70 Books

I got my first royalty check today. I was dreading the knowledge of how many books I sold. I figured that no one would like my book - after all it was not main stream romance. It was adventure. It had a strong woman who saved the day instead of a man. It had almost no sex. It did have romance. But I really figured that no one would like it. But guess what? I sold 70 books. The best thing is this: (1) I only bought one of the 70 and (2) I don't have 70 friends and family that would have bought the book. So that means that 70 STRANGERS BOUGHT MY BOOK. Isn't that cool?

Today is the Day to Meet Dwayne Anderson

With me today is Dwayne Anderson (http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/dwaynegand.html) and author of Partially Human.

Congratulations on your book.

Odyssey Reviews gives Partially Human 2.5 Medallions

Mr. Anderson's words are delivered entirely sans pretense. No smoke and screens; no circuitous plot. What remains is a simple tale of goodness versus the evil of intolerance. His characters are compelled to be unguardedly honest and straight to the point. If you are looking for an intricate, word-woven story, this may not be the book for you. But, if you are interested in writing that dispenses with the fluff and unabashedly contends with the age old struggle of discrimination, then you can curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and this soft cover for a nice afternoon read. The author says "the theme of the story is that of friendship, love, compassion, and loyalty triumphing over human ignorance and prejudice." Toward that end, his delivery is unfailing.

Odyssey Reviews gives “Partially Human” 2.5 medallions.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading Level: Child to Young Adult

Thanks for stopping by Dwayne and thank you for giving me this interview.

1) If you could start over with your writing career, what if anything would you change?
I would do more reading and learn more about the writing style of other authors.

2) What was the best piece of advice you received regarding the life of a writer?
You have no story without conflict. You also need to develop your characters fully to make them more interesting so your audience can relate to them.

3) If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
I'm not really a people person, I'm used to being by myself.

4) If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?
Same as question #3

5) What do you want to be when you grow up?
I haven't really given it much though, though being a published author is quite an accomplishment for me.

6) In the next century, what do you hope people will remember you for?
I hope to someday be remembered as an individual who even despite having Asperger Syndrome, was able to fulfill his hopes and dreams and overcome all challenges he comes across.

7)Where can readers buy a copy of Partially Human?

I have my own website at http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/dwaynegand.html where the book is listed, along with my previous two works. I'll update this site as I get more of my works published. The site lists the three major weblinks where the book can be purchsed, from the publisher's online bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. There may be other sites as well, but I'm only going to list the major ones. I've also listed a sample chapter with the book's listing on my website so that potential buyers can get a sneak peak. On the publisher's online bookstore and at Amazon, the book can also be rated and reviewed, I've already got one review at Amazon. The site also lists the link to my blog for Partially Human that focuses on the latest news surrounding the book.

8)What other projects are you working on right now?

Can we expect a sequel to Partially Human?I have no sequel planned for Partially Human, however my next book, a romance, deals with a similar theme, though it will have nothing to do with Partially Human's story. I'm also planning a sequel to my first two books as they are my weakest works and a sequel to both will improve upon them. I'm also planning a medieval fantasy featuring an unlikely hero, another general fiction story, and another romance.

Blurb of Partially Human from Amazon.com

Joshua Plofhard is one of Los Angeles's most beloved citizens. With wonderful friends, a beautiful new girlfriend, and a bright future, life couldn't get any better. But when it is discovered and revealed that he carries the DNA of a dying alien species in his body, Joshua not only finds himself ostracized, feared, and scorned by a community that once embraced him, but he is now hunted by The Prejudice, a mysterious serial killer notorious for targeting those looked down upon by society. With help from his mother Alicia, girlfriend Kimberly Derth, friends Rick Warris, Peter Christjes, Eric Blonfly, and several others who come to sympathize with his plight, Joshua realizes that there are still people who care about him, even in a world filled with prejudice.


Excerpt From PARTIALLY HUMAN
Friday, June 18th, 1999, exactly thirty days till Joshua’s nineteenth birthday.Alicia knew that she would have to tell Joshua the truth and soon. No one else knew but her.It was a beautiful morning in Los Angeles. Alicia had just started to make breakfast.Upstairs in his room, Joshua was awakened by the ringing of his alarm clock. He reached over and switched it off. Then he sat up, yawned, stretched his arms, and removed the covers. After taking off his striped pajamas, he put on a purple T-shirt, black jeans, and white socks. Then getting down on his knees, he reached under the bed, and took out a pair of white sneakers.Downstairs in the bathroom, Joshua took a comb and ran it through his hair. He put the comb down and turned on the tap. Cold water began to flow from the faucet. He scrubbed his face with soap and water, then reached for a towel to dry himself. Joshua stared at his reflection in the mirror. He had grown into a handsome young man, with blue eyes and bleached blonde hair, standing at a height of five feet and seven inches. He had become popular with the girls, although he didn’t know why.

Virtual Blog Tour Dwayne Anderson Tomorrow

PARTIALLY HUMAN VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '07
Join young adult science fiction author Dwayne G. Anderson, author of PARTIALLY HUMAN (Infinity Publishing), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in September on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours!Dwayne G. Anderson was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on September 23, 1982. He spent much of his life in Naicam where he was raised. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age sixteen, Dwayne’s experiences with being different made him into the man he is today, one who is determined to face and overcome whatever challenges life throws at him. These experiences gave him the inspiration to write “Partially Human”.Dwayne enjoys writing as it has become a way for him to express his thoughts. He tends to write stories with a hidden powerful message to inspire those who read his work.You can visit his website here!*****PARTIALLY HUMAN SYNOPSIS:For Joshua Plofhard, a teenage good samaritan of Los Angeles, life is good. Well-known and well-liked by the city, loved by his friends, and adored by his new girlfriend, Joshua had it all. But when he becomes the victim of a freak mugging, a shocking secret about him is revealed, triggering a chain reaction of events that will forever change his life.When it is discovered that Joshua carries the genes of a dying alien species in his body, life for him is turned upside-down. Now an outcast, rejected by the city that once welcomed him with open arms, Joshua is emotionally shattered by the events that have taken their toll upon him. With only his mother Alicia, friends Peter Christjes, Eric Blonfly, Rick Warris, girlfriend Kimberly Derth, and several others who come to sympathize with his plight, Joshua begins to pick up the pieces of his life.But Joshua's problems are only beginning. Not only has Patrick Urtoma, a government agent been sent to investigate this alien teenager, but Veranda Oltzon, a candidate in the upcoming mayor election is exploiting the discrimination Joshua suffers to rally the public to her side. Also not helping is a mysterious serial killer who has now marked Joshua for death, driven by extreme prejudice against people like him.As the countdown to his nineteenth birthday approaches, the day when the aliens return to reclaim what they created, Joshua learns many lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, compassion, loyalty, love, and how being different makes one unique. Together, he and his friends shall stand together againce the prejudice of an entire city and plea for tolerace towards all individuals, no matter who they are.*****PARTIALLY HUMAN EXCERPT:Later, Joshua went to his room. He sat down on the bed and turned on the radio.“In political new today, mayor candidates Veranda Oltzon and Brian Whipperjao are now having a debate at City Hall East on what they would do if they are elected. We go there now.”A woman’s voice was heard. It was obviously Veranda.“Elect me and I will make big changes to society to make it perfect.”A man, who Joshua knew was Brian, spoke next. “And I guarantee you people that if I get more votes than my opponent, I should win!”Laughs were heard from the audience. Joshua couldn’t help but chuckle.“If I am voted mayor,” said Veranda, “I will change society so that individuals like Joshua Plofhard will not be allowed to live in it.”Cheers were heard.“I disagree,” said Brian. “Joshua has every right to live in this city as the rest of us do. Can’t we all just get along? Rodney King said that!”“True,” said Veranda, “but Joshua is an alien!”Cheers of support were heard.“I don’t care what you think Veranda. To me, Joshua is just like any other person in Los Angeles. I’m sure my brother Otto would agree.”“Who cares?!” said Veranda.More cheers and applause were heard.“Have you people all gone mad?” asked Brian. “This woman here is a racist and is also prejudiced against anyone different! We need a leader whose vocabulary does not include the words discrimination and prejudice.”“Are you saying that you welcome illegal aliens in society?” asked Veranda.Jeers from the crowd towards Brian were heard.“I’m the right person for the job!” said Veranda. “Vote for me!”Applause was heard from the crowd.Joshua turned off the radio. Feeling tired, he kicked off his shoes, then pulled back the covers, and crawled in after turning out the lights.* * *When Joshua opened his eyes, he was standing in a hall that appeared to be in a moving train. The sky outside was bright blue with several white clouds.“Where am I?” he asked himself.He opened a nearby door and went in.Inside this room, he saw a man seated next to an open window. Dressed in a stunning black suit, he sat at a table, writing on some paper, pausing occasionally to look out the window at the scenery. Also on the table, was a black stovepipe hat.“If I can just come up with a good ending,” he said as he scratched his bearded chin.Joshua approached the man and stood before the table.The man looked up from his papers at Joshua. “Oh hello young man,” he said. “What can the president do for you?”“Hey, I know you!” said Joshua. “You’re Abraham Lincoln! I read about you in school!”“So you’ve heard of me,” said Abraham. “I’m writing my Gettysburg address speech. Soon, this train will arrive at Gettysburg where I’ll speak in front of a crowd of people waiting for my appearance. Civil war is tearing the fabric of this country apart. You see, the north opposes slavery, while the south supports it. I’m in favor of the northern country’s opinion.”“So you oppose slavery yourself,” said Joshua.“All men and women are created equally. We all live in this great nation under one God, and therefore, we are all equal living beings.”Joshua listened well to Abraham Lincoln’s words.“If that’s what you believe, why is there still much prejudice in the world, especially against people like me?”“Who are you anyway?”“Joshua Plofhard, a boy who is partially human.”“Can I ask you something?”Joshua took off the headband. “Let me guess. It’s about this gem in my forehead?”“How did it get there?”“I was born this way. Ever since people found out about it, many have been treating me unfairly. On my nineteenth birthday, the alien within me will be extracted by the rest of the species who created it. Once that is done, I will be able to return home. I’m glad I shall not perish from the Earth.”“Joshua, you shouldn’t let people treat you unfairly simply because of the way you are. Don’t let anybody stop you from being yourself! Stick to it! You were created this way for a reason. After all, that’s what makes you unique!”“Thanks for the advice Mr. Lincoln. I feel much better now.”“You’re welcome,” said Abraham. “Now run along Joshua; I have work to do. The train will soon arrive at Gettysburg, and I must deliver this speech. First, I must come up with a dynamic finish.”“I will,” said Joshua as he began to walk back towards the door.Then Abraham had a thought about something Joshua said.“Shall not perish from the Earth? That’s the ending I’m looking for!”* * *Joshua opened his eyes. He was still lying in bed. It was 7:36 A.M.“Wow!” he said. “What an incredible dream! In fact, I feel better about myself already! Thanks Abraham Lincoln!”He climbed out of bed and put his shoes on. Then he opened the door and walked out into the hall.* * *He stood on the sidewalk outside the hospital. He had called Patrick on a phone, telling him to come pick him up and drive him home.“I feel wonderful! I feel great!” he said to himself. “Look out Los Angeles, here comes the new and improved Joshua Plofhard!”Finally, Patrick’s car arrived. As Joshua climbed in, Patrick told him, “I’ve already called your friends,” he said. “They’ll be waiting for you at home.”“Thanks for telling me. Now take me home to where I belong.”Dwayne's virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com. If you would like to see where Dwayne will be appearing next, visit www.virtualbooktours.authorsabode.com.

Yesterday

Yesterday was Yom Kippur. I am not Jewish, but my son married a wonderful Jewish lady. They are Christians as am I. They, however, are Messanic Jews. This means that being Christians they still celebrate the Jewish holidays, traditions, and festivals.Yesterday was Yom Kippur. I saw it on the calender. I had no idea what it was except something about the Jewish New Year.In my New Year, there is dancing, and drinking, and fireworks, and resolutions and hubby and I watch old movies (circa 1930) and it happens in January.I wanted to know what Yom Kippur was so I went to a wonderful Jewish informational websitewww.chabad.orgAfter reading this I wondered if we all would be better off if we celebrated our new year in January with less drinking and more like Yom Kippur.Here is what Chabad.org said about Yom Kippur:Yom Kippur in a NutshellYom Kippur is the holiest day of the year--the day on which we are closest to G‑d and to the quintessence of our own souls. It is the Day of Atonement -- "For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d" (Leviticus 16:30).For twenty-six hours--from several minutes before sunset on Tishrei 9 to after nightfall on Tishrei 10--we "afflict our souls": we abstain from food and drink, do not wash or anoint our bodies, do not wear leather shoes, and abstain from marital relations.Before Yom Kippur we perform the Kaparot atonement service; we request and receive honey cake, in acknowledgement that we are all recipients in G-d's world and in prayerful hope for a sweet and abundant year; eat a festive meal, immerse in a mikvah, and give extra charity. Late afternoon we eat the pre-fast meal, following which we bless our children, light a memorial candle as well as the holiday candles, and go to the synagogue for Kol Nidrei services.In the course of Yom Kippur we hold five prayer services: Maariv, with its solemn Kol Nidrei service, on the eve of Yom Kippur; Shacharit--the morning prayer; Musaf, which includes a detailed account of the Yom Kippur Temple service; Minchah, which includes the reading of the Book of Jonah; and Ne'illah, the "closing of the gates" service at sunset. We say the Al Chet confession of sins eight times in the course of Yom Kippur, and recite Psalms every available moment.The day is the most solemn of the year, yet an undertone of joy suffuses it: a joy that revels in the spirituality of the day and expresses the confidence that G-d will accept our repentance, forgive our sins, and seal our verdict for a year of life, health and happiness. When the closing Ne'illah service climaxes in the resounding cries of "Hear O Israel... G-d is one" and a single blast of the shofar, followed by the proclamation, "Next year in Jerusalem." Then joy erupts in song and dance (a Chabad custom is to sing the lively "Napoleon's March"), followed by the festive after-fast meal, making the evening after Yom Kippur a Yom Tov (festival) in its own right.

Virtual Blog Tour

On Septermber 26 I am hosting Dwayne G. Anderson in one of his stops in his virtual blog tour.

His web site is http://www.geocities.com/andersondwayne/partially_human.html . His new book is Partially Human.

One of the interesting things about Dwayne is that he has a condition known as Asperger Syndrome. I had no idea what that was so I Googled the term. Two places that seem to give a description I can understand is Wikipeida and O.A.S.I.S. at www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html . It seems it is a form of Autism.

In spite of this condition, Dwayne has made a life for himself and has had three books published.

His latest is Partially Human. Here is an excerpt:

For Joshua Plofhard, a teenage Good Samaritan from Los Angeles, life is good. Well-known and well-liked by the city, loved by his friends, and adored by his new girlfriend, Joshua had it all. But when he becomes the victim of a freak mugging, a shocking revelation about him is revealed, triggering a chain reaction of events that will forever change his life.When it is discovered that Joshua carries the genes of a dying alien species in his body, life for him is turned up-side down. Now an outcast, rejected by the city that once embraced him, Joshua is emotionally shattered by the events that have taken their toll upon him. With only his mother Alicia, friends Peter Christjes, Eric Blonfly, Rick Warris, girlfriend Kimberly Derth, and several others who come to sympathize with his plight, Joshua begins to pick up the pieces of his life.But Joshua's problems are only just beginning. Not only has Patrick Urtoma, a government agent sent to investigate this alien teenager, but Veranda Oltzon, a candidate in the upcoming mayor election is exploiting the discrimination Joshua suffers to rally the public to her side. Also not helping is a mysterious serial killer who has now marked Joshua for death, driven by extreme prejudice against people like him.As the countdown to his nineteenth birthday continues, the day when the alien return to reclaim what they created, Joshua learns many lessons of self-acceptance, friendship, compassion, loyalty, love, and how being different makes on unique. Together, he and his friends shall stand together against the prejudice of an entire city and plea for tolerance towards all individuals, no matter who they are.

Prophecy of Vithan First Review

Prophecy of Vithan recieved its first review by TwoLipsReviews.

Alisha gave it 5 Kisses.

TwoLipsReviews gives their definition of 5 Kisses as:5 Kisses – Excellent! If my review didn’t have a word number requirement, I’d simply say “READ THIS BOOK- YOU’LL LOVE IT!”

Alisha says about the book:

"Wow, does Ms. Leatherman suck you into to a totally explosive book that kept me on the edge of my seat! The Prophecy of Vithan is one tremendous book with a Star Wars flavor but where the villains are fire-breathing dragons from another dimension. The fantastic setting works really well and I was captivated by it. The Prophecy of Vithan is an absolute must read. "For the full review visit TwoLipsReviews.

Here is an excerpt: (rated PG13)

Vespasian walked around Morgan, inspecting her as the physician injected her with a counteragent. The physician left.Morgan blinked her eyes as they cleared. Like waking from a low blood alcohol episode, grogginess slowly left her mind and body."Dirty as it is, the pale blue tunic suits you." Vespasian said after Morgan recovered from the drug. "I think I would have chosen lavender for you, to match your eyes. The blue is nice. I particularly like,” Vespasian thumbed Morgan's nipples with both hands until they became hard. "The way it accents your beasts."Morgan tried to pull away. The grav-locks wouldn't let her. She glared at him, hoping he would see the hatred in them."Still a spitfire, I see. I'm glad marriage hasn't softened my Morgan."Morgan tried to shake her head. She was not his. She never would be his. Morgan wanted loose so she could rip his throat out. Instead, all she could do is stand and glare at the monster in front of her.Vespasian smiled at his captive. He placed his finger under Morgan's chin and caressed her jaw line following it to her ear. Morgan closed her eyes. She tried to remove herself from the throne room, mentally. The block placed in her mind by the Psy kept her in the moment. Morgan mouthed a curse at the Regent. He smiled. His finger circled her ear, touching along the nape of her neck. Delicately, the Regent brushed Morgan's braid from her back over her shoulders. He placed the braid over the erect nipple of one breast. His hand gently shifted from her breast to her back. Morgan tensed. Grabbing a handful of cloth, Vespasian ripped the shift off Morgan. The silk tearing from her body pulled and burned on her shoulders and around her arms. Morgan could feel goose bumps rise as her body responded to the change of temperature. Her stomach churned as Vespasian traced the scars on her back with his finger. He pressed into the folds of her skin. She shuddered as the Regent began using his tongue where his fingers had explored."Was that a good one?" Vespasian asked. His hands continued to explore Morgan's body. "Do you enjoy when I do this? Has Len touched you in this manner? Your body tells me much. I see in your eyes, you want to tell me even more." Morgan hated that she couldn't speak. She was glad she couldn't speak. She wanted to tell Vespasian what she thought of him. She knew she would only be beaten for saying what she thought. She did not want to know how long he would beat her this time.Vespasian left his task and walked in front of Morgan. His attitude different, strange. "If you swear, on Sonij honor, not to leave the throne room, I'll remove the grav-locks and the silencer."Morgan nodded. She held her hands to him and lifted her chin, revealing her throat. She had to trust him to remove the restraints and not kill her."Remember, this is an oath on Sonij honor." Vespasian grinned. Morgan sighed heavily. She nodded.The Regent keyed in the codes and removed the restraints. Morgan kept her surprise to her self. Vespasian did not touch her during the removal process. She expected him to fondle her and cause more discomfort for her. He didn't.Morgan rubbed her wrists. She flexed her ankles. She cleared her throat. "What is it with you, Vespasian? Why can't you leave me alone? What do I mean to you? You can have any woman in this system, in this galaxy. Why me?"Vespasian smiled at Morgan. He turned and sauntered to his throne. He whirled and in an exaggerated flounce, he sat. He looked at his hand, studying his immaculately manicured fingernails, before answering. "Do you realize you are the only one who withstood the torture necessary for Vespasian to get off? Oh, he tried other methods. He was a true sadist, through and through. I've inherited his perverse obsession. I don't understand it thoroughly. Other women provide the blood I need to sustain this shape, but it is you I want. Not to kill, to -""You keep referring to Vespasian in the third person. Have you gone over the edge?" Morgan interrupted, hoping to distract Vespasian from his current train of thought.Vespasian leaped from the throne. He grabbed Morgan roughly and kissed her. She pushed with all her might to keep him away. Even with her strength, he held her tightly as he forced his mouth on hers. Morgan's heart raced in horror. He used brute strength, not control on her. The man Vespasian never used his strength alone. He was too insecure. He used control to make her respond. After what seemed an eternity in hell, the Regent released Morgan with a push. He meandered back to the throne."You…you're not Vespasian! Who are you?"

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Ladies and Gentlemen,No you are not having problems with your vision. You are indeed seeing two of me. I am Maggie and this is Maggie as well. Our ship traveled through a compression, duplicating gravitational field. Each of you have been "scrunched" and "duped". So now you can go around talking to yourself and noone will say anything. Giggle. Don't worry, this condition will wear off in a few days. In the meantime, we are on our way to visit a very interesting moon, Cruento. Cruento is the only moon in the Twin Planet System that was created by two Ancients instead of one. It is divided into two halves. One half has clear water and is inhabited by centaurs. The other half has blood water and is inhabited by what we might call vampires. There may be other species but none have been recorded. We will be there tomorrow. Also, be prepared to revisit Vithan now that the Protectors have left. We'd like to take this time to thank our sponsor Charlene Leatherman author of Prophecy of Vithan available with Cerridwen Press.

Morgan and Len

Morgan leaned her cheek against Len's hand.
"You're tense," Len began massaging his wife's shoulders. "You were so deep in thought. I didn't think you heard me come in."
"Um. That feels so good. I have hauled cargo, unloaded ships, danced for hours, butchered zrabicas and battled dragons, but shelling beans is the hardest job I've ever done. I am so tired."
"What were you thinking about?"
"When we first met."
"You mean when we were married?"
"No," Morgan smiled. "When I tied you up and left you in the vithan village. It was even before I became Khai's bodyguard. Do you remember?"
"Oh yeah. Tige Minton was my partner." Len slipped his hand off Morgan's shoulder and into her blouse. "Where are the kids?" Len whispered in Morgan's ear. His tongue tickled the edge. Morgan shivered as he blew on her ear, cooling the moisture from his tongue.
"Inhibe took Ophah and Edan on a tour of the Amethyst Forest. She promised to protect them from falling crystals with her wings. Inhibe is doing quite well with her dragon lessons. She can turn her wings almost to stone. I told her..."
Len leaned over Morgan and silenced her with a kiss. "Be quiet woman. The kids are gone and your man needs some loving."
Morgan laughed into Len's mouth.
"He does, does he?" Morgan turned so she could kiss Len. "Let me just turn off the transmitter."

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