After the Last PR by Dave Griffin

What an inspiration this book is. And not just for runners.

Written as a collection of stories from the authors life, Mr. Griffin talks about his family, his friends and his career and how his dedication to and love of running helped him enjoy all those things.

As a novice runner myself, this book gave me inspiration and a feeling of acceptance. I am the only runner in my family, so when I talk about endorphins or the “need” to run, I get blank stares or shrugs and shaking heads. They don’t get it. They don’t understand that need to run.

Mr. Griffin does. And so do millions of other runner out there on the planet. Like in chapter five, the Chapter on Discipline. To a runner discipline is more than the act of running. It is the ritual of connecting with something larger than ourselves. The experience of the outdoors, of time and space that brings us back again and again, no matter how hot or cold it is. We go. We know that once we get moving, our bodies will adjust, we will complete our task at hand and return, refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. And because we have accomplished this task of running, we will accomplish our other tasks. This is something a runner knows.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. First, as a runner, I could relate to the stories. Second, also as a runner, this book provides me with the inspiration I sometimes need to get my shoes on, get outside and run. Because like so many others out there, I don’t always feel like doing it. So I keep this book first by my shoes to remind me that I’m not the only one who can come up with reasons not to do it, and for all the reasons I should. Then after my run I keep it on my desk for more inspiration. I’m telling you, this is good stuff!

Blog Talk Radio is Making Changes

In February 2011 Blog Talk Radio is going to change their membership policies, which could affect Page Readers.

I've been hosting Page Readers at Blog Talk Radio since March 2008.  I've always used their free membership and have a wonderful experience with the service.  Because I don't charge authors for being on the show or blog, the free membership at BTR worked for me.

They do offer a Revenue Sharing option, but to be honest, that isn't going to make me rich, or even pay a bill or two.  Even though Page Readers is averaging 1,000+ listens per month the Revenue Sharing option nets me about $1.00 a month.  And since their payout threshold is $25.00... you can see paychecks from BTR are few and far between.

So now they're telling me and all the other free members of the site that in order to continue using their service as is, we'll have to start paying for it.  They are putting restrictions on the free membership:  One show a day, no shows during "Prime Time," and no Private Episodes.  

I will keep you all posted on this development.  I don't think this will change the way I host Page Readers, as I can't imagine that noon on a weekday is "Prime Time," one show a day works for me, and I'm pretty sure I'm not hosting "Private Episodes," since all my shows are open to the public.  We'll see.

In the meantime, I'm open to change.  If any of you have a suggestion or use a different way to create your own podcasts, let me know.  I have added other ways for authors to appear on and be promoted by Page Readers but I definitely want to continue offering live/recorded interviews because that really is the fun part of the work I do here.

Belinda Kroll talks Quirky Historical Fiction on Page Readers

Belinda Kroll joined me on Page Readers to talk about her newest novel "Haunting Miss Trentwood."

Belinda describes her work as Quirky Historical Fiction because she adds in such interesting twists that she just can't call it regular historical fiction.  After talking with her about her work, I'd say she's got it right.

Haunting Miss Trentwood is about a young woman who set aside her own life to take care of her father at the end of his life.  Then during his funeral, his daughter sees him climb out of his casket and continues to have to deal with him and his fatherly input as she tries to get on with her life again.  Sound quirky enough for you?

But, this wasn't even the best part of the interview!  Belinda wrote and self published her first book, "Catching the Rose" almost a decade ago when she was in high school.  In Internet speak, a decade ago is an eternity - I think we were still listening to dial tones that far back!  And self publishing?  It certainly wasn't as easy as CreateSpace is today!

Connect with Belinda online at www.worderella.com.  See if you can keep up with this talented and driven author!

Harvey Stelman and Andy Nathan create "Eyes of Emerald"

Listen to Harvey Stelman and Andy Nathan talk about their novel Eyes of Emerald.

These two were a lot of fun to talk with. 

Eyes of Emerald started off as a story told by Harveys' father.  As Harvey put it, "a two minute story" about a relative and her extraordinary life, that captured his imagination enough that he retold the story to Andy and the two of them brought the story to life by adding in a bit of historical fiction.

I especially liked hearing Andy talk about their decision to self-publish this book.  Once they had it done, they didn't want to wait for a traditional publisher.  And, because self publishing has become so easy to do, they felt this was the best avenue for their work.  Love it!

Visit them on the web at http://www.eyesofemerald.com/

Anjuelle Floyd Discusses Relationships of the Heart in "The House"

Anjuelle Floyd joined me on Page Readers to discuss her new release "The House."

In her second release, author Anjuelle Floyd poses the question: Could you care for your dying ex-spouse?  I think the second part of that question should be, and do it with grace and dignity?

The House is a complex story of Ana who must come to terms with her own anger towards her ex-husband as she helps care for him in the last weeks of his life.  Along the way she learns how her marriage has affected her children and their relationships, and now she must help them unlearn their own patterns of dysfunction.

In the end, well, I guess I can't tell you about the end.  You'll just have to read it for yourself!

Anjuelle just finished up a November blog tour, where she was able to really connect with her readers.  She said it was fun, she learned a lot about what her fans like and interestingly, a lot about her characters.  Check out her website at http://www.anjuellefloyd.com/ where she has links to the tour and so much more.

And be sure to watch for upcoming events Anjuelle has planned!