Absolutely Shameless Self-Promotion!

I know, I know . . . perhaps I should hang my head in contrite disgrace. But you know what—you'd be excited too if you were having your first ever book published!

It has been a long time coming, and a most interesting journey to get here, but I am very proud and pleased with the result. The initial reviews have been almost embarassingly good. I make absolutely no pretense nor stake any claim to being a modern day Hemingway or Steinbeck—not even close by the most distant of measures. My simple goal is to live up to my end of the authorship bargain with the reader: An equal exchange of time and value. Time is a precious thing, so I hope to bring some quality to the time you may spend reading my stories.

It's a collection of short stories, each a splinter's reflection of the human condition, firmly centered upon our oft tenuous, sometimes tensile bond with Hope, and careening flirtation with Love.

Any short story should, at its core, be a conveyor of all things human; it should make you smile, furrow your brow, raise your pulse, or perhaps even make you laugh, if only to yourself. In short, it should make you feel. A story, in and of itself, doesn't evoke feeling—not as much as the characters which breathe life into it do. Short stories are a wonderful vehicle for momentary escapism.

Within the pages lay fifteen such stories, from the wispy fog of a love lost at sea, to an orphaned child who delivers a present of her own during a war-torn Christmas. Much as an orchestral score sweeps, climbs, and undulates when the arrangement declares, so too does an entertaining story, deriving its power not from staid settings, but flowing from the heart of the characters.

I hope to have some excerpts available soon (before the release date). When that happens I'll make them available as Adobe PDF's or a separate browser page. I'll also be posting interviews, book signings, and other related information as I make my trek towards the release date. I hope to be making appearances at some independent bookstores and perhaps even doing some media interviews or blog guest appearances. Drop me a line if you'd like to know more or set up any of the above :^)

I am very pleased to have had Harlequin author Carrie Weaver write my Foreward. Click on the book cover if you'd like to read it.

Reader acclaim for The Light, The Dark and Ember Between:

"Encompassing great imagery and sympathetic characters, these stories are elegiac and thoughtful, subtly witty, gently tragic, sometimes cerebral or even delicately existential. A sure enough student of human nature and interactions, his keen observations are reflected in this enjoyable collection. A narrative cache full of invariable surprises, these forever hopeful stories will surely bring a smile; not only entertaining, but good parables for us all to reflect upon."

~Jane Lewis, MA Art Educ. & English, Consultant

"Heart wrenching tales of love lost, and how our memories oft times give us the strength to move forward with our lives. They will pull you in and, perhaps, cause fond remembrance about a lost loved one. Keep a tissue close by."

~Henry F. Smith Jr., Poets.com contributor/Journalist, Lux Times

"J.W. Nicklaus is a masterful storyteller, one whose work shows a depth seldom found among writers today. These stories are masterfully imbued with poignant insight, and a smooth, silky narration that permeates like incense. The struggles and triumphs of rich-in-dimension characters reflect the common thread of the human condition – one that J.W. weaves throughout these stories like an artisan weaves a gilded strand throughout a tapestry. "

~Mary Hay Davis, San Diego Family Magazine

“Stories can be a lot more than just entertainment. "The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between" seeks to use fiction as a method of exploring the range of human emotion through moving stories. The result is a collection to be enjoyed bit by bit. Readers of short fiction will simply relish "The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between".”

~Midwest Book Review

"These fifteen short stories are not your typical angst-ridden fare. These are lovely stories of hope and love and how the choices we make in life really do make a difference. My personal favorite was "Streetlamp" a lovely, evocative story of love and longing."

~Mary Akers, Author, Women Up On Blocks

"Short stories usually leave me cold. I guess I am one of those readers that loves to really get into a big, thick book and who enjoys getting to know the characters through their gradual development and situations that they find themselves in. This kind of a development and depth tend to be lacking in most short stories, therefore I usually do not pick them up. In the case of “The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between” by J.W. Nicklaus, I am certainly glad that I went against my self-imposed rule.

The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between contains fifteen stories, fifteen perfectly drawn worlds, although we get to see most of them only during a short glimpse. Most of them bittersweet, but filled with light, hope and love, they lead the readers into a series of worlds both alike and very different from their own. J. W. Nicklaus has a gift of making the ordinary appear exquisitely extraordinary, and to make us take the second and oftentimes the third look at something small and seemingly insignificant. His characters come alive, their actions and reactions are well grounded and believable, yet still astonishing. His writing is precise, yet playful and sparkly.

The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between is the kind of a book one should keep by the bedside or maybe in the car for those moments when we need a little lifting of our spirits, or just a slight boost to our day. Each of the stories is precious, and each is different. And every single one will remind you of the universal truth, taught in my favorite of those fifteen, “Paper Doll” – ‘Love is the reason you’ll never be alone.’

~Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson, Reader Views

“ . . .I thought each story would be about lost love, but each would end with hope. I saw different types of love, not romantic love but hopeful love, destructive love, caring love, helpful love, and love for country. All of these touched me in some way . . .some made me hopeful, especially Emissary. And then there was One Washington Diner, which spoke to my heart. (4 out of 5 stars: I loved it)”

~Lissa Oehlberg, Reading Mama

“An enchanting collection of short stories . . .haunting, touching . . . all of them filled with vivid descriptions. The title is very fitting for the collection.”

~Brittanie A. Terrell, A Book Lover

“Prepare to be run through a gamut of emotions with these stories. You will smile, you will laugh, you will cry, you will be on edge. I recommend this book and these stories to anyone who has ever loved and lost, had true love, or just wants to read some good love stories. You will not be disappointed.”

~Shelly Burns, Write For A Reader

“The stories in Between are very well written with the characterization of John Steinbeck and the restlessness of Ernest Hemingway. Nicklaus also has the ability to keep his readers thinking, even after a story has granted its last words to the reader as seen in the ending of "Broken," where even a well read participant will be left in wonder.”

~Richard Romero, Ahwatukee Foothills News

“The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between is a collection of romantic stories spun by a gifted writer. Each immerses the reader into a new world for a time, laughing, crying, mourning or wistfully hoping alongside characters we can almost touch. Tale by wonderful tale, J.W. masterfully captures every aspect of what it means to really, truly love another human being. This book isn't just something you read . . . this collection is something you feel in your soul.”

~K. Trainor, PaperweightProductions.com

“J.W. Nicklaus is a master at taking romatic stories and showing the range of emotions one can reach as they read them. I had three out of the fifteen that became my favorites: "Requiem For Linny", "Paper Doll", and "10:18". This is definitely a book for all.”

~Sandra Stiles, MusingsOfABookAddict.com

“Stories to make you think, laugh and cry are in "The Light, The Dark and the Ember Between". I, personally, have never been a big reader of short stories for the simple reason that they don't do it for me. However, these stories are something else altogether. There are 15 stories here and each is a winner. Nicklaus manages to bring the short story back to life. What once appeared commonplace becomes special and the insignificant becomes significant. The prose is beautiful and Nicklaus writes sublimely. Romance is evident throughout and the author captures beautifully what it is like to love. Here is a collection you will want to read again and again. .”

~Amos Lassen, English Dept., University of Central Arkansas

“If you are a fan of inspirational short stories, this is the book for you. You will smile a little, perhaps cry a little, and find joy in the pages of this small book that carries with it a deep emotional impact. ”

~Barbara Davis, IRecommendGreatReads.blogspot.com

“Short, but filled with wonderful glimpses of lives . . . the last, “Winter Rose” is just an incredibly sweet, touching story, reminding us that love blooms in different shades and sometimes in the harshest conditions.
. . . a lovely short read. Nicklaus has fit a lot about love and life in these tender, thoughtful stories."

~Carol Evans, CarolsNotebook.wordpress.com    Read full review here

“The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between is beautifully written, and is an uplifting, thoughtful, intelligent, and heartfelt collection of short stories. Fifteen stories in all, each is so very different and from different points of view. All of the stories bring the message of hope to the reader. This is a book that lives up to what it promise – the message of hope as the “Ember Between.”

I have to say that this book came to me at just the right time. I needed to read it because it reminded me that hope doesn’t just happen. We have to keep our eyes open and watch for it. This is a lovely book that I recommend for personal reading or as a wonderful gift. ”

~Linda Brandau, BookVisions.blogspot.com

“A book that really makes you feel things directly from the heart . . . a book to read alone so you can really absorb the words and get the full meaning behind each story…and each story is chock full of meaning."

~Sheila DeChantal, BookJourney.wordpress.com    Read full review here

“On his site, J.W. Nicklaus writes, "If I've done my job properly, the stories may just remind each of us of what it is to be human, and certainly of our affinity for the slightest glint of Hope." In The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between, Nicklaus has exceeded his own aspirations. Each of the fifteen short stories are unique, and yet there is a strong, seamless connection to the collection.
This is the book that inspires and soothes. The vignettes of life that often pass as an ordinary moment will resonate with those struggling with mortality or the death of a loved one. "

~Miel Abielle, ReminderList.blogspot.com    Read full review here

“There is a little drama, humor, romance, and more in this book. I enjoyed reading it during a conference when the topics did not interest me as much as the book did! I found it hard to put the book down at times because the stories were so captivating.
I would recommend this book to anyone . . . looking for some inspiration, a "feel good" story, or who is just looking for a quick read while at a conference, the doctor's office, or where ever else the world might take you."

~Julie Johnson, Molcoltw.blogspot.com    Read full review here

"Explore your human emotions as you read each of his stories. I personally enjoyed giggling while I read “Elevator Shoes” and “Short Attention Span”. Then of course Nicklaus had me sighing in awe after reading “Paper Dolls”.

~Farrah Amerson Kennedy, The Book Faerie Reviews    Read full review here

"I confess: I generally prefer the depth of a novel to the quicker pace of short stories. [This] collection, "The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between," proves a delightful read, however, and may make me more likely to opt for short story compilations in the future. The stories all have intriguing plots, believable dialogue, and beautifully descriptive . . . prose."

~Leslie Raith, Curled Up With A Good Book/www.curledup.com    Read full review here

"Some of the stories made me smile, others had me pondering and still others stirred the emotion of sorrow, but isn't that the mark of a good writer, to touch upon our very spirit with their words. This is not easily done, especially in short works, but our author has succeeded in this."

~Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review/Amazon Top 500 Reviewer    Read full review here

"I read [Nicklaus's] recent book, “The Light, The Dark and The Ember In Between,” and deduced that he didn’t “write it” as much as he approached the keyboard, sat down, and simply opened an artery.
Nicklaus writes with incredible emotion. Love is beautiful, but can be painful, even at the height of its sensory ministrations—something Nicklaus conveys in no uncertain terms."

~Laurie Kendrick, LaurieKendrick.wordpress.com    Read full review here

"I found myself rereading whole paragraphs to just soak in the imagery again and again.
J.W. has a way of instantly wrapping you up in the drama and mystery to the point you can hardly stand to wait to see how it ends."

~Tara Stone Gill, 25 Hour Books    Read full review here

"Beautifully poetic and breathtakingly real . . . how can one not help but fall in love with the delightfully poetic tone and voice of this author."

~April Pohren, Cafe of Dreams    Read full review here

"J.W. Nicklaus . . . has written a fantastic array of stories that reminds me of the works of Nicholas Sparks. [He] shines as each word is tempered with deep feeling and unabashed emotion."

~Dorothy Thompson, CEO/Founder Pump Up Your Book Promotion, Author of Romancing The Soul    Read full review here

"J.W. Nicklaus is a wonderful writer. His words are fluid and lyric and full of beautiful vivid descriptions, the kinds that [compel] you to re-read paragraphs because the words were beautiful. I encourage everyone to get their hands on this book as soon as they can."

~Haley Mathiot, The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object    Read full review here

"J.W. Nicklaus should be applauded for his in-depth study into the human psyche . . . This is a very inspiring read for anyone who likes to think outside the box. No two stories are alike and I urge the reader to strongly consider this challenging adventure."

~Tess Loiselle, The Review From Here    Read full review here

Each opportunity I have to meet readers, both in person and online, will be listed here. I expect this list to slowly grow as the year hurtles forward. Don't be afraid to say hello in either case!
Assuredly this schedule will be a textbook study in ebb and flow, constantly in flux. Stay tuned . . . I dare ya' ;^)

July 25, 2009

Well, it's done - my first book signing. I thought it went pretty well. There was a little confusion as to whether it was to be a talk or strictly a signing. I had the idea it was just a signing, so I hadn't prepared anything in advance for discussion (very un-Boy Scout-ish of me). I stood at the podium and extemporized for a little while, then took whatever questions the attendees could toss at me. Small crowd, but very friendly.

The staff were great and very accomodating. The worst part was the introduction, not because it was bad, but because it threw a spotlight on me that I'm not accustomed to! Thanks again Jamie for all your help—and my genuine thanks to all who came, I really enjoyed it!

Now to get the next one set up . . .

Changing Hands is located at 6428 S McClintock Dr in Tempe, AZ. It's on the southwest corner of McClintock and Guadalupe.

April 2009 : I've completed a month long Blog Tour, guest blogging and doing interviews with the online crowd. The reception by bloggers and book reviewers far surpassed anything I had dared imagine. It was a lot of fun and I've been introduced to some truly inspirational people. I have listed the individual host blogs/stops below and on my own blog too (search in the April archives if you read through the blog).

Wanna hear me interview? Well now you can!

My first interview on Blog Talk Radio with author Kim Smith is now "in the can" and can be heard here. Clicking on the link should open up at least Windows Media Player, if not your default media player (you'll have to just go with the flow if that sounds like Greek to you). I think both of us had a lot of fun, and she said some very nice things about the book, so give it a listen while you're sitting there surfing the web at work . . . you know, if you do that kind of thing ;^)

Interview II: If you enjoyed the first one, then you're sure to like listening to my second "interview" with Barry Eva on A Book And A Chat. Barry hails from "across the pond" as you'll quickly learn. Although there's no knee-weakening feminine British voice involved (save for the tantalizing "Blog Talk Radio" intro voice), the show was a lot of fun and all too short if you were to ask me. Hear for yourself.
Drop me a note with your thoughts if you're so inclined!