The Readers’ Station Quarterly

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

February 2007 – Page 2

 Unique insights into a range of destinations and interviews with a couple of our characters.

LIlah and the Locket - Nikki Leigh 

Character Interview

I thought readers might like to get a behind the scenes look and insider information about Kristie from Lilah and the Locket. Kristie and Nathan are real people and Lilah is their dog. I used information about each of them to create the main characters in Lilah and the Locket.

Kristie agreed to answer some questions for you and I want to share them. I hope it will give you some additional information about the story and the main characters in the story.

Kristie, Nathan and Lilah live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and they vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Rachel Deragon, the artist, who painted the picture for the cover also vacations there. We all have ties to the area and I feel that makes the story more special to each of us.

1 - You may not know this, but I had an idea for a murder mystery set at Cape Hatteras for a long time and I thought of that the moment I opened your entry envelope. This all started because you entered some pictures of your Shepherd Lilah in a fundraising event that I organized for the Charlottesville/ Albemarle SPCA. Why did you choose the picture of her at the ocean?

We chose the photo at the ocean because she just loves the beach and water. She goes everywhere with us and this was a picture of her first trip to the beach. She loves playing in the ocean and digging in the sand.
 

2 - I remember the day when I called to tell you that your picture was chosen for the story. But, I never got to ask what you thought when your family was chosen for the story.

We were thrilled. Our dog is like a child to us and to have a story written that included all of us was very special. What a great item to have on our bookshelf.  And the way the book is written, with detailed about the things we do and the ways that Lilah acts, it just adds to how special it is to us. It's something we can always read and use to remember our special bond with Lilah even long after she leaves this earth.
 

3 - In order to make the details about the characters more "true to life", I asked you to fill out character worksheets for each of you. Can you tell us about filling out the character worksheets for yourself, your husband and Lilah? 

We just tried to be as detailed an honest as possible. We really wanted the story to be true to who we are and how we act and react to different situations. It's not often you get to have a story written about you, so we wanted it to be a true reflection of us and our relationships.
 
4 - In what ways do the characters remind you of your family? Are there any aspects of the story that are more special to you and Nathan?

Well, you really took our personalities and put them on paper and that in it self reminds me of our family. Even down to the things that Lilah does on a daily basis, that fact that Lilah really does go to work with us, and my husband does work in construction. The interaction between the myself and Lilah in the beginning of the story is great. You really captured the true relationship she has with both my husband and I. I also really liked the way you incorporated Nathan and Lilah meeting and the relationship that develops between Nathan and I from his friendship with Lilah. 

5 - Are you happy with the setting of the story? If so, why or why not?

Yes, we love the setting of the story. One of our favorite places to spend time is at the beach.   We are there as often as possible fishing, playing in the surf with Lilah, and walking the beach.

6 - How do you think you will feel the first time you see the story about you, Nathan and Lilah in print?

I can't wait for that day!  We'll have a lot of feelings... what you've done by writing this story about us is very special and something we'll always cherish. I can't wait to buy copies for my whole family for the following Christmas. I'm already getting requests for copies. 

7 - Did you learn anything about the writing process from this experience?

I learned how important it was to give as much detail as possible in order to make the story really have a true impact and hold a special place within us.

8 - What do you think when you hear that several reviewers were captivated by the romance between Kristie and Nathan in the story?

It's very exciting.  I've never had anything like this done for me or my family before and to hear that people love the idea, story, and the relationships that developed make the experience even more special. I love that people are interested in the romance between myself and Nathan. The way that the relationship falls together in the book is really cool because Lilah is a very important part of our lives and our romance very well could have developed in the way it is portrayed in the book. It shows what a strong bond the three of us have with each other. We are ecstatic!

I hope that you enjoyed getting to learn more about how this story came about and more about the real Nathan, Kristie and Lilah.

Nikki

For pictures of Kristie, Nathan and Lilah - visit www.nikkileigh.com/kristie.htm

For information about the Outer Banks and to share some of my pictures of the area, visit www.nikkileigh.com/lilah.htm which will link you to several additional pages for more details.

The Origins of Estraguil - Bryn Colvin

            Estraguil is the magical forest setting for a number of my books. I’ve been writing about this mysterious landscape for some years now. My erotic fantasy novels ‘Illyan Daughter’ and ‘Strange Fruit’ and my fantasy/mystery novel ‘Tara’s Honour’ at www.whiskeycreekpress.com are all set there and I have a further Estraguil book – ‘The Girl Who Fell’ contracted with Whiskey Creek Press. There will undoubtedly be more tales from this setting in the future. (I have tentative plans for something called ‘The Serpent Mask’ – watch this space).

            Several years ago, I spent a week in the Forest of Dean, in the UK. This is a small area that isn’t terribly well known, but it is incredibly beautiful. It’s on the Welsh side of the river Severn and for much of its history has been part of Wales. There are high hills, rivers and small villages nestling in the forest. Huge stretches of woodland remain in tact, although some have been replaced by conifer plantations. The place has a distinct local accent, culture and atmosphere. Places of particular interest include an iron age open cast mine, turned into a maze in the 17^th century, underground mines, castles, standing stones, a haunted inn - formerly a court house, sheep grazing on the roadsides, copious amounts of wildlife, the stunning ruins of Tintern abbey, amazing landscapes and good local ale. In the past, coal mining was a major local industry. Anyone born in the Forest has the right to dig for coal there, or graze sheep along the roadsides. Now the last maternity unit in the area has closed, fewer people will be able to inherit these rights, which is a great shame.

            I know the area well as my paternal grandparents lived there, and I spent many weekends visiting them, learning some of the local myths and stories, and getting to know the landscape. The Forest of Dean played a significant part in my childhood and I retain a huge affection for the place.

           I feel the Forest is very much in my blood.

             Near the end of my week’s holiday visiting old haunts, I took a trip to Chepstow castle. This place is a formidable ruin standing above the town of Chepstow on the river Wye. One of the towers on this castle has figures around the top. I remember looking up at them, and wondering who the figures represented. (I never found out). An idea popped into my head, of twelve figures on a tower, each one symbolizing something important. I had no clue as to what, but the notion stayed with me. By the time I got home to the Midlands, those twelve figures had become the founders of clans, or kith groups as I soon called them. I envisaged an invading army finding a tower with these twelve on, and someone unravelling the mysteries of the forest. That’s a story I haven’t written yet. The tower idea stuck however, and is a motif that crops up repeatedly in my tales. Those who have a destiny to lead in Estraguil sometimes dream of the tower.

            Inspired by the Forest of Dean, and some swatting up on medieval Welsh history, I settled on the idea of a wild landscape, heavily wooded, full of river valleys, high hills and small isolated communities. I populated it with magical people and peculiar creatures. I needed a name for this place, one that sounded mysterious. Reading up about the history of Chepstow castle, I discovered that the place had an older name: Estraguil. As soon as I read it, I knew this would be the perfect name for my forest.

             My initial book idea had been to set something after the fall of the kith groups. However, the more I thought about these people, the more interested I became in them. With several thousand years worth of life in my magical forest to explore, I found I needed to write those tales before getting into what might happen when the original forest culture eventually falls.

             Aside from the stories listed above, I have also written a short story, set after the fall of the original culture, during the advent of castle builders ‘The Traitor Heart’ which is in the anthology ‘Lovespells for Dreamers’ at Chippewa Publishing is a brief foray into this time frame.

             The Forest of Dean (not translated into a fantasy setting) also features as the setting in my short story ‘Punk Syster Morris’ – Published in the anthology ‘Amazons’ from Thunder’s Mouth Press.

             Anyone interested in my fantasy work can email me – bryn@hollowhillsfsnet.co.uk to ask for a copy of’ Mother Crow’ – a short story which was the seed for ‘Illyan Daughter’

Travelogue Guide by Angela Verdenius

Destination: Daamen

Situated: A planet in the Lawful Sector.  Settlements, forests, farming, rivers.  Mostly business and trading.

Daamen People:   The men are very tall - seven foot being the shortest (unless you’re a child). Big, muscular from hard work, cheerful, good-natured, they love to travel and trade. The women are smaller in stature, but very canny business-wise.  They run the businesses on Daamen while the men do the trading off-planet. They are as good-natured as their men folk. Word of warning - don’t try and cross the women when doing business. The experience won’t be pleasant, and you won’t come out of it mentally unscathed. And don’t worry - you’ll be well-known on their internal business scanner. Basically, you’ll be branded a thief. Oh yeah, and the men don’t like it if you upset their women. Be polite, enjoy the jokes, and be prepared to bargain - honestly.  They all love a hard bargaining.

Clothes: Whatever you’d wear on your own planet. This planet is one you come to voluntarily for business and to visit friends.  The Daamen men wear rough material pants, boots and sleeveless open vests.  The Daamen women wear short or long tunics and sandals. You may wear what you wish - as long as it’s decent.

Language: Females are known as wenches and lasses, not women and girls.  The terms ‘Aye and ‘Nay’ for yes and no, and Daamens use the ‘’tis’” word as well.  So, for example, you get “‘tis something’” instead of “‘is it something?’”

Who Is Welcome: Friends and business people welcome. Old friends even more welcome.  If you’re looking to make money over someone else’s back - you’re not welcome.

Who isn’t Welcome: It used to be bounty hunters in general, mainly due to the Daamen’s close ties to the Reeka warriors (that’s another story) but due to the circumstances of one of their own being closely tied to bounty hunters, certain packs are welcome. Sort of welcome.  Tolerated. Creed’s pack, Abra’s pack, and Falyon’s pack. The rest - don’t bother. For bounty hunter packs in general - you can only come if given permission by Sabra (who you will have to contact via the Intergalactic Peace Ship Security). She’s not always contactable, BTW, so you may have to go through Uleah of the IPCS  Security, and from there Grezel, the Daamen leader.

There have been sightings of what seem suspiciously like a space-pirate crew, but the Daamens have assured us that space pirates don’t visit.  But we advise that travelers be wary anyway. One particular woman married into the Daamens has a...history, shall we say.

Come if you want a good time with friends and to do some business.  If you’ve come to gawk at the Daamen men - be advised the married men aren’t interested, and the single men are lusty. The Daamen women…your life is in your hands if you diddle around with a single Daamen woman and break her heart. The Daamen men are renowned for their protectiveness to their womenfolk.

Leaders: Grezel is the Daamen leader.  Treat him with respect. He’s good-natured, but he is a leader and will take no disrespect.  He’s easy-going, not a fool. 

Be warned he has a formidable Daamen guard. Don’t do anything suddenly. You will end up with bruises.

Settlement Hall: This is where meetings are held between Grezel and the settlement leaders. The settlers are always welcome to come and put their point of view across. 99% of the time there’s no problems, as all the Daamens are pretty much similar in their business thoughts.  Visitors are not welcome at the Settlement Hall. Daamen business is not visitor business.

Law: The settlements have Peacekeepers.  Remember they are big men, so if you decide to be stupid, you could end up with some bruises. They’re not exactly gentle if you resist the law. Break a law, and you’ll be in a cell in the Enforcement Building, and then on the first shuttle off Daamen.  Don’t bother going back - your face will be in every Daamen Enforcement Building scanner system. 

Being a planet leader will not save you from having your backside kicked if you’re a problem while on Daamen.  Daamens are notorious for not acknowledging the superiority of anyone over themselves. They believe all are equal, regardless of your stature in your own society, and you’ll be treated like anyone else would be if they broke the law. 

Punishment: Enforcement Building and then, if it’s a real problem and you’re not a Daamen, you’ll be transported back to your own planet and a report sent to the IPCS.  If your people don’t deal appropriately with you, you will hear about it, and all trade with your planet will be cut off. Trust me, you don’t want that. 

If you have hurt a Daamen man, woman or child, the condition you’ll be in when you get returned to your own planet is…well, let’s just say you’ll be lucky to be in one piece. Alive. 

Be Aware: Daamens are generally considered easy-going and good natured.  But don’t be fooled. They will fight to protect their own, and you don’t want a vengeful Daamen/s on your trail. This applies to both the Daamen men and women.  

You have been warned.

Medical Facilities: Every settlement on Daamen has its medics and medical center.  Very good facilities and service.

Entertainment: Taverns, horse-riding, flying discs, forests, swimming - there’s lots of outdoor activities. Daamen men like brawling, but it’s not something we advocate for everyone. See section Who isn’t Welcome. If you’re going to brawl with a Daamen, you’ll soon be checking out the Medical facilities for yourself.

Food: Good food, plain cooking, hearty meals. Don’t waste it. They don’t like waste.

Friends:  The Daamens have some powerful and close friendships and are intensely loyal their friends.  Do not bad-mouth the Argons, the Reeka Warriors or the Felys.  You only get one warning, and this is it.  Mouth off once about these friends, and you’ll be off the planet so fast your head will spin. You won’t be welcome back. This same rule you will have seen in the travel guide to Argon. It applies here.  However, we do have to caution you about mouthing off about certain space pirates. Just be careful what you say. In fact, if you’re not sure, don’t say it.

But What About The Sex? You’ve undoubtedly heard about the sexual prowess of the Daamen men. Lusty, gentle, adventurous. Yes, the men can be that. The married men are totally in love with their wives and protective of their female kinfolk. Don’t mess with the married men or women. Single Daamen men may be willing to have…er…a little liaison with a willing wench, but please don’t expect that to mean they want to marry you. Daamen men are lusty and enjoy the company of wenches, but they’ll go from one wench to another while single.  Be prepared to have mind-blowing, fun sex and be left - and encountered again if they see you. But it won’t be love. Unless you’re lucky, but then they won’t let you go the first time. The single Daamen women…not a huge lot is known about their sexual status at this time.  Probably because their men folk tend to hang around them when single male visitors come into their business establishments, and no Daamen woman has yet married an outworlder.  We’re still trying to figure that out ourselves. No one has been quite game to ask, so we just say…be careful. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Please remember this is NOT a tourist place. The Daamens do not provide for your enjoyment only. The activities provided are for their use, and they’re bighearted enough to allow you to join in.

Please only go on business or visiting friends, and for planet leaders - forging new alliances with Daamen. The Daamens always welcome new business ventures, providing it is honest. They like competition. For some strange reason, they think its fun…?

Last word - Daamens make good friends and bad business enemies. Don’t destroy your business chances with them, for if you do, you’ll find one of your most lucrative trading outlets gone forever, and you’ll be black-banned by them. You don’t want that unless you’re looking for a way to collapse your business completely. Interference is not something the IPC do if you break any of these rules. Ignorance is no excuse.

Guidelines Signed and Approved by:

Intergalactic Peace Council

Intergalactic Peace Ship

United Planets

The planet Daamen and the people of this planet are found in the award winning Heart & Soul sci-fi/futuristic romance series by Angela Verdenius

www.angelaverdenius.com

Character Interview by Ginger Simpson

   Today my guest, Grace Cummings, the heroine in White Heart, Lakota Spirit is here to tell us how she survived being held captive by Indians.  So, without further ado, let's begin the interview:

Just for clarification, Int. will indicate the interviewer's questions below:

Int: It must have been a very traumatic ordeal for you. Can you tell us about it?

Grace: It was horrid. (She shudders) I still hear my mother's screams in my head.  I…

Int: Do you need a moment to compose yourself?

Grace: No, I'm fine. (Deep breath) It was 1874. My family had moved around a lot because my father, bless his departed soul, was a restless man. It was hard for a girl my age to make friends, not living in one place for very long, and just when Ma, Kevin and I thought we might settle down, General George Armstrong Custer made an announcement about gold being discovered in the Black Hills of Lakota territory. That's all it took!  Pa loaded everything back into our Conestoga and insisted this was his chance to strike it big.

Int: Why didn't you mother put her foot down?

Grace:  You have to understand that back then, women were expected to know their place. Ma pretty much did as Pa said.  Besides, he promised her that when he hit the mother lode, he would buy us a new house; new furniture and we'd never have to move again.

Int: I can see how that might have sounded pretty enticing.

Grace: It was. We all had visions of putting down permanent roots, so being out on the plains, cooking over a campfire again and roughing it for a just a little longer was worth it if Pa and my brother, Kevin, found gold. 

Int: Tell us more about your experience, please.

Grace: Okay. We had made camp at the base of the Black Hills, near a sparse stand of trees. There was a small stream nearby, so water was plentiful. Ma and I slept on a pallet of blankets in the wagon, while Pa and Kev slept in a makeshift tent. We had just finished breakfast one morning and were laughing and talking before Pa and Kev went off to the mine, when I happened to spy some riders on the horizon. It soon became clear from the whooping and hollering that they were being attacked by Indians.

Int: Oh my goodness, what did you do?

Grace: Pa immediately yelled for Ma and I to get back in the Conestoga, and he and Kev grabbed their rifles and crawled underneath. I hunkered down behind the tailgate, waiting for Ma, but she never came.  I was so scared, hearing the sound of gunfire and those blood-curdling war cries, I covered my ears, but it didn't help. When I got the courage to peek outside, I saw the Indians circling our wagon and Ma running in the opposite direction. I think she was trying to draw them away from me. I didn't realize it at the time, but Pa and Kevin were already dead. They were easy pickings with no real shelter.

Int: How awful. 

Grace: You have no idea! (Stopping to bite her knuckle, then staring straight ahead). They…they shot my ma down in cold blood right before my eyes.

Int: Oh you poor thing. What did you do then?

Grace: (Dabbing at eyes with hanky) I curled myself into a ball and prayed that it was all just a bad dream, and that I'd wake up. When I didn't hear anything for a while, I found the courage to rise to my knees and peer over the tailgate again. I almost had heart failure when I came face-to-face with the ugliest sight I'd ever seen.

Int: Oh my gosh, I have goose bumps. What was it?

Grace: It was the person I later learned was Black Crow. His face was painted with bright yellow lightning bolts, and he had a scar that ran from ear-to-ear. He pulled me out of the wagon, barking orders in a strange language, and threw me to the ground. I felt like my heart was going to pound its way right through my chemise. (Holds hand against chest)

Int: Oh my goodness, what was going through your head?

Grace: I was certain he was going to kill me, too. I think he might have had it not been for one of his friends. The one, called Little Elk, seemed to step in and calm Black Crow down. Still, it was an awful thing to go through, wondering if you were going to live or die. After Black Crow tethered my arms together and dragged me along behind his horse, like I was nothing more than an animal, I almost wished I had died. I fought to keep up all the way to the Indian village.

Int:  How far was it?

GRACE: (Holding out her wrists). I'm not sure, but you can still see the scars where the rawhide bit into my skin. I didn't have time to get my shoes on, so my feet were pretty raw, too. I'm used to walking beside the wagon every day, but being dragged is quite different. It took forever.

Int: What happened when you got to the village?

Grace: I was so tired I could barely stand, but I dared not drop to the ground when it seemed like the whole village stood in a circle around me, staring and laughing.  I thought for sure I was about to meet my maker, but something very surprising happened.

Int: Don't stop now!

Grace:  A beautiful green-eyed woman walked into the midst of things and protected me. She spoke their language and dressed in their clothing, but it was evident from her flaming red hair that she was white. If it hadn't been for her I would never have survived to tell this story, that and the fact that Black Crow's mother didn't like having a white woman share her home. (Grace chuckles)

Int: What happened?

Grace:  After only one night in her tepee, Black Crow handed me over to Little Elk. He, at least treated me with kindness, allowing Green Eyes to help me bathe and wash my hair. I was still scared, but not nearly as much. Pa always said I was headstrong, and it almost got me into trouble when Little Elk gave me a new name. (Sitting up straighter, squaring shoulders)

Int: Oh gosh, we're almost out of time and I hate to make you stop. Can you give us a brief summary, and quickly?

Grace: Although there is so much more to tell, I'll just say that Little Elk played a big role in the decision I made when the white soldiers raided the camp. Unless you want to invite me back for another interview, I guess you'll just have to read the book. (Holds out a copy)

Int: Is this for me? How nice, and it's autographed. Grace Cummings, thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing your captivating story. I'd like to remind our readers that White Heart, Lakota Spirit by Ginger Simpson is offered through her website at http://www.gingersimpson.com and at Wings Press, http://www.wingsepress.com.  There's more to story, and if you're like me, you want to know how things turned out.  Happy reading!

Misty Cove, Massachusetts - History

Widow's Walk - 1840's - 1850's

Lady Lightkeeper Setting -

Lady Lightkeeper is my third book set in Misty Cove, Massachuetts. This is my fictional town which is located along the Cape Ann coast and is near Gloucester, Mass. For full details about the area and how my setting came to be, visit - www.nikkileigh.com/misty_cove.htm

Misty Cove is on the Cape Ann coast of Massachusetts. (On a map you can find Gloucester, Mass and Rockport, Mass.) The Stormy View lighthouse has stood proudly on the Eastern Point at the opening of Gloucester Harbor. As the fishermen head to sea or return home from fishing expeditions, the lighthouse stands like a proud sentinel on calm nights and during fierce storms.

Lizbeth's father, Captain Sullivan, was the captain of the fishing boat the Misty Pride. He sailed the fishing route out of Misty Cove for years and his men trusted him with their lives. The Essex ship building business was conveniently located just west of Gloucester. This provided shipping options for the fishermen of Misty Cove.

However, he was killed in an accident during the October Gale of 1841. His daughter Lizbeth has learned to deal with loss at the hands of the sea and medical conditions that cannot be treated in the 1800's.

The town of Misty Cove has fine cobblestone roads that are traveled by the inhabitants in their horse and carriages. Fine lights are lit each night to illuminate the streets. There is a mercantile in town and a hotel with a restaurant for visitors.

In the opening of Lady Lightkeeper, LIzbeth's husband William is missing at sea. The old concerns and her previous losses nag at her mind as she waits and watches for the return of his fishing boat. This was to be his last fishing trip and the plan was for him to stay home with his family. Has the Atlantic Ocean taken another love from Lizbeth's life?

 The area has lost many men to the sea and the monuments shown below were formed to honor the memory of the men who lost their lives and the women who raised their children and tended their homes for them. The wive's monument was an inspiration in the creation of Lady Lightkeeper.    

Eastern Point Lighthouse 1850's

Eastern Point Lighthouse 1880's

Fishermen's Wives' Monument

The Readers’ Station Quarterly

Where readers and authors mingle

February 2007 – Page 3

 Fiction for Spring 2007

Passionate Souls (anthology of short love stories) Bryn Colvin http://www.chippewapublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=131

Lady Lightkeeper - Nikki Leigh - e-book released January 2007

Lady Lightkeeper - Nikki Leigh - Print - March 2007 www.nikkileigh.com/lady_lightkeeper.htm

Lilah and the Locket - Nikki Leigh - Print - Spring 2007 www.nikkileigh.com/lilah.htm

The Gentle Wind's Caress - Anne Whitfield, published by Robert Hale Ltd UK

Gawain and the Green Knight (erotica) Bryn Colvin www.venuspress.com/catalog/books/gawain.htm

Boys Down Under Stories written by 5 Australian romance authors - including Angela Verdenius. http://www.triskelionpublishing.net/Product74086/Boys_Down_Under.html?CategoryID=14569&Index=1

Light at the Edge of Darkness (Biblical Speculative Fiction anthology) features a story from Donna Sundblad - "Caleb Sees the Light" http://www.lostgenreguild.com/lightattheedgeofdarkness.html

Time-Rift- Elena Bowman, will be out in print this spring.

The Gatekeeper's Realm – Elena Bowman, will be out in print this spring.

Sarah's Landing-II-The Telepaths of Theon, - Elena Bowman, will be out in e-book form soon.

The Catwalk: Garrison – Angela Verdenius, Book 3 in the five book series written by five different authors, is released in paperback from Triskelion Feb 2007.

 Non-fiction for Spring 2007

Successful Business Meetings - Shri Henkel - March 2007 www.sandcconsulting.com/meetings.htm

The Readers’ Station Quarterly

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

February 2007, Page 4

 New Reviews

Bookpleasures.com calls Nora Peterson’s Past Imperfect

“The perfect rainy afternoon mystery.” 
http://www.bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/0/2451/article/Past_Imperfect.html

Lady Lightkeeper reviews http://www.nikkileigh.com/llk_-_reviews.htm

Lilah and the Locket Reviews - www.nikkileigh.com/lilah.htm

 Review for Successful Businesss Meetings by Shri Henkel

Reviewed By Bryn Colvin

JJ Giles ‘The Mistress and the Mouse’ and D.K. Garston’s ‘XIII’ reviewed by Bryn Colvin http://www.myspace.com/brynneth_n_colvin

Works in Progress

A few sneak peeks into books the Reader’s Station authors are working on right now.

Shri Henkel is currently reworking and expanding the award winning and best selling Restaurant Managers Handbook for Atlantic Publishing. The new and improved 4th edition will contain 19 new chapters and expanded content including: hiring, training and firing employees, ways to increase the bottom line, many new promotional ideas, expanded information on franchises, financing, writing a business plan and much more. The 4th edition is scheduled for release in early spring 2007. For more information, visit - www.sandcconsulting.com/rmhb_4.htm

Nikki Leigh is working on completing a book that is inspired by a true story of a man, his horse and the dressage industry. It is the story of an underdog horse and owner working to overcome health and social hurdles to acheive a dream. The Prologue is located at www.nikkileigh.com/shadows_pride.htm along with pictures of Areion and his owner. The title of the book is Shadow's Pride and it has already been accepted by Nikki's publisher and will the e-book will be released in the spring of 2007 and print later in the year.

Bryn Colvin is writing scripts for Copper Age’s ‘New England Gothic' story line. These are destined to be graphic novels in the not too distant future. ‘New England Gothic’ explores life on the island of Hopeless, Maine, a place cursed by evil sentient fog, vampires, werewolves, goblins, and tuberculosis. Bryn is also working on a novel set during the first world war, exploring ideas about guilt, shell shock and the breakdown of reality if face of extreme distress.

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

February 2007 – Page 5

Contests

The Readers Station Name That Anthology Contest

Readers Station tour guides are busy compiling an anthology of fiction and non-fiction works and we’d love for you to take part by helping us to name it.  The anthology will contain a variety of genres—all employing a travel theme.
Here’s how the contest will work.

The winner will receive:

Everyone is welcome to enter, but you’ll need votes to win.  Be sure to encourage your friends to visit the Readers Station website to view the entries and vote for their favorite.

Deadline for entering: February 28, 2007


*Content subject to Readers Station approval.

We have another exciting contest coming in May, check the May newsletter for full details.

The Readers’ Station Quarterly

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

February 2007 – Page 6

Author’s News

Readers Station Anthology

Your Readers’ Station tour guides are busy compiling an anthology of fiction and non-fiction to be released this spring.  Watch the Readers Station website and message board for details as they become available - www.readersstation.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WelcometoReadersStation/

Chats & Events

Dorice Nelson, Elena Bowman, Nora Peterson and Nikki Leigh will be chatting at Love Romance on February 13, 2007 - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/

Dorice Nelson, Elena Bowman, Nora Peterson and Nikki Leigh will be chatting at Love Romance on March 8, 2007 - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/

EPICon - E-book Conference in Virginia Beach, VA - March 8-11, 2007

Nikki Leigh will be attending the Virginia Festival of the Book - Charlottesville, VA - March 23-24, 2007.

Dorice Nelson, Elena Bowman, Nora Peterson and Nikki Leigh will be chatting at Love Romance on April 19, 2007 - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe

O'Hearn's Pharmacy in Cambridge, NY, will display all of Dorice Nelson’s books before and during Valentine Day.

Nora Peterson will be signing at a book festival in March - Globe Centennial Book Fair
579 S. Broad Street Globe, Arizona 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm

Awards and Recognition

The cover art for Widow's Walk designed by Nikki Leigh won an Ariana Best in Category Award by the Epic Organization and is competing for a Quasar Award.

Shri Henkel was chosen to be the promotional person for www.mysmbspace.com and her first article is located at - http://www.mysmbspace.com/column1.htm

New Contracts and Future Releases

‘To Love Again’, a short story by Anne Whitfield has been accepted for publication by The Wild Rose Press.

‘Vengeance Is Mine’, a suspense/thriller by Dorice Nelson is scheduled for release later in 2007

Brynneth N Colvin’s new Estraguil novel ‘The Girl Who Fell’ has a home with Whiskey Creek Press, but as yet no release date.

Donna Sunblad is writing for www.LoveToKnow.com. This week’s articles include topics like Seven Jeans, Test Anxiety, Teen Drivers Ed and Teen Chats

Nikki Leigh has a new promotional blog and would be interested in talking with anyone who has a promotional idea or tip that they would like to share. Contact Nikki at nikki-leigh@excite.com. Her blog is located at - http://inspiredauthor.com/blogIA/index.php/promo

Heart of a Peacekeeper, Book 13 in Angela Verdenius’ Heart & Soul sci-fi/futuristic series has been accepted by Wings e-Press and will be released in December 2007.

Elena Bowman has three new e-book contracts with Write Words, Inc., www.ebooksonthe.net.  The new contracts are for the Sarah's Landing Series, Book II - the Telepaths of Theon, Book III - The Barbarians, and Book IV - Genesis. The coming soon print book releases for 2007 are Time-Rift, and Books II and III of the Legacy Series.

Other News