LLB Charity Novels - Miko and Lil

[Belle]

Los Lonely Boys has given four other authors and me permission to publish our two-part novels about them.

Miko and Lil “Onda” Bus and Miko and Lil “Onda” Bus (Again) are two halves to a madcap story about a small mouse, Miko, who lives on the Los Lonely Boys’ tour bus. His life is quiet and serene — until the Boys board the bus to go on tour. When he meets his girlfriend, Lil, Miko thinks he is the happiest mouse of all. That’s before everyone realizes the mice can speak ‘human’. They are all led on one adventure after another because everyone wants those mice!

These books are available for purchase through Lulu (http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=955669) and at my website (www.blackwolfbooks.com). You can also buy them from Hastings in Stephenville, TX (if you’re in the area). All proceeds from book sales go to First Candle/SIDS Alliance, a charity which Los Lonely Boys supports.

I want to take a moment to thank Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza, along with their manager, Kevin Wommack, and their promoter, Gigi Greco, for putting up with me bugging them for so long, and for being such good sports in allowing us to use them as characters in the novels.

The other four authors and myself met on the LLB forum. We started this chain story in July of 2005! C.M. Ulmer (Cree) lives in Florida, Ruth Simard (MamacitaRuth) in Nebraska, Stephanie Crail (Banderchick) in Pennsylvania, and Melanie Baird (Mel) in Austria. English is Melanie’s second (or third) language, and her bravery at writing in another language astounds me.

All the writing, artwork, editing, and formatting have been donated — which leads me to another huge thank you! Our cover artist, Kelly Christiansen of Cyberwizard Productions (darkwolf1_us@yahoo.com) is a fellow Texas author with me. She has been a godsend in designing not one, but TWO covers absolutely for free.

I want to thank another contributor, as well – our very own VelvetSky0222 volunteered her efforts by making a write-up explaining La Onda, Los Lonely Boys’ street team. (Some street team members show up in the story.) The write-up is in both books. Thank you, Jeanette, for telling everyone just how hard La Onda works for the music and the band they love!

If you’re looking for a great gift idea, or for a fun read, and are willing to help out a charity at the same time, please purchase these books. If you’d like to read excerpts, you can do so at my website. Just look for the “Miko and Lil” link on the left or click here for excerpts:


http://pages.prodigy.net/chowchx/_uimages/EXC1.jpg (http://www.blackwolfbooks.com/articles.php?tPath=5) http://pages.prodigy.net/chowchx/_uimages/EXC2.jpg (http://www.blackwolfbooks.com/articles.php?tPath=6)

http://pages.prodigy.net/chowchx/_uimages/M1NEWSM.jpg http://pages.prodigy.net/chowchx/_uimages/M2NEWSM.jpg

[Hollywood07]

Thanks, I just ordered one of each for my daughter. It will make a great Christmas gift and supports a very good cause.

Thanks for all your effort and work on this!

[Belle]

Thanks, Hollywood! Your books are in the mail. :) I'm sure your daughter will get a kick out of those silly mice messin' with the Boys. :p Papa Garza told me Henry laughed while reading the story...which is a GOOD thing, considering all the pickles we put him and his brothers in.

teehee snicker snicker snort

[Hollywood07]

Thanks Belle, hopefully I am just the only one to respond, and not the only one to buy them. :confused: :)

[Belle]

...hopefully I am just the only one to respond, and not the only one to buy them.

Nope, you're not the only one to buy them. We've raised almost $800 so far for SIDS. :D You're just the first one to put something up on the new thread. I'm hoping to get a few more sales before Christmas and s-t-r-e-t-c-h toward the $1000 mark. That would be the coolest $1000 check I've EVER written.

[Amor]

Hey, come on Loopies & Lonelies - BUY!!! Let's get that $1000.

[senoRita]

I bought the books for my two neices and one Godaughter. I'm certain the funny stories will help them improve their reading skills. :)

[Belle]

Actually, Ev, in order to reach the $1000 mark, we only need to sell around 20 or so more books (or 10 sets of books). It's not that impossible. :cool:

[Belle]

Woohoo! Miko and Lil just showed up on Amazon. If you've bought and/or read these books, and are an Amazon customer, please, oh please, leave a review for us. We'd be so grateful. Just click on the links below.

Book 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Miko-Lil-Onda-Magnolia-Belle/dp/0615156959/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197988051&sr=1-2)

Book 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Miko-Lil-Onda-Bus-Again/dp/0615156355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197988051&sr=1-1)

[Belle]

Miko and Lil shows up on the LLB on-line store now. :D

[AustinStratFan]

Okey dokey. Done, with no spoilers... :-)

[Belle]

Mmwwaaahhh! Thanks, Mark! :D

[cre8ivepoet]

Yo, thanks Mark! Happy New Year!

[Belle]

WE GOT OUR FIRST AMAZON REVIEW!!!


I'm copying it here for everybody. :D


By AustinStratFan "ASF" (Austin, Texas USA)
What happens when you mix a popular band, some exceptionally creative fans, and a great charity cause? You get the two books about Miko and Lil, mice who live on Los Lonely Boys' tour bus! Fun? Ah, the fans would say it slightly differently, but I'll say OH YEAH!!!!! Five authors shared the writing "chores" (smile); all five are fans of LLB. You can read an excerpt of this book here: http://www.blackwolfbooks.com/articles.php?tPath=5. In addition to being a clever idea, all the writing, artwork, editing and formatting were donated, and all proceeds from book sales go to First Candle/SIDS Alliance, a charity supported by LLB. No way to go wrong with this combination! And, if you should happen to be a Los Lonely Boys fan anyway...well, this is a treat in a whole different way. Pick up a copy of each while we wait for the third album!

[cre8ivepoet]

Cool. :cool:

[senoRita]

If my nieces could write a review of the books they would say, "I love this book." :)

My neice, Emily, told me the book "Onda Bus" was her favorite Christmas gift as she asked her mom to help her read some of the words. :D

[cre8ivepoet]

That's awesome, Rita. :)

[Belle]

Rita - that is great. I know you hoped the books would encourage your nieces to read. Sounds like it's working. (you sneaky aunt, you)

BTW, Amazon has a new feature, "Kindle". Here's what they say about it...

Kindle is Amazon's new wireless reading device that lets customers instantly buy and read books, the latest US and international newspapers, magazines and blogs.

Once you get the device, you can read all kinds of things at your convenience. So, I've added Miko and Lil to the Kindle list of books. They're now e-books as well. :)

[Tasina]

I plan to order, just can't afford the $40 for both right now. . but I will. . can't wait!

[Belle]

I was checking out Amazon today. When you search Los Lonely Boys, Miko and Lil show up now!! :D

[cre8ivepoet]

whoa. yay. :)

[mamacitaRuth]

Belle, do you know if the Boys got the books yet?

[Belle]

Not yet. :(

[Amor]

Belle & Cree - hope Miko (and Lil) are doing fine...and staying out of trouble. ;) ;) ;) ;)

[banderchick02]

Awesome review Mark! Thanks! And how cool that your nieces love the books, Rita! And that the books are on Amazon! :cool:

Hey Belle, if you don't mind my asking...what are the sales up to now?

[Belle]

Hey, Steph. I just sent a check for $650 to First Candle. There's more, but it's tied up with the printers and I can't send it to First Candle until the printer pays me.

Sales on my website have really slowed down. I haven't sold any this month (yet). I don't know how they're doing on the LLB store.

[senoRita]

It's awesome that the books are selling so well. :)

[Tasina]

I showed my two to my boss. I'm still reading the first one, but she thought is was so cool. . she's going to order some also :)

[cre8ivepoet]

Thanks Tasina. It really means a lot to us. 'Specially considering the charity.

[mamacitaRuth]

We need a sales update! Also, have the Boys gotten their copies yet?

[mamacitaRuth]

We need a sales update! Also, have the Boys gotten their copies yet?

BUMP!

[Belle]

Sales update? No sales this year from my website, or Amazon or the printer. I don't know how the LLB online store is doing, but they haven't placed an order for more copies, so...

Gigi has told me she'll get the books to the Boys as soon as she can. That's the last I've heard on it. I'll let you know when anything happens.

[Belle]

We just had someone buy both books off of Amazon. :D

[senoRita]

Cool Belle, they must be some avid fans of LLB and good books. :)

[Mel]

Just so awesome news everybody!!! I am so happy about the sale of these books and about so many people liking them!!
My Austrian friends and colleagues love Miko & Lil! I am away to deliver my last 2 copies today to my friend who I have not seen for a while and she ordered them from me! Can't wait to see her face when she sees the great artwork and the cute mice faces on the covers!

Mel
:cool:

[Belle]

My website just sold a set of books. :D

[cre8ivepoet]

woo hoo!

[Belle]

Here's an e-mail I just got from Gigi about her giving the presentation copies of Miko and Lil to the Boys... (Sounds like Jojo is busy being a songwriter. Wish I was a fly on the wall tonight!)

"Hey Ladies,
Just wanted to let you all know that the guys loved the books and took theirs to the their kids. They were already familiar with them and knew what they were before I could even tell them. I didn't get any photos because my camera died before we could get all we wanted. We had much to cover and it all had to be done in between work at the studio. They were much too in the moment with Tres shooting video of them and you will all see what I mean when you see it. But they were very thrilled and excited to give them to their kids.

They also loved the banner and Tres did take a picture with that because Kevin stepped in with it when we just happen to have them all together for a moment. The CD is just about done and we heard a tune that Jojo wrote and sang and it's amazing. The Del Castillo guys were there hanging out so lots going on. I took them all of the Christmas cards and they were very impressed as well.

Wanted to give you a quick update there.

Thanks,
Gigi"

[SadFlower83]

Alright Belle! I am so happy that The Boys received your books and was able to give them to their kids. What an honor it must be for you. Congratulations on the recognition you all deserve.

With the news of the CD almost being finished and a new song by JoJo has made my day. Thanks for the update :)


Sara

[Mel]

This is just great news!! I am so happy that LLB and familia have our books now!! Woohooo! I am so thrilled!!!

Thanks for all the updates!!! Would be nice to see some pictures, but hey, I know how busy the boys are!!! There kids will have fun with Miko & Lil, and I guess the boys will have a laugh now and then as well about some stories!! :)

Mel
:cool:

[letsgetlonelyin]

Alright Belle! I am so happy that The Boys received your books and was able to give them to their kids. What an honor it must be for you. Congratulations on the recognition you all deserve.

With the news of the CD almost being finished and a new song by JoJo has made my day. Thanks for the update :)


Sara


Belle and all who contributed to the books THANK YOU SO MUCH I just finished reading both books and they were a pleasure to read, I always looked forward to my time to escape into the pages with Miko, Lil, Teo, AND Miguel, Belle, Cree, Mel, Sephanie, Todd, Mamacita, Kevin, Ish, Gigi, Henry, Ringo, and Jojo!
There were many times when I had to Laugh Out Loud! Very enjoyable thanks!

AMY

[Belle]

Sara - thank you for saying something about the books. I'm glad you laughed out loud!! As many times as I read those books in editing, there were a few places I still laughed out loud (even though I knew what was coming!).

I think one of my favorite scenes is in the "Ride 'em, Cowmouse" chapter of the second book, where Teo and the squirrel are fighting over a tortilla chip. I can see them scampering across the stage, bringing the band to a complete and utter stop. Ringo stands up from behind his drum kit, sticks in hand, going, "What the....?"

teehee snicker snort! :D

[letsgetlonelyin]

- AMY thank you for saying something about the books. I'm glad you laughed out loud!! As many times as I read those books in editing, there were a few places I still laughed out loud (even though I knew what was coming!).

I think one of my favorite scenes is in the "Ride 'em, Cowmouse" chapter of the second book, where Teo and the squirrel are fighting over a tortilla chip. I can see them scampering across the stage, bringing the band to a complete and utter stop. Ringo stands up from behind his drum kit, sticks in hand, going, "What the....?"

teehee snicker snort! :D

Belle that was me AMY on the last post I just quoted Sara on her thoughts as well because I am so happy that The Boys received your books and was able to give them to their kids. What an honor it must be for you. Congratulations on the recognition you all deserve.


It's good to laugh out loud at times, when I did my family knew I was into my book.

[Belle]

AMY - oops. Sorry. :o

[cre8ivepoet]

Amy, thank you for your compliments!

[Belle]

I just got a royalty check today from the printers for over $168. :D :D I'll forward that on to First Candle.

[Amor]

iBelle, that is fantastic. I am so proud of all of you - ORALE.

[Belle]

Amy, I have a HUGE favor to ask of you. If you are an Amazon customer, would you consider leaving a review for Miko and Lil on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Miko-Lil-Onda-Magnolia-Belle/dp/0615156959/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197988051&sr=1-2), please? Just click on that link to go straight to it.

We only have one review, and need more. If any others have read M&L, please consider this a request to you, too.

Thank you, mi familia. :cool:

Belle

[cre8ivepoet]

Amy, I have a HUGE favor to ask of you. If you are an Amazon customer, would you consider leaving a review for Miko and Lil on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Miko-Lil-Onda-Magnolia-Belle/dp/0615156959/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197988051&sr=1-2), please? Just click on that link to go straight to it.

We only have one review, and need more. If any others have read M&L, please consider this a request to you, too.

Thank you, mi familia. :cool:

Belle

Yes folks, please do leave a review. We sincerely appreciate them, not to mention it may boost sales. You are not just buying a book. You are aiding a charity that affects many lives.

A word said, may be a book read. Every penny matters.

Sincerely,
Cree