From Here to There

Transitional words create powerful links in your story, taking the reader from one idea to the next.  Here are some common categories and examples of transitional words and phrases gathered from The Writer's Handbook.

Addition

furthermore, moreover, too, also, in the second place, again, in addition, even more, next, further, last, lastly, finally, besides, and, or, nor, first, second, secondly

Time

while, immediately, never, after, later, earlier, always, when, soon, whenever, meanwhile, sometimes, in the meantime, during, afterwards, now, until now, next, following, once, then, at length, so far, simultaneously, this time, subsequently

Place

here, there, nearby, behond, wherever, opposite to, adjacent to, neighboring on, above, below

Exemplification or Illustration

to illustrate, to demonstrate, specifically, for instance, as in illustration, for example

·        

Comparison
in the same way, by the same token, similarly, in like manner, likewise, in similar fashion

Contrast

yet, and yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, after all, but, however, though, otherwise, on the contrary, in contrast, notwithstanding, on the other hand, at the same time

Clarification

that is to say, in other words, to explain, that is, to clarify, to rephrase it, to put it another way

Cause

because, since, on account of, for that reason

Effect

therefore, consequently, accordingly, thus, hence, as a result

Purpose

in order that, so that, to that end, to this end, for this purpose

Qualification

almost, nearly, probably, never, always, frequently, perhaps, maybe, although

Intensification

indeed, to repeat, by all means, of course, doubtedly, certainly, without doubt, yes, no, undoubtedly, in fact, surely, in fact

ALL Things Possible

As you continue to pursue your dreams, remember Psalms 37:4... "with God ALL things are possible" and don't give up.  Success never comes easy... but it's possible for those that don't quit.  :)


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A Yellow Tennis Ball

It was an Autumn morning in 1989 and I was late for class. My roommate and I were also late on paying rent and promised the landlord we would render it first thing that morning. The rental office sat next to the swimming pool, which was covered with a plastic tarp for winter. Stressed because I was running late, I ran to the office door only to see a sign that said they would be back in fifteen minutes. The office door was locked and there was no place for me to leave our rent check. I was frustrated and plopped down in one of the lawn chairs next to the pool. On two different occasions I started to get up and leave, feeling torn between the urgency to make it to class and the agreement to pay the rent. Each time I felt compelled to stay and sat back down. I was agitated and growing evermore impatient. Yet something tugged at me to stay put. A few minutes later a little blonde headed boy wandered into the pool area. He was about four years old and was bouncing a yellow tennis ball on the ground and chasing after it. I nodded a brief hello as he passed by my chair. The next sound was a splash, as the yellow ball had bounced off the pavement and onto the top of the tarp, which was covered in dirty rain water and leaves. I saw the little boy bend over, trying to reach the ball. Before I could offer to help he slid onto the top of the tarp, face down in the water. His arms and legs flailed as he tried to lift his body up…but the tarp was too slimy and slippery. I ran to where he was and lay on my stomach, inching my way out as far as I could. I was just barely able to reach the heel of his left shoe. I pulled him to the edge and lifted him up off the tarp. His eyes were wide with fear and he coughed and spit all over both of us. The tennis ball was still gripped in his white-knuckled fist. I told him he was okay and asked where his mommy was. He pointed to the apartment building behind the pool. I told him to go straight home and tell his mommy what happened. Then I watched as he ran as fast as he could across the grass and into the building.

I stayed on my knees for a few moments, trembling and thanking God for keeping me at the pool, and using me to pull that little boy to safety. I often wonder if I was there for the purpose of rescuing the little boy or he was there for the purpose of rescuing me from a dried up faith? Perhaps we were there in that precise moment to rescue each other. I don't know. But I do know that God kept me in that lawn chair for the purpose of having that encounter with the little boy… and I know it wasn't because I had some special ability to help him… but rather I had availability. Sometimes I think God doesn't expect a lot from us…sometimes all we have to do is just show up and trust Him.

Visit my website at: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge

Into the Wild Blue Yonder I Fell

Skydiving was the most incredible adventure!  My heart was racing with fear and the excitement of anticipation.  There are no words to adequately describe the intensity of that moment when you step out of a perfectly good airplane and hurl yourself at 120 mph toward the ground.

I was unprepared for the panic that wanted to take hold, the adrenaline rushing through me, the pressure of the harness, the power of the air and the overall feeling of floating two and a half miles above the ground in the beautifully wild and open blue yonder.

I had the privelage of jumping with tandem instructor, Mike Pintamo from Mile-Hi Skydiving in Longmont, Colorado.  Without Mike's wisdom and humor I don't know that I would have found the courage to jump.  His constant, steady and calming voice in my ear telling me to breathe, to relax and to enjoy the ride made my experience phenomenal instead of terrifying.

If you ever get the chance... do it.  It will change your life.

Visit my website at: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge

BookWatch Magazine Reviews

BookWatchMagazineReview:  Tetterbaum’s Truth by S.R.Claridge

A Best-Seller Candidate Indeed

Your Customer Rating: FIVE STAR Posted on Barnes&Noble

Tetterbaum's Truth is a pleasurable dichotomy of action/adventure and suspense; with a thread of romance worked in just enough to keep tension rising. We follow Angel Martin on a trek of self-discovery where her whole world is turned upside down and every moral and value she ever had is tested in the violent burning coals of Mafia life. What I especially found remarkable about this novel was the authors ability to portray character relationships in a realistic light. She not only connected the players but her audience as well, a task not easy to achieve. I would look for this book to hit the best-seller list in the next twelve months and continue to climb. Fortunate for readers, Tetterbaum's Truth is book one in the Just Call Me Angel series, which indeed means more enjoyment is yet to come. Kudos to author S.R.Claridge and Vanilla Heart. Looking forward to the sequel. Robert Westin - BWM

BookWatchMagazineReview:  Traitors Among Us by S.R.Claridge

An Action-Filled Adrenaline Kick

Customer Rating: FIVE STAR Posted on Barnes&Noble

Posted 08/22/11: Rare indeed are the instances in life when the sequel is equally as good if not even better than the first; but this is the case in the Just Call Me Angel series by S.R.Claridge. Book one, Tetterbaum's Truth, introduces us to Angel Martin and involves us on her trek for self-discovery which leads her into the murky shadows of Mafia life. Book two, Traitors Among Us, is nothing short of an adrenaline kick; each page packed with action-filled suspense. The author skillfully weaves the story around each character and takes us deeper into conflict at every turn. This book will keep you up late at night reading and will leave you begging for another chapter in the life of the feistiest Mafia female to hit the literary world. Keep your eyes open folks, I predict you'll be seeing a lot more from this author. Robert Westin - BWM

Grass, Grass...Kiss My Ass!

I overheard someone in our neighborhood quip about how long my grass was. Now, keep in mind that it’s only been nine days since it was last mowed, so it’s not like we have knee high weeds or anything. Why hasn’t it been mowed in nine days? Because my husband has been on the road for work and hasn’t been home. I’m not opposed to cutting the grass, but when we divvied up our husband/wife, male/female household responsibilities, grass sort of fell under his umbrella. I do it on occasion just like he helps with laundry or dishes when needed; but for the most part we have our defined roles in running the home.

True, the grass is longer than normal, but I figured it could wait a couple more days until my husband returned and could mow it. You see, I’m not sitting on my ass eating bon-bons all day so for me to squeeze an hours worth of mowing time into my schedule isn’t easy and there are some days when it’s virtually impossible.

However, since I overheard the comment, and in some feeble attempt to prove we are conscientious neighbors, I decided to mow the grass this morning. I had to get my daughter up, ready and off to rehearsal first and feed my son; then I began mowing. It was 9:00am.

Upon returning into the house I had a voicemail from the HOA telling me someone had complained that I was mowing “too early”. Those of you who know me can fill in the blanks as to my expression and verbiage upon hearing this message.

And… there’s the snap.

You see, I’m one of those neighbors who doesn’t even notice my fellow neighbor’s yards. I don’t know how many trees they have or the type of grass, how often they mow or water or fertilize. I don’t care. They can let their weeds grow sky high. I don’t care. In fact, unless they plant something that is physically killing me in some way, I won’t complain. It’s their yard…they can do whatever the hell they want with it. I’m more concerned about their mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being than I am about anything growing in their yard!

That being said… it’s a weekday. It was 9:00am. I didn’t mow at 6:00am on a Sunday, though I just might next time. I find the fact that someone complained quite outrageous and actually laughable. It was a blessing (for them) that I didn’t receive the call, because if I had I would have gladly shared my feelings on grass:

If you think my grass is too long. I don’t care. You should be thinking about more relevant things in life.

If you think 9:00am on a weekday is too early to mow my grass. I don’t care. Unless you work the night shift, you should have your lazy ass out of bed before 9:00am on a weekday.

If you want my grass mowed every five days then I invite you and your mower to come cut it.

And to all the ridiculous entities out there who are strict on rules that fall under a non-sense heading… I’m not following. You know the rules...only a certain colored flowerpot in your yard, only approved flags on your home, you must be quiet by a particular hour, no "ugly" cars allowed in the driveway for too long a period, and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on. A list made by uptight assholes who have nothing better to do in life than complain. Well... I'm not following your anal rules. You can fine me, but I’m not paying. You can call the police. I don’t care. I’ll take a seventy-two hour jail sentence, with three square meals a day that I don’t have to cook and all the girlfriends I could ever imagine. You call that punishment. I call it vacation.

I'm in my forties. I'm female. I'm hormonal. If you still want to nit-pick come do it to my face... but a little advice... I wouldn't if I were you.

You don’t like my grass… kiss my ass!

Good Time Girl

Podcast - Author S.R.Claridge

Kindle Advertisement for Tetterbaum's Truth

The F Word Can Save Your Marriage

The F word

The

F

Word

            The most influential F word in a relationship is Fulfillment.  We all want it, crave it, need it, chase after it, fight for it, clutch it, grab it, grip it, get a strangle hold on it, and inevitably watch it slip through our fingers.

            In a world where divorce is prevalent, infidelity rampant and heartache seemingly inevitable, how do we have a successful relationship?

            It starts by fulfilling each other’s basic needs.  Ladies, it starts with fulfilling your man.

There are countless books on the topic of fulfilling your man.  A quick internet search renders thousands of titles, all packed full of innovative ways to build your relationship and keep him coming back for more.  I’ve read many of these books and though they do offer some creative and fun ideas, it is my belief that we make marriage harder than it has to be.  In today’s world, marriage is already difficult.  The divorce rate continues to climb, families are ripped apart, hearts are tragically broken and lives are destroyed.  Hectic schedules and demanding careers leave a husband and wife with little time to talk and even less time for listening and understanding. 

            Marriages don’t end because people stop loving.  They end because people stop connecting.

            It has been my experience, and consequently become my belief, that if a woman wants to fulfill her man, she needs to stop trying to do fifty things and focus only on four.    

Men need very little.  This concept is hard for women to understand because we typically “need” much more to feel satisfied.  Take shoes, for example.  We need a minimum of fifty pairs, and as most of you will agree, I’m low-balling here.  He needs three pairs.  Dress Shoes or Work shoes.  Tennis shoes.  Flip flops.  We require accessories to match every outfit.  He needs a watch.  We need panties in all different colors, shapes and styles.  He needs one type of underwear and he most likely doesn’t care what color they are.  Let’s face it; a lot of guys don’t even require clean underwear!

Ironically, our relationships often break down because we, women, fail to meet their simplest needs.  We run around trying to fulfill them in all sorts of creative, wonderful, exhausting ways… when all we really have to do is embrace the four F’s.

Food.

            You’ve probably heard the old adage, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”  It’s true.  Men need to be fed and when a woman cooks the food he likes, it strokes the strings of his heart.  So, simply put, don’t order in or eat out at every meal.  Cook for him and he will feel loved.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, some of you are exhausted from trying to make fancy-schmancy meals when your husband’s favorite food is a giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs.  Something new and fancy is great every once in a while, but men are creatures of habit, so make a habit of cooking what he likes.

 

Friends.

            Men need time for male-bonding…period.  Whether he plays basketball with the guys, golfs, tinkers in the garage on some project you know he’ll never finish, goes on  fishing or hiking trips or heads to Vegas for a boys wild get-away… whatever it is, he needs time with his friends to rejuvenate his manhood.  He needs to burp and fart, scratch his balls and boast; and do all the things considered taboo in the presence of women.

            AND, he doesn’t need a guilt trip about it.  The male-bonding time feeds his ego, solidifies his rank in the pack, gives him a testosterone boost and validation to know he thinks and acts in similar fashion to the others.  He needs this guy time to free his mind of all the female clutter we constantly yackity-yack into his brain. 

He will return relaxed and ready to embrace the woman he loves.

Football.

            Most women are not as fanatical about sports as most men.  It’s hard for a woman to grasp the fulfillment a simple football game can bring; but there is relational magic in it.  Regardless of what sport your man is into, he needs nag-free time to enjoy the game.  He needs to be able to go to a pub and watch it without being harped on or made to feel guilty.  Better yet, he needs to be able to watch the game at home, stretched out in his favorite chair with some game snacks and beer.

            For men, football represents more than just the game itself.  It’s a time of freedom, where they can forget about jobs, bills, wife and kids and lose themselves in the excitement and entertainment of the game.  Football is an emotional outlet for a man, as most men don’t outwardly scream and cheer at much else in their lives, the way they do when their team is winning or losing.

F#@k.

           

            If you’ve been living under the misnomer that sex is not important to men, think again.  It’s one of the most important aspects of the relationship and key in their personal fulfillment.  They think about it.  They want it.  They crave it.  They need it.  And I’m not talking about lethargic, half-asleep, lay there and let him have his way with you sort-of sex.  I’m talking about the real deal.  They need energetic, all-consuming, numb your ears, toe-tingling sex!

            Food. Friends. Football. F#@k.  =   Fulfillment. 

            Men really are that simple, so don’t complicate it.  What you’ll discover is when his needs are met, he suddenly becomes more aware and willing to meet your needs.  When he feels loved by you, he’ll lasso the moon if it’s what you desire and go out of his way to set your heart aflame. 

            

Euro Reviews

Review: TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH by S.R. CLARIDGE

http://www.euroreviews.be/bookdetails.php?book_id=1315

Title: TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH Author: S.R. CLARIDGE Publisher: VANILLA HEART PUBLISHING Genre: Suspense , MYSTERY/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Publication date: FEBRUARY 2011 ISBN: 978-1-935407-89-8 Pages: 231 Series:Just Call Me Angel Rating: Reviewer: Eveline

Angel Martin is devastated when her boyfriend Tony suddenly disappears. She gets an opportunity to buy Tetterbaum's pub and decides to go for it. Piece by piece she discovers though that the pub, the employers and especially her new 'boyfriend' aren't what she thought they were. They all hide secrets. With her boyfriend's tattoo begins the quest for the truth… But before she can discover the truth she has bigger problems to solve…

I began reading this book not remembering what it was actually about. Boy was I surprised at what was coming at me! After just a few pages I was already so drawn into this fictional world that at times I really lost my attention for what was happening around me in real life. The writing is very fluent and the plot just keeps you concentrated at all times because there’s never a dull moment in Angel’s life! A perfect mix of excitement, action, mystery and romance keeps you turning those pages without even thinking for a second about putting the book aside. I loved the Italian flavor (thank you Mafia) that was weaved into this contemporary story. I sure am very curious to find out what is left in store for Angel in the follow-up novel Traitors Among Us. And did I just hear there is yet another follow-up in the making? Don't lose this author out of sight!

Available in ebook and paperback format.

Thank You to My Latest Reviewers

I am so excited to have received two wonderful reviews of my novel, TETTERBAUM'S TRUTH from reviewers in the U.K.  (Euro-Reviews and Reabookreview) 

There is such fulfillment within when someone reads what I've written and truly enjoys the story, the mystery and the suspense of it all.  Positive feedback from readers and reviewers motivates me to want to write more and more...to want to go deeper, research longer and create something people will love.

Thank you for reading, for reviewing, for your feedback and your time. It is invaluable and precious to me.  ~

TCM gives Tetterbaum's Truth a Thumbs-Up Review

Tetterbaum's Truth S.R. Claridge Vanilla Heart Publishing ISBN: 1935407899

5 STAR REVIEW by TCM

Twenty-nine year old Angel May Martin is the owner of Tetterbaum’s Pub in Chicago. Tetterbaum’s Pub was opened in 1936 by the Tetterbaum family and Angel worked as a waitress at Tetterbaum’s until the sudden death of Ernest Tetterbaum. His widow sold the pub to Angel at a price she couldn’t resist.

For the past year Angel has been carrying on with one Grayson Galante, it is only in Grayson’s arms that Angel feels she can be anyone she wants to be. Even after multiple warnings from co-worker Andrew, Angel continues seeing Grayson until a tragic accident changes everything and turns Angel’s world upside down.

To complicate her life even further Angel’s ex-boyfriend, Tony, reappears in her life and everything is spinning out of control. Angel’s obsession for finding answers grows stronger with each passing day and she decides to search for answers on her own. Angel soon discovers she isn’t who she thought she was and that Tetterbaum’s Pub may hold the key to her past – a past she knew nothing about.   Tetterbaum’s Truth is fast-paced, full of surprises and will keep you reading long into the night.

WELL WORTH THE READ.  5 STARS.

 "Life is all about ass; you're either covering it, laughing it off, kicking it, kissing it, busting it, trying to get a piece of it, or behaving like one."

Visit my website at: http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SRClaridgeWrite
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NEW RELEASE

TRAITORS AMONG US is now available!! 

Click on this link to download your copy today!
http://www.amazon.com/Traitors-Among-Mystery-Suspense-ebook/dp/B0055OO5N4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1308084815&sr=8-8




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Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite
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FREE Read

Read a FREE sample of my upcoming release, TRAITORS AMONG US (book two in the Just Call Me Angel mystery series).

http://www.freado.com/read/10224/traitors-among-us



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Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite
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APEX REVIEW

www.apexreviews.net
info@apexreviews.net
Tetterbaum’s Truth
S.R. Claridge
ISBN: 9781935407898
Vanilla Heart Publishing
Reviewed By Renee Washburn
Official Apex Reviews Rating:  FIVE STARS


With plans to marry her beloved Tony and live happily ever after, Angel Martin’s life is suddenly turned upside down when Tony mysteriously disappears and she soon discovers that her entire life has been one carefully crafted, well-executed lie. As she finds herself in the middle of a dangerous blackmail scandal involving the most notorious Chicago crime families, Angel scrambles to come to grips with her real identity while preserving her very life. Unfortunately for her, the closer she gets to the truth, the more people want her dead...

Tetterbaum’s Truth is a bona fide suspense thriller. Bolstered by highly intriguing, intersecting plotlines and vivid, lifelike characters that jump off the page, author S.R. Claridge’s standout offering takes readers on a nonstop ride of action and adventure. As Angel struggles to learn more about her mysterious past, the reader can’t help cheering for her as she winds her way along on a compelling, highly imperiled search for truth. With one shocking twist after another, Tetterbaum’s Truth takes its rightful place among the great crime/suspense thrillers of all time. A thoroughly engrossing read from beginning to end.












Visit my website at: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com
Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge

Visit my website at: http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SRClaridgeWrite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge

Summer of Silence

I'm taking a break from the TUESDAY TALKS author interviews for the next few months and will resume them again in August.

Though I am taking a break, I will be scheduling interviews for the rest of 2011 and early 2012.  If you are interested in being a Spotlight Author on TUESDAY TALKS, please email me the following information:

• Short Bio and Picture
• Title of your book(s), Genre, Bookcover pic
• Link to your personal blog or website

Send this information to authorsrclaridge@gmail.com and please write TUESDAY TALKS in the subject line. 

Best Wishes and Happy Writing!

Visit my website at: http://www.authorsrclaridge.com/
Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge

Vain People Look Better

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Press Release

PRESS RELEASE - VEGAS

Can You Handle the TRUTH?

April 2011 - Book one in a new mystery series by suspense novelist,

S.R.Claridge, takes readers on a riveting ride.

Mystery, Mafia and sexy Italian Men lay the groundwork for this tenacious tale of Crime Family mayhem set in present day Chicago.  TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH by author S.R.Claridge portrays a unique look at the Mafia from a fresh and feisty female perspective.  

When heroine, Angel Martin, learns her entire life has been one carefully orchestrated lie, she sets out to find answers.  Her quest begins at a Chicago Mafia hot-spot called Tetterbaum’s Pub, where she discovers that the late Mr. Tetterbaum held secrets worth killing for.  With her true identity now exposed, Angel must uncover the evidence Tetterbaum hid before the Crime families shut her down.  The closer she gets to the proof, the more she wonders if anyone can handle Tetterbaum’s Truth.

As the first installment in the Just Call Me Angel series contracted by Vanilla Heart Publishing and Author S.R.Claridge, TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH is an edge-of-your-seat mystery thrill-ride, where the characters are believable, motives are unpredictable, and the outcome will leave you wanting more. 

S.R.Claridge will begin her western book tour in VEGAS on May 5^th and 6^th to promote TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH, which is now available in Ebook and Paperback at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Smashwords.

More information on books by S.R.Claridge can be found at www.authorsrclaridge.com or by contacting Vanilla Heart Publishing. www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com  The author is available for comment at (303)926-8877 or (913)488-4557 or authorsrclaridge@gmail.com

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Podcast - Author S.R.Claridge - The Author Show

Podcast - Author S.R.Claridge

Columbia Missourian Article

Thriving romance novel industry pulls in MU alumna and writer

Friday, February 18, 2011 | 5:51 p.m. CST; updated 10:18 p.m. CST, Friday, February 18, 2011

S.R. Claridge poses for a picture Friday at Broadway Brewery where she was promoting her novels "No Easy Way" and "Tetterbaum's Truth." Claridge is a MU grad and currently lives in Broomfield, Colo.   ¦  Melissa Klauda

BY Rachel Krause

COLUMBIA — The first thing Susan Claridge ever wrote was a poem after the death of her grandmother. The process of writing provided a way for her to vent her emotions.  
"Since then I've always written, it's been my outlet," Claridge said. "I just never tried to get published or thought of myself as a writer."
Claridge, who graduated from MU in 1992 with a degree in psychology, now writes romance murder-suspense novels under the name S.R. Claridge. She was visiting Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis this week to sign copies of her first novel, "No Easy Way," published by Vanilla Heart Publishing.
Claridge, who sprinkles MU references into her writing, spent some time over the noon hour at Broadway Brewery on Friday. She signed her way through a couple of stacks of books, selling 20 to 25 books. It was more a chance to have lunch with her husband, mother-in-law and friends.
Claridge is a new player in the booming romance genre that has many American readers smitten. The genre made up the largest share of the consumer market and generated $1.36 billion in 2009, according to Romance Writers of America. Claridge said part of the reason behind the romance genre's popularity is because there is a part of everyone that longs for romance.
"I think relationships in general, that's the main focus of everyone's life," Claridge said. "We're all seeking love, romance and attention. Particularly with our target audience, the married women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, a lot of that romance may have fizzled a bit. There's a deeper foundation of love, but that outward display of romance isn't as prevalent."
Claridge said "No Easy Way" started out as a nonfiction book on marriage before she had the idea to make it more interesting by drawing the same themes into a murder mystery.
"What sets it apart from other murder mysteries is it has an underlying message which most mysteries don't," Claridge said. "This is kind of an oddball book that has a message of faith and forgiveness woven through it."
Her mother-in-law, Beth Claridge-Gillespie of Kansas City, read manuscripts along the way, making edits and suggestions. Although Claridge-Gillespie does not consider herself a romance novel fan, she likes her daughter-in-law's first book and said the genre provides a way for people "to be taken away from the humdrum of their lives and to be whisked off into somebody else’s world."
"I think most romance novels have a happy ending," Claridge-Gillespie said. "That's the ultimate: We all want a happy ending in our life."
Two of Claridge's editors are men, which she said gives her a good male perspective. Her husband, Cash Claridge, said despite the romantic theme, men shouldn't be turned off, especially with her second novel, "Tetterbaum's Truth," which centers around the Chicago mafia.
"I've had many guys tell me how good it was," Cash Claridge said. "The mafia always gets guys."
Claridge, who now lives in Colorado, has included MU and Columbia in her two novels. In "No Easy Way," the main characters, Tom and Kate, are both MU graduates and have an encounter at Murray's Restaurant, where Claridge and her husband got engaged. In "Tetterbaum's Truth," out on e-book and set to be released in March, the main character is an MU journalism student and there is a reference to Shakespeare's.
“It's something I have an affinity to and can relate to," Claridge said. "It just gives one more layer of depth to the story for me."

Press Release - October 2010

Suspense Novel, NO EASY WAY,

Creates Mystery and Delivers Hope -

October 2010

Author S.R.Claridge signed a contract with Vanilla Heart Publishing for the release of her

latest suspense novel,

No Easy Way

available now.

AMAZON calls

No Easy Way

“interestingly twisted” and “skillfully woven to challenge the most seasoned sleuth.”  Readers Review calls it a “highly recommended read,” stating it “tugs at your heart while taunting the mind,” which is what sets this novel apart from others in its genre. It is a well-constructed mystery with real-to-life characters and an underlying message of hope.

Nominated for the HODRW (Heart of Denver Romance Writers) Heart of Molly Award, S.R.Claridge is grabbing the attention of both fellow writers and readers. She says her background in theatre and psychology help her fill the pages with enough dramatic suspense to keep readers guessing until the very end; and her life experience is what weaves the underlying thread of hope throughout. S.R.Claridge says, “I want my readers to feel they are right there with the characters and compel them not to give up because in life there is no easy way, but we still have to press on.”

Like the characters in her novel, readers will find themselves unable to step away from the story, as they will be hanging in a twisted balance of crossed lines and misunderstood motives, all pointing to one simple truth … there is No Easy Way.

No Easy Way

by S.R.Claridge is available on Amazon, B&N, OmniLit, Smashwords in Ebook and print. More information, video and free excerpt can be found on the publisher website: www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/S.R.html

S.R.Claridge grew up in St.Louis, Missouri where she graduated from Lindbergh High School and furthered her education at the University of Missouri, Columbia with a Bachelors degree.  She now lives in Broomfield, Colorado with her husband and two children. She is currently working on a series of mystery novels, the first to be released February 2011,  and is available for comment  at 303-926-8877 or 913-488-4557 or via email at authorsrclaridge@gmail.com

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1 of 1 PRESS RELEASE  -  NO EASY WAY

Press Release - February 2011

Main Course Mystery with a

Side Dish of Hope

Author S.R.Claridge serves up a main course mystery with a side dish of hope in her suspense novel, NO EASY WAY, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing. 

With today’s divorce rate climbing, S.R.Claridge touches on the challenge and turmoil of the modern marriage, set in a background of mystery and mayhem.  This book not only entertains, it grabs the reader and propels them down a road of introspection.  Plot twists challenge sleuthing minds, while real-to-life character conflicts shed light on what S.R.Claridge calls out as the one simple truth… there is No Easy Way.  

Unlike any other suspense novel, NO EASY WAY will linger with you long after you’ve closed the book.  Once you’ve cracked the cover, there is no easy way to put this book down.

Nominated for the "Heart of Molly" award (HODRW) NO EASY WAY is drawing the attention of the literary world and Author S.R.Claridge is setting out on a mid-western book tour through Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis.  Media/Press are extended an invitation to the local book tour stop and at their request either a free download or free print copy of NO EASY WAY.  Personal interviews with the Author can be arranged by emailing a request to vhpauthor@gmail.com

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Press Release

Article by Mark Coker (Founder of Smashwords)

A revolution is brewing that will topple Big Publishing as we know it.
At the heart of every revolution is a loss of faith in the prevailing regime.

In Egypt's case, a number of catalysts precipitated the revolution; chief among them an oppressive political environment that offered little opportunity for democratic participation, freedom of speech and economic opportunity.  The catalysts for the Egyptian revolution are remarkably similar to what's driving the author uprising against Big Publishing. By "Big Publishing," I'm referring to the old system in which the publisher serves as the author's judge, jury, gatekeeper and executioner.
For authors, if Big Publishing approves of your book, they acquire it.
Post-acquisition, you can die happy knowing you're a published author with all the esteem, respect and future possibilities embodied in this blessing. At least, that's the myth you've been trained to believe.

Has the Allure of Big Publishing become a Mirage?
It's tough to find a traditionally published author today who waxes eloquent about their post-publication experience. It's like the published author goes to heaven and reports back via John Edward (the guy who talks to dead people) that they discovered famine on the other side of the pearly gates.
More and more talented writers - including authors previously published by the Big 6 - are losing faith in the old system of publishing.

• Advances are declining
• Publishers reluctant to take chances on authors without established platforms
• Most print books forced out of print before they've had a chance to reach readers
• Authors expected to shoulder most post-publication marketing on their own dime
• Lost and mismanaged rights
• Brick and mortar retail distribution disappearing
• Publishers value books through myopic prism of perceived commercial potential (publisher death panels)
• Publishers acquire today what was hot yesterday so they can publish it 12-18 months from tomorrow
• Publishers over-price and under-distribute author works
• Publisher ebook royalties 17% list (25% net) vs 60-70% list (85-100% net) for self-publishing

Big Publishing, although it employs thousands of talented and well-intentioned professionals, is built upon a broken business model.

Ask Not What Your Publisher Can Do for You
Two questions and their answers are driving the author uprising against Big Publishing:

1. What can a publisher do for me that I (the author) cannot do for myself?
2. Might a big publisher actually harm my prospects as an author?

Ten years ago, the answers to these simple questions validated the need for Big Publishing. Why? In the old print world, Big Publishing controlled access to readers. They controlled the printing press and the access to retail distribution.
Yet these same questions asked today yield mixed results.
Self-published authors, a.k.a "indie authors," now have the power to produce, publish, price and promote books that are as good or better than those put out by Big Publishing. Indie ebook authors earn royalties of 60-70% of the list price. Traditionally published authors earn 5-17%.
Indie author sensation Amanda Hocking, in her recent interview with USA Today, was quoted as saying, "I can't really say that I would have been more successful if I'd gone with a traditional publisher."
No doubt, much of Hocking's success is because she's an indie author. She writes great books her readers love. She prices her series-starters at only $.99 and the rest at $2.99. Great books plus low prices plus enthusiastic fans plus an author directly engaged with her fans equals viral readership. Few big publishers are prepared to play by these new rules while paying authors 60-70% of list price.
Every week we hear of self-published authors - previously rejected by Big Publishing - finding success with self-published ebooks. Brian Pratt, profiled here at HuffPost in December, is one such author. Ruth Ann Nordin is another. Nordin's An Inconvenient Marriage is the #3 best-selling romance title today in the Apple iBookstore's romance category, and #57 among all paid titles at Apple. At Kobo, she's #9 today.
Two or three years from now when ebooks account for more than 50% of the book market, the same two dangerous questions above will yield a more unequivocal answer in favor of self-publishing.
The major ebook retailers - Apple, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Amazon - have embraced indie ebook authors and grant their works equal shelf presence alongside Big Publishing authors. Readers, not publishers, have become the curators.
Do authors still need publishers in this new world order? I think it all goes back to my first question. To survive and thrive, publishers big and small must do for authors what authors cannot or will not do for themselves.
The next chapter of this revolution may very well be written by progressive literary agents. Literary agents, responsible for protecting the best interests of their author clients, are encouraging the very best authors to consider the potential of self-publishing. 60-70% royalty, or 5-17%? The math is not difficult when ebooks rule the roost.

Welcome to the revolution.

ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Spotlight Author:  BRI CLARK

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  I have four children been married 10 years. I am an author first and foremost. I ‘m a blogger, a social media liasion with Astraea Press and I work with StoneGate Ink.  I help run Astraea Press’ blog and I’m a book reviewer for my own blog as well as Romancing the Book Review.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? Extrovert, I’m emotional, confrontational, irrational and aggressive. Then theres when I get upset.

What are your favorite books to read? Ebooks

Where is the most unique place you have traveled? I travel to exotic places I make up all the time. But in reality I’ve been to Hawaii. It wasn’t amazing and I have no desire to go back.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment? Being married for ten years. This coming from the woman who wanted to live life with a little black book.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  Published, Caffe’ Seduzione, Familial Witch, Glazier

Unpublished, Venim (Glazier’s sequel) The Awakening (Park of the Familial Witch Series.)

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres? Romance

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ? I really work on the characters always...then the pants come out full force.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?  150...I took a step back and tried a different approach. It worked.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you? I work with the muse.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

Marie Kincaid suffering the greatest loss a woman can know runs from the pain. Falling asleep deep within the forest she awakes in an infirmary with a loss of memory and a power, she’s always possessed yet never known: Glazier. Glazier enables Marie to embark on a new life free of pain but most importantly free of the past. Heightened senses, accelerated strength, speed, and learning abilities make Marie a perfect candidate to be a spy…also a perfect companion for Henry Tenison…the only other known Glazier.   Henry, a loner and proud rogue finds his world upended when his connection to Marie is forged through Glazier. Unsure of how to progress with any relationship with her he endeavors to keep it strictly platonic and professional. As far away, missions and romantic surroundings entice him into pursuing his deeper desires he caves. However, Marie’ love changes everything.  Determined to free them both of the spy world and hold Abram their superior has over them Henry implements a plot to disappear. However, when things become dangerous in their latest mission, their first undercover, and memories of Marie’s past surface suggesting another man…will Henry’s efforts prove to come too late? If Marie remembers her past, will she still want their future?

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?  There is no longer just traditional. Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to take a risk and don’t be afraid to invest in your own work.

What's up next for you and your writing? I have two more books to write and release this year. Then more sequels in 2012.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

 www.Briclarkthebelleofboise.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping by today.  It was nice to learn more about you and your books.  Best wishes!