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Mayra Calvani - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Mayra Calvani loves writing fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She's also a professional book reviewer and a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine, Suite101, Today.com, American Chronicle, and BloggerNews.net. In addition, she's assistant editor of Voice in the Dark Newsletter. Visit her fun new blog, Pets and Their Authors.
[View Mayra Calvani's Extended Author Bio]
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Mayra Calvani Email Alerts
- Book Review - A Deadly Habit, by Andrea Sisco
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] A Deadly Habit is an unusual mystery as far as mysteries go. It is laugh-out-loud funny and features a feisty, willful heroine that will both test your patience and steal your heart.
- Review of Operation Emu by B. Brandon Barker
[Book-Reviews:Non-Fiction] Third-rate Hollywood actors and top NASA astronauts come together in this quirky, hilarious romp of a novel. If you enjoy satire, you'll want to add Operation Emu to your shelf.
- Interview With Latina Poet Luivette Resto
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Although Luivette was born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, she was raised in the Bronx. She graduated from Cornell University with a BA in English Literature and a minor in U.S. Latino Studies. She most recently published her first collection of poetry titled Unfinished Portrait.
- New Promotional Site For Latino Authors
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Bronzeworld Latino Authors is a new promotional site run by Jo Ann Hernandez. Its aim is to spread the word about the work of Latino authors worldwide and celebrate their accomplishments.
- Interview With Sandra Rodriguez Barron, Author of the Heiress of Water
[Book-Reviews:Non-Fiction] My special guest today is talented Sandra Rodriguez Barron, author of the award-winning, The Heiress of Water. Sandra was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions. Welcome, Sandra!
- Review of Is It You, Me, Or Your Adult ADD? By Gina Pera
[Book-Reviews:Self-Help] When you hear the term ADD, hyperactive, badly behaved children who do poorly at school come to mind, but this condition doesn't only affect children. Gina Pera's book, Is It You, Me, or Your Adult A.D.D.? takes a look at an often ignored aspect of ADD, that of adult ADD.
- Review of "A Walk With Grandpa"
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] Delightful bilingual children's picture book about the special love between grandfather and granddaughter. As grandfather and granddaughter, hand in hand, take a walk through the woods, they discover and share the beauty of nature around them. And as they do so, they express how much they mean to each other. It's interesting to see the affectionate phrases both in English and Spanish.
- Interview With Marta Stephens, Author of Silenced Cry
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Tell us a little about yourself, Marta. Although I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Indiana has been my home for nearly fifty years. My husband and I have a daughter and son who attend my alma mater where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations and where I've worked for the past three decades.
- Interview With Misa Ramirez, Author of Living the Vida Lola
[Arts-and-Entertainment] My guest today is Misa Ramirez, author of Living the Vida Lola. Misa's work combines elements of humor, romance and mystery. In this interview, she talks about her inspiration for the novel, her busy schedule, and her future projects.
- Book Review - Only Mortals Can Be Heroes - A True Story of Drug Addiction
[Book-Reviews:Biographies-Memoirs] This book is the true story of Adam, a teenage boy who fell to drugs when he was only twelve years old. Told from the point of view of Adam himself, this is an important, frightening account of how young people and their families can be destroyed both emotionally and physically because of drug addiction.
- Book Review - Silenced Cry, by Marta Stephens
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] If you like mystery novels with rich plots that dig into the past, then you'll enjoy Silenced Cry by Marta Stephens. During a routine pick-up for questioning, Detective Sam Harper loses his partner and friend, Gillies. Harper is confused and distraught by the event, which happens under suspicious circumstances.
- Interview With Robert Shlasko, Author of Molly and the Sword
[Book-Reviews:Fiction] Robert Shlasko talks about his lovely book about a young violinist. The story, for ages 9-12, encourages self esteem.
- Bullfighting - Culture Or Cruelty?
[News-and-Society] In Latin America and Europe combined, approximately 250,000 bulls die each year. Do these bulls fall prey to a deadly virus, perhaps? Far from it. The bulls are tortured and killed for the sake of entertainment. Have we evolved at all since the Roman times?
- Interview With Lee Denning, SF Author of Monkey Trap
[Book-Reviews:SciFi-Fantasy-Horror] Lee Denning is the pen name of not one author but two - Denning Powell and his daughter Lee, who apparently make an awesome science fiction writing team. In this interview Powell talks about how they went about writing the first novel in the series, Monkey Trap, as well as other aspects of writing and publishing. The sequel to Monkey Trap, Hiding Hand, is scheduled to be released by Twilight Times Books this August...
- Interview With Latina Cop and Poet Sarah Cortez
[Arts-and-Entertainment:Poetry] A proud Bostonian, Sarah Cortez is a cop, poet, short story writer and editor of the award-winning nonfiction work, Windows Into My World, a collection of short memoirs written by young authors. She's also the editor of the anthology, Hit List: The Best of Latino Mystery. She was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule to answer my questions about her work, editing, and the creative process.
- Review of Hungry Woman in Paris, By Josefina Lopez
[Book-Reviews:Womens] Primarily, Hungry Woman in Paris is the story of a young woman trying to find herself in a foreign country. Yet it is so much more than that. Beyond a delicious facade of Parisian gourmet cuisine and love escapades, the novel examines important issues like prejudice against minorities and gender roles.
- Review of Living the Vida Lola, by Misa Ramirez
[Book-Reviews:Womens] Living the Vida Loca is a fun, entertaining novel. Lola is a sympathetic, good-hearted, spunky protagonist who gives a new meaning to the words 'private investigator'.
- Interview With Dawn Jeffers, Publisher of Raven Tree Press
[Writing-and-Speaking:Publishing] Raven Tree Press specializes in family oriented, high-quality, bilingual (English-Spanish) children's picture books with universal themes that can appeal to many cultures. Their books have garnered rave reviews and won awards. Here to talk about the press is publisher Dawn Jeffers. Jeffers is also an accomplished children's writer and author of the bilingual titles, Vegetable Dreams and Beautiful Moon.
- Interview With Marta Acosta, Author of the Casa Dracula Series
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Marta Acosta is the author of the successful, darkly humorous Casa Dracula series, featuring smart, sexy, Hispanic heroine Milagro, an outsider in the world of vampires. Marta also keeps a blog, Vampire Wire, offering the latest news about paranormal and urban fantasy books.
- Review of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, by Marta Acosta
[Book-Reviews:Womens] With a title like that, you know a book has got to be darkly humorous. In this the first book in the Casa Dracula series, Latino author Marta Acosta introduces us to her opinionated, feisty yet delightfully naive heroine, Milagro de los Santos, and her new breed of friendly vampires.
- Interview With Latina Author Reyna Grande
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] It is my pleasure to have here today a very special Latino young writer. Her name is Reyna Grande and she is the author of the acclaimed novel, Across a Hundred Mountains, winner of the 2007 American Book Award. Her next book, titled Dancing With Butterflies, will be coming out later this year.
- Interview With Latina Author Caridad Pineiro
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Although writing is a skill that can be learned, I believe some people are born writers. Do you consider yourself a born writer? I definitely consider myself a born writer.
- Interview With Fantasy Author Gloria Oliver
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Latino author Gloria Oliver talks about her book, Willing Sacrifice. Willing Sacrifice subtly covers a number of topics. It's a book about stubbornness, trust, truth, and learning about oneself. Hah, makes it sound brainy doesn't it? Not!
- Interview With Don Miles, Author of Cinco De Mayo
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] In this interview, author and former news director Don Miles talks about his latest book, Cinco de Mayo--a date most often misunderstood in the US. Don talks about his inspiration for the book and his struggle in finding the right publisher.
- Interview With Author Jo Ann Hernandez
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] My guest today is Jo Ann Hernandez, author of the young adult novel, The Throwaway Piece. In this fascinating, candid interview, Hernandez talks about how she started writing, the obstacles she had to face and overcome, her state of mind during the creative process, and what she finds most difficult when writing.
- Book Review - Tucker's Tale, by Christopher Walsh
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] 100% of royalties from this book will be donated to dog rescues nationwide. Tucker's Tale: The Story of a Rescue Dog is narrated from the point of view of Tucker, a Cocker Spaniel who at first is quite unhappy living with a mean lady who keeps him in a cellar and hardly ever brings him food.
- New Children's Book Features Needle Felting
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] Rainbow Sheep is an original, sweet story about a little shepherdess called Genevieve and her flock of sheep. Genevieve is troubled because it has rained so much lately that the sky is always grey. When she tries to get the attention of the rainbow, she sees that its colors have faded and that it is sad.
- Where Have the Cuddly Teddy Bears Gone? the Inhumane Practice of Bear Farming
[Reference-and-Education:Wildlife] Practitioners of Traditional Asian Medicine have used bear gall bladders and bile for 3,000 years. Yet it wasn't until the 1980's that the cruel, intensive 'farming' of bears began. Though there have been positive developments with the Vietnamese government recently, bear farming still takes place in other parts of Asia.
- Walking on a Rainbow - How I Became a Children's Book Author
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] I used to think writing children's books was boring. Writing for those demanding, whining creatures? Are you kidding? Not for me. No thanks. That was a few years ago.
- Finding the Perfect Name For Your Puppy
[Pets:Dogs] Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for a family. It's just like the arrival of a new baby! If there are kids in the family, then the event is even more thrilling. Hopefully, you have done your homework and read books on the subject and know all about the responsibilities of owning a new pet.
- The Responsibilities of Owning a Dog
[Pets:Dogs] Puppies are not toys. You hear that all the time. But you'd be surprised at the number of people who seem to ignore this. It's sad, but many people buy a dog, only to return it to the store or breeder-or worse yet, a shelter!-a couple of weeks later because they 'couldn't handle it'.
- Unholy Domain - An Exciting Techno-Thriller By Dan Ronco
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] Dan Ronco's latest novel is a suspenseful techno-thriller filled with adventure, romance and greed. A former successful engineer and businessman, he used his knowledge and experience to craft Unholy Domain, a story that delves into controversial, provocative themes like the ethics of genetic engineering, the question of what limit to put on technology, and the reconciling of religion and science. The novel also focuses on the relationship between a father and a son.
- Private Detective Investigates The Supernatural
[Book-Reviews:SciFi-Fantasy-Horror] Quincey Morris isn't your typical private investigator. For one thing, he happens to be a straight descendant of Bram Stoker's Quincey Morris. He also specializes in supernatural cases involving vampires, werewolves, succubis, and other terrifying beings.
- Interview with Children's Book Author Barbara Techel
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Barbara Techel's first children's picture book is touching and inspirational. It is the true story of a miniature dachshund that falls ill to a paralyzing disease, and how she overcomes all the obstacles while remaining as sweet and gentle as before. The book carries a powerful and important message for children and adults alike. Thanks for being here today, Barbara, and for sharing your thoughts with us.
- Interview With Supernatural Thriller Author Justin Gustainis
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] Author Justin Gustainis is the author of an exciting new paranormal series featuring kick-ass supernatural investigator Quincey Morris. I had the pleasure of reading this book recently, so look for my review in a day or two. In a few words, you won't be able to put the book down.
- Book Review - Monkey Trap By Lee Denning
[Book-Reviews:SciFi-Fantasy-Horror] Two objects resembling asteroids approach earth. They collide in a flash of green and blue light. One falls on a Columbian jungle, the other on Washington. In the Columbian jungle, John Jacob Connard, US Special Forces veteran, better known as Assasin, is on a mission to eliminate a drug lord. He is shot and mortally wounded. Upon waking, he discovers his wounds have miraculously healed and an alien voice in his mind is 'talking' him.
- A Thought-Provoking, Action-Filled SF Novel!
[Book-Reviews:SciFi-Fantasy-Horror] This is one of the most interesting science fiction novels I've read in a long time. What makes Jemma7729 stand out is the strong heroine and the feminist issues Wray weaves in the story, making the reader wonder and think at its implications. It is the late 22nd century in the United States.
- Interview With SF Author Phoebe Wray
[Book-Reviews:SciFi-Fantasy-Horror] I was telling stories before I could write. My Dad was a great story-teller, and he encouraged me to make up stories. The adults indulged and applauded and spoiled me.
- Interview With Artist-Illustrator KC Snider
[Book-Reviews] Children's book illustrator K.C. Snider hails from Oregon. In this interview she talks about her working environment, the importance of discipline, and her collaboration with authors.
- The Escapades of Two Adorable Raccoons
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] This is a delightful picture book sure to be loved by young children! Composed of three different stories and an activity section, The Misadventures of Rooter & Snuffle will keep kids entertain for a long time.
- Book Review - Vegetation, by Mark LaFlamme
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] Cosmic justice has many faces, and this time it has the face of plants...For egotistical, arrogant Bertram Luce, life couldn't get any better. He's a famous author. He's rich. He lives in a gorgeous mansion and drives luxurious, expensive cars.
- What is Cinco de Mayo? A Closer Look at This Important Date for the Mexicans
[Reference-and-Education] In this interview, author and former news director Don Miles talks about his latest book, Cinco de Mayo--a date most often misunderstood in the US. Don talks about his inspiration for the book and his struggle in finding the right publisher. When did you decide to become an author?
- Book Review - The Stoker File, by Tony Noto
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] The Stoker File is a fascinating and ingeniously-written novel that will keep your hands glued to the pages until you've reached the end. Due to a tragic flood that sweeps the city, a mysterious bundle of papers is found in the basement of the University of Budapest. On closer examination, the papers appear to be something unimaginable: the lost diary of Bram Stoker.
- Interview with Children's Picture Book Author Cynthia Reeg
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Did you always want to be a writer? Yes. Nearly as quickly as I learned to read and write, I began creating.
- Review of Joy the Jellyfish, by Kristen Collier
[Book-Reviews:Self-Help] Joy the Jellyfish has a very serious problem. More than anything, he wants to make friends. But how on earth can he make friends when he's nearly invisible!
- Violin, My Muse
[Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Author Mayra Calvani talks about her love for the violin and how this instrument has inspired her. Violin... The word brings such vivid images to my mind.
- Interview With Children's Book Illustrator Amy Moreno
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Illustrator Amy Moreno talks about the artistic temperament, the competitive world of children's book publishing, and offers advice to novice artists who want to break into the field. I recently had the chance to chat with Amy Moreno, whose illustrations for The Doll Violinist make her a finalist (together with the story) at the ABC's Children's Picture Book Competition. Amy talks about the artistic temperament, the competitive world of children's book publishing, and offers advice to novice artists who want to break into the field.
- Book Review - Birthday Snow, by Kim Messinger & Michael LaLumiere
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] Freckled-faced Daniel has a dilemma. It's his birthday today but there's no snow. Up until now, it has ALWAYS snowed on his birthday.
- Book Review - I See Horses - From Sky to Sea
[Book-Reviews:Pets] An enchanting picture book for horse lovers. How did sea horses come to exist? Could it be that horses on the land, threatened by men and searching for freedom, escaped to the sea?
- Book Review - No More Nightmares, by Dawn Van Zant
[Book-Reviews:Childrens-Books] A lovely, melancholic story about the horses' search for freedom. With this book, Wild Heart Ranch Books brings children another lovely, melancholic story about horses and their quest for freedom.
- Interview With Terry, The Reading Tub, Inc
[Shopping-and-Product-Reviews] A close look at The Reading Tub, Inc., a non-profit, literacy organization. How and when did The Reading Tub get started? What's its mission?
- Book Review - The Missing Locket
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] Cobweb-filled attics, time travel, ghosts, and two young protagonists that just won't quit! The Missing Locket is a paranormal mystery featuring two lovable young sleuths that girls 9 and up will absolutely love. It is the perfect, darkly atmospheric story for young fans of intrigue and adventure to cuddle up with on those gray, rainy afternoons or read in bed.
- Helpful Book on Self Editing
[Book-Reviews] The publishing world is so incredibly competitive nowadays, both aspiring and experienced authors who wish to succeed need to make sure that their submissions are as flawless as they can possibly be. Editors and agents pay attention to all sorts of amateurish mistakes. In this her latest book, award-winning author Carolyn Howard-Johnson reveals what these mistakes are, what you can do to spot them on your manuscript and, more importantly, correct them.
- Why is Crater Lake So Blue? by Michael LaLumiere
[Book-Reviews:Fiction] The novel, which is based on real facts, brings moral dilemmas to the surface and shows how far people in high places will go, at the expense of innocent victims, to keep their positions.
- Journeys of Hope - A Star Shall Lead Them - by Kevin Scott Collier
[Book-Reviews:Spirituality-Religion] A Christian picture book about fables for the whole family to enjoy.
- What's on the Other Side of the Rainbow? by Carla Jo Masterson
[Book-Reviews:Self-Help] An unusual book that invites young readers to self retrospection.
- Whale Song - by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
[Book-Reviews:Young-Adults] A sad yet uplifting novel, Whale Song is about the fear and innocence of a young girl and about coming to terms with the shocking and painful truth one often must face.
- It's Time, by Judith Mammay
[Book-Reviews:Health-Mind-Body] Does your child suffer from autism? Do you know what autism is? Would you like to teach to young children what this condition is without scaring them? Then I recommend you to get this book.
- Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers, by Shel Horowitz
[Book-Reviews:Business] If you're serious about book promotion, this work by marketing guru Shel Horowitz is one you'll want to add to your permanent reference shelf.
- My Nine-Year Old Daughter, the Author
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] Does your child love reading and writing? Encourage him or her to become a published author!
- The Vengeance Trap, by A.L. Hansen
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] An action-adventure story with an interesting twist--controversial protagonists.
- Reviewers vs. Bloggers- The Controversy
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing-Articles] Are bloggers 'legitimate' reviewers? What's the difference between a professional reviewer and a blogger who reviews?
- Book Review - They Was Holdin' Hands, by Venera Di Bella Barles
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] They Was Holdin' Hands is an unusual, beautifully written novel which combines elements of mystery and literary fiction.
- Meter Made, by M.D. Benoit - Book Review
[Book-Reviews:Mysteries-Thrillers] A enjoyable novel that combines elements of mystery and science fiction.
A kick-ass detective, a world where people and buildings are disappearing, universes within universes, cloning, and multiple dimensions are some of the elements in Meter Made that will keep you turning those pages till the end.
- A Closer Look At Literary Awards
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Does a literary award truly reflect the quality of the book?
- Writing Great Blurbs
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Tips for authors on how to write great book blurbs.
- You Can Murder Anybody You Want - In Your Fiction
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Channeling anger and frustration through writing.
- Mediwrite
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Using meditation to unleash your creativity.
- Post NaNoWriMo Blues
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] How to handle the blues after the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
- Amazon Reviews And Mothers-in-Law
[Writing-and-Speaking] Coping with nasty Amazon reviews.
- To Write Or Not To Write - That Is The Question
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Tips on how to get rid of writer's block.
- Writing Between Diapers
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Tips for writer moms who have toddlers.
- How to Get Celebrity Testimonials
[Business:Advertising] Tips for authors on how to get celebrity testimonials and endorsements for their books.
- Marketing Your Books During Halloween
[Business:Marketing] Tips for horror authors on how to market their books during Halloween.
- Small-Press Authors and Bookstores
[Business:Marketing] Tips for small-press authors on how to contact bookstores.
- Audio Interviews and the Shy Writer
[Writing-and-Speaking:Public-Speaking] Tips for shy writers on how to conduct great interviews.
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