M.C.V. EGAN ❧Defining Ways❧

Jason Stocks

@RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #LaughingisForever #JasonStocks #Poetry

Poetry

Date Published: March 22, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

Laughing is Forever is my second book. And while it’s gritty, rhythmic, dark and dangerous it’s also fun, quirky, and inquisitive. Topics range from growing up in the Deep South to questioning the mainstream narrative of how it all . . . came to be. I want people who don’t read much and who hate poetry (the largest demographic) to give this collection a chance and fall in love with books by reading something that they can relate to and/or be awed by. Laughing is Forever is a standalone book, a brand-new beast, but follows in the footsteps of Blameforest in the sense that it’s reinventing what poetry can be. And hopefully inspiring folks to take risks with their own work and stand out from the maddening crowd.

Reviews for Laughing is Forever

“These are the kind of tattered, beautiful poems I often search for and rarely find-the ones that explain, ‘Just be happy with a beer after work. You know, quit all the complaining. It won’t change a single thing. It just prolongs the suffering.’ “

-Sean Thomas Dougherty, author of Death Prefers the Minor Keys

“Stocks’s writing has a powerful immediacy, and his poems are packed with both profanity and pop-culture references . . .”

-Kirkus Reviews

“This collection is brave, unflinching and hits you like a punch in the jaw. It is at times brutal and vicious but also tender and intelligent. I was reminded of early Eminem in the poignant anger of some of the poems.”

-Sam Szanto, author of If No One Speaks

About the Author

Jason Stocks is a writer and teacher living in south Florida. Before becoming a teacher, he worked in a chicken house, washed dishes, bagged groceries, waited tables, and sold cars. His first full-length poetry collection–Blameforest–was published in 2021 and was recently named a finalist in the 2024 American Legacy Book Awards for contemporary poetry. When not writing, he enjoys reading vintage YA horror, riding his Haro cruiser, and spending time with the family.

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by Gabrielle Ferrara

 

Counting to ten has never been easier for children who love the macabre! Dead Squirrels Everywhere is a fully illustrated children’s book with a slightly morbid twist. This book is perfect for teaching kids of all ages how to count to ten. Children will have so much fun; they won’t even know they are learning!

No squirrels were harmed in the making of this book.

 

About the Author

Gabrielle Ferrara is an artist and entrepreneur who creates Victorian-inspired art and jewelry with ethically sourced animal remains. She has a master’s degree in Museum Studies and undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Art History. Gabrielle enjoys spending her free time with family, venturing down the rabbit hole of obscurity, and talking about dinosaurs.

 

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by David Litwack

 Fantasy

Date Published: 05-22-2024

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

If you had the chance to remake the world, what kind of world would you choose?

When tragedy strikes Lucas Mack’s young life, he desperately yearns to escape its sorrow, and takes an improbable leap through the mythical maelstrom. Rather than splashing down on the far side like his neighbors, he’s transported to a magical realm where he has the power to redefine not only who he is, but the world in which he resides.

As he stumbles about trying to find his way, he meets Mia, an equally troubled fellow pilgrim. With the help of a mystical guide and an aging wizard, they navigate the enchanted land while learning to control their newfound powers. Yet this realm is more complex than they expected, with seasoned sorcerers who’ve been corrupted by the sinister side of magic.

Limited by natural law and seduced by magic’s power, they are tested as never before. Will the gift of magic bring renewed hope or drive them to the edge of the void?

About the Author

The urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.

David now lives in the Great Northwest. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.

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by  Derek W. Whaley

Military Thriller

Date Published: April 17, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

Bombs, Bullets, and burnt-out vehicles are the order of the day in Kandahar, Afghanistan. War is afoot and everywhere you turn someone is hunting you. Follow Reaper-1, the leader of Reaper and Bang squads, as he takes a tour in Afghanistan. Learn about the military equipment, the soldiers, and the environment. Reaper-1 will show you plenty of shenanigans, struggle, and sadness. You will laugh when you read about all the characters and their stories, you will hurt as they are pinned down in combat, and you will cry when some of your favorite members are lost to war. Reaper-1 will walk you through struggles of friendship, combat, and post combat mental health. Reaper-1 will show you what it means to be alive and the pain of death. Come take a trip to Afghanistan, once the smoke clears, you’ll be glad you did.

About the Author

Master Sargent, retired USAF, Derek Whaley hails from Twin Falls, Idaho. His life purpose are his two children. His son, 9 and his daughter, 15. Derek served 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring under Honorable conditions in 2019. Derek transitioned to social work and earned his master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. He interned with substance abuse disorders in Haverhill, Massachusetts and discovered a liking to the field and is now a Drug Court Therapist. If you’re ever looking for Derek, just find people struggling and Derek will be near to help.

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by Gregory P. Demetriou

Business, Management, C-Suite

Date Published: May 20, 2024

Publisher: Mindstir Media

From decorated NYPD Detective to CEO of an award-winning marketing agency, Greg Demetriou knows a thing about resilience and reinvention. When his career was cut short by a near-fatal, in the line of duty shooting, Greg needed to reimagine his life.

Never one to fear a challenge, he embarked on a new business path. With the conviction that failure was

not an option, he immersed himself in learning the insand outs and challenges of growing an organization. Though the road was not always smooth, the small print and mail business he purchased 30 years ago is now a successful, full-service marketing agency. Along the way, Greg used his passion for writing to chronicle his experiences. This book is a compilation of those works-hints, tips, and observations-put together to impart a sense of the journey and day-to-day life in the corner office.

About the Author

From New York City Detective to CEO of Lorraine Gregory Communications,  I have directed the growth of my company into the leading marketing and communications agency it is today. LGC now boasts a client list of over 800 and an expanding market share in the digital and online marketing sphere.

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by L.J. Ambrosio

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming of Age

  Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way.

Exiles

Reflections of Michael Trilogy Book 3

by L.J. Ambrosio

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming of Age

 In this final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, Michael’s wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way.

A story that began with A Reservoir Man, and continued in Reflections on the Boulevard, concludes with this final book, Exiles.

What readers are saying:

“Each character Ron meets during his personal journey is unique, and they all feel like real people, something Ambrosio has proven time and again is a strength of his. If you enjoy literary fiction with an epic personal journey woven through the pages, then you need to read this trilogy.” – Amazon Review

“This book, like the ones before it, evokes a range of emotions—laughter, fear, excitement, wonder, and grief. Ambrosio’s ability to weave these feelings into the narrative is what makes the trilogy so special.” – Amazon Review

“Exiles is a brilliant book that will leave you spellbound with its emotional payoff. Author Ambrosio’s finale to the Reflections of Michael Trilogy is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literary fiction that speaks to the soul.” – Goodreads Review

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 Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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The Zoodles Strike Back

The Zoodles Strike Back

Children’s Books

Date Published: August 13, 2023

Publisher: Enigami Publishing 

In the award-winning book “Snoodles in Space”, Steven Joseph and Andy Case brought us further adventures of Herbie Snoodleman and Sour Croodle-man exploring the universe and battling the Zoodle Kidoodles for the Earth’s entire supply of noodles.

In this third instalment of the Snoodles series, the Zoodles are determined to have revenge and with the help of a grimy millionaire whose fallen on hard times, they intend to poison the Earth’s water supply and turn everyone into Willy Nilly’s and Dilly Dally’s.

Can Briana and Ricky save the Earth again? Will the outcast kids on the other side of the track rise to the challenge and help save the world?

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by Thanh Nguyen

 Mindfulness and Meditation for Busy Professionals

Self-Help – Body, Mind, Spirit

Date Published: June 27, 2024

Unlock the power of mindfulness to navigate the storm of modern life and emerge stronger than ever.

In the fast-paced world of modern professionals, finding peace and balance can seem impossible. Calm in Chaos: Mindfulness and Meditation for Busy Professionals is your essential guide to integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, even amidst the most demanding schedules. Discover practical techniques and insightful wisdom designed to help you stay centered, focused, and resilient.

Explore the scientific benefits of mindfulness, learn effective meditation practices, and find ways to love what you do while shining as a positive force in the world. From handling difficult people to embracing open-mindedness and nonattachment, each chapter provides actionable steps to transform your professional and personal life.

Inside Calm in Chaos, readers will find:

• Practical meditation techniques to cultivate focus and emotional resilience
• Insights on how to love what you do and find fulfillment in your professional life
• Strategies for being a positive influence in your workplace and beyond
• Guidance on leading with open-mindedness and nonattachment in the face of challenges
• Techniques for handling difficult people and navigating conflict gracefully
• Practices for self-love and self-care to maintain balance and well-being
• Strategies for thriving in adversity and finding growth beyond challenges
• Tools for focusing on the bigger picture and maintaining perspective
• Practices for cultivating positivity and resilience in the face of setbacks
• Guidance on navigating the aftermath of job loss and finding new opportunities for growth And much more.

Whether facing adversity, navigating job loss, or simply seeking a deeper sense of purpose, Calm in Chaos offers the tools you need to thrive.

Are you ready to break free from the cycle of chaos and reclaim control over your life? Get your copy today and begin your journey towards a more mindful, fulfilling life.

About the Author

Thanh was originally from Vietnam but later immigrated to the United States during her teenage years. During this time, she faced financial struggles, language barriers and even abuse from her caretaker.

However, after several decades, Thanh achieved two graduate degrees, one in Electrical Engineering and the other in Business Administration. She holds two United States patents, and also gained over twenty years of experience in corporate America. She served as the Vice President of Engineering at a prominent Engineering Procurement Construction firm before co-founding her own company.

As a certified coach, teacher, and speaker of John Maxwell Leadership Team, as well as a long-time practitioner of mindfulness, Thanh strongly believes in the power of the right mindset and support system to overcome challenges and make a positive impact. She is passionate about helping individuals thrive by sharing stories and techniques that foster a positive mindset and inspire courageous actions.

Thanh co-founded The Encourage Team to offer leadership and personal development, empowering people to live positively and lead courageously.

Connect with Thanh and embark on this journey of reflection, self-discovery, and accelerated growth.

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Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2

by Julie Navickas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Who says you can’t find love over a plate of mushroom ravioli?

Finding Love

Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2

by Julie Navickas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Who says you can’t find love over a plate of mushroom ravioli?

Rachel Prescott has always dated the wrong men.Each relationship begins with hope, but within months ends with “nope.”The harder she tries, the harder she fails. That is, until the new owner of Pier Ninety-Two, Miguel Rodriguez, spots her wallowing over her latest dating disaster in his restaurant.

Easily smitten with the brown-haired beauty, Miguel offers her his heart. Or at least, what’s left of it. Because Miguel has had his own troubled past finding the right woman. With the echo of lost love still haunting his heart, he convinces himself he’s ready to move on—and who better with than the spunky, sexy, and strong-willed, Rachel Prescott?

Over a bottle of wine (or two), Miguel and Rachel instantly connect. And by the end of the evening, it’s more than their shared plate of mushroom ravioli left steaming.

Best-selling and award-winning author Julie Navickas tugs at your heartstrings in her second book in the Clumsy Little Hearts trilogy about love and letting go of the past. Fans of KG Fletcher’s The Reining Hearts Series and Katie Cotugno’s How to Love will find a new one-click buy with Ms. Navickas’ romances. Fall in love with imperfect, but perfect for the right person.

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Trusting Love

Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1

What does a s’more, a tent, and a campfire have in common? For Ryan Prescott, it’s a typical weekend camping trip. But for Tess Browning… it’s a recipe for the truth.

Tess Browning earned the nickname Little Vixen for a reason. And she has no incentive to play by the rules anymore. Because why bother? All it ever did was trap her in a loveless marriage. Tossing faithfulness out the window, the only thing she is committed to now is her new code: keeping it fun, flirty, and deliciously sultry.

That is, until Ryan Prescott walks in and charms his way into her heart with a leather tool belt strapped around his waist. He’s sexy, smart, and as emotionally damaged as they come. And Ryan seemingly wants nothing more than to have Tess pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

But there’s one thing he doesn’t know about her.

When the details of Ryan’s past heartache come to light, Tess digs her hot pink heels into the ground and will stop at nothing to hide her past indiscretions from the man who stole her heart. Because if there’s one thing Ryan won’t tolerate—it’s dishonesty.

Will Tess manage to keep the truth hidden? Or, will the secrets of a lifetime shatter her one true chance at love?

Best-selling and award-winning author Julie Navickas brings back fan favorite, Tess Browning for her own shot at love. Readers of the Trading Heartbeats trilogy will recognize the flawed heroine but may not recognize the woman she’s become. After all, no one is above redemption. Fans of Lynn Painter’s Mr. Wrong Number and Katie Cotugno’s Birds of California will find a swoon-worthy and engaging romance in TRUSTING LOVE.

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Julie Navickas is a best-selling and award-winning, nationally recognized contemporary romance novelist, known for her keen ability to tell heart-wrenching, second-chance love stories through relatable characters with humility, humor, and heroism. She is also an award-winning university instructor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University. Julie earned master’s degrees in both organizational communication and English studies with an emphasis in book history, as well as a bachelor’s degree in public relations, graduating cum laude from Illinois State University. She is a mom of three and has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for twelve years.

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by James Eric Riley

Genre: Fictional Biography

 These students aren’t just bad, they’re dangerous. And then there’s the principal…

Teacher

by James Eric Riley

Genre: Fictional Biography

These students aren’t just bad, they’re dangerous. And then there’s the principal…

For Los Angeles teacher Eric Riley, summers off, holidays, and health benefits are all that matters. Why else get into teaching in your forties? With a wife and two young daughters, and a mountain of debt after suffering a broken leg, teaching represents a steady paycheck and time off he’s never experienced.

Riley surviveshis rookie year as a teacher, only to be assigned a class with a special designation: Emotionally Disturbed. He starts the new position, after taking a mandatory training session on the latest approved methods of physical restraint – the delicate name for self-defense when dealing with violent students.

One day, a student attacks Riley – and Riley puts him down hard on the floor. The school principal orders Riley to be placed on administrative leave. During a series of preliminary hearings regarding his status, he realizes that the official version of the incident is changing. When his union and legal representatives appear to be incompetent, he secretly contacts staff members at his school. They break into an administrator’s office and uncover statements and records regarding his suspension that implicate the principal, the district, and even the teachers’ union.

From classic teaching moments to administrator run-ins to a district boardroom showdown, one teacher finds out what he’s good at.

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 James Eric Riley grew up near the rust belt town of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He attended Eastern Kentucky University and graduated with a degree in Theater Arts. After years of summer stock and regional theater, he and his wife Jeneva moved to Southern California where they discovered a love of snow skiing and – for Riley – ice skating. But after breaking a leg competing in a short track speed skating event, suddenly teaching seemed like a better idea. His best years were teaching high school, where he finally put his theater background to good use teaching public speaking and writing. Now retired, he and Jeneva live in Independence, Kentucky.

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