This Blog Content Has Been Moved - Update Below

This blog has been moved along with quite a few other blogs. The complete list of my promotional blogs and the links are listed below.

Update January 23, 2009 - I have made some major changes to the blogs I'm offering and I am updating this list to reflect those changes. These changes should make it easier to find information and give additional exposure to every one who submits information about their books and themselves.

ANY published author is welcome to submit these questions and answers to promote their books. To use any of these blogs - click on the link, click on "how to submit" in the top corner of the blog and follow the instructions. I ask that you send the questions and answers as an RTF file. It is also good to send a jpg file of your book cover - no PDF files for the cover art. When you complete the interview, send to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com with the interview title in the subject line and I will add you to the list for that blog.

I have divided the blog lists for fiction and non fiction books to make it easier to find the ones you need. I've added several new blogs lately - so if you've been here before - there are some new options.

Two quick updates -

The print edition of Book Promo 101 is complete and available. The print book is oversize 8" x 10" and the layout is gorgeous. The manuscript for Book Promo 201: Promote Online With Web 2.0 is with my publisher and will be available in early 2009 -- there will be updates posted. If you would like details about the contents of this book, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_201.htm

I offer a wide array of promotional services to authors. Feel free to take a look at the possibilities and contact me with questions. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed, let me know and we can talk. For a list of these services visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

I offer a wide assortment of virtual book tour options and the current list is located at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/virtual-blog-tour-options.html - there are a number of options and price ranges or we can talk about other options. I'm also planning to add more services in late winter and early spring 2009. If you would like to be added to my mailing list to get the latest updates, send me a message at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Promotional Blogs for Fiction Books

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/ - Details about story setting.
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

Villains in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_7729.html

Heroine in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_134.html

Hero in your book.- http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Best Friend - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit_28.html

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/ - From Books to the Movies
If a movie was made about your book, which actors and actresses would play the main characters? This is your chance in case a movie of your book and it can be a lot of fun.
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

Interview a Male Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_6392.html

Interview a Female Character - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-submit_1859.htm

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html

Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Promotional Blogs for Non-Fiction Books

Share Book Details - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Share your furry writing companions - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-submit-information-about-author.html

Animals in Your Book - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/

How to Submit - http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-submit-your-book.html

In Detail With Nikki Leigh - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Give potential readers more information about you and your background.
How to Submit – http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

Before I Was Published - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com
Tell us about what you did before you were published and especially include anything that relates to your books and your writing.
How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-us-your-story.html

http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/- Can you tie a topic or element from your book with current events? This is the place to submit them. Send them to me and I'll review them.
How to Submit - http://currenteventsinbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit.html
Do you have interesting promotional ideas and suggestions that you would like to share with other authors? http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com

How to Submit - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-submit-your-promotional.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/ - Share your book cover.
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.html

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/ - Share your First Chapter

How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

I reserve the right to refuse to post any submissions, but so far I haven't needed to turn anyone away. I did edit a couple of first chapters to maintain a PG-13 rating for my visitors. That could be one of the reasons why some have such a long waiting list. All the blogs are listed on my Blogger profile which is located at - www.blogger.com/profile/00985309338453728557.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Author Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Hero from The Girl Who Fell

What’s his name?

Guile

Why did you pick that name?

A fair few of the names in my Estraguil setting have literal meanings. Guile tends to mean cunning – in a slightly pejorative way, but it also gives us ‘beguiling’ which he certainly is.

How does he look?

Guile has bright red hair, high cheekbones, an expressive mouth and large eyes. He’s lean and good looking, with a touch of innocence about him.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?

He has a forked tongue.

Who does he love? Why?

Guile loves his friends, and is drawn to the enigmatic Jehanne. He finds her mysterious, compelling, and beautiful.

Does this person love him?

Jehanne loves Guile’s musical trio.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?

Guile left his family to train as a musician. He went to Tirol as an apprentice when very young, and considers the trio to be his family.

Where is he from?

Guile is Strafian, a kith group that lives in the hills, farming and trading. They have a strong tradition of musicians and story tellers.

Does his hometown affect his behaviour, thoughts and attitude?

Being a Strafian, Guile prizes musicianship very highly indeed.

What does he want out of life?

Guile has no grand plans. He’s doing what he loves most and moves from one day to the next, taking it as it comes and making the best of it.

What’s his biggest secret?

Guile has no secrets. He’s open, honest and straight-forwards.

Did you write more than one story about him?

No, nor do I feel any need to.

How would he describe you?

A decent enough musician with a good singing voice and a fair knack for creating stories.

Is there anything about your hero we need to know?

He has lost his memory.

Please provide a link to your website

http://www.myspace.com/brynneth_n_colvin

What is the link to buy your book?

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/TheGirlWhoFell_BrynnethColvin.shtml

The Girl Who Fell by Brynneth Colvin

What’s his name?

Guile

Why did you pick that name?

A fair few of the names in my Estraguil setting have literal meanings. Guile tends to mean cunning – in a slightly pejorative way, but it also gives us ‘beguiling’ which he certainly is.

How does he look?

Guile has bright red hair, high cheekbones, an expressive mouth and large eyes. He’s lean and good looking, with a touch of innocence about him.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?

He has a forked tongue.

Who does he love? Why?

Guile loves his friends, and is drawn to the enigmatic Jehanne. He finds her mysterious, compelling, and beautiful.

Does this person love him?

Jehanne loves Guile’s musical trio.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?

Guile left his family to train as a musician. He went to Tirol as an apprentice when very young, and considers the trio to be his family.

Where is he from?

Guile is Strafian, a kith group that lives in the hills, farming and trading. They have a strong tradition of musicians and story tellers.

Does his hometown affect his behaviour, thoughts and attitude?

Being a Strafian, Guile prizes musicianship very highly indeed.

What does he want out of life?

Guile has no grand plans. He’s doing what he loves most and moves from one day to the next, taking it as it comes and making the best of it.

What’s his biggest secret?

Guile has no secrets. He’s open, honest and straight-forwards.

Did you write more than one story about him?

No, nor do I feel any need to.

How would he describe you?

A decent enough musician with a good singing voice and a fair knack for creating stories.

Is there anything about your hero we need to know?

He has lost his memory.

Please provide a link to your website

http://www.myspace.com/brynneth_n_colvin

What is the link to buy your book?

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/TheGirlWhoFell_BrynnethColvin.shtml

A Meeting With the Abbot Rutilius

My Lord, Cardinal Benedetto Gaetano, from your servant, Captain Luigi Barozzi.

I hope this letter finds you in good health, my Lord, I pray too that God guides your hand protects you from the envy of others. I wish to commend to you, my Lord, a cleric whom I met by chance as I returned from my pigrimage to the Shrine of the Black Madonna. God has not, so far, been pleased to cure my sickness, the wound continues to afflict my health and I write this epistle to be sent on by courier since I must ride slowly.

I met the Abbot Rutilius and his acolyte on the road at Narbonne. Like me, they were spending a night at an inn there; they on their way to the shrine of the Virgin at Montserrat, I on my way back.

I thought it worthy of writing to you, my Lord Cardinal, to tell you of these two. They solve crimes that baffle others, misdeeds and felonies are as clear to them as spring water.

The Abbot Rutilius had just finished his evening repast when I came into the common room. It was busy and at his invitation, I sat and shared his table. He recommended a local wine and he joined me in a glass as we spoke. The Abbot has an imposing stature, somewhat above average height and far more than average corpulence. His complexion is a marvellous collection of colours with reds and mauves predominating.

“And where do you go?’ he asked me. ‘There are but two ways from here, one south, one north.’

‘I go north, m’Lord Abbot. I go home.’

‘I might guess you’ve been to one of the shrines, then,’ he suggested. ‘Montserrat perhaps, perhaps even to Compastela?’

‘Montserrat…’

He nodded. ‘I noticed you favour your left leg and that your complexion is pale. You’ve been to pray to La Moreneta?’

I smiled, nodded. ‘An old wound that gives me pain. And you?’

‘Montserrat. I have work to do there.’

‘Work? I thought it might be a pilgrimage?’

‘I oversee the tithes and the taxes to his Holiness. I make certain St. Peter’s Pence is gathered in.’

‘Ah.’ This surprised me. ‘A counter of monies.’

The Abbot chuckled. His stomach, which I may have mentioned was not inconsiderable, shook with good humour. ‘My visits are not always popular but generally, I see things that others miss and put them right, it eases the pain of taxes.’

I must have frowned in puzzlement here for he explained.

‘There may be schemes afoot, schemes that defraud the abbey. I notice and put a stop to it so, although Papa Martinus gets his share, the establishment is often better off than before.’

‘A fraud investigator too?’

He finished his glass of wine and I poured more.

‘Not just frauds, either.’ He winked, lowered his voice and leaned across the table conspiratorially. ‘There have been murders too.’

‘My Lord…’

‘Rutilius, please.’

‘Rutilius. You find murders? In monasteries?’

‘Holy places have their share too.’

‘Incredible. Tell me, how did you come to be a counter of money and an investigator of crime?’

‘Mistakes and happenstance.’

‘Now you must tell me more. Landlord,’ I spoke loudly and held up an empty jug which was quickly replaced. ‘Mistakes, you said.’

Again he chuckled. ‘May I – if you’ve finished?’ I nodded and he helped himself to a chop at the side of my plate. ‘Meat. This past year I have come all the way from Avignon through the villages of southern France; meat is not to be had by the country folk, it’s a rarity. Once, in Carcassonne I was given a decent meal and now, here.’

‘This inn,’ I waved my knife around, ‘this place caters to a wealthier class than most; meat may be had, at a price. You mentioned mistakes.’

‘I did, I did. I’m not used to wealth, Sir. My father was a fisherman in Naples till he disappeared – maybe he fell overboard or maybe he just ran away from us, a large family. I was soon found work, at the Bishop’s palace; I discovered a library of books and scrolls there, something I had never imagined ‘till then. My employer forthwith set about teaching me to read,’ Rutilius the Abbot smiled sadly, remembering his younger days I suppose. ‘To make the story short, the Bishop saw me educated and I went to Pisa where I was introduced to mathematics.’

‘A mistake,’ I said, trying to bring the Abbot back to the point.

‘Ah yes, the mistake. I came to Avignon where my task master mistook mathematics for arithmetic. Thus, I was put in the counting house.’

‘I see, I think. And happenstance?’

‘Happenstance, because I notice things that don’t add up. Bills don’t tally to what they’re supposed to, goods are wrongly valued. In a case earlier this year, the scriveners were idle; there was no paper, no vellum. The money had been spent on opulent decoration.’

I nodded, understanding. ‘Murder, I remember you mentioning.’

‘I give you but one example. A monk had stolen from abbey funds; he killed another and assumed his identity merely by shaving his beard and claiming to be the dead man.’

‘So much sin in such holy houses.’

Rutilius shrugged. ‘I must give credit to my assistant. A young man whose mind is sharp enough to see things I miss. We discuss these inconsistencies, we notice and we draw conclusions.’

‘Not with you tonight?’

‘Ah, he’ll be about. Probably making sure our donkey is fed. A beautiful boy, eyes like black olives, fingers like a musician’s. For one so young, he is an accomplished swordsman and has saved my valuables as well as my life on occasion.’

I had seen such a boy, by the kitchen door, talking with a maid. ‘You’re sure it’s the donkey, then? Not the serving maids?’ I joked.

‘William? The farthest thing from his mind.’

The jest passed Rutilius by like the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan. I held my piece and, grinning, poured more wine.

Rutilius was obviously not used to such strong drink and told me tales of detection that had my eyebrows raised until he went to his bed. I met the boy too; we discussed the finer points of the French sword and how the English, lacking finesse, merely hack at their opponents.

The Abbot imagines that William, the youngster, will eventually enter holy orders but this, I fear, may be one of his rare mistakes. However, believe me, my Lord Cardinal; either or both would make a useful addition to your staff.

Look for them at Avignon, have them come to see you.

Your servant, Captain of your Guard, Luigi Barozzi.

* * *

The Abbot and the Acolyte is planned to be a series of medieval mysteries set in real abbeys and other locations. Death and Taxes is the first book in this series; it is published by Libros International and is available in paperback from Amazon. Read about it at www.DavidBColes.co.uk.

David Coles and Jack Everett

Bartlett's Rule by Chelle Cordero

Okay – it’s time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book.

What's his name?

Lon Bartlett

Why did you pick that name?

I always look up names (usually under baby names) for their meanings. In this case “Lon” means “ready to do battle”; the name Lon also reminds me of a Lion (without the “I” of course!). The Bartlett surname appears many times throughout history (politicians, publishers, racecar drivers, sports figures, philosophers and writers) and is also used for a collection of quotations. Besides, the title Bartlett’s Rule just seems to roll off of the tongue comfortably.

Give us a brief description of how he looks.

I picture Lon as a big (maybe about 6 foot to 6’2”) man and yet graceful. More to do with image and less to do with vanity, I picture him working out and keeping trim and fit. Because of his public image, he probably has his hair professionally styled and his clothing personally tailored. All in all, he is very comfortable “in his own skin”.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?

He definitely is the type of man who would attract stares from most women.

Who does he love? Why?

His romantic love interest is Paige Andrews. In the beginning he believes his love for Paige stems more from a need to protect her but then he comes to realize that he admires her strength and appreciates how she makes him feel. He also has a very deep and friendly love for his publicist, Shell, who once was a romantic liaison and now is simply his best friend.

Does this person love him?

Yes, Paige loves him even though her love and need for him scares her.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?

While his family is only mentioned in the story, it is obvious that his closeness with his parents and the way he was raised is a big reason for the self-confidence he has.

Where is he from?

Lon has settled in the very urban and bustling New York City.

Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude?

Lon is very “metropolitan” and used to the hectic pace. He is also used to fine restaurants, doormen, and public scrutiny.

What does he want out of life?

He wants Paige in his life. Lon also wants something more than the shallow relationships that have helped to promote his image.

What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)

All I can say is that Lon learns he has no regrets for his actions if it means protecting the ones he loves.

Did you write more than one story about him?

So far Bartlett’s Rule is the only story with Lon Bartlett. Who knows though? That could change.

How would he describe you?

Lon respects me for being a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to voice my opinions.

Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Lon truly adores women. Of course he enjoys sex but he also is thrilled when he can engage in intelligent conversation with a woman.

Please provide your website link.

http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/

What is the link to buy your book?

The most direct link is the publisher’s site at http://shop.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/main.sc although there will be others including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Target and more.

It was wonderful to meet him. Thank you for bringing him to meet us. By the way, do you have a picture of him that you'd like to share?

I have attached the book cover where he appears with Paige, but you only see their backs – it helps to keep him “mysterious”.

Meet the Hero from His Shadowed Heart with Hazel Statham

Okay -- its time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book.

What's his name?

Richard Moreton, Earl of Waverly

Why did you pick that name?

He is a strong character and I wanted a strong name.

Give us a brief description of how he looks.

He has a tall, imposing frame. His eyes that had once been described as fine but now hold a coldness in their depths are storm grey. He has a well-formed mouth, a dark complexion and dark hair. He has the natural bearing of an aristocrat.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?

He is a striking man and one that would stand out in a crowd.

Who does he love? Why?

His second wife, Caroline. Initially, he is drawn to her gentleness and calm, believing she would make a good mother for his daughter, Julia. However, he is not prepared for the healing influence she has on his life and finds it difficult to come to terms with his growing love.

Does this person love him?

From the very beginning, Caroline loves her husband and willingly accepts his offer of marriage, even though she knows it will be a marriage in name only.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?

He centers his whole life around his daughter, Julia. He seemingly tolerates his sister, Lady Victoria, but he has a sibling fondness for her.

Where is he from?

London

Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude?

He is a man of his time and conforms to the mores of the day.

What does he want out of life?

Peace of mind and heart!

What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)

Sorry, it would give the plot away!

Did you write more than one story about him?

No. This is his only appearance in one of my books.

How would he describe you?

As an older woman that hopefully, he would find tolerable.

Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share.

I can’t tell any more without revealing the plot. All I will say, is that he has enemies!

Please provide your website link.

http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/

What is the link to buy your book?

Fictionwise

http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook69078.htm?cache

Wings ePress

http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/His%20Shadowed%20Heart.htm

It was wonderful to meet him. Thank you for bringing him to meet us. By the way, do you have a picture of him that you'd like to share?

Sorry! The only picture I have is in my mind’s eye.

Saving Tampa by Jo Webnar

Okay -- its time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book.

What's his name? Special Agent Michael “Hawk” Arrons

Why did you pick that name? My hero’s mother is Native American and I wanted a name that would reflect that. It needed to be strong and masculine.

Give us a brief description of how he looks. Emotions rarely reflect on Hawk’s face, but you get the impression that he’s someone you never want to anger. His features are strong, his eyes are mysterious, and his nose has been broken more than once. You wouldn’t even call him handsome until he smiles, but he reeks of leashed power and masculinity. The sound of his voice reminds you of warm maple syrup, and you want to be his pancake. Although his hands are huge, his touch is gentle.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance? Although he’s a big man, he moves with speed and seems ready to pounce. At first glance the words duty and honor pop into your mind.

Who does he love? Why? Before he met Rachel, Hawk loved God, family, and country. If they were threatened, he’d fight to the death to protect them. At the age of 10 he wanted to be an FBI agent. There was something about Rachel that tugged the strings in his heart. When they first meet, Hawk nearly arrests her for filing a false complaint.

Does this person love him? Rachel knew that he was her soul mate before Hawk had a clue.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him? Naomi, his mother, is very proud of their native heritage. His father is retired Navy and doesn’t know how to say a word without it sounding like a command. All his life, Hawk tried to please his father by excelling in whatever he did. It was never enough.

Where is he from? Hawk never had a home town because he was a Navy brat. Summers were spent on the Sioux reservation. When he was a teenager, his father retired and bought a ranch near Sarasota , Florida . It was the first time his parents noticed the empathy he has with animals.

Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude? The summers he spent with his uncle, a Shaman, opened his mind to things not easily explained. The rigid discipline of his father and the gentle love of his mother gave Hawk a strong respect for women.

What does he want out of life? Family, love, honor and respect.

What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.) If he had to, Hawk could kill someone 13 different ways without a weapon.

Did you write more than one story about him? Not yet, but I would like to make Hawk as famous as Alex Cross, or Stephanie Plum. More stories about him are jumping around in my mind.

How would he describe you? After looking me over with piercing eyes, I think he would describe me as a pleasant woman in her 60’s with sharp eyes and a sense of humor. (I hope!)

Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share. The few friends Hawk has are loyal for life. Without knowing it, Hawk makes every woman’s pulse race and breath quicken. All he has to do is smile.

Please provide your website link. www.jowebnar.com

What is the link to buy your book? http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Tampa-Jo-Webnar/dp/0981557368/

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Saving-Tampa/Jo-Webnar/e/9780981557366/?itm=2

It was wonderful to meet him. Thank you for bringing him to meet us. By the way, do you have a picture of him that you'd like to share?