Teen Suicide Rates And Bullying - Author Andi Katsina's New Release, 'Phat Girl And The Bullies', Offers Parents And Kids Hope

Andi Katsina writes epic fantasy, sci-fi and thriller novels. In her latest release, billed as the anti-bullying manifesto, 'fat girl' becomes 'phat girl', one of the coolest girls in school

Teen suicide and bullying are at all-time highs and make headlines nearly every day. A piece on CNN titled 'Suicide rate hit 40-year peak among older teen girls in 2015' presented some appalling facts. Data drawn from the National Center for Health Statistics showed that the suicide rate doubled between 2007 and 2015. The hit Netflix series, '13 Reasons Why' has become extremely popular, in that it helps raise awareness about the tragedy of youth suicide.

One can hardly begin to count the number of stories about bullying. Children as young as 8 years of age have committed suicide due to bullying. CNN, USA Today, ABC - nearly every news organization in America presents yet another bullying story, seemingly every day, day after day. What is the solution?

Awareness, combined with action.

Author Andi Katsina hopes to help create that awareness and offers a path to empowerment. Her newest release 'Phat Girl and The Bullies', turns the traditional approach to bully situations on its head. This gritty dark fantasy tale follows a girl bullied to edge of suicide, as she successfully etches out a journey of personal growth from a place of extreme despair. Her visits to an alternate world, a reflection of her own world, provides guided realizations wherein she finds the strength, and know how, to not only put an end to her own bully situation, but become a young advocate promoting the school anti-bullying policy and more. Her goal is to get readers to stand strong against teen suicide and school bullying.

"This is an extremely important book," Katsina stated. "It has a powerful message and is pivotal in empowering those who are victims of bullying. Aimed at teens, it takes a strong stand against teen suicide and school bullying.

"Bullying affects a huge proportion of society in that nearly everyone knows someone, be it a friend, sister, brother, parent, grandchild, uncle, aunt... who has been bullied. The fact that people vividly remember being bullied, even in later life, demonstrates how insidious an activity it is. My reason for writing this book was motivated by the growing number of young people who are committing suicide as a direct result of being bullied, and a desire to help protect all those who feel pushed to the edge."

Katsina's latest book offers parents, grandparents and educators an opportunity to take a strong stand against bullying. The book makes an ideal gift for kids, and provides educators with an exceptional tool to help develop solutions, in or out of the classroom.

Andi Katsina is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at info@theindieoracle.com. 'Phat Girl And The Bullies' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.andikatsina.com.

About Andi Katsina:

Andi Katsina began writing at age 9, spending hours losing herself in writing plays as a way of escaping the dread situation that was life in an orphanage. Six years and dozens of plays later, she had to give up writing to concentrate on surviving. Picking up her pen once more, almost twenty years ago. . . she began writing under her own name in 2006. She has written over twenty books.

Contact:

Andi Katsina
info@theindieoracle.com
http://www.andikatsina.com

Leia Mais…

Author Tony Attanasio Announces Free Ebook Download Of Samples From His Most Popular Reality Based Action Novels

Attanasio's reality based action novels are based on his personal experiences with the NYPD, the DEA and the CIA

Author and Islamic Terrorism Consultant Tony Attanasio has announced the release of a free e-book sampler with excerpts from three of his most popular works: 'A Silent Star', 'The Iranian Connection: Code Word Orchid' and 'Kenny O'.

Unlike many other authors who write reality based action novels, Tony Attanasio writes from direct personal experience. Tony was seriously injured in a line-of-duty incident that ended his career with NYPD. He subsequently served ten years with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he served as an Intelligence specialist. During his tenure he served in Miami, Europe and New York City. Both in Miami, Florida, and Europe, he served as liaison with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and traveled to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where he presented a course on International Organized Crime.

'A Silent Star': Subsequent to the attack on the USS Cole in October of 2000, British intelligence reports pinpointed bin Laden's location in a safe house outside of Abyan, Yemen. A top secret project, code named, Perfect Justice, was carried out by a team of highly-trained CIA operatives, two male and two female, in a commando-style raid. It was to be a Black operation, one that would be conducted in absolute secrecy under the cover of official deniability. If unsuccessful, it would in effect, never be acknowledged by the CIA, or any other governmental organization, to have ever taken place.

'The Iranian Connection': Relates the actions of Iranian and Hezbollah operatives who planned to detonate a nuclear device in New York City in order to weaken The United States’ support for Israel in post September 11 months. Initially US Federal law enforcement assets work at odds with one another. Eventually the groups work together to thwart the explosion. The storyline highlights the non-cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the United States that made the Office of Homeland Security a reality.

'Kenny O': During the 1970s New York City was a Mecca for heroin and cocaine usage with addiction a major health concern. The majority of these drugs was trafficked and sold by traditional organized crime families such as the Gambino, Bonnano and Genovese LCN clans. One location where these groups planned, trafficked and sold these drugs, affectionately called Boy for heroin and Girl for cocaine, was in the Bronx. A special unit was put together to gather information on these groups and subsequently dismantle their networks. This unit of NYPD, under the auspices of the Organized Crime Control Bureau was able to accomplish this through many hard working hours and the assistance of an informant - KENNY O.

Attanasio's real world experience flavors every page of his works. Tony has had a long career in investigating organized crime, money laundering, and radical Islam. His previous two books have received national acclaim and five star reviews. Tony has consulted for Robert DiNiro in establishing authenticity for his film ‘Ronan’.

Tony Attanasio is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at pts@bellsouth.net. The free ebook download, containing samples from each of his books is available at Payhip at http://www.payhip.com/tattanasio. All of his books are available at Amazon in both print and Kindle editions and at Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.tony-attanasio.com, where Tony writes a daily column relative to issues that pertain to national security and radical Islam.

About Tony Attanasio:

Tony Attanasio is a former U.S. Marine and a retired NYPD Detective/Sergeant. He served ten years with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He served in Miami, New York and while attached to the American Embassy in Miami and Rome, Italy, he served as DEA’s CIA liaison and liaised with various intelligence agencies from Europe and the Middle East. Tony has been declared an expert in International drug trafficking and organized crime by the N.Y. State Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court in Miami and the German (Bavaria) Supreme Court.

Tony has a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice (Core concentration - counter terrorism strategies). In 1991, Tony attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

He has served as an Adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he taught an undergraduate course entitled: Terrorism intelligence issues.  Currently Tony is teaching at Palm Beach State College, where he teaches courses in Forensic Accounting, Human Trafficking Investigations, Organized Crime Investigations, Arabic/Moslem Culture, The Psychology of a Suicide Bomber and a course that focuses on terrorist investigations and intelligence collection techniques.

In addition, Tony is a certified Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Instructor and has taught at the Connecticut State Police Academy in Meriden, Connecticut. Tony is also a member of NYPD’s CT SHIELD anti terrorism group.

Tony has received numerous awards in the field of law enforcement and government, including seventeen awards for valor from NYPD, three awards from DEA for exceptional duty, an award from the BKA (Germany) and an award from the Republic of Italy.

In 1998, Tony received a commendation from the Governor of the Marianna Islands for the training of his investigators in the discipline of Forensic Science investigations. In 2004, Tony received the state of Florida’s prestigious “Davis Award.”

His first book, 'The Orchid Memorandum', was written with Howard Hellman was published in 2004. His second book, 'Kenny O - An Untold Story from the Annals of NYPD', was published in August of 2012. His 3rd book, 'A Silent Star' has received five star reviews since its publication in November of 2012, His most recent book ‘The Iranian Connection - Code Word Orchid’, published in 2013, has received numerous five star reviews at Amazon and B&N.com as well as Goodreads.com.

Contact:

Tony Attanasio
pts@bellsouth.net
http://www.Tony-Attanasio.com

Leia Mais…

Acclaimed Mississippi Author Darden North Featured In Mississippi Business Journal

Darden North is the IPPY award-winning author of four novels, most recently "Wiggle Room", a medical thriller novel that combines medicine, terrorism, murder, intrigue, suspense and flawed female characters into a fast-paced, action-packed mystery fiction novel

Mississippi Author Darden North was recently featured in Mississippi Business Journal. The author of the piece, Martin Willoughby mentioned Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule for becoming an expert. Gladwell’s theory is that it takes 10,000 hours to achieve expert status in any endeavor. Willoughby praised Dr. North’s perseverance in achieving expert status in two fields of endeavor – medicine and writing.

“There is no innovation without imagination,” Dr. North stated. “Just as I look for new ways to plunge the fictional characters of my novels into twisted conflicts, I seek improved health opportunities for my patients in the 'real' world of my medical career. A physician, who wants better for his or her patients, understands that there is always more to learn, and a writer cannot resist blurring the lines between true medical science, technology, and human frailty.”

Dr. Darden North practices medicine full-time as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Jackson Healthcare for Women, PA. North is a pioneer in the use of advancements in gynecological robotic surgery in both multi- and single-site techniques and is a national instructional proctor for Intuitive Surgical Gynecological Robotics. He served as National Chairman of the Junior Fellows of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), Secretary/Treasurer of the Mississippi Ob/Gyn Society, and maintains active leadership in the medical community having served as Chief-of-Staff of both River Oaks and Woman's hospitals.

He also writes mysteries and medical thrillers. ‘Wiggle Room’ is his recently released fourth novel. North’s first two novels, ‘House Call’ and ‘Points of Origin’, have received national book awards, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for ‘Points of Origin.’ His third medical thriller, ‘Fresh Frozen’, is in film development and received five national writing awards: the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards -- Winner, Best Cover Design and Finalist, Regional Fiction; the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival – Honorable Mention in General Fiction; 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards -- Finalist, Best Cover Design Fiction, and Finalist, Regional Fiction. His first three books have been nominated in Fiction by the Mississippi Institute for Arts and Letters.

'Wiggle Room' has received high praise. Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author of 'The Conviction', said: "A rollercoaster ride of murder, intrigue, and plot twists, 'Wiggle Room' keeps (readers) turning the pages to the final, climactic finish." Carolyn Haines, author of 'Bonfire of The Vanities' called the book "An action-packed, edge-of-the-seat thriller."

Darden North is available for media interviews, book clubs, personal appearances and book signings. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at darden@dardennorth.com. All of his books are available at most online book retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.DardenNorth.com.

About Dr. Darden North:

Darden North, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/ gynecologist who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Jackson where he practices medicine. A graduate of Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and Medical Center, he is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and still delivers babies. North’s first novel, 'House Call' was awarded Finalist in Mystery/Suspense by the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His second novel 'Points of Origin' was recognized in Southern Fiction by the 2007 Independent Publishers Book (IPPY) Awards. His third novel, 'Fresh Frozen' is in film development by Frank Vitolo and Scott Alvaraz. The screenplay adaptation of ‘Fresh Frozen’ is by Amy Taylor. The novel received Best Cover Design in the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards and Finalist in Regional Fiction.

North presented at the 2013 Killer Nashville writing conference discussing the construction of medical thrillers and mysteries and served on the faculty of the 2010 Southern Expressions Authors Conference. He has been a panelist at “Murder in the Magic City” (Birmingham, AL), “Author! Author! Celebration of the Written Word” (Shreveport LA), “Murder on the Menu” (Wetumpka, AL), and “Thriller Author Panel – 2008 SIBA Trade Show” (Mobile, AL).

Contact:

Dr. Darden North
darden@dardennorth.com
http://www.DardenNorth.com

Leia Mais…

Acclaimed Mississippi Author Darden North Reviews Donna Tartt's 'The Goldfinch' In The Clarion-Ledger

Darden North is the IPPY award-winning author of four novels, most recently "Wiggle Room", a medical thriller novel that combines medicine, terrorism, murder, intrigue, suspense and flawed female characters into a fast-paced, action-packed mystery fiction novel

Mississippi Author Darden North recently wrote a review of Donna Tartt's 'The Goldfinch'. The review was published in The Clarion-Ledger. Calling Tartt a 'master of this genre', North praises her ability to expose human deception and darkness. He also credits her with influencing his interest in contemporary Mississippi authors.

“Set in the South,” North stated, "my recent novel ‘Wiggle Room’ is a faster-paced work than Tartt’s, but our connection to having lived in the Mississippi Delta drew me to her beautiful novels. Unlike the mysteries and thrillers I write, Donna Tartt’s genre is literary fiction. However, we both enjoy tangling our characters in self-centered dilemmas and twisted conflicts both internal and external. Involving these characters in a unique plot keeps the reader engrossed until the end."

Author Darden North practices medicine full-time as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Jackson Healthcare for Women, PA, and writes mysteries and medical thrillers. ‘Wiggle Room’ is his recently released fourth novel. North’s first two novels, ‘House Call’ and ‘Points of Origin’, have received national book awards, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for ‘Points of Origin.’ His third medical thriller, ‘Fresh Frozen’, is in film development and received five national writing awards: the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards -- Winner, Best Cover Design and Finalist, Regional Fiction; the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival – Honorable Mention in General Fiction; 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards -- Finalist, Best Cover Design Fiction, and Finalist, Regional Fiction. His first three books have been nominated in Fiction by the Mississippi Institute for Arts and Letters.

'Wiggle Room' has received high praise. Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author of 'The Conviction', said: "A rollercoaster ride of murder, intrigue, and plot twists, 'Wiggle Room' keeps (readers) turning the pages to the final, climactic finish." Carolyn Haines, author of 'Bonfire of The Vanities' called the book "An action-packed, edge-of-the-seat thriller."

Darden North is available for media interviews, personal appearances and book signings. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at darden@dardennorth.com. All of his books are available at most online book retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.DardenNorth.com.

About Dr. Darden North:

Darden North, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/ gynecologist who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Jackson where he practices medicine. A graduate of Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and Medical Center, he is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and still delivers babies. North’s first novel, 'House Call' was awarded Finalist in Mystery/Suspense by the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His second novel 'Points of Origin' was recognized in Southern Fiction by the 2007 Independent Publishers Book (IPPY) Awards. His third novel, 'Fresh Frozen' is in film development by Frank Vitolo and Scott Alvaraz. The screenplay adaptation of ‘Fresh Frozen’ is by Amy Taylor. The novel received Best Cover Design in the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards and Finalist in Regional Fiction.

North presented at the 2013 Killer Nashville writing conference discussing the construction of medical thrillers and mysteries and served on the faculty of the 2010 Southern Expressions Authors Conference. He has been a panelist at “Murder in the Magic City” (Birmingham, AL), “Author! Author! Celebration of the Written Word” (Shreveport LA), “Murder on the Menu” (Wetumpka, AL), and “Thriller Author Panel – 2008 SIBA Trade Show” (Mobile, AL).

Contact:

Dr. Darden North
darden@dardennorth.com
http://www.DardenNorth.com

Leia Mais…

Dr. Darden North’s Medical Thriller, 'Wiggle Room', Featured In Journal Of Mississippi State Medical Association

North's latest medical thriller novel combines medicine, terrorism, murder, intrigue, suspense and flawed female characters into a fast-paced, action-packed mystery fiction novel

Dr. Darden North's latest medical thriller, 'Wiggle Room' was recently featured in the 'Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association'.

"It’s not often," Dr. North stated, "that fiction wiggles its way into a medical journal. My fourth thriller, ‘Wiggle Room’, exposes the complicated non-medical forces at work for a physician providing medical care in a war zone. Returning the protagonist home to his southern roots mixes in a candid look at the conflict romance brings to the practice of medicine in the United States. National and international best-selling authors, as well as readers and other literary journals, tell me they are drawn to ‘Wiggle Room’ by the novel’s frightening look at the ease with which terrorism can infect a community and change the dynamics of long-standing friendships."

As stated on the association website, the ‘Mississippi State Medical Association Journal’ is in its "54th year of continuous publication. The monthly scientific journal is the official publication of the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA), a physician organization serving as an advocate for its members, their patients and the public health. The association promotes ethical, educational and clinical standards for the medical profession and the enactment of just medical laws. Founded in 1856, the Mississippi State Medical Association provides a way for members of the medical profession to unite and act on matters affecting public health and the practice of medicine."

Author Darden North practices medicine full-time as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Jackson Healthcare for Women, PA, and writes mysteries and medical thrillers. ‘Wiggle Room’ is his recently released fourth novel. North’s first two novels, ‘House Call’ and ‘Points of Origin’, have received national book awards, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for ‘Points of Origin.’ His third medical thriller, ‘Fresh Frozen’, is in film development and received five national writing awards: the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards -- Winner, Best Cover Design and Finalist, Regional Fiction; the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival – Honorable Mention in General Fiction; 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards -- Finalist, Best Cover Design Fiction, and Finalist, Regional Fiction. His first three books have been nominated in Fiction by the Mississippi Institute for Arts and Letters.

'Wiggle Room' has received high praise. Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author of 'The Conviction', said: "A rollercoaster ride of murder, intrigue, and plot twists, 'Wiggle Room' keeps (readers) turning the pages to the final, climactic finish." Carolyn Haines, author of 'Bonfire of The Vanities' called the book "An action-packed, edge-of-the-seat thriller."

Darden North is available for media interviews, personal appearances and book signings. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at darden@dardennorth.com. All of his books are available at most online book retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.DardenNorth.com.

About Dr. Darden North:

Darden North, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/ gynecologist who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Jackson where he practices medicine. A graduate of Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and Medical Center, he is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and still delivers babies. North’s first novel, 'House Call' was awarded Finalist in Mystery/Suspense by the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His second novel 'Points of Origin' was recognized in Southern Fiction by the 2007 Independent Publishers Book (IPPY) Awards. His third novel, 'Fresh Frozen' is in film development by Frank Vitolo and Scott Alvaraz. The screenplay adaptation of ‘Fresh Frozen’ is by Amy Taylor. The novel received Best Cover Design in the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards and Finalist in Regional Fiction.

North presented at the 2013 Killer Nashville writing conference discussing the construction of medical thrillers and mysteries and served on the faculty of the 2010 Southern Expressions Authors Conference. He has been a panelist at “Murder in the Magic City” (Birmingham, AL), “Author! Author! Celebration of the Written Word” (Shreveport LA), “Murder on the Menu” (Wetumpka, AL), and “Thriller Author Panel – 2008 SIBA Trade Show” (Mobile, AL).

Contact:

Dr. Darden North
darden@dardennorth.com
http://www.DardenNorth.com

Leia Mais…

Flawed Female Characters Play Pivotal Role In 'Wiggle Room', Latest Medical Thriller By Author Darden North

North's latest medical thriller novel combines medicine, terrorism, murder, intrigue, suspense and flawed female characters into a fast-paced, action-packed mystery fiction novel

A recent article in the entertainment section of Time Magazine put forth the premise that many of television's strongest female leads share one flaw - they make terrible decisions because of men. The article presented examples from a number of popular TV shows including 'Scandal', 'Homeland’, ‘Revenge', 'Game of Thrones', 'The Newsroom', 'Friday Night Lights' and 'Lost'. While the concept of the flawed female seems to work in the television arena, Dr. Darden North believes the concept can make for even more engaging fiction in mystery fiction novels. The concept plays a major role in his latest medical thriller, 'Wiggle Room'.

"The only thing I find more interesting than flawed characters on television," North stated, "is dreaming them up for my own murder mysteries and thriller novels. I then watch them stir up their own trouble. While readers look for reckless ambition to destroy the male protagonist, there is a growing audience for stories about strong, talented women who do the same. These intriguing, usually attractive women almost craft the story for me. More fascinating than the great-looking guy who scores despite wrinkled clothes and skipping a shower, is the clever single mom who lets a man get in her way and then trumps the testosterone."

“Despite the growing role of women in our society (or perhaps because of it), readers relish in the private foils of the seemingly all-together female, an in-control persona who is a total mess in the love department.  In my newest thriller ‘Wiggle Room’, the surprised reader watches Dr. Diana Bratton become seduced by her male physician counterpart then regain her standing when she stops his killer. Both male and female fiction readers can understand Diana’s desire to regain her femininity and a life outside of the hospital. In contrast, the darker, more deeply flawed character, Stacy Lane, remains infatuated with a young military officer even after his tragic death. Her obsession pulls at her from his grave, forcing her to abandon a nursing career and all respect for life. Vengeance consumes her."

Author Darden North practices medicine full-time as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Jackson Healthcare for Women, PA, and writes mysteries and medical thrillers. ‘Wiggle Room’ is his recently released fourth novel. North’s first two novels, ‘House Call’ and ‘Points of Origin’, have received national book awards, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for ‘Points of Origin.’ His third medical thriller, ‘Fresh Frozen’, is in film development and received five national writing awards: the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards -- Winner, Best Cover Design and Finalist, Regional Fiction; the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival – Honorable Mention in General Fiction; 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards -- Finalist, Best Cover Design Fiction, and Finalist, Regional Fiction. His first three books have been nominated in Fiction by the Mississippi Institute for Arts and Letters.

'Wiggle Room' has received high praise. Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author of 'The Conviction', said: "A rollercoaster ride of murder, intrigue, and plot twists, 'Wiggle Room' keeps (readers) turning the pages to the final, climactic finish." Carolyn Haines, author of 'Bonfire of The Vanities' called the book "An action-packed, edge-of-the-seat thriller."

Darden North is available for media interviews, personal appearances and book signings. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at darden@dardennorth.com. All of his books are available at most online book retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.DardenNorth.com.

About Dr. Darden North:

Darden North, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/ gynecologist who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Jackson where he practices medicine. A graduate of Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and Medical Center, he is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and still delivers babies. North’s first novel, 'House Call' was awarded Finalist in Mystery/Suspense by the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His second novel 'Points of Origin' was recognized in Southern Fiction by the 2007 Independent Publishers Book (IPPY) Awards. His third novel, 'Fresh Frozen' is in film development by Frank Vitolo and Scott Alvaraz. The screenplay adaptation of ‘Fresh Frozen’ is by Amy Taylor. The novel received Best Cover Design in the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards and Finalist in Regional Fiction.

North presented at the 2013 Killer Nashville writing conference discussing the construction of medical thrillers and mysteries and served on the faculty of the 2010 Southern Expressions Authors Conference. He has been a panelist at “Murder in the Magic City” (Birmingham, AL), “Author! Author! Celebration of the Written Word” (Shreveport LA), “Murder on the Menu” (Wetumpka, AL), and “Thriller Author Panel – 2008 SIBA Trade Show” (Mobile, AL).

Contact:

Dr. Darden North
darden@dardennorth.com
http://www.DardenNorth.com

Leia Mais…

Women In Healthcare Salary Discrepancies Still An Issue - Dr. Darden North Issues Statement

Male physicians continue to make more than female physicians. Some researchers believe that gap is widening. Award winning author Dr. Darden North uses this ongoing issue as a plot point in his newest novel, 'Wiggle Room'

As quoted in The Gupta Guide by Sanjay Gupta MD, a recent letter in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that male physicians averaged over $56,000 more per year than female physicians for the years 2006-2010.

"The disparity in annual income," Dr. North stated, "between male and female physicians is sometimes reflective of the workload or ‘man’ hours spent treating patients. However, from a personal perspective, there are other factors such as the incomes of the patient population itself --termed 'the payor mix' by healthcare financial analysts. In my fourth and current novel 'Wiggle Room,' surgeon Diana Bratton finds herself underpaid not because she is a woman or because her patients will not pay their bills, but because she is overworked. One of her senior physician partners is murdered, and she must take up the slack. I used this financial burden placed on Bratton as character conflict that propels her to find the killer of not only the handsome young physician in her Mississippi community but patients as well."

Darden North practices medicine full-time as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Jackson Healthcare for Women, PA, and writes mysteries and medical thrillers. ‘Wiggle Room’ is his recently released fourth novel. His third medical thriller, ‘Fresh Frozen’, is in film development and received five national writing awards: the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards -- Winner, Best Cover Design and Finalist, Regional Fiction; the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival – Honorable Mention in General Fiction; 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards -- Finalist, Best Cover Design Fiction, and Finalist, Regional Fiction. North’s first two novels, ‘House Call’ and ‘Points of Origin’, have also received national book awards, most notably an IPPY for ‘Points of Origin.’ His first three books have been nominated in Fiction by the Mississippi Institute for Arts and Letters.

'Wiggle Room' has received high praise. Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author of 'The Conviction', said "A rollercoaster ride of murder, intrigue, and plot twists, 'Wiggle Room' keeps (readers) turning the pages to the final, climactic finish." Carolyn Haines, author of 'Bonfire of The Vanities' called the book "An action-packed, edge-of-the-seat thriller."

“Financial incentives,” Dr. North continued, “for physicians to clock longer hours may vary between fixed-salaried physicians, such as hospitalists or employees of managed care entities, and those doctors in private-practice clinics or other fee-for-service arrangements. However, if those variables are factored in and do not explain any inequity in male verses female physician compensation packages, then the unfair salary differences must be corrected on a one-on-one basis.”

Darden North is available for media interviews, personal appearances and book signings. He can be contacted using the information below or by email at darden@dardennorth.com. All of his books are available at most online book retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at his website at http://www.DardenNorth.com.

About Dr. Darden North:

Darden North, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/ gynecologist who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Jackson where he practices medicine. A graduate of Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and Medical Center, he is a certified DaVinci robotic surgeon and still delivers babies. North’s first novel, 'House Call' was awarded Finalist in Mystery/Suspense by the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His second novel 'Points of Origin' was recognized in Southern Fiction by the 2007 Independent Publishers Book (IPPY) Awards. His third novel, 'Fresh Frozen' is in film development by Frank Vitolo and Scott Alvaraz. The screenplay adaptation of ‘Fresh Frozen’ is by Amy Taylor. The novel received Best Cover Design in the 2009 National Indie Excellence Awards and Finalist in Regional Fiction.

North recently presented at the Southern Expressions Conference on the construction of mysteries and thrillers and participated as a panelist in “Murder in the Magic City” (Birmingham, AL), "Author! Author! Celebration of the Written Word" (Shreveport LA), “Murder on the Menu” (Wetumpka, AL), and “Thriller Author Panel – 2008 SIBA Trade Show” (Mobile, AL).

Contact:

Dr. Darden North
darden@dardennorth.com
http://www.DardenNorth.com

Leia Mais…