Spring is a Time for Change

Spring is known for a time of renewal, of change, and of starting over and leaving the old behind.

This spring, as my company grows, I realize a need for change in my life. The way I do things needs to change, even though it still works fine for me. My ways are outdated ways.

New gadgets appear everyday to help make work easier. I can't remember the last time I had a new gadget. My cell phone is the last one I think, and it is a tracfone which is used only on trips for emergencies. I never give the number out, and I usually don't have it turned on. I have no idea how to text on it. One of the young adults I use to mentor lent me her phone one day. I had to ask her to dial the number and then end the conversation. These kids are a lot smarter than I am.

There is no iPad, iPhone, Kindle, or Nook in my life. My Windows XP from eight years ago just crashed. My iMac from six years ago is on its last legs, and my powerbook (Mac laptop) sits with cobwebs on it, because I never have the time to upgrade it.

Recently, I was introduced to an ergonomic chair. They are wonderful! I don't have one.

I am still lost with Twitter, even though I have an account there. Several people have attempted to educate me with that site, to no avail. Myspace, with all the blogging, is too time-consuming for me. I need to hit and run, so Facebook is what I use. I finally got the hang of it. I belong to so many places, and have no idea what to do on them or with them, here included.

Someone recommended Evernote to me. Naturally, my Mac isn't updated enough for that. Oh, to be able to use Evernote! It would make life so much easier. Or so I am told.

I still do a lot of my bookkeeping the old-fashion way: hand-written ledgers. When I go to get supplies, the sales people just shake their heads at me. I can get things done faster that way, then I can on the computer. I have to take the time to figure it out there. The old way I know what I am doing.

Trying to figure out how to hook up the DVD/VHS recorder/player to the new t.v. is daunting. Just hooking up the t.v. itself is scary. We are down to one station because we can't figure out how to get the new antennae to work. Short of standing on my head, on a ladder, holding the base an arm's length away from the t.v., I have no idea how to make it work.

Old ways and old things aren't so bad. I guess the new isn't so bad, either. It's just the time it takes to learn presents problems.

Well, spring is here with its time for change. I'm not buying into it this year. Just give me what has worked for me for over half a century, and I am happy.

Oh, wait! My birthday present was just delivered. You know, change may not be so bad. This ergonomic chair is just the cat's pajamas.

Solving Psychic Attack by Nita Hickok

June 30, 2010 Nita Hickok's latest book, Solving Psychic Attack, was released by Weaving Dreams Publishing.

The magical alphabet and glyphs are in color and there are printable graphics available.

Solving Psychic Attack is Nita's second published book. It is a continuing of her first one, which is no longer in print.

Books can be ordered through Weaving Dreams Publishing, online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, or go to your local bookstore and them to order it for you.

Order Your Copy Today!

Simple-ology

Check this out!

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Recently I read a picture, storybook called The Tiny Caterpillar and the Great Big Tree by Kelly Moran. I found it delightful. The pictures told the story as well as the words. The lessons learned in this book are ones for children of all ages. I recommend it for the child on your gift list.

The Mind of a Genius - New Espionage Thriller

Welcome to David Snowdon’s interview for his book The Mind of a Genius. Enjoy!

About Author David Snowdon:

Brirtish thriller writer, David Snowdon was born in London, and currently lives in London. His first book, Too Young To Die, was published in August 2006, while his second book, The Mind of a Genius, was published in November 2007. Snowdon started writing in 1983, and wrote his first book, which hasn’t been published.

Author Website - http://www.the-mind-of-a-genius.com

Order details - http://www.the-mind-of-a-genius.com/order.html


Sue: Welcome, David! I am glad to have this opportunity to get to know you and your book, The Mind of a Genius. I understand this is your second book. Was this book more difficult to write than your first one?

David: Thank you, Sue. It’s a pleasure to be here today. The Mind of a Genius is my tenth book, but the second one published. I don’t think The Mind of a Genius was more difficult to write than my first published book, Too Young To Die, although both books were written in different styles. The Mind of a Genius was written in third person, while Too Young To Die was written in first person singular. The thing about writing is that it gets easier as you go along.

Sue: Do your characters talk to you and tell you what to write, or, do you create them on your own?

David: My characters are figments of my imagination and I decide which part a certain character will play in a specific book.

Sue: What are your writing habits? Special room, specific time, etc.?

David: When I’m working on a book, I write a few days a week for a few hours, but not always at specific times.

Sue: How do you handle interruptions when you are writing?

David: It’s quite normal for the phone to ring or for someone to enter the room when I’m writing, but interruptions don’t affect my work. I can continue to write after the interruption.

Sue: Do any of your characters represent or have characteristics of people in your life?

David: I try not to do that. I like to create my characters with their own distinct characteristics and it’s fun. When I have an idea for a certain character, I determine its characteristics before I start writing about the character. And I tend to use general human characteristics to make them seem as realistic as possible.

Sue: What did you have to do in order to research this book?

David: The initial research for The Mind of a Genius was done in 1984 for another espionage thriller that I wrote. At the time, I read a few newspaper articles. The most recent research was done by reading the newspapers and keeping up to date with the current events, and using the Internet.

Sue: What do you find as the most challenging aspect of writing? The most rewarding?

David: As far as I’m concerned, the most challenging aspect of writing is the discipline to write on a regular basis. Some people write on a daily basis, some people write a few days a week and some people write every now and again, but the determination to see a book through to completion is normally the major challenge. The most rewarding aspect is the finished product, which is the published book. At that point, you can stand back and admire your handiwork.

Sue: What do you do when you are not writing? Family, Hobbies?

David: In my spare time, I like to play table tennis, socialize and read. I also like to travel.

Sue: Do you have any works in progress?

David: I’m currently working on my new book.

Sue: Thank you for being with us today, David. I am so glad to have been able to introduce your book, The Mind of a Genius, to new readers.

David: Thanks for the interview, Sue.

Sue: The information to order The Mind of a Genius is below along with more information on David.

Please leave a comment, suggestion, or ask a question. We would love to hear from you!


About The Mind of a Genius:
ISBN: 978-0-9552650-1-3

When top British scientist, Malcom Prince, completed his latest project, there were a lot of interested parties. The MI4, the CIA and the Denmark Intelligence were all very interested. The word had spread that Prince had been working on a very important project, and invented a formula that could change the world.

But what was the project about? Nobody really knew, but that was the question that everyone seemed to be asking. The action moves from London to Copenhagen, Hong Kong and Australia. And events intensify, accelerate and explode into an electrifying climax, as the various parties painstakingly try to outclass each other in order to procure the secret information.

Espionage is the name of the game.

Available from:

Waterstone's Bookshops and Waterstone's.com, Blackwells Bookshops and Blackwells.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and all good bookshops.

Order details - http://www.the-mind-of-a-genius.com/order.html

Audience for The Mind of a Genius Would Enjoy These Genres:

Crime Fiction

Espionage

Mystery

Suspense Thriller

Excerpt from The Mind of a Genius
by David Snowdon

Chapter One

The phone began to ring and freelance MI4 agent, Jason Clay reluctantly disengaged himself from the girl he was kissing and reached for the phone.

“Hello,” he said, grabbing the receiver.

“Is that Clay?” said the voice at the other end.

It was a posh, home county voice and Clay thought it sounded vaguely familiar. But at that very moment, he couldn’t place it.

“It is,” he said frowning. “You sound familiar, who’s that?” Clay spoke with a mildly posh London accent.

“You’ve got a poor memory. It’s Colin Shooter.” Clay smiled.

Shooter was the assistant head of the MI4 and he knew that Shooter never called him just to say hello. Whenever Shooter called, there was always a reason, and a very good reason at that.

“Hello you,” said Clay cheerfully.

He was grinning now, and the girl sitting beside him on the sofa, a tall, slim blonde with lovely blue eyes, and who was about 24-years of age, was staring at him, a curious expression in her eyes.

“Long time, no see.”

“Listen, Clay,” said Shooter, “I’ve got something that might wet your appetite. “You haven’t got anything on, have you?”

“Only the shirt on me back,” said Clay smiling. “And that’s coming off very soon.” The girl chuckled.

Just like the girl sitting beside him on the sofa, Clay was tall, slim and Handsome with blonde hair, and lovely blue eyes. He was 34-years-old and had a smile that made the girls go wild. All he had to do was smile and within minutes, they’d be telling him the story of their life.

Tonight, he was wearing a white silk shirt and a pair of white cotton trousers.

“I’ve got something that’s right up your alley,” said Shooter. “This one’s irresistible. You’ll love it.”

“Will I?” said Clay jokingly, wondering what it was, and what was in it for him.

“I know you will,” said Shooter, at the other end of the line.

“You know my terms, don’t you?” said Clay, smiling. “I won’t even contemplate getting out of bed for anything less than ten thousand a day.”

“You’d be lucky to get half of that for this one,” said Shooter. “But come and see me tomorrow morning in my office at ten, and we’ll talk business, okay?”

Clay continued to smile. “Ten thousand a day plus expenses or no deal.”

“I’ll see you in my office at ten sharp tomorrow,” said Shooter. “And don’t be late.” And the line went dead.

“That guy,” said Clay, dropping the receiver, shaking his head and turning sideways to stare at the girl sitting beside him. “He drives a hard bargain, but he’s all right.” The girl smiled invitingly, but didn’t say anything.

“Now where were we?” said Clay smiling, as they started to kiss passionately, again.

The time was now 20.47 and they were sitting on a beige leather sofa in Clay’s spacious, luxurious living-room. The TV was on, but the volume had been turned down low. As they continued to kiss, they could hear it raining hard outside, and there was the occasional rumble of thunder. But that didn’t bother them, as they were now in paradise.

At 10.00am the following day, Colin Shooter sat in a conference room, at a conference table, in the MI4 head office in Vauxhall, overlooking the River Thames and worked on his laptop.

At 56, Shooter was tall, well-built, and had light brown hair. He was an ex-banker.

Today, he wore a brown suit, a yellow shirt and a brown tie.

Also in the room, sitting around the conference table was Special Agent, Paul Hudson and Special Agent, Janet Bond.

Hudson was 38, tall, dark and lean with handsome features and dark brown curly hair.

He wore a well-cut, navy blue Italian Suit, a white shirt and a black and blue stripped tie. He was an ex-solicitor, and a very good one, and it was his track record more than anything else that had impressed the M14 into employing him.

Janet Bond was 32, 5-foot-7, slim with a nice curvy figure, and blonde with blue eyes, and Scandinavian features.

She was a beauty, but she was also very intelligent. And it was the combination of beauty and brains that had attracted Shooter to her.

The phone started to ring, and Shooter snatched the receiver.

“Colin Shooter,” he said, speaking into the receiver.

“Mr Shooter, I have Mr Jason Clay here to see you.” The receptionist’s voice came clearly through the receiver.

“Give him a cup of tea,” said Shooter. “I’ll let you know when we’re ready to see him.”

“No worries,” said the receptionist.

And Shooter put the phone down. As he put the phone down, he continued to work on his laptop, and both Hudson and Bond sat in silence, with a blank expressions on their faces. They knew that whatever Shooter was doing on his laptop had to be vital, as Shooter was always very punctual.

Ten minutes later, Shooter finished working on his laptop and reached for the receiver.

“Send him in,” he said, when he got through to the receptionist. And he put the receiver down.

Three minutes later, there came a knock on the door.

“Come in,” said Shooter.

The door slid open and Clay wandered into the room. He wore a beige coloured suit, a beige coloured shirt and a red tie. He was looking very smart and there was a cheeky smile on his face, as he wandered into the room, and walked towards the conference table.

“Morning, all,” he said, aware that everyone was watching him.

The others returned his greeting.

“Take a seat,” said Shooter, waving him to a chair.

Clay moved towards the chair and sat on it.

“Thanks for coming,” said Shooter. “This one’s a beauty and you’re gonna love it.”

“That remains to be seen,” said Clay, smiling at him. “Let’s have the details and we’ll take it from there.”

Shooter stared at Clay.

He didn’t like Clay’s cocky attitude. Come to think of it, he wasn’t too fond of Clay. But Clay had his uses.

“Malcolm Prince, the scientist, remember him?”

Clay thought for a moment, then he remembered.

“He died a few months ago, didn’t he?”

Shooter nodded. “And that’s why you’re here.”

“Come off it,” said Clay, his smile turning into a grin as he looked from Shooter to Hudson, from Hudson to Bond and from Bond back to Shooter.

“I didn’t kill him. You’ve got the wrong guy.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you,” said Shooter, smiling at Clay. “You’d do anything for money, wouldn’t you? But if you’ve got your facts right, you’ll know that Prince died of a heart attack.”

“I could have told you that,” said Clay, smiling at him.

Shooter continued to talk. “Malcolm Prince was one of the finest scientist in the world. And at the time of his death, he had just completed a major project; a project that could change the world; a project that could benefit the world.” There was a pause, then Shooter continued to talk.

“We don’t know what the project was about. It was a well-kept secret, but we do know that the project was completed shortly before he died. Shortly before he died, he was on the verge of revealing the project to the world. But now he’s dead, and nobody really knows what that project was based on.”

“That’s sad,” said Clay.

Shooter continued to talk. “We’d like you to try and find out what that project was about.”

“And how do you expect me to do that?” said Clay, changing his position on his chair. Shooter smiled at him.

“Prince has a very lovely wife, and rumour has it that he was very fond of her. We have a feeling that she might have some vital information. Your task is to seduce her and to find out what that project was about.”

Clay gaped at him. “I thought you said I was gonna to love it.”

“You’re a very impatient man,” said Shooter, smiling at Clay.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself. “Patience is a virtue, Clay. Agent Bond has a present for you.”

Special Agent, Janet Bond produce an envelope and slid it across the table towards Clay. Clay opened the envelope, removed a glossy photograph and stared at it.

A beautiful, middle-aged, blonde woman with blue, friendly eyes, wearing a navy blue shirt stared at him.

Clay studied the woman in the picture and a wave of excitement swept through him.

The woman in the photograph looked classy, exciting and sexy. A combination that Clay considered to be irresistible. Shooter was right. He had a feeling that he was going to love this assignment. Here was an opportunity to have a good time, and at the same time, to make some decent money.

Clay smiled as he studied the photograph. It was a passport photo that had been enlarged into a 6 x 4 photograph.

Shooter and the others watched him, as he studied the photograph, and Shooter had a feeling that Clay was hooked.

“Nice girl,” said Clay, dropping the photograph on the table in front of him and smiling at Shooter.

“Laura Prince,” said Janet Bond. “45-years-old, 36-26-36 and an ex-secretary. She has a penchant for handsome toy boys. Had a few lovers when Prince was alive, but isn’t seeing anyone at present.”

“Very nice,” said Clay smiling and looking around the table.

“I told you,” said Shooter. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“But what makes you think she gonna fall for me?” said Clay.

“You fit the bill perfectly,” said Hudson, in his posh accent “You have a way with women. You can charm the birds out a tree. We’re sure you can swing it.”

“I can try,” said Clay. “But I can’t guarantee success.”

“That’s good enough for me,” said Shooter. “We don’t know for sure if she knows anything. She may be none the wiser, but all we can do is try.”

“That’s fine,” said Clay. “Ten thousand a day plus expenses, and I’ll see what I can do.”

“I don’t think so,” said Shooter, shaking his head. There was a crafty, little smile on his face. “Five thousand a day plus expenses, and you can take it or leave.”

Clay smiled at him.

“I’ve got a feeling we’re wasting each others time. Ten thousand a day plus expenses, or you can get someone else to do it.”

Shooter stared at him.

There were other agents that he could use, and who would work out a lot cheaper than Clay. But he realized that if anyone could pull this one off, it was Clay. And this assignment was far too vital to be bungled.

“Seven thousand a day plus expenses. Not a penny more, not a penny less. And that’s my final offer.”

“Done,” said Clay.

“Money, that’s all you ever think about, isn’t it?” said Shooter.

“What else is there to think about?” said Clay, smiling at him. “Money makes the world go round. And where would we be without it.”

“Sometimes I wonder why we pay you so much money,” said Shooter resentfully. We’re wasting hard-earned taxpayers money on you.”

“I’m value for money and you know it,” said Clay with his cheeky smile.

“I can get three good agents for what I’m paying you,” said Shooter.

“That’s three for the price of one. But you’re one of my best guys, and I’ve got a soft spot for you.”

“Come off it,” said Clay jokingly. “You haven’t got a soft spot for your own mother, let alone a guy like me.”

Shooter smiled at him, but this time the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Watch what you say, Clay. You shouldn’t speak about anyone’s mother like that.”

They regarded each other for a moment, then Shooter continued to talk.

“An advance payment of £70,000 will be paid into you’re account. Spend it wisely. Agent Bond will give you all the necessary details.”

“Cool,” said Clay, grinning at Shooter.

Money was very essential to him and he never got tired of talking about it. The more money he could lay his hands on, the better.

“Has Prince got any other relatives that you know of?”

“He’s got a grown up daughter and a grown up son from a previous marriage,” said Hudson.

“I hope so,” said Clay, looking down at Laura Prince’s photograph. “He was old enough to be this chick’s father.”

“She was his second wife,” said Hudson.

Clay regarded Hudson.

He had been so busy concentrating on Shooter that there had been times when he had forgotten that Hudson was also in the room.

“Can’t Pretty boy, Hudson handle this job?”

“I haven’t got your knack with women,” said Hudson, smiling at Clay.

“You’re tailor-made for the job.”

Agent Janet Bond smiled.

“And why is Agent Bond smiling?” said Clay teasingly.

Janet Bond lost her smile and stared at him. There was something about Clay that she didn’t like.

“I wasn’t smiling at you.”

What a chick, thought Clay giving her his dazzling smile. She reminded him of the girl that he had spent the night with. They both had blonde hair and blue eyes, but Bond was undoubtedly the better looking of the two.

“One of these days, we’ll go for a curry.”

“I don’t like curries and I don’t like you,” said Janet Bond.

“One of these days, you’re gonna love me,” said Clay teasingly.

Bond’s eyes flashed angriliy.

“One of these days, Clay, I’m gonna…”

She suddenly stopped without finishing her sentence, aware that Shooter was watching her with interest. She would have loved to have given Clay a piece of her mind. She would have loved to have told him exactly what she thought of him. But she didn’t want to lose her composure in front of her boss.

“Enough of that,” said Shooter, sensing it was time that he intervened.

“Now Agent Bond will give you the details.”

Special Agent, Janet Bond regained her composure and started to talk in her posh accent.

About Author David Snowdon:

Brirtish thriller writer, David Snowdon was born in London, and currently lives in London. His first book, Too Young To Die, was published in August 2006, while his second book, The Mind of a Genius, was published in November 2007. Snowdon started writing in 1983, and wrote his first book, which hasn’t been published.

Author Website - http://www.the-mind-of-a-genius.com

Order details - http://www.the-mind-of-a-genius.com/order.html

Phyllis Schieber, author of Sinner's Guide to Confession

I am so pleased to be able to interview
Phyllis Schieber about her new book,
The Sinner’s Guide to Confession.
I hope you enjoy the interview, and
take the time to ask Phyllis questions and
make comments about her interview. ~Sue

Sue: What event(s) sparked the idea for The Sinner’s Guide to Confession?
Phyllis: No one event sparked the idea for The Sinner’s Guide to Confession. Over time, it just became evident to me that we share different details of our lives with different people. I don’t share all of the details of my life with all my close friends. I choose my secret keepers with great care. I don’t think that is very unusual. On the other hand, I’ve met people on a train or while waiting in line and within minutes, we are sharing confidences. That leads me to believe that secrets are revealed when it is their time and not before.

Sue: What are your writing habits? Special room, specific time, etc.?
Phyllis: I have an office in my house. The office is a converted part of the garage. The space is very nice. It has floor to ceiling bookcases that are overflowing with books. And the room is filled with lots of framed posters, photographs and other items that I find pleasing. I like to write in the morning, I need to be alone. If my family is home, I need to work before they get up; otherwise, I can feel them breathing through the walls. Solitude is critical. I love to take a mug of hot coffee, put on a CD that I will listen to over and over all day, even all week, and just write. I’ll stop for a quick breakfast, write some more, and shower and dress before I am scheduled to see students. Occasionally, I might write at night, but that’s the exception.

Sue: How do you handle or avoid interruptions while you are writing?
Phyllis: I screen my calls. If I am working and get a call from a close friend, I’ll say, “Are you okay? I’m working.” My friends understand and respect my time. I always take calls from my son and never tell him that I’m working. He comes first. It’s the only way I’ve been able to navigate being a writer and a mother. Of course, I take calls from my husband, but I am more likely to tell him that I’m working!

Sue: Do the three women in The Sinner’s Guide to Confession resemble or were they based on women in your life?
Phyllis: Oh, no! Not at all. At least not their actions or their problems. Nevertheless, there are certainly aspects of their personalities that others feel are reminiscent of me or can be attributed to someone I might know. I don’t really know anyone like Ellen, but Barbara has some of my cynicism and humor. She also has some of the qualities of a good friend of mine. On some levels, I can see myself in Kaye, especially her background, but she also reminds me of others women I know. Bit and pieces of Ellen have been lifted from people I’ve met or heard about. Her eyelashes, for example, were taken from a story I heard about someone. Most of my characters are drawn from overheard conversations, newspaper articles, or are just creations of my imagination. For the most part, however, most of the emotions in the novel are autobiographical. I know how it feels to be in love, to be betrayed, to desire something I can’t have, to be disappointed, etc. All of the feelings are real. Writing fiction simply allows you to exaggerate or to diminish the intensity of the feelings as you see fit. It’s a lot of power for one person!

Sue: Of the three main characters of your book, which is your favorite? Which one was the most difficult to write?
Phyllis: The most difficult character to write was Barbara because I had to write erotica, and that was a challenge. Moreover, I had to write it the way Barbara would write, not the way I would. Barbara needed to be kept in check more than the other characters.
Ellen was a little more difficult to write because she changes the most. She really turns her life around and takes on the challenge of finding her child and becoming a mother and a grandmother all at the same time. Ellen had to handle a lot in a short time: her dreadful mother, her despicable husband, her family and its mixed messages, and her friends’ expectations. That’s a lot, and I believe she handles it all rather well. Still, it was a challenge to integrate her struggle and her growth with how she eases into her relationship with Faith and her children.

Sue: How do you keep track of your characters and story thread?
Phyllis: I keep a notebook and tab sections for each characters. That helps me stay a little organized. I write down whatever comes to mind about the characters as I go along. Initially, I develop character sketches. I write down everything about the character from the most detailed physical descriptions, to educational background, religion, family dynamics, birth order, quirks, likes and dislikes. I may not use all of the information, but it helps me develop the character.

Sue: Do you name your characters or do they tell you themselves who they are?
Phyllis: I name them. They don’t tell me anything—I tell them who they are and what to do!

Sue: What do you find as the most challenging aspect of writing? The most rewarding?
Phyllis: The most challenging part of writing is finding enough time. I also have another job, as most writers do, so I have to juggle, as most everyone does. It is also a challenge to make people understand that writing is a job—it’s not a hobby or a pastime. It’s hard work that requires consistency and commitment. I write because I have to, not because I imagine I will get a spot on Oprah or make a lot of money. I am a writer. That brings me to the most rewarding part of writing. When someone tells me that she laughed or cried or was moved by my words, it always amazes and thrills me.

Sue: Do you have any additional comments you would like to make?
Phyllis: I always have more to say! I want to thank you for taking the time to read The Sinner’s Guide to Confession and for the opportunity to meet new readers. That means a lot to me as a writer, especially since given a choice, I would be more likely to stay holed up in my office writing all day!

Sue: Thank you, Phyllis, for allowing me to interview you about your book, The Sinner’s Guide to Confession. I received my copy yesterday and I can’t wait to read it. For all you readers don’t forget to scroll down and find out how you can win your own copy of Phyllis Schieber’s book, The Sinner’s Guide to Confession. Again, thank you to Phyllis for being here with us.

About The Sinner’s Guide to Confession:
Kaye and Barbara are longtime friends, now in their fifties. Ellen, who is several years younger, develops a friendship with the other two women years later, solidifying this close-knit group. The three women are inseparable, yet each nurtures a secret that she keeps from the others.

Barbara, a widowed mother of three grown children, is an accomplished romance writer, who also has a secret persona as a celebrated erotica writer—an existence she feels compelled to keep from everyone. Kaye, a practicing psychotherapist and the mother of two, finds her marriage stable, but joyless. When she becomes involved with another man, she keeps her affair secret from her friends, too conflicted about her duplicity to expose herself. Ellen, a successful interior designer, childless and the seemingly perfect modern woman, harbors the most profound secret of all.

After her beloved husband betrays her, leaving her for a woman half her age who is also pregnant with his child, Ellen must face all her losses anew. First, there is the pain of the children she could never conceive with her husband. More importantly, however, there is the haunting memory of the child she had at sixteen and was forced to relinquish at birth. Estranged from her family, Ellen is reluctantly thrust back into contact after the death of her father, and learns that if she is ever to find her lost daughter—now a grown woman herself—she will have to confront her shame--and share her secret with her two closest friends.

About Author Phyllis Schieber:
The first great irony of my life was that I was born in a Catholic hospital. My parents, survivors of the Holocaust, had settled in the South Bronx among other new immigrants. .In the mid-fifties, my family moved to Washington Heights. The area offered scenic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, as well as access to Fort Tryon Park and the mysteries of the Cloisters. Her first novel, Strictly Personal, for young adults, was published by Fawcett-Juniper. The Sinner’s Guide to Confession, was released by Berkley Putnam and in March 2008, Berkley Putnam will issue the first paperback publication of Willing Spirits.

Win A Free Book from Phyllis Schieber – Its very easy to be entered in a drawing for a FREE book by Phyllis Schieber. Post comments on any blogs during the virtual tour and you will have a chance to win a book from Phyllis. One random person will win – but we are also asking visitors to share a secret and one secret will also win a free book. As a bonus the blog owner that hosted the winning comments will also win a book. Share some interesting stories and questions with Phyllis Schieber during her tour – and have a chance to win a book.

For full details about Phyllis Schieber’s virtual tour, visit her tour home page - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/12/sinners-guide-to-confession-by-phyllis.html
Visit Phyllis at www.thesinnersguidetoconfession.com