Archive for the ‘FYI’ Category
Posted by Karen Syed on July 28, 2010
Mary Cunningham needs your help to choose a character for the next Cynthia’s Attic Series book! Here’s how!
Listed below are 10 Cynthia’s Attic characters she’s considering for a returning role in Book Five. Leave a comment with your choice and an explanation as to why you think that character deserves to return.
What do you win? First is the Cynthia’s Attic book of your choice. You can wait for Book Five (She’ll reveal the title soon!) or you can choose one of the first four titles.
Now for the really fun part. If your character and comment is chosen, you’ll also be written in as a character in the new book! One winner will be chosen based on the most compelling reason.
Choose one:
*Louis – 10-year-old ghost – The Missing Locket
*Aunt Belle – Cynthia’s great-aunt – The Missing Locket
*Blackie – The evil clown – The Magic Medallion
*Jake – Cave guide and Gus’s dad – The Magic Medallion
*Gabriella – The fortuneteller – The Magic Medallion & Curse of the Bayou
*Jasmine - Mudbug’s mother – Curse of the Bayou
*Samantha - Cynthia’s excitable great-grandmother – Curse of the Bayou
*Linus - the unscrupulous antiques dealer – The Magician’s Castle
*Kathryn - Sebastian’s fiancée and assistant – The Magician’s Castle
*Molly - The dog that helps ‘dig up clues’ – The Magician’s Castle
So, let Mary know your choice and why! She has to start writing!!
Posted in FYI, Get Free Books, Reader Contests | 2 Comments »
Posted by Karen Syed on June 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
Click Cover to BUY NOW!
June 4, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–Wisconsin offers a great deal, but nothing more exciting than author J.R. Turner. On June 12-13, 2010 J.R. Turner will step onto the streets of Printers Row to spend time getting to know her fans and signing copies of her latest Young Adult Horror novel, SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER. This is the second novel in the highly praised Extreme Hauntings series featuring skater girl Kaylee Hensler. Turner will join 15 of her fellow Echelon Press authors in Chicago, IL for the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. As one of the Quake authors, Ms. Turner will be charming readers of all ages for two-fun-filled days of books! Also in attendance will be Quake (A division of Echelon Press LLC) authors, Norm Cowie (FANG FACE), Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY), Sam Morton (BETRAYED), Marlis Day (THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE), and Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN). No one will be disappointed with the chance to meet this extraordinary group of authors at Booth “FF” at the festival. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Award-winning author J.R. Turner lives in Central Wisconsin. Some might not find that exciting, but life with her husband and three children keeps her pretty busy and there is never a dull moment. She began writing in high school, and after a decade working as a commercial artist, started her first novel in 1999. Aside from crafts, camping and cooking, she loves holidays. A favorite is Halloween, a combination of spooky supernatural fun and chocolate. J.R. Turner is always on the lookout for new story ideas and loves to hear from her fans.
Turner is also the author of a half dozen adult romance and adventure novels that take readers on all kinds of escapades.
With the young readers in mind, Echelon Press selects their Quake authors very carefully. “We don’t want just anyone writing stories for the future generation. What kids read is extremely important. While we want our stories to be fun and entertaining, we also want to ensure that we maintain the importance of good values.” Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20, but they have found a much larger audience than expected. “Adults love our Quake books as much as the kids and this is humbling, as they are the ones who ultimately make the decisions on what their kids can read,” says owner Karen Syed.
President and CEO of Echelon Press states says “J.R. Turner is one of the most underrated authors in the industry. She has a truly remarkable voice for fiction. When I read her work it is like stepping out of my life and right into the stories. Her books just feel so right you never want them to end.”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, Buy Our Books, FYI | Tagged: authors, books, dead friends forever, DFF, ebooks, Echelon Press, extreme hauntings, fantasy, fiction, horror, jr turner, juvenile fiction, middle school, mystery, printers row, printers row lit fest, quake, reading, schools out 4-ever, teen, teen seen, tweens, young adult, young adult horror | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Karen Syed on June 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
Click Cover to BUY NOW!
June 4, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–Indiana author Marlis Day will be making a summer appearance with her ‘tween novel THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE at the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. As one of the Quake authors, the exhilarating Ms. Day will delight and entertain readers of all ages for two exciting days of adventure in bookland! Along with Marlis Day will be Quake (A division of Echelon Press LLC) authors, J.R. Turner (SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER), Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY), Sam Morton (BETRAYED), Norm Cowie (FANG FACE), and Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN). This–more than a little–lively group will embrace young readers (sometimes literally) at Booth “FF” on June 12-13, 2010 in Chicago, IL. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Marlis Day loved reading books about adventurous kids when she was a child. Like Sparky and Grey Bailey, she enjoyed riding her bike and looking for a mystery to solve. She imagined having dangerous and magical adventures like the two girl heroines in the town of Bailey’s Chase.
Later, she became a teacher and read exciting books to all of her students. She wrote three mysteries for adults. The Secret of Bailey’s Chase is her first book for middle-age readers. When it was released in 2008, Marlis visited many schools and discussed her book with students. She hopes her readers will delight in this sequel, Back to Bailey’s Chase.
The author lives with her husband in the rolling hills of southern Indiana where she is working on her next book. She loves to visit schools and read to kids. 
Echelon Press is tickled to bits with its Quake authors. Every story at Quake is unique. We make sure that each new story is another adventure for readers. Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20, but they have found a much larger audience than expected. “It’s a bonus for us. Plus, our authors understand the need for diversity and this inspires them to write stories that don’t just entertain, but educate as well,” says owner Karen Syed. “Most of the authors have children of their own and strive to ensure that the values they teach their children are apparent in the stories they write—even the fun ones.”
President and CEO of Echelon Press calls Marlis Day ”A little bit of wow! She is tireless in her quest to give kids great stories to read. She is constantly on the move to live life to the fullest and this really shows in the fullness of her stories.”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, Buy Our Books, FYI | Tagged: authors, books, ebooks, Echelon Press, fantasy, fiction, indiana, juvenile fiction, karen Syed, marlis day, middle school, mystery, printers row, printers row lit fest, quake, reading, teacher, the secrets of bailey's chase, tweens | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Karen Syed on June 3, 2010
For Immediate Release
- Click Cover to BUY NOW!
June 2, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–New Lenox, IL author Norm Cowie (Fang Face) will join 15 of his fellow Echelon Press authors on the streets of Printers Row in Chicago, IL for the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. As one of the Quake authors, Cowie will be mingling and entertaining readers of all ages for two-fun-filled days of books! Along with Norm Cowie will be Quake (A division of Echelon Press LLC) authors, J.R. Turner (SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER), Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY), Sam Morton (BETRAYED), Marlis Day (THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE), and Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN). This–more than a little–lively group will embrace young readers (sometimes literally) at Booth “FF” on June 12-13, 2010 in Chicago, IL. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Norm Cowie is the author of three humor novels, including Fang Face, his new Young Adult vampire book. He’s qualified to write about teens because he has two daughters who have gone through junior high, high school and the fifty hours of mandated parental-supervision Illinois driver’s education program. And because of his experience with blood-suckers (he works with attorneys during the day), he is also highly qualified to write about vampires. He’s a regular speaker at schools, Boy & Girl Scouts and won’t shut up at the dinner table. And, um, don’t believe the rumors about his baldness.
“I loved this book, fangs and all.” –James Rollins, best selling author of Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow
“Fang Face made me laugh.” –Raymond Benson (James Bond author)
“…genuinely funny…” –Taliesin, The Vampire’s Lair
Echelon Press is tickled to bits with their Quake authors. The fresh and innovative stories for young readers are great fun. Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20, but they have found a much larger audience than expected. “I never imagined adults would like our Quake books as much as they do. I think it will help bring parents closer to their kids by giving them something in common to talk about,” says owner Karen Syed. The authors not only put their hearts into every book they write, but they live for the personal interaction with readers. This fact has made them festival favorites across the nation. 
President and CEO of Echelon Press states calls Norm Cowie “One of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. His wicked sense of humor shines through in his writing and you can’t help but laugh out loud when reading his books. It’s such a relief to find good clean humor in books. Reading should be fun for kids!”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, Buy Our Books, FYI | Tagged: authors, books, ebooks, Echelon Press, fang face, fantasy, illinois, james bond, james rollins, juvenile fiction, middle school, new lenox, norm cowie, printers row, printers row lit fest, quake, raymond benson, reading, teen, tweens, vampires, young adult | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Karen Syed on May 30, 2010
For Immediate Release
- Click Cover to BUY BOOK
May 30, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–Columbia, SC author Sam Morton (BETRAYED) will be one of 16 Echelon Press authors signing his book at the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. With his debut Young Adult Novel, ex-professional wrestler, Sam Morton will join fellow Quake authors, J.R. Turner (SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER), Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN), Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY), Marlis Day (THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE), and Norm Cowie (FANG FACE). Nothing will stop this group of authors from entertaining and meeting readers at Tent “FF” on June 12-13, 2010 in Chicago, IL. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Sam Morton has led an interesting life. As a husband and father of two children, Sam understands the value of family. These values shine in his debut Young Adult novel BETRAYED. With illegal immigration being a hot button in today’s society, Sam goes beyond the political implications and touches on the emotional aspects and how the subject touches people of all ages.
Echelon Press is more than a little proud of their Quake authors who offer fresh and innovative stories for young readers to dive into. Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20. “It’s exciting to discover that adults enjoy our books as much as the young readers. It is totally gratifying,” says owner Karen Syed. The authors not only put their hearts into every book they write, but they live for the personal interaction with readers. This fact has made them festival favorites across the nation.
A 1985 graduate of The Citadel, Sam Morton is co-author of five fiction anthologies. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in English.
His past occupations include a 12 year-stint as a robbery/ homicide detective for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in Columbia, SC, a ten-year career as a professional wrestler, and one long week as the blade changer on the potato cutting machine at the Frito Lay plant in Charlotte, NC. He is a freelance writer for a host of national and regional periodicals.
The Quake authors have become favorites among the attendees of Printers Row, bringing back teachers, students, and librarians each year to find out what’s new and to just chat. Sam Morton is one of the reasons they keep coming back. Always quick with a story or a joke, both kids and adults look forward to hearing more about Sam’s escapades and adventures.
President and CEO of Echelon Press calls Sam Morton “A truly remarkable person in his abilities to communicate with people of all ages and to take life’s most controversial problems and write them into incredibly entertaining stories. He is truly a talented writer.”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, FYI, Serious | Tagged: authors, Betrayed, books, boys, ebooks, Echelon Press, illegal aliens, juvenile fiction, karen Syed, middle school, mystery, quake, reading, Sam Morton, teen, writers, young adult | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Karen Syed on May 29, 2010
For Immediate Release
- Click Cover to BUY BOOK
May 29, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–15-year-old Pennsylvania author Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN) will be one of 16 Echelon Press authors chatting up readers at the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. With the recent launch of her first Young Adult Novel, Kieryn Nicolas will join fellow Quake authors, J.R. Turner (SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER), Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY), Sam Sam Morton (BETRAYED), Marlis Day (THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE), and Norm Cowie (FANG FACE). This–more than a little–lively group will embrace young readers (sometimes literally) at Booth “FF” on June 12-13, 2010 in Chicago, IL. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Echelon Press is more than a little proud of their Quake authors who offer fresh and innovative stories for young readers to dive into. Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20. “It’s exciting to discover that adults enjoy our books as much as the young readers. It is totally gratifying,” says owner Karen Syed. The authors not only put their hearts into every book they write, but they live for the personal interaction with readers. This fact has made them festival favorites across the nation.
Having found her footing at an early age as a competitive figure skater, the ever-ambitious Kieryn Nicolas is adding to her resume of successes with the premier of her debut novel, RAIN. As one of the youngest authors to find publication with Quake, the Juvenile and Young Adult division of Echelon Press LLC, Kieryn is eager share her adventures with readers of her Young Adult Spy Adventure and anyone else who will listen.
The Quake authors have become favorites among the attendees of Printers Row, bringing back teachers, students, and librarians each year to find out what is new and to just chat. Kieryn Nicolas will be a very welcome addition as she will be the youngest author to attend with Echelon Press in its ten year history. Kieryn is thrilled at the prospect of being able to hang out and talk directly to her YA fans and readers.
President and CEO of Echelon Press states that Kieryn Nicolas is “a glimmer of hope for the future of books….This is a young girl who has been writing for as long as she can remember. She loves it, she embraces it, and she’s damn good at it! It is unusual to find a talent like Kieryn’s in someone so young. To have the drive and focus to write a novel at age 13 is beyond unique. Echelon Press is very proud to be working with Kieryn and is looking forward to sharing RAIN with everyone.”
Award winning author, Daryl Gregory, has this to say: “RAIN is an exciting ride. There are break-ins and abductions, narrow escapes and hand-to-hand combat, as well as baffling mysteries to solve. But the book also delves into the trials of adolescence: going to a new school, making new friends, and keeping old ones. Amber, AKA Mel, spy-girl extraordinaire, is something special, and so is Kieryn Nicolas, the young author of this book.”
And Pat Griffith, Head of Adult Services at Schlow Centre Region Library states: “This was an exciting adventure into the land of teen espionage…wonderful friendships and relationships throughout…. I especially enjoyed the weather connection and the twist at the end.”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, FYI, Serious | Tagged: authors, books, Chicago, ebooks, Echelon Press, IL, juvenile fiction, Kieryn Nicolas, mystery, printers row, printers row lit fest, quake, Rain, reading, teen, writers, writing, young adult | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Karen Syed on May 28, 2010
For Immediate Release
Click Cover to BUY BOOK
May 28, 2010–Laurel, Maryland–Nashville author Nick Valentino (THOMAS RILEY) will be one of 16 Echelon Press authors signing his book at the 2010 Printers Row Lit Fest. With the recent launch of his debut Young Adult Novel, Nick Valentino will join fellow Quake authors, J.R. Turner (SCHOOL’S OUT 4-EVER), Kieryn Nicolas (RAIN), Sam Morton (BETRAYED), Marlis Day (THE SECRETS OF BAILEY’S CHASE), and Norm Cowie (FANG FACE). Nothing will stop this group of authors from entertaining and meeting readers at Tent “FF” on June 12-13, 2010 in Chicago, IL. The Quake authors will be signing books, talking about eBooks, and doing photo opps with readers over the entire weekend. You can find more information on Printers Row online or contact the Chicago Tribune.
Echelon Press is more than a little proud of their Quake authors who offer fresh and innovative stories for young readers to dive into. Quake, a division of Echelon Press, was developed specifically to reach readers between the ages of 10 and 20. “It’s exciting to discover that adults enjoy our books as much as the young readers. It is totally gratifying,” says owner Karen Syed. The authors not only put their hearts into every book they write, but they live for the personal interaction with readers. This fact has made them festival favorites across the nation.
Nick Valentino is a creative force to be reckoned with. Possessing talent in a variety of creative venues, this young dynamo is a musician, an artist, and now an author. Over the years, Valentino has tried his hand and succeeded at many things, but he seems to have found a real niche in the Steampunk genre of novels. With thousands of books sold in a very short time, he has become a favorite among Steampunk fans and industry professionals. He has recently been approached about the possibility of his THOMAS RILEY character being adapted into a graphic novel.
The Quake authors have become favorites among the attendees of Printers Row, bringing back teachers, students, and librarians each year to find out what’s new and to just chat. Nick Valentino will be in attendance at the Lit Fest for the first time this year. If his appearances at prior events since the release of THOMAS RILEY are any indication, the crowds will be large and happy around the Echelon Press/Quake tent.
President and CEO of Echelon Press says Nick Valentino is “A sight to behold in all his Steampunk regalia. Always smiling and charming readers of all ages and from all walks of life, Nick is just incredible.”
For more info on Echelon Press, Quake, or any of its authors contact Karen Syed at echelonpress@gmail.com or 301-490-2507. On site Interviews can be arranged for the Printers Row Lit Fest.
Posted in Author Spotlights, FYI, Serious | Tagged: authors, books, chicago tribune, ebooks, Echelon Press, fantasy, fiction, juvenile fiction, karen Syed, Kieryn Nicolas, nick valentino, printers row, printers row lit fest, quake, Rain, reading, Sam Morton, sky pirates, steampunk, young adult | Leave a Comment »
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