Spring is here!

I once heard Chuck Adams, a Simon & Schuster veteran editor, say about a good book: “It’s like in sex. If you are a good lover, you have a good time, but your partner has a better time.” As you can see in my photo, I am having a great time….

Spring has sprung, and with it a sense of renewal as my most recent novel, HOTEL MOSCOW, continues to make waves. The novel has received two great awards, the first, from USA Book News in the multicultural category. The second, The Book Excellence Award in the THRILLER category now has this digital seal!

No wonder!  The “thriller” part is what’s happening in Russia; it’s in the news often, and readers’ minds are stimulated when learning from HOTEL MOSCOW how the culture is still seeped in the Soviet mentality that makes the 25-year transition from communism so painful….


In the meantime, as I continue my public speaking, I’ve been greatly helped by my Toastmasters’ clubs, where I keep receiving these precious ribbons. Most importantly, Toastmasters has given me a community wherever I go. (Anyone who is in the public eye or needs to speak on the job should visit the local Toastmasters club to get the feel.)






Just as my book tour was supposed to end, new invitations have been coming my way. I’m finding myself re-energized by the great audiences. We are adding events, so please check my website for new ones that are in the process of being finalized in NY, NJ, AZ and FL!

Here, having fun with NYT bestselling author, Barbara Shapiro ("The Muralist," "The Art Forger") with whom I shared the stage in the Polo Club, Boca Raton (FL). In this photo we are comparing our opposing footwear....




Just as HOTEL MOSCOW is often being selected by book clubs, my previous novels are going strong too, leading by JERUSALEM MAIDEN. I Skype with groups often, so if you know of a book club among your friends, please suggest that they contact me at AuthorTalia@aol.com to schedule my participation. Needless to say, it adds a whole new dimension to have the author available to add to the discussion.


After hours of pleasure authors give you, you can do something for them—and I take the liberty of speaking on behalf of all of us who toil at the craft: Post reviews. Sometimes just a couple of lines would do.
Not surprisingly, authors whose readers are younger tend to get more digital reviews than authors whose readers are less engaged with internet sites and activities. I urge you to “act young” and post reviews for books you’ve enjoyed. (Here are my links for HOTEL MOSCOW on Amazon and GoodReads.)




There is no greater pleasure for an author than to share her work with appreciative audience. Thank you for taking this journey with me!

Thank you for your great support—and have a great Spring!

Talia
www.TaliaCarner.com

Book Tour Reaching New Heights

(If you’ve missed my previous newsletters detailing my journey

through the release of HOTEL MOSCOW peek behind the scene by 

scrolling down, or clicking on the right bar by month.

And you may read the first chapter of HOTEL MOSCOW on 

my website or download a free sample digitally.)  

Readers’ frequent question: What has changed in Russia since 1993? 

   

In the new Russia, young people enjoy new business and career opportunities, while restaurants are now store-front (formerly hidden in basements or second floors and accessed only by a code knock.) Businesses cater to consumers' needs--an unheard of concept before 1991. Yet, dozens of industrial cities are as bleak and hopeless as before. Even in the beautiful St. Petersburg, millions of Russians still live in the iconic Soviet kommunalka, the communal apartment, where a family of three may occupy a room as small as 7 x10 ft.—and shares a toilet, bath and kitchen with five to ten other families. (Photo: Notice the bed hung under the ceiling.)

Professor Terry Walker

News!!!

 1) HOTEL MOSCOW is being taught at a university in Brazil, at an English-language business class. The professor explained his choice: “The novel covers both the cultural nuances of doing business

abroad while it gives a fresh view of a country going through the upheaval of transition from communism.”

2) Broward County  library, (FL) has selected HOTEL MOSCOW as its March reading at all its 7 branches! At each such meeting, a leader gives a talk about the background of the novel or reviews the book. When I Skype into the meeting, I am fascinated by their professional take and must remind myself that I had written this book they analyze and praise.

With organizers
and author David Greene,

3) I’ve had the honor of being the very first author at the very first literary event at the first year of the Collier County (FL) Jewish Book Festival. I’ve been to many similar events, and I must say that this one was so well organized it was hard to believe that they worked without a prior blueprint.  

4)  Two more blogger interviews were just published. In the changing world of publishing, the aggregate of bloggers have replaced mainstream book reviewers with their collective impact. Each gathers followers who share similar tastes, and the questions 

they pose in their interviews reflect the readers’ curiosity. Read Mercedes Fox and Sylvie Books & Film (and check for more Q & A on my website.)

My pleasure of meeting other authors

With Sonia Taitz

Where do authors hobnob? While most of my appearances are keynote speeches where I am alone on stage, I greatly enjoy events I share with other authors. Sometimes it’s consecutive presentations, other times we share a panel that focuses on specific topics. It’s my chance to connect with other authors.

Three such events are coming up—two panels in Tucson Book Festival, and a panel I will be moderating in Long Island, NY.  Don’t miss them.  

 

Book groups’ reactions to HOTEL MOSCOW:

o “What a meeting we had! The terrifying portrait of a nation in transition from Communism came to life in the novel of a world superpower undergoing a profound and violent change.”

o “We hadn’t imagined the misery of life under Soviet totalitarian regime. It was even harder to grasp the nightmare of waking up one day to a world where all laws have been obliterated.”

o “HOTEL MOSCOW taught us all lessons about humanity, about what we, as people, are capable of.”

Please contact me to join your meeting via phone or Skype.

  

My Personal corner:

Readers and interviewers often ask: What do you do besides writing? The answer is: A lot. Here are a couple of items:

1) Toastmasters:

Being a member of Toastmasters—the organization that teaches public speaking engages me through

the three separate clubs to which I belong. While I continue to perfect my speaking skills through specific assignments (there are various manuals to choose from, each focuses on different skills,) Toastmasters offers me an instant community wherever I travel—also  internationally. I am proud to say that I’ve just finished two manuals and achieved Advanced Bronze Communicator level.

I often listen to people in business or leadership deliver well enough, yet they are unaware how much they could still benefit from feedback. I suggest you search for your local clubs and come as a guest. You’ll be hooked. 

2) Study French:

In my youth I attended a French high school in Tel-Aviv and was fluent in the language—I even wrote French poetry. However, I gave myself a virtual lobotomy when I moved to the USA and immersed myself in English.

One day, though, Esther, the protagonist of JERUSALEM MAIDEN ran off to Paris, and I had to follow her. Unlike my many visits to Paris since my youth, this time I had to research libraries and interview historians. Now I make time to recoup my lost French through an online program, Frantastique, that is both humorous and effective. (Try it for a free trial month at any level.)

 

 Thank you again for sharing this publishing journey with me. I hope to see you in any of my upcoming dozens of events, or via Skype at your book group meeting.

Wishing you all a the best,

Talia Carner
www.TaliaCarner.com

P.S.  If you’ve read HOTEL MOSCOW, please post a review on  Amazon or GoodReads. (Even a line or two would suffice--unless, of course, you want to articulate more.)

P.S.S. If you haven't read the novel yet, here are links for both the trade paperback--about $11--or the digital format for under $10.