LDS Women’s Book Review

Podcast for April 2, 2010 Episode 43 Recently, Sheila, Hillary and I were able to sit down with Karen Hoover, author of The Sapphire Flute, and Candace Salima, president of Valor Publishing. We had spoken briefly with Karen at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, and it was nice to be able to speak with Karen about her book in greater detail. Candace is teaching a class at the LDStorymakers Conference taking place April 23-24 at the Provo Marriott Hotel. If you’re still debating about attending the LDStorymakers Conference, listen to Episode 43 and learn how much the Conference helped both Karen and Candace in their success as authors. Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-04-02/ldswbr_episode43_04-02-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for March 16, 2010 Episode 42 Part 3 While at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, we ran into authors Aubrey Mace and Jessica Day George, who had come to show their support. We took the opportunity in Episode 42 Part 3 to talk to them about what they’ve been working on and they were more than willing accommodate us. Aubrey and Jessica are sweet and funny ladies. You won’t want to miss this one! Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-03-16/ldswbr_episode42_part3_03-16-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for March 16, 2010 Episode 42 Part 2 In Part 2 of Episode 42, we take some time to speak with Candace E. Salima, President of Valor Publishing Group. Candace shared with us the how and why behind Valor Publishing, as well as some big things that will be happening for Valor Publishing in the near future. Candace had great things to say about the new authors at the March Book Launch, as well as those who have helped make Valor a success. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information. Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-03-16/ldswbr_episode42_part2_03-16-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for March 16, 2010 Episode 42 Part 1 In Episode 42 Part 1, LDSWBR was able to interview each of the five authors whose books were released at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March. Listen to what Michele Ashman Bell (Summer in Paris), Daron Fraley (The Thorn), Kimberly Job (I’ll Know You by Heart), Tristi Pinkston (Secret Sisters) and Karen Hoover (The Sapphire Flute) have to say about their new books published by Valor Publishing. As a bonus, you’ll also hear Karen Hoover playing her own sapphire flute in a beautiful performance. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information. Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-03-16/ldswbr_episode42_part1_03-16-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for March 6, 2010 Episode 41 We had such an entertaining interview with Julie Coulter Bellon, author of Dangerous Connections, during Episode 41. There’s even a blooper reel. And singing. Enjoy! For more information about Dangerous Connections, visit Julie’s blog: juliebellon.com. Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-03-06/ldswbr_episode41_03-06-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for February 19, 2010 Episode 40 In Episode 40, K.C. Grant, author of Abish: Daughter of God, joins us to discuss her first published novel. We had a fun and educational discussion with Kim as she explained her research and what inspired her to write Abish’s story. Visit her website to learn more: www.kcgrant.com. Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2010-02-19/ldswbr_episode40_02-19-10.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Title: M2B:) (Mission to be Happy) Author: Michael McLean Publisher: Deseret Book Published Date: November 2009 ISBN#: 978-1-60641-203-9 Hardcover, 88 pages, full-length CD included It’s hard to NOT feel happy looking at that cover. Author/singer/songwriter Michael McLean, well known for his Forgotten Carols, has written a handbook for those who are ready to go on a Mission 2B:) with him. Not only has he written the handbook, he has also composed a number of songs to go with it. So many things are working to bring us down these days – poor health, economic problems, environmental issues, relationship troubles – and Michael McLean offers a bit of brightness with his short encouraging chapters and the upbeat music included with the Mission 2B:) handbook. He’s also started a blog, missiontobehappy.com, to document his experiences on his own “mission.” The book is slightly larger than a standard jewel case, an ideal size for slipping into a purse or briefcase. The hardback cover ensures durability and provides a place to store the CD. Michael McLean was kind enough to do an email interview with me, and I’m glad to be able to share it with you below. My review and a sample song from the CD follow the interview: SHANDA: Once you decided to write the M2B:) handbook, how long did it take you to complete the project? MICHAEL: I started consciously pursuing the idea of M2B:) back in February of 2009. While waiting for the songwriter bailout package (which never arrived by the way. I only got a note from the government that said I, unlike Chrysler and AIG, was NOT too big to fail) I wondered what kind of an “Inspirational Stimulus Package” I could offer myself and my friends to get through difficult times. My first draft of the book and the corresponding collection of songs was submitted on June 11th, and then there was tweaking through the summer with the goal of an early release in time for the FORGOTTEN CAROLS tour, and then a full blown released starting January 1, 2010. SHANDA: Did the subject/chapters for the book or the music & lyrics for the songs come first? MICHAEL: The title track and a few of the other songs were written and scattered about without being given any particular focus until I started writing the book in earnest. Then, with the idea firmly in mind for a handbook, I mapped out chapters that begged for songs to accompany them. As I wrote more I found new ideas for songs and as I explored songs I’d been thinking about they would often inspire chapters. What I love about the CD that accompanies the book is that after reading the book (and it’s a short read) all of the songs are put in context SO when you’re jogging or driving or sitting on a plane somewhere the songs can remind you, over and over again, what the book was trying to communicate. SHANDA: Which song did you have the most fun writing? MICHAEL: All the songs were fun to write because I needed them to help me get over some of the obstacles a middle aged, clinically depressed, type 2 diabetic faces. I chose fun, upbeat, toe tapping, make-me-smile-knowingly or laugh-out-loud songs to make the point. The song WITH PAUL AND JOHN was a hoot to write and even more fun to record because we tipped our hat at all the Beatle-esque signature production ideas. I still crack up when I sing the “ooohs” in concert. But the TOODLE-OO song and the PILLS song were super fun as well. SHANDA: Which chapter or song holds the most meaning to you personally? MICHAEL: Since every chapter in the book comes from a very real chapter in my life they ALL have deep personal meaning EVEN WHEN it’s approached in a light hearted tone. Read between the lines and the real power of the book reveals itself. But as of this writing I believe Chapter 6 on FAITH and the song I DON’T NEED A SIGN THIS TIME would be my answer. Next week might be different. That’s the joy of creating a handbook that needs to be adaptable to your life as you life. (or [...]

Podcast for December 17, 2009 Special Contest Episode There’s a BIG CONTEST going on at the LDSWBR Blog! From December 1 through December 24 we’ll be posting daily author posts in the Countdown to Christmas 2009 Event & Contest. Comment on each author post to enter! Visit http://ldswbr.blogspot.com for contest rules and to find out how you could win a $25 eGift Card from Deseret Book or one of several (we’re up to 16 now!) books donated as prizes by generous LDS authors!  Have a very Merry Christmas! Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2009-12-17/ldswbr_contestpodcast_12-2009.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for November 28, 2009 Episode 39 This Christmas podcast is full of wonderful book gift recommendations for everyone in your life. Episode 39 is also a good summary of the many books that we’ve discussed on the podcast this past year. Our listeners are in for a treat as we actually sing (and not too badly, either) and you’ll want to listen through to the end of the podcast for our blooper reel. The blooper segments are just from Episode 39 and show how dangerous Christmas cookies and chocolate are in the late hours of the night! Have a very Merry Christmas! Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2009-11-28/ldswbr_episode39_11-28-09.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for October 30, 2009 Episode 38 We truly enjoyed our interview with Rachel Ann Nunes, author of Saving Madeline, and GG Vandagriff, author of The Last Waltz. We had a great time discussing their books as well as several other topics, and there was much laughter to be had. We know you’ll enjoy Episode 38 and listening to both of these fun, intelligent, and talented women! Thanks Rachel and GG! Listen to the podcast here:http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2009-10-30/ldswbr_episode38_10-30-09.mp3(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

Podcast for October 10, 2009 Episode 37 Our interview with the very intelligent and talented Gregg Luke. Gregg is such a gentleman and we had a great time chatting with him about his three mystery-suspense novels: The Survivors, Do No Harm, and Altered State. Enjoy!

Podcast for August 29, 2009 Episode 36 What makes a good podcast?  How about laughing as much while editing the podcast as you did while recording it? Authors Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes join us for a great discussion in Episode 36.

Podcast for July 9, 2009 Episode 35 Authors Annette Lyon and Heather Moore delighted us with their presence in Episode 35!  These two talented women have published several novels and have more on the way.  Don’t miss this episode!

Podcast for May 16, 2009 Episode 34 Sheila & I have a blast with author Tristi Pinkston as we discuss her four novels as well as her upcoming series. Tristi also shares some info about next year’s StoryMakers Conference. Join us, and be prepared to laugh!

Podcast forApril 25, 2009 Episode 33 It’s Whitney Award time again! In Episode 33, we interview so many wonderful authors and Storymaker Conference attendees! We talk to several Whitney Award finalists as well as Whitney Award winners after the Gala, and we hope you’ll have as much fun listening to this podcast as we had recording it! AND I found Bron Bahlmann’s interview with us (which I apologize in the intro for losing) so I’ve added that in as well.