Fueling Curiosity For the Next Dimension
Perhaps for people who are missing television shows like Angel, The Night Stalker and, Buffy the Vampire Slayer will find satisfaction in Fosters’ horror tales.
Port Dover is best known to motorcycle enthusiasts for Friday the 13th celebrations. Like most legends, the actual origin is lost to history, but lost origin or not, there is a scientific name for it- triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, or paraslevidekatriaphobia, an actual fear of Friday-the-13th itself.
With this natural backdrop, how could you not use it as a setting for Horror books? Vollmer's Hollow a.k.a. Port Dover- was first inhabited by the Neutral First Nations . For more than 200 years, Port Dover was host to European explorers and missionaries, who enjoyed a humble existence along the shores of Lake Erie.
For James W Foster, these interesting facts only begged to be twisted slightly in a macabre fiction kind-a way, and who better to do so than a lifelong fan of the bizarre.
“I don't really know how I wound up being so interested in the macabre," says James. "I do remember however, that even at a young age I was always fascinated by tales of ghosts, vampires, psychopaths, and the like."
It is also rumored that he once died for a short period of time fueling his curiosity about the possible circumstances of the next dimension.
Proven by book sales of authors such as Stephen King, James is hardly alone in this rather morbid sort of curiosity. "Maybe what draws us to this sort of fiction is that it speculates on the possibility that ghosts and other supernatural phenomenon really do exist. This in turn could be conceived as a means of reinforcing our belief that there is a life after death. I truly believe that there are many aspects of our existence that we, as humans, are simply unequipped to understand and horror/dark fiction helps us to open our minds to some of these possibilities.” Says James.
All of Fosters' short stories and novels intertwine with one another. Many of his characters make appearances in several tales. Something akin to Stephen King's 'Derry,” but uniquely branded with his own morbid sense of humor and wit.
The best part of Foster’s creations are what they don’t have- predictability. He draws from a variety of sources while writing dark fiction. In Dianne Hollander he used the maliciousness of a deranged woman for appalling potential. In Canyon a tribe of cannibalistic Indians that have kept themselves hidden for centuries provide the terror, and in his short story collections, Tales of Vollmer's Hollow books 1 & 2 he uses a combination of man's own potential for evil to spin his webs of wickedness.
Fosters creations of the horror fiction can be found at select bookstores. For more information visit http://www.rainbooks.com/
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Rain Books Feburary 2008
FEBURARY 2008
RAIN BOOKS
CONTEST
During the month of February every time you place an order at www.rainbooks.com for any Rain Publishing title your name will automatically be placed in a draw to win a $100.00 Rain Books gift certificate.
Do not forget, you can order your favorite titles by calling and asking for customer service at 905-592-2122. Phone, and/or traditional mail orders are always welcome, and are eligible for the contest as well!
The winner will be notified on Monday March 4th, and posted in March 2008 Newsletter.
FREE BOOKS
Be sure to visit your favorite Rain Publishing author’s website and/ or blog to see how you might be able to win a free book!
NEWS
Rain Books is now offering a flat shipping rate of $4.99- place your order today!
Want to keep up with what is happening with the Rain Publishing authors? Our blog http://comeplayintherain.blogspot.com is packed full of news-press releases, photos, fun facts, events and more!
NEW RELEASES
“The Death Wizard Chronicles” by Jim Melvin continues with the release of Book Four: World on Fire, and soon to come are the final two books of the series. Visit the website at www.rainbooks.com to learn more about this amazing series.
The Death Wizard Buzz---
“Jim Melvin is a fresh voice in fantasy writing with a bold, inventive vision and seasoned literary style…Can’t wait for the rest.” ~Dave Scheiber, award winning writer for the St. Petersburg Times ~
“Adult Harry Potter and Eragon fans can get their next fix with Jim Melvin’s six book epic series!” ~Karen Haymon Long, Tampa Bay Tribune~
“The Pit is beautiful-gorgeous, even-yet it is also dark and deep and vibrant.” ~ Mary Evelyn Lewis, Virtual Wordsmith~
“The Torgon is an unforgettable fantasy hero—steeped in magic, physically powerful, and drop-dead sexy, but also a mental wizard who has mastered the meditative arts.” ~ Jeanne Malmgren, co-author of Journey to Mindfulness~
“DNA” by Craig Reed is a fear-provoking maze based on five years of research. A must read!” (DNA will be available for purchase by Monday February 12 2008)
The DNA Buzz---
“DNA is an enlightening and terrifying journey that offers a unique answer to the most controversial argument of our time: Intelligent Design or Darwin’s Evolution? Based on five years of solid research, DNA is a riveting story that will compel you to read the other books in the series.”—Malcolm Boyes of Entertainment Tonight
“DNA is exotic and suspenseful, with lots of subplots to keep the reader guessing!” —Raymond Obstfeld, New York Times Bestselling author of On the Shoulders of Giants with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
“Millions of James Rollins fans will find DNA a fascinating read. This fast-paced genetic thriller will keep you riveted with breathless anticipation!”—Carol Davis Luce, author of Night Stalker and Night PreyNovel Contest First Place Winner
“I looked for writing that flowed and a story that made me turn the page.” —ByLine Magazine Contest Judge
FEATURED AUTHOR
Jennifer DiCamillo
Jennifer DiCamillo, Past President of Missouri Poets and Friends (2005 and 2006), has won over one hundred writing awards in the last three years, including the publishing contract for her first poetry collection—out of an international field of 1500 poets, titled Passing Thoughts.
Her works have appeared in: Grist, Museletter, The Poisoned Pen, Ozarks Magazine, Storyteller Magazine (US), Stride Magazine (UK), Taj Mahal Review (India), The Binnacle (University of Maine Press), True Confessions (Dorchester) and Cup of Comfort for Women in Love (Adams Media, US).
Her debut novel, The Price of Peace, won a CAPA nomination for Best Historical Fiction (2004). Her second novel, Courting Disaster was released from Zumaya Publications, as well as her paranormal mystery anthology with CJ Winters--Deadknots from Hard Shell Word Factory.
Another mystery anthology, Despicado was released from Under the Moon Press.
Her poetry book “Passing Images” from Rain Publishing Inc. is a collection of poetry that is sure to reach your heart, make you laugh, and make you cry. Some passages will outrage you. Others will pacify those little needs you didn’t know you had.
Passing Images offers readers an insight into life, those emotional slices of cake-- complete with frosting.
Jennifer DiCamillo’s prose has depth, and also includes an explanation of poetic terms. Aspiring and accomplished poets will appreciate the combination of emotion, imagery, and lyrical quality offered.
FEATURED UPCOMING RELEASE
Brain L Porter
Spring 2008
Glastonbury
A Review
Glastonbury, where ancient lore clashes with the comings and goings of rock bands and concerts and the weight of centuries hangs in the mist during the mornings. Joe Cutler and his team of professional surveyors at Strata Survey Systems are the best surveyors money can buy, but even they go through a lean patch every now and then. When millionaire businessman, and patron of a number of other historical projects, Malcolm Capshaw offers them a fair sum of money to find a legendary artefact, how could they refuse?
It almost seems too good to be true, but with no good reason to turn down that kind of money, they decide to humour Capshaw. Everything seems fine, at first, but as the search for this relic continues the events begin to spiral into a course that will lead to certain disaster. Capshaw is not everything he appears to be, and the historian he hired to help Joe and his team is as sinister as they come. Joe and his team seek the help of Lucius Doberman, a flamboyant professor from Oxford, and together they unravel the secrets, and discover that their lives hang in the balance at the hands of historian Walter Graves.
Glastonbury is a story that starts off with Joe and his crew ready to embark upon another project. You feel their excitement at embarking on this new project, however odd it may be. You feel it as the little clues pop up causing each of them to begin to doubt that everything is as it seems. Bit by bit, it pulls you in, just one more page, just one more chapter, and before you know it the whole thing is unfolding towards the epic conclusion.
Brian L. Porter has created a gem of a novel in Glastonbury. It is among his best yet, and a story that is both realistic and epic in its scope. It is chock full of unforgettable characters, and vivid scenes. If there is one book worth buying this year then it is Glastonbury.
While the ghosts of past warriors do battle still, with ethereal swords and fading battle cries; herein lies, guns, sex, murders and gangsters are proving that Glastonbury is not the quiet corner of England that it is made out to be!
Superlative.
--Graeme S. Houston, Publisher: Balderdash International Literary Journal.
CAL AWARD
The winner of the Rain Publishing Author Cal Award will be announced on the 27th of February, and posted in the March 2008 Newsletter, as well as the Rain Enterprises Blog!
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit the website at www.rainbooks.com for more information regarding our authors, or call us at 905-592-2122.
RAIN BOOKS
CONTEST
During the month of February every time you place an order at www.rainbooks.com for any Rain Publishing title your name will automatically be placed in a draw to win a $100.00 Rain Books gift certificate.
Do not forget, you can order your favorite titles by calling and asking for customer service at 905-592-2122. Phone, and/or traditional mail orders are always welcome, and are eligible for the contest as well!
The winner will be notified on Monday March 4th, and posted in March 2008 Newsletter.
FREE BOOKS
Be sure to visit your favorite Rain Publishing author’s website and/ or blog to see how you might be able to win a free book!
NEWS
Rain Books is now offering a flat shipping rate of $4.99- place your order today!
Want to keep up with what is happening with the Rain Publishing authors? Our blog http://comeplayintherain.blogspot.com is packed full of news-press releases, photos, fun facts, events and more!
NEW RELEASES
“The Death Wizard Chronicles” by Jim Melvin continues with the release of Book Four: World on Fire, and soon to come are the final two books of the series. Visit the website at www.rainbooks.com to learn more about this amazing series.
The Death Wizard Buzz---
“Jim Melvin is a fresh voice in fantasy writing with a bold, inventive vision and seasoned literary style…Can’t wait for the rest.” ~Dave Scheiber, award winning writer for the St. Petersburg Times ~
“Adult Harry Potter and Eragon fans can get their next fix with Jim Melvin’s six book epic series!” ~Karen Haymon Long, Tampa Bay Tribune~
“The Pit is beautiful-gorgeous, even-yet it is also dark and deep and vibrant.” ~ Mary Evelyn Lewis, Virtual Wordsmith~
“The Torgon is an unforgettable fantasy hero—steeped in magic, physically powerful, and drop-dead sexy, but also a mental wizard who has mastered the meditative arts.” ~ Jeanne Malmgren, co-author of Journey to Mindfulness~
“DNA” by Craig Reed is a fear-provoking maze based on five years of research. A must read!” (DNA will be available for purchase by Monday February 12 2008)
The DNA Buzz---
“DNA is an enlightening and terrifying journey that offers a unique answer to the most controversial argument of our time: Intelligent Design or Darwin’s Evolution? Based on five years of solid research, DNA is a riveting story that will compel you to read the other books in the series.”—Malcolm Boyes of Entertainment Tonight
“DNA is exotic and suspenseful, with lots of subplots to keep the reader guessing!” —Raymond Obstfeld, New York Times Bestselling author of On the Shoulders of Giants with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
“Millions of James Rollins fans will find DNA a fascinating read. This fast-paced genetic thriller will keep you riveted with breathless anticipation!”—Carol Davis Luce, author of Night Stalker and Night PreyNovel Contest First Place Winner
“I looked for writing that flowed and a story that made me turn the page.” —ByLine Magazine Contest Judge
FEATURED AUTHOR
Jennifer DiCamillo
Jennifer DiCamillo, Past President of Missouri Poets and Friends (2005 and 2006), has won over one hundred writing awards in the last three years, including the publishing contract for her first poetry collection—out of an international field of 1500 poets, titled Passing Thoughts.
Her works have appeared in: Grist, Museletter, The Poisoned Pen, Ozarks Magazine, Storyteller Magazine (US), Stride Magazine (UK), Taj Mahal Review (India), The Binnacle (University of Maine Press), True Confessions (Dorchester) and Cup of Comfort for Women in Love (Adams Media, US).
Her debut novel, The Price of Peace, won a CAPA nomination for Best Historical Fiction (2004). Her second novel, Courting Disaster was released from Zumaya Publications, as well as her paranormal mystery anthology with CJ Winters--Deadknots from Hard Shell Word Factory.
Another mystery anthology, Despicado was released from Under the Moon Press.
Her poetry book “Passing Images” from Rain Publishing Inc. is a collection of poetry that is sure to reach your heart, make you laugh, and make you cry. Some passages will outrage you. Others will pacify those little needs you didn’t know you had.
Passing Images offers readers an insight into life, those emotional slices of cake-- complete with frosting.
Jennifer DiCamillo’s prose has depth, and also includes an explanation of poetic terms. Aspiring and accomplished poets will appreciate the combination of emotion, imagery, and lyrical quality offered.
FEATURED UPCOMING RELEASE
Brain L Porter
Spring 2008
Glastonbury
A Review
Glastonbury, where ancient lore clashes with the comings and goings of rock bands and concerts and the weight of centuries hangs in the mist during the mornings. Joe Cutler and his team of professional surveyors at Strata Survey Systems are the best surveyors money can buy, but even they go through a lean patch every now and then. When millionaire businessman, and patron of a number of other historical projects, Malcolm Capshaw offers them a fair sum of money to find a legendary artefact, how could they refuse?
It almost seems too good to be true, but with no good reason to turn down that kind of money, they decide to humour Capshaw. Everything seems fine, at first, but as the search for this relic continues the events begin to spiral into a course that will lead to certain disaster. Capshaw is not everything he appears to be, and the historian he hired to help Joe and his team is as sinister as they come. Joe and his team seek the help of Lucius Doberman, a flamboyant professor from Oxford, and together they unravel the secrets, and discover that their lives hang in the balance at the hands of historian Walter Graves.
Glastonbury is a story that starts off with Joe and his crew ready to embark upon another project. You feel their excitement at embarking on this new project, however odd it may be. You feel it as the little clues pop up causing each of them to begin to doubt that everything is as it seems. Bit by bit, it pulls you in, just one more page, just one more chapter, and before you know it the whole thing is unfolding towards the epic conclusion.
Brian L. Porter has created a gem of a novel in Glastonbury. It is among his best yet, and a story that is both realistic and epic in its scope. It is chock full of unforgettable characters, and vivid scenes. If there is one book worth buying this year then it is Glastonbury.
While the ghosts of past warriors do battle still, with ethereal swords and fading battle cries; herein lies, guns, sex, murders and gangsters are proving that Glastonbury is not the quiet corner of England that it is made out to be!
Superlative.
--Graeme S. Houston, Publisher: Balderdash International Literary Journal.
CAL AWARD
The winner of the Rain Publishing Author Cal Award will be announced on the 27th of February, and posted in the March 2008 Newsletter, as well as the Rain Enterprises Blog!
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit the website at www.rainbooks.com for more information regarding our authors, or call us at 905-592-2122.
Who is Buying What On the Net?
Most of us have wondered who is buying what on the internet. According to the MRI 2004 subscriber study consumers have purchased the following in a 12 month span:
Lamps/home furnishings: 18%
Flowers: 24%
Vitamins / Medical Supplies: 26%
Gourmet food/wine: 18%
Coffee/Tea: 10%
Securities/mutal funds: 12%
Seeds, plants, garden supplies: 17%
Magazines: 43%
CD's: 46%
Books: 51%
Clothing: 68%
How much are people spending on average?
$100 or more: 85%
$500 or more: 48%
$800 or more: 34%
The average amount spent in a 12 month period: $744.80
This study is on line at www.thenation/mediakit/readers/directresponse.mhtml
Lamps/home furnishings: 18%
Flowers: 24%
Vitamins / Medical Supplies: 26%
Gourmet food/wine: 18%
Coffee/Tea: 10%
Securities/mutal funds: 12%
Seeds, plants, garden supplies: 17%
Magazines: 43%
CD's: 46%
Books: 51%
Clothing: 68%
How much are people spending on average?
$100 or more: 85%
$500 or more: 48%
$800 or more: 34%
The average amount spent in a 12 month period: $744.80
This study is on line at www.thenation/mediakit/readers/directresponse.mhtml
LP Chase Book Award Finalist
L.P. Chase: Book Award Finalist
Elliot is a believable and likeable character, and readers will soon be immersed in his world. Although the novel, being written in Elliot's voice, has simple sentence structure, it is not "dumbed-down." Elliot has a good vocabulary and incorporates occasional "big words" naturally into his narrative. On the whole, Elliot Stone is well written. It is a fun romp for child and parent alike, with a tightly knit, fast-paced plotline.
I had forgotten how much fun children's literature can be-- how great kids' books can make you want to sneak a peek at a novel under your desk during class. “Elliot Stone” made me look forward to a future day when I will be reading such books with my daughter.
--Skylar H. Burris, Editor, Ancient Paths Magazinehttp://www.editorskylar.com
Elliot is a believable and likeable character, and readers will soon be immersed in his world. Although the novel, being written in Elliot's voice, has simple sentence structure, it is not "dumbed-down." Elliot has a good vocabulary and incorporates occasional "big words" naturally into his narrative. On the whole, Elliot Stone is well written. It is a fun romp for child and parent alike, with a tightly knit, fast-paced plotline.
I had forgotten how much fun children's literature can be-- how great kids' books can make you want to sneak a peek at a novel under your desk during class. “Elliot Stone” made me look forward to a future day when I will be reading such books with my daughter.
--Skylar H. Burris, Editor, Ancient Paths Magazinehttp://www.editorskylar.com
New Writers Group on Facebook!
Rain Publishing invites you to join our writers group on Facebook called "Author Tips, Tricks and Links You Need To Succeed!"
This a peer-to-peer support group for writers and authors open to everyone.
This a peer-to-peer support group for writers and authors open to everyone.
Helping Children Cope
Helping Children Cope
Complex issues surrounding families today can be over whelming. Children’s book author creates stories to help children cope.
“If I were to describe what makes my stories unique, it would be the fact that each one contains a life lesson within. Most of my writing comes from real life experiences that I've experienced myself and was able write about,” commented author Jeff Yosick.
Over the past year and half author Jeff Yosick has shared his children’s picture books with many schools who have invited him to be a part of their annual "Right to Read" week.
“Sharing my books with the children in schools is probably my favorite part of being an author. A major part of my presentation is pointing out the different lessons within my books, but also encouraging the children to read and write.” Yosick replied.
Yosick has also been a public speaker for cancer organizations, girl scouts, military summer camps “Operation Purple” as well as schools. “Since most of my stories contain real life experiences, I'm not only able to share the book with an audience, but I can share the inspiration behind the book.” Yosick states passionately.
Yosick has been interviewed by different newspapers that reported on some of his school events, as well as a television station in Columbus, Ohio regarding the release of "Running the Race," a children's book about breast cancer, and various radio interviews.
“Being a children's author is absolutely wonderful. In a recent event I was asked by a student "How long do you plan to write?" My response to the young fellow was, "As long as I'm breathing, I'll be writing." It was the best way to convey my passion for not just writing, but writing to make a difference. It is my goal to continue to inspire, encourage, teach, and help through my writing. I want my stories to make a difference in the world,” Jeff said.
Yosick’s book Timmy and the Storm is a story geared to help children of military parents to understand why they are called to serve in a war. It is about a young boy named Timmy who is facing this exact situation. Through Timmy's mother's story about three little bunnies being protected in a storm, Timmy is able to understand what his father has been called to do. Timmy and the Storm was inspired when Jeff’s brother was called to serve in Iraq. The National Military Family Association is carrying the book as a educational source on their website.
The "Operation Purple" summer camps that the NMFA began conducting in 2007 is a perfect fir for Timmy and the Storm and its sequel "When Daddy Comes Home," which will be released in the spring of 2008 by Rain Publishing.
"Madison's Special Dolly is a story that I've had a lot of fun with sharing it in schools. It truly teaches the valuable lesson of giving from the heart” Yosick explains.
Running the Race is a children's book about breast cancer. The book takes the reader on a journey with Ashley and her family through the treatment process, and culminates with a special event that the whole family takes part in to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. This book was inspired by Jeff Yosick’s Mother, a breast cancer survivor since 2004.
“I've been very fortunate to have been able to present this book to cancer groups as it is very personal to me because it involved a very difficult time that our family faced together. It has made its way into breast cancer stores here in Columbus, Ohio- using the book to educate children and raise awareness.”
The next three releases in 2008 for Jeff Yosick by Rain Publishing will continue to offer inspiration and hope to families across the globe. Jeff plans to continue his public speaking and school visits. For more information regarding the upcoming releases, and when Jeff will be in a school in your area, contact the publisher direct, or visit www.rainbooks.com
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Complex issues surrounding families today can be over whelming. Children’s book author creates stories to help children cope.
“If I were to describe what makes my stories unique, it would be the fact that each one contains a life lesson within. Most of my writing comes from real life experiences that I've experienced myself and was able write about,” commented author Jeff Yosick.
Over the past year and half author Jeff Yosick has shared his children’s picture books with many schools who have invited him to be a part of their annual "Right to Read" week.
“Sharing my books with the children in schools is probably my favorite part of being an author. A major part of my presentation is pointing out the different lessons within my books, but also encouraging the children to read and write.” Yosick replied.
Yosick has also been a public speaker for cancer organizations, girl scouts, military summer camps “Operation Purple” as well as schools. “Since most of my stories contain real life experiences, I'm not only able to share the book with an audience, but I can share the inspiration behind the book.” Yosick states passionately.
Yosick has been interviewed by different newspapers that reported on some of his school events, as well as a television station in Columbus, Ohio regarding the release of "Running the Race," a children's book about breast cancer, and various radio interviews.
“Being a children's author is absolutely wonderful. In a recent event I was asked by a student "How long do you plan to write?" My response to the young fellow was, "As long as I'm breathing, I'll be writing." It was the best way to convey my passion for not just writing, but writing to make a difference. It is my goal to continue to inspire, encourage, teach, and help through my writing. I want my stories to make a difference in the world,” Jeff said.
Yosick’s book Timmy and the Storm is a story geared to help children of military parents to understand why they are called to serve in a war. It is about a young boy named Timmy who is facing this exact situation. Through Timmy's mother's story about three little bunnies being protected in a storm, Timmy is able to understand what his father has been called to do. Timmy and the Storm was inspired when Jeff’s brother was called to serve in Iraq. The National Military Family Association is carrying the book as a educational source on their website.
The "Operation Purple" summer camps that the NMFA began conducting in 2007 is a perfect fir for Timmy and the Storm and its sequel "When Daddy Comes Home," which will be released in the spring of 2008 by Rain Publishing.
"Madison's Special Dolly is a story that I've had a lot of fun with sharing it in schools. It truly teaches the valuable lesson of giving from the heart” Yosick explains.
Running the Race is a children's book about breast cancer. The book takes the reader on a journey with Ashley and her family through the treatment process, and culminates with a special event that the whole family takes part in to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. This book was inspired by Jeff Yosick’s Mother, a breast cancer survivor since 2004.
“I've been very fortunate to have been able to present this book to cancer groups as it is very personal to me because it involved a very difficult time that our family faced together. It has made its way into breast cancer stores here in Columbus, Ohio- using the book to educate children and raise awareness.”
The next three releases in 2008 for Jeff Yosick by Rain Publishing will continue to offer inspiration and hope to families across the globe. Jeff plans to continue his public speaking and school visits. For more information regarding the upcoming releases, and when Jeff will be in a school in your area, contact the publisher direct, or visit www.rainbooks.com
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