Thursday, November 24, 2011

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

Book Description:
Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Ash Zinders is in charge of the Secret Service protecting the Vice President's unruly daughter.  The one thing he never wanted on his team was a woman and yet the thing he is having to contend with is Agent Megan Connors.  Megan has proven herself as an agent and resents A2Z's distaste for women on his team.  Lindsay has her demons to face and isn't sure who she can trust.  The team and everyone around her remote prison are in danger no matter what she chooses!
I loved the characters.  Ash & Megan were the perfect competitive match.  The old ranch hand and his son are wonderful.  Everyone being a suspect is great, there is no one who is above their scrutiny.  Several twists and turns.  You feel all the emotions of the characters and stay engrossed in their world to the end!
I rate this a 5/5.  I can't wait for another book from this author!
Thank you to the publisher, Tyndale, for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Interview of Author Rochelle Melander

AW: Tell us about yourself…

Rochelle Melander: I've been an avid reader since I could read, at about age 3. Reading is still one of my favorite activities in the world. I get a big treat out of going to the library and stocking up on books! I have also been writing since I was young--though in elementary school I wanted to be an actress. Currently, I split my time between three vocations: writing books and articles, coaching (I coach writers and do wellness coaching), and editing. When I am not writing, coaching, or editing, I am hanging out with my children and husband. We love taking walks with our two dogs, reading books, watching movies, and playing games.

AW: What general do you write and why?

RM: I spend most of my time writing nonfiction--both about spiritual matters and writing. I've always been curious about how we can live happier, more efficient lives. I spend a good deal of my time reading spiritual nonfiction and positive psychology—and love passing on the information to people who read my books and articles.

AW: Tell us about your book….

RM: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) provides writers with a complete toolkit for writing their nonfiction or fiction book in less than a month. The book includes three sections: training, the marathon, and recovery. In the training section, writers learn how to overcome their fears, train their lives, and create a plan for their book. In the marathon section, readers get a bunch of short, helpful chapters designed to get them over any writer's block that happens during the writing marathon. The recovery section teaches writers how to shape up their manuscript for submission. The book concludes with a resource section.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

RM: In 2004, my friend Sue Lang and I wrote a book in 9 days. Every book I have written with my husband has been written fast. I wanted to write a book that would help both nonfiction and fiction writers write fast and not lose their minds.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?

RM: I've always loved Meg from A Wrinkle in Time (and the rest of the series). That's my favorite book of all time--so I have read and reread Meg's story. Plus, I love that she is imperfect and uses her imperfections to help save her father.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

RM: I wrote it fast--in just 26 days during National Novel Writing Month. Then I added another 25,000 words in just two weeks. The difficulty for me came in the revising. I was surprised to find out how much I repeated myself. When I did the revisions, I did a document search for every single quote I used to make sure I did not duplicate them. I also had a couple of trusted readers review the book for repetition. Sometimes I hated cutting chapters that repeated ideas, but the book became better because I was willing to do that.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?

RM: It is National Novel Writing Month, so I have just begun to work on a series of books for children. I started the series during last year's NaNoWriMo and wrote 2 1/2 books. I am taking the same characters and writing more books about them this year. It's fun to go back to their world.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

RM: I do not know if this is a quirk, but I like to be disconnected when I write. I do not check email or Facebook or Twitter until I have my word count in. Once I get online, I feel pulled in too many directions to settle down and write. My other quirk is that I do not like talking about a book before I write it. It uses up too much of my writing energy.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?

RM: Get in the habit of writing every day. Also get in the habit of submitting. Once these habits are habits, you will find that writing is much easier!

AW: Where can we find you? (facebook, twitter, blog, website, etc)

RM: Here are my various online places:
http://twitter.com/#!/WriteNowCoach
https://www.facebook.com/WriteNowCoach
http://www.writenowcoach.com/
http://www.writenowcoach.com/blog/
AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? (your website, publisher, amazon, etc)
The book is available at my site http://www.writenowcoach.com/
Writer's Digest: http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/write-a-thon/
And of course, on Amazon and wherever books are sold!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Guest Blogger, Author Rochelle Melander

Is God Calling You To Write?
By Rochelle Melander

I am a writer.

My job is to pay attention to the world—to the terror and beauty that brushes up against our life each day, to the passions that break our hearts and make those same hearts sing, to the language we use to express our hopes and hurts. I pay attention to the things that most of us never notice and I make stories out of them. I shape them into a form that I hope will help people to face the beauty and terror of their own lives.

I was a little girl when God first called me to this task of shaping experience and idea into stories. In those days, I wrote and performed plays. I wrote poetry. I kept a journal. Over the years, God called me again and again to this task. Sometimes I listened. Sometimes I didn’t.

When I was 31 and pregnant with my first child, God came calling again. Three times. It seems that these things always come in threes. That fall I attended three author events. At the first one, as I watched Kevin Henkes walk up to read his book to 45 children (and me), I heard a voice in my head: this is what you need to be doing. I heard the same voice a few weeks later as I listened to Patricia Polacco read her wonderful book, Pink and Say. And then, attending a writing workshop with my hero Madeleine L’Engle, I felt my heart leap within me and the absolute sureness that writing was what God had always intended me to do with my life.

I began to take God seriously, to transition my life from parish ministry to writing. Here are some things I learned about callings that might help you in your writing ministry:

1. God will call you again and again and again until you finally pay attention. If you are wondering what God wants you to do with your life, look at yourself as a seven year old, a ten year old. What stirred your heart then? Chances are God is still calling you to some form of that first passion. Forgive yourself for not hearing God the first and second and twenty-second time. God will call you again.

2. In order to hear God whispering, you need to pay attention. Get a little less busy. Be more idle. Take walks. Stay silent. Ask God to show you the next step.

3. Know that not everyone will rejoice with you. Some people will think you are crazy. That’s okay. Most of the people God calls to do God’s work—whatever that may be—are thought of as crazy or worse. Look at Saint Joan. So what. Who cares what others think? Do what God has called you to.

4. Listen to that call to action. Take the steps necessary to answer God’s call. Until you do the thing that God has called you to, the thing that brings you joy and serves the world, you will experience angst. When you start moving, your anxiety will begin to disappear. As author and minister Frederick Buechner said, “Vocation is where our greatest passion meets the world’s greatest need.”

5. Finally, get support. Find a friend, a coach, a therapist, a school, a support group, a mentor, a prayer partner—anyone who will encourage you to do the thing that God has called you to do.

In the past ten years this support has been filled in many surprising ways: writers who shared their struggles in books that came out at just the right time, friends who were on a similar path or who could simply affirm mine, and music that made my spirit soar. Today, ask God how your life might shine in the places you dwell and in the tasks God has called you to do.

Your turn: How has God called you to the task of writing?

Author Bio
Rochelle Melander is a certified professional coach and the author of 10 books, including a new book to help fiction and nonfiction writers write fast: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) (October 2011). Melander teaches professionals how to get published, establish credibility, and navigate the new world of social media. In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Writing Group, a program that teaches writing to at-risk tweens and teens. Visit her online at http://www.writenowcoach.com/. She will be blogging about NaNoWriMo all month at http://www.writenowcoach.com/blog/.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carison

Book Description:
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing. Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.




My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one. It is a perfectly timed release. Parrish Springs has a new store. Matilda Honeycutt has bought a store wanted by a city counsel man and has opened nothing more than a second hand shop...or is it? As the accepting towns people visit they find more than they ever expected!
I liked the characters in this book. The author wrote them perfectly. The townspeople being so standoffish was just what they had to be. Matilda was great and I liked the magic of the store. It is a good quick read that will put you in the holiday spirit.

It is a 5/5. Great read for Christmas.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

April Gardner's Wounded Spirits

Priase for Wounded Spirits:


April Elstrom

http://homeschoolblogger.com/elcloud/784713/
I really enjoyed Wounded Spirits.  It was an impressive first novel by April Gardner.  The storyline had a few twists that were predictable, but just as many that were unexpected. To be honest, I realized I didn’t know much about the relations between settlers and the Native Americans in the  states of the southeast. It left me wanting to read more about the history of that area, especially after I read April’s closing notes which showed how many of the people in her story were real people from history rather than fictional characters.
I look forward to reading more books from April Gardner.



I love reading historical fiction, it always makes me feel as if I am getting a history lesson while reading a great fiction story,and with Wounded Spirits, thats exactly what I got. The author does a fantastic job of weaving a great fiction tale around the truths of history. The characters are so well developed that it is easy to believe the story that unfolds.While faith in God is mentioned often in the story, it isn't overdone,instead seeming very appropriate for the characters. A story that captured my imagination,with characters that stayed in my heart and mind long after the last page. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what life has in store for Adela!On a scale of 1 to 5 I would give this book a six, because its just that good!!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Shadows of Pain by Ashley Dawn :)

My newest book, Shadows of Pain is released today!!! It is avaliable on Smashwords for $2.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105017

To celebrate the release of Shadows of Pain, my publisher reduced the price of my first book, Shadows From the Past to $0.99! http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/42323


Check them out and tell me what you think!!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Echo Falls by Jamie McDougall

Book Description:
Running from a nightmare stalking her every move, Phoebe Martin arrives in Echo Falls hoping she has finally found a safe place to stop. But trouble has a way of catching up and soon the signs are there.
After a vicious attack in an alley, policeman Aidan O'Bryan is left with Phoebe as his only path to understanding why the Echo Falls werewolf pack - his pack - is being attacked. When another pack member is killed, Phoebe is forced to confront her past before she loses Aidan and everything she has come to love.
Love and duty become one as Aidan strives to prevent Phoebe from becoming the next victim. But with Phoebe just as determined to protect Aidan and her new home, secrets from her past threaten to tear them apart.
Will love give Phoebe the strength to trust Aidan and face her fears, or will her past destroy her future?

*Warning: Contains adult situations and language

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book. Phoebe is running. She has been running for months but Echo Falls feels like home. She knows trouble could be following, and probably will be there before she is ready for it! When she meets Aidan, she is drawn to him like she's never been drawn to a man before. The problem is, what happens when her past catches up with them?
Phoebe was a strong, determined woman but also is easily hurt. I like that the author doesn't make her too strong or too weak, she is a good mix of the two. It is obvious she wants to trust but is afraid. Aidan is strong, a leader and very protective of Phoebe. I loved all the support characters, especially the baby!
This is a 5/5. I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Price of Trust by Amanda Stephan

Book Description:


What was going on? Was she allowing herself to think too much of this little town? Or just the people in it. She blushed as she remembered how her heart had sped up as Joe had sat next to her. Carly Richards is on the run. For the last two years, she's skipped from town to town, ducking her dangerous and well-informed ex-fianca © every few weeks, never settling anywhere for long. With the death of her parents, Carly's vulnerability made her trust a man with an attractive facade, now that same man tracked her across the country, always nipping at her heels, preventing her from reaching out to anyone other than her God. Now she's in Montana, and surely that is far enough away from Texas and her abusive past that she can rest. But her emotional scars are reluctant to heal, and Carly resists the friendliness of those in the small town she lights upon, especially handsome farmer Joe Baird. Without a car and money, though, she has little choice but to dig in and begin building back up her savings so she can run once more. Caught in the circumstances, the kind people around her begin to creep into her softening heart. God is at work, and she has to trust him to not only take care of her, but care for the people she is learning to love. Carly must learn the Price of Trust.




My Thoughts:


I loved this book. Carly is running. Somehow she has now run into a life she has been trying to avoid. She loves the town, the people are great, and then there is Joe. He is a wonderful man that she could see herself falling for but can't let that happen. She has to stay mobile and not get attached. If she gets attached to people they could get tangled in the mess she is in and be hurt.


I loved Carly. She had her moments but through the whole story, she was considering the consequences of her actions to others. Joe was wonderful too. His strength and faith were very drawing. I also love how the town seemed to just take Carly in. There were a few people who were mean but Joe's family was so close and loving. Not to mention the wonderful couple at the store. The author did a wonderful job with all of her characters and I can't wait to read more from her!


I rate this a 5/5. I completely enjoyed this book!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description:
When Trevor MacDaniel, a high country outfitter, rescues a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, he can’t foresee the far-reaching consequences of his action, how it will entwine his life with gifted sculptor, Natalie Reeve—and attract a grim admirer.
Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.
Drawn by the heroic story of the child’s rescue, a twisted soul sees Trevor as archangel and adversary, and threatens their peaceful mountain community—testing Trevor’s limits by targeting their most helpless and innocent.



My Thoughts:
This was a good book. Trevor is a hero. He teaches children survival skills, helps police solve cases and saves Natalie's nephew from a mountain lion. Natalie is a sculptor who has her own difficulties. Trevor's talents attract the wrong kind of attention and now, the innocent are the ones at greatest risk!
I like that the author made her characters realistic. Trevor was a hero but he wasn't cocky or even thought of himself that way. Natalie's talent was intriguing. All of the characters were fit into their roles perfectly and developed quite well. There is plenty of suspense and several twists that make this book great.
I rate it a 5/5. Unique story line & great characters!

Thank you to Waterbrook for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Interview of Author Anita Estes

1. Tell me about your newest book, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer?
This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story.

2. What are some of the pitfalls you experienced in dealing with your son’s addiction and in writing this timely and powerful book?
It is sometimes very difficult for a parent to recognize the warning signs of an addiction in their teenager, especially in this culture today when drinking is so accepted. This was my downfall. I kept thinking my son was just going through a stage, especially because he would repent when something bad happened, like losing his license for a year or failing out of college. He would turn back to God and do what was right for a while, but then he’d fall again.
One of the pitfalls in writing the book was trying to figure out a way to take my personal experience and help others learn from it. I didn’t want to offer just another informational or book of advice on addiction, so I kept it in a journal format. I wanted others to see that God held me thought this very difficult time and that He can do the same for them. I also wanted to be very honest and real because as Christians we sometimes think we need to cover up our pain and even try to keep it from God and fellow believers. I wanted to show people that you can show God your pain, cry out to Him and go through different stages with Him right alongside. The last thing you should do in a crisis is stay mad at God and stop taking or communicating with Him.
3. What did you learn from this experience?
I learned that God is faithful even when we’re not, even when we get mad at Him and don’t understand what he’s doing. God wants us to draw near to Him and cast ALL our concerns, cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He has very big shoulders to carry our burdens and for us to lean on and even weep upon. I also learned that God is true to His word. You can believe His promises as long as you understand them, have faith and continue to trust God with the outcome. I also learned that it’s very important to surrender your prodigal to God. That’s the best place for them.

4. How did you get to that place of complete trust in God.
First, you have to have a personal relationship with Him. One is which you communicate and pray every day. A distant relationship with God will not carry you far. At first I didn’t understand why God allowed this in my son’s life. I was disappointed in God. But as I began to read the Word more and search for scriptures that spoke to my situation, I was able to apply the promises to my son. I began to press into prayer and God’s Word like I had never done before. Prior to this, I considered myself a prayer warrior, but my son’s addiction brought me into a deeper understanding of God and prayer.

5. What are some key excerpts?

I think there are many of them, but here are just a few:
Suggestions: It is difficult not to be consumed with your addicted child, but you must not put him or her first. Your marriage and your own physical, emotional and mental stability are very important in order to be able to see things from a clear perspective. While you can pray fervently, don’t let the child or problem consume your thoughts and your time. Make time for you and/or your spouse, your other children and yourself. Spend time in prayer for other’s needs as well as your own.
Life Changing Promises:
During this time I really learned how to pray the scriptures and promises. I needed encouragement everyday and some promises that I could hold onto continually. Here is one more that I clung to:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV). I drew on this verse for God’s strength. I tried not to be afraid, but I had a lot to fear for Ben. I tried to steel myself against the inevitable. My son was going to fail the drug test and be kicked out of the program. Even if this were so, the world would still be intact. I certainly would be shaken, though it wasn’t what I wanted to happen
Suggestions: Find some scriptures and promises of your own that ring true to you and your situation. Write them down, memorize them and quote them frequently when doubt and fear overwhelm you.
Here’s two excerpts from the chapter “Glimmer of Light”
Jesus doesn’t want us to put any relationship above Him and get our peace and joy from them. These words pierce my heart, for this is the work God is doing in my life. I cannot depend on anyone for joy or happiness. I must rely solely on Jesus. He must be my source. It’s not that I can’t receive joy from others, but Jesus needs to be the root of my joy.
Later in that chapter:
I believe God spoke a clear Word to me to continue to come against Satan as Moses came against Pharaoh. Satan does not readily let go of what he perceives to be his. Even though Ben is God’s child, as the nation of Israel was the Lord’s, Satan is reluctant to let go of what he thinks he possesses. Pharaoh needed to be confronted time and time again, and kept relenting on his promise to let the Israelites go.

6. What is the takeaway value of your books and of Letters to God… in particular?
All my non-fiction books and articles are written to either help Christian’s grow in their spiritual walk with God or to reach those who are hurting and hurl them a lifeline in their storm. My books lean heavily on the power of prayer and God’s amazing compassion, mercy and love. I want others to intimately know the awesome God I know and the power of praying His promises. I want to alert Christians to the enemy’s tactics so they can avoid his traps and use prayer as a powerful weapon. All of my writing is geared to coming away with a fuller understanding of God, His promises, and the transforming power of prayer.
In Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son I want those who are watching a loved one caught in the blinding windstorm of addiction to understand that God did not want this for them and He invites them to dialogue honestly with Him. I want parents, family, relatives and friends to be equipped with spiritual tools for coming against the powers of darkness involved in addiction. My desire is to help guide them on this dark journey and lead them into the light of God’s presence.
7. What one issue ignites your passion?
Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.
8. Where can you buy your books?
You can buy this book and any of my others at http://www.anitaestes.com/ For a sneak peak of Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son go to http://tinyurl.com/3pmzusd
On Tues NOV. 8TH ONLY I’ll be having a book launch for Letters to God… and you’ll be able to get a lot of FREE Gifts when you purchase the book on that day. You can find out more about the launch on my web-site, http://www.anitaestes.com/ or this direct link http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Author Spotlight: Write-A-Thon author Rochelle Melanger

MILWAUKEE, WI – (October 14, 2011) -- Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) is the 10th book authored by Rochelle Melander, a certified professional coach, accomplished editor and writer. As the Write Now! Coach, Melander teaches professionals and novices how to write fast, get published, establish credibility, and navigate the new world of social media. According to a study conducted by the Jenkins Group, 80% of the U.S. population, want to publish a book.

Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days is a compendium of writing tools, performance techniques, problem-solving exercises, encouragement and life skills for nonfiction and fiction writers. Detailed dos and don’ts for the writer about query letters, agents, publishers, writer’s platform, marketing, and reading lists round out the complete training system for writing a book in 26 days.

Release of the book coincides with the build-up to National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). This annual challenge draws 200,000 people who write a 50,000-word novel or work of nonfiction in 30 days. In 2009 Melander, who has always written on tight deadlines, completed Write-A-Thon during Nanowrimo and joins the list of participants who not only finished the race but published afterward.

Melander’s goal is to teach readers how to make writing a priority in their lives. She says, “Until people, can make writing a life priority, it will never happen.” Writing a book is much like running a marathon. First one has to train, prepare, plan, and then run. After passing the finish line the runner/writer may then take a deep breath, congratulate themselves for making it all the way through and review the strategy, or in the case of writing a book, revise and edit.


Experts who have achieved much in their fields are drawn to writing a book as a marketing tool but face time constraints and inexperience in the publishing world. Each chapter of Write-A-Thon assists the reader through written exploration to find their voice, select a genre, develop real lists of experiences, passion, and purpose to inform the writing and edit and revise. Melander teaches writers to define their ideal reader, create an author’s platform, and work well with agents, publishers, and editors. Developing “what if” statements propel the writer in lieu of hackneyed affirmations.

“Write-A-Thon is designed to support professionals who want to write a book but do not have the time, background, or knowledge to write a book fast. Write-A-Thon provides the magic formula that makes writing a book in 26 days an achievable goal for anyone with a book idea,” says Melander.

Many “how to write books” come across as lectures placing the author high above the reader. Melander takes readers along the journey granting permission to take or leave suggestions and to keep writing despite distractions, so-called writers block and daily life. English classes teach readers how to diagram a sentence. Rochelle Melander through her new book and coaching practice, guides writers who read how to uncover the structure and mechanics of what they read to understand what works, what does not work and why.

General advice to writers is to write what you know which works but Melander urges her audience to go beyond, to invent their story, to learn about it through research and interviewing others who have had the experience. Through a series of exercises – not boring writing prompts – readers are counseled to get out of the box and not limit themselves to what they know but open them up to what they can know. The author writes that it is okay with her to, “write nothing but garbage just get it down on paper.”

The book defines each genre, nonfiction, fiction, fantasy, and so forth, presenting published examples to clarify the descriptions. Melander makes no assumptions about the reader’s knowledge and gracefully educates the writers in training.

Today people strive for financial security, a loving relationship, and above all happiness. Melander cites studies that show that writing makes one healthy, happier, and better able to achieve goals. (Details of studies available upon request).

Melander is the founder of The Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, uniting parents, teachers, and professional writers - to mentor youths to make sense of their lives through writing. As founder of WriteNow! Coach, Melander provides one-on-one programs, group classes and makes the most out of social media through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.



Author Bio:
Rochelle Melander is the CEO of Write Now! Coach, a writing, editing, and coaching practice that she founded in 2001. Her 10th book, Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) will be released in October 2011.
As the Write Now! Coach, Melander coaches professionals, executives, writers, business owners, and aspiring authors. Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander values the power of writing to change the lives of writers and readers. She teaches aspiring authors how to make time to write, shape their ideas into a book or product, sell their work, and navigate social media.
Write Now! Coach evolved from Ms. Melander’s related careers as an author, feature writer, copywriter, editor and coach. Rochelle writes a popular Ezine, Write Now! Weekly Writing Tips, blogs regularly, and hosts the Write Now! Mastermind Class.
In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, a program that teaches at-risk teens how to use writing to express dreams, set goals, and connect with readers.
Rochelle Melander earned two Masters degrees and is a certified graduate of Coach-U. She is a graduate of the National Writing Project Summer Writing Institute and in 2006 was awarded a writing fellowship by the Louisville Institute, part of the Lilly
Foundation. Melander is a member of the International Coach Federation and the American Society for Journalists and Authors.

She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, the writer Harold Eppley, and their two children.