OTHER-MAGIC/Ages 18+/Dorothy Morrison/Utterly Wicked Buzz Grows Louder
Category: Religion and Philosophy

ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 31/LPW – Dorothy Morrison's Utterly Wicked (ISBN: 0-9794533-1-3) Review --Hexes, Curses, and Other Unsavory Notions Work Their Magick. 

The latest review of Dorothy Morrison's, Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes, and Other Unsavory Notions is in. Text to follow. (This review is copyright, Mike Gleason, Syndicated Reviewer):


"What a delightfully honest approach Ms. Morrison takes in this book.  "This is not a book" as she clearly states in the introduction, "for those who believe that life can be lived without ever harming anyone.  This is not a book for those who are overly concerned with Karma, the Threefold Law, and the Golden Rule.  Nor is it a book for the squeamish, the straight-laced, or the easily offended."  I think that pretty much sets the tone of the book.

This book is guaranteed to offend a large segment of the Pagan population, and that is before they even open the cover.  It will be attractive to a smaller number solely based on the title.  It really isn't aimed at either of those two segments.  It is aimed at those Pagans who are willing to accept responsibility for their actions; those who are willing to realize that sometimes others cause their problems, but sometimes they are the cause themselves; and those who are willing to acknowledge the difference.

While I, personally, am not really fond of dealing with entities and divinities with which you are not fully familiar, I recognize that I am in a minority in this position.  This I, personally, would not recommend making invocations and offerings to the Orisha Oya, as Ms. Morrison recommends, until you have a deep understanding of her, I recognize that as a personal bias.  So long as you deal with her respectfully, as the author stress, you SHOULD be all right.  Just be aware that Oya's energy tends to be more primal than many people are used to.

As I, personally, subscribe to the idea that cursing and curing are opposite sides of the same coin, I have no problems with this particular book.  And since I fully endorse taking charge of one's life and owning one's actions, I truly believe that sometimes one must stand up for one's self and decide that enough is enough.

Her hexes and curses are easily do-able.  She doesn't include any obscure, hard-to-find ingredients.  Plus I like the fact that she includes instructions for breaking and undoing your hex if (hard as it may be to believe) you discover that you made a mistake in identifying your target.

Her take on sending negative energy back to its source is one of the most common sense approaches I have ever seen, and gave me one of those "d'oh" moments.

This is an "Advanced Reader Copy", so the pagination and price have not been established.  It is due for publication in October of this year.  Regardless of the cost, this book belongs in your library.  No, I take that back.  It belongs on your end table, bedside table, or wherever you are likely to see it often.  You don't want to have to hunt for this book when you need it."

Dubbed by Publishers Weekly as "a witch to watch," Dorothy Morrison is the award-winning author of numerous books on the Ancient Arts and their application to modern life.  She's won several awards for her writing, and has become a favorite of readers and critics from all walks of life.  Some say it's because of the easily appreciated conversational tone she applies
to her work.  Others say it's her down-to-earth and humorous approach to the subject matter.  But regardless of the debate, all agree on one thing: Whether in her writing or her interaction with the public, it's Morrison's personal style that makes her memorable.  And it's that same sort of charm and grace that has some folks calling her "The Julia Sugarbaker of Paganism."

A practicing Witch since the early seventies, Morrison is an elder of the Georgian Tradition of Wicca, an initiate of the RavenMyst Circle Tradition, and a member of the Coven of the Raven in Flint, Michigan.

Morrison currently lives in Virginia with her husband, Mark, and their black lab, Sadie Mae.   She handles a voracious tour schedule, and travels the country giving lectures and teaching classes related to witchcraft.

/END/

/CONTACT/: K. Epps, Willow Tree Press, 314-423-3634 or Email:  Promo_dept@willowtreepress.com

/SOURCE/: Willow Tree Press, www.willowtreepress.com

/DATE/:  07/31/2007

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NON-FICTION SPIRITUAL/All Ages/Joe Putnam/Yo God! Are you There! Now Available
Category: Writing and Poetry

OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok., July 6/LPW -- New author, Joe Putnam, M.P.H., of Mardi Gras Publishing brings you a fascinating new view of religion, Yo God! Are You There?

Yo God! Are You There? is a new book that gives readers an insightful look at some of the world's oldest and most important questions about the foundation of religion.  Going beyond clergymen in robes, mystics in pointed hats and clerical garb, Yo God! Are You There? takes you beneath the surface into the roots of our belief system and settles the long-debated conflict between evolution and intelligent design.  With an easy to follow discussion of science and scripture, logic and reasoning prevail rather than simple faith in ancient writers who can't be cross examined.  Mr. Putnam offers the reader a fresh, eye opening perspective about religion (and its competition) that makes sense. 

So, who's right?  Did we all get here by a huge cosmic accident, or did some higher intelligence build us from a kit?  Yo God! Are You There? is a down to Earth explanation of it all. If you have ever been on the fence about religion or had doubts about its fundamentals, this book will give you a new outlook and settle the conflict.  The author explores Darwin's theory and  examines near death experiences, the supernatural, the DaVinci Code, the Bible Code and the empty tomb of Jesus to name a few.  He also gives a never before heard account of close encounters with the spiritual realm and the unexplainable.  Yo God! is a treasure trove of information brought to you with refreshingly plain language, simple science, scriptural examination and common sense reasoning to arrive at its conclusions of whether God is really there.

Author Joe Putnam is available for print and live interviews. Contact him at: tputnam2@cox.net to learn more about him and this fascinating and informative book.

Available in electronic format June 27^th, 2007 from Mardi Gras Publishing http://mardigraspublishing.com or http://mardigraspublishing.com/yogod.html

Available in PRINT August  www.amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders,  or a bookstore near you.

/END/

/CONTACT/:  Joe Putnam at tputnam2@cox.net

/SOURCE/:  Joe Putnam, joeputnambooks.blogspot.com, or www.mardigraspublishing.com

/DATE/: 07/06/2007

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MYSTERY/Ages 18+/Michael Murphy/Casey Bannister Returns in Try and Catch the Wind
Category: Writing and Poetry

ONLINE, July 6/LPW -- Casey Bannister, hero of Try and Catch the Wind, returns in a new mystery, Secrets of Sheridan Manor. The former NYPD homicide detective, struggling with retirement in upstate New York, battles his most formidable adversary ever. Wealthy industrialist Phillip Sheridan will stop at nothing to keep buried the secrets of Sheridan Manor.

"Secrets of Sheridan Manor is a tightly-plotted fast-paced story that will keep the reader turning pages far into the night." Amanda Stevens, author of The Dollmaker.

"The mixture of humor and suspense will keep you turning the pages and Murphy's development of his characters is superior. You must read it." Sid Weaver, Mainly Mysteries.

"Casey Bannister returns in a refreshingly old school mystery novel that hits the ground running, driven by the kind of engaging dialogue and strong characters that you expect to see in the very best of the genre. "
                       --  Robert Rummel-Hudson author of Schuyler's   

                            Monster             (St. Martin's Press, 2008)

The book can be ordered from the publisher at:

http://www.wings-press.com/Author%20Pages/Author%20-%20Michael%20Murphy.htm

For more information about the book and other novels by Michael Murphy, visit his website at, www.mjmurphy.com

/END/

/CONTACT/: Michael Murphy at mmurfy@cox.net

/SOURCE/:  Michael Murphy, www.mjmurphy.com

/END/

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POETRY/All Ages/Osbey Books/Speaking Me, A Youth Anthology Celebrating Student Poets
Category: Writing and Poetry

CHICAGO, June 26/LPW -- When Pam Osbey started teaching poetry with youth in Chicago, Six Years ago, she never imagined, the ability to spend countless hours writing curriculum, attending professional development meetings or preparing youth for public readings and events. She simply wanted to get students excited about expressing themselves through the vehicle of Poetry. Osbey, a graduate of Kenwood Academy, only took one professional poetry class, as an undergraduate of Columbia College, and found herself graduating from Grambling State University, with a Bachelors of English Degree in Arts. On a whim by a fellow writer, Charles Willett, Jr, Osbey chose to contact a local organization in Chicago that worked specifically with literacy programs in the City of Chicago. Six years later, she is an active Artist-In-Resident with the Poetry Center of Chicago, where she serves as a Poet Educator with several Chicago Public Schools.

Concerned about the low reading scores and English Competency skills of students she had an opportunity to teach, Osbey found herself thinking more and more about a project that could help connect students from diverse backgrounds to discuss their concerns, their world. In 2007, Osbey wrote her first grant to help support her goal of publishing a full length manuscript that would contain only youth voices. Her project, Speaking Me, a Youth Anthology, was funded by the Illinois Arts Grant and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (CAAP GRANT), and now Osbey and over Forty young writers will embark on a new literary journey together.

Osbey's anthology includes poems, short stories and prose written by students between the ages of 10-18. Many of the students come from all educational, social, and cultural backgrounds culminating in a chorus of voices that will not be denied. Students from Chicago, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and California submitted work which will be published under Osbey's small publishing company, Osbey Books, Inc.

The book will be released in Winter 2007/Early 2008. Please check back with Osbey Books, Inc and the "Speaking Me" website for more details on book release dates and events related to the book. Currently with the creation of the website for Speaking Me, participating writers will post original poetry or stories on the Message Board on the site. Two of the contributing writers will be featured on a internet radio show, Literary Pizzazz, in early July.

For more information on this project, please contact Osbey Books, Inc or check the website at www.osbeybooksinc.com. Young writers are welcomed to join the Speaking Me Poets at www.speakingme.com.

To schedule any book signings, please contact Pam Osbey of Osbey Books, Inc at 773-362-4694.

/END/

/CONTACT/:  Pam Osbey, 773-362-4694 or mochachyna35@yahoo.com

/SOURCE/:  Osbey Books www.osbeybooksinc.com

/DATE/:  06/28/2007

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YOUNG ADULT-HORROR/Ages 12+/Martin Millar/Lonely Werewolf Girl Now Available
Category: Writing and Poetry

LONDON, England,  June 28/LPW --, British author Martin Millar's new book Lonely Werewolf Girl (ISBN: 9780955498404) is now available.  Teenage werewolf Kalix MacRinnalch is pursued through the streets of London by murderous hunters, while her sister, the Werewolf Enchantress, is busy designing clothes for the Fire Queen. In the Scottish Highlands there's trouble at Castle MacRinnalch as the Werewolf Clan prepares for war.

Lonely Werewolf Girl is an expansive tale of werewolves in the modern world. The MacRinnalch family contains elegant werewolves, troubled teenage werewolves, friendly werewolves, homicidal werewolves, fashion designers, warriors, punks, cross-dressers, musicians - an entire Clan of Werewolves, involved in conflict from the Scottish Highlands to London, and several dimensions beyond.'

Martin Millar was born in Scotland and now lives in London. Lonely Werewolf Girl is his 8th novel. His previous books include Suzy, Led Zeppelin and Me, and The Good Fairies of New York, which was recently reprinted with an introduction by Neil Gaiman. Writing under the pseudonym of Martin Scott, he won the World Fantasy Award for Thraxas. His also writes short stories for Skin Two fetish magazine.

Lonely Werewolf Girl by Martin Millar
ISBN 9780955498404
Publisher - Meadow and Black
£10.99
560 pages
Publication – June 2007

Agent - Imrie and Dervis - malcolm@imriedervis.com

Author - martin@martinmillar.com

WEBSITE - http://www.martinmillar.com

MYSPACE - http://www.myspace.com/martinmm

LONELY WEREWOLF GIRL MYSPACE - http://www.myspace.com/lonelywerewolfgirl

/END/

/CONTACT/:  Martin Millar at martin@martinmillar.com

/SOURCE/:  Martin Millar www.martinmillar.com

/DATE/:  06/28/2007

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PARANORMAL THRILLER/Ages 18+/DK Gaston/XIII Supernatural Bounty Hunters

DETROIT, Mich., June 20 /LPW – In DK Gaston's new paranormal thriller XIII (ISBN:  Trade Paperback: 978-1-59705-901-5 eBook Download: ISBN 978-1-59705-102-6) Avery Hudson's life had been turned upside down the moment he took on the assignment of tracking Hollywood actor, Jason Peters. The only bright light is small town sheriff, Mary Jamison. Together, they are pitted against forces beyond their control: they must stand up to a supernatural bounty hunter calling himself, Mr. Dark; face a corrupt paramilitary force; deal with an ambitious reporter; and stay a step ahead of two dedicated FBI agents.

They only have days to capture Jason before he becomes more beast than man.

About the Author:

D. K. Gaston was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the military at eighteen. After being honorably discharged after five years of duty, he began work on his Bachelor degree in Computer Information Science. He went on to a successful career in the Information Technology field for more than fifteen years and earned two Master degrees; one in Technology Management; the other in Business Administration. D. K. Gaston is the author of thrillers. He lives in Michigan, where he is at work on his new thriller.

Official Homepage: http://www.dkgaston.com

email address: comments@dkgaston.com

audio podcast site: podcast.dkgaston.com

/END/

/CONTACT/:  DK Gaston at comments@dkgaston.com

/SOURCE/:  DK Gaston, www.dkgaston.com

/DATE/: 06/20/2007

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FICTION/All Ages/IWDCanada/IWD Short Story Contest Needs Submissions
Category: Writing and Poetry

TORONTO, June 20/LPW -- International Web Development (IWD) is running a short story contest for authors. The prizes and details are listed at  http://www.iwdcanada.com:80/shortstory/.

IWD Short Story Contest
 
Contest ends
June 30, 2007. Please contact us for any inquires. info@iwdcanada.com
 

Rules:
 
Story must include the name "International Web Development"
or "IWDCanada.com".
 

The plot must mention that someone bought a website or is going to buy a website from International Web Development (or IWDCanada.com). It does not have to be the base of the story but it must be mentioned somewhere.
 

IWD will select the 20 finalists who will then be judged by their peers in the final round. Finalists will be judged base on creativity, story's appeal, and their ability to work in "International Web Development" or "IWDCanada.com".
 

Maximum word count is 1000 words.
 

The story can be about anything as long as it is written in these Genres:
 

Romance (pref. no Erotica)
Sci-Fi
Western
Adventure
Fantasy
Mystery
Thriller
Chick Lit.
Paranormal
Historical
For any others please email
 
Contest Details
 
All writers must register with IWD to participate in the contest.  All stories will be reviewed by IWD for compliance checks before being accepted into the contest.  IWD will reserve the rights to any story submitted into the contest for promotional use (writer's credit will be given).

Contest submission will begin on June 4th 2007 and will end on June 30th 2007.
 
Prizes
 
1st Place: $600.00 Gift Card*
2nd Place: $500.00 Gift Card*
3rd Place: $400.00 Gift Card*
Draw: 20 - $50 Gift Cards* will be given out at random to contest
participants.
 
*Gift card can be used towards any IWD services (including: website development, web hosting, website updates, online marketing, etc), not redeemable for cash.

/END/

/CONTACT/:  IWD Canada at akervika@iwdcanada.com

/SOURCE/:  IWD Canada, www.iwdcanada.com

/DATE/:  06/20/2007

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BUSINESS/All Ages/Jordan Wirsz/The Mavarick Millionaire Inspires Others to Get Rich
Category: Writing and Poetry

When he was 14, Jordan began his first business brokering airplanes and parts. Since then he has refined and honed his business skills. Today, at age 24, Jordan owns a multi-million-dollar trust deed investment company in Las Vegas, NV, called Diamond Bay Investments.

According to a recent survey, 80 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds listed "getting rich" as their most important goal; however, 30 percent said their most important problem was money and finances.

To address this growing issue, Jordan is now focusing on speaking and providing useful information to his generation to encourage fiscal responsibility and hopefully facilitate their financial success.

Through his book, speaking engagements and philanthropy efforts, Jordan hopes to demonstrate to others (especially young people) that fiscal responsibility can lead to financial success ... if you have the right tools and guidance.

Check out David Smitherman at www.themaverickmillionaire.com.

/END/

/CONTACT/:  David Smitherman, 866-570-6724 or dave@palaribooks.com

/SOURCE/:  Palari Books,www.palaribooks.com

/DATE/:  06/20/2007

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URBAN ROMANCE/Ages 18+/Gracie C. McKeever/Author Spotlighted on SistahFriend Book Club
Category: Writing and Poetry

Posted June 1, 2007, the spotlight includes the latest interview with Ms. McKeever along with other information about the author and her current and upcoming books.

Ms. McKeever's most recent releases include the following top selling Siren titles: Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess, an adult fairy tale, Between Darkness and Daylight, a contemporary interracial psychic erotic romance and Manifest Destiny: The Matchmaker 3, a contemporary May/December erotic romance with paranormal and light bdsm elements.

All titles mentioned above are available in electronic and/or print formats from Siren Publishing, Inc. at http://www.sirenpub.com, Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

To see Ms. McKeever's spotlight visit: http://sistahfriend.com/graciecmckeeverspotlight.htm

/END/

/CONTACT/: Gracie C. McKeever gwiz10@optonline.net

/SOURCE/: Gracie C. McKeever

/DATE/: 06/20/2007

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PUBLISHING/All Ages/Virtual Tales/Virtual Tales Pricing Changes

ONLINE, June 20/LPW – Virtual Tales, a publisher of eBooks and eSerials spanning a variety of fiction genres and styles, announced that effective June 1, 2007, it will change the pricing model for its popular serialized novels. Prior to this date, all serials were sold for a per-issue price of 39¢, but now will be offered for a single price per title.

"As each of our serialized novels is completed, we are turning them into eBooks, and we wanted to keep our pricing competitive for both product types," said Dave Law, Chairman of Virtual tales. "Each of our web serials will be priced based on the word count. In the case of works in progress, the price will be based on the estimated total issues as provided by the author. It is also the same price someone would pay for the eBook, if an eBook version was available."

Customers will still enjoy the convenience of having each web serial issue sent to their e-mail box twice a week according to the regular schedule, which remains unchanged and is based on the story genre. All web serial subscriptions will start with the first issue of the story ordered, and will continue on in consecutive order until completed.

"For our customers, the best part of our new, single-pricing system is that once they purchase a subscription to a serial, they will automatically receive ALL the issues for that story until it is complete," added Sheri Gormley, Director of Marketing & Promotions at Virtual Tales. "Even if the author takes a break mid-stream, as soon as new issues are posted, our customer's subscriptions will automatically pick up where they left off until the serialized novel is finished. There is no need to renew a subscription anymore—the whole process has been completely automated for the customer."

Virtual Tales is a privately held partnership founded in 2005 to publish original eBooks and eSerials in both general and genre fiction. eBooks are offered in a variety of formats, including MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader and PDA-formatted Adobe Reader files. eSerials are delivered through email twice a week as Adobe Reader files suitable for reading on a PC, Mac, PDA, e-reader, cell phone or other device. All eSerials are available for a free trial subscription, so readers everywhere are encouraged to visit the website and sample the offerings at no cost or obligation.

/END/

/CONTACT/:  Sheri Gromley, Director of Marketing and Promotions at sheri@virtualtales.com

/SOURCE/:  Virtual Tales, www.virtualtales.com

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