DogLovers Mini Blog Tour for Her Handyman by Morgan Mandel

I've started a DogLovers Mini Blog Tour to Kick Off My New Release, Her Handyman!!!

Why a DogLovers Tour for my romantic comedy? Stop by my tour stops for the answer.

Today's blog stop 
(Friday, Sept. 14, 2012)
Candid Canine -  http://candidcanine.blogspot.com
At Candid Canine, I'm interviewed by  Christine Verstraete, where I answer the burning question of why there's a dog in my book, plus other important questions which inquiring minds might want to know.
Also provided is an excerpt from Her Handyman.

Next Wednesday 
(Wed., Sept. 19, 2012)
The Book Connection, a blog owned by Cheryl Malandrinos, at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com. There I'll share a post about Rascal, The Dog Who Owns Me, and include FuFu, the dog who owns my heroine, Zoe.

Find Her Handyman on Kindle at http://amzn.com/B0097EVXBK
Morgan Mandel's Amazon Author Central Page: http://amazon.com/author/morganmandel
Find Excerpts and Buy Links in various formats for Morgan's books at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

HER HANDYMAN IS RELEASED ON KINDLE

HER HANDYMAN BY MORGAN MANDEL -
JUST RELEASED ON KINDLE FOR 99 CENTS!!!

http://amzn.com/B0097EVXBK


Throw a crazy canine, a handyman, and an artist together and you've got mayhem!


Who'd guess it's Jake, the handyman, who needs rescuing when he answers a call by the distraught artist, Zoe, to stop a toilet flood begun by her crazy canine, FuFu?

A novella length romantic comedy, with a dash of the serious.

Her Handyman

You haven't seen much of me lately because I've been working on my new romantic comedy, called Her Handyman.

It's almost done, and will be featured first on Kindle.

Once again, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with the talented Stephen Walker of SR Walker Designs, to come up with just the right design to fit the mood of my story.

I'm sharing the cover with you now. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Throw a crazy canine, a handyman, and a talented artist together in one bathroom, and you've got bedlam.

Please Welcome Small Town Gal, Helen Ginger, an Author and Editor at The Corner Cafe

Helen Ginger

The Corner Café
I live in a small town outside of a big town. When I moved here ten years ago, we had one stoplight and a couple of stores. We were just a bump on the road to the lake. Now we have many stoplights, two huge walking malls, a cinema, and lots of traffic. Big or small, one thing we don’t have is a corner café.

So, when an online group I belong to decided to put together a short story anthology and call it The Corner Café, I wondered what I could contribute. As it turned out though, we didn't have to write about a café, we just had to mention the corner café somewhere in the story. Since all proceeds on sales would go to charity, I really wanted to contribute.

I ended up writing two stories, one long, one short, and both got accepted.

The long one is called Gila Monster. Here is its logline: Neree, who parked her beat-up truck, Gila Monster, in the senior parking lot, hopes to find it still there at the end of school, but what she finds is an unexpected possibility.

The shorter short story, called One Last Run, is only 360 words: When a couple ski a black diamond run in a blizzard, the truth of what happened is in the blood.

The length of a short story doesn't matter as much as the story itself and the twist or surprise at the end. You want the reader to have a visceral reaction to the story - a laugh, a gasp, a smile, an "ah-ha" or an "oh no" or perhaps an "I didn't see that coming!"

But as you write, you have to remember that it's a short story. That means every word has to count, have meaning, move the story forward. Cut wasteful words. Focus on the character. Focus on the ending. Get there without being distracted by minor characters or incidental plot lines. Short stories mostly have one plot line -- the one that leads directly to the end. But that means that the end is the pay off, so you can't reveal it beforehand. This isn't to say that the end will always be some huge surprise or reveal. It may be quiet or satisfying or something that doesn't hit you upside the head, but touches your heart.

A short story can be two paragraphs or twenty pages. After all, what's short to you may not be short to someone else. I’m 5'9". I used to be tall, but now I'm short. Oh, I'm still 5'9", but my daughter is 6'1", my husband is 6'6", and my son is 6'10". So, when you see us together, I'm short. It's all in how your look at it.

If you've never tried your hand at writing a short story, give it a go. Why not!
                            
About Helen Ginger's new release, Angel Sometimes.
Angel Sometimes has a plan: Go home to Oklahoma and ask her mother why she loved her one day, then threw her out like garbage the next. At 12, she was left on the streets. She's now 22 and swimming as a mermaid at The Aquarium. She's almost ready to confront her parents, but to do that, she needs three things: her high school diploma, a car and a gun.

Helen Ginger is also the author of three books in TSTC Publishing’s TechCareers series. You can find two of her short stories in the just released anthology, The Corner Café. Her free ezine, Doing It Write, now in its thirteenth year of publication, goes out to subscribers around the globe. You can follow Helen on her blog, Straight From Hel, on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn. She is also Co-Partner and Webmistress for Legends In Our Own Minds® and the Coordinator of Story Circle Network’s Editorial Services.

Amazon Author Central Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/helenginger
Website: http://helenginger.com/diw.htm
Blog: http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MermaidHel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HelenGinger1
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/HelenGinger
Legends In Our Minds®: http://legendsinourownminds.com/
Story Circle Network Editorial Service: http://www.storycircleeditorialservice.org/

Please welcome Helen Ginger to Double M by leaving a comment.
Next Tour Stop is Tomorrow At http://patbean.wordpress.com/

Check Out the Complete Corner Cafe Tour List Here At:
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/2012/06/blog-book-tour-for-corner-cafe-tasty.html

Blog Book Tour for The Corner Cafe: A Tasty Collection of Short Stories

FREE FOR KINDLE ON JUNE 9 AND 10

AT http://www.amzn.to/Cornercafe


I may have already mentioned, I've done something new and exciting by contributing two short stories to
The Corner Cafe: A Tasty Collection of Short Stories, prepared by the BBT Cafe Authors, an online group of which I'm happy to be a member. During June, our group is going on tour, promoting The Corner Cafe.

If you don't have a kindle, go to http://amzn.to/CCKindleApps
for free apps to download this book.


Below, you'll find the listing of all the Blog Book Tour Stops our groups is making. Please join us to learn not only more about our book and about each author.

June 4 Blog Book Tours Kick-off http://blogbooktours.blogspot.com/

June 5 Bob Sanchez http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/

June 6 Red Tash http://redtash.com/

June 7 Magic Dog Press http://www.magicdogpress.wordpress.com/

June 8 Heidi Thomas http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/

June 11 Marian Allen http://www.marianallen.com/

June 12 W.S Gager http://wsgager.blogspot.com/

June 13 Chris Verstraete http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/

June 14 Helen Ginger http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/

June 15 Kathy Wheeler  http://kathylwheeler.wordpress.com/

June 18 Morgan Mandel Double M http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/

June 19 Pat Bean http://patbean.wordpress.com/

June 20 Shonell Bacon http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com/

June 21 Alberta Ross http://albertaross.wordpress.com/

June 22 Karen Casey Fitzjerrell http://karencaseyfitzjerrell.blogspot.com/

June 25 Pat Stoltey http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com/

June 26 SB Lerner http://www.susanblerner.com/

June 27 Maryann Miller http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/

June 28 Mary Montague Sikes http://marymontaguesikes.blogspot.com/

June 29 Stephen Tremp http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com/

Where You Can Find Me

Just thought I'd offer an update on where I'll be in the near future.

This coming Monday, May 21, I'll be hosting the writing duo known as Evelyn David, on my group blog at Make Mine Mystery. Come on over to learn more about their books, and look for those cute dogs on the covers.

This Tuesday, May 22, on Sweet Not Spicy, I'm happy to have as my guest, sweet romance author, Celia Yeary. Coming attractions are Debra Holland on June 12 and Leanne Tyler on June 19.

Wednesday, May 23 you'll find me over at Acme Authors Link, where my topic is Sharing the Load.
On March 24, at The Blood-Red Pencil, I'll be giving a preview from my point of view about the coming release of The Corner Cafe: A Tasty Collection of Short Stories. My contributions to the collection are The Closing of the Corner Cafe and What Nice Blessings. More to follow on this.

Thursdays are usually my day for hosting at Spunky Senior Authors and Talents. I'm not sure yet about my guests, as there as been some changes in schedules. I do know for sure Dr. Bob Rich is scheduled for May 30, Anna Jacobs for June 14, and Shirley Bosius on June 28. Stay tuned for more.

On June 5, you'll find me at The Blood-Red Pencil with the branding feature of What's Your Answer, where I and the blog readers answer questions about blogs and e-books.

I'm also doing a blog tour stop on June 14 when Helen Ginger will be hosting me at her blog about The Corner Cafe: a Tasty Collection of Short Stories, where I'll be discussing my own contributions of The Closing of the Corner Cafe and What Nice Blessings.

Spring Fling Conference Was Great!

Morgan Mandel at the Book Signing Portion
of Spring Fling 2012

The Chicago North RWA Spring Fling 2012 Writers' Conference went off fabulously! The quality of the Chicago Mariott NW venue was superb, in looks and service, with the added bonus of being only 20 minutes away for me!

Lots of great workshops, terrific featured speakers, and many chances to network. Also, some free books from featured speakers, a tempting array of books to purchase in the bookstore and at the book signing. Of course, I came home with a bunch for my TBR pile, which is quite large as it is.

The committee did a terrific job putting this quality conference together. I'm hoping the same people step up to the plate to volunteer next time.

You can find 53 photos from Friday, April 27 and 34 from Saturday, April 28 at my Facebook page -
http://facebook.com/morganmandel


Just a reminder - for Excerpts and Buy Links to all of my books, Check out
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/

Spring Fling Writers' Conference Report Soon

Things have been hectic lately, with preparing for my Book Launch Party, working on two short stories for The Corner Cafe anthology, soon to be released, plus keeping up with my guest and group blogs.

Friday and Saturday are the Spring Fling Writers' Conference, and I'll offer a report on some of the highlights here.

Recap of Week Starting April 1 and Preview of Upcoming Week

If you missed any of my guests during the week, here's your chance to catch up.
Also, mark you calendars to check out any of my upcoming guests.

LAST WEEKS LINEUP:
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012 - Sweet Not Spicy
Like cowboy romance? Lisa Mondella Stopped by on her Texas Hearts Blog Book Tour
http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/2012/04/texas-hearts-romance-author-lisa.html#comment-form

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012
Mystery Author, F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith, stopped by to tell us about her new book, No Bells, in the fantastic Rocky Bluff, P.D. series, and to share some of her publishing tribulations along the way -
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/2012/04/please-welcome-fm-marilyn-meredith-on.html

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012
Spunky Seniors and Talents Guest Was Author Roseanne Dowell, Who Showed Us Another of Her Talents Besides Writing At
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/04/spunky-author-roseanne-dowell-shares.html

PREVIEW OF UPCOMING GUESTS:
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012 - Sweet Not Spicy
Bella Street - http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/
About HerTime Travel, Sweet Discreet Romance, Kiss Me, I'm Irish

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012 - Spunky Senior Authors and Talents
Alicia Rasley - http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/

She's an English College Instructor & Guest Lecturer, Along with Being an Author
Her Topic - It's Not Too Late to Start or Return to College






Morgan Mandel -
For Fast Paced Thrillers, Mysteries, Romances on Most Electronic Media  -
Excerpts & Buy Links- http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Central Page: http://amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Please Welcome F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith on Tour For Her Mystery, No Bells

CONTEST: The person who comments on the most blogs on Marilyn (F.M.) Meredith's tour will win three books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: No Sanctuary, An Axe to Grind, and Angel Lost. Be sure and leave your email too, so Marilyn can contact you if you are the winner.



F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith

F.M. Meredith, also known as Marilyn Meredith, is the author of over thirty published novels—and a few that will never see print. Her latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, from Oak Tree Press, is No Bells. Rocky Bluff P.D. is a fictional beach community between Ventura and Santa Barbara and F. M. once lived in a similar beach area.

Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and serves as the program chair for the Public Safety Writers of America’s writing conference. She’s been an instructor at many writing conferences.

Website: http://fictionforyou.com/
Blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/


About Marilyn's latest mystery, No Bells:

Officer Gordon Butler has finally found the love he’s been seeking for a long time, but there’s one big problem, she’s the major suspect in a murder case.




Paperback: http://amzn.com/1610090861








And Now Marilyn Shares her publishing journey:


DEAD BODIES AND CROOKS


That almost sounds like the title for a mystery doesn’t it? Actually it’s what I encountered along the way on my publishing journey.

I began writing in “the olden days”—the days of typewriters and carbon paper and mailing your whole manuscript off in a box with another addressed and stamped box inside for it to come back to you.

My first book that I ever sent off to a publisher was an historical family saga based on my family’s genealogy. It was rejected and returned to me many times—often with pages wrinkled, coffee stained and smelling like cigarettes. About every fifth return, I rewrote and retyped it, quite a chore at 500 plus pages.

After nearly 30 rejections it was accepted by a major publisher—and I think it was about a three or four year process. In the meantime I was writing a second saga about the other side of my family. When I sent that one to the same publisher, the editor who had accepted the first one had left the house—new editor wasn’t interested.

I finally found a publisher for that one—and my first encounter with a crooked publisher. The book was published, looked great, never got a royalty and after my first order of books couldn’t get another. Found out the publisher had taken all the money he made and gambled it away in Las Vegas. He eventually went to jail.

Of course I was writing other things by this time. When I finished what I called a Christian horror I couldn’t find a Christian publisher who would publish it because it was too scary and those who published horror thought it was too Christian. Found a small press, publisher loved the book, but he wanted me to make it camera ready. Remember this was “the olden days.” No easy way to make the manuscript look like book pages. By this time I did have a computer, but had no clue how I should do this. A friend who owned a computer store, let me use his computer before he store opened and showed me how to do what I needed. I worked on it diligently for weeks. When I was done I contacted the publisher. His wife answered, her husband died and she wasn’t interested in carrying on with the business.

My first mystery was published by another crooked publisher—this one printed 50 copies of my book, cheated a bunch of authors out of co-op money, and fled the country. Fortunately, I found another small press willing to republish that book. She also published the first four of my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries—and then she died. (That was terribly sad, we’d become friends and her death was unexpected.)

I’ve had at least 5 agents along the way, and not one did anything for me. I’ve had encounters with other publishers who weren’t on the up and up, but I’m going to make a really long story a bit shorter and move to the publishing of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. Final Respects the very first one was picked up by a publisher I found in Writers Market. It was my first experience with an e-publisher. This was long before e-readers came along. The book was wonderfully edited, but buying it was far too complicated.

The Rocket eReader was invented and another publisher picked up the first and second book in the series. We had some problems. The next two books were published as paper and e-books, but the publisher soon went out of business. That’s when Oak Tree Press came along and the next book in the series was published. Since that time, OTP has published the earlier books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series on Kindle and the latest three as paper and e-books.

And of course that brings us to now and the publishing of No Bells the latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, available in e-book format and trade paperback.

The whole process of getting published is much easier now with computers, the Internet and email.

Find F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith at:
Website: http://fictionforyou.com/
Blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

CONTEST REMINDER: The person who comments on the most blogs on Marilyn's tour will win three books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: No Sanctuary, An Axe to Grind, and Angel Lost. Be sure and leave your email too, so she can contact you.

Please welcome Marilyn by leaving a comment, even if you  haven't commented on any of her other tour stops.

Recap for Week Ending March 31, 2012 & Preview For Next Week

It's been a little over a week since I instituted a new Facebook Group called Books Gone Viral.
Since then, the Group has really Gone Viral! We are now at 556 members! You can find us at http://facebook.com/groups/booksgoneviral. You are all invited to join, whether you are readers or writers or both. If the link doesn't work, just go to the Search Bar at Facebook and type Books Gone Viral, then click to join, and one of us will be glad to let you in.

That's not all I was up to last week. Here's the rundown of last week's blog happenings:


TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012
Guest  - Roseanne Dowell - Sweet Not Spicy
Shares Her Romance, Time to Love Again, & her views on a controversial topic - To Plot or Not to Plot

http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/2012/03/romance-author-roseanne-dowells-views.html

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012
Guest - Jean Henry Mead - Acme Authors Link
Shares her new book, the Mystery Writers, a compilation of mystery writer interviews and advice -

http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2012/03/jean-henry-mead-author-of-mystery.html

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012
Guest - Carolynn Carey - Spunky Senior Authors and Talents
About her Prognosis for Happiness
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/03/spunky-senior-author-carolynn-carey-and.html

NEXT WEEK SO FAR:

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012
Guest Lisa Mondello - Sweet Not Spicy - http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/
Sweet Romance Author on her Texas Hearts Blog Book Tour

Giving away 1 ebook copy of HER HEART FOR THE ASKING to one commenter.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 - RIGHT HERE!
Guest, F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith on Tour for her Mystery,
No Bells
Check out her giveaway contest.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 - Spunky Senior Authors & Talents - http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/
Roseanne Dowell - Shares Her Quilts

Excerpts & Buy Links  For All of Morgan Mandel's Books are at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Central Page: http://amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Recap for Week Ending March 24 & Preview of Next Week

Since I've been hard at work on my sequel to Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, and also keeping up with my group blogs, I'm not over here as much as I'd like to be.

That being the case, I'm offering a weekly recap and preview of the following week here as often as I get a chance to do so. This is your opportunity to catchup, if you haven't seen any of these posts by myself and my guests and see what's coming up.

Next week on Sweet Not Spicy - Roseanne Dowell, on Acme Authors Link - Jean Henry Mead, and on Spunky Senior Authors and Talents - Carolynn Carey

THIS PAST WEEK -
TUESDAY, March 20, 2012 at Sweet Not Spicy
My Guest, Alicia Rasley, Offered a Valuable Writing Technique & Shared Information about her Sweet, Discreet Romance, Allegra's Song at
http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/2012/03/romance-author-alicia-rasley-shares.html

Also, on TUESDAY, March 20, 2012 at The Blood-Red Pencil
I shared my experiences about self-publishing through Lightning Source and Amazon and received varied responses from others who either like self-publisher or prefer not going through the hassle at
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/03/is-self-publishing-way-to-go.html

WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012, at Acme Authors Link,
I posted about those Pesky Little Details at
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2012/03/pesky-little-details.html

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012, I welcomed my Guest, Romance Author, Mary Marvella
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/03/please-welcome-spunky-senior-romance.html

You're invited to stop by any of these blogs, read them and leave comments if you wish.

Morgan Mandel
Check http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/ for excerpts and links to my books, available everywhere electronically.
Or, come on over to my Amazon Central profile and find links and more about my books there.

Forever Young: Blessing or Curse Blog Book Tour Compilation

Here is the Complete List of All the Stops From the Blog Book Tour for my paranormal romantic thriller, Forever Young: Blessing or Curse by Morgan Mandel.

Thanks to Everyone Who Followed Along With Me During the Tour, and I Invite Anyone Who Couldn't Make the Tour Then, to Stop by Any of the Posts That Are of Interest to You..

I appreciate your support more than I can say!



TWO WARM-UP POSTS
FRIDAY, Dec. 16, 2012
http://jungleredwriters.com/
Permalink: http://www.jungleredwriters.com/2011/12/time-and-again.html
Host: Hank Phillippi Ryan
Topic: Time - - and Again – What It Would be Like to be Young Again – including a photo from when I was young.

THURSDAY, Dec. 29, 2012
http://dragonmyfeet.wordpress.com/
Permalink: http://dragonmyfeet.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/excerpt-from-forever-young-blessing-or-curse-by-morgan-mandel/
Host: Pat Bertram
Topic: First Chapter Excerpt Shared

OFFICIAL START OF BLOG BOOK TOUR
THURSDAY, Jan. 5, 2012,
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/01/spunky-morgan-mandel-tours-about.html
Host: My Group Blog
Topic: Kickoff of Official Blog Book Tour with a pic from when I had a figure, a little about the book and the tour.

MONDAY, Jan. 9, 2012
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-blogger-morgan-mandel-author-of.html
Host: Cheryl Malandrinos
Topic: Them Bones, Them Bones...

TUESDAY, Jan.10, 2012
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-would-anyone-do-such-thing.html
Host: I’m a Member of This Group Blog
Topic: Why Would Anyone Do Such a Thing?

THURSDAY, Jan. 12, 2012
http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-looks-matter-with-morgan-mandel.html
Host: L. Diane Wolfe
Topic: Do Looks Matter?

TUESDAY, Jan. 17, 2012
DOUBLE HEADER DAY - Same Post at Two of Albert Ross’s blogs:
http://albertaross.wordpress.com/
Permalink: http://albertaross.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/red-carpet-dayforever-young/
Host: Alberta Ross
Topic: Wrinkles, Weight, Grey Hair, Spider and Varicose Veins – What Fun!

http://sefutychronicles-albertaross.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://sefutychronicles-albertaross.blogspot.com/2012/01/red-carpet-day-forever-young.html
Host: Alberta Ross
Topic: Wrinkles, Weight, Grey Hair, Spider and Varicose Veins - What Fun!

FRIDAY, Jan. 20, 2012
http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/2012/01/am-i-old-yet.html
Host: Bob Sanchez
Topic: Am I old yet?

SUNDAY, Jan. 22, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-forever-young-blessing-or.html
Review by Maryann Miller

MONDAY, Jan. 23, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/monday-morning-musings_23.html
Intro by Maryann Miller on her Monday Musings

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 25, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/wednesdays-guest-morgan-mandel.html
Host: Maryann Miller
Topic: The Fountain of Youth Myth, with Excerpt including reference to Fountain of Youth

FRIDAY, Jan. 27, 2012
http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-morgan-mandel-author-of-forever.html
Host: Chris Verstraete
Interview, including a shocking happening from my own life, Plus an excerpt relating to how I used it in my book

MONDAY, Jan. 30, 2012
http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/
Permalink: http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/what-was-life-like-before-an-iphone/
Host: Heidi M. Thomas
Topic: What Was Life Like Before an iPhone?

TUESDAY: Jan. 31, 2012
http://www.jennymilchman.com/
Permalink: http://www.jennymilchman.com/blog/?p=2116
Host: Jenny Milchman
Topic: My Made It Moment

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 1, 2012
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2012/02/name-one-method-to-promote-book.html
Host: My Group Blog
Topic: Name One Method to Promote A Book

MONDAY, February 6, 2012
http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html#7815048673197469077
Host: Austin S. Camacho
Topic: How Long Did it Take to Write This Book

THURSDAY, Feb. 9, 2012
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/02/ageless-love.html
Host: My Editor, Helen Ginger (We are both members of this blog)
Topic: Interview by Helen – How Love Plays a Role In My Book & Other Questions

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 15, 2012
http://lesleatash.com/
Permalink: http://lesleatash.com/post/17655104984/writer-wednesday-welcomes-morgan-mandel
Host: Leslea Tash
Topic: Are Your Friends the Same Age as You?

FRIDAY, Feb. 24, 2012
http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/2012/02/todays-friday-friend-morgan-mandel.html
Host: Paula Martin
Topic: Would You Take an Experimental Medicine?

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS TOUR, I WILL STILL BE STOPPING OFF AT OTHER BLOGS AS A GUEST NOW & THEN. I'll let you know when I do.

New Year, New Book, New Tour



Forever Young: Blessing or Curse -
Thriller on Kindle & Smashwords.

To start the New Year out right for my brand new book, Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, I'm plunging into a Blog Book Tour. Most, if not all of the spots are lined up, with a few testing-the-waters visits already concluded.

If you wish to follow along, and I hope you do for at least a few, you'll find the entire list at the top of the sidebar to your right. Click any of them on the day of, or even after the date they appear, and you can see what's going on.

In case you're wondering what the posts will be about, I've listed some of the topics I'm covering below:



THURSDAY, January 5, 2012,
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/

Permalink:
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/2012/01/spunky-morgan-mandel-tours-about.html
Topic: Kickoff of Official Blog Book Tour.

See a pic of what I looked like when I had a figure,
and learn a little about the book and tour.

MONDAY, January 9, 2012
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Permalink:
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-blogger-morgan-mandel-author-of.html
Topic: Them Bones, Them Bones...

TUESDAY, January 10, 2012
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Permalink:
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-would-anyone-do-such-thing.html
Why Would Anyone Do Such a Thing?

THURSDAY, January 12, 2012
http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/
Permalink:
http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-looks-matter-with-morgan-mandel.html
Do Looks Matter?

TUESDAY, January 17, 2012
Double Header - Same Post
http://albertaross.wordpress.com/
Permalink: http://albertaross.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/red-carpet-dayforever-young/

http://sefutychronicles-albertaross.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://sefutychronicles-albertaross.blogspot.com/2012/01/red-carpet-day-forever-young.html
Wrinkles, Weight, Grey Hair, Spider  and Varicose Veins - What Fun!

FRIDAY, January 20, 2012
http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/2012/01/am-i-old-yet.html
Am I old yet?

Blog Book Tour Stops This Week & Special Kindle & Smashwords Price For Tour

The Blog Book Tour Continues For Forever Young: Blessing or Curse
Blog Book Tour Special at Amazon on Kindle & Smashwords - Now $1.99 (Other venues will take longer for the new amount to kick in) 

See http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/ for all venues

If you missed the beginning of my continuing Blog Book Tour for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, you can find all the permalinks, plus the entire schedule to date in the righthand column.

Here are some immediate stops:


FRIDAY, January 20, 2012

http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com/2012/01/am-i-old-yet.html
Am I old yet?

SUNDAY, January 22, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-forever-young-blessing-or.html
Review by Maryann Miller

MONDAY, January 23, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/monday-morning-musings_23.html
Intro by Maryann Miller


WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012
http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/wednesdays-guest-morgan-mandel.html
Topic: Excerpt & Topic: Fountain of Youth Myth

FRIDAY, January 27, 2012
http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-morgan-mandel-author-of-forever.html
Interview, including a shocking happening, Plus an excerpt to show how it was included in the book

Forever Young: Blessing or Curse Now In Print, Plus More Blog Book Tour Stops

I'm excited to report that I did conquer CreateSpace and now Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is also available In Print. For those who like the feel of paper in their hands, you can order a copy by going to this link. Now, my new release is on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, Diesel, Smashwords, Sony, and even in the UK!

I'm still plugging along on my Blog Book Tour. Listed below are some recent stops, and upcoming ones. As usual, I include the blog link, then later the permalinks after they become available, so feel free to click any of the old posts if a topic interests you. You'll find the entire list on the right sidebar, also more easily read details here in the main section. Hope some of you can stop by.


Heidi M. Thomas Blog - Monday, Jan. 30, 2012
http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/
Permalink: http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/what-was-life-like-before-an-iphone/
Topic: What Was Life Like Before an iPhone?

Jenny Milchman's Suspense Your Disbelief - Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
http://www.jennymilchman.com/
Permalink: http://www.jennymilchman.com/blog/?p=2116
Topic: My Made It Moment

Acme Authors Link - Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2012/02/name-one-method-to-promote-book.html
Topic: Name One Method to Promote A Book

Austin S. Camacho's Another Writer's Life - Monday, Feb. 6, 2012
http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/
Topic: How Long Did It Take to Write This Book?

Helen Ginger, My Editor, Interviews Me At The Blood-Red Pencil - Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Topic: How Love Plays a Role in My Book & Other Questions

More Blog Stops

Current Blog Book Tour Stops for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse:

My Blog Book Tour for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is moving right along.
This is the paranormal romantic thriller about a widow who takes a pill to turn her from 55 to 24, but may not live to regret it.

On Kindle and in Print, Available anywhere else you can imagine. Complete list of buylinks is at http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/



Monday, February 6, 2012
Austin S. Camacho's blog - A Writer's Life
http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html#7815048673197469077
Topic: How Long Did it Take to Write This Book

Thursday, February 9, 2012
Helen Ginger Hosting at The Blood-Red  Pencil
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Permalink: http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2012/02/ageless-love.html
Topic: My Editor, Helen Ginger,  Interviews Me

Check sidebar for permalinks to past posts of interest.

The Last Few Blog Book Tour Stops

My Blog Book Tour for Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is winding down. Since this is the week for Valentine's Day, you still have time to get the Valentine's Special, lasting through Saturday, Feb. 17, 2012, where this book on Kindle is sale priced at only 99 cents.
Here's the link for the deal: http://amzn.com/B006MO28CQ

The last two stops are on:
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Details below.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Fabulousness - http://lesleatash.com/
Permalink: http://lesleatash.com/post/17655104984/writer-wednesday-welcomes-morgan-mandel
Topic: Are Your Friends the Same Age as You?

Friday, February 24, 2012
As Paula Martin's Guest on Heroines With Hearts
http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/
Permalink: #ff @MorganMandel
http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/2012/02/todays-friday-friend-morgan-mandel.html
Topic: Would You Take an Experimental Medicine?

Christmas Decorations & People Gone, But Not Forgotten



These two wreaths are gone now



By now, you may have heard of the Great Flood of July 23, the one which blessed us with about seven inches of water in our basement. I spent a goodly amount of time cleaning up the mess, throwing ruined items away, drying others, washing others, sorting countless photos which got wet.

I thought I was through.



This wreath is also gone

Little did I know when I went downstairs (late to start decorating because I'd been finishing Forever Young: Blessing or Curse) to my horror I discovered I'd missed two containers of carefully packed away Christmas decorations, which had tipped over in the flood, and somehow trapped water inside. As soon as I opened the cartons, I had to shut them fast, then go outside with garbage bags, and wearing gloves, removed what was inside for the garbage.

I only managed to salvage two items, which were ceramic and could be sanitized. Fortunately, I do have photos from prior years to remember my decorations by. Still, they're not the same as the real thing.

It reminds me of other losses that can't be replaced, which have occurred in my family, and everyone's. Those are the people near and dear to us. Only memories and photos are left, instead of the real thing. I'm grateful for those who are still with me -- my husband and family, my friends, both off and online, and my little buddy, Rascal.

A Great Big Thanks to everyone who has enriched my life!

Forever Young: Blessing or Curse is Now on Kindle

It took me a while, but I've finally done it! Forever Young: Blessing or Curse just got released today on Kindle! Smashwords will follow.

Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/6tsntn6

This is the story of the 55 year old widow whose husband had been killed in a hit and run accident. In desperation, she takes a pill to be 24 forever, then finds out the pill isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her husband knew that. Was his death really an accident?

FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT:
A limp object lay sprawled in the parking lot where Dorrie was to meet her husband. It looked like, no it couldn’t be...


Pulse pounding, she hit the brakes and flung open the door. A few steps, and she stood staring in disbelief at her husband’s still form. That red streak didn’t belong in Larry’s salt and pepper hair, nor should it mar his olive skinned cheeks, and trickle onto his white cotton shirt.

She groped in her purse for the smartphone. Fingers shaking, she dialed 911. “There’s been an accident at the Life is for Living Institute. I need an ambulance. Hurry, please.”

A helpless feeling engulfed her. If only she knew first aid, but in all her fifty-five years, she’d never bothered to learn. She had to do something, but what? Bending down, knees scraping the asphalt, she touched her husband’s hand. “Larry, it’s all right. I’m here.” She wanted to be brave for him, but couldn’t keep her voice from quavering.

He whispered something she couldn’t catch, something about his iPhone.

“I found it on the nightstand, Larry. It’s right here in my purse.”

“Dorrie, I want you to keep it. Something’s…on it,” he gasped.

She bent closer. “I know honey, all those songs and photos. They mean a lot to me, too. Don’t worry, when we get home tonight, we’ll share them together.”

“No, more…Life is for Living isn’t…Forever Young isn’t…”

He struggled to speak, but his voice faded in and out. He probably shouldn’t talk. Where was that ambulance? Her husband needed help.

Larry flashed a weak smile and looked straight into her eyes. “Love ya,” he whispered.

Stifling a sob, she completed the ritual. “Love ya, back.” In their thirty years of marriage, how often had they said those words to each other?

His lips stilled. His hand slackened. His brown eyes stared unseeingly, as his face froze into a smile.

This can’t be happening. Larry, you can’t leave me. It’s too soon.

Blood rushed to her head. Roaring filled her ears. Larry couldn’t be gone. She’d prove it. Dorrie bent to kiss his lips. They felt warm and soft. He must be alive. Soon the ambulance would come, the paramedics would fix him, and he’d be all right.

She glanced again at Larry’s still form. The truth hit, sucking her breath away. She didn’t need a medical examiner to tell her what she could see with her own eyes. Larry had left and would never return. Her stomach convulsed, her chest heaved with sobs.

It shouldn’t end like this, not in the middle of a parking lot. Larry deserved better. So did she.

FOR MORE, ORDER FROM http://tinyurl.com/6tsntn6

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel