Author Derek Armstrong's Tarot Blogs, adventures in the Tarot cards, by the creator of the tarot-based novel THE LAST TROUBADOUR from Kunati Books

Author Armstrong Breaks More News in the Ongoing Drew Peterson Case

2008-11-24T22:28:04Z

Drew Peterson Exposed author reveals that a source close to the investigation told him the meetings may be a sign an indictment for murder is near.

Crime Report USA Correspondent Derek Armstrong, Staff Reporter, Author Drew Peterson Exposed

A key witness in the case against Drew Peterson in the alleged homicide of his third wife Kathleen Savio will meet with prosecutor James Glasgow next Thursday, a confidential source told this reporter.

Mary Ponterelli was the first person on scene after Savio’s death was reported and James Glasgow will meet with her personally on Dec. 4.

The meeting may indicate the State wants to know specific details of what she might have witnessed.

Meet Victim Families Tomorrow?

Sources also indicated that state's attorney Glasgow is scheduled to meet with the families of Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson, as early as tomorrow.

Either Mr. Glasgow is reviewing potential details for a future indictment--an indictment my source indicated is likely in the Savio case--or is offering a progress report. The meeting with Mary Ponterelli is almost certainly to verify details of her account of the crime scene.

This reporter also broke the news last week that Judge Richard Schoenstedt would dismiss charges on the gun charges.

That was indicated by the potential indictment, now more likely than ever due to the hearsay law. This reporter's source said, 'I believe the charges will be dropped as a strategic move to protect a future homicide case.' The prosecution clearly did not want the defense to have those documents.

Since the new hearsay law would allow introduction of letters from Kathleen Savio--who wrote that if something happened to her, Drew Peterson was responsible--an indictment in Savio is most likely. The meeting of the State’s Attorney with Ponterelli, the principal crime scene witness in that case is another strong indicator that an indictment is forthcoming in the Savio case. The other theory the state is concerned about the case.

An Indictment Still Coming for Savio Homicide
Armstrong's says his source indicated "charges will come, if not today, then soon."

The source also said the indictment was only slightly motivated by the new hearsay law that took effect last week. The hearsay law may allow the prosecution to present hearsay from witnesses such as Pastor Neil Schori who indicated he was told by Stacy Peterson that Drew killed Kathleen Savio. There’s other evidence as well, according to the source. "The more compelling evidence," the source said , "were the transcripts of the Drew Peterson and Kathleen Savio divorce."

About Derek Armstrong: Armstrong is the author of seven books, including Drew Peterson Exposed and MADicine, and chief crime correspondent for Crime Report USA. He also contributes to several Canadian newspapers and publications, and appears regularly on several TV shows.

Drew Peterson Exposed — A Book-Length Investigation Presents Evidence and a Stinging Indictment

2008-09-21T17:16:34Z

NEWS RELEASE—Drew Peterson Exposed (Kunati Books, Oct 1, 2008, 140 photos) is a breaking-news book length investigation that presents compelling new evidence — and a stinging indictment — for one of the most provocative and high profile criminal investigations in the country. The new evidence and contents of the book remain under strict embargo until October 1, 2008, when the key points will be revealed on national television in an exclusive breaking interview.

October 28, 2008 marks the one year anniversary of Stacy Peterson’s disappearance. Since then, her husband Drew Peterson has been at the center of a media storm which shows no sign of abating—his most recent appearance on national television was one of the highest-rated television segments this year. He is a person of interest in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson in October 2007, and his involvement in the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, is now under renewed police scrutiny. As a introduction to the new evidence, author Derek Armstrong draws on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with Drew Peterson in this journalistic inquiry based on a complete private investigation. Drew Peterson has not read the book and was quick to accept an invitation to respond to the book’s findings on National Television, scheduled for September 30, 2008. “For months we’ve guarded the contents of Drew Peterson Exposed, working under strict non-disclosure agreements,” said author Derek Armstrong. Armstrong hopes the embargo will remain intact until the national broadcast and the broad release of the book on October 1, 2008. The facts and testimony assembled here presents new evidence, sheds new light on the details of the existing police investigations, the possible timelines, and the motives ascribed to Peterson. Conflicting witness accounts, false leads, widespread rumors, and red herrings that have dogged the case are analyzed and 140 photographs and documents (including many private family photos published here for the first time) go beyond the headlines to the heart of this sensational story. The frank and unvarnished portrait of Drew Peterson that emerges is bound to provoke further controversy. Drew Peterson Exposed goes to wide release and is distributed by Independent Publishers Group (Chicago) • Hardcover: 320 pages • 140 photographs and documents reproduced • Publisher: Kunati Inc. (October 1, 2008) Embargoed Title. • Exclusively distributed by Independent Publishers Group and available October 1, 2008 in major retailers everywhere. • ISBN-13: 978-1601641878

Woo Hoo! Fall 2008 ... ... Drew Peterson Exposed ... 24 Days to Embargo Release ... ... And a Pulitzer Prize-winning bestselling author ... ... Not to mention breakout non-fiction ... ... The hippest tarot deck on the market ... .... Shocking religious thrillers ... ... Movie deals ... ... Entirely unique fiction ... You expect no less from Kunati. Right?

Three Armstrong Titles in 2008 Among Kunati's Spectacular Line-up: Blogertize, MADicine and The Last Quest

2008-02-06T17:16:41Z

31 Authors - Pulitzer Prize-Winner - NY Times Bestselling Author - Sequels from Hit Authors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Kunati Books, "a publisher to watch" according to ALA's Booklist, promises a big year in 2008 with the addition of twenty-two titles, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a soon-to-be-a-motion-picture novel release.

"This year we're particularly excited to announce so many hot titles and authors," publisher Derek Armstrong said. "Pulitzer Prize winning NY Times bestseller John E. Mack joins our list with a commemorative illustrated edition of his Passport to the Cosmos. Joshua Corin is a most welcome addition, especially now that his amazing novel Nuclear Winter Wonderland is to be a major 2009 motion picture. Booksellers and reviewers really paid attention in 2007. But this year, Kunati's definitely the name to watch."

Spring 2008 has already seen strong advance orders for a critically-acclaimed list of unique fiction, including MADicine, the second Alban Bane thriller by satirical thriller novelist Derek Armstrong, and Hunting the King by Peter Clenott—already being favorably compared by reviewers to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

Libraries and chains have particularly responded to early buzz about Bathtub Admirals, a "true story" satirical novel of naval and political incompetence from retired US Navy Commander Jeff Huber. Returning from a great 2007 performance with Rabid, T K Kenyon's Callous is also hot on advance orders. Dan Ronco's UnHoly Domain has been compared by reviewers to Phillip K. Dick and earned praise from many bestselling authors.

Kunati's intelligent choices of unique voices has led to movie-option negotiations, development deals, a flurry of interest in translation rights, and:
· 31 authors
· Kunati's first Tarot deck/book set, a very unique set that combines Quantum physics and Tarot imagery in the Quantum Tarot
· Six acclaimed new thrillers, including MADicine, sequel to the 2007 hit The Game.
· Several non-fiction titles, including the much-anticipated Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness, by sitcom writer Wendy Aron
· Blogertize, a breakout "How-to Make Money" book on blogging with secrets of a twenty-year expert marketer
· The return of Armstrong's hugely popular historical-fantasy-tarot trilogy in The Last Quest, book two after last year's hit The Last Troubadour.
· An inspirational book of hope for those who have suffered sexual abuse, Courage in Patience, from Beth Fehlbaum
· Breakthrough fiction, including: The Master Planets from Donald Gallinger; A Decent Ransom, A Story of Kidnapping Gone Right from Ivana Hruba; a twice-dead crime-solver in the sensational Miracle Myx from Dave Diotalevi; a legal thriller ripped right from the headlines in Janeology by Karen Harrington; Heart of Diamonds from journalist Dave Donelson an international adventure set in the darkest Congo; and Belly of the Whale, a powerful and poignant story of a woman battling cancer who finds the will to live after confronting a murderer.

"We're fortunate to have so many fine authors to choose from," Armstrong explained. "Our authors-first philosophy led to over 8500 submissions last year. Our 2007 cloth editions were so popular, most of them are releasing in trade paper in fall of this year."

Kunati's many titles in 2007 are still selling well in cloth, including unique titles:

· Mothering Mother, the family caregiving masterpiece from Carol D. O'Dell, a popular guest on TV, with appearances on CNN and FOX TV
· The Game, Alban Bane's first thriller from Derek Armstrong, a critically acclaimed jab at reality TV
· Rabid, from T K Kenyon, described as "impressive" by Publishers Weekly and landing to strong sales and starred reviews
· Popular post-Civil War historical Women of Magdalene from Rosemary Poole-Carter
· The Last Troubadour, which caught the imagination of historical fans and Tarot fans alike
· Truth or Bare, a stylish character-driven crime thriller from Richard Cahill
· On Ice from beloved humorist Red Evans
· bang Bang: How Paula Sherman Took On the Gun Lobby and Changed America, a literary masterpiece by Lynn Hoffman
· Whale Song from Canadian Cheryl Kaye Tardif, "already a hit" according to Booklist
· Golf slapstick with Todd Sentell's Toonamint of Champions
· UK humor from Andy Tilley's sensational Recycling Jimmy
· A journey back to the hip sixties in Shadow of Innocence from Ric Wasley
· Young adult adventure in Art Tirrell's popular The Secret Ever Keeps.

About Kunati

Kunati Books has been described as "a publisher to watch" from ALA's Booklist and "what a publisher looks like if the marketing department runs things" by Quill and Quire. With thirty-one authors, a Pulitzer Prize- winner, and movie deals for books, Kunati is a major force in independent publishing.

Kunati became an instant hit with its "authors-first approach." Founded by published authors, Kunati became an immediate focus for authors, with thousands of submissions per year. Careful selection led to critical acclaim for all published titles. Distributed internationally through Independent Publishers Group, Canadian Manda and other groups, and through all major wholesalers, Kunati quickly became popular with booksellers, and in particular the independents.

Kunati is also very loyal to its libarian friends.

Fresh, acclaimed fiction and non-fiction also makes Kunati a major target of movie-rights buyers. Nuclear Winter Wonderland, a Kunati title from Joshua Corin, is soon to be a major movie. Other titles are optioned or in negotiation.

About Kunati's Publisher
Best known for historical thrillers and mystery thrillers, Derek Armstrong is also a screenwriter, publisher and well-known marketing guru. His defining signature style was described by Booklist as "brilliance in which Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways." Armstrong is the creator of Alban Bane, featured in the Alban Bane thrillers The Game and MADicine, a character affectionately compared by critics to House M.D., the TV character. He is the author of the popular Song of Montségurhistorical trilogy, including The Last Troubadour and The Last Quest. He is also author of two non-fiction titles: Blogertize-A Leading Expert Shows How Your Blog Can Be A Money-Making Machine and The Persona Principle: How to Succeed in Business with Image-Marketing. Forthcoming in 2009 is a breakthrough Harry Potter competitor: Magick Inc.

Derek Armstrong has won many awards for advertising copywriting internationally and wrote The Persona Principle (Simon & Schuster) with co-author Kam Wai Yu, now translated to five languages.

Well-loved author Red Evans, creator of On Ice, Passed Away

2008-01-14T17:16:48Z

Our dear friend and Kunati Author Red Evans passed away. We will miss him. His humor and words live on in his wonderful novel ON ICE.

Red Evans, author of On Ice, passed away this Sunday morning on January 13, 2008.

Thank you to everyone who wrote kind words to Red and his family during his illness.
The crowning of his long and productive life in radio, television, and public relations was becoming a published author. With a shout of "Ah Scooby Do," his lead in as the DJ “Rockin’ Redhead,” he entered the Pearly Gates conjuring up thoughts for his first heavenly novel.

Red saw humor and sparkling life in everything, evident in his writing. He never lost his humor. He joked, "now my cancer has cancer."

A now-famous scene in On Ice portrays, the Not-Forgotten Funeral Home. We will certainly NOT forget (copyright Red Evans)—

Excerpt from On Ice —

The Not Forgotten Funeral Home employee stood spellbound by the huge man with eagle feathers flickering in the afternoon breeze. Felton followed him up the stairs with his pork pie hat over his heart. At the top, he called across to me in the lawn area, “After Whistler gets his run, Eldy, you come on in. We’ll be with Mr. Tweedleman. You can’t miss him. He’s been dead since he was born.”
Felton waved the hat at the employee who was still standing by the Studebaker, mouth wide open, not knowing whether to crap or go blind. “Well come on, man. What are you standing there for? Ichthius Tweedleman’s got a lot to do to make old Tyrane here acceptable to the Gatekeeper. Close your mouth so the flies don’t get in, and come on!”
We had bought a leash for Whistler at a K-Mart, since it didn’t seem like a good idea to go to another Wal-Mart. They might have an all-store-bulletin out for a man and a greased boy who was attacked by mad pedalfiles. The leash was in a plastic case, and you pulled it out like a metal tape rule. It was real long and gave old Whistler a lot of room to roam. I tied it off on the branch of a bush and walked back to the plantation house.
The funeral home wasn’t anything like Harold’s Funeral Chapel, Vinyl Siding and Windows Company in Jupiter Bluff. Apparently, all the Not Forgotten Funeral Home did was bury folks. They didn’t display stuff like Harold’s does. At Harold’s, there were miniature model windows on stands outside of the chapel with prices on ‘em written neat and kind of solemn, so no one would be offended. People could slide the different windows up and down to see how smooth they worked. The day before the services, when folks visited the casket, quiet conversations were often drowned out by the scrape of windows going up and down. That probably took people’s minds off the death of a dear one, ya know.
Harold’s also covered the walls in the chapel with various types of siding, so between bereavements, one could think about redoing the house with the insurance money.
The Not Forgotten Funeral Home was like a tomb, not like at Harold’s where there was a pegboard wall of window accessories, such as locks, sashes, and frame selections. Men gathered around the display to talk about their own windows, comparing locks, panes, and window frames. It was all kind of homey.
The inside of this funeral home was graveyard silent except for an antique grandfather clock I passed in the hall that bonged at my ear, making me almost wet my pants. The place had a funny smell that I couldn’t pin down. It was like sour peaches and popcorn is the best I could think of. The carpet felt like thick mowed grass, and on the walls were huge pictures of fields and forests.
I came to a glass-fronted door that read: “Ichthius Tweedleman, III” behind which I could hear voices, including Felton’s distinctive scratchy one that arrested everybody in our living room. I could also hear that rumble from the Indian’s big chest. When I opened the door and walked in, I knew right away that we had stepped in chicken poop that I could almost feel ooze between my toes.

Red will be missed. His words and humor touched everyone. They will live forever in our memories and his writings.

All of My Favorites for 2008! Yes, I've read them all

2008-01-06T17:37:32Z

THREE Armstrong Titles in 2008 — Blogertize, MADicine and The Last Quest!

Available to Order Now

Alphabetical by Title with "loglines." Click cover to learn more.

In Lynn Hoffman’s "brilliant" novel, a singing vigilante waitress crime-victim takes on America’s obsession with guns and transforms herself in the process. Read More... View the trailer!

"Thoroughly charming and sure to enrage the NRA" Kirkus Reviews

"Starred Review. Brilliant." BookList Magazine

Hudson Catalina has given up on life, having lost both breasts to cancer, until the wrecked-by-life young Buddy Baker arrives, bent on murder. Linda Merlino’s harrowing, touching story of despair, abuse, murder and survival leaves you enriched by the experience. Read more...

Are the armed forces of the world’s only superpower really run by self-serving "Bathtub Admirals" and unscrupulous back-stabbers? In the brilliant tradition of Heller and Vonnegut, Bathtub Admirals is retired commander Jeff Huber's tragicomic take on America’s rise to global dominance. Read more...

"Populated by outrageous characters and fueled with pompous outrage, Huber’s irreverent broadside will pummel the funny bone of anyone who’s served." Publishers Weekly

In typical TK Kenyon genre-bending style, Callous is Our Town meets The Crucible in a paranoia-fest as neighbor suspects neighbor of being a murderer, a serial killer, or worse, and relationships spin out of control. Read more...

"Impressive." Publishers Weekly, review of TK Kenyon's Rabid

A "delightfully sarcastic" and "House-M.D-like"* detective takes on "creepy" reality television. In this darkly humorous thriller, reality television becomes too real when a killer with a message preys on the contestants of America's number one TV show. Read more...view the trailer!

"Armstrong is an author to watch." Booklist
"Dark tongue-in-cheek thriller" Library Journal
"Suspenseful and rich with dark humor" Foreword Reviews

On the evening of the American invasion of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, an international cast of schemers, spies, churchmen and scientists race to claim the greatest prize the world has ever seen. Read more...

"A stunning debut thriller. More convincing than DaVinci Code." Films & Books Magazine

Tom is certain he is living the American dream. With twins and lovely wife Jane, and a house on the beach, life couldn't be better. Until one day in June, the police tell him the unthinkable—his wife has drowned their toddler son, while his daughter clings to life in the hospital. Read more...

"This affecting story, with its brilliant array of genial, selfish, troubled, and plucky characters, accomplishes a wonderful feat by revealing specific and universal truths within all families." Donald Phillips, bestselling author

In this historical thriller set against the rich background of the 13th century Inquisition, the last living troubadour, condemned by the church as a heretic, must rescue a holy Christian relic from a crusading king. Read more...view the trailer

"Brilliance....genuinely innovative" Booklist

"Amusing and entertaining... recommended for all." Library Journal

"Action-packed novel." Publishers Weekly

What happens when an engineered virus, meant to virally "cure" psychopathically violent patients, is let loose by accident on the world? And what chance does the world have when a rescue organization named WART (World Advance Response Taskforce) is our only hope? Read more...

"In his follow-up to the excellent The Game (2007), Armstrong takes on a whole new set of challenges....Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways" Booklist

Nothing escapes Myx. And he isn't the kind of kid to let murders go unsolved. Two times dead left his mind wired like no other, and he knows how to use it. Read more...

"What a treat it is to be in the mind of Myx Amens, the clever, capable, twice-dead, protagonist of a story that surprises and satisfies throughout. A mystery told with wry, intelligent humor. More Myx, Mr. Diotalevi, and soon." Robert Fate, Author, Baby Shark series, Academy Award Winner.

An authentic in-the-room view of a daughter's struggle to care for an aging parent with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, a memoir told with humor and heart-breaking frankness, both inspirational and helpful. Read more...view the trailer!

Don't miss Carol O'Dell on CNN and FOX TV.

"Beautiful. Told with humor, and much love." Booklist

What do you get when you mix a corpse "on ice" in a kiddie pool in the back of a pick up truck, a wide-eyed farm boy and a flatulent dog? Don't miss this utterly charming road trip story. Read more...view the trailer!

"Evans uses offbeat humor to both entertain and move his readers." Booklist.

An outrageous romp into "suicide for profit" and the darkest aspects of human nature, told with brilliant black humor and a zest for life. Read more...View the trailer!

"Recycling Jimmy is energetic, imaginative, relentlessly and unabashedly vulgar, and at times, funny enough to make a cranky reviewer laugh out loud." Booklist

"Darkly comic story unwinds with plenty of surprises." ForeWord Reviews

A sexy, savvy, darkly funny tale of ambition, scandal, forbidden love and murder, science and religion collide with far reaching consequences. Nothing is sacred. Read more...View the trailer!

"Jealousy and anger erupt in murder, a tense jury trial and the discovery of a lethal, lab-cultivated aerosol rabies virus...impressive medical thriller." Publishers Weekly

An aging Godfather-like billionaire tycoon regrets a decades-long life of "shady dealings" and seeks reconciliation with a granddaughter who doesn't even know he exists. Read more...View the trailer!

"A must read." Films and Books

"Riveting, rhapsodic, accomplished." Foreword

"Romance, adventure and danger on the lake." Kirkus

The oh-so-cool crime-solving McCarthy couple delve into the dark and perverse shadows of ultra-establishment Newport against a groovy sixties backdrop. The quick-witted McCarthy family face shadowy kidnappers, protective family dynasties, and mysterious assassins. Read more...View the Trailer!

"Colorful and exciting. A lot of fun." Booklist

"Wasley brings reality to this tale." Library Journal

"A page-turner...Sit down and enjoy. You'll be glad you did." NY Times bestseller William Martin

A wickedly funny satire of the exclusive world of the private golf club tells the story of an obsessive bank teller from Mullet Luv, Georgia, and his squawking redneck fiancée achieving a lifelong dream of teeing off at the Augusta National Golf Club. Read more...View the Trailer!

"Regardless of which way your funny bone swings, Sentell’s Toonamint of Champions will give a brand new meaning to “par for the course.” ForeWord

"Over-the-top slapstick." Booklist

A literary yet humorous crime novel about a lawyer who hates lawyers moving with the ease of a shark through the dingy bars and fantasy parlors where his clients do their dangerous dance of survival on society’s underbelly. Read more...View the trailer!

"Cahill has introduced an enticing character in Speed; he’s flawed, funny, and apparently hell-bent on making sure his life never goes completely right. Let’s hope this debut novel isn’t the last we hear from him." Booklist Magazine

A fast-paced techno-thriller depicts a world of violent extremes, where religious terrorists and visionaries of technology fight for supreme power. Read more...

"Top rate adventure sparkling with ideas." NY Times bestselling author Piers Anthony

"A chilling technothriller. . . Dan Ronco is social visionary on par with William Gibson and Robert Sawyer." Scott Nicholson, author, They Hunger

Two cultures clash in a world where native tradition and modern law cannot co-exist. How can a young girl deal with the assisted suicide of her own mother? Whale Song is a haunting tale of change and choice. Read more...View the Trailer!

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

"Tardif already a hit... a name to reckon with south of the border." Booklist

The women of Magdalene are dying and no one seems to care, least of all the haughty Dr. Kingston, the director of the genteel Ladies’ Lunatic Asylum. A mix of historical who-dunnit and gripping historical fiction by prolific author and playwrite Rosemary Poole-Carter. Read more...View the trailer!

"Women of Magdalene is a brilliant example of the best historical fiction can do." Featured review in ForeWord

"A fine mix of thriller, historical fiction, and Southern Gothic." Booklist

Click to View New 2008 Titles!

News and New Years Wishes

2007-12-31T18:04:30Z

  The Game

Thank you, dear readers, for your support, and your patience as you await the sequels to The Game and The Last Troubadour. I haven't had time to reply to everyone who has written -- I promise to be in touch soon! Very busy with the publisher's last minute proofs for MADicine (sequel to The Game -- MADicine is now on its way to the press!) and The Last Quest (sequel to The Last Troubadour, due out in Fall 08. I beg you to be patient!

  The Last Troubadour: Song of Montsegur

Meanwhile for Bane fans, here's a sneak peak at MADicine. Bane is at his satirical and sarcastic best as he heads up a new UN agency with the unfortunate acronym of WART. Think of it as The Bourne Identity meets House M.D., as Bane saves the world with his new "angels" -- a satirical nod to Charlie's Angels of course. MADicine is already buzzing:

"In his follow-up to the excellent The Game (2007), Armstrong takes on a whole new set of challenges....Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways. An ambitious attempt from a writer of abundant talent."Booklist

  MADicine

"Escaping a facility in California, a virus intended to help cure the world of violence unleashes an epidemic of rage infecting every nation on earth. A relief organization with the unfortunate acronym W.A.R.T. is the world's only hope of salvation. Enter Alban Bane, an acerbic, outrageous detective, and his new partner, Dr. Ada Kenner of the Center for Disease Control, who detects a pattern in the mysterious pockets of rage. The unlikely duo chase the virus from Los Angeles to France, Hong Kong, and Africa in a global race against time in the company of a ragtag cast of allies and enemies. This robust adventure satirizes medical thrillers and zombie stories in one suspenseful sweep, delivering equal measures of satire, thrills, suspense, and comedy." IPG

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Guest Blog from a Hip New Crime Writer

2007-11-26T13:45:47Z

The Crime Line: A writer of crime novels blogs on real crime. Why not? Fiction is merely the tribute art pays to the ineffably fissured weirdness of reality.

The developing story here in Pennsylvania is that the Philadelphia police force is getting shot up like the French Navy. Five cops shot since September, with one fatality, but that being a particularly gruesome one caught on security tape.
   Spates of gun violence in Philly are nothing new…the town had the highest murder rate among big cities in the nation in 2006 and is on a pace to outdo that this year, but since most of that violence is what local quarterback Donovan McNabb would describe as "black on black crime," the Pennsylvania Legislature, dominated by representatives from white, upstate PA (sometimes described as "Baja West Virginia") are not inclined to do much about it, being much more concerned about the National Rifle Association's election endorsements than they are about bullets flying around the hood.
   With cops getting shot, however, the politicians are being galvanized into action. Four bills were introduced that might have an effect on gun violence in the Big Cheesesteak. One would force people to report lost or stolen handguns, another would allow local municipalities to enact their own gun laws, a third would prohibit Pennsylvanians from purchasing more than one handgun a month, and the final one would impose a mandatory twenty-year sentence on anyone who shoots at a police officer.
   Our own beloved Governor Ed Rendell, a former mayor in Philly and the nation's most popular slightly obese state politician (Actual observed bumper sticker-"Our Governor Can Eat More Than Your Governor") went to the Legislature himself to plead for these bills to be released from committee, with mixed results. PA's politicos wrapped themselves in the Second Amendment and declared that:

   Forcing people to actually report lost or stolen handguns would place an unconstitutional burden on them, so that when a gun you bought turns up in a crack house in North Philly, you can still declare comfortably "Jeez, Your Honor, I must have misplaced that gol-durn thing."

   Letting Philadelphia enact its own gun legislation, so that Philadelphia police could actually start confiscating the thousands of illegal handguns in the city would be an impermissible intrusion on the rights of state politicians to not pass such laws.

   Limiting Pennsylvanians to the purchase of one handgun each month, or twelve per year, or six for each hand, if you want to put it that way, would seriously infringe on the self-defense rights of the citizens of the state, which can only apparently be assured by unrestricted handgun purchases on every day of the year except Christmas and the Fourth of July.

The last bill, mandating a twenty-year sentence for anyone shooting at a cop, assumes that someone pointing a weapon at a police officer, an individual in what could minimally be described as a high-stress mindset, will (1) pause to think about the extra twenty years in prison shooting at the cop will earn him and (2) plan to miss, in order to just get the twenty years instead of the life sentence hitting the cop will get him. It doesn't take a psychic to predict that this law will not prevent a single cop from being shot at. It will however, someday earn a twenty-year sentence for some guy whose door gets broken down in the middle of the night by a SWAT team with the wrong address and who is dumb or disoriented enough to take a shot at them, and lucky enough to live afterwards.

This useless legislation will be passed with alacrity. Big Ed will sign it (what other choice does he have? To be in favor of shooting cops?) and the members of the Legislature will congratulate themselves for addressing the problem of cop shootings with such fervor that an impartial observer might think that prior to their acting, it was legal to shoot at police officers in Pennsylvania.

Richard Cahill is the author of the extraordinarily fresh new "crime novel" Truth or Bare, from Kunati Books (9781601640161).

"Cahill has introduced an enticing character in Speed; he’s flawed, funny, and apparently hell-bent on making sure his life never goes completely right. Let’s hope this debut novel isn’t the last we hear from him." — Booklist Magazine, Mary Frances Wilkens

More Troubadour Reviews; Kunati featured in Q&Q

2007-11-24T01:56:05Z

Quill & Quire Features Kunati

"Thinking Big — Kunati Books offers a commercial edge — and strong ambitions... What would a publishing house be like if the marketing department ran the company? Kunati Books isn't exactly that, but it's close.... all good numbers for a small press, even for a medium-sized press..." More here...

Three more reviews for Armstrong's The Last Troubadour, one more for The Game—

"The 13th-century French inquisition...provide a backdrop for Armstrong's action-packed second novel..."— Publishers Weekly

"...brings symbols of the Tarot to life through medieval characters to create a richly textured historical fantasy that is suspenseful, humorous, and tragic."— Tampa Bay Magazine

"...blends history and fantasy to create a rollicking good tale of love and intrigue...." — In The Hills
Read Full Reviews here.

Bestselling author Piers Anthony endorses Dan Ronco's new book Unholy Domain

"Another fast-action story of vicious extremes, as a powerful religious cult takes on a sophisticated tech outfit. Each means to destroy the other and rule the world, and neither is scrupulous about the means. The protagonist is caught precariously between the two. Top rate adventure sparkling with ideas."

Piers Anthony — author of dozens upon dozens of fantastic sci-fi fiction.

Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif sponsors Love of Reading!

"The Love of Reading.com Online Book Fair is off to a great start. Join me, plus other authors, avid readers, publishers, publicists, media contacts and more at: Love of Reading.
Read about her sponsorship on CNN.com

Whale Song was also recently reviewed at But You Don't Look Sick? magazine. Reviewer Christine Miserandino says, "I love books that are a quick read, but don't feel "short"...The story keeps you interested and turning pages." Review here.

Carol "Tells All" on CNN

Carol O'Dell, popular author of Mothering Mother, brings refreshing humor, expertise and hope to the issue of caregiving for elders and chronically ill on CNN and Fox TV. Read more on Films and Books Magazine. Download a PDF press kit, complete with interview and excerpt of her book here.

Art Tirrell's "The Secret Ever Keeps" a Hit on Book Channel

"Fantastic book. You won't be sorry." Lake Ontario Sailing
"Brilliant underwater scenes. Tremendous suspense."
"Mysteries unfurl with grace."
"Intriguing and complex."
Read more here.

"Women of Magdalene" Featured Cover Story Review

Women of Magdalene was chosen as the "lead review" and featured review in Foreword: "...a brilliant example of the best historical fiction can do: illuminate the past not as it really, truly was, but as we imagine it to be, in order to better understand our own motives, desires, and prejudices."

At the same time, The Houston Chronicle profiled Rosemary Poole-Carter as an author "who sheds light on women's issues." The News Star reviewed her magnificent historical novel as "La Perfect Historical. Read more reviews....

Library Journal on The Last Troubadour "Recommended for all."

The Last Troubadour is a "bestseller" in various library systems, listed as number one with several public libraries for "bookings" after this marvelous Library Journal Review

"Tales about the Inquisition are not supposed to be amusing and entertaining, but Armstrong (The Game) manages to make them just that while keeping historical integrity... recommended for all." — Library Journal Review

New Forum for Writers, Readers, Publishers, Agents

2007-11-04T17:05:52Z

Deady Prose Magazine — a popular magazine with thousands of subscribers — launched Deadly Prose Forum. We're so delighted to see the Deadly Prose name growing in popularity. Years ago Derek Armstrong started Deadly Prose Critique Group, an online private critique group for published or "soon-to-be-published" authors. Many of the members have gone on to publication and writing careers and although he's no longer "moderating" the group, but the the original critique group remains a goldmine of talent and productive critiquing. Kunati has published several of their works. The forum was a natural extension.

The editor at Deadly Prose Magazine suggested the community and Derek ended up volunteering to "moderate" until a replacement can be found. It's new, but already it's already a wonderful community. It is open for all fans of commercial fiction, especially readers, writers, publishers, agents, critics and journalists. We hope you'll check out the group and join as one of the "founding members" Please remember it's new. Help to make it a great place for readers to meet writers, writers to meet publishers and agents and all of us to get to know each other. Check out Deadly Prose Forum!

Persona Research Shows Books More Popular Than TV!

2007-09-29T19:03:22Z

Of course, nothing beats the Internet, a fact we've argued for years.

As always, Persona leads in new innovations in these areas, and Internet marketing via our proprietary Blogertize methods have built entire companies on low-cost internet marketing. So, here are some high level findings from a National Persona Syndicated Study covering all states.

Model — Online by invitation, randomized email invitation, sample size 10,800

Accruacy — plus or minus 0.2%, 9 times out of 10

Some High Level Findings

BOOKS — 30.6% "Can't live without books" — 23.4% "LOVE books" — 20.9% "Read regularly" totalling 74.9%
TV — Only 18.4% "Can't live without TV" — 29% "LOVE TV" — 30.5% "Watch regularly totalling 77.9% but somewhat "less enthusiastic" than the book lovers
INTERNET — 36.4% "Can't live without internet" — 23.7% "LOVE Internet surfing" — 22.5% "regularly Internet surf" totalling 82.6%

Good news for Publishers, and for Internet advertisers. It would seem that the Internet is the best way to get the word out on books (perhaps TV programers should advertise on the Internet as well!)

Looking only at the "Can't live without it" ratings:

36.4% for Internet
30.6% for Books
18.4% for TV

Reality Television is not as popular as pundits would have us believe, with only 13.8% responding "Can't live without it."

Popular Online Destinations

Amazon.com — 16.3% go often, 13.4% regularly, 44.4% sometimes — again supporting the popularity of books
Ebay scores similarly with 18.9% often, 13.5% regularly and 44.8% sometimes
Facebook scored lower than expected at 4.5% often, 2.7% regularly and 14.3% sometimes
Myspace scored better at 12.3% often, 7.5% regularly, 28.1% sometimes
YouTube held on at 8.9% often, 10.8% regularly, 41.4% sometimes
Google scored highest, of course, at 39.6% often, 17.8% regularly and 34.5% sometimes

Watch for more on this landmark study in future posts or at Persona Corp's Persona Think Tank Page.

An excellent case study from Kunati: the recent release The Last Troubadour. By carefully speaking to particular audiences

-- in this case historical novel fans and Tarot fans (estimated at 50 million in North America) -- and using only blogs, journals, forums and online trailers (see bottom) to promote the book, author Derek Armstrong turned the epic into a hit, with foreign rights and movie rights pending, and an amazingly loyal fan club:

FAN MAIL:

"I'm a big fan!" C. Gerus

"This is the best book I've read. I mean the best ever." Jenine

"I sat down to savor. I gobbled it up in one weekend. Amazing." D. Carus

"Magnificent. Wise. Bawdy. Funny. Exciting. Tarot. What more could anyone ask?" Wise Tarot Magazine

"Don't miss this book! Derek Armstrong, get writing!! I'm ready for the sequels to this book. Very well written, engrossing, and just enough humor to balance the rather graphic description of people burning at the stake. I heartily concur with the jacket: "An author to watch"... and worth waiting for, although I want them NOW!! Great history, wonderful characterizations. So, Derek, are you ready to publish the next two books yet? This avid fan is very eagerly, but not so patiently, waiting." S Otis

"Wow!" S Fastow

"My only regret, next fall is a long time to wait for the sequel! I'm telling everyone to read!" E. McGee

"My only complaint is the ending. I didn't want it to end." B Cunningham

"I can't wait for the second book." M. Ross

"The Last Troubadour was amazing!" Ana

"Life is myth and archetypes and Armstrong depicts both with brilliance." K Harrington

"I love The Last Troubadour. It's thrilling!" S. Francis

"The Inquisition, a crusade, tarot, Cathars? I'm in! As soon as I found there was a quest for a holy relic, I was hooked, and stayed hooked until the conclusion." D. Diotalevi

"I really enjoyed it! More, please." Leslie

"if you're smart you'll get it. And love it." T Sentell

"Is it historical fiction, thriller, epic, romance, adventure, biting satire? All of the above." R Carter

"All the colors of humanity into his characters, among them duty, compassion, and humor." K Harrington

"This novel is like a house on fire. This story moves!" R. Metcalf

"Intriguing!" C Hawkes

"I have just had the enormous luck of having "The Last Troubadour - Song of Montsegur", by Derek Armstrong, cross my path. The key to this book ... at least in the eyes of most Tarotists, is that Armstrong has chosen to model his major characters after Tarot archetypes. His writing is superb, and his characters full blooded people, not two dimensional works of art on paper.

The setting for the novel is 13th century Europe, in the city of Carcassonne. The plot is one of cunning and intrigue. Part humor, history, part mystery, this rowdy, bawdy book is a marvelous read! "Bonnie

Comments from one of the biggest Tarot Forums online:
"Put this on your wish list for Christmas!"
"I loved your book!"
"My favorite character is Death. It helped me visualize the card. The whole novel is like a journey through the Tarot. Thank you."
"My only criticism is your Devil character. I have to wait for book two for the Devil? I loved it."
"Reading your book helped me overcome a block in designing my own deck. Your archetypes are perfect!"

Oh, from the mainstream reviewers:

- "...brilliance in which Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways."

— David Pitt, Booklist Magazine

- "The Last Troubadour is a must read, a sizzling blend of satire, adventure, historical romance and comedy. The tarot-based characters are inspired. This is definitely an author to watch."

— Films & Books Magazine

- "Kudos to Derek Armstrong ... this is a wonderful work of art, and I highly recommend it to all who are interested in the Tarot, in the history of the 13th century, and in a mystery that crosses many boundaries!"

-Bonnie Cehovet, TE, Aeclectic Tarot Book Review

Kunati's famous novel trailers (invented by Kunati's creative director in the 1980s) is another online tactic that drives massive traffic, sales and fans. Here's The trailer for The last Troubadour: