Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 222
August 21, 2021
Excerpt: BEING CREATIVE by Laura Bartnick
EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONS IN OUR STORY
Improvisation. That’s why we call it art, isn’t it? We writers embrace imperfections in our written characters’ thought patterns or behaviors so that the story can twist and turn just as much as it does in real life. Like jazz, development of a good story means the endings are strategically hidden in misunderstandings, physical barriers, or
Can a writer empathize with the antagonist? A writer learns to love the enemy, maybe not the choices of the enemy, but a writer can sympathize with the person and the beginnings of the enemy. Did Jesus love Judas Iscariot?
You must learn about your antagonist’s unique place of belonging or setting so that you can shape his or her believable thoughts, recognizable appearances or dialogue with accompanying accents and activities.
From an unlikely source or through an accident that turns out well, insight emerges.
Imperfections make your characters relatable. When you love them through their storytelling, you emulate God’s love and faithfulness for our imperfect selves born into an imperfect world.
A setting can help to hide your plot. A setting can reveal your character’s flaw, so that you can write, bringing help the character. The light we cast onto the flaws of our characters is an act of kindness, though we can create for them a severe mercy, as God often does.
Did Hagar run to the desert to escape, only to be visited by the God of her hated mistress, Sarah? “I see you,” God said. “Eat. Drink,” and, “Go back to your hated mistress. I have a plan for you. Your own son will make a great nation because I have ordained it.”
“Me?” Hagar said.
“Yes, Hagar, I see your need and your mistreatment. Yes, you,” God said. So, Hagar dragged herself back to Abraham and Sarah. In faith. And, God blessed her walk of faith.
When you draw on your own experience with fear or temptation, or from those close to you, you will understand that it is not impossible for the antagonist to be redeemed. Communicate that hope. If you determine to defeat the antagonist when thwarting the antagonist’s purposes, you must feel that grief. It was written that Jesus loved the rich, young ruler who turned away.
– Excerpt from Being Creative, Chapter 2, Laura Bartnick
Gen. 21:14–19 King James Version.
Luke 18:18–24 doesn’t mention Jesus’ love. Mark 10:21 does.
Excerpt: THE ZEALOTS by G.K. Johnson
EXCERPT
The crescent moon was high in the sky as Yeshua prepared to make his way into the hills that night. While the small amount of light would aid in concealing him, it wouldn’t make him altogether invisible. Bin-yamin reminded him of this as he packed the last of the supplies into the sack for Shim’on and Yitzchak. “Be cautious and try to stay in the shadows,” Bin-yamin urged Yeshua, though they both knew that Yeshua already planned to do so. “I’m proud of you son,” Bin-yamin’s eyes softened, “I don’t agree with what Yitzchak did, and it brought him great trouble, but that does not mean we should withhold our help. Adonai sees your courage and watches over you.” He wrapped his arms around Yeshua, and his dark beard scratched Yeshua’s cheek. “Be careful.”
“I will, Abba, I promise,” Yeshua said. Gripping Yeshua’s shoulders, Bin-yamin squeezed once more and then stepped back, releasing him. Yeshua pulled open the door and slipped into the street. Only steps away from the home, a dark figure stepped out from the shadows.
"Yeshua?" A soft, feminine voice asked.
"Yes? Who is it?"
The figure uncovered her face to reveal the brown-haired girl who caused Shim'on to blush.
"It's me, Lydia." She whispered quietly.
"Does your family know you're here, Lydia? It isn’t safe to be alone on the streets this time of night. The soldiers ̶" Yeshua's words trailed off but both knew the unspoken warning in his words.
"They don't know I'm here, but I have to know if Shim'on is all right." Lydia's voice was filled with worry. "I heard about earlier today."
Yeshua winced. How many others had heard? He quickly pondered how much to tell her. What would Shim'on want him to say?
"He's all right. But pray for his abba. That's all I can tell you right now."
Lydia's eyes filled with relief and concern all at once.
"Thank you, Yeshua." She whispered.
Yeshua nodded, "Be careful." He turned and continued down the street, the darkness enveloping him.
Bin-yamin had created a story that would hopefully provide Yitzchak and Shim’on cover. He told those who asked that Shim’on and Yitzchak were on their way to Bethsaida to obtain fishing supplies when they had come across a poor traveler who had been assaulted by Roman soldiers. The traveler was badly beaten and barely alive when they found him, and Shim’on had run back to town for help. Sadly, by the time Bin-yamin and Yeshua had arrived, the man had died, so they buried him to keep his body from wild animals. Yitzchak and Shim’on then continued on their way to Bethsaida, while Bin-yamin and Yeshua returned to town.
The story was barely strong enough to hold water and Bin-yamin hoped that no one would push to determine the identity of the stranger or his burial location. And, of course, there would be the issue of Yitzchak and Shim’on’s whereabouts when they didn’t return to town in a couple of days. Yeshua tried not to think about that.
-Excerpt from The Zealots, by G.K. Johnson
August 19, 2021
Blog Tour: LUNA'S ADVENTURE SERIES by Stephanie Hewitt
Luna's Adventures Series
by Stephanie Hewitt
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GENRE: Children's
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BLURB:
Book 1: Where did Luna go?
Luna is a cheeky and playful big black dog with lots of curly-wurly hair who likes to explore and play. One day, Luna gets a little bit stuck somewhere . . .
Where did Luna go?
Come and explore with Luketo help find Luna.
Book 2: Luna Loves Biscuits
Luna is a cheeky and playful big black dog with lots of curly-wurly hair who likes to explore and play.
Luna really loves her special dog biscuits. One day Lilly leaves Luna's special dog biscuit jar open.
Will Luna be a naughty dog or a good dog?
Let's find out.
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Excerpt One:
Luna should be easy to find. There are not many places that she can go.
I wonder where else a big black dog with lots of curly wurly hair can hide.
I know! Luna must be in the laundry room hiding under all the smelly clothes.
No, she isn’t there
Where did Luna go? I do not know.
I’m starting to get really worried that Luna is hiding from me. I just want to play with her.
Luna’s not hiding under Mummy and Daddy’s bed, she’s not in the laundry room hiding under smelly clothes, and she’s not hiding behind the sofa with the cheeky teddies.
Where could Luna be?
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WHERE DID LUNA GO? By Stephanie Hewitt
My review: Luna, the big, black, curly, wurly dog was lost and a worried kid was doing everything he could to find her. A wonderful hide-and-seek story with fun rhymes and great illustrations!
My rating: 4 stars
LUNA LOVES BISCUITS by Stephanie Hewitt
My review: Another cute and fun tale about Luna’s love for biscuits. But would she be a bad dog to get them? A great story with a good life lesson.
My rating: 4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Hi, I’m Stephanie Hewitt! I am a new Australian children’s author.
I am the mother of two toddlers. I love writing stories for my children and others that they will enjoy.
CONNECT WITH AUTHOR NAME
WEBSITE: https://shewittbooks.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieHew...
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehe...
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/bellatutts
PURCHASE LINKS
BOOK 1: Where did Luna go?
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/0228832616
KINDLE
https://amazon.com/dp/B08LH6FH9F
BOOKSHOP
https://bookshop.org/books/where-did-...
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wher...
BOOK DEPOSITORY
https://www.bookdepository.com/Where-...
BOOK 2: Luna Loves Biscuits
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/0228836662
KINDLE
https://amazon.com/dp/B08PD98XL9
BOOKSHOP
https://bookshop.org/books/luna-loves...
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/luna...
BOOK DEPOSITORY
https://www.bookdepository.com/Luna-L...
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Stephanie Hewitt will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveawayBlog Tour: I AM AWESOME by Patricia Brioux
I Am Awesome
by Patricia Brioux
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GENRE: Children's
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BLURB:
I Am Awesome is a story that invites ALL children from ALL backgrounds to practice daily affirmations to promote positive thinking and recognize self-worth.
I am KIND, I am BRAVE, I am ME, and I am AWESOME!
ALL HEARTS are BEAUTIFUL!
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NOTE: These are visual excerpts – you will be downloading an image from the book to share on your post.
Excerpt 1:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OYr-2XwZ8F01kxnklBOqboHBWfg4rCR5/view?usp=sharing
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My review: This book illustrates scenarios of what kids can do to be awesome.
“I can do anything I set my mind to—I am powerful.”
“I am ME—I am awesome!”
Fun, colorful, and a wonderful inspiration to us all!
My rating: 5 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Patricia Brioux is not a New York Times, Amazon Top 100, or a USA Today bestselling author, but she is the daughter of two rock-star parents, the youngest of six kids, and the FUN aunt to eight crazy little kiddos who just love to keep her on her toes. This is her first published literary work, and to be honest that both excites and terrifies the heck out of her. Through this process she hopes to learn, become more confident, and, who knows, maybe one day work alongside some of the greats like Nora Roberts, Kennedy Ryan, and Kelly Elliott.
CONNECT WITH PATRICIA BRIOUX
WEBSITE: http://patriciabriouxbooks.com/
GOODREADS: Patricia Brioux
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/patricia.brioux/
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON.CA
https://amazon.ca/dp/022884021X
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/022884021X
KINDLE
https://amazon.com/dp/B093TZNX6Q
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-am-awesome-patricia-brioux/1139414344
BOOK DEPOSITORY
https://www.bookdepository.com/I-Am-Awesome-Patricia-Brioux-Floyd-Yamyamin/9780228840213
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I Am Awesome by Patricia Brioux Giveaway ends September 19, 2021.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Patricia Brioux will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
August 18, 2021
Review: ONLY ONE BED Vol. 2
A storm raging in the woods and two strangers stranded in a cabin. She must stay the night, but there’s only one bed.
A woman returns to an old friend that secretly loved her. A well-written and beautiful story.
A man becomes captivated by the interesting beauty he meets at the airport.
A comic book artist concerns herself with coming out to her family and telling her best friend how she feels.
A wedding reunites two former in-laws for one night.
A night spent in a haunted hotel.
Enticing and enjoyable stories, all of them!
My rating: 5 stars
Review: SEE ME by Margaret Watson
Gaby was targeted by her violent ex-husband, afraid he might hurt her or her daughters. Officer Alex would do anything to make sure they were all safe. He was always there for her and she often had dirty fantasies about him; however, Gaby refused to jump into another thing with a man no matter how gorgeous he was. Alex wouldn’t push, but he would show her that they would be good together. If only she’d be willing to give them a chance.
Captivating and enticing!
My rating: 4 stars
Review: STARTING OVER by Evan Grace
For 18-year-old Bellamy, there was only one guy she ever wanted to give her virginity to and that was her brothers’ best friend. But their night of wild passion turns into cold regret when he tells her that this never happened between them, leaving her crushed.
Six years later, she was returning home to face the music, get closure, and start over. She never told Luke she was pregnant and had lost their child.
Story was nice, but a little slow. Mostly you hear Bell and Luke pining over each other with secret glances and touches with neither of them saying anything. Okay, move it along here.
It doesn’t really get going until about half way there.
A nice, slow romance.
My rating: 3 stars
Review: CRAZY FOR YOU by Codi Gary
Tired of being Disaster Deanna, she was aiming to make the Halloween scene in a sexy Red Riding Hood outfit. A clumsy night turns into a horrifying night when Deanna gets attacked, ramping up Office Finn’s desire—to protect her and to have her in every way.
The Big Bad Wolf was after Little Red, making the night a true terror on Halloween.
An easy, quick, and compelling read.
My rating: 4 stars
August 17, 2021
Excerpt: UNFURLING by Tia Ray Dhar
SYNOPSIS
Can an unexpected turn of events, including a mystery, guide you towards a sense of purpose in life? Mandira Sharma (Mandy), a recent medical school graduate, doesn't feel passionate about her residency in internal medicine and feels devoid of a general sense of purpose in life. Currently, her happiness revolves around making new friends and spending time with them at work or outdoor venues. Her general feeling of isolation and disinterest in her medicine residency accentuates when her two close friends go overseas, and someone she loves and cares deeply about decides to part ways. She navigates through her daily routine devoid of zest or enthusiasm, trying to cope with the current painful scenario.
However, tragedy strikes again when during a blackout at a psychology workshop venue, two meeting attendees find Mandy's friend and psychology graduate student Latika's body floating in a pool on the premises. An investigative team launches a detailed probe into the crime's motive and modus operandi, and the cohort of meeting attendees, including Mandy, come under the lens of suspicion.
Can Mandy help solve the case? Will she find a sense of purpose?
PASSAGE FROM THE BOOK
After what seemed like another half-hour, I heard a siren wailing in the distance. The sound reached a crescendo before diminishing in amplitude, if not pitch. Approaching us was a wheatish-complexioned tall lady in uniform with her hair in a top-knot. A taller chubby man with a French beard, dressed in formals, followed her.
"Hello. I know this is an extremely distressing situation for you all. I'm Inspector Geetika, and this gentleman here is sub-inspector Samar." She announced politely, albeit with authority. "Where is the body? Can anyone identify the victim for me, please?"
"She's Latika, my friend. We came to this workshop together. In the later part of the afternoon, things went downhill, there was a massive power cut, and we didn't confine ourselves to one spot...", despite being incredibly shaken up and traumatized, I had no clue how I coherently mouthed phrases.
"Who was the first person to see her?"
"It was Aalia and me. We ventured outside in the dark and walked towards this pool because it seemed to be reflecting light. When we approached the border, we saw her." Simran spoke in a monotone.
Inspector Geetika knelt at the pool boundary and shone torchlight on the corpse. "Poor girl. She must have drowned after slipping into the water since it was too dark to figure out directions. We will know more about this accident or foul play after the post-mortem examination."
"We will be sealing the pool area. We will have two officers stationed here so that there is no tampering," Samar quipped in. "There is a lady officer in the van who will be searching your belongings and doing a pat-down. This pool and entire backyard is a crime scene. It's probably a murder scene."
August 16, 2021
Blog Tour: HARLOT'S FIRE by LM Pampuro
Harlot's Fire
by LM Pampuro
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GENRE: Thriller/Suspense
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BLURB:
Harlot Grace, the brains behind the street drug Gray Death, has escaped from the hospital.
Brendan Curry's tour bus is missing. Curry's
father is the lead prosecutor on Harlot's case.
Special Agent Alia Price needs to find both – one for justice, the other to save his life.
With help from a Rockstar and his caravan, Price goes on an undercover journey that takes her from a major music festival to deep within a
national forest.
Will she reach both in time?
The continuation of the earlier released Harlot's grace, Harlot's fire brings a strong female lead to the spotlight.
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Excerpt One:
The Connecticut Daily
Gray Death Trial Set For mid-July.
By D. Rob Porter, Daily Staff
On July 20, Salvi Giovani will stand trial for the manufacture and distribution of illegal substances along with kidnapping charges stemming from his detainment of a federal agent against their will. Giovani, 36, of Hartford, Connecticut, along with Harlot Grace, age and address unknown, both will be tried in Hartford Superior Court. According to Attorney General Curry’s office, both face charges relating to multiple counts of drug trafficking and manufacturing and possession of illegal firearms. Grace was employed in the area as a popular local adult entertainer.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
L.M. Pampuro is the author of eight novels: Dancing With Faith, Maximum Mayhem, The Perfect Pitch, Passenger, Uncle Neddy’s Funeral, Maximum Trouble, Harlot’s grace, and Harlot’s fire. (All available at your independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com)
She is an avid skier, loves dancing to live music, and possess a warped sense of humor.
For more information, please visit www.pampuro.com
For release update and live music photographs, please visit Instagram.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/LM-Pampuro/e/B007MLZC4O%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmpampuro/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6610591.L_M_Pampuro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmpampuro
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
LM Pampuro will be awarding a signed copy of both Harlot's Grace and Harlot's Fire (Continental US only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. a Rafflecopter giveaway
