Jeff Benedict’s Inside Account of the New England Patriots Dynasty

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28 May 2020

Jeff Benedict’s Inside Account of the New England Patriots Dynasty to be Published in September

The New England Patriots, the most dominant franchise in professional team sports over the past twenty years, are the subject of a new book by Jeff Benedict, it was announced today by Avid Reader Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Benedict, most recently the coauthor of the critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller Tiger Woods and a longtime special features writer for Sports Illustrated, secured exclusive access to the Patriots starting in 2018 and reported from within the organization for nearly two years. The book, titled The Dynasty, is a comprehensive account based on 250 interviews with more than 200 people and will be published in September 2020.

As recently as the mid-1990s, the Patriots were the laughingstock of the NFL, a team that had never won a championship and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Over the ensuing twenty-five years, the Patriots became a juggernaut, making ten trips to the Super Bowl and emerging as one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world with an estimated value of $4 billion. In February 2019, owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady won an unprecedented sixth Lombardi Trophy together. Their twenty-year reign atop the NFL was the longest in league history, surpassing dynasties by the Packers in the ’60s, the Steelers in the ’70s, and the 49ers in the ’80s.

To write The Dynasty, Benedict conducted exhaustive interviews with team executives, coaches, players, players’ wives, team doctors and lawyers, league officials, network television executives, sports agents, politicians, and entertainers. These include Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Drew Bledsoe, Paul Tagliabue, Randy Moss, Mel Karmazin, Willie McGinest, Roger Goodell, Tedy Bruschi, Jon Bon Jovi, Rob Gronkowski, Sean McManus, Vince Wilfork, Rupert Murdoch, Deion Branch, Leigh Steinberg, Kevin Faulk, and many more. Benedict also had access to hundreds of hours of video and audio recordings, as well as thousands of pages of legal documents, transcripts, business records, emails, text messages, and minutes from phone calls and meetings.

“I’m fascinated by individuals and organizations that become the best in the world at something,” Benedict said. “The Patriots are the greatest sports dynasty of the twenty-first century. So I set out to answer two basic questions: How was this dynasty built? And why was it able to last so much longer than its predecessors? The secrets to the success were hidden in rooms—the owner’s office, the coach’s office, the locker room, the bedroom, the family room, the emergency room—where the decision-makers wrestled with complex questions, negotiated high-stakes deals, engaged in heated arguments, made middle-of-the night phone calls, held heart-to-heart conversations, and came face to face with the human toll of a fiercely competitive business. And I found that the dynasty’s durability ultimately resided in the unusual relationship between the owner, the coach, and the quarterback.”

World, Audio, and First Serial rights to The Dynasty were acquired in early 2019 by Jofie Ferrari-Adler, vice president and publisher of Avid Reader Press, from literary agent Richard Pine of InkWell Management. The book will be published simultaneously in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook editions.

Reader’s Entertainment Radio Interviews Steve Parolini

By

Sheila English

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28 May 2020

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You can listen to the radio show HERE or click the graphic below.

Stephen Parolini is a full-time freelance editor and writer who shares his small Colorado apartment with his granddaughter and an assortment of imaginary characters. He is the author of the novel, Beautiful Sky Beautiful Sky, Stolen Things, and the short story collection, Duck (and other stories).

You can find Stephen on the web in two locations at once. While this sounds like alchemy, it’s really just technology. You can find out more about his books at https://steveparolini.com/ And you can find information about his day job (freelance editor) at www.noveldoctor.com.

Beautiful Sky Beautiful Sky

High school senior David Tinker is a failed former second-string linebacker, a wannabe rock star, a pothead, a writer, and a bit of a jerk. It’s his final semester at North High and he’s beyond ready to be done with school. Wendy, his once-compliant girlfriend, expects too much of him. His ever-shrinking circle of friends is testing his patience. And his insult-slinging father is increasingly impossible to endure. And then there’s the choir director, Mr. Halston, who wields the power of graduation and isn’t above a little blackmail. When David’s world suddenly spins out of control, he finds himself searching for the one thing he didn’t know he was missing: hope.

Novel Doctor

http://www.noveldoctor.com/

Who Am I?

First things first – I actually do have two eyes of essentially equal size and, no, the left side of my face is not horrifically deformed (just normally deformed like the right side thanks to that unrelenting beast we call “time”). I thought it would be fun to play the part of the artsy, pretentious editor and this photo fit the bill. It would be rather pathetic of me to attempt such pretense in real life, so this is my only chance.

Who am I? Well, my name is Stephen Parolini. And I’m an editor. I’ve been editing for more than 28 years – everything from curriculum to study guides to self-help books to fiction. I even had a two-year stint as a columnist for a bi-weekly trade publication in the video game industry. So, yeah, I’ve got a diverse resume. Why, then, is this site dedicated primarily to fiction?

The short answer: I love fiction. Also, I’m pretty good at editing it.

For most of those 28+ years I’ve been a freelance editor, collaborating with a variety of publishing houses and individuals on books of all kinds. Some of the authors I’ve worked with include: Eliza Maxwell, Nick Jones, Kristin Russell, Joanna Penn, Donald Miller, and NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee. I’ve also worked in an unofficial capacity with the inimitable Jenny Lawson (@TheBloggess), who invited my editorial thoughts for her bestselling books Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy. [FYI: I’m working on a page for this website that will include links to some of the books I’ve edited. Look for that Very Soon Now.]

I am particularly drawn to contemporary general market novels with a literary bent. Well, that and science fiction. And fantasy. And historical fiction. And memoirs. (I know they’re not fiction, but they require a similarly deft editorial touch.) And just about everything else.

I like my books the same way I like my music – I don’t care what genre label it wears. And yes, I’m aware that saying this is one of those “red flags” some folks raise about freelance editors. They tell you specialization is one of the hallmarks of a good freelance editor. This is often true. But not always true. My specialization is…helping writers tell good stories. If I think I can do that for you, I’ll put you in the queue. See what I did there? I qualified my statement with that little “If I think I can do that for you” phrase. I don’t work with everyone who inquires about editorial services. Despite having a love for many genres, there are some books that just aren’t for me. I’m not a fan of Amish fiction, for example. And sometimes I come across a book that I just don’t connect with, for reasons that aren’t always easy to explain. Don’t be too sad if I turn you away. There are dozens of great editors who will jump at the chance to work with you. And they are almost as nice as I am.

I’m a bit of a paradox – equal parts realist and idealist. But this tends to serve me well as editor. I’ll tell you the truth about your book (sometimes a hard truth), but I’ll also offer you encouragement. Not fleecy, “gosh, you’re swell, thanks for the check” encouragement, but the kind that reaches a deeper place and (hopefully) reveals to you the truth of your potential as a writer.

Is there anything else you’d like to know? Just ask. I’ll probably tell you.

Radio Show Host Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of dark paranormal fiction. She’s a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

When she’s not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, and has performed with San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.

You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Debut Picture Book by Emme Muñiz, Daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

By

Jocie McKade

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27 May 2020

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Crown Books for Young Readers will publish the debut picture book from Emme Muñiz, the 12-year-old singer and daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, titled LORD HELP ME, it was announced by Emily Easton, Vice President & Publisher, Crown Books for Young Readers. The book will be released simultaneously in English and Spanish on September 29, 2020, with a first printing of 100,000 copies. Easton acquired World rights from Byrd Leavell at UTA and will edit the project.

Inspired by Muñiz’s own daily prayers, this sweet and reassuring picture book walks readers through ordinary moments when Emme asks God for help – some small like waking up for school or getting along with a sibling and others big, like helping to save the planet and all its creatures. With illustrations from Brenda Figureroa, LORD HELP ME is an inspirational story that shares the everyday power of mindfulness through prayer.

Emme Muñiz was inspired to write the book by her own experience with prayer. Out of her concern for endangered and threatened wildlife like sloths, she began praying to God for assistance.

Muñiz says, “In school I learned about sloths and how they’re facing extinction so I began to pray for them in my nightly prayers. I wrote this book to help raise money to save sloths while also teaching other children how we can pray and ask for help, two things that bring me a lot of comfort.”

In addition to now becoming a published author, Muñiz is also a singer who most recently performed with her mother Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show, in addition to performing “Limitless” with Lopez during her 2019 “All I Have” concert tour. She regularly appears in her mother’s social media posts along with her twin brother Max.

“We’re so excited to be working with Emme on this picture book,” says Easton, “When we met for the first time, I was so inspired by her heartfelt desire to share the positivity and sense of calm that daily prayer brought to her life with other children and their families.”

Emme Muñiz is a fun-loving, creative, and joyful 12-year-old. She enjoys singing, cross-country running, and all forms of art, and is dedicating protecting sloths and other wildlife. Emme is the daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and loves to spend time with her friends and family, especially her dog Lady. Her passion for prayer started when she was 5 years old. It is one of Emme’s dreams to share this passion with the world.

Brenda Figueroa was born in El Salvador, where her creativity was fostered by the beautiful landscape, games with her brother, and books. She currently lives in Madrid and is working on several exciting projects.

The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness Releases October 13, 2020

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Jocie McKade

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26 May 2020

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Simon & Schuster announced today that it will publish The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness by platinum selling recording artist and New York Times bestselling author Gucci Mane on October 13, 2020.

In this inspiring follow up to his iconic 2017 memoir, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, Gucci Mane gifts readers with his playbook for living your best life, offering an unprecedented look at his secrets to success, health, wealth, and self-improvement. Packed with stunning photographs, The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness distills the legend’s timeless wisdom into a one-of-a-kind motivational guidebook. Gucci Mane emerged transformed after a turbulent life of violence, crime, and addiction to become a dazzling embodiment of the power of positivity, focus, and hard work. Using examples from his life of unparalleled success, Gucci Mane looks inward and upward to offer his blueprint for greatness. Simon & Schuster Senior Editor Stuart Roberts acquired world, audio and first serial rights from Robert Guinsler of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.

Gucci Mane writes, “I live by the principles in this book. I wanted to write this book to give you a tool set. This book should touch people who are going through something. It’s not going to be easy. But study these words, and put them into action. I want this book to keep you motivated. I want you to keep coming back to it for guidance and inspiration. You can put it on your shelf and keep going to The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness. This book is a challenge. Don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t think that what you’re saying is not important. Don’t think you can’t achieve the impossible. Everyone needs some game, so here it is. The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness is for the world. Enjoy.”

Gucci Mane is a critically acclaimed, platinum-selling recording artist and New York Times Bestselling author of The Autobiography of Gucci Mane. He has released fifteen studio albums and over a hundred overall projects. The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness is his second book. Connect with Gucci Mane: OFFICIAL | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

SNEAK PEEK: SLEEPWATER STATIC by Kathrin Hutson

By

Jocie McKade

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26 May 2020

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Book Two in the LGBTQ Dystopian Sci-Fi Blue Helix Series – Sleepwater Static
By International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson

Set for release May 26^th, 2020 and published by Exquisite Darkness Press.
The books will be available worldwide, in digital, print, and audio format, across all platforms.

They say home is where the heart is. Now that Sleepwater’s on the run, home is just another place to hide.

But redemption and forgiveness may be too much to ask, and it may just be too late.

Wyoming’s Sleepwater chapter is on the run, hunted for their ability to spin a beat. With little time to mourn the members they’ve lost, Bernadette Manney takes the group to the one place she swore she’d never see again: the cabin in Hollywood, South Carolina. It’s remote enough to lay low and catch a break, but not for long.

Their beats are condemned as mutations, radical terrorist tactics, and felonies punishable both by and outside the law. Bernadette thought Sleepwater would be safe here, but returning to her Southern roots unleashes more demons than she left behind.

Her past, her love, and even her own flesh and blood won’t let her move on through a venomous society intent on rooting out her people. Now, to bring a mother’s first child safely into an unsafe world, Bernadette must face her own shame from before Sleepwater itself was born.

Sleepwater Beat: Book One of the Blue Helix Series

They say the pen is mightier than the sword. In Sleepwater’s world, words are literally more powerful than bullets.

What she doesn’t expect is to be thrust into Sleepwater’s guerrilla war, hunted by government agencies, and used as a weapon. Worse than that, she might be more valuable not for what she can do but for who she was before they found her.

Leo could always make people believe anything she says—really believe. When her chest burns and the words come from her mouth, her targets’ eyes glaze over, they forget their own thoughts, and they’ll do anything she says. It’s what keeps her alive after being on the run and living on the streets for years. But after using it on her girlfriend and her dad’s drug dealer, it’s also what got her here on the streets in the first place.

Then Sleepwater finds her. When Leo discovers there are others out there with similar powers, scattered across the country, she can’t say no to the underground organization. After all, what’s a little sit-down with the only people who may ever understand her?

Now an international bestseller and Award-Winning Sci-Fi Finalist in the 2019 International Book Awards.

“Kathrin’s arresting prose style is present from page one throughout this impressive novel. She knows the importance of setting a mood for a dystopian adventure… Mystery, adventure, extraordinarily unique unveiling of human powers, and a very fine LGBTQ romance all combine in Kathrin’s skilled hands to create a very powerful and satisfying novel – and one that has fine potential for a blockbuster film! This author has polished skills.” —Grady Harp, San Francisco Review of Books

“Sleepwater Beat will bring you face to face with unconventional situations. You will wonder how to handle a clever Leo who maintains a flirty crust while having a broken center. Kudos for successfully thrusting the reader right into the thick of it and keeping them gripped enough to resist leaving.” —Five Star Review, Literary Titan

About the Author:
International Bestselling Author Kathrin Hutson has been writing Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LGBTQ Speculative Fiction since 2000. With her wildly messed-up heroes, excruciating circumstances, impossible decisions, and Happily Never Afters, she’s a firm believer in piling on the intense action, showing a little character skin, and never skimping on violent means to bloody ends.

In addition to writing her own dark and enchanting fiction, Kathrin spends the other half of her time as a fiction ghostwriter of almost every genre, as Fiction Co-Editor for Burlington’s Mud Season Review, and as Director of TopShelf Interviews for TopShelf Magazine. She is a member of both the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the Horror Writers Association. With Sleepwater Beat, she became an international bestselling author on both Amazon and Kobo.

Kathrin lives in Vermont with her husband, their young daughter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Brucewillis.

To request additional review copies or an interview with Kathrin Hutson, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925. We look forward to the coverage!

Authors Share Words of Inspiration for 2020 Grads at Virtual Commencement

By

Jocie McKade

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26 May 2020

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A diverse cast of Random House authors toasted and shared words of inspiration for the Class of 2020 at a Virtual Commencement via Zoom last week. Martha Stewart, George Saunders, Lauren Graham, Donovan Livingston, Wes Moore, Reshma Saujani, David Brooks, and Anna Quindlen presented stirring commencement speeches.

More than 300 people (include 2020 grads and anyone looking for a rousing dose of inspiration, no matter what path they’re one) registered for this one-time event and 250 tuned in live. All registered guests within the United States paid $10 (PRH employees were able to watch for free) and received a featured author’s book of their choosing.

Theresa Zoro, Random House Executive Vice President & Executive Creative Director, Public Relations & Marketing, explains how the Virtual Commencement was conceived and produced: “The Integrated Marketing and PR team uses trend research and reporting to help inform some of our events’ programming and strategy. Commencement—or lack thereof— was trending. From there, we reached out to our metadata team to help refine a search on the top-selling graduation themed books for our group. The next step was reaching out to authors to help build the event. We are pleased so many people joined us for a powerful evening of words, wisdom, and inspiration during this difficult time.”

Here are excerpts:

“Maybe throwing out plans is the secret to living a really satisfying life. Maybe the checklist was always an empty exercise. Maybe this is the perfect moment to embrace a way of doing things we’ve never embraced before … Do we want our lives to be a resume or an adventure? … The graduates this year, the class of 2020, are entering a world turned upside down. That should send them a message, the old ways––hallelujah!––can be cast aside … be brave, take the leap… courage, and god speed.” ––Anna Quindlen
“Because it won’t always be this way I challenge you to resist the desire for a return to normalcy … I challenge you to envision a new normal that is intersectional and inclusive, that sees progress and asks, ‘Who are we leaving behind?”” ––Donovan Livingston
“Some of the biggest acts of bravery and courage have come in times of crisis. We know we have to keep our heads up, our feet moving, and keep moving forward.” ––Reshma Saujani
“Never forget who it is that we’re supposed to be fighting for…The question that will be repeatedly asked of you is who did you choose to fight for when it mattered?” ––Wes Moore
“It’s good for the world for a writer to bear witness, and it’s good for the writer, too. Especially if she can bear witness with love and humor and, despite it all, some fondness for the world, just as it is manifesting, warts and all.” ––George Saunders
“We’ll live through all of this and find a new future.” ––Martha Stewart

The Top 50 Most Followed Authors on Goodreads

By

Sheila English

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26 May 2020

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It’s no secret that we love Goodreads. The Amazon-owned site is a reader’s dream haven. You can find out so much information about the types of books you love to read that the site could be considered a one-stop shop for many readers.

Did you know that Goodreads has a top “Most followed” list of people, both authors and readers? Below you’ll find the list. Let us know if any of these authors surprised you! The list is made up of authors and readers who are followed the most and are subject to change. We encourage you to check out the popular authors if you’ve never heard of them before!

1.	Stephen King Bangor, ME 15 books, 2,495 friends	87,796 followers in the last 12 months
2.	Neil Minneapolis, MN 33 books, 5,348 friends	51,524 followers in the last 12 months
3.	Rick Riordan The United States 311 books, 11 friends	47,468 followers in the last 12 months
4.	Sarah Jessica Parker New York, NY 84 books, 0 friends	38,739 followers in the last 12 months
5.	Cassandra Clare Amherst, MA 128 books, 1,383 friends	36,697 followers in the last 12 months
6.	Brandon Sanderson American Fork, UT 16 books, 2,709 friends	36,516 followers in the last 12 months
7.	James Patterson New York, NY 22 books, 672 friends	34,712 followers in the last 12 months
8.	Colleen Hoover Saltillo, TX 141 books, 5,521 friends	34,486 followers in the last 12 months
9.	Patrick Freedom, WI 1,437 books, 4,919 friends	32,800 followers in the last 12 months
10.	Michelle Obama New York, NY 0 books, 0 friends	29,781 followers in the last 12 months
11.	Kristin Hannah South Colby, WA 327 books, 2,779 friends	29,393 followers in the last 12 months
12.	Emma Giordano The United States 598 books, 5,000 friends	28,966 followers in the last 12 months
13.	Neil Tyson Ashburn, VA 21 books, 0 friends	26,878 followers in the last 12 months
14.	Miranda Reads The United States 2,056 books, 4,718 friends	26,576 followers in the last 12 months
15.	Celeste Ng Cambridge, MA 966 books, 25 friends	25,047 followers in the last 12 months
16.	Ilona Andrews San Marcos, TX 0 books, 6 friends	23,992 followers in the last 12 months
17.	Wil Wheaton Pasadena, CA 290 books, 4,997 friends	23,778 followers in the last 12 months
18.	Diana Gabaldon The United States 157 books, 53 friends	23,427 followers in the last 12 months
19.	Marissa Meyer Tacoma, WA 0 books, 5,000 friends	23,049 followers in the last 12 months
20.	Melanie Las Vegas, NV 1,383 books, 4,700 friends	22,765 followers in the last 12 months
21.	Jesse (JesseTheReader) The United States 596 books, 4,999 friends	22,579 followers in the last 12 months
22.	Marie Lu The United States 121 books, 544 friends	21,734 followers in the last 12 months
23.	Melinda Gates Seattle, WA 28 books, 0 friends	21,067 followers in the last 12 months
24.	Chuck Palahniuk The United States 52 books, 100 friends	19,542 followers in the last 12 months
25.	Roxane The United States 1,122 books, 4,997 friends	19,485 followers in the last 12 months
26.	Lauren Mattituck, NY 295 books, 4,925 friends	17,952 followers in the last 12 months
27.	Jeffrey Keeten Dodge City, KS 3,741 books, 5,001 friends	17,821 followers in the last 12 months
28.	Gretchen Rubin New York, NY 513 books, 1,872 friends	17,579 followers in the last 12 months
29.	Otis Chandler San Francisco, CA 1,189 books, 2,017 friends	17,266 followers in the last 12 months
30.	Mitch Albom The United States 53 books, 1,721 friends	16,607 followers in the last 12 months
31.	Christopher Moore San Francisco, CA 219 books, 1,305 friends	16,322 followers in the last 12 months
32.	Cindy Pham San Francisco, CA 962 books, 4,722 friends	16,308 followers in the last 12 months
33.	Hannah The United States 507 books, 4,921 friends	16,136 followers in the last 12 months
34.	Blake Crouch Seattle, WA 40 books, 1,838 friends	15,762 followers in the last 12 months
35.	chan ☆ Austin, TX 1,999 books, 4,970 friends	15,568 followers in the last 12 months
36.	Michael Luray, VA 772 books, 4,995 friends	15,409 followers in the last 12 months
37.	L.J. Smith The United States 422 books, 2,902 friends	15,068 followers in the last 12 months
38.	Brené Brown Houston, TX 0 books, 0 friends	15,012 followers in the last 12 months
39.	Kobe Bryant The United States 78 books, 0 friends	14,993 followers in the last 12 months
40.	N.K. Jemisin Brooklyn, NY 87 books, 477 friends	14,962 followers in the last 12 months
41.	Janet Los Angeles, CA 1,041 books, 1,523 friends	14,735 followers in the last 12 months
42.	Zoë The United States 478 books, 4,946 friends	14,734 followers in the last 12 months
43.	Regan The United States 1,026 books, 4,740 friends	14,601 followers in the last 12 months
44.	Will Byrnes Wilkes Barre, PA 2,262 books, 4,927 friends	13,787 followers in the last 12 months
45.	Christine Feehan The United States 222 books, 1,135 friends	13,652 followers in the last 12 months
46.	Anne Bogel The United States 868 books, 4,767 friends	13,396 followers in the last 12 months
47.	Helen Hoang San Diego, CA 64 books, 285 friends	13,079 followers in the last 12 months
48.	Margaret Atwood The United States 0 books, 71 friends	12,852 followers in the last 12 months
49.	Dita The United States 1,443 books, 633 friends	12,574 followers in the last 12 months
50.	Tamora Pierce The United States 2,722 books, 4,523 friends	12,227 followers in the last 12 months

Sheltering In With V.S. Holmes

By

Jocie McKade

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24 May 2020

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Sheltering In With V.S. Holmes

Hello Readers!

I hope wherever you are, this finds you well. I’m V, a sci-fi and fantasy author. I’m sheltering in central New England with my spouse, my mom, and our dog, Rory. Since we both work as archaeologists during the warm months, quiet winters at home are part of our routine. We’ve been doing this since December–except around March, when we usually get stir-crazy, instead of heading onto the powerlines and mountainsides, we received a stay-at-home order. Outside everything turned green, the ground thawed, and sun appeared for the first time in weeks. I never thought I’d miss sunburns and bug bites and shovel splinters, but here we are. There’s plenty around the house to tend to, and we’re keeping busy helping my mom with her spring cleaning.

I certainly have more time than I usually do this time of year. Sometimes I use it to write; just as sheltered in often I spend it staring into space while overwatering my plants. I’m launching a book in the midst of this–the end of a series, actually–and writing two others. I’ve found that while I, of course, hope they meet with as much success as my others did, I’ve been reminded of why I write them in the first place: to show broken heroes, failed quests, and honest villains. Now the world outside is just that much closer to the ones I write.

sheltered in2 We all need distraction these days. I lost myself in the Witcher show, in the game Journey, in the book Sleepwater Beat, and a few others by S. T. Gibson, O. E. Tearmann, and Angela Breen that I can’t share yet (but am dying to!). My husband hasn’t seen or read Harry Potter, so we’re working through those and watching a grown adult delight in the magic for the first time is pretty fun.

I’ve been thinking over this post for a month, turning over how to convey the hope and certainty I feel against this backdrop of unfamiliar chaos. It’s hard to find a way to describe this other than with a GIF of that cartoon dog in a burning house or a tremulous “It’s weird, eh?”

People are learning, and remembering the sound of their own thoughts. Many are meeting their children and partners in a new way. Communities are pulling close and loving fiercely. My compassion for the days I don’t write, or when I don’t do anything at all, has increased. My certainty in the future has almost disappeared. My faith in humanity is deeper.

I hope you’re weathering this, and I hope your community remains strong, and as always, happy reading.

V. S. HOLMES

V. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author. They created the REFORGED series and the NEL BENTLY BOOKS. Smoke and Rain, the first book in their fantasy quartet, won New Apple Literary’s Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015. In addition, they have published short fiction in several anthologies.

When not writing, they work as a contract archaeologist throughout the northeastern U.S. They live in a Tiny House with their spouse, a fellow archaeologist, their not-so-tiny dog, and own too many books for such a small abode. As a disabled and queer human, they work as an advocate and educator for representation in SFF worlds.

Blood and Mercy, the final book in the Blood of Titans: Reforged series sits shelves June 27th 2020

Blood and Mercy BLURB

Saving the world may have doomed them all

Keplan reels in the wake of grief and guilt at the blood on his hands. Outside the city walls, however, winter grows fiercer and droughts longer. Alea reforged the fractured world twenty years before–so why is it withering before his eyes? Then, just as he masters being a monarch, a prophet arrives spouting scripture about a One True God. Keplan’s own mother killed the last gods, yet this one matches his description perfectly–and its wrath is about to fall upon Athrolan.

Isolated within the same cold, marble walls as Athrolan’s murderous king, Rih struggles to plot her rebellion leagues away from everything she has ever known. With an unexpected ally, she may have finally found a way to the Mirikin Hetmir–until tragedy strikes. With religious fanatics at their walls, blight in their fields, and a king floundering from addiction, Athrolan spirals out of control.

Now Rih must choose between a mad king’s life and her own revolution.

LINKS:

Site: www.vsholmes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VS_Holmes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorvsholmes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vs_holmes/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/vs-holmes

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/v-s-holmes

Universal Preorder: books2read.com/bloodandmercy (only .99, price goes up to 5.99 after release weekend!)

Sheltering In with Jillian Chantal

By

Jocie McKade

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23 May 2020

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My Not So Lockdown Lockdown by Jillian Chantal

Hello out there. *taps mic* – Can you hear me? ? It’s Jillian Chantal

Thanks for allowing me to share a bit of my life in lockdown as an essential business.

In my day job, I’m a private contractor hearing officer for the federal court system. We have been declared essential and boy, have we been busy. We had to reschedule over 90 cases to be heard by phone rather than in person.

It’s like a marathon now when it’s court day. I used to have six hearings set every thirty minutes and even if I got behind, I could catch up and be done with 24 cases in a bit over two hours. Now that they are by phone, they are set at 10 minute intervals. I sit with an open phone line and a tape recorder and people call in every ten minutes. Some hearings take longer and since I can’t let the phones back up, I have to reset those for later in the day. It now takes over four hours to do the same 24 cases, if there are no issues. No getting up, no walking around to stretch, and no bathroom break. It’s exhausting because I also get paid to think while I’m conducting them. ? The thinking is draining- and the cases haven’t stopped. It seems we’re busier than ever. Emails, attachments to emails, phone calls, documents to review ahead of time as opposed to at the hearings themselves. I’m literally exhausted at the end of each day.

Anyway, we’re fully operational. My husband is also essential and he has an office in the same building. My son works for me. So, there’s only one person who works in our office that doesn’t live with us. Being home vs being at the office is virtually the same as far as any exposure goes. We work, we go home. That’s our life for now.

I have been pretty lazy at home, though. The first weekend in March, I attended a conference in Orlando (right before all the hotels closed and conferences were canceled). When I got home, I set my suitcase down in the living room. I took out a lot of stuff. Left in the formal gown, two sweaters, a pair of boots, and some socks as well as gifts I received from friends. That suitcase with those items still sits where I left it. I’m really quite amazed my husband hasn’t nagged me about it. But, I have zero energy to move it or put away the contents.

Our cat loves brown paper from packages. He’s gotten up to several layers now. I haven’t culled it out, just keep adding more for him to play in. Good thing we aren’t expecting company, right?

My husband finally finished the picnic table I’ve been asking him to build. He’s installed it at the office in the shade so we can get outside to eat lunch instead of being constantly at our desks. Here he is testing it out.

We did do one productive thing at home. Cleaned off our screened porch. The painted boards are the cat’s to play/lay on and watch squirrels. Some might say we spoil that feline, but he’s just another family member who needs not to be bored in the time of Covid-19. As for me, I’d like a little boredom right about now. ?

Thanks for letting me pop in. Now, I better go unpack that suitcase.

My latest book will be out the end of May. It’s called Lord of Misrule and is a Regency era adventure.

This is the blurb:

What’s worse than being a wallflower? Honora Marlowe doesn’t know, but whatever it is, she is it. Or at least she thought she was. Overlooked by the members of the haut ton, she dresses to blend into the scenery and knows no one sees her.

Until the night at a ball when she’s hiding behind a plant and hears two men she doesn’t know discussing her vivacious sister and how desirable she is. This isn’t unexpected as her sister always outshines her. But when they then turn to discuss Honora, she no longer can pretend she’s invisible. She’s actually looked down upon.

James Cavanaugh, recently elevated to a baronetcy for bravery in battle, inherited a manor house from an army friend who died in his arms. He’s on a quest to find a bride to help him run his estate. He finds himself attracted to Honora’s sister when she is pointed out to him at that ball.

After hearing the men’s conversation, Honora is appalled when her sister and she are invited to a house party at Lord Cavanaugh’s estate. Forced to attend, she has no idea of the danger ahead. Blending in is no longer an option.

Barnes & Noble Begin to Re-open Stores

By

Jocie McKade

-

23 May 2020

0

Press Release from Barnes & Noble:::

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting our country in an unprecedented way. We are proud to be members of your communities and understand that at this time we all face unique challenges. As we begin to reopen our stores, our priority is the safety of our customers and booksellers. Here are a few of the steps we are taking to resume serving our communities.

Our Stores

Most of our stores have been closed to the public to maintain the safety of our customers and booksellers. We are evaluating carefully, on a store-by-store basis, when to reopen based on state guidelines and when we are confident that we may do so safely both for our customers and booksellers.

Those stores that are opened will have numerous safety precautions in place, including:

– Enhanced cleaning throughout the day and reduced store hours;
– Social distancing measures of at least six feet for customers and booksellers, including a limit to the number of customers at any one time, and in-store signage;
– Protective barriers at our registers to separate customers and booksellers;
– Booksellers are always required to wear face masks;
– All booksellers have temperature checks before shifts;
– Designated spaces are marked for customers to deposit any books they have browsed, for these then to be taken out of circulation for sanitizing;
– Cafés are limited to To-Go only service and BN Café App pickup;
– Curbside delivery for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store orders

We will not be holding in store events but will continue with a variety of Virtual Events with authors and Storytime book readings available on BN.com, and via our social channels.

We appreciate your patience and support of these changes to the running of our stores.

Meanwhile, we are very pleased to let you know that we have been busy in each of our stores. We have moved the shelving and furniture – and just about every book in the store – to improve our appearance and to make browsing better. Bestsellers and new releases are given dedicated space; fiction, mystery, history, and kids have been rearranged; most sections have been given a thorough review; and above all we have made a great effort to improve the assortment of books we stock. We really hope that you like what we have done.

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to our stores. We know that reading, as well as workbooks and educational toys and games, play an important role to keep us all engaged and connected, even as we have been isolating. We will be reopening carefully and conscientiously, and with the greatest appreciation for the support and dedication of our customers.

Please contact your local store for current operating hours. Store status and contact information is available here.

Online Orders

We understand not everyone will be able to visit a store at this time. BN.com is available for you to place orders 24/7. Our NOOK app is available to download for free on iOS and Android to access eBooks and digital magazines on your mobile device. Due to the current circumstances, we are taking extra care also to fulfill orders as safely as possible. This may result in delivery delays, but we are working hard to get your order to you as quickly as possible and at present we are working smoothly. We thank you for your business and we greatly appreciate your patience during this time.

International Orders

Due to the ongoing global impact of COVID-19, international shipping from the U.S. has been temporarily suspended to all countries except Canada, Australia, and U.S. Territories, and will result in delays or cancellations for some orders. Where possible, we are working to get your order to you as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Curbside Pickup for Online Orders

In most of our stores, including many of our stores that are closed to in-person shopping, we are offering curbside pickup for online orders. Please check here to confirm curbside pickup availability at your local B&N before placing your order online. Contact your participating B&N store for hours and additional details.

Our Cafés

Cafés that are open are serving on a To-Go or BN Café App pickup basis only. The B&N Cafés that are open are available for quick pickup of Starbucks coffee & beverages, Starbucks coffee bags, Harney & Sons tea tins, freshly baked cookies, savory sandwiches, and more. Please call your local B&N to confirm hours and availability.

Our Distribution Centers

In order to keep our employees and customers safe, we have substantially changed operations in our two Distribution Centers to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and health officials. We have enhanced cleaning, including regular deep cleans. Social distancing is maintained by a number of measures, including reduced staffing, marked floors and changed spacing at work stations to keep people at least 6-feet apart, and removed turnstiles and break room seating. We conduct temperature checks before work shifts begin and require employees to stay at home if they feel ill or for any other reason are uncomfortable coming to work. Notice of these and other policies are posted throughout the facilities. We appreciate all the hard work and efforts of our staff in the Distribution Centers.

Virtual Author Events and Storytimes

While we are not currently holding events in our stores to keep social distancing, the fun doesn’t have to end! Please join us for virtual Storytimes here and find learning materials and resources. We are also featuring live virtual events with some of your favorite authors. We look forward to seeing you online! We are Barnes & Noble on Facebook, @BNBuzz on Twitter, and barnesandnoble on Instagram. You can also follow your local store on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We are of course book lovers too and, like many of you, we turn to books for comfort and education, entertainment and escape, especially in times like this. For those of you who visit us at a store, our booksellers will be there to welcome you and to recommend your next great read.

We greatly appreciate your support in these difficult times and cannot wait to welcome you back.