Reader's Eden
Issue Two, Volume One

TITLE: Christopher Cuthbert Caterpillar
Author: Daphne Taylor
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
ISBN: 9781921314322

An unusual friendship exists between Christopher Cuthbert Caterpillar and Mervyn Magpie.

Christopher Cuthbert has been warned it will be too dangerous to attend Mervyn's birthday party, but full of bravado, he thinks he can take care of himself.

In trying to prove this, he learns the hard lesson that we can't always do what we want to do.

TITLE: Blood Bred Series Book 2: From the Heart
Author: JennaKay Francis
GENRE: Fantasy (Vampire)
ISBN: 192097296X

Baris had everything.. . a wife he worshipped, a child he adored, a life of comfort and security. But it changes suddenly and dramatically, with no explanation. Anika, his wife, shuns him and orders him to leave her side. His child claims that his mama is not really his mama. And Dierdre, a devastatingly beautiful young woman slides into Baris' life, seduction on her mind.

When Baris attempts to take his wife to the Lair to be healed, she flees, leaving him alone with his child and Dierdre. To add to his agony, the child is bitten by a poisonous snake and Baris takes him to the Lair to save his life. Once reunited with Dierdre, the pair set off in search of Anika. But as the days turn to weeks with no sign of his wife, Baris must accept that possibility that she does not wish to be found.

As his life grows increasingly entangled with Dierdre, he makes the mistake of feeding on a young man who is addicted to a powerful drug called Hack. Baris is soon addicted as well, and now must struggle to reclaim everything that he once held dear. Or die.

TITLE: Altar of Shulaani
Author: Margaret Pearce
GENRE: Young Adult Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781921314346

Mike welcomed the chance to spend his holidays with his father on an archaeological dig.

Tracing the ancient caravan routes across the baking desert turned into a completely different kind of adventure, however, when Mike stumbled through a time warp into an ancient world ...

TITLE: Blood Bred Series Book 3: New Beginnings
Author: JennaKay Francis
GENRE: Fantasy: Vampire
ISBN: 9781921314353

A powerful Vector roams the dark alleys and streets searching for his next victim. But he is not interested in those with normal blood, only those in whose veins runs blood thick with hack. And if Adan can't find someone who has just ingested the potent drug, he will use his powers to coerce them to do so before he feeds.

For Darius, the Vector Sovereign, Adan has become a problem. A problem he needs to fix.

Last month we promised that we would release the next book in Will Greenway's Reality's Plaything Series, and here it finally is!

Book 4 will be only a few short weeks away too, as it is only waiting on the cover art....

TITLE: Reality's Plaything Book 3: Eternal's Agenda
Author: Will Greenway
GENRE: Fantasy/Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781921314308

Always a catch?

For Bannor Starfist, the savant of reality, nothing is easy including getting married.

Fresh off a duel with allfather Odin, Bannor tries to start a new life in Malan with his cherished betrothed, Sarai. He hopes the worst of his troubles will be preparing for the elaborate royal marriage ceremonies. As usual, things don't go according to plan...

Creation, annihilation, perpetuity.. . the words boom in Bannor's mind through his magical nola powers. The message is just a pre-cursor to another big mess done Garmtur style. Daena, the savant of attractions turned immortal goddess, is up to something and Advocate Eternal Koass is anything but happy.

Bannor goes to Eternity's Heart to speak on Daena's behalf and ends up the Shael Dal's latest draftee. The Protectorate has a problem. A million blood-thirsty war-mages are running rampant through the Ring Realms destroying everything they come in contact with. The difficulty is, nobody can find them... except maybe someone with the reality bending power of the Garmtur Shak'Nola.

Bannor decides to help but learns the hard way. No good deed goes unpunished.. .

TITLE: Bernie Bolton's Brother
Author: Sheryle Criswell
GENRE: Mid-Grade Reader
ISBN: 9781921314339

Bernie Bolton was only a few short days from turning ten when disaster struck!

As she baby-sat her stepbrother, Kirby, the worst possible thing happened. Worse even than getting Miss Boggs for fourth grade!

As Kirby climbed a tree, and tried to touch the sky from the very highest branch -- he fell!

Afterwards he was in a deep sleep the doctors called "a coma".

Bernie tried everything to wake him, from prayers, which she wasn't very good at, to intimidation, which she was, to loud Elvis music and peanut butter. Nothing worked, until Emmy suggested visiting Mr. Ralston. He was the oldest person in the neighborhood.

His house was old, and cluttered, and kind of creepy... and it smelled like fish, lots of old stinky fish. It was also full of cats...everywhere. But Mr. Ralston made wonderful cookies, and had a mysterious, secret box, which he opened for the girls after telling them a story from his childhood. A story filled with wonder and a little magic... the kind that might wake Kirby from his long sleep.

Sunday the Vegan
by Margaret Pearce
Mid-Grade Reader
Word Count: 1,754

You can't blame the dog for being an aggressive killer if its breeding and training is distorted to produce a killing machine. Dogs only want to be your perfect and loyal companions, protectors, guides and helpers. This tale is about a dog that overcame its breeding and training to become what it really needed to be.

This short story is for young children.

Download the book from the Reader's Eden Community Area

Have you been waiting for the release of Will Greenway's Reality's Plaything Book 3: Eternal's Agenda? If so, here's your chance to win a free copy. To win, just make sure you are signed up to receive the Reader's Eden newsletter. The winner will be selected by random drawing from the subscriber list and notified via email. Winners will also be announced in next month's newsletter.

Last month's lucky winners were jodygoetten@hotmail.com, who will receive a copy of Will Greenway's Shadows of the Avatar, and mommyfour@hotmail.com, who will receive a copy of Michelle Levigne's Hoven Quest.

Good luck!

In this issue, Wendy Laing talks about writing, life and childhood:

Rita: What one thing, or one person influenced you to write the most? Was it a favorite relative, a unforgettable character in your own life, or perhaps an interesting situation that led you to the path of writing?

Wendy Laing: I always liked to create stories. I used to create imaginative verbal tales, relating to my favourite toy, Humpty Dumpty, and I think I nearly drove my late mother to distraction with the many adventures of Humpty. Naturally, when I learnt to write, I loved creative writing at school. In my final year at school, my English teacher said that one day I should write a book, but wisely advised me to get a career behind me first.

Rita: How old were you when you wrote your first story, novel, or poetry, and what was the reaction from your friends, and family?

Wendy Laing: I wrote my first serious poetry and short stories when I was doing my under graduate Arts Degree. I majored in Professional writing and Communications, so I learned to hone my writing skills. Short story writing is a great way to get rid of the unnecessary fluff and helps when writing a novel. My first novel, "Captain Angus, the Lighthouse Ghost" was published in 1999. My family and friends were fascinated that I was an "author".

Rita: What work are you the most proud of and why?

Wendy Laing: That's a difficult one to answer, but I guess, to be honest, my first book was my proudest achievement. It was a finalist in the EPPIE 2000 awards in the children's books section. It was the only Aussie book in that section, and I was thrilled that a book about Australian history and heritage was so well received in America.

Rita: Give us an inside glimpse of who you really are...tell us about yourself, in other words. But make it interesting as though you were writing a dime novel of yesteryear.

Wendy Laing: I've always been a "Jill of all Trades", “ don't know about being the "Master of none" bit, because as a kid I was an all rounder in sport. I copped the usual sporting injuries, playing softball, baseball, basketball, tennis, squash (I think you call it racquetball in the USA). My music teacher was always nervous, near exam times, worrying that I might dislocate a finger or get some such injury, and not be able to play the piano. I've always love animals, being brought up in a household with cats, dogs, a turtle, a cockatoo, "chooks" (hens and a rooster) in a lovely shed in the back yard, canaries, budgerigars, and my brother and I even bred white mice and guinea pigs!

I love to paint, and excelled at art at school. After my final year as school captain and being Dux of the school, I went straight to teachers college, mainly because I didn't really know what else I wanted to do. I taught for four years, and then became a curriculum consultant for three years, before I realized that I needed broader horizons. So I became an international travel consultant for the next twelve years. I loved the direct contact with people from all walks of life. I ended up working in International Airlines in both cargo and passenger & ticket offices €“ wow! I could tell you some wonderful tales €“ but you'll have to wait until my hubby, Dave and I finish writing "Tarmac Tales" a fun book of tales from our combined 50 odd years in the industry. Whilst doing my Arts degree, I qualified as a professional dog trainer. Hmm, maybe I should write a book about some of the funny things that happened to me during that 4 year period. I love writing humourous tales €“ and last week, was advised that my funny crime short story, has been short listed for the local "Sisters in Crime" Stiletto Award. Guess I'd better give a copy to Sandy to put in the short stories section.

Rita: Did you suffer pitfalls when trying to get published, or was it a breeze? Be honest, your readers will appreciate it.

Wendy Laing: I submitted many times to "big" publishers who gave the usual response "Liked the story, but it doesn't quite fit into our proposed budget this year". I decided to set up my own website and put up some of my good short stories written at University, simply for people to read and enjoy. Within a month, I got an approach from Aliske Webb, of the former "Bookmice publishing" E-book company. "Do you have a kid's book manuscript?" My response was, "Your betcha!' I sent her "Cappy" which became Captain Angus, the Lighthouse Ghost - So I was lucky, lucky, lucky! I guess I made my own way by deciding to utilize the web to let everyone know that I could write and my persistence paid off.

Rita: Do you stick with one genre or do you venture to several? If so, which ones?

Wendy Laing: I like several genres; poetry (formal poetry), Australian bush poetry, kids books, (involving time travel), and of course mystery/crime. The latter has become my favourite, especially my mystery/paranormal series with Jane Doe. Mystery writing is demanding in that not only the plot sequence is important, but the research needs to be spot on, or readers quickly tell you that something is not possible. I've also gone into creating the audio versions of my books, which has been a labour of love with talented voice actress, Amy Howard Wilson. Australian "truckies" seem to love all my work including my bush poetry!

Rita: Most writers have a very private or solitary life compared to others.  Describe a typical day in your writing life.

Wendy Laing: I try to write something every day but don't always succeed, especially at the moment as Dave & I are in the middle of packing up to move house. We can't believe the rubbish that we've hoarded over 22 years in this house. When I'm actually writing a book, especially a sequel in a series, I have many plans in my head, which I then try to work out a sequential plot, answering the usual mystery questions, "what happened", "how, when and why", and take the perspective of Jane Doe, putting myself into her character, trying to sold the murder mystery as a police detective. Dave will tell you that once I'm immersed in writing a book, I'll often be up in the middle of the night, tap, tapping on the keyboard, after I've thought of something to add to the story.

Rita: Did you dream of being a writer, or were you meant for other things? In other words, did you just wake up one morning and decide you were going to write the great American novel, or did it happen by accident€like a wonderful essay written in class. Dig deep and tell us why you €œhad€� to be a writer.

Wendy Laing: As I've said earlier, I always enjoyed writing, but I guess once I decided to go back to university as a mature age student to do the degree that I didn't do when I left school I finally found a course that put me right into the world of writing. I even completed my masters post grad degree in professional writing a couple of years ago mainly because I felt that I needed to put something back into the academic world in academic form to spread the word about electronic and digital print publishing for creative writers.

Rita: What's your greatest ambition, your greatest work? This is your own opinion, not everyone else's.

Wendy Laing: I think my greatest work to date has been my masters thesis titled; Severance Packages a crime/paranormal novel and exegesis focusing of the electronic and digital publication of creative writing. E-books! Yay! The University wanted me to do my PHD but I've had enough of the constraints of academia, and prefer to get back to my creative side (grin). So I'm currently planning the plot outline for "Haunted heart" the third of the Jane Doe series.

Rita: Writers such as Poe, Hemmingway, Faulkner, are remembered certain ways by their readers. How would you like to be remembered?

Wendy Laing: I think I'd like to be remembered for my writing flexibility. I've done a little journalism in the local paper, and I still love poetry and short stories, which I feel are a great way to hone writing skills. In the end I guess I'd be pretty proud if my Jane Doe series continues to be appreciated by my readers.

Rita: What are you working on now, and how soon do you expect it?

Wendy Laing: Once we've moved house on the 29th November, I hope to get stuck into Haunted Heart and also try to sit hubby Dave down to continue our Tarmac Tales. How soon? Hmmm, that's impossible to answer, as I've learnt over the last couple of years that I'm not a good editor of my own work, and I need to slow down my writing process, especially the re-writing, editing side. Thanks, Jenna for your invaluable input to this side of my work. "I've listened, Jenna, and I promise to give you a cleaner manuscript next time". (grin)

Rita: How do you get ideas for novels or short stories?

Wendy Laing: News stories are great for triggering ideas. Severance Packages came from a news item in Melbourne "Body parts found at a rubbish tip". Wow! What a great premise.

Rita: Research is involved in most writing, how much do you do, and to what extent do you go to get the facts?

Wendy Laing: I do a lot of research, especially into police procedures, and forensics. Melbourne's chief pathologist was a terrific help when I co-authored Mirror, Mirror. He kindly helped me with answers regarding accurate images and information regarding bodies found in water!

Rita: At a party would you describe yourself as observant of characteristics and mannerisms or are you too busy being the life of the party?

Wendy Laing: All my life I've loved observing people, at parties, family gatherings, whilst shopping, at airports, doctor surgeries, hospitals, you name it. Being a trained teacher also has helped me in observation of human nature, and body language.

Rita: What would you like to convey to your readers, given the chance here to do so?

Wendy Laing: I hope my readers enjoy my stories as much as I've enjoyed writing them. Like an actor, writers are story tellers. I get a real kick out of getting feedback from my readers, even if it is critical this helps me keep on track. After all my readers are my lifeline!

Rita: Please list your books, your url, and your e-mail so our readers can contact you.

Wendy Laing:
Captain Angus, the Lighthouse Ghost (children's)
Sir Henry, the Knight in Space (children's)
Mind's Eye, and imagery of remembered Scenes (poetry)
Under the Coolabah Tree (Australian Bush Poetry)
Cock of the Walk (mystery)
Flowers from the Grave' (mystery/paranormal)
Severance Packages (mystery/paranormal)
Mirror, Mirror (mystery) co-authored as Dalziel Laing
url: http://www.readerseden.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=131
email: wendylaing@yahoo.com
website: http://wendylaing.com

Rita: You are e-published with Writers Exchange, why did you choose this particular avenue to be published in? And what can you say honestly about e-publishing...is it worthwhile, is it going somewhere, and how do you feel about your own e-publishing career? Elaborate:

Wendy Laing: I chose Writers Exchange after moving from my original publisher who retired and the subsequent owner did not look after the authors! Writers Exchange has an excellent reputation. E-publishing is the future of writing; I think it will take another generation before it is widely accepted, as currently the paper book is still demanded. However having stated that, Digital print publishing is an electronic method of publishing paper books, which never need to be "remaindered" and also assists in preserving trees.

Rita: Do you have some words of wisdom to pass on to future writers?

Wendy Laing: If you like to write, and prove to have the ability to entertain your readers, keep persisting. Research, plot, write freely, then re-write, re-write, and re-write until your work is perfect. Then listen to your editor. You may not like what they say, but they are there to help you and in the end improve your work.

Rita: Are you multi-talented, if so please add other talents to your list of accomplishments.

Wendy Laing: Hmm, well *blush* I played classical piano for 25 years, but don't ask me to play now (I'm dreadfully out of practice) I'm a Jill of all trades as I've already said earlier in this interview Oh, yes I can play a mouth organ (not brilliantly, because I'm out of practice, now have I said that excuse before?) I can draw and paint (not recently) I can train dogs and asses dangerous dogs (now retired). In retirement, I fully intend to "Grow Old disgracefully!"

Rita: Thank you so much for sharing your time and wisdom with us today.  We at Writers Exchange appreciate you taking the time to sit and talk with us candidly about yourself.  Here's wishing you much success in the future!

Interview by Rita Hestand, author of Nick's Baby, Wandering Heart, Pretend Mom, Strictly Business, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, Courting Abby, Hannah's Man, Heart of the Wild.
Find Rita's books at http://www.ReadersEden.com or at her own website http://www.RitaHestand.com

You adult readers: don't miss reading Altar of Shulaani, my pick of the month.

Mike had a problem - he was always falling into trouble! And this time, he'd really gotten himself in deep! When he'd gone to the desert with his Dad, he certainly hadn't expected to end up in an ancient world, running and hiding from the Kloog. After first rescuing her, he teams up with Alinea and the two of them must battle the plague, the Kloog and figure out how to save her parents and his father.

Author Margaret Pearce has created a delightfully adventurous tale in Altar of Shulaani. Readers of young adult science fiction will enjoy the world that Pearce has created, the odd creatures that inhabit it, and the adventures of Alinea and Mike. Filled with rich descriptive phrases, Altar of Shulaani is chock-full of fresh ideas and proved to be a very enjoyable read.

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Editor: Janean Nusz, author of The Ogre's Curse, Destiny's Promise, Gryphon's Gold, Lilly Loller's Always Late, Moonlight Medallion, Lady Geyr and The Littlest Cowboy

DESTINY'S PROMISE:

An anthology containing the following Romance/Science Fiction stories:
The Imminent Future: Meet Sylver Dreeming, the foremost geo-thermal expert for CosmoTeck. Follow her efforts to find a solution to the problem of Earth's overpopulation in the year 2193.

Daughter's Destiny: Is a daughter's healing strength enough to save her mother from the evil that has stalked her across an entire mountain? Can love change the nature of the beast that only wishes to do harm?

Maxwell's Promise: Los Lunas, New Mexico - City of the Moon. Is the curse of the werewolf greater than the power of love?

Midnight Mist: Every night at midnight, a magical mist creeps into the corner of Selene's parlor: but this time it has brought with it a man, an immortal creature who rides the mists of time as easily as a hawk rides the wind.