I am really excited today to welcome John Shors, author of Cross Currents, his newest novel releasing tomorrow to Peeking Between the Pages. I’ve had John to my blog several times now because I absolutely love his books and Cross Currents is no different. It is another fantastic read so be sure to pop by tomorrow for my review of it. Another thing I really respect about John, other than his writing, is his desire to help others using his talent as an author. Read on as John shares with us his passion to help others in a post entitled Trying to Make a Difference, One Book at a Time…
In many ways, I’m quite blessed. I get to live my dream of being a full-time novelist. I have a wonderful family. My work allows me to travel the globe. In fact, my only real complaint is a lousy back, but I’ve heard that writers must suffer to create lasting and important novels, so perhaps the bad back is a good thing.
For those of you who have read my books, you know that they take place in exotic locations. I’ve brought the Taj Mahal to life on the page, recreated the South Pacific in World War Two, imagined the fates of street children in Saigon, and taken a father and daughter on a trip around the world. My latest novel, Cross Currents, is set on a beautiful island in Thailand and has to do with the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004.
I’m grateful that my novels have connected with people from all walks of life (my books are now in twenty-five languages). That connection has translated into many different things, one of which, quite simply, is sales. The fact that my books have done well allows me to work at home; to take my children to and from school; and to write, write, and write.
About five years ago, when my first novel, Beneath a Marble Sky, was selling briskly around the world, it occurred to me that the success of my novels shouldn’t only benefit me and my family, but other people as well. So I decided to support a charity through each book—a charity that seemed to line up with the story I was telling.
Through some of the funds generated from my novels, I’ve supported Children’s International Summer Villages, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, and The Arbor Day Foundation. From the proceeds of my new novel, Cross Currents, I’ll donate to the International Red Cross.
To date, I’m most proud of my work with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation (http://www.streetkidsinvietnam.com/), which supports disadvantaged children in Vietnam. Through the sales of Dragon House (my novel about street children in Saigon) as well as via direct donations from my readers, we’ve raised enough money to buy more than a thousand street children complete sets of school books. Dragon House also led to increased news coverage of the plight of disadvantaged children, resulting in a piece on CNN about Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.
I couldn’t help such charities without the support of my readers. So to those of you who have spread the word about my novels—thank you a thousand times over.
Best wishes,
John Shors
www.johnshors.com
__________
John, thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with us. You are an amazing writer and I have nothing but the utmost respect for your desire to help others through your success!
__________
About Cross Currents
Thailand’s pristine and remote Ko Phi Phi island attracts tourists from around the world, offering a haven to people from all walks of life. Yet even paradise has its perils. Struggling to make ends meet, resort owners Lek and Sarai are happy to give an American named Patch room and board in exchange for his help. But trouble looms when Patch’s brother, Ryan, arrives, accompanied by his beautiful girlfriend, Brooke. Lek learns that Patch is running from the law, and his mere presence puts Lek’s family at risk. Meanwhile, Brooke begins to doubt her love for Ryan, while her feelings for Patch blossom. The two brothers, once inseparable, clash over a choice that could alter their lives.
In a glorious landscape of sea and sky, where nature’s bounty seems endless, these two families are caught in the cross currents of conflict and change – and swept up in an approaching cataclysm that will require all their strength of heart and soul to survive.
Check out the Book Trailer
Buy Cross Currents on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca
About John Shors
After graduating from Colorado College, John Shors lived for several years in Kyoto, Japan, where he taught English. On a shoestring budget, he later trekked across Asia, visiting ten countries and climbing the Himalayas. After returning to the United States, he became a newspaper reporter in his hometown, Des Moines, Iowa, winning several statewide awards in journalism. John then moved to Boulder, Colorado, and helped launch GroundFloor Media, now one of the state’s largest public relations firms.
John has been lucky enough to spend much of his life abroad, traveling in Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North America. Now a full-time novelist, John spends his days writing and going on family outings with his wife, Allison, and their two young children, Sophie and Jack.
John’s first five novels, Beneath a Marble Sky, Beside a Burning Sea, Dragon House, The Wishing Trees, and Cross Currents, have won multiple awards, and have been translated into twenty-five languages.
Visit John’s website
Follow John on Twitter
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have two copies of Cross Currents by John Shors to share with my readers – one from the author and one from me because, as I have done previously, I will buy a copy to support John and the charity he chooses which is the Red Cross this time. To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with your email address to contact you should you win (no email, no entry).
- For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thanks, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
- For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word!
Both copies in this giveaway will be open to US & Canadian residents only. I will draw for the winners on Saturday, September 24/11. Good luck to all!
© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I haven't read this author before, but any writer who donates portions of his proceeds to charitable organizations like these, is one that I want to support. I am intrigued by the fact that he sets his books in such disparate places; I'm curious how he picks the settings.
I'm looking forward to this one as well Dar. I've enjoyed John's books in the past.
I am very touched that this author supports charities with his proceeds. The book sounds great, with a love triangle no less.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I am an old follower via email and GFC.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/110713876793925632
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I loved "Dragon House" and would love to read Mr. Shors' latest novel. Thanks for the chance.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
I'm an old follower.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/darcy1956/status/110726010852474880
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
Nie guest post, I am a fan of John Shors. Its nice to see his proceeds go to charity.
I think what Shors is doing with his work with charities is amazing and altruistic, and it's truly wonderful. Thanks for letting him explain it all to us, Dar! I would love a chance to read this one as well, so please do consider me for your giveaway!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I so admire Shors for his desire to give back to the community and wish him much more success! kathy(at)bermudaonion.net
A great post and he deserves recognition. thanks for this giveaway. Ellie. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
I just started following your blog and this is the first time I have heard of this writer. I am interested to read more
teressaoliver at gmail dot com
I now follow on google reader, email and gfc
teressaoliver at gmail dot com
I have The Wishing Trees on my TBR pile and would love to read this one too.
mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow by email and GFC. (mamie316)
mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a big fan of John Shors. I have read his
'Beneath a Marble Sky' and 'Beside a Burning Sea' and have his 'Dragon House' in my nightstand pile for whenever I get my reviews caught up. I am so happy that he gives back to chidren. I admire him for that and his wonderful writing style. Please enter me for this giveaway.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I am a follower of your blog.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted the "Cross Currents" giveaway.
http://t.co/9zKczgQ
Thanks for the giveaway, Darlene! I hope you're well!
Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com
I'm a GFC (ArtsyBookishGal) & RSS & email follower (because I love you so much!)
Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ArtsyBookishGal/status/110756299255451649
Amy // amyismyfriend at aol dot com
What a great interview and how wonderful for an author to be devoted to charitable work. I'd love to read his book.
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
I’m a current follower of your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Tweet
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PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
This sounds like a wonderful read! Many thanks to both of you for supporting the Red Cross.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
GFC follower as Karen B.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
sounds good. please enter me in giveaway
ReneeSuz82(at)msn.com
I follow on GFC
ReneeSuz82(at)msn.com
Love that the author is involved in charities! Loved the interview and the book looks really good!
irbratb(@)gmail(.)com
I'm a GFC follower
irbratb(@)gmail(.)com
TWEET
irbratb(@)gmail(.)com
I'd love a chance to read this book thanks.
unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com
I'm a follower thanks.
unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com
This book sounds intriguing and I love the setting. I haven't read any of John's books yet but he's on my list of authors to read and I'm especially interested in reading his books now that I know he supports a different charity with the proceeds from each book. What a fantastic thing to do!
Thank you Dar & John for this fantastic guest post and this giveaway! One way or another I'll be reading John's books soon!
I'm a faithful follower Dar!
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com
Tho I have never read any of his books this one sounds like my kind of reading
amhengst at verizon dot net
I am a email subscriber
amhengst at verizon dot net
i am a GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
GFC follower
faefever25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to read it. The cover is so beautiful.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I follow via gfc -mamabunny13
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
thanks for the chance to read this novel 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
i'm a follower 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Looks like another great book to add to my wish list! Thank you for the opportunity at winning a copy 🙂
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
GFC follower Tiffany Drew
jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net
I've been wanting this one since I saw it on goodreads! Thanks!
Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com
I'm a GFC follower
Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com
What a great guest post. I really applaud John for his efforts. No need to enter me. I'll have a review of this up this week.
John Shors' books are very, very special. I didn't know about Cross Currents. Your review makes me want to read it very, very soon.
teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com
I tweeted about the giveaway @topazshell5.
I follow you.
I have blogged about the giveaway in my sidebar.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com
Thank you for entering me.
He is someone that I need to read!!!!!
stacijoreads@gmail.com
I follow you!!
Thank you for offering the contest.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
It looks like a good story
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I follow on GFC
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Great guest post! I love that John supports different charities with each book. I'll have to keep an eye out for all of his books! Thanks for offering his book as a giveaway!
bthgordon(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am also a google follower (bthgordon)
bthgordon(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wish we all had the attitude of giving to those who are less fortunate than ourselves 🙂 Even those across the street from us are sometimes destitute & we don't even know about it because we don't take the time to get to know them! So kudos to you & your novels sound wonderful & I am so happy to get the chance to win one possibly! Please enter me! Good luck in all you do John!
Pinchbuggies at hotmail.com
I'm already a follower! Hope you're doing better this week!
pinchbuggies at hotmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Pinchbuggies/status/111905474798043136
My tweet @pinchbuggies
pinchbuggies at hotmail.com
I love the sound of this book. I can’t wait to read it.
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com
I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/hootowl1978/status/111946759441354752
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com
I follow via GFC as Jessy.
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com
You both are very generous! Thanks for the great giveaway. The cover is beautiful and I am sure the story is amazing.
suzebomb(at)gmail.com
I am a GFC follower as Susan.
suzebomb(at)gmail.com
Sounds great! I'd love to read this
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/QuixoticWeetzie/status/112016795497529344
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
What a striking cover for his new book. I think John's outreach via books and various charities is wonderful, I hope we can help keep him going!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a GFC follower.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read a story set in an exotic location in awhile. This one sounds great.
Cambonified [at] yahoo [dot] com
I am a GFC follower.
Cambonified [at] yahoo [dot] com
Sounds like a great book, I look forward to reading more by this author.
sonflower277 at gmail dot com
I’d love a chance at this book thanks.
I’m a follower thanks.
Mr. Shors’ Dragon House was excellent. I’d love to read his latest. Thanks for the chance.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
thanks for the intro to John! really enjoyed the insights and info! blstef1 at mts dot net
Follow your blog in my Google Reader.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
already gfc following… blstef1 at mts dot net
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/darcy1956/status/115165829108219905
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m a follower.
Thank you for offering this book giveaway.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
That cover is beautiful. I’d love to be wherever that is.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
thanks for the giveaway, looks like an interesting read
follow you on gfc #1
Robin Scott
follow you on gfc #2
Robin Scott
tweet #1
https://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/115275950219988992
tweet #2
https://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/115275950219988992
tweet #3
https://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/115275950219988992
I’ve never had the pleasure of reading Shors books but from the comments it looks like he is well loved.
I’d like to try this one.
GFC follower
I lived in Thailand four years but never went to the south where this book takes place. Would love to win it.
I’m a follower.
harvee44 at yahoo.com
I follow the blog. This book looks really good and I would love to win it.
kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com
Sounds like a book that I would enjoy reading
amhengst at verizon dot net
i am a email subscribe and like on FB
and also GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
i am a email subscribe, like on FB
and also GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
I have never read this author, even though I see he is a fellow Iowan. It is very generous of him to donate part of his sales to charity.
Sounds like a very interesting book!
I follow you email.
Thanks Dar!
cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu
I’ve heard a lot about this book. I would love to read it ! Thank you!
mittens0831 at aol dot com
I’m an old follower.
mittens0831 at aol dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/CarolAnnM/status/116936210143907840
mittens0831 at aol dot com
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/117806719807127552
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/117806719807127552
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/117806719807127552
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#3
If I am not too late I would love to be entered for this giveaway. The cover is so beautiful.
I am a GFC follower. Thanks!!
My partner and I stumbled over here different page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.
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