Giveaways
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THE CONNECTION GAME by S.S. Turner Book Tour PLUS Giveaway!
Book Details:Book Title: The Connection Game: A Novel by S.S Turner
Category: Adult Fiction (18+) , 272 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: The Story Plant
Release date: Feb 2023
Content Rating: PG: There’s some violence and a small bit of profanity. -
Enter To Win The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Complete Series Giveaway! (2 Winners ~ Ends 4/22)
Please note, this post contains affiliate links. Welcome to The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Complete Series Giveaway!
2 Winners
This giveaway is part of our SMGN Spring Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.
HOSTS ARE:
PINK NINJA BLOG & DELICIOUSLY SAVVY
My co-hosts for this giveaway are
Our co-hosts for this giveaway are A Rain Of Thought, Golden Goose Giveaways, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, Marksvilleandme, SweepsMadness, The Frugal Grandmom, The Stuff of Success, & Versatileer
Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.
A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Freebies Deals & Steals, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs by Mom, Honey Can Do It, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, Versatileer
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This giveaway is sponsored by:
2 WINNERS
2 Lucky Winners will win a copy of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Complete Series on DVD!
NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD
SYNOPSIS: Mutants Rule! Emerging from their hidden lair in the sewers, teenage bros Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael face off against the most dangerous baddies and the most delicious pizza in New York City!
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are martial arts masters-in-training on a mission to defeat all enemies, protect the innocent, and make it home in time to chill. With the help of powerful pals like April O’Neil, Casey Jones, and Ice Cream Kitty – plus the expert teachings of Sensei Splinter – it’s bros vs. foes when the heroes in a half shell take on Shredder, the Kraang, and the Foot Clan – one awesome attack at a time! This release features all 124 episodes of the 5-season series in one box set!
About Nickelodeon Nickelodeon, now in its 43rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.
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CLICK BELOW TO ENTER & GOOD LUCK!
This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 4/22/23. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to pinkninjablog at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void were prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Heather Pfingsten at pinkninjablog (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.
If you are a blogger interested in our gift guides sign up here or more information is HERE.
Get blogger opps just like this by signing up to receive blogger emails HERE.
Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.
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The Walk-On Tour Base Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway!
Commercial Fiction
Date Published: February 23, 2023
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
In the twilight of his NFL career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago
Storm, Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski masks his physical pain and
mental anguish with alcohol and painkillers. The fan favorite has a rebel
image and a notorious reputation, and he plays a violent gridiron game
fueled by inner rage.While estranged from his wife and living in the fishbowl environment of
professional sports, he unexpectedly meets the fresh-out-of-college Kim
Richardson. She sees through Mike’s star persona to who he really
is—a kind guy from the Southeast Side of Chicago who has never
forgotten his humble blue-collar roots. The lives of the star-crossed,
seemingly mismatched couple collide during a whirlwind romance that
culminates in a tragic series of events.
The Walk-On is a timeless tale of love and loss that explores the
consequences of personal decisions and the rewards of faith, redemption, and
hope.Inspiration for my writing – Richard Podkowski – Guest Blog #2
My inspiration for writing mostly comes from my life experiences. Often I get nuggets of ideas from who, or what I see on the street, in a store, while shopping or walking, or sitting in my car stuck in traffic or at a stoplight. Sometimes I feel like it’s spontaneous combustion, where a theme or plot point explodes and swirls in my head, refusing to stop.
Inspiration comes at different times of the day or night, in chunks, or a very specific thought when I least expect it. I need to quickly make a note to myself so I don’t forget. Usually, I “see it before I write it.”
Once my mind’s eye has a snapshot or reel of events, I try to layer the past, present, and future of relatable characters in realistic settings. I need to balance the use of foreshadowing and incorporating unexpected twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Inspiration comes from songs and lyrics, nature, and everyday urban life. Local history, neighborhoods, especially the grit and the glitz of big cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and NYC are particularly interesting to me.
People in general inspire me, regardless of their particular age, profession, economic or social status. I’m intrigued by unlikely heroes and those who live in the shadows of others.
Although I can’t remember where I left my keys, I do recall conversations, social encounters, scenery, and even specific objects (like Mike Stalowski’s 1970 Chevelle Super Sport) that may find their way into my writing. I tend to look for good to overcome evil, although darkness, violence, and tragedy don’t frighten me.
Writer’s block is real and I’ve suffered through it more times than I care to think about. But ultimately, a person ahead of me in the grocery check-out lane, a sad or salacious news story, or simply sitting in traffic on the 110 gets my creativity flowing again. Stressed and eager to get to my final destination, I never know which song on the radio, scene outside my window, or vehicle merging onto the freeway or suddenly cutting across four lanes to exit will be my next spark of inspiration.
Early Reviews
“An interesting read where star linebacker Mike Stalowski confronts the inevitable challenges every NFL player faces as they transition to their post-football life. His experiences may seem exaggerated, but they are still very real.”
Gary Fencik, Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX Champion
“Despite his NFL fame and bad-boy attitude and antics, I empathized with the humble guy from a blue-collar background fighting painful emotional and physical demons. . .Ultimately, The Walk-On is an incredible story of love and loss, with faith and mentorship fostering hope for the future.”
Bill Rancic, Author of the New York Times bestseller, You’re Hired
“Just like the protagonist’s very fast sports car, The Walk-On will leave you, from the very first paragraph, just a little breathless as you navigate all the sharp turns that come fast and furious at the reader. . .”
Jean Becker, Author of the New York Times bestseller, The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush’s Post-Presidency
“The Walk-On is a fascinating story of self-sabotage and redemption. A page-turner!!!!”
Mary Pat Kelly, Bestselling author of Galway Bay, Of Irish Blood, and Irish Above All
About the Author
Richard Podkowski, a native of Chicago’s South Side, began writing
fiction while studying criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago.As a United States Secret Service special agent, Richard protected U.S.
presidents and foreign dignitaries and investigated major domestic and
international financial crimes. After retiring from the Secret Service in
2003 as a supervisory special agent, he became a management member of a
Fortune 100 company’s global security group. For the last several years,
Richard has been a private sector strategic security consultant.Inspired by professional athletes who lived in a fishbowl under constant
media scrutiny and made life-altering mistakes, Richard wrote The Walk-On.
Other projects include a holiday rom-com manuscript and a crime story. In
his free time, Richard enjoys riding his road bike, working out, and making
Christmas ornaments. He currently resides with his family in Los
Angeles.Contact Links
Purchase Links
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ENTER TO WIN THE NAT GEO KIDS BIRTHDAY FUN PACK GIVEAWAY! (1 WINNER ~ ENDS 4/21)
Welcome To The Nat Geo Kids Birthday Fun Pack Giveaway!
This giveaway is part of our Spring Gift Guide. Stop by to see all the great giveaways and products!
This prize pack is sure to up the fun factor on the big day!
Who’s feeling lucky this month? Enter now for your chance to win a birthday prize pack from Nat Geo Kids with a $70 ARV!
Giveaway Details
Prize
Nat Geo Kids Birthday Fun Pack
(Weird But True! Birthdays, Weird But Truel World 2023, an 8″ SQUISHY birthday cupcake plush, a crazy straw Weird But True! Tumbler, a cake-scented pencil, a recipe for party pops, and a confetti and paper honeycomb balloon)
This birthday fun pack will help you celebrate a day that everyone loves!
Hosts
Co-Hosts
Deliciously Savvy & Versatileer
A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs By Mom, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, The Frugal Grandmom, Versatileer
Sponsors
WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ AMAZON
Good Luck! Enter Below
For a chance to win a Nat Geo Kids Birthday Fun Pack, US residents aged 18 and over can enter the competition from March 21 – April 21 2023. One lucky entrant will be chosen! No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media networking site. The chosen winner has only 48 hours to act on the notification email before their opportunity expires and a new winner is selected. Don’t miss out! Once the lucky winner is chosen and verified, we’ll post their name on our giveaway form for all to see! The sponsor will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes.
Are you a blogger wanting to gain exposure? If so, click here and get your link added at no cost to one of our giveaways. Just share the giveaway post with your followers and report back after doing so!
Are you a company or brand wanting to partner with Home Jobs By Mom? If so, feel free to reach out – I’m here and ready to answer any questions. Plus, if you want the inside scoop on new giveaways and blogger opps, just click here! Don’t miss out on all these amazing opportunities – join me now.
Thank you so much for visiting today!
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ROUGH JUSTICE by Burt Weissbourd NERD BLAST Plus A Giveaway!
Publisher: Rare Bird Books (October 11, 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1644283093
ISBN-13: 978-1644283097Praise for ROUGH JUSTICE
“Burt Weissbourd is a master of the Amateur Sleuth/Crime Thriller genre and his newest story, Rough Justice continues to demonstrate his genuine flair of originality.” —Midwest Book ReviewPRAISE FOR BURT WEISSBOURD
“These books transcend the expectations of genre fiction to become literature.” —Jacob Epstein, writer and executive story editor of Hill Street Blues, and writer of LA Law“Weissbourd’s writing reminds me of the great Raymond Chandler mysteries.” —John McCaffrey, KGB Bar Lit Mag
“One of the most accomplished elements of this highly entertaining novel is the way that the action hinges on the emotional and interpersonal arc of the story rather than the plot twists themselves…it’s Callie’s relationships with the central figures, particularly Cash…that give the story its realistic and heart-stopping impact.” —Readers’ Favorite
“Weissbourd delivers a polished page-turner about terrorism, money laundering, and the price of sins rooted in avarice…Tart dialogue, explosive set pieces, and a dexterous narrative style that favors velocity over exposition add to the book’s appeal…Thrillers may be a dime a dozen, but memorable characters deserve a longer half-life, so here’s hoping Callie and Cash make a welcome return soon.” —BlueInk Review
“A Woman gets in touch with her inner action hero in this bracing thriller…as one character toasts, ‘Bravo, Callie James.’” —Kirkus Reviews
“An inventive thriller whose unconventional heroine learns how to live again.” —Foreword
“His skill as a writer is obvious and there’s a level of polish present in these pages you don’t find with less experienced authors…Danger in Plain Sight sets the stage well for Burt Weissbourd to have an impressive run with this character, and he will undoubtedly attract a growing audience with each new additional entry in the series.” —Hollywood Digest
For fans of Scott Turow, Lee Child, and Raymond Chandler.
Callie and Cash are back!
“When you get out of jail, don’t ever come back here.”
Callie James thought those were the last words she’d ever speak to Cash Logan. Two years later, in Danger in Plain Sight, Callie and Cash become an improbable team taking on lethal adversaries.
Now, in Rough Justice, Callie and Cash are back, and their world is about to explode.
It’s been a year since they saved her ex-husband’s life and faced unexpected, terrifying adversaries. During that process—confronting kidnapping, murder and the destruction of her restaurant—they came together, and against all odds, fell passionately in love.
The smooth sailing abruptly ends when Sara, a twenty-five-year-old, half-Algerian woman, unexpectedly shows up at the restaurant and insists on telling them her shocking, unbelievable story. Someone has stolen her identity, and they’re trying to kill her. Sara needs their help now, and she has a stunning, life-changing secret to tell.
Again, Cash and Callie assemble their unconventional ragtag family—including peg-legged Andre, and Itzac, “the Macher.” Together, they go to war with formidable adversaries to save Sara and ultimately their own lives. The fierce global battle leads them to Cuba, where they launch an audacious offensive that shocks even them…and will absolutely take your breath away.
With Rough Justice, Burt Weissbourd elevates not only his deeply rich and complex characters, but the entire thriller genre.
You can purchase Rough Justice at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Burt WeissbourdBurt Weissbourd is a novelist, screenwriter, and producer of feature films whose novels include Danger in Plain Sight and Rough Justice, the first two Callie James/Cash Logan novels; the Corey Logan trilogy (Inside Passage, Teaser, and Minos); and In Velvet, a thriller set in Yellowstone National Park. Weissbourd grew up in Chicago and graduated cum laude from Yale University, with honors in psychology. During his student years, he volunteered at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and taught English to college students in Thailand.
After he graduated, he wrote, directed, and produced educational films, then began a finance program at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Business, which he left to start his own film production company in Los Angeles. From 1977 until 1986, he developed screenplays with actors such as Robert Redford, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, and Sally Field, and produced films including Ghost Story, based on the novel by Peter Straub and starring Fred Astaire, and Raggedy Man, starring Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard. He’s a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. In 1987, he founded an investment business, which he still runs. An avid fly fisherman, Weissbourd has lived in Los Angeles; Bainbridge Island, WA; Seattle; and New York City. He currently lives on Long Island with his wife, Dorothy, and has three adult children and two grandsons.
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Rocky Mountain Kid Virtual Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway!
(Rocky Mountain Romances, Book 4)
Romance
Date Published: February 14, 2023
Publisher: Dragonbooks Publishing House
Can even the coldest heart be thawed? You bet! And your friends in
Independence Junction prove it’s possible when a new kid comes to
town. Get ready for some horsing around in the fourth book of the Rocky
Mountain Romances series.
What happens when nosy reporter Paige catches wind of a kiddo named Leslie
getting adopted by local Rancher Paula—who everyone knows has a heart
dripping with icicles? Paige moves in for the feel-good story of the year,
grabs the exclusive interview, then sets off a chain of events that threaten
to upend the peace and quiet in Independence Junction.It turns out, Leslie has to go in and testify against her past foster
parents. The question is, will this lead to a better life for this
kid’s uncertain future? And what happens when she brings a furry
friend with her?Meanwhile, love is in the air. Rancher Paula and the local veterinarian,
Nate, begin to hit it off. The next thing we know, Paige and the fire chief
also start making sparks. On top of that? A cast of four-legged friends help
their humans in unexpected ways—saving the day time and
again—proving that even the coldest hearts can be thawed in a Rocky
Mountain Romance.
Contact Links
Purchase Link
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Enter To Win The Superior Source Kids Clean Melts Giveaway!
Welcome To The Superior Source Kids Clean Melts Giveaway!
This giveaway is part of our Spring Gift Guide. Stop by to see all the great giveaways and products!
Melts that dissolve instantly with no pills to swallow!
Reduce your kiddos sugar intake — one lucky participant will win a prize pack of four Kid’s Clean Melts from Superior Source Vitamins valued up to $60! Enter now for your chance to score this awesome prize!
Giveaway Details
Prize
(Immune, Vitamin C, C + D3, and Sleep)
Never worry again about your child consuming too much sugar in their daily supplements!
Hosts
Co-Hosts
Deliciously Savvy & Versatileer
A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs By Mom, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, The Frugal Grandmom, Versatileer
Sponsors
WEBSITE ~ PINTEREST ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAM ~ AMAZON
Good Luck! Enter Below
For a chance to win a 4-pack of Superior Source Vitamins Kid’s Clean Melts, US residents aged 18 and over can enter the competition from March 7 – 31 2023. One lucky entrant will be chosen! No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media networking site. The chosen winner has only 48 hours to act on the notification email before their opportunity expires and a new winner is selected. Don’t miss out! Once the lucky winner is chosen and verified, we’ll post their name on our giveaway form for all to see! The sponsor will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes.
Are you a blogger wanting to gain exposure? If so, click here and get your link added at no cost to one of our giveaways. Just share the giveaway post with your followers and report back after doing so!
Are you a company or brand wanting to partner with Home Jobs By Mom? If so, feel free to reach out – I’m here and ready to answer any questions. Plus, if you want the inside scoop on new giveaways and blogger opps, just click here! Don’t miss out on all these amazing opportunities – join me now.
Thank you so much for visiting today!
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ENTER TO WIN THE WINNING MOVES 3 GAMES FOR SPRING GIVEAWAY!
Welcome to the 3 Games from Winning Moves Games Spring Giveaway – ARV $50.85
Scattergories® Stackagories™, Insert Card Here™ & Twistables™ 4x4x4 Puzzle from Winning Moves Games ~ $50.85 ARV!
This giveaway is part of our Spring Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.
HOST IS VERSATILEER
My co-hosts for this giveaway are Deliciously Savvy, My Silly Little Gang, Giveaway Gator, Home Jobs by Mom, & Miki’s Hope
A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Freebies Deals & Steals, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs by Mom, Honey Can Do It, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, The Frugal Grandmom, Versatileer
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This giveaway’s Sponsor is:
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1 Winner will win a package of 3 games: Scattergories® Stackagories™, Insert Card Here™ & Twistables™ 4x4x4 Puzzle from Winning Moves Games ~ $50.85 ARV!
The great game of Scattergories® Stackagories™ debuted in 1988 and now there’s a new twist on the game! Each player controls their own set of colored stacking pieces. Lay out the Letter Cards, flip a Category Card and the one-minute timer and the game is on! Players, playing simultaneously, shout out words that fit the category and place one of their stacking pieces on the corresponding letter card. When time’s up, the player who has their colored stacking piece on the top of the stack scores for that card. The more pieces under their piece, the higher the score!
The great game of Insert Card Here™: Things move fast as the high and low cards in play change quickly throughout the game. Manage your cards carefully so you have one that fits between the high and low cards on your turn. Wild and Reverse cards keep the game hopping. The first player to play all their cards wins!
Mix up the Twistables™ puzzle and then twist the puzzle back in order, as quickly as you can, so that each of the six sides shows a solid color. Cool, contemporary colors and a fast functioning design make the Twistables™ 4x4x4 Puzzle a joy to solve!
More information: See my HERE.
Now To The……
This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. The giveaway is for 1 of each game: Scattergories® Stackagories™, Insert Card Here™ & Twistables™ 4x4x4 Puzzle from Winning Moves Games; $50.85 ARV. This Giveaway is valid to Continental United States residents (Lower 48 contiguous states) only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM EST (10:59 PM CST) 04/11/2023. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to versatileer at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! Once a winner is drawn and confirmed, the name will be announced on the Rafflecopter form. Winning Moves Games will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes. Versatileer has not been compensated to assist in furnishing the prize in this giveaway. By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by Rafflecopter through the use of Random-dot-org. More giveaway
Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.
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The Walk-On Virtual Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway!
Commercial Fiction
Date Published: February 23, 2023
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
In the twilight of his NFL career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago
Storm, Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski masks his physical pain and
mental anguish with alcohol and painkillers. The fan favorite has a rebel
image and a notorious reputation, and he plays a violent gridiron game
fueled by inner rage.While estranged from his wife and living in the fishbowl environment of
professional sports, he unexpectedly meets the fresh-out-of-college Kim
Richardson. She sees through Mike’s star persona to who he really
is—a kind guy from the Southeast Side of Chicago who has never
forgotten his humble blue-collar roots. The lives of the star-crossed,
seemingly mismatched couple collide during a whirlwind romance that
culminates in a tragic series of events.
The Walk-On is a timeless tale of love and loss that explores the
consequences of personal decisions and the rewards of faith, redemption, and
hope.Early Reviews
“An interesting read where star linebacker Mike Stalowski confronts the inevitable challenges every NFL player faces as they transition to their post-football life. His experiences may seem exaggerated, but they are still very real.”
Gary Fencik, Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX Champion
“Despite his NFL fame and bad-boy attitude and antics, I empathized with the humble guy from a blue-collar background fighting painful emotional and physical demons. . .Ultimately, The Walk-On is an incredible story of love and loss, with faith and mentorship fostering hope for the future.”
Bill Rancic, Author of the New York Times bestseller, You’re Hired
“Just like the protagonist’s very fast sports car, The Walk-On will leave you, from the very first paragraph, just a little breathless as you navigate all the sharp turns that come fast and furious at the reader. . .”
Jean Becker, Author of the New York Times bestseller, The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush’s Post-Presidency
“The Walk-On is a fascinating story of self-sabotage and redemption. A page-turner!!!!”
Mary Pat Kelly, Bestselling author of Galway Bay, Of Irish Blood, and Irish Above All
About the Author
Richard Podkowski, a native of Chicago’s South Side, began writing
fiction while studying criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago.As a United States Secret Service special agent, Richard protected U.S.
presidents and foreign dignitaries and investigated major domestic and
international financial crimes. After retiring from the Secret Service in
2003 as a supervisory special agent, he became a management member of a
Fortune 100 company’s global security group. For the last several years,
Richard has been a private sector strategic security consultant.Inspired by professional athletes who lived in a fishbowl under constant
media scrutiny and made life-altering mistakes, Richard wrote The Walk-On.
Other projects include a holiday rom-com manuscript and a crime story. In
his free time, Richard enjoys riding his road bike, working out, and making
Christmas ornaments. He currently resides with his family in Los
Angeles.Contact Links
Purchase Links
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WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED by Bill Powers Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway
Book Details:Book Title: When the Smoke Cleared (A Murder Mystery in Malden) by Bill Powers
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 400 pages
Genre: True Crime
Publisher: PowersCourt Press
Release date: Oct, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 Some violence some profanityBook Description:There is no greater distinction or responsibility for a law enforcement officer than to be selected to investigate homicides. The same is true for a prosecutor. It is analogous to a call up to the big leagues where the curveballs or slapshots are frequent and more challenging, the lights are brighter, the audience larger and louder, and the scrutiny and demand for perfection can at times be a bit overwhelming.
This story follows an extraordinary murder investigation from the crime scene through to the arrest and into the courtroom. It is narrated by retired Detective Lieutenant Bill Powers, the former commander of the State Police Detective Unit for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts:
“When the smoke from the fire cleared and the water level receded, it was visually evident that a violent struggle, quite possibly a homicide, had preceded the fire. But where was the victim? The waterlogged bloodstains in the function room told us it wasn’t likely they stood up and walked out the door. We were confronted with an unusual dilemma. We not only had to investigate what happened and develop probable cause to make an arrest, but we also had to locate the poor soul who had spilled so much of their blood.”
Walk the path of the investigation with Bill and his team, and then follow in ADA Adrienne Lynch’s footsteps as she guides the trial from opening statements through to the final verdict; a truly unique accounting with a bird’s eye view.
Beyond a police and courtroom procedural, this story is about the personal struggles in the victim’s life and how her death impacted her family’s lives in ways no one could have foreseen. It is a love story that grew from unspeakable tragedy.
Bill Powers writes from the heart because he spent twenty years living the life of a homicide investigator. He went to literally hundreds of death scenes and, while each made its mark, none had more of a personal effect on him than this case.
Meet the Author:
Bill Powers has been active in the Massachusetts law enforcement community since he joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1974. Over time he rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Detective Lieutenant. He commanded the State Police Detective Units (SPDU) in both Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, where he had direct oversight and involvement in more than one hundred homicides. His State Police career came full circle when he was named Commandant of the Recruit Training Academy. He retired as the director of the Media Relations Section. Following his retirement, Bill was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the graduate program for forensic sciences at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). For the next seven years he lectured on criminal investigation and expert testimony to the graduate students. In addition, he produced training seminars for police investigators covering a wide variety of topics. Following his tenure at the BUSM he returned to the law enforcement profession as the Director of Public Safety at Wentworth Institute in Boston. Bill earned an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University with a major in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law.He resides South of Boston with his wife Jane. Their two daughters and their families live nearby. He has been blessed with five remarkable grandchildren who sparkle like bright stars in the night sky.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreadsWhy Enlist a Writing Coach?
I was determined to write a book and narrate a story that I believed had to be shared with a wide audience. I was well prepared with thoughts and ideas about what I wanted to write, but I had no idea about the road ahead. I didn’t lack confidence. I had some writing experience, but certainly not at the level of authoring a book. I wasn’t concerned about commitment or perseverance either. I have always been up to a challenge and the longer and harder the road to victory the more I dig in and embrace it. But I knew I needed a strategy with a winning design.
During my career as a criminal investigator, I learned how to talk with people and gather information and how to be thorough and patient and truthful. I also learned to abide by an old Irish proverb, “When you don’t know where you are headed walk slowly.” I knew if I was going to be successful I couldn’t just run down any path and hope I chose the right one.
I’ve also learned a bit about situational humility. I’ve had to recognize that, “I don’t know what I don’t know,”, but there are those that do know, and I need to call on them and their expertise for help. It may be hard to accept at first, but the more you do it, the wiser you become. I knew that I didn’t have a clue about where to begin or where I was headed. I recognized the need for a guide to take my hand and lead me into the forest and show me the pathways that would bring me to a clearing and my final destination. Thankfully I found her.
I had taken writing classes where students critiqued each other’s work, and while it was good to listen to others, I found that they were writing in different genres and they really couldn’t identify with what I was trying to convey. In fairness I didn’t connect well with their work either. I searched the internet for writing groups and writing coaches in the Boston area who may be able to help but came up empty there as well. Many listed true crime as a genre they were interested in, but their specialty genres were more in the areas of fantasy, science fiction, self-help, nutrition and young adult. I couldn’t take a chance on just anyone and, if I failed, have no one to blame but myself.
One night, as I was about to shut down the computer after a dozen or more website reviews that didn’t align with what I needed, I found a glimmer of hope. She was located 2,000 miles away in a rural section of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She listed herself as both a writing coach and editor who specialized in non-fiction and included mystery and true crime among her specialties. I sent her an email and a few days later we met on a Zoom call. After a couple of lengthy meetings and her review of a few stories I had written and an outline of my proposed book, we became a team. I still remember her initial critique. “Bill,” she said, “You write like a cop. Your reports are full of factual information, but if you want people to read it you need to make major changes. Readers want to hear your voice and learn through dialogue and know more about your characters and you need a protagonist and you need to stop writing in passive sentences!” Some easy changes I thought.
It took six years of working side by side structuring and organizing the book. There were a few battles and a lot of determination from both of us, but we succeeded. She taught me how to be a creative storyteller who can narrate with dialogue and descriptive language and bring a story to life. She taught me how to “show and not tell.” When the manuscript was complete she connected me with a website creator, a book cover designer and formatter, as well as folks in the marketing and publicity fields to help introduce the book. All people I never would have found on my own.
I could not be more thankful that I made the effort to turn my dream into an achievement of a lifetime. I would recommend the same path to anyone with a story to tell and a need for an experienced guide for a partner.
Giveaway:
Win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card courtesy of the author of WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED (A Murder Mystery in Malden) (one winner) (ends Mar 17)
WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED by Bill Powers Book Tour Giveaway
