Daily Archives: February 9, 2016
Book Tour – Mirror World
About the Book:
Title: Mirror World
Author: John Calicchia
Publisher: Psychangel Books
Pages: 404
Genre: YA Fantasy
What would you do if you saw the future apocalypse of the world in a mirror? Would you try to save the world and those you love, or die trying?
Welcome to my life, this is the vision of the future I’ve been cursed to see. – Cailyssa Larkin
When Cailyssa Larkin looks in a mirror she has an ominous feeling that someone is watching her. Stranger still, she has visions that foretell the future. While visiting her Uncle Spencer, Cailyssa gazes into a mirror and sees a dark future that only she can change. With the future of her own world hanging in the balance, Cailyssa bravely enters the portal to the Mirror World. Here, the Dark Lord controls all the mirrors and bends reflections so all creatures see evil within themselves. With her sister Terry, her mysterious best friend Daemon, and a host of weird and wonderful creatures, Cailyssa embarks on an epic quest to overcome the evil forces trying to destroy her world. She can only defeat the Dark Lord by finding her true self and discovering the family secret that has led her to Mirror World.
This book, written by a psychology professor, integrates famous psychological studies in the story. Readers will enjoy learning important life lessons through the psychological concepts illustrated in the book.
For More Information
Book Excerpt:
“You’re not getting away so easily.” I ran after him, grabbing his shoulder and spinning him around. “You’re the most confusing man I’ve ever met. One moment you’re cold as stone—pretending that I don’t exist—and the next moment you’re on one knee, and it looks like you’re ready to propose to me. Listen, I don’t need a boyfriend, but I do need some answers!”
“I will only do so if you require it of me,” Daemon said as he turned back into the cold soldier boy. “But please don’t require me to explain, I beg of you. It is still too painful for me.”
“No deal, big boy. If you’re tough enough to pull an arrow out of your chest and heal yourself from a sword fight, I think you are strong enough to talk to your best friend and explain things. So talk. I require it…and no more kissing my hand!” I said with great determination.
To my surprise, Daemon slowly unbuttoned his shirt and took it off. My jaw dropped to the ground, not because I was looking at his perfectly chiseled chest of course, but because I just never knew what to expect from this man. He slowly turned around and showed me two long scars on his back that looked like a letter V. He slowly turned back to face me. “Cailyssa, didn’t you ever think that it’s a bit odd that we have the same birthday?” Daemon said this as if he expected an answer.
“No, I just figured it was a coincidence, and it was always kind of cool to celebrate my birthday with my best friend. What’s the big deal, anyway?” I said as I awaited more information.
“Although it is a vague memory in my mind, my life before I was born into your world was filled with great sadness. I did something horrible, something that is unforgivable,” Daemon said.
“What do you mean your life before you were born—like when you were in your mother’s belly or something?” I was perplexed.
“I don’t have a mother, Cailyssa, only humans do,” Daemon said earnestly.
My specular skills started to tingle, and I started to see some images in my mind. They were beautiful but very frightening to me. I blurted, “What do you mean? You’re not human? Are you some kind of alien or something?” I tried to say this as I laughed confidently, but I was scared of what I would find out.
I focused on the inside of my mind and tried to organize the various images that floated by. I captured one of Daemon as he was before he was born into my world. My jaw hung open, and I tried to form the words but I had great difficulty doing so.
“You’re an, an, an…angel?” I asked in disbelief.
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About the Author
I’m John Calicchia and I write stories of fantasy, action and adventure. In the fall of 2015 my book Mirror World was released! It’s a story of two powerful young sisters and their epic battle against evil. But, this book has something in it most do not: hidden secrets. It’s a teen and young adult fiction book with a self-help book hidden inside. You see… after publishing in psychology books and journals for decades I felt my writing was not helping the young people I love to work with. So, I took famous psychology studies and put it in the characters and plot in Mirror World. As you become part of the story you can learn about psychology or you can just enjoy the story! You can also get a free copy of the users guide to help you understand the psychology behind the book by joining my website www.johncalicchia.com
John Calicchia Ph.D. is a professor of psychology who also works with children and young adults as a licensed psychologist. He lives near Boston with his lovely wife and two amazing daughters. You can usually find him in the pool swimming with his two big dogs.
For More Information
- Visit John Calicchia’s website.
- Connect with John on Facebook and Twitter.
- Find out more about John at Goodreads.
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GIVEAWAY!
John Calicchia is giving away 2 $25 Amazon Gift Cards!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
- This giveaway begins January 4 and ends March 31.
- Winners will be contacted via email on April 1.
- Winners have 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
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Author Interview
John, thanks for being my guest today. Tell us about you
I’m John Calicchia and I write stories of fantasy, action and adventure. In the fall of 2015 my book Mirror World was released! I am also a professor of psychology who works with children and young adults as a licensed psychologist. I live near Boston with my lovely wife and two amazing daughters. You can usually find me in the pool swimming with my two big dogs. I also love food, sports and have been reading young adult, fantasy, and science fiction books for 40 years!
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My family first and my work.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
As a writer it would be J.R.R. Tolkien. He is a fascinating and very spiritual person.
He was born in South Africa in the late 1800s and moved to England after his father died. He had a hard life and experienced poverty and the horrors of World War I before becoming a famous professor at Oxford University. Today, we take for granted that science fiction and fantasy books always existed. But before Tolkien wrote The Hobbit an the Lord of the Rings they did not. I would love to ask him how he came up with his ideas! Young adult, science fiction, fantasy books and movies are amongst the most popular genre today, much of it we owe to Prof. Tolkien’s imagination and vision!
What’s the story behind your latest book?
It’s a story of two powerful young sisters and their epic battle against evil. But, this book has something in it most do not: hidden secrets. It’s a teen and young adult fiction book with a self-help book hidden inside. You see… after publishing in psychology books and journals for decades I felt my writing was not helping the young people I love to work with. So, I took famous psychology studies and put it in the characters and plot in Mirror World. As you become part of the story you can learn about psychology or you can just enjoy the story!
Tell us your writing process.
I’m writing a story in my head endlessly then when I am in the flow I dictate 1-3 chapters in a morning.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I wrote my first story in sixth grade, and the class loved it and laughed so hard, I was asked to be the first one to read my stories for the rest of the year – motivation for an aspiring writer?
Tell us about your main character:
Cailyssa Larkin is a 17-year-old strong female heroine, but she has always had problems fitting in. She possesses extraordinary martial arts fighting abilities and the ability to influence people. Despite her amazing abilities to understand others and see the future, she cannot understand herself. Her family secret is obvious to everyone but herself. She is also cursed to fall in love with a young man, sworn to always protect her, that she will never be with.
When she looks in a mirror she has an ominous feeling that someone is watching her – someone is. Stranger still, she has visions that foretell the future. One day she gazes into a mirror and sees the end of the world that only she can change. Cailyssa bravely enters the portal to the Mirror World. Here, the Dark Lord controls all the mirrors and bends reflections so all creatures see evil within themselves. With her sister Terry, her mysterious best friend Daemon, and a host of weird and wonderful creatures, Cailyssa embarks on an epic quest to overcome the evil forces trying to destroy her world. She can only defeat the Dark Lord by finding her true self and discovering the family secret that has led her to Mirror World.
What are you working on next?
ANGELUS, That is book II in the Mirror World Series! The war that Cailyssa became involved in, in Mirror World, follows her back home.
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
I am too modest to answer this question. I guess I’m an okay cook and musician, but what I most hope is that I’ve done a good job as father, husband, Professor and psychologist. I also really hope that you’ll give my book a read, and see if I have any unique talents as an author.
Who are your favorite authors?
I would need many pages to list them all. Classic writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Ursula K. Le Guin are great reads. My favorite modern day writer is Brandon Sanderson, I think he’ll be historically remembered as one of the greats! I also love many YA writers such as Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Kristen Cashore and Stephanie Meyer!
What do you like to do with your free time?
My absolutely favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, friends and dogs. You also might catch me at the gym, polishing my car or at a football game.
Tell us about your plans for upcoming books.
The Users Guide for Mirror World is almost finished. It has the secrets to where the psychology studies are hidden in the book, you can get more information at my website below or my blog.
There will be two more books in the Mirror world series. The next book Angelus starts literally in Hell with a dark angel being tortured for failing to destroy Cailyssa Larkin. Cailyssa has returned from Mirror World and is trying to finish her senior year in high school, when she discovers the war of the Angels she became involved in has followed her home. The Angels in this book are not what you think of in pictures or the Bible. Angels have been living among us and walking the earth for thousands of years – you probably even know a couple – hopefully they’re not the evil ones.
Here’s a biblical quote that starts off the book:
His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And Lucifer stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.
After the mirror World Series I have plans for a psychological thriller PSYOPS which is a dystopian world in which the government and the military control dreams through neuroscience and psychology.
I better get writing!!!!!
Where can people find you on the web?
Follow me and you can also get a free copy of the users guide to help you understand the psychology behind the book by joining my website http://www.johncalicchia.com, twitter @jacalicchia, and you tube: https://youtu.be/8ezO9nWm9UY
Any final thoughts?
I hope my book is a somewhat unique stamp. First of all I hope it’s a fun and exciting story that entertains you. But I know as a professor that the psychology studies hidden in the plot are very helpful for people’s lives. So I really hope it’s a wonderful tale, that has a free self-help book hidden in the narrative. Please get a copy of the users guide at my website after you read it and you’ll know what I’m talking about. In the meantime, read the book and keep guessing about the psychology behind it!
Book Tour ~ BRAINS AND BEAUTY
Brains and Beauty
by Jeanette Watts
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GENRE: Historic Fiction
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BLURB:
Regina Waring seems to have it all. A loving husband, a successful business, and the most expensive wardrobe in town. But nothing is what it appears to be. Her husband is critical and demanding, the business teeters on ruin, even the opulent wardrobe is a clever illusion.
Regina’s life is one long tiptoe through a minefield; one wrong step and her entire life is going to blow up and destroy her. Attempting to hold it all together, she appeases the husband, dresses the part, and never, never says what she is really thinking. That would get in the way of getting things done. And, if there’s one thing Regina did really well, it was getting things done.
Enter Thomas Baldwin. Young and handsome and completely off limits, Regina is smitten at first sight. Then, to her great astonishment, he slowly becomes her best friend. He’s the one person in her life who never lets her down. Torn between her fascination with him and her desire not to ruin a marvelous friendship, she tries to enjoy each moment with him as it comes.
If only that were enough.
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BOOK EXCERPT
There was grunting, and the sound of wood groaning, and then a wet thump as they lifted and threw something. Regina could tell that there was a little more room behind her shoulder blades. There was more grunting and dragging and thumping. Then she heard them both groan.
“What’s going on back there? Have I been cut off at the waist?” she asked. Not being able to see what was wrong, or the progress they were having, was making her anxious.
“The next layer is completely wedged in. We can’t do this without tools,” Isaac told her.
Both men hurried away from her, making her worry for their safety. She had also found their company reassuring. What if neither one of them was able to find her again?
That’s when she saw the flickering orange glow in the distance. “No.”
Yes. It didn’t seem possible – but in the midst of water floating below, and pouring from above, something had caught on fire.
Regina started listing in her head all the accelerants that might be contained in a single drygoods store: tar, pitch, turpentine, kerosene. How many homes used all of them? How many gas lines were ruptured all over the city? How many wood stoves were knocked into them? There was no way this heap would NOT be set on fire.
And here she was, stuck, in the middle of it. No doubt about it, she was about to die in the same town in which she was born. It was a shame, really. She had such high aspirations.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jeanette Watts only lived in Pittsburgh for four years, but in her heart, she will always be a Pittsburgher. She missed the city so much after her move to Ohio, she had to write a love story about it.
She has written television commercials, marketing newspapers, stage melodramas, four screenplays, three novels, and a textbook on waltzing. When she isn’t writing, she teaches social ballroom dances, refinishes various parts of her house, and sews historical costumes and dance costumes for her Cancan troupe.
Links:
Webpage
https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.watts.94
https://www.facebook.com/WealthAndPrivilege?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/jeanetteawatts
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Jeanette Watts will be awarding a Victorian cameo necklace to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host.
Enter to win a Victorian cameo necklace – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/12/vbt-brains-and-beauty-by-jeanette-watts.html
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INTERVIEW
Jeanette, thanks for being my guest today. Tell us about you.
I have way, way too much energy. I can wear out people half my age. When people ask where I get so much energy from, I blame it on eating too many sugar-coated cereals as a child.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
Amelia Bloomer. Fascinating lady! I think she must have had as much energy I as do.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
When I finished writing my first book, Wealth and Privilege, I though I was done. It ends on an ambiguous note, but that was on purpose. Gone With the Wind ends without readers having any idea what’s going to happen next. Casablana doesn’t tie everything up with a “happily ever after.” Empire Strikes Back is my favorite Star Wars movie, although that’s not completely fair, it’s already a sequel, and obviously setting up for the next movie.
But then my readers let me know in no uncertain terms that I was going to write another book! I really thought I had nothing more to say. But then Stephanie Meyer’s half-finished Twilight book, told from Edward’s point of view, got leaked online. I totally understand why she was furious, and rightly so. But I did read what was out there, because she said she wasn’t going to finish it. And now I knew how to proceed. I followed her example, and covered exactly the same time period as the first book, but from the heroine’s point of view, instead of the hero’s.
What is your writing process?
I like to write in pretty places. While I get a huge portion of my writing done at my cluttered desk at home, I love setting up retreats for myself. If I’m traveling for a dance event, I’ll stop partway home and get a cabin in the Allegheny National Forest, and write on the front porch with the woods and hills in front of me and a brook next to me. Friends of mine have a cabin in Canada on Lake Erie, and I can write with a view of the lake and the sound of the waves hitting the shore. When my husband travels for conferences, I will find myself a nook in the hotel lobby, next to a fireplace, or at a table in the coffee shop. I get my best work done in those sorts of places.
Tell us about your main character:
Her name is Regina Waring, and I adore her. In the first book, she seems, as one reviewer said, “perfect.” She’s Thomas’ muse. She always seems so put together, and she has all the answers. But nothing could be farther from the truth. I admire because she knows who is she and what she wants. But she’s just struggling through life, making it up as she goes along, making mistakes, struggling to stay afloat, wishing she knew someone who has all the answers. Sadly, my favorite scene demonstrating how earnest and yet flawed she is got left on the cutting room floor. The first draft was much too long, and those scenes had to get cut.
If your book was to be turned into a movie, who would play the lead role and why.
Wow, I have no idea. I want James Cameron to direct, because the man who directed Titanic is a man who would totally get the railroad riots and Johnstown flood right. But actors…? Marina Sirtis from Star Trek would have been great for Regina, but she’s much too old now. It’s a shame – Alan Rickman would have been perfect for the role of Thomas’ father, but that’s not happening now!
What are you working on next?
My brain is driving me completely crazy with new potential projects right now, so I’m scribbling a little bit here, and a little bit there. But the next thing to be in print now that Brains and Beauty is released is a big departure for me. Instead of historical fiction, I’ve written a modern satire called Jane Austen Lied to Me. It’s first person point of view, I’ve written it to be deliberately vague, so that it could be taking place on any college campus in America.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their book?
Prepare to work twice as hard on selling your book as you did on writing it.
What is your favorite book on your shelf right now?
Shelby Foote’s Civil War books and David McCullough’s new book on the Wright Brothers. I live in Dayton, Ohio, so I know by aviation history. But nobody tells the story as well as David McCullough!
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
My special superpower is teaching people to dance. Some people would say it’s my skills as a costumer, but that’s just a matter of putting one stitch after another. When people learn to dance, it’s transforming. When you make that transition and realize that you are a dancer, you are never the same person again. Your relationship to other people, to music, to the world around you, will never be the same, ever again.
You are given the choice of one super power. What super power would you have and why?
LMAO! One comic book – style super power? Teleportation, like Nightcrawler from the X-men. I like to travel, but there are times it would be handy to go poof! And be in California. Or New York. Or Alaska. Or Italy!
List 5 things on your bucket list:
- Great Wall of China
- Norway
- The pyramids of Egypt
- Palenque
- Clew Bay in Ireland (home of Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen I got to play in 2002)
Where can readers find you on the web?
My webpage is www.JeanetteWatts.com
My facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/WealthAndPrivilege/
My Twitter handle is @JeanetteAWatts
Any final thoughts?
Always remember, the stitch ripper is your friend.
C.A. Milson 