NBTM: Word to Think. or to Sing.

 

GENRE: Modern Poetry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Have you ever wondered how your favorite songs really began?

Not with the words, not with the melody, but with a feeling.

Becoming a vision, becoming lines, becoming a complete piece of sonorous truth meant to be shared to unite people who resonate with it.

A mystical, fascinating process you can now be part of.

INTENSIA, a new heartfelt, poetic singer songwriter likely to belong with your favorite pop music companions, is turning the traditional release model upside down, inviting you to look into her soul and mind before anyone else.

Be among the first to witness this spark before her distinctive voice echoes through the world. This unique approach offers an unprecedented glimpse into evolving art, so you can feel and enjoy the essence of her songs before they are even complete.

Dive into this curated collection of lyric excerpts and emotional snapshots from pop songs in progress. Each piece stands on its own as a modern, poetic message, paired with brief reflections about the meaning or emotions behind the words.

It is more than something to read. It is a space to pause, reflect, and connect, with room for your thoughts and reflections too. Write what moves you, what you feel, what you dream. This book and its songs to be are meant to accompany you wherever you go.

For even more space to express yourself, the companion notebook PLACE TO THINK. OR TO WRITE. (ISBN 978-3-911445-02-3) is available as a dedicated space.

WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING. out 26 June 2025 on Amazon. Paperback (ISBN 978-3-911445-00-9), eBook (ISBN 978-3-911445-01-6).

Join INTENSIA’s free Intense Inside Club at www.intensia.music and discover this special music developing experience as it unfolds, where connection begins as songs come to life.

EXCERPTS:

S T A I R C A S E

I saw red while you held my hand

on that hill in a castle of sand

being nice, coming out of the blue

you were losing me, undeniably true

I was just another trophy for your shelf

overloaded by the further rusty twelve

Dissociating from this charming place

you are a mess inside, I know it’s the case

this romance had better leave no trace

but at sunset we sat here on the staircase

THE HIGHER THE STAIRCASE, THE CLEARER THE VIEW.

AUTHOR:

From Munich’s vibrant core, Intensia is sparking a poetic, tuneful movement with a unique glimpse into her evolving pop songs-to-be book, “WORDS TO THINK. OR TO SING.”. It combines lyric snippets with heartfelt reflections, inviting readers to discover her art in progress in a new and unexpected way.

INTENSIA’s story began in childhood with a simple radio cassette recorder, a portal to a mesmerizing world where her voice became a powerful way to explore emotions and transform them into melodies.

Her lyrics delve into self-reflection, personal growth, relationships, and empowerment. Themes that reflect the vision of her boutique flagship label, Intensia Music International, which is also dedicated to inspiring others to explore their creative side.

With a high art, down-to-earth attitude, INTENSIA stands for emotional pop tunes that feel like after a meaningful conversation with a good friend. Step into her world at www.intensia.music and you will find a new sonorous companion for life.

Website

Dear Sea’s Nod,

Thank you so much for having me. I am truly glad to be here and to share some thoughts with you.

Here is something that might surprise you about the book. If you did not know better, you might think it is simply a collection of modern poetry. But to curate this publication, I carefully selected meaningful and expressive fragments of my lyrics in progress. Each one offers a glimpse into the songs yet to come. There will be emotional, cinematic music between those lines.

This work is not the end of the story, but actually the beginning. It might even be the first publication with no hangover guarantee. It introduces me as a poetic pop music artist and hints at the tracks that will arise from it at a soulful and deliberate pace, one at a time.

If you would like to witness how the magic around these excerpts unfolds, you are warmheartedly invited to join me on Substack for this creative, evolving musical journey. I would be thrilled to see you there and to share with you what is gently forming.

Oh, and one more little surprise. Words to Think. Or to Sing. is only a few months old and has already received an award for poetry. It is also nominated for another one next year in the art category.

I hope you will consider reading it soon. Perhaps also as a unique and budget friendly gift idea for the upcoming season. And if you wish to pair it with something special to complete, the corresponding notebook Place to Think. Or to Write. is offered on its own, for those who like to encourage and wish inspiration.

In Intensity,

Yours,

Intensia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY  

Intensia will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner during the tour.

Kingsumo

VBT: After the Red Carpet

 

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, After the Red Carpet is a feel-good, contemporary celebrity romance about what happens after the fairy-tale beginning as two lovers work toward their own true meaning of “happily ever after.”

After legendary Hollywood star Finn Forrester proposed to philosopher Ella Sinclair on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, the couple captivated the press and public with their real-life fairy tale. Now they vow to prioritize their romance and live an adventure of their own making. Ella moves into Finn’s Beverly Hills mansion and must adjust to his world. Finn, secretly afraid of losing Ella, is determined to make everything perfect for his betrothed. Meanwhile, Ella wants nothing more than to retain her own identity as they build their new life together. All the while, she is writing a philosophical treatise on love, exploring the question: when we love so deeply, where do we end and where does the other begin?

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Location Shoot, will Ella and Finn finally live the life they’ve dreamed of? See how their epic romance unfolds, after the red carpet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT: 

Finn took her hand and led her upstairs. As they approached the closed double doors, he said, “This is the room I had in mind for your office. It’s empty now, but my decorator is coming by tomorrow afternoon so you two can plan and scheme. When you see it, just remember we’ll redo it from top to bottom, flooring to light fixtures.”

“Oh my God,” she gasped as he opened the doors to a massive room featuring sky-high ceilings and windows to match. “It’s big enough to be a ballroom!”

He smiled. “You spend your life writing about the big topics, the big questions, and I hoped this big space might be inspiring.” She silently let her eyes follow the crown molding around the entire ceiling as she tried to catch her breath. He took her hand and continued showing her around. “There’s a full bathroom over here, and in this corner, there’s a walk-in closet. We could install some built-in cabinets and shelves. But just wait—I think you’ll really love this bit,” he said, leading her to a pair of doors. They stepped outside onto a large, furnished veranda with an outdoor fireplace, overlooking the entire back of the property. He rubbed her fingers and asked, “Do you think this will work for your office, sweetheart?”

“Do I think this will work?” she whispered incredulously, her voice shaking. She turned to him with tears in her eyes. “Finn, this is the nicest room in the house.”

“I think so too,” he said.

“No, I mean . . .”

“What, baby?”

“It’s just lovely beyond words that you would save this for me.”

He kissed her softly. “I’ve been picturing you here for so long, waiting to see how you would make this space your own.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR :

Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than forty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book honors. Her last novel, The Location Shoot, was featured on Ms. Career Girl‘s “10 Perfect Books to Get Your Fall Reading List Started” and was the 2023 Firebird Book Awards 1st Place Winner in 4 categories: Contemporary Novel, Pop Culture Fiction, Romance and Summer Beach Read. Patricia has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Website: https://patricialeavy.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERVIEW:

* Did you use any of your own experience as inspiration?

After the Red Carpet was very much born from my imagination, but there are always little bits of myself that slip into the pages.

* On average, how long does the writing process take? 

It’s different every time which is why I’m still in love with writing. I have one book that I drafted in ten days, another I have been writing on and off for ten years. Each book is different. That said, it usually takes me one to two months to draft a novel and then I spend ages revising. 

* When did you realize you wanted a career in writing?

From the time I was five or six. My mother recently found some of my first stories, which I also illustrated and bound with old wallpaper and glue to make them look like books. On the back of one, it says I was only six years old. Despite dreaming about being an author for my entire life, I wasn’t brave enough when I was young to pursue it. I didn’t know if I could handle a life full of rejection and critique. Being an artist is tough. So, I took a different career path, became a sociology professor, and found myself writing books anyway, starting with nonfiction. Eventually, I wrote my debut novel and soon thereafter quit my tenured teaching gig and became a full-time author. 

* If you weren't an author, what other career paths would you have taken?

Sociology professor. I enjoyed it. 

* Out of the characters that you created, who is your favorite?

Tess Lee. She’s the protagonist in a series of novels I’ve written called The Celestial Bodies Romances. We’ll be releasing a book each spring. The first book, Shooting Stars Above, comes out March 18, 2025 and is available for preorder. I also really adore Ella Sinclair, the protagonist in The Location Shoot and After the Red Carpet. I think she’s always the coolest person in the room in the best way.

* What advice would you give to someone looking to be a writer?

Develop a relationship with your work that isn’t dependent on anything external. 

* What kind of research (if any) was required for any of your books? 

It’s always different. For After the Red Carpet I traveled to London to do research at a few sites. In one scene the characters attend an awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It had to be there because it’s a real awards ceremony and that is where it’s held. I went and took a group tour. My intention at the time was simply to take notes about what it looked like inside—an in-person experience is always so much more helpful than what you can find online. I thought I’d glean a little tidbit or detail that I’d be able to throw in. Little did I know, the history of the hall actually tied in perfectly to the major theme in my novel. Prince Albert wanted to create a hall to celebrate the arts and sciences, to bring culture to the people. He died before it was completed, and Queen Victoria insisted it should be named after him, which had not been the original plan. They even wove the letter A into the stairway railings and had a pricey, gold memorial statue created outside, across the road from the hall. In After the Red Carpet, Ella tells Finn this history as they are walking into the venue. Finn thinks it’s romantic, but Ella isn’t so sure. She wonders if it would have been better to honor his wishes because seeing someone for who they truly are is far more important than extravagant gifts. So, you see, sometimes when you do research, you discover so much more than you anticipated, and it makes the story even stronger.

*How long after you finish a book do you start another one?

Immediately. I get so depressed leaving a story world. I miss the characters deeply. It feels like the world’s worst breakup mixed with grief. To get over it, I start the next one. Before long, I’m swept away again.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY:

Patricia Leavy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Rafflecopter

NBtM VBT: Kissing Kin

by Karen Hulene Bartell

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE: Paranormal Romance 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

Maeve Jackson is starting over after a broken engagement—and mustering out of the Army. No

job and no prospects, she spins out on black ice and totals her car.

When struggling vintner Luke Kaylor stops to help, they discover they’re distantly related. On a

shoestring budget to convert his vineyard into a winery, he makes her a deal: prune grapevines

in exchange for room and board.

But forgotten diaries and a haunted cabin kickstart a five-generational mystery with ancestors

that have bones to pick. As carnal urges propel them into each other’s arms, they wonder: Is

their attraction physical…or metaphysical?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 EXCERPT:

“Mind if I camp out ’til the roads clear?”

“Under the circumstances?” The clerk shook his head. “Not a problem.”

“Thanks.” He started toward the sitting room and nearly bumped into Maeve, leaning against the

wall. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t.” She tossed her chin. “I was cat-napping.”

“Right.” He compared her guarded veneer to her sleeping-beauty persona. Which is closer to

her true self?

“Couldn’t help overhearing.” Gesturing toward the clerk with her chin, she grimaced. “I’m

responsible for you being out tonight--”

“No.” He shook his head. “This is just a freak storm.”

“You don’t have to sleep in a chair.” She took a deep breath and gave a quick, tight-lipped

smile. “My room has two queen beds, and you’re welcome to one of ’em.”

Unsure of the extent of her invitation, he did a double take.

“Just so we understand each other, this is a bunk, a place to sack out. Period. Amen.” She

spoke in a low-pitched, no-nonsense voice. “Nothing more, so don’t get any--”

“Got it.” He covered his disappointment with a laugh. “Thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be

fine dozing by the fire.”

“Hey, I’ve bivouacked with soldiers in Afghanistan. We do what’s necessary under extenuating

circumstances.” Shrugging, she glanced at the door. “And this blizzard qualifies.” Her face

relaxed into a smile.

Her offer tempting, he compared sitting up all night to stretching out in a bed. Then he glimpsed

the clerk.

“If you’re worried about my reputation, don’t be.” She laughed, the sound like sleigh bells tinkling

on a crisp, wintry night.

What is it about her that conjures thoughts of other times--other eras?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

AUTHOR :

Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote

speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to

rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in

books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading

feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only

child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own

happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the

Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued

*Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Website

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GIVEAWAY 

A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

Rafflecopter

NBtM VBT: Fox Tale

 

GENRE: Paranormal Romance 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

BLURB:

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her

fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the

supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution

when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but

she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns

of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

 EXCERPT

“Ava, are you all right?”

“Yes…” His anxious eyes cleared my mind like fog lights cutting through mist. “I am all right…no

thanks to you.”

“I deserve that.” His chin dropped on his chest.

“That and so much more.” This time, anger rose in my throat like acid reflux.

After the breakup, I couldn’t mention the bastard’s name for a year. Always questioning what I’d

done wrong, I finally realized his leaving was his flaw--not mine. Then I fantasized telling him off,

rehearsing what I’d say and how I’d say it…

But now, face to face, the bluster left me.

Worry lines radiated from his glistening eyes.

Mute testament to what? Grief? Remorse? Like drops of water eroding stone, what thoughts

etched those furrows? His face was haggard. His looks have changed, but has he?

“Your behavior two years ago was unconscionable.” I pressed five, and the elevator doors

started to close. “I shouldn’t have come.”

He intercepted, and the doors reopened. “Please stay…”

I took a deep breath, debating. Then rather than hold up the car again, I stepped into the

vestibule.

“Can you forgive me?” A deep V showed between his red-rimmed eyes.

“No. Standing me up on my birthday was bad enough, but eloping…That was unforgiveable--

and crocodile tears won’t help.”

“Yet here you are…” A light flickered in his moist eyes.

“I know.” I glared at my nemesis in a silent standoff, annoyed as I stifled a sigh. “What I don’t

know is why.”

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR:

Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote

speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to

rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in

books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading

feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only

child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own

happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the

Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued

*Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Website

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GIVEAWAY 

A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. 

Rafflecopter

NBTM: To Listen of the Lord's Jesus Christ Voice

 

GENRE: Spirituality 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

BLURB:

My encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, came with his all plans, instructions,

and directions about this project. It is all perfect for me. Says the Lord, "You will write a book

from your journal." The Lord says, "I can't wait to have people get that book." The Lord wants to

reach out to people around the globe, to return to him, with repentance, and believe and accept

him by faith in order to be saved by his grace and mercy, that the Lord Jesus is a true living

God, and his spirit live within us. The Lord said, "This book, I will make it happen, and it will be

done."

My childhood has been very difficult, not knowing what my future holds in life. Almighty God

gave me guidance, and he allowed me to do what I needed to do according to my plan in life.

But not with God's plan. Living in Australia has given me opportunity to achieve my goal in life.

When I reached the point of perception in life, the Lord Jesus Christ gave me a free will, which I

should follow. The worldly living is only for today and now, or I can choose to follow Christ for

eternal life after earth with rewards in heaven. The breath of the Almighty gives me life, and new

creation.

Isaiah 55: 9: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts." I live in Christ right now, I don't make decision for myself,

I consult the Lord Jesus and depend on him for what the Holy Spirit wants me to do. To glorify

the Lord our heavenly Father, amen!

Such as Behold I am coming soon! just a matter of time! keep looking up! be ready for a

wedding banquet is being prepared for his people! It won't be long now! Anyone makes sure

you don't miss it! The Lord Jesus is waiting for the last souls. But won't be forever! because

there's a time due!

Decide now, tomorrow will be too late.

Excerpt:

MY LOST SOUL

First, I would like to give you a bit of a background about myself. I was born in a poor family in

Ozamis City, Philippines. My mother was a Catholic believer. I am the oldest in the family. I

have five sisters and three brothers; my father was also a Catholic. Our house was next to a

chapel in this village. All my siblings, our whole family, was brought up Catholic. My mother

believed a ritual, spiritual belief that whoever of us in the family was sick, she would call her

uncle to treat the sickness. When I was sick, my mother advised a massage to manipulate

dislocated bone in the arm, or in the foot—stuff like that. Then it was healed. When my younger

sisters were ill, my mother’s uncle did these food offerings. He normally brought the food

outside the house, and right there he did a spiritual ritual somewhere in a quiet place, for about

an hour. Then, when he finished performing the offerings, he would bring the food back inside

our house for us to eat. I was only nine years old at that time. My mother taught me to attend a

festival called Santo Niño in Clarin, one of the provinces in Ozamiz, where they celebrate every

year. My mother believed it was a good thing to be involved in. As a child I did not know what it

meant, what I was doing, or why—only that my mother had told me to do it. During childhood I

counted the number of days my mother went to church, and I wanted to go to every Sunday.

However, we were not allowed to leave the house on Sundays, even to go to church. All my

siblings were involved in making rice cakes—that was our parents’ business back then. We

made them and sold in the market, in order to survive, to put food on the table for our family

AUTHOR :

F. Dumanjug is an Australian author who writes to share the message of God. A devout

Christian, she has overcome challenges in her journey to fulfill her calling as an author. Through

her writing, she hopes to inspire others and help them understand the power of faith.

Website

GIVEAWAY 

F. Dumanjug will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via

rafflecopter during the tour.

Rafflecopter

NBtM VBT: Marines Don't Cry

 

Marines Don't Cry

by Daniel Garcia and Jacqueline C. Garcia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE: Memoir, Non-fiction

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

Have you ever been lost -- really lost?

Danny and Jackie answer this question in Marines Don’t Cry with stories of death to life, deep 

sorrow to joy, darkness to light, and freedom in Christ.

Danny recounts his early life in Spanish Harlem and describes conversion from a life of drugs 

and “the fast lane” to one consumed with knowing and serving God. This makes his journey of 

walking more than 52 million steps on six continents for children and world peace such an 

incredible story.

Marines Don’t Cry is about the transformational power of God’s love: how Danny found his 

calling and is delivering the message of Christ at all costs. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Excerpt:

Chapter 7: “You Must Choose Now”

One night in my living room, under the influence of several drugs and alcohol, I experienced 

something bizarre and frightening. Something happened to me, and I knew that something was 

terribly wrong. In a moment, I felt my spirit leaving my body; a wrenching separation and tearing 

from deep within. Life literally came out of my body. My feet lifted from the floor. I levitated 

upwards and felt myself being pulled out of this world. It was an out-of-body experience. I did 

not feel physical pain, but I knew I was dying. All my life, I had been in control and never let fear 

consume me. Now, I was terrified.

I panicked.

My thoughts raced. I knew that if I died, I would go to hell because of all the bad things I had

done in my life. I learned in Catholic school that if I died in the state of mortal sin, I was destined

for hell, a place of eternal fire and torment. Eternity flashed before me, and I heard an audible

voice through time, space, and spirit say:

“Which way do you choose? Life or death? You must choose now.”

The voice enveloped my thoughts. In a flash, the Lord gave me a choice of life or death, and it

was a choice of both physical and spiritual proportions. Although I had not been in church for

over twenty-five years, I knew I was lost, had no hope, and was going to hell. I was completely

petrified, and for the first time in my entire life, I was truly afraid and frightened beyond my

understanding.

With a desperate cry, I screamed, “Jesus, save me!”

As soon as I said the name “Jesus,” my spirit immediately jumped back into my body. I

experienced the terrible fear of God. To this point in my life, I paid no attention to the teachings

that the Catholic church instilled in me. I had turned away from Him and disobeyed His laws.

By calling on the name of Jesus Christ, I chose life. I was saved spiritually; the moment of my

salvation from death and beginning the transformation to a new life. This was a miracle. I was

thirty-three years old—the same age as Jesus when he started his public ministry.

Author Bio:

About the authors of Marines Don’t Cry

Daniel Garcia

Danny Garcia, The Walking Man, was born and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem. He

served as a United States Marine, law enforcement officer, and ordained minister. Since 1996,

he has prayed and walked over 52,000, 000 steps on six continents for children and world

peace. During his journeys, Garcia met with dignitaries all over the world, ministering to the

famous and to the poorest of the poor. Danny made presentations to Kings/royals, Presidents,

and other world leaders, to include four Presidents of the USA, several Prime Ministers of other

countries, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ambassadors and various eminent personalities and

multilateral organizations. Garcia began his journey as a personal commitment to peace and

children and continued walking and raising funds for multiple charitable organizations.

Danny is married to the former Jacqueline Charsagua of El Paso, TX, and they work side by

side to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit Danny’s website,

Jackie Charsagua Garcia

Jackie Charsagua Garcia is married to Daniel Garcia. She graduated from the United States Air

Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1985 and was commissioned as a Second

Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Management

and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. While in the US Air Force, Jackie

specialized in communications, acquisition, systems engineering, and information technology.

After a rewarding and fulfilling Air Force career, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the

summer of 2006, having spent more than 21 years on active duty. Since 2006, she has

supported and advised on all aspects of her husband’s walks and charitable initiatives within the

United States and abroad. She joined Danny during his Africa Walk in 2007 and ministered in

South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan. During this time, her faith and reliance on

God grew tremendously under the mentorship of Danny Garcia. The Global Walk experience

gave Jackie an opportunity to serve God abroad, and her vision is to spread the hope, love, and

the grace of Jesus Christ through her writing. She is a native of El Paso, TX, mother of one

amazing daughter, and a breast cancer survivor.

Website.    .linkedin.com jackie-c-garcia/

NBtM VBT: Black Flag Journals

 

Black Flag Journals: One Soldier's Experience in 

America's Longest War

by Dennis Woods 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE: Memoir 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

The story of America’s longest war is complicated and difficult to convey, unless you were there. 

Dennis Woods was there. By following his stories in Iraq and Afghanistan, we can sense the 

enormity of his combat experiences. Originally written for his daughter, Black Flag Journals is 

taken from the author’s nine battle book journals. It covers his time from the fall of the Twin 

Towers through his last combat tour.

Black Flag Journals contains not just stories from the first war of the new century, but a day-by-

day record of events that other veterans may use to relate their own experiences. All who enjoy 

real life stories, and followers of history will connect with this first person account of America’s 

longest war.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

The flight we were on this morning was an ordinary, run-of-the-mill resupply operation. Its 

purpose was to service Afghanistan’s numerous small camps and bases. What it carried, 

though, was not ordinary or run-of-the-mill. What we were delivering was an unusual allotment 

of artillery ammunition and GELON mounts. Part of my mission on this trip was about to be 

completed. However, once in the air, I was given a new defensive challenge to solve.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

CSM Woods combat tours include; 

Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada, 82d Airborne Division.

Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia – Iraq, 82d Airborne Division.

Operation Desert Fox 1998, Qatar, 5th Group Special Forces.

OEF 2 Afghanistan, 82d Airborne Division.

OIF 1 Iraq, First Armored Division.

OIF 6 Iraq, First Armored Division.

OEF X Afghanistan, 173D Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

OEF XIII Afghanistan, 191st Infantry Brigade

CSM Woods civilian education includes a Master of Education, (training & leadership) from 

North Central University, Prescott AZ, and a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior, Albany, New 

York.

Military education includes the United States Sergeants Majors Academy class # 58, Army force 

management course, Jump Master, Drill Sergeant, US Army Recruiter, Infantry Small Arms 

Master Gunner, Artillery Master Gunner, Amphibious Warfare leaders’ course (USMC), Anti-

Armor Leaders course, Machine Gun Leaders course, Artillery Mechanics repair course, Small 

Arms repair course, Nuclear Biological Chemical defense, and all levels of air load planning and 

hazmat certification USAF.

CSM Woods awards include; one Distinguished Service medal, one Legion Of Merit,( 5) Bronze 

Star Medals, 5 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 ARCOM, 4 AAM, 1 Humanitarian service medal, 2 

Armed Forces Expeditionary medals, Afghanistan and Iraq service medals. German Jump 

Master Wings, Qatar Jump wings as part of 5th Group, Netherlands Jumpmaster wings. Other 

awards include; Department of Defense “Inventor of the year” (2003) with 45 separate 

inventions. CSM Woods saved the United States Government over one Billion Dollars through 

cost avoidance. He is also the first recipient of the GRUBER award for an outstanding field 

artillery professional. 

CSM Woods is credited by the US Army Smart Ideas program as the inventor of;

• The 155mm towed Howitzer night sight system. • The dual use day/ night direct fire sight reticule. • The Dual optic MILES Laser trainer. • The Urban Assault kit (PALADIN) improved crew protection, 155mm system.

On his most recent tour to Afghanistan, CSM Woods pioneered the first use of artillery training 

rounds in combat as a form of scalable fire support designed to limit civilian death and collateral 

damage. He is the author of, ‘Black Flag Journals One Soldiers Experience in America’s 

Longest War’, and numerous magazine, newspaper articles, including training pamphlets 

concerning Artillery, night vision, and combat operations.

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NBtM VBT: Wired by the F.B.I

Wired by the F.B.I.

by Glenn Painter

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GENRE:  Mystery/Suspense, Thriller

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Christian Romano lives his life as a con-artist, burglar, drug dealer, and a ladies' man, using his good looks to con wealthy women out of jewels and money. When he is arrested and jailed in one of the most violent jails in the U.S. (Cook County in Chicago), a steamy affair begins with a nympho female jail guard. When he loses control of the romance, Christian must end the affair by reporting her to Internal Affairs. It turns out that she is already under suspicion for supplying drugs to various gang members inside the jail. He has to decide if he is &rogue& enough to help set her up for arrest. Meanwhile, the FBI wants to recruit Christian to gather information against a sadist ex-cop, Scott Mason, who has been arrested for murder. The risk? Christian must wear a wire and testify. The reward? Witness protection for Christian and his girlfriend and a modification of his prison sentence. Will Christian risk his life for a chance at freedom? Will the female sheriff &get even& with him? Or will his life end at the hands of the jail's drug lords or a lunatic former cop?

Excerpt:

Something’s wrong, my intuition told me, as I stepped out of the stairwell and into the chaotic frenzy of the main hallway running under Division One of the Cook County jail.

Sergeant Ricky Walsh opened the heavy, rusted steel door leading to the death trap—that is A-B stairwell—then turned to me. “Romano, take the stairs down four flights to the bottom, I will meet you there.”

There are four sets of stairs that lead to the main boulevard on the first floor. They are legendary for the infamous men who have been butchered there, the bloodstained walls are a testament to the violence that is the norm in this building. As I begin my descent down the narrow and poorly lit stairwell, the thought hits me: At least half a dozen men have been stabbed in this exact place. The words taunt me as I step slowly down the stairs so that Walsh will have time to beat me to the first floor in the old, decrepit elevator.

When I finally make it down, I breathe a sigh of relief. But it is not Walsh waiting at the huge, steel door I am to exit. Instead of the old mick—who looked and walked like a bulldog with his perfectly groomed hair and mustache—it was one of the lackey guards. They would often hang out on the main floor waiting to proposition some poor woman coming to visit her man. I open the door and step through quickly, not wanting to arouse suspicion. But my heart hangs in my throat.

During my trip down the stairwell, the heavy steel recorder slid down my pant leg, stopping on top of my right foot. The ACE bandage, meant to hold it in place, was also dangling and ready to pop out for everyone to see. Panic set in as my mind processed a million thoughts, but I couldn’t break my stride.

It was common knowledge that this is where inmates often came out stabbing when sent to attack a guard by one of the gang bosses. Looking past the guard, I saw Sergeant Walsh bearing down on us as fast as his stubby legs would carry him.

“Hey Walsh,” I said, “the food poisoning is getting worse, I’m gonna puke all over this guy.”ng around to see what was going on. These guards tolerated zero bull, especially from a smart-ass like me.

I decided that it was quicker and easier to shove the recorder under the waistband of my jail pants and pray it would stay. After splashing water on my face, I poked my head out.

Walsh fell right in line with my cover. “We’re going to the hospital, come with me!” he bellowed.

I exited the closet, pushing the recorder into my torso as we walked past another guard. We traveled down the long hallway. Once we were far enough out of earshot, Walsh found an unoccupied attorney visiting room. As he opened the door, I scurried to the far corner.

“The hallway is clear!” Walsh yelled.

I pulled the recorder from my waistband and looked at it with disdain. Then I wrapped it tight with the ACE bandage. Although the long recording wires had to be reconnected and it only took a few moments, it felt like forever.

Then it hit me: I’m wearing a wire against one of the most violent hitmen Chicago has ever known, and this prick had been a Chicago cop. He probably knows every person who works in this jail. Getting whacked in a place like this costs less than a carton of cigarettes. What the hell have I gotten myself into? But there was no backing out, and I still had to get back to my tier.

Walsh looked at me, his brow furrowed. He quietly asked, “You alright, kid?”

“I better be. I signed a deal with the devil, and it’s time to pay up.”

I drew in a deep breath as we headed to the hospital, so we could sign in and make it look legit.

How did my life get to this point? I wondered as I followed Walsh. Growing up in Chicago, I was exposed to police corruption, murder, drugs, gangsters, and sex, oh yes, lots and lots of sex.

I had no clue of what awaited me, but my unsavory legacy was about to go down in history like crap down a toilet.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Glenn Painter is single and lives in Central Florida.  He became interested in writing at an early age but did not make it his career until 2014 when he published his first book, Beyond the Sentence.

Glenn has written this story from the notes by the man who actually lived it.  However, extensive research was also require in order to make the story factual.

Glenn has also founded a company, ‘Prisoner Civil Right Services.’  He is an advocate for incarcerated individuals who have had their rights violated.  He is in constant contact with these individuals, their families and the council.  Most of his stories are inspired by ‘factual events’ that have happened to these individuals.  This makes his stories both fiction and non-fiction.

Glenn says that writing is very challenging, and you must love the trials and tribulations that come with it.  He believes that patience, perseverance and determination are required essentials to see a book through to being published.  The journey is just as important as the destination.

Website

Interview #4

Q/And weird things you do when you’re alone?

When I think of ideas that are humorous, I repeat them and ‘laugh out loud’. People think this is weird, but it works for me.

Q/What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is “success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

I like this quote because it has all of my ‘live by’ beliefs wrapped up in one belief ‘patience, determination, and perseverance.  These are all connected and are the elements in being a successful writer.

Q/Who is your favorite author and why?

My favorite writer is F. Scott Fitzgerald.  He had a unique style.  His novels were gripping and intriguing. He had a way of drawing the reader into the book and feeling like they were part of the story. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books.

Q/What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing”

The most important element in writing is a ‘unique technique’, ‘great flow from one instance to another’.  Also, ‘a great sense of humor’ is a plus.  By instilling this quality in your writing, you will provide ‘laugh out loud moments’ that will give your book flavor and keep your readers wanting more.

Q/Where did you get the idea for this book?

I was contacted by the individual who lived it.  After hearing his story, I decided to investigate the details and felt it would make a great book.  He sent me an outline which was a ‘bunch of rants.’  I

made several trips to Chicago for research, and interviews to complete the manuscript I created.

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NBTM VBT: For This Knight Only

For This Knight Only

by Barbara Bettis

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.  If only either had a choice.  It’s a marriage only love can save.

Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.  

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“Pardon?” Alyss’s voice came in a whisper, but he seemed to hear well enough.

“I said your brother wished us to wed.”

The sound of a million crickets chirruped in her ears. His lips continued to move, but she heard nothing. Of a sudden, her bottom hit stone as she collapsed onto a step, but her eyes saw only him.  

He loomed over her, hands propped on hips, dark hair brushing those broad shoulders. She raised her brows in a level gaze—and inhaled sharply. Hazel eyes, sprinkled with green and gold 

chips, gleamed back. With effort, she recalled his recent words and her thoughts focused. 

She shot to her feet. “You must be mad. I have no intention of wedding a stranger who appears at my gate with some imaginary story of my brother’s last commands. I remind you, sir, you are a guest. In fact, I must ask you to leave. Your behavior is intolerable.”

His big hands closed around her shoulders. They were warm. Firm but gentle. She shook them off. He leaned in.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my lady,” he murmured.

AMAZON

About the Author Links:

Award-winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math. Through careers as a newspaper reporter and editor, then a college journalism and English professor, she’s retained her fascination with history. Give her a research book and a pot of tea, and she’s happy for hours. But what really makes her smile is working on a new story. Now retired, she lives in Missouri where she edits for others and spins her own tales of heroines to die for—and heroes to live for. 

Guest Post:

If you weren’t an author, what other career paths would you have taken?

I often joke that I would have been an archeologist if it weren’t for bugs and snakes—and having to know math.

But that’s not really a joke.  I have always been absolutely fascinated with other times, other places, other peoples. With history and how people lived and what they thought, how they acted. I loved studying about information derived about those early cultures. I loved history. So archeology was a natural.

One early interest lay in Greek mythology and drama and the exciting way present day scholars located history and habits of the people through myths and plays. I was thrilled to study the different layers archeologists uncovered at a site identified as (possibly/probably Troy.) And to learn that one layer evidenced destruction consistent with that related in The Iliad. And… but I’ll stop there.

Then to find one of my professors did his doctoral studies in Egyptology. Now, his lectures were mesmerizing.

Those two civilizations were far from the only fascinating ones. In Ancient Britain…all right, I’ll jump ahead to the high Middle Ages where I’ve set my Knights of Destiny series in which For This Knight Only plays a major part. I love telling the stories of heroes and heroines who struggled and succeeded in those difficult times.

Yes. I would definitely have loved the career of archeology or perhaps anthropology. Trouble is, and I have to be honest with you, I probably didn’t have the patience required to spend years carefully brushing away particles of dirt and sand to make sure my dig didn’t destroy an essential clue about the civilization. 

I wanted to immerse myself in what the meticulous, patient, devoted archeologist uncovered. I wanted to immerse myself in the stories of the people. What were they like? What did they feel? How did they live?

So, obviously, my best bet was to focus on the stories my imagination came up with, and leave the bugs, and snakes, and sand to the professionals who were patient enough to do what I couldn’t.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to that until after I retired, first from a career in journalism, then from full-time teaching of college English and journalism. I loved those careers. I loved the people I met and whose stories I told as a journalist. I loved the students whose talents I did my best to encourage as a teacher.

And now I love writing my stories. Of people in earlier times. Of men and women who lived far differently than we do now, but whose hopes and dreams were the same as ours. And the best thing about being a historical romance novelist is that every story has a good ending. So tomorrow, as archeologists investigate an old castle, they’ll know that whatever else might be found, at least some folks might have had their happily ever afters.

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