Every now and then, someone comes along and does things their own way. Author Meliha Avdic is one of those people. Read on and see what I mean.

For instance, when I asked what song made her think of her book, Just Another Life, she sent me a link. No explanations, just the link.

And you know what? It makes sense. It really does.

Read the blurb and tell me what YOU think:

Only the extraordinary long for an ordinary life.

After a life lived, May learns how extraordinary an ordinary life is in the web of love and hate, sorrow and joy, friends and foes, good and evil, knowledge, understanding and ignorance, truth and illusion.

Hmm, huh? Intriguing…

But there’s more! Check out her buy links — definitely not what the rest of us are doing. And that, too, is different and very, very cool.

e-bay

GroovyCart

Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you wish to arrange alternatives: mbavdic at gmail dot com

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Twitter: @MelihaAB

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I can’t believe the world is this coordinated. I can’t, and not just because if I do buy into it, it means I’m a bigger disorganized mess than I am willing to face. That’s simply not an option.

What’s going on is that the summer is being set up for a summer of Metallica, something I ordinarily would be totally into. And maybe I am, but it’s hard to tell when I’m so focused on selling the existing books, writing new ones, and building up the editing business. Which means: my Metalli-love is limited and I didn’t travel to their inaugural Orion Music + More festival. (Hmm. I wonder if next year, I could be a vendor and go sell books, even though that’s not the sort of vendor they’re looking for… what do you guys think?) Truth be told, I was okay with missing it, if only because the only bands I’m currently interested in seeing are Avenged Sevenfold and, of course, the Mighty Met themselves. And there was that pesky matter of being at Boy Scout camp.

Sheesh. When did Metallica fall in importance to the Boy Scouts? It’s funny how life changes.

Which means if I hadn’t been at camp, I’d have stayed home and read a book. Or two. Doesn’t matter which (although one’s made me yawn already).

Two Metallica books are coming out. The first is Birth. School. Metallica. Death. Yep, it’s the one that made me yawn, and I’m still yawning even with word that the book is finally scheduled for a US release — in fall of 2013. Which is, obviously, after the Orion festival, but whatever. We’re still seeing a lot of Metallica for a band who’s NOT recording a new album, let alone releasing it.

The other book is called Metallica: The Early Years and the Rise of Metal. It’s purportedly going to focus on “the massive impact of METALLICA’s first four albums on the international metal scene. The 208-page book shows the birth and rise of the monster known as METALLICA and will link the band — and the American metal scene — with the famed New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement in the U.K. and metal originators such as BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST.” (Quote yanked from the press release I saw.)

It’s supposed to be the first and only book to do this.

Okay… I’ll reserve judgment, if you don’t mind.

At least this book is giving details about author Neil Daniels, even if they only say, “Daniels has written about classic rock and heavy metal for a wide range of magazines, fanzines and websites. He has written books on JUDAS PRIEST, Robert Plant, BON JOVI, LINKIN PARK and JOURNEY.” — it’d be nice if they’d provide titles and/or links to some of those backlist titles…

This one’s set to release on May 28, which means you could have read it before the Orion festival and used it to get all pumped. Or, if it sucks, I suppose you could make a collection of biographies about Metallica and say THAT’s your collection required to be a vendor…

I’ve long had an uneasy relationship with Slipknot. They either strike a nerve with me — usually but not always in a good way — or I find them too ugly to bear. I’m sure the band’s mastermind, M. Shawn Crahan — you may think of him as Clown — would be flattered.

His art is the same way for me. Fascinating, and not always in a sick way.

So… of course I’m totally coveting his forthcoming photo and art book, The Apocalyptic Nightmare Journey.

Here’s what the press release I saw has to say:

Apocalyptic Nightmare Journey, which will be published by MTV Books in June, is a collection of explorations in darkness and light from Shawn’s experimental photography, his second and equally powerful artistic outlet which he has honed for over a decade. Weird, wired, paranoid, endlessly imaginative and cancerously prolific, he’s created thousands of dangerous representations of reality through eye-gouging Polaroids in numerous styles in this hand-picked collection.

That says everything… and absolutely nothing. Notice that?

I’ve seen pieces of Clown’s work, as it’s been posted online. It’s been enough to make me realize that for a press release that says everything and nothing all at once, it’s dead-on accurate.

The book, featuring a foreward from one of my heroes, Lars Ulrich, will be out in June.

Come over to Yinz Readin’, home of local girl Laurie Koozer, to see what my favorite children’s book is. You won’t be disappointed!

Yep, I really HAVE been working on expanding this series. I hope you’re having fun with it; everyone picks such varied music. Personally, I’m having a ball.

Today I’ve got Renee Pawlish, who’s got a new YA novel out, The Emerald Quest. I asked what song makes her think of her book and she said…

When I hear the song Miserlou by Dick Dale I think of The Emerald Quest because Miserlou reminds me of the ocean, surfing and fun in the water, and The Emerald Quest is all about boats, the ocean, treasure hunting, scuba diving and fun in the water.

There ya go. Boats, the ocean, treasure hunting, scuba diving, and fun in the water. Can’t go wrong with THAT combo, can you? And the song??? Be sure to click through… this is old guitar work that still resonates today. You may even recognize shades of songs YOU grew up with (assuming you’re an old bat like me).

How’d you like the more formal book blurb?

A long-lost emerald, a missing treasure map, and a wealthy villain combine for an action-packed adventure!

Thirteen-year-old Noah Winter, the son of sea-exploring treasure hunters, dives the San Isabel shipwreck with his parents in search of a mysterious treasure map lost in the murky depths off the Florida Keys over a century ago. The map reveals the hiding place of the priceless De La Rosa emerald. But before the Winters can find the map, a wealthy treasure-hunting rival kidnaps Noah’s parents. Now Noah must match wits with a dangerous adversary, not only to discover the treasure map first, but to rescue his mom and dad before it’s too late.

Get your own copy!

Kindle

Website

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Or
Facebook

blog

Goodreads

I’ve been putting out calls to authors who aren’t necessarily my friends (yet). Why leave them out of the Featured New Book fun? Why miss out on a potential new friend?

Today’s guest is author Angela Scott, who’s got a new one out called Wanted Dead or Undead.

What song makes her think of her book?

I had to think on the song for a bit, but I would have to say Christina Perri’s ARMS works.

Hmm. Can’t say I knew that one before now. It’s a pretty song. I sorta dig it. I like the refrain: You put your arms around me and I’m home. (If I’m hearing that wrong, holler. Won’t be the first time.)

Book blurb:

Trace Monroe doesn’t believe in luck. He never has. But when a fiery-headed cowgirl saunters through the saloon doors, wielding shotguns and a know-how for killing the living dead, he believes he just may be the luckiest man alive.

Trace wants to join “Red’s” posse, but she prefers to work alone—less messy that way. In order to become her traveling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can’t beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem. He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he’s ever encountered. The fact she’s stunning hasn’t escaped his attention either.

What he doesn’t know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she is the answer.

Buy link (Hey, you fellow non-Kindle people, speak up if you want to read this but can’t due to lack of Kindle stuff. I’m there with you.)

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

It was just a few days ago (okay, a couple weeks now. Whatever) when I posted about Shinedown’s song, Bully.

Now I’ve got MORE Shinedown news (and no, it has nothing to do with my current lust for Brent Smith, which is really odd ’cause he’s not my type, which means it’s all about the lyrics, baby. Maybe I ought to take a page from Ginny and start self-uniting with some of these men. I’m allowed to dream, no?)

Ahem.

Shinedown. Books.

Yeah. That’s the topic of the day.

I pulled this one off Brave Words:

Mashable.com reports that Atlantic Records has taken an uncommon approach to using Apple’s iBooks Author — touted as a creation platform that will “reinvent the textbook” — by building an interactive eBook for SHINEDOWN\\\’ next album, Amaryllis.

The 75-page iPad ebook will be available March 27th, coinciding with the Amaryllis album release. The eBook visually tells the story of the multi-platinum rock band’s new songs, creative process and cover art.

Frontman Brent Smith says the eBook, titled For Your Sake: Inside The Making Of Shinedown’s Amaryllis, revives the complete album experience, which changed when CD booklets and liner notes became less prevalent.

Hmm. Think they’re past the editing stage? If not, if I promise not to self-unite, can I have the gig?

I have so much to share with you guys, it’s mind-blowing. What a great time to be involved with music and that rare art form, Rock Fiction.

Today, it’s the news that,

ClassicRockRevisited.com Founder, CEO and editor Jeb Wright has cracked open the doors to his interview vault and blown the dust off of his favorite interviews of all time and put them in one collection.

They’re promising some never-before-seen interviews and some other stuff that sounds like it was grossly overlooked. Oddly, the book has two forwards, but hey, this is rock and roll and since when has rock and roll ever been conventional?

Ooh, I hope they send it to those people who are kind enough to pay me to write book reviews for them, and then I hope that my editor assigns it to me. Or that someone sees this post and sends it on, but really, I’ll read it faster if it’s from the paying people. I’ve got a lineup of really great-looking Rock Fiction that gets pushed to the side when the paying people pop up.

’cause, you know, they’re paying me.

Yeah, yeah. Bowing to the almighty dollar is NOT very rock and roll. In fact, it’s the direct opposite. But you’d miss me if my Internet was shut off!

So you’ve been meaning to pick up the first two Demo Tapes books for your Kindle. But… well, other books have intruded on your search, and it was hard to resist.

I know. I have similar problems. I’m not here to fault you.

Instead, I’m here to tell you that Amazon’s decided to drop the price on Demo Tapes (Year 1) and Demo Tapes (Year 2) to 99c. Each.

Now’s the time. If you have friends who love Rock Fiction, if you have friends who used to watch music videos on MTV, if you have friends who still lust for men with long hair… why not gift ’em a book or two?

Really, guys. It doesn’t get any better than this. And with King Trevor set to be released on April 12, there’s no better time to join the Trevolution.

Is there?

Didn’t think so.

WAIT.

Are you a print lover???

Demo Tapes (Year 1), Demo Tapes (Year 2), AND Demo Tapes (Year 3) are STILL part of Amazon’s 4-for-3 promo. Maybe you’ve seen me Tweet about it. Maybe not.

At any rate, here’s the deal. You can buy all three Demo Tapes short story anthologies and spend MORE time with Trevor, Mitchell, and the gang. $29.97 for all three. AND then you can surf around and find something for FREE. (Sorry, but Trevor’s Song isn’t part of the promo. Bummer, huh?)

Like I said: King Trevor. April 12, 2012.

Join the Trevolution NOW.

(Demo Tapes — Year 1 in print)
(Demo Tapes — Year 2 in print)
(Demo Tapes — Year 3 in print)

I’ve gotten notes from a few of you about autographed copies of Demo Tapes 3. I’ve dragged my heels about it long enough, no? I mean, heck, I put the book out last June already.

I made a smallish order of copies, and I now have two left. They are up for grabs. (If no one takes them, at least one will be offered in a GoodReads give. Why not?)

Holler if you want one. You know how to reach me…

Deadbeat

All you guys who haven’t bought my book yet. Feel free to fix that.

Print
Digital (that’s an e-book, you deadbeat. Any fucking format your heart desires.)
or from Susan, who’ll only charge you like nineteen bucks if you’re in the States or Canada, which is cheaper than Lulu’s got it for. (Amazon ain’t got it yet. Deadbeat.) AND Susan will throw in an autograph for you. Hers? Mine? Order my book and see for yourself.

Oh, just go over to LA Stylist Mom. She found ’em.

If I had these, I’d wear them non-stop. With wool socks to mitigate that sweaty feet factor.

Now, go buy some books so I can afford them, will ya?