Brian L Porter: Recommended Read

Coming in the Spring of 2008- Glastonbury (Rain Publishing Inc.)- by Brian L Porter.
www.rainbooks.com


In The News;
Brian L Porter's recent paperback and e-book release 'A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper' (Double Dragon Publishing) was recently listed as a 'Recommended Read' by Terri Dukes of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques.

An extract from the review
"I was immediately struck by the enormous amount of research that went into A Study in Red (The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper). It brought 18th century London to life, making the story almost palpable. For over a hundred years, the mystery of Jack the Ripper has been investigated, written about, and discussed, but never like this. I could feel the cobblestones under my feet, hear the horses and carriages and smell the foul air of the London back alleyways.

The journal was an interesting tool, bringing the reader directly into Jack’s world and the insanity inflicting him. Experiencing the journal with Robert was intense as the mysteries unfold page by page. The suspense kept me engrossed well into the late evening hours, just as Robert had… I can feel the goose bumps now.

The identity of Jack the Ripper has been explored, but never in such a deliciously nail biting manner. Although fiction, the possibilities of who Jack really was and where he came from as well as his unfortunate victims felt all too real thanks to the obvious hard work of the author to create this sensational tale."

A video trailer of the novel is available to view on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuKKNPbzIF8

Since the release of the book Brian has been accepted as a member of The Whitechapel Society 1888, an organisation set up to investigate the murders of Jack the Ripper, and the history of Victorian London in general.

So I say again, sleep, fair citizens, while you can, for there will be a next time... From 'A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper' by Brian L Porter available from www.amazon.com, www.waterstones.com , www.barnes&noble.com, www.powells.com and others

Visit the author's websites at www.freewebs.com/brianlp
www.freewebs.com/astudyinred
www.glastonburythenovel.webs.com
http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BrianLPorter

When Daddy Comes Home

When Daddy Comes Home, Spring-Summer 2008
Jeff Yosick
Children’s Picture Books 7+

Timmy’s father serves in the military and has been called to serve in a war. It was very difficult to say goodbye to him, but a tale told by his mother helped him to better understand what his father was called to do.

The sequel to “Timmy and the Storm,” is a journey with Timmy and his mother through the year spent separated from his father.

Timmy and his mother share many wonderful moments in the story. Timmy finds comfort and support through activities with his classmates, friends, and his mother.

As Timmy and his mother watch the changing of the seasons and the months slowly pass by, they continue to wait patiently for the day to be together with his father again.


Jeff Yosick grew up in the small town of New Washington, Ohio. He began writing poetry while in high school and early adulthood before being inspired to write children’s stories.

Currently Jeff has four picture books released; Timmy and the Storm, Madison’s Special Dolly and a second edition of Running the Race will be available in the fall of 2008.

Jeff believes that most of life’s greatest spiritual and everyday life lessons can be found between the covers of a book. It is his goal to write stories that will inspire, offer hope, and a sense of direction that will make a difference for the children of this generation and for those to follow.

Jeff currently resides in Blacklick, Ohio, with his wife, daughter and two sons.

My Grandmother Summer

My Grandma Summer, Spring 2008
My Grandma Winter, Fall 2008
Bernadette Gabay Dyer
Children’s Picture Books, 6+

These heartwarming stories are set in Toronto, Montreal and the Caribbean focusing on a young biracial youth named Philip, and his two beloved grandmothers.
Both grandmothers have their own unique way of making Philip feel special.
And though one grandmother is Oriental, and the other is Caribbean, both grandmothers feel that Philip is just like her.

Join Philip’s Grandmothers as they share their unique cultures and home and find out why Philip is just like ‘each’ of his grandmothers after all!

Bernadette Gabay Dyer was born in Kingston Jamaica, where she graduated from The Immaculate Conception High School, as well as The Jamaica School Of Art, having specialized in Painting and Design
She was trained as a teacher at Toronto’s Lakeshore Teacher’s College, before becoming a novelist, a poet, a storyteller, a short story writer and a playwright.

Bernadette has told stories on CBC Radio, as well as a variety of Toronto venues, that include the popular 1001 Nights Storytelling Series, and festivals at Nathan Phillips Square.

She has read from her own work at Harbor Front, Lees Palace, the University Of Toronto, and numerous other locations.

Her work has been anthologized in several collections and appeared in Canadian literary magazines as well as literary magazines from the University of London England, a journal from France, and a literary magazine from the University of Miami Florida.

“Villa Fair” her multiethnic collection of short stories was published in 2000 by Beach Holme Publishers in Vancouver.

Her historical novel, “Waltzes I Have Not Forgotten” set between the World Wars was published in 2004 by Women’s Press, adding her maiden name Bernadette Gabay Dyer. Bernadette is one of the authors interviewed in the 2006 collection of author interviews entitled Why We Write, edited by H. Nigel Thomas and published by TSAR Publications. She lives and works in Toronto.

Her young adult fantasy novel “Abductors” was released in 2007 by Rain Publishing.

Sun God, Book 5 of The Death Wizard Chronicles

The Death Wizard Chronicles, Book Five, Spring 2008
Sun God
Jim Melvin
Adult Fantasy Series

Two dreadful enemies — the fiends of the desert and the druids of the forest — have been destroyed by the forces of good. But Nissaya, the dark fortress, is overrun —and a slaughter of horrific proportions ensues. After its gruesome victory at the fortress, Mala’s army marches toward Jivita to face what remains of the weary white horsemen, whose defeat of the druids came with a heavy price.

A final battle between good and evil takes places on the Green Plains east of Jivita, and finally Mala is defeated. But though his armies now are in ruins, Invictus (the Sun God) still wields invincible power. The evil sorcerer recaptures Laylah and takes her back to his tower in the city of Avici, out of reach of Torg, the man she loves.

Eventually, Torg (the Death Wizard) journeys to Avici and defeats Invictus, with the help of Vedana and a snow giant. But an unthinkable event already has occurred, setting the scene for Book Six (Death-Know).



Jim Melvin, 50, was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but spent more than forty years of his life in St. Petersburg, Fla. He now lives in Clemson, S.C. Jim graduated from the University of South Florida (Tampa) with a B.A. in Journalism in 1979. He was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and retired in 2004 to become a full-time novelist. At the Times, he specialized in science, nature, health and fitness, and he wrote about everything from childhood drowning to erupting volcanoes. But he spent the majority of his career as a designer, editor, and supervisor. Jim is a student of Eastern philosophy and mindfulness meditation, both of which he weaves extensively into his work. Meditation helps to clear his mind for long bouts of writing. Jim is married and has five daughters. The Death Wizard Chronicles, a six-book epic fantasy series, marks his debut as a novelist.

Silly Spoon by LP Chase

Silly Spoon, Spring 2008
L.P. Chase
Children’s Picture Book, 3+


Written in verse, Silly Spoon tells the tale of a cute little spoon in the silverware tray that wishes he could be something more. He measures his importance against other utensils imagining what it would be like, if only he were a fork or if only he were a knife. Silly Spoon ultimately discovers how important he really is through the love of a little boy. Who knew chocolate milk could be so much fun?

A great self-esteem conversation starter.


Initially known for her middle grade mystery series, beginning with Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Alien Mom, L.P. Chase has gone on to publish several other works of fiction including, Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Backyard Treasure, Today is Tuesday, Silly Spoon and the upcoming I’m Not Sticky. Chase plans on continuing the Elliot Stone series and is in the process of writing the third installment. L.P. Chase enjoys visiting schools and speaking to children about being an author. In addition to writing, Chase is working toward a degree in Social Work. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, exercising, baking, and reading. Chase resides with her family in Smithtown, New York.

The Spring Line Up

Rain Publishing Inc announced today their upcoming Spring Line up of releases. For details on all the new releases in 2008--be sure to visit the "Coming Soon" page on the Rain Publishing website at http://www.rainbooks.com/.

My Grandmother Summer, by Bernadette Gabay Dyer
When Daddy Comes Home, By Jeff Yosick
The Death Wizard Chronicles, Book 5, by Jim Melvin
Silly Spoon, by L.P. Chase

More details per title will be posted soon! Be sure to sign up for the FREE monthy Rain Books newsletter today!

Nefarious Muse

Colin O'Sullivan, author of Anhedonia and Majo, has a wonderful short story posted on the Nefarious Muse website called "You Decide"

To read the complete story visit: http://nefariousmuse.com/

For more information regarding Anhedonia or Majo, visit www.rainbooks.com, or www.amazon.com

2007 CAL Writers Award Winners

Rain Publishing Inc. Presents Annual Writing Awards

March 15, 2008, Rain Publishing Inc. recognized 5 authors on February 27 for their first annual CAL Writers awards. The awards were based on reader involvement, and ‘votes’ for the most popular of the Rain Publishing authors released through 2007.

2007 CAL WRITERS AWARD WINNERS

Jeff Yosick received 1st place for his exemplary children’s picture book, Timmy and The Storm. A heart warming story about a mother who explains to a young boy named “Timmy” the importance of duty as his father is called to war. Yosick’s ability to take internationally diverse issues such as war, breast cancer, poverty, and family separation and turn them into inspirational stories that a child can understand is what sets this author apart from the main stream.

Yosick says, “I was inspired to write my first book "Timmy and the Storm" by my brother, who serves in the U.S. Army. I wanted to find a way to help children who have parents serving in tough places such as Iraq. It was my goal to help them better understand what they were called to do, but I also wanted to teach all children about the subject. War is a very difficult thing to understand and accept.”

Yosick has three current children’s picture books, Bryanna and the Sand, Madison’s Special Dolly and the above mentioned Timmy and the Storm. look for the upcoming When Daddy Comes Home, One Penny, One Hope and the 2nd Release of Running the Race in 2008.

L.P. Chase received 2nd place for her exceptional middle grade title “Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Alien Mom”. This is the first book in the Elliot Stone Mystery series by L.P. Chase. Elliot is a nine year old boy that overhears his mother in a telephone conversation. “I’m afraid I’m beginning to turn green already,” she says, and Elliot thinks she must be turning into an alien. Elliot is determined to get to the bottom of things, so with the help of his friends, Jake and Cassie, he comes up with a master plan. The trio put together a plan to have a sleep over and investigate the situation. What happens next is suspenseful, funny, and full of surprises. Parents and children alike will enjoy following Elliot and his friends on this unforgettable mission.

L.P. Chase has gone on to publish several other works of fiction including, Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Backyard Treasure, Today is Tuesday, Silly Spoon and the upcoming I’m Not Sticky. Chase plans on continuing the Elliot Stone series and is in the process of writing the third installment.

Debut novelist Jim Melvin received the third-place award for the six-book epic fantasy series entitled The Death Wizard Chronicles. “I describe my series as a cross between J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King – Tolkien because it contains many aspects of epic fantasy, King because it’s pretty darn scary and rough," Melvin says. "The Death Wizard Chronicles is a classic tale of good versus evil, with lots of action, monsters, and magic. It also contains a very compelling love story.”

Jim was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and retired in 2004 to become a full-time novelist. At the Times, he specialized in science, nature, health and fitness, and he wrote about everything from childhood drowning to volcanoes. He also was a designer, editor, and supervisor.

Jim is a student of Eastern philosophy and mindfulness meditation, both of which he weaves extensively into his work.

Author of Merit Awards were given to P.L. Reed-Wallinger, and Joanna Shawana.

P.L. Reed-Wallinger is known for her crime romance novels Dark Secrets and Forbidden Fantasies, and will be releasing her third Obscene Obsessions in 2008. Her young adult romance “Emma’s Choice” has been well received in the 16+ age group.

P.L. researches each criminal element in her borderline erotic romance novels. Her characters as well have strong human layers that women readers can easily relate to. “I believe the human spirit is an amazing thing. We are stronger than we realize, and for the most part, I think we really try to do the right thing. Through the adversities, difficulties, pain and uncertainty my characters live through, I want that spirit to shine...I want them to dig deep and find the strength and courage to overcome.”

Joanna Shawana, an Ojibwe/Odawa member of the eagle clan is speaking out against violence, especially within the aboriginal communities in her work Voice of an Eagle.. Her poetry, and aboriginal teaching prose is an inspirational testimony for women that healing can be found after abuse.

Shawana says, “My goal in life is to share my voice, for too many, and too long we have lived in the silence of abuse. I believe that the voices of men, women and children can make a difference to stop abuse. Most women who have experienced mental, verbal, physical or sexual abuse are ashamed and blame themselves and suffer in silence.”

Tilly Rivers CEO of Rain Publishing Inc. states “The CAL Writers Awards” has personal meaning to me. Being able to share the first of what is to be an annual event with the readers, fans and our authors is a great beginning and something that I am very proud of.”

For more information regarding these authors please visit their websites, and/or the Rain Publishing Inc. website; a complete list follows.