John Heilemann Releasing Book on the Historic 2020 Election

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14 December 2020

Simon & Schuster announced that bestselling author and celebrated television journalist John Heilemann is writing a book on the historic 2020 election and Joe Biden’s rise to the presidency to be released next year. The book will be a dramatic, first-hand account of Biden’s improbable, decisive, and potentially transformative triumphs over a sprawling field of Democratic rivals and then Donald Trump in a race with existential stakes. Priscilla Painton, Vice President, Editorial Director for Nonfiction at Simon & Schuster, acquired North American and Audio rights from Andrew Wylie of The Wylie Agency. Screen rights to the book have been acquired by SHOWTIME, where Heilemann is a host, executive producer, and creator of the heralded weekly political series The Circus.

Heilemann has known and covered Biden and his family for more than three decades, in print and on television. The forthcoming book will be based both on that unique history and Heilemann’s reporting on the 2020 campaign—when, amid a raging pandemic, a ruinous recession, and convulsive racial justice protests from coast to coast, the author criss-crossed the country to chronicle the critical moments of the fierce battle for the Democratic nomination and the tumultuous general election.

“I first met Joe Biden in 1986 when I was in college and he was getting ready to run for president the first time, and I’ve been following his ups and downs, his triumphs and tragedies, ever since,” Heilemann says. “The story of how, against all odds and against the apocalyptic backdrop of America in 2020, Biden rallied in the winter of his life to defeat Trump—and, in the eyes of many, to save the country—is one of the great political tales of this or any age, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to tell it.”

“John brings three qualities to his storytelling—great reporting, impeccable political instincts, and a wise sense of history,” adds Painton. “I look forward to publishing him on this historic election.”

Heilemann is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling books Game Change and Double Down, the definitive accounts of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, respectively. In addition to his role on The Circus, which just completed its fifth season on SHOWTIME and will return in January for its sixth, Heilemann is a co-founder of Recount Media and Executive Editor of The Recount, a dynamic new video platform for political and other news coverage. He is also National Affairs Analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. A former staff writer for New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Wired, and The Economist, Heilemann has covered politics, business, and their intersection in America and abroad for 30 years.

Natalie Portman named National Library Week Honorary Chair

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Jocie McKade

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14 December 2020

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Natalie Portman will serve as honorary chair of the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Week, April 4–10, 2021. In her role, she will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.

Portman is an Academy Award–winning actor, director, producer, and activist whose film credits include Black Swan, Jackie, and the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. A lifelong fan of books, she shares on her Instagram feed titles that she’s reading—as part of Natalie Portman’s Book Club—using the hashtag #WhatNatReads. Natalie Portman’s Fables (Feiwel and Friends, 2020) is her debut picture book.

“I’m delighted to join ALA and libraries everywhere in celebrating National Library Week,” Portman said in a December 7 statement. “Libraries are open, inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community. They show us anything is possible by encouraging a love of learning, discovery, and exploration. I hope people will take time during the week to visit their library online or in person.”

The theme for National Library Week 2021, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have adapted by expanding resources and continuing to meet the needs of users, whether through access to technology, multimedia content, or educational programs.

“We are so pleased to have Natalie Portman as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021,” said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. in the news statement. “As a children’s book author, Natalie is a champion of empowerment and equality, values that reflect the work of librarians and library staff every day to make a difference in people’s lives and communities.”

Free digital graphics that promote National Library Week are available at ala.org/nlw, and promotional items are available for purchase through the ALA Store and ALA Graphics Gift Shop.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. National Library Week celebrations include:

the release of ALA’s 2021 State of America’s Libraries report, April 5
National Library Workers Day, April 6
National Day for Bookmobiles and Outreach Services, April 7
Take Action for Libraries Day, April 8
the celebration of School Library Month throughout April

For more information about National Library Week, visit ala.org/nlw.

Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive with Cynthia Vespia

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Sheila English

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13 December 2020

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The holidays have different meanings to everyone. For me, they are a time of remembrance. I was born the youngest of eight kids which created a lot of energy in the house come Christmas time. My mother always went out of her way to create massive events for the holidays. Because my father was an entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip for over a decade, my mom’s parties even landed in the local newspaper once. They were affairs to remember for sure. Even when it was just the family, she and my older sister Cecilia would put together a spread of food that I honestly can still taste to this day. They were very special times indeed.

I remember seeing rows of presents lined up for the entire family on Christmas morning. My eldest brother Charlie used to keep the anticipation running by timing out the unwrapping. Every time the minute changed on the clock we would tear into the next package. Our goal was to reach the biggest one lined up in back. As a young kid I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Time went by and things changed as they inevitably do. But our story took a tumultuous turn. We lost Charlie. We lost Cecilia. We lost my other sister Cathy. And eventually we lost my mom. Without my mother to create her magic in the kitchen something felt off. But the rest of the family rallied to get things together the way she would’ve because my dad (we called him Pop) deserved the best. It was also a way of keeping my mom’s spirit, along with my brother and sisters, alive in our memories at Christmas time.

In 2012, our beloved Pop went to be with the rest of the family in Heaven. He was always the cornerstone that kept everything together. Even when we experienced the other losses, we had Pop there. With him gone things changed. The big festive dinners don’t take place anymore. Each of the rest of us are scattered across town now. But because we’re still in the same town we try to make a point of getting together as often as we can.

Holidays now have a different meaning for us. As I said in the beginning, it’s more about remembrance. I remember everything about those carefree days of my youth spent getting under foot while my mom cooked in the kitchen. As I got older, she and I would do the baking together. We’d put together plates of cookies and treats for the neighbors and other friends. I still do that to this day. Those special times live on with me. I try to recapture them every day, not just at Christmas time.

Life is short. I’m met with a gentle reminder of that every year starting in October when I’m faced with the first of the birthdays. November brings another, then December, and into January. Stacked on top of that are the holidays which can already be stressful and emotional without everything that’s happened. But y’know what? We’re still here. And as long as there is breath in my body I will cherish each Christmas and new year as it comes around.

Guest Author- Cynthia Vespia

Website- https://www.cynthiavespia.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cynthiavespia

Musicians Tommy Soulati Shepherd and Kaitlin McGaw-Alphabet Rockers Pen Book

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Jocie McKade

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13 December 2020

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Sourcebooks Kids announced today a three-book deal with musicians Tommy Soulati Shepherd and Kaitlin McGaw, also known as Alphabet Rockers, to develop children’s books that follow their mission of making change—creating brave spaces for children and families to stand up to hate and be their courageous, beautiful selves.

“Alphabet Rockers are exactly what this world needs,” said Kelly Barrales-Saylor, editorial director for Sourcebooks Explore, the bestselling children’s nonfiction imprint of Sourcebooks Kids. “Their passion, their message, and their dedication to making music that makes change are inspiring and revolutionary. The opportunity to bring their brand of activism to the book world is not only an honor, it’s essential.”

“Writing this collection for Sourcebooks is an opportunity for us as artists to invite families into an intergenerational commitment for doing better, for being better. Books and children’s media can reflect the world we are building together and illuminate the ways it doesn’t include us all,” said McGaw.

Founded by Shepherd and McGaw in 2007, Alphabet Rockers has quickly become an important voice for today’s youth, curating content centered on children’s voices and creating conversations around social justice issues such as racism and gender inclusion. Alphabet Rockers’ Grammy-nominated album, Rise Shine #Woke, has reached more than 300,000 kids and families, inspiring American kids to stand up to hate. Their second Grammy-nominated album, The Love (2019), lifts up voices of the trans, two-spirit, and gender nonconforming communities.

The first book to be released, You Are Not Alone (January 2022), is inspired by their song “Not Alone.” It is an empathetic and inclusive picture book that will empower kids to love themselves, stand up to hate, and support one another.

When I say something is unfair to me, but it’s fair for you, what does that make it?
When I meditate, it all gets clear.
And if you listen, you will really hear.
I am not alone.
I am enough.

Sourcebooks signed artist Ashley Evans as illustrator on the project. Evans most recently illustrated Gabrielle Union’s picture book, Welcome to the Party (2020).

“I was drawn to this project because something I seek to do with my art is create representation and give a voice to those of us who have been without it for so long,” said Evans. “I also know that, even now, well-crafted stories by, for, and about those of us who are underrepresented are few and far between in children’s publishing. I felt very excited about the chance to be a part of bringing a story like this to life!”

“Ashley’s fresh portrait style combined with the way she can seamlessly incorporate words into her illustrations is everything we were imagining for this book—and more!” added Jordan Kost, creative director for children’s books at Sourcebooks.

A December 2 feature on CBS This Morning showcased Alphabet Rockers and their mission through the lens of doing work for gender-diverse kids and how children can stand up to hate. Alphabet Rockers recently released an anti-racism curriculum for families and classrooms called WE GOT WORK TO DO, which is available now through their website.

“Part of diversifying our bookshelves is the essential conversations we have with our children with every book, song, and experience. This is how we expand our worldviews, together,” said Shepherd. “Critical thinking can start at any age. You Are Not Alone and the media we create reflects our complete lives, helping all of us to see others for who they are. We all have work to do in this lifelong process of anti-racism.”

Audible Launches New Program to Commission and Create Original Podcasts

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Jocie McKade

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13 December 2020

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Audible today announced the launch of the Audible Podcast Development Program, dedicated to commissioning and creating new original podcasts from emerging and undiscovered storytellers around the world. In keeping with Audible’s core commitment to creating powerful listening experiences and historical focus on outstanding short-form audio storytelling, the program will identify, develop and enable unprecedented opportunities for the next generation of audio-driven storytellers.

Launching today, the development program will source material through both direct outreach to creators and project submissions. Once selected, participants will have the opportunity to work alongside Audible experts, receiving editorial, production and financial support. Original podcasts for Audible listeners are expected to begin releasing in summer 2021.

Audible also announced the formation of the Emerging Voices Advisory Board—a cross-generational array of esteemed artists, podcasters, producers, and writers—that will seed, develop, and advise on talent opportunities. Helping to attract and develop projects from the best emerging and established voices across the globe, the Board will work with Audible experts to define and further the creative vision of Audible storytellers. Board members already committed include Emmy Award winning writer, creator, and actor Lena Waithe; best-selling author, Revisionist History host, and Pushkin Industries co-founder Malcolm Gladwell; former editor-in-chief of New York Magazine Adam Moss; co-founder of the Third Coast International Audio Festival Johanna Zorn; Grammy-Award winning record producer, musician, and songwriter T Bone Burnett; and Chief Content Officer at Wondery Marshall Lewy.

“The explosive rise in consumption of podcasts and original audio storytelling continues to reinforce our foundational belief that our listeners’ appetites for distinctive storytelling powered by the creative genius of elite talent is only limited by our capacity to deliver it to them,” said Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of US Content, Audible. “We are launching the Podcast Development Program to offer our own resources, along with our many years of profound focus on the best of podcasts, to voices that need to be heard and to podcasters aspiring to make cultural and artistic impact. We’re thrilled to be able to draw upon the acumen of our board members as we usher in a new golden age in audio storytelling.”

“Audible is always looking for innovative ways to expand the impact of audio storytelling and broaden the boundaries of who listens,” said Malcolm Gladwell. “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with them as an inaugural member of the Emerging Voices Advisory Board.”

For more information or to submit a podcast idea for consideration by Audible, please visit www.audible.com/podcastprogram.

Miles and the Moon Cave by H.H. Hauser

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Sheila English

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Miles and the Moon Cave by H.H. Hauser

About the Book: Explore An Adventure Full Of Wonder | An Exciting Middle Grade Adventure Book

Miles Dobbs is the only child to mining tycoon Thomas Dobbs. Abigail, Thomas’ new bride, is anything but loving and affectionate. The Step-Wolf, as Miles would come to call her, sees to it that Miles is sent to the most remote boarding school for boys in the country: St. Bellmore. Perched atop a winding, cold and windy mountain, St. Bellmore had a reputation for being the finest school in the country, but it was anything but that.

Mysteries begin to unfold right before the eyes of Miles and Wyatt, his best friend. As sinister plots unfold, Thomas manages to get members of a secret organization, known only as The Society, into the school to intercept The Guild’s underhandedness with Miles. Danger lurks at every turn, and it’s a race to escape St. Bellmore’s gloomy halls. With the help of Mrs. Carter, a member of The Society, Wyatt and Miles manage to rid themselves of the school; but this is only the beginning of the trouble that awaits them both at Dobbs Manor.

With Thomas away, the Step-Wolf is in full control of the household and she subjects Miles to the cruelest entrapment beneath the kitchen floorboards, in the cellar. Little does she know, that Miles is about to make the most fantastical discovery, and one that she had fought so desperately to make, herself. What the world knows about the constructs of space and science, is about to change forever.

Get ready to uncover what strange things Miles finds.

Miles & the Moon Cave is a great adventure book for 8-12 year olds.

5 stars out of 5

My review:

This children’s chapter book is perfect for the age group 8-12 in my opinion. I enjoyed it myself and can’t wait to read it to my nieces when they come for the holiday!
Miles has been sent away to a boarding school through the conniving of his stepmother. There he meets Wyatt, his best friend. Things become sinister right away as Miles finds out the letters between him and his father are being intercepted. No one believes him so he leaves only to be taken and thrown into a cave beneath his father’s house, soon to be joined by Wyatt.
There’s a secret society, mystery and magic throughout.
This is such a fun book! And very well written. It’s easy to understand, well paced with great continuity. It’s a book you can read out loud and I plan on doing that!
I highly recommend this book!

SNEAK PEEK: TRADE SECRETS by V.K. Tritschler

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Jocie McKade

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12 December 2020

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TRADE SECRETS — A fun filled romp into a dream job turned bad!!
By V.K. Tritschler

♥ What happens when your dream job turns out to be a hot mess?

Emily earned a spot in a top Adelaide advertising agency and was excited to be starting her professional career. But on her very first day she gets coffee spilled on her by Meg, her new and complicated co-worker; runs into Jimmy, her wildly inappropriate boss; and gets stuck in an elevator with Harry, who is the hottest guy in the industry and her company’s biggest competitor.

When Jimmy enlists Emily to spy on Harry and his company, things become more complicated.

But Emily finds that her life isn’t as perfect as she’d dreamed. Now she has to choose between handsome Harry, who may not be all he seems, and bawdy Jimmy, who is exactly what she fears. Secrets and hidden agendas rip apart Emily’s dreams. Will she pick the devil she knows or the one she doesn’t?

“A nice easy read that’s perfect for any reader who wants to experience a fun time mixed with some romance”, –Etta, Reviewer with Chonky Book Reviews

You can purchase TRADE SECRETS at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9VXSGD

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trade-secrets-22

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trade-secrets-vk-tritschler/1137951048

Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1536251359

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

VK Tritschler is a full-time busy body, and part-time imagination conjurer. She lives on the amazing Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, having moved there from her hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Her family consists of a very patient husband, two rampant boys and too many pets to mention.

Her first book “The Secret Life of Sarah Meads” was released in 2018 and since then she has kept herself busy participating in the Anthology “Magic & Mischief”, publishing “The Risky Business of Romance”, participating in the NYC Writing Challenge, the Clunes Booktown, and helping to organize and run the Eyre Writers Festival.

Ever available to her readership you can find her at:

www.vktritschler.com

www.facebook.com/vktritschler

www.twitter.com/vktritschler

www.goodreads.com/vktritschler

To request additional review copies or an interview with V.K., please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.

Special Feature: What I Love About the End of 2020 By Liz Butcher

By

Jocie McKade

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12 December 2020

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What I Love About the End of 2020 By Liz Butcher

What I love most about the end of 2020 is what I love about the end of any year—the chance to reflect on the past twelve months. Only 2020 has been a year for the records and there’s certainly more to reflect on than in recent years.

Here in Australia, our year started with the continuation of horrific bush fires that saw a significant part of the country aflame. With only a fleeting moment to catch our breaths once the last fire was finally extinguished, Covid struck. Looking back over the year, there is an array of emotions as I look at the words that have now become a part of our frequent vocabulary—lockdown, quarantine, death toll. One thing I will miss the least about 2020 is the months where many of us the world over have worried, felt lost and uncertain, fearful and sad. I won’t miss the restrictions on travel that have prevented us from travelling interstate to visit our loved ones, and I won’t miss the inability to do all the little things we took for granted at the start of the year.

While the end of 2020 certainly won’t deliver us the end to the virus, with the increasing talk of vaccines, we’re at least ending the year with a little more hope. If we can all see through the end of 2020 with this ability to look forward with positivity, then I think we can face 2021 regardless of what gets thrown our way.

Make sure to check out Liz’ latest release LeRoux Manor:

Camille’s father just inherited the family manor from his estranged uncle, forcing her to leave her friends and city life just before her senior year of high school for the small town of Woodville, England. After seeing a strange old woman lurking on the estate grounds, she embarks on a mission to uncover the history of her new home. What she finds is wilder than she could have imagined—the murder of her ancestor, Caleb LeRoux, on the same day his six-year-old daughter vanished without a trace. And an unforeseen connection to Camille herself, as the only female LeRoux born to the family in over two hundred years. With the help of her new school friends, Camille delves into the secrets of the manor, uncovering an all-encompassing truth that will change the entire course of her life—past, present, and future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Butcher resides in Australia, with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She’s a self-confessed nerd with a BA in psychology and an insatiable fascination for learning.

Special Feature: The Sustaining Joys of Holiday Decorating by Barbara Hinske

By

Jocie McKade

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11 December 2020

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The Sustaining Joys of Holiday Decorating by Barbara Hinske

I’ve always dedicated the weekend after Thanksgiving to two of my main passions: eating pie and decorating my house for Christmas. Calories don’t count during that weekend, do they? Pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Sure! I logged almost 10,000 steps, whipping around the kitchen, making the big dinner. I’m entitled to a little indulgence. Leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing, smothered in gravy? Why not?

Decorating the house racks up even more steps than cooking the Thanksgiving meal. I’ve got far too many decorations and new ones find their way home with me every year. I don’t follow the sensible rule that, when you acquire something new, something old must be culled from the herd.

I also don’t put out all of my decorations every year. Inherited décor, things made for me by my children (macaroni Christmas trees, anyone?), or items given to me by friends are all touched and savored, even if they are re-wrapped and returned to storage. The memories they evoke are precious and assure their permanent place in my stash.

My favorite decorations are the little doors, windows, and fireplaces that I inherited from my mother. They take pride of place on the tree in our library. Here’s a close up of the fireplace I love best.

Like most people, I have decorations that are placed in the same spot every year—almost like they have an easement for that location. My big tree by the staircase is a prime example—this is the only spot where the ceiling is high enough to accommodate this tree.

Generally, however, I move things around from year to year—change things up. It’s fun to be creative. This ‘Santa Alley’ in my upstairs hallway is new this year. It makes me happy to see these Santas—most of which are handmade by a dear neighbor—every time I walk by.

A bit of Christmas cheer in my bedroom, where I do my morning prayers and affirmations, is always welcome.

I spend hours in the kitchen during the holidays, so Christmas décor is a must. I’ve never met a decorative dish towel I didn’t like.

I always enjoy a bit of whimsy. I say this is for my granddaughter, but it’s also for my husband and me.

Finally, my office has to be decorated.

This will be a very different year for many of us. Having my house all dressed up has lifted my spirits and makes me happy.

And Barbara has just releases an audio copy of her release GUIDING EMILY. A portions of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to Foundation for Blind Children

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. Her latest novel, Guiding Emily, was conceived during a tour of The Foundation for Blind Children. She was inspired and moved by their mission and is donating half of her proceeds from the book to the Foundation. Barb is also the author of the bestselling Rosemont series and the murder mysteries in her ‘Who’s There?!’ collection. Her novella The Christmas Club was made into a 2019 Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. A true homebody, she is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening.