About
Michael Gallagher is an established author who began his writing journey with a gripping, post-cold-war espionage thriller: “Tsunami Connection”. His strong-willed heroine Kefira delighted readers worldwide as she overcame enormous odds in preventing genocide and finding a way to trap a cunning and resourceful ex-Fenian terrorist named Macaulay.
Following strong sales in the English-speaking world, Michael’s work has recently been translated for distribution in Turkey and Germany. Mike’s fast-moving style and unfailing eye for detail make his books very hard to put down once started.
Will Thomas ever shake off his run of bad luck? From tough beginnings in the Bogside of Derry during the Irish 'Troubles', Thomas and his family slip away to coastal Maine. After more hardship, Thomas forms lasting bonds with Lanky and Billy and he embarks upon a career as a photographer.
Just as Thomas takes a job with an international news organization events threaten to overturn the world. On assignment, chance brings him Kefira, only to snatch her away in the blink of an eye. But all is not lost. Before the humanoids kidnap her, Kefira gives him a powerful technology.
Equipped with Nanotech, Thomas believes he can rescue her and defeat a reincarnated Mao Tse Tung in Central China. Can he master the nanosuit and reverse his fortunes? One thing is certain, he'll do everything in his power to try.
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Description
<p>Have you ever loved, been loved, been confused about love, or suffered from loss of love? All these feelings have been captured and shared in the words of heartfelt poems, compiled over many years by a former teacher and award-winning author.</p><p>Sherrill S. Cannon now shares her thoughts in this book of feelings. "As a teacher, I used poetry to help counsel many troubled teens and friends, and have continued this pattern throughout the years."</p><p>There are three sections in her book: Heads, Spinning, and Tails ... (Love & Loss: Coin Toss?). The variety of lyrical poetry forms include free verse, blank verse, haiku, and sonnets. Some poems are simply plays on words.</p><p><strong>A Sign</strong></p><p>In the depths of my winter</p><p>I heard a small bird -</p><p>Braving the cold,</p><p>Bringing the word.</p><p>He gave my heart hope</p><p>As I heard him sing -</p><p>Three little notes</p><p>Promising spring.</p><p>Sherrill S. Cannon, a former teacher and grandmother of 10, is the author of nine acclaimed rhymed children's stories that have received 48 national and international book awards between 2011 and 2017. Also a playwright with seven published plays for elementary school children, her works have been performed internationally in over 20 countries. Most of her children's books try to teach something, such as good manners and caring for others. Married for 57 years, she and her spouse are now retired, live in Pennsylvania, and travel in their RV from coast to coast, spending time with their children and grandchildren.</p><p><strong>Publisher's website: </strong> http: //sbprabooks.com/SherrillSCannon</p><p> </p>
Story Behind The Book
I knew I had to write a second part and I dug deep into my past to help me find the motivation and plan. A "mestro" from my teaching days inspired me again.
Brainstorming techniques I learned as a teacher from the greatest storyteller in ESL today, Mario Rinvolucri. He's a genius who revolutionized my teaching career early on. I was invited to the UK to study and compare teaching with technology and attended a conference. Picture it! A warm-hearted, paunchy guy stood up in a British Council sponsored workshop. He was wearing a hand sewn calf-length coat covered with images.
What he did blew me away. He started telling a story in Spanish and he gestured, expressed, doubled-back and referenced all of our listening strategies. The long and the short of it. With the help of a brainstorming exercise following his exposition, all the non-Spanish speakers in the room could re-tell the story.
My plot mind maps resemble the brainstorms Mister Rinvolucri taught us how to how to craft that day. How? From there hangs a 'tale' representing the thought process of an evolving story. The beauty of his method is that there is no one correct way to finish. Unending possibilities.
Now, Just as Rinvolucri revolutionized the way I taught ESL, he has spawned a creative tool in my second career. Stephen King calls it keeping you on edge to be sure your readers are there as well. Though plotting makes sense, my eclectic personality and ADHD mitigate against it. I love King's idea of getting your character in a jam and then watching the story get them out of it again.
Reviews
<p><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);">Simon O'Kill, Paranormal Phantasy author says, Diamond Rain: Adventure Science Fiction Techno Thriller (The Spy Stories and Tales of Intrigue Series Book 2)by Michael James Gallagher is a brilliant spy thriller that had me hooked from the first page and it never lets up until the awesome finale. I was reminded of Alistair MacLean, Robert Ludlum and Eric Van Lustbader for this awesome actioner would easily look comfortable alongside them.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);">Dianne Harman, Huffington Post Contributor said, "Worthy of six stars."</span></p>
