GREAT LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

TO DELIGHT/INSPIRE the READERS IN YOUR LIFE

Great Finds Under the Tree 

Uh-oh . . . you may be in trouble. Your gift may be a little late.  However, there's still time to find something . . . quite different!

COMICS: You may not recognize the name of my friend, author/producer/screenwriter, Alan Brennert but you certainly know his work! He has written for L.A. Law; published the book "Molokai," and more recently, "Palisades Park;" and put pen to paper for some of our most popular comic books (Batman/Cat Woman) which is what I want to tell you about because it's Christmas time. Alan has placed a number of items from his personal comic collection for sale through www.blastoffcomics.com. It'll be fun to look around and see what's still there. Even if all items are sold, there's still time to order one of his books. For more information about Alan, visit his website at: www.AlanBrennert.com.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: There are two series every family should own, in my estimation. 
One is written by Brad Meltzer,  a #1 thriller author who could not find inspirational books for his daughter to read. Meltzer wanted to introduce her to the ordinary people who have changed our world. People like Rosa Parks, Einstein, Lucille Ball, Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, and (coming in January) Jackie Robinson. www.bradmeltzer.com

The other introduces children to American history through the fictional character of Rush Revere. Young readers are transported through time travel and befriended by a horse named Liberty. It's becoming a run-away favorite with the middle school set. For  more information visit: facebook.com/rushrevere or http://rushrevere.com. 

HOLIDAY THEME: Richard Paul Evans newest offering, "The Mistletoe Promise" is rapidly climbing on the NYT Best Seller list. If you know a reader that loves stories filled with hope, this may be the gift for them. Evans is a favorite author of mine not only because of his writing but because of his compassion for children and families that are struggling. I would suggest visiting his website to learn more about The Christmas Box House, I've had a chance to visit. Amazing place. http://www.richardpaulevans.com

HOT and STEAMY! USA Today and NYT bestselling author Melissa Foster, knows a thing or two about romance . . . and chocolate. Foster not only has a devoted fan base but she is one of the best friends an indie author could have. If you are interested in learning more about the Dreaming of Love series, visit http://bit.ly/dreamingoflove_paperback. If you're an indie author and want to learn more about self publishing www.fosteringsuccess.com.

As a twelfth-hour shopper, I hope this helps fill some of the voids on your Santa list. I wish you a Merry Christmas and the Happiest and Healthiest of New Years.

Jo Ann V. Glim is a seasoned veteran of freelance writing and author of the award winning book, "Begotten With Love."  

FIRST PLACE - Biography - Published

To learn more:
VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
FOLLOW/Like: on Facebook or
AVAILABLE ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim
BOOK TRAILER on YouTube

Teachable Moments

There are so many reasons why people write and the reasons are as varied as the noses on each face. With that being said, there are common denominators: the author has a message to share, a story to tell, a point to make, a yearning to entertain.

If we follow the most popular genres at the moment: paranormal, romance, murder/mysteries, and memoirs, it begs me to wonder out loud where do authors find real heroes to write about? 

It used to be a family could look up to professional athletes, actors/singers/artists, and politicians, and point with pride at what they'd accomplished. They were the emissaries from small town America, the embodiment of making it against all odds. Now, because of an entitlement mindset, these same "heroes" would rather sue than admit their failings (and feet of clay) which  leaves us weeding through the cheats, and swindlers, and murderers, to explain to our kids, "Why the fall from grace?" These may be the most teachable moments of all but my question to authors still remains . . . where do we find real heroes to write about? Everyday heroes for our children to emulate?

According to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: acts of heroism are accomplished by those who show extreme self-sacrificing courage in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end. Maybe we need to reflect on the deeds of  the heroes first, then search for the common in the life of the hero with which our young can identify. There are excellent fantasy heroes (such as those in the Hunger Games or The Justice League) but where are the real life, flesh and blood, "just like me" heroes?

#Brad_Meltzer, Author and Comic Book Writer brought the answer in his new series of children's books Ordinary People Save the World. The first two books in the series, "#Amelia_Earhart" and "#Abraham_Lincoln" became available this week; there are more to come, including "Rosa Parks."

His premise is to instill in the young reader that even though these people are famous, now, they're still ordinary people. He relates stories of their childhoods when they took a stand or did something brave way before they became famous. Young readers can dream and realize that these famous people are just like you and me. We can all wear a cloak of bravery and save the world. Yay, Brad . . . you are on to something!

You'll find more about Brad Meltzer and his books on www.FaceBook.com or at www.BradMeltzer.com


Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 veteran of freelance writing and author of the book BEGOTTEN: With Love

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