebsiteFacebookTwitter - Goodreads




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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

WORLD SERIES EXTRAVAGANZA-GIVEAWAYS GALORE!!!

Will it be RED OCTOBER  or Is it the year to FEAR THE BEARD!!!

I'm a rabid  fan and for my friend

Lisa Verge Higgins it's  all the way.


So we were chatting 


 



And we thought why not turn our fantastic fanaticism into something Great
Where our fans can show their team spirit and enter for some awesome prizes.
To make it a little more interesting we've decided that the loser will donate to the winner's charity of choice.
So if the Cardinals win the World Series (which they will) Lisa will make a donation to Cardinals Care
And if the Boston Red Sox Win I'll make a donation to
The Jimmy Fund
And we encourage our followers and our friends to donate to either organization
or the Charity of your choice


Well my friend Lisa is an author, and I'm just a lowly blogger so I got busy and chatted up some wonderfully talented and amazing local author friends and asked them to help.

Angie Fox  said yes I'll help. 

And Shawntelle Madison said yes I'll help.

And Jeannie Lin  said of course.
So they each donated an autographed copy of one of their fabulous novels.


And it's the fans who are the big winners!!
The Fan-tasitc prize packages are listed below
US Entrants ONLY



My prize package includes:
1) $20 B&N gift card
1) Vintage 1990s baseball signed by the Cardinals still in it’s original packaging from the Cardinals gift shop. Donated by my daughter from her personal memorablilia collection.
 Thank You Erin!!
1) Anheuser Busch collectible 6pak mini steins
1 each autographed copies of Coveted, My Big Fat Demon Slayer Wedding, The Lotus Palace.
Thanks to my wonderful ST. Louis author friends. Thanks Ladies!!!

                     

a Rafflecopter giveaway 




Lisa is giving away:
1)stuffed Red Sox character
1) Red Sox T-shirt
1) Fake Beard
1)$20.00 B&N gift Card
1 each autographed copies of The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship, Friendship Makes The Heart Grow Fonder, One Good Friend Deserves Another.

 

Follow this link to Lisa's Rafflecopter entry form
http://www.lisavergehiggins.com/


Please note some prizes may vary depending on availability.



To Enter simply use the Rafflecopter form provided above or follow the link to Lisa's website where her entry form lives. Spread the love and share the news and tell all of your friends to enter too.


Oh and don't forget

       






         






Oh and GO CARDS!!!
he he he ;)




 


                       


               

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Author Interview-Mike Maden-DRONE

This was a headline in the New York Times this morning-http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/10/22/world/asia/the-drone-strike-capital-of-the-world.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20131022&_r=0


They're everywhere in the news, DRONES are, and everyone has an opinion about their use in everything from police surveillance, to military strikes, to even journalism. But what if.......
That's what debut author Mike Madden's novel is about. It's timely, it's evocative, it's the beginning of an explosive new series. So I'm pleased to bring you Mike's interview and when I asked if this novel was a morality tale, he responded––"Drone is absolutely a morality tale. Drones themselves are neutral things—it’s the people that operate them that are truly fascinating. "
See the rest of his answer and all the others below. Then rush out to get your own copy of DRONE!



  • ISBN-13: 9780399167386
  • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
  • Publication date: 10/22/2013
  • Pages: 432





Interview with Mike Maden 10-22

Overview:
With a fascinating international cast of characters and nonstop action, Mike Maden’s Drone kicks off an explosive new thriller series exploring the inescapable consequences of drone warfare.
Troy Pearce is the CEO of Pearce Systems, a private security firm that is the best in the world at drone technologies. A former CIA SOG operative, Pearce used his intelligence and combat skills to hunt down America’s sworn enemies in the War on Terror. But after a decade of clandestine special ops, Pearce opted out.

Praise for Maden:
"A brilliant read with astounding plot twists...Maden's trail of intrigue will captivate you from page one." —CLIVE CUSSLER
"Mike Maden understands that sometimes the most lethal warriors are those just out of sight. DRONE is action-packed with cutting-edge technology and an unforgettable cast of characters."
            —W.E.B Griffin, #1 Wall Street Journal and New York Times-bestselling author
“An engrossing techno thriller…Plenty of great drone details. Readers will eagerly await Troy’s further adventures.”
            —Publishers Weekly



Mike welcome to The Reading Frenzy

Tell us about your novel debut Drone.
Drone is the first in a techno-thriller series about a character named Troy Pearce, the owner of a private security company that specializes in drone operations.
This is the start of a series, where did the idea stem from?
The idea for Drone came straight out of the daily headlines. There are so many challenges facing our nation today but it seems as if the crisis in political leadership is the most dangerous of them all. Drone explores the political as well as the military implications of the “new” surveillance and war fighting technologies.

Mike this is a very timely release with all the news that drones are receiving in the media lately. Are these morality tales?
Drone is absolutely a morality tale. Drones themselves are neutral things—it’s the people that operate them that are truly fascinating. Drones are redefining our most basic definitions of words like “citizen” and are challenging our essential understanding of our basic civil rights. In the midst of all of that, Troy Pearce is a metaphor for the average American. Like most of us, he absolutely loves his country but his fed up with the self-serving political class that also seems to promote itself at the expense of the country at large.

Mike I read that this novel is the result of a challenge by your friends.
Can you tell us about the challenge?
I have two great friends I graduated from college years ago with and they both have labored faithfully in the vineyards of novel writing for a long time. Despite enormous story-telling talent, they were never able to land a traditional publisher. They had suggested I try novel writing way back in the day, but given their lack of publishing success, I didn’t see the point in attempting it. But two years ago they both discovered e-publishing and have had tremendous success in that venue, putting up their previously unpublished novels and writing many new ones since. With that success they once again came to me and said I should give it a throw. I’m glad I accepted the challenge! My original plan was to publish Drone as an ebook but then my friend David Hale Smith asked to read it and offered to rep it. The rest is history. I’m happy to report that both of my friends have paper publishing contracts now, too.

So now that you’ve accepted and finished the challenge what surprised you most about the novel writing process?
I was stunned to discover that the word count—which frankly seemed unattainable coming from screenwriting--really isn’t the problem. At first, a hundred thousand word document seemed out of reach, partly because it was fiction. (I had previously written a doctoral dissertation which was manuscript length.) The challenge for me in this format is that I have too many ideas, too many characters, and too many issues I want to explore and the wide open page count only tempts me to invite too many people to the party. A spec screenplay is seldom longer than one hundred and ten pages and often only ninety so one is forced to be much more disciplined, er, ruthless in one’s word choices as a screenwriter.

Was it more different or more like the screen writing you’re used to being the co-creator of Pink on WebTv writing this novel?
Story structure is essentially the same for screenplays as it is for novels. Of course, screenplays are strange beasties—they are only meant to be read by people who intend to make them into something else (movies) which means that, technically, screenplays aren’t literary documents. The job of the screenwriter is to create a movie in the mind of the script reader so that they can “see” the movie that should be made. That’s why, “Show, don’t tell,” is a cardinal rule in screenwriting. One of the greatest compliments I’ve received about Drone is that it plays like a movie in the mind of the reader and I attribute that to my screenwriting experience.

Mike this novel is getting a lot of advanced publicity. Does that make you more nervous than if it came out more unknown?
Unfortunately, too many authors blame their failures on their publishers because they think the book didn’t receive enough marketing support. I certainly won’t have that excuse! Putnam has been so incredibly supportive at every level, from editing (thank you Nita and Meaghan!) to the fantastic cover art and all the way through my publicist Kelly Rudolph. If the book doesn’t sell well there’s only one person to blame and his name is on the cover of the book--and it isn’t Troy Pearce. Am I nervous? No, not really. The folks at Putnam are the best in the business and their incredible support of Drone tells me how much they believe in the book so that actually gives me a great deal of confidence. I’m a huge fan of Steven Pressfield (The War of Art) and I agree with him. As a writer, all I can do is throw my best punches until the bell rings. The only question for me now is, did I leave everything behind in the ring? I did. I totally believe in the characters, the security challenges explored are real and the amazing drone technology is based on actual systems deployed or in development.

Can you tell us anything about the next novel in the series or will you have to kill us? :)
I’m a soft-handed scribbler and violence isn’t part of my vocabulary. Oh, wait, I take that back. My vocabulary, lexicon and oeuvre actually are chock full o’ violence, now that I think about it. So I’ll just say this about the sequel: everything I hope the reader loves about Troy in Drone will still be at play as he faces even greater challenges and worse heart breaks in the sequel. The working title is, The Blue Warrior.

Mike what kind of reader will enjoy this novel?
At this point, more women than men have read the drafts, and the world’s toughest critic I know is Mrs. Maden who is NOT shy about throwing me the Stink Eye when I toss her a goose egg. But she’s been nothing but thumbs up on Drone, and so I will confidently say that anybody who likes to read military and techno-thrillers in the vein of Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn or Brad Thor should enjoy Drone so long as they don’t mind big action, political intrigue and, well, drones—lots of ‘em. My novel also features a number of great female protagonists who work with Troy at Pearce Systems, and Margaret Myers is the president of the United States who, frankly, is the best president this country has ever seen because she has more sand than previous occupants, fictional or otherwise.

Mike thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Good luck with this novel and the rest in this new series.
Will there be any author events/signings for this novel?
Thank you so much for your interest in Drone. I’m so very fortunate to have two book signings in October at two legendary indie bookstores, The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Murder by the Book in Houston, Texas. I post all of my events on my Facebook page and Twitter feed which also display on my web page at www.mikemaden.com I love connecting with readers so I hope they’ll stop by and chat it up sometime soon.

Connect with Mike  Website - Facebook - Twitter
















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