Book Feature: Theresa Mae's YA Inspirational, IF ALL ELSE FAILS!

Hi, readers!  We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Theresa Mae, a talented author! 
 
We wish you lots of success on your Muslim YA Inspirational novel!  
 
Let's check out the details, shall we?

 


Here is the book blurb.

Facing life choices while growing up is hard enough. Doing it all while figuring out if God exists--well, that's just Ruby's luck.

Eighteen-year-old Ruby Saunders is no typical high school senior. After years of struggling with her single mom to keep food on the table, their nomad lifestyle has worn her tiny family thin. When her mom finds a solid job, stability roots them in the suburbs of an Ohio town, where she lands her first real boyfriend, Shawn Turner.

Ruby is determined to graduate with honors, even if she has to visit a Mosque to do it...

In an effort of maintain a perfect GPA, Ruby pairs with a pretty Muslim girl named Layla Guirguis for a world religion project. Though her classmate wears a scarf over her hair and comes from a different background, Ruby quickly learns they have a lot in common. The more they hang out, the more Ruby learns about Islam, and the more her Agnostic views are put to the test. And as as her friendship with Layla grows, Ruby learns something that promises to break her heart.

When love and logic collide, faith is the only defining factor...

Between study sessions and dealing with her over-protective mother, Ruby's dating life takes a turn for the serious. After six months of swooning over Shawn's charming smile, her 'true love waits' ring begins to feel more like a rusty piece of scrap metal than the sweet sixteen gift her mother gave her. Still, she's determined not to make the same mistakes her mom did--if only it were that easy. 

Theresa is also giving us a peek at her book, which is the first installment of the Five Pillar Series!

 

Wow! There's definitely an interesting story here!

 

Purchase Links:

Universal Amazon:  http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01BCP70TU

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-all-else-fails-theresa-mae/1120908199

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/5957390

Thanks for letting us know all about your Muslim YA inspirational book! It sounds fascinating! :)

 

 

About the Author:

 

 

“As a mother, author, and reverted American Muslim, I am determined to target a gaping hole in the world of books. With Christian fiction and Amish romance popular in mainstream literature, I found there are very few books written for Muslim teens. So on my quest to add one more task to my otherwise insanely busy life, I had an idea and created a brand.

Muslim Teen was born out of necessity, to deliver relatable, relevant, quality literature to the Muslim youth by targeting topics that families of every faith often sweep under the rug. I believe talking about real world issues such as dating, hijab, and the epic struggle with self-esteem is vital to giving our teens the tools they need to wade through their daily struggles with confidence and pride in their Muslim identity.

Other than writing, I enjoy travel, learning random facts about absolutely anything, volunteering at my children’s school, and being as goofy as possible.”

 

Author Links:

 

Website/Blog:  http://authortheresamae.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheresaMae

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/theresa_mae_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Theresa-Mae/e/B00AO7HM46/

Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13552279.Theresa_Mae

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authortheresamae/

Newsletter:  http://bit.ly/1UFxfpW

  

Theresa's Book:

 

   

Author's Bookshelf: Bernard Foong (Young)

We're bringing something a bit different to Writing in the Modern Age today. Awhile back, I had an idea for a new feature so I reached out to some author colleagues to see if they'd like to participate. I thought it might be nice to show readers a few books that have inspired authors. You might find it enlightening, and at least be able to answer the age old question, "What the heck do authors read?"

 

 

Writers are readers too! Most authors love to collect books for their vast personal libraries. The written word is fascinating to us, and many newer authors as well as those in the past have helped to shape who we are today. 

 

 

Without further ado, our guest today is Bernard Foong, a LGBT/erotica author and aficionado of memoir. Won't it be interesting to hear about a few books that have inspired Bernard on his writing and publishing journey? 

 

 

Sounds pretty great to me. So, take it away, Bernard! :)

 

 

1. Anne Rice writing under A.N. Roquelaure: The Erotic Trilogy of Sleepy Beauty series

 

 

Blurb:  

In 1983, Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquelaure, began the first installment of a series that is now considered a forerunner of erotic literature.  This boxed set, containing the books The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty’s Punishment, and Beauty’s Release is a testament to Anne Rice’s irresistible talent.  Now in a repackaged edition, Rice’s charged eroticism and magical style is back, connecting old and new readers alike.

 

Bernard's Thoughts: 

 

I love the first three books in the series. They were excellent, but not the latest edition – Book IV – Beauty’s Kingdom. The trilogy was the precursor to modern day erotica. Most importantly, these three novels were well written.

Her style of story-telling assisted me in my own provocative writing of A Harem Boy’s Saga; a memoir by Young (5 to 7 books) series.

2. Dan Brown early novels, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons

 

Blurbs:

 

The Da Vinci Code:

 

 

#1 Worldwide Bestseller—More Than 81 Million Copies Sold
As millions of readers around the globe have already discovered, The Da Vinci Code is a reading experience unlike any other. Simultaneously lightning-paced, intelligent, and intricately layered with remarkable research and detail, Dan Brown's novel is a thrilling masterpiece—from its opening pages to its stunning conclusion.

 

Angels & Demons:

 

 

An ancient secret brotherhood.
A devastating new weapon of destruction.
When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.
Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.
Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.
An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.

 

Bernard's Thoughts:

 

His short and easy to follow chapters gave me inspiration to write A Harem Boy’s Saga chapters as stand-alone vignettes to each volume of my books.

By keeping the chapters short and concise, it gave the reader a final sense of accomplishment before moving onto the next episode/chapter.   

 

3. The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

 

Blurb:

 

The recipient of extraordinary acclaim from critics and the bookselling community, Tan Twan Eng's debut novel casts a powerful spell and has garnered comparisons to celebrated wartime storytellers Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. Set during the tumult of World War II, on the lush Malayan island of Penang, The Gift of Rain tells a riveting and poignant tale about a young man caught in the tangle of wartime loyalties and deceits.
In 1939, sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton-the half-Chinese, half-English youngest child of the head of one of Penang's great trading families-feels alienated from both the Chinese and British communities. He at last discovers a sense of belonging in his unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Philip proudly shows his new friend around his adored island, and in return Endo teaches him about Japanese language and culture and trains him in the art and discipline of aikido. But such knowledge comes at a terrible price. When the Japanese savagely invade Malaya, Philip realizes that his mentor and sensei-to whom he owes absolute loyalty-is a Japanese spy. Young Philip has been an unwitting traitor, and must now work in secret to save as many lives as possible, even as his own family is brought to its knees.

 

Bernard's Thoughts:

 

A Malaysian novelist that recently achieved acclaim for his work.

The technique and method of his descriptive writing assisted my writing in regards to sentence formatting and phasing. I especially like his no nonsense story-telling, direct from the heart rather than following a specific writing formula (standard formulas that are often taught as writing seminars and workshops).

 

Thank you, Bernard!

 

And here is a little about Bernard's book, The Truth Will Set You Free. 

 

 

Book Blurb:

 

The Truth Will Set You Free is a section from Debauchery - the triquel to A Harem Boy’s Saga, a provocative story about a young man who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society through his UK boarding school. From there, he was spirited to the Middle East to attend the Bahriji (Oasis) School in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for Harem services for the wealthy elite.

It is also a love story between the young man, his ‘Big Brother,’ and his ‘Valet,’ who served as his chaperones and mentors.

This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their third Arabian Household Harem, the Quwah. There, they became confidants to a prince, assistants in an international dance club venture, “Carousel,” and apprentices and models in a controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places.”

This story is an account of the author’s experiences. Through these truths, often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnation and negativity related to sexuality, love, and personal freedom.

A Harem Boy’s Saga is a series of seven volumes.

 

Genre: LGBT Memoir

 

What People Are Saying About The Truth Will Set You Free: 

 

“LGBT - at it's best. Love the title and Young does it again. This seductive memoir will get your heart racing.” – Wanita Jump, Amazon

“Kudos to the author! This is a fascinating story and certainly an eye opener. I recommend it highly.” – Dianne Harman, Amazon

“Entertaining and provocative memoir.” – Lilly, Amazon

 

Purchase Links: 

 

Amazon Universal link:  getBook.at/TTWSYF

Publisher:  http://solsticepublishing.com/the-truth-will-set-you-free/

 

Fascinating! Thank you for stopping by to give us a glimpse of your bookshelf, Bernard!  :)

 

About the Author:

 

“Young, alias Bernard Foong, is, first and foremost, a sensitivist. He finds nuance in everything. To experience the world he inhabits is an adventure which is mystical, childlike and refreshing. He has a rare ability to create beauty in a unique fashion. His palettes have been material, paint, words and human experiences.”

By Christine Maynard (screenwriter and novelist).

Bernard Foong (designer) – A brief history

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the age of 8, he was assisting his aunt and cousin, learning the art of sewing and fabrics/colors matching. He attended an exclusive private boarding school in the United Kingdom before obtaining his Diploma in Fashion Design at the Harrow College of Art & Technology in London, England.  He went on to complete his Master of Design at the Royal College of Art & Design, London, England. During his college years he won several international fashion awards and was already retailing bridal and evening dresses to several well known department stores in England. Liberty of London, Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols to name a few that carried his designs. His Royal College of Art graduation wedding/evening wear collection was sold to Liberty of London and displayed in their store windows for the entire month of June that year.

For four years, he worked for Liberty’s bridal department as their in-house designer until a trip to Hong Kong, while working on a freelance project for ‘Bird’s’(casual wear) company, he was recruited by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as their Fashion professor for the next 6 years. During his stay in Hong Kong, he freelanced for numerous fashion companies. From designing casual wear, swimwear, lingerie, and fur garments, men’s wear, bridal and evening fashions to accessories (bags, shoes, and head-wear). He also participated and organized numerous fashion shows, events, functions, and presentations in the Asia Pacific region.

Working for Keys Far East Hong Kong as chief lingerie designer - travelling extensively to the United States, he was soon  recruited as an Associate Fashion Design/Illustration Professor to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and also lectured at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design for a couple of years.

Foong was then appointed as the Fashion Development Manager by an established department store – Parkson Grand (22 stores in Malaysia and one in Shanghai, China). Producing under the label, Natural Life by Bernard Foong, he designed casual-wear collections for the Parkson Grand’s flagship store in Kuala Lumpur. After a couple of years later, he was invited by the Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore to join their design school to establish a Fashion Design department. For two years, he assisted several founding members of the design school - working on the fashion department’s teaching curriculum.

The Fitzgerald Theatre Department, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Oahu, Hawaii awarded a full scholarship for Foong to complete his second Master of Art in Theatre Costuming. Now a resident on the Island of Maui, he has assisted many charity organizations in their fund raising events with his extravagant fashion and performance shows/presentations. In 2005, he and his partner, Mr. Walter Jay Bissett opened Fire Dragon Bistro Orient & Design Shop. He also designs costumes/fashions for numerous theatrical productions in Hawaii and abroad.

 Appointed as chief lingerie designer for Cerie International Limited – Hong Kong, his lingerie designs can be found in major department stores in Canada and the United Kingdom.

He showcased the BERNARD FOONG R-T-W collections and BERNARD FOONG @ Modern Classic Ltd. (an established – Hong Kong bridal & evening wear company) collections in Hong Kong. His 2008 & 2009 bridal/evening/bridal lingerie fashion show, “Grace” & “Coming Up Roses” were premiered at Hong Kong Fashion Week in July 2007 and January 2008 respectively at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, garnering positive interest in many Asian press reviews, including a China nationwide television broadcast of his latest collection. Aika (International Opera Singer) wore several Bernard Foong special occasion dresses at her Japan & European tour in September & October 2009.

Foong was the chief Creative Director for Official (Special Occasion fashion manufacturing company) Guangzhou, China  producing – BERNARD FOONG Couture (specialty one-of-a-kind creations), White (RTW - Wedding/Special Occasion wear), Foxy Cute (Smart Casual/Cocktail wear), SexZ  (decorative bustier) & Diva Bitch (sexual lingerie inner/outer-wear) collections.

Besides working on his regular haute couture, R-T-W and lingerie collections he is a visiting consultant/advisor for:

• Pivot Point fashion college, Chengdu, China.
• Hong Kong Design Institute (fashion department), Hong Kong, SAR.
• Hong Kong Poly/U, Hong Kong (School of Apparel Design & Merchandising), SAR.
• Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, Hong Kong.
• Singapore Temasek Polytechnic – School of Apparel Design & Merchandising (ADM), Singapore.

Bernard is writing his autobiography (full-time), a seven book series of Mr. Foong’s young life:

A Harem Boy’s Saga: A Memoir by Young.

A Harem Boy’s Saga series is published by Solstice Publishing and is available in print, audio and E-books internationally.

A Harem Boy’s Saga series Film Contract has been secured with an independent UK Producer, operating in Hollywood.

 

Author Links:

Website:  http://aharemboysaga.com/wp/

Blog:  http://bernardfoong.typepad.com/in_the_harem

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aharemboysaga

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/aharemboysaga

Amazon Author Page:  http://amzn.to/1cZKgZ7

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/1GijNSf

Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/young/

Youtube:  http://youtu.be/F0Lv80yhhq0

 

 

Bernard's Books: