This morning, I have a business biography in our book spotlight!  Check out Fiascoes and Foibles and learn about author Paul Burton!

An Unfiltered Look at Public Finance, Media, Politics and Sports

Business Biography

Date Published: November 28, 2022

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Get unfiltered broadcasting and career advice with this biting and provocative firsthand account of working in media.

Paul Burton has 45 years under his belt, including 10 as a regional editor for New York City-based trade publication, Bond Buyer, and he’s survived—and thrived—to tell the tale. From his humble beginnings to his rise in the industry, Burton covers a lot of ground in his stories, from dealing with people in media and finance to workers in tech and personnel. He not only gives honest insights about financial news but also reveals the controversial internal politics of journalism and publishing that run rampant.

Burton’s wisdom on topics such as covering hot-button issues and fighting against negative stereotypes proves that a career in media is just like the news itself: eclectic, bold, and unexpected.

Take part in the drama and missteps that are a part of success in one of the best journalistic memoirs about business on the market.

About the Author

I am a retired journalist and author of two books, the most recent, “Fiascoes and Foibles: An Unfiltered Look at Public Finance, Media, Politics and Sports” (Elite Authors). It came out last Nov. 28. My earlier book was “Tales from the Newsrooms: An Offbeat Look” (Create Space), in 2011.

“Fiascoes,” a collection of anecdotal essays, reflects largely on my coverage of U.S. public finance over the last 10 years of my career – as a regional editor for a business publication in the shadow of Wall Street – against the backdrop of my 45 years in media. They capture drama, missteps and intrigue I encountered with color and biting, irreverent humor. Plenty of attitude. Topics range from transit/infrastructure to media and politics, and also include broadcasting and podcast dynamics, the alarming clout of tech bureaucracies, the abject failure of open-plan office layouts in the workplace and how my early days in sports journalism shaped and benefited my career.

Unique to my perspective is my blue-collar background. The media employs precious few people from working backgrounds these days. I didn’t go to Harvard, Duke or Stanford and prance right into the New York Times or Wall Street Journal. I was the son of a bartender who navigated a winding road, often working for small-to-medium media outlets who punched above their weight class, and frequently landed a rewarding knockout punch.

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Today, I I have a LGBTQ Biography / Romance in our book spotlight.  Check out Juunyork and learn about author Brandon McKinney in this book spotlight.

Biography, LGBTQ, Romance

Date Published: August 3, 2022

Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

The Final Chapter is a true story about a romance between a man, Brandon, who falls in love with a Brazilian social media influencer, Junior. The story begins on the first day they meet and follows them through the next eight months of their relationship. It ends with their final tragic day together.

Each month shows the progress of their journey and the role social media plays in their love. It outlines the current fashion of LGBTQ dating involving apps, open relationships, and the evolving meaning of exclusivity. Witness their passionate sexual experience, their romance, explosive outbreaks, and multiple vacations.

In their final months together, feel their love before it is destroyed by a tragic accident.

About the Author

Brandon McKinney is a twenty-seven-year-old currently pursuing his master's degree in global strategic communications. He obtained his bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Florida. He is a Florida native. He loves traveling, animals, and hopes to one day have a big family. In his spare time, he is active in many sports leagues in the Orlando area. This is his debut novel.

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Today, I have a biography in our book blitz spotlight!  Check out Raul of Bagni di Lucca and learn about author Charles Leroy Hall.

Historical Biography

Date Published: April 14, 2022

Publisher: Palmetto Publishing

Abandoned in a foreign country at age thirteen, a gigolo before he was sixteen, a freedom fighter against the Nazis in the Italian underground at age twenty, and later a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany, Raul survived, inspired by the memory of a young girl who was waiting for him in a new and promising land that offered him love and endless opportunity. He survived when many did not, and rose from nothing to a level of greatness most will never achieve.

America is a land that was built by men like Raul. He stands as a shining example of what one man can accomplish in a time of extreme difficulty and against the odds, using his talents and his experience to overcome it all. The power of love, determination, and intellect combined in a man like Raul can bring success beyond what most of us ever see.

This is the inspirational true story of the life of Raul, based on Charles LeRoy Hall's long friendship with him before his passing. Most of the details of his life came straight from Raul and his son, Gary, allowing the author to fill in the blanks in some areas, as well as to change the locations of some events to protect his legacy and his family. It is history, romance, and biography in a powerful combination. Its universal theme of love, success, and overcoming the odds to win will appeal to readers who still believe in the power of a dream, as well as to students of history, those old enough to remember the challenges of war and hard times, and those who simply like a good story.

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Charles LeRoy Hall is a graduate of Concord University where he also received an honorary Doctorate in 2017. Founder and CEO of a group of seven financial service entities operating nationally, author and motivational speaker, founder of several nonprofit organizations funding scholarships to assist students of need in Appalachia, and along with his wife, founder of Friends of Lucky Chucky Valentine, a nonprofit advocating animal rights.

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This morning, we have a biography of Patsy Swayze in our book blitz spotlight!  Check out Patsy Swayze:  Every Day A Chance to Dance and learn about author Sue Tabashnik in this book blitz spotlight.

Biography

Date Published: July 12, 2022

Publisher: Passion Spirit Dreams Press

The book honors and celebrates Patsy Swayze. There are twenty-nine interviews which include her students, colleagues, and friends. Their stories showcase what a trailblazer she was and the extent of her influence on them and on the world. Many of her students continue to carry forward her legacy by following in her giant dance footsteps. There are sixty-four photos, most in color and rarely seen, which help tell this story.

Patsy Swayze was an icon in the dance and performing arts world for decades as a dancer, teacher, mentor, and choreographer. Her work includes founding the Houston Jazz Ballet, teaching at the University of Houston, running her own dance studios, and choreographing for Theatre, Incorporated, Playhouse Theatre, and Hollywood movies. She inspired thousands of dance students, many of whom went on to become professionals in the performing arts, and instilled in all students a strong work ethic and set of values. With that said, she was most proud of her family and thought her greatest achievement was being the mother of five children.

Of course, Patsy had one very famous student, her beloved son Patrick, known as "Buddy" to family and friends. The book touches on the relationship between Patsy and Buddy, and Buddy's life. Another renowned student is Jaclyn Smith, who kindly granted a full-length interview about her experiences with Patsy.

Patsy was a pioneer in opening her dance classes and her heart to all students, regardless of race, economic, or cultural background, and this was no small feat in the fifties and sixties in Houston. In addition, Patsy was known to be extremely philanthropic.

Patsy Swayze continues to touch the lives of multitudes of people, including the author's life. In today's world it is especially wonderful to have such a hero, someone who gave so much to others and has left such a profound legacy.

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About the Author

Sue Tabashnik published her last book PATRICK SWAYZE The Dreamer in September 2017. This book presents how Swayze's focus on dreams for himself and others sustained him and guided him to live a zest-filled and hopeful life even while dealing with great adversity. Her earlier two unique Dirty Dancing tribute books are The Fans' Love Story: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (July 2010) and The Fans' Love Story ENCORE: How the Movie DIRTY DANCING Captured the Hearts of Millions! (December 2013).

She became a fan of Patrick Swayze in 1988. She was an active member of the Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club from 2000-2010, which included writing numerous articles for the club magazine. She had the good fortune to meet Patrick Swayze several times at movie screenings and benefit events from 2002-2004, which led her to become an even bigger fan. She also had the great pleasure of meeting Patsy Swayze at a film event in 2003.

Sue worked as a master's level psychiatric social worker from 1977-2022. Sue has lived most of her life in the Detroit area. Author website: https://www.likedirtydancing.com.

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This morning, I have a nonfiction biography in our book blitz spotlight!  Check out Thomas Jefferson Family Secrets, learn about author William G. Hyland Jr. and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Nonfiction / Biography / History

Date Published: 2-1-22

Publisher: Palmetto Publishing / Blackstone Publishing

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A fascinating biography of Thomas Jefferson that presents an entirely new and provocative look at the final years of his life, as seen through the eyes of his most trusted family confidants. A powerful profile based on fresh research and unpublished memoirs.

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About the Author

 A Virginia native, William G. Hyland Jr. is the author of four widely praised historical biographies, including “In Defense Of Thomas Jefferson” (St. Martin’s/Thomas Dunne Books), which was nominated for the Virginia Literary Award. He is a seasoned litigation attorney with a national law firm and nearly thirty years of high profile trial experience. He is also a former Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law. His professional lectures have included speeches at the National Archives and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Hyland is a member of the Virginia and New York Historical Societies and serves on the Board of Directors of the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society. Mr. Hyland holds a B.A. from the University of Alabama and a J.D. from Samford University. Before law school, Mr. Hyland held a Top Security clearance and worked for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

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Today, I have an inspirational biography in our book blitz spotlight!  Check out Blessed to Have Been Abandoned and learn about author Monica Kelsey.

The Story of The Baby Box Lady

Date Published: April 9, 2021

Publisher: MindStir Media

She went from being ABANDONED, to saving abandoned babies.

Poignant, brutally honest and triumphant; Blessed to Have Been Abandoned is the true story of Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Follow Monica's story as she discovers the secrets of her painful beginnings, the painful journey of her birth mother, wrestling with being abandoned as an infant, yet being given the gift of an amazing forever family. Watch as Monica's personal struggle births the vision for a national organization that is saving the lives of abandoned infants across the United States.

A heart wrenching yet ultimately victorious story, Blessed to Have Been Abandoned will take you through the pain, struggle, valleys and mountain tops of Monica's life, all of these pointing to the amazing hand of God. A testimony to God's faithfulness and His plan and purpose, this book will encourage your own heart and help you find purpose through pain and we trust it will bring Glory to God, the Author of each one of our complicated, messy and inspiring journeys.

Praise for the Book

"Monica Kelsey's Blessed to Have Been Abandoned: The Story of the Baby Box Lady is an uplifting inspirational story of how one woman answered God's call on her life, transforming her difficult beginning into a mission to protect the most vulnerable among us in her home state and beyond. It's exactly the kind of story we need. Highly recommended!" -J.J. Hebert, #1 bestselling author

About the Author

Monica Kelsey is the founder and Executive Director of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a 501c3 non profit whose mission is to prevent infant abandonment and give mother’s in crisis a safe, legal and completely anonymous option of surrendering their unharmed newborn. Monica’s personal story of being abandoned at birth by a teen mom who had been raped and hidden away for her entire pregnancy propelled her to speak on behalf of babies like herself as well as her birth mother who desperately needed a safe option. Monica is also a firefighter/paramedic and knows first hand how important first responders are to state Safe Haven laws.

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Today, I have a memoir in our book spotlight.  Check out Living Among the Dead, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!