Heather Manning's Blog, page 12
May 25, 2014
New Orleans: Day 3 and 4
Hello, everyone! This is another post covering my time in New Orleans for the Romantic Times Convention.
First, I got my badge! Complete with my "Published Author" Ribbon. Which then proceeded to try to fall off after a few days. :(
Later in the day, I went for dinner with my amazing publisher and some fellow authors!
My first event: Scrapbooking! Tuesday was more-so a reader-oriented day. The real workshops began on Wednesday.
I wore a different striped dress every day.
I got this mask!
After dinner with my publisher, I grabbed a snack of Pinkberry frozen yogurt. Yum!
After Wednesday's first events, I went out for lunch at the FABULOUS Ruby Slipper Cafe where I met this awesome waitress. She was so excited about the book convention.
At night, I got ready for a Pirate Party and Mardis Gras Party at Mardis Gras World.
The lines for the shuttle to Mardis Gras World were REALLY LONG.
This was inside at Mardis Gras World! It was gorgeous.
They even had a marching band for us!
Inside were all the real Mardis Gras floats. So cool!
Giant flowers! I loved it!
And I ended the evening by returning to the hotel with ALL of these beads and a stomach full of Bananas Foster, red beans and rice, and beignets.
First, I got my badge! Complete with my "Published Author" Ribbon. Which then proceeded to try to fall off after a few days. :(
Later in the day, I went for dinner with my amazing publisher and some fellow authors!
My first event: Scrapbooking! Tuesday was more-so a reader-oriented day. The real workshops began on Wednesday.
I wore a different striped dress every day. 
I got this mask!
After dinner with my publisher, I grabbed a snack of Pinkberry frozen yogurt. Yum!
After Wednesday's first events, I went out for lunch at the FABULOUS Ruby Slipper Cafe where I met this awesome waitress. She was so excited about the book convention.
At night, I got ready for a Pirate Party and Mardis Gras Party at Mardis Gras World.
The lines for the shuttle to Mardis Gras World were REALLY LONG.
This was inside at Mardis Gras World! It was gorgeous.
They even had a marching band for us!
Inside were all the real Mardis Gras floats. So cool!
Giant flowers! I loved it!
And I ended the evening by returning to the hotel with ALL of these beads and a stomach full of Bananas Foster, red beans and rice, and beignets. 
May 23, 2014
New Orleans Days 1 and 2
Hey everyone! I thought I would give you a few posts about my trip to to New Orleans for the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, two days at a time. So much happened that I need to spread it out a little bit!
Here are some things I did on Sunday and Monday, told through photographs.
An awesome cemetery! Bodies are put in mausoleums because otherwise the water in the ground pushes traditional burials above ground.
Some of the gifts put at the burial place of Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau.
See what I mean about the flooding and the high amounts of water in the cemeteries!
Such a wide variety of tombs.
First, I had to get some beignets.
Then, I toured the fabulous Evergreen Plantation!
It felt like it came out of a history book!
Here are some slave cabins--not reproductions! It was so cool to see.
The plantation from the road.
Then, I had lunch at the FABULOUS Ruby Slipper Cafe. Seriously. It was the best food I had that entire trip. (Their grits are stunning!)
Then, I went on some cemetery-photographing escapades. I loved it.
The plantation!
The gorgeous cathedral.
French Quarter Tour!
So on the first two days, I basically did all of this. I enjoyed everything!
Here are some things I did on Sunday and Monday, told through photographs.
An awesome cemetery! Bodies are put in mausoleums because otherwise the water in the ground pushes traditional burials above ground. 
Some of the gifts put at the burial place of Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. 
See what I mean about the flooding and the high amounts of water in the cemeteries!
Such a wide variety of tombs.
First, I had to get some beignets. 
Then, I toured the fabulous Evergreen Plantation!
It felt like it came out of a history book!
Here are some slave cabins--not reproductions! It was so cool to see.
The plantation from the road.
Then, I had lunch at the FABULOUS Ruby Slipper Cafe. Seriously. It was the best food I had that entire trip. (Their grits are stunning!)
Then, I went on some cemetery-photographing escapades. I loved it.
The plantation! 
The gorgeous cathedral.
French Quarter Tour!So on the first two days, I basically did all of this. I enjoyed everything!
May 20, 2014
I'm Still Here!
Hi! Just wanted to let you all know that I haven't forgotten about my blog. :) I've just been trying to get back into the hang of things after the RT conference.
Expect a post from me in the near future about the conference!
Expect a post from me in the near future about the conference!
May 8, 2014
Catch-Up Friday: Book Review
Hey all!
Today I will be posting next week's review early and then I will be gone for a while....
This week was much less busy than last week but it still seemed like I had hardly any time. On Sunday, I had my Coterie Young Playwright Festival which went amazingly.
Then, I came down with a cold. Which wasn't fun. But anyway, I wanted to let you all know that next week's post will be sparse if I even post them or not. Why? Because I am going to be at the RT Booklover's Convention, and I unfortunately won't have much time to write any posts.
Until then, here is my review of To Die Once by Miranda A. Uyeh.
About the book:
"A NOVEL
Two men, one woman, a rosebush …
… a terrible past, an uncertain future
Jennifer, a woman unexpectedly trapped in a path of love and passion against everything
Rodrigo, a man set to get what he wants at the cost of what matters most.
Stefano, a man with a past, a story to tell and passion to offer.
Chidi, a friend in need, a friend indeed. Or not?
From a culture where good girls follow the norm and live as they’ve been told, Jennifer is no
different from any other girl until by happenstance, she meets and falls in love with Rodrigo, a
man who’s handsome, rich and foreign. Different. She has no idea who he is or what he does,
and is swept into a world of romance and passion. It is not long before she discovers a shocking
Stefano shows up at a time when Jennifer has made up her mind about the rules of life. He thinks
she’s beautiful and is in love with her. In a bid to convince her to give him a chance in her life,
old memories once buried are brought to life. And the events that follow don’t leave anyone
unaffected by the truth of the past that was left unsettled.
Meanwhile, Jennifer with her friend Chidi, find themselves on a self-discovery journey that has one of them raising questions.
Some just have to ask, where is God in all this?
… an inspirational romance, from Lagos to Italy."
My Thoughts:
The Idea:It was certainly interesting! This was an inspirational romance involving things like dark pasts and life choices. Some points were heartrendingly sad, and it really kept my interest throughout the entire book. This is about Jennifer, who marries a man with a bad past and is devastated when he disappears. I loved the story.The Characters:There were a few times, I have to admit, that I wanted to slap both Jennifer and Rodrigo in the face. But I think I only felt like that because I cared about them. Really, I was rooting for them and hoping for them to finally have some peace and happiness.The Plot:This book had a GREAT plot. It really kept me interested no matter what was happening. I finished it much ahead of time and enjoyed every second of it. I look forward to more from this author!The Setting:Very unique! I don't think I have ever read anything in this genre/setting. I loved the setting of Italy because Italy just seems like a wonderful place to set a book! A few scenes were also in London and Africa. It was very interesting!Overall:GREAT book that I recommend to friends! I hope you enjoy!About the Author:Miranda A. Uyeh is an assistant lecturer at a local college in Makurdi City, Nigeria, where she teaches two geology courses. Her love for books goes as far back as when her father placed Disney’s Rapunzel in her hands—her very first storybook! By the time she was thirteen she knew she was going to be a writer. You can find Miranda on her blog where she shares her love for books, entertainment and Christian spirituality with her readers. Miranda holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Applied Geology from ATBU, Nigeria. To Die Once is her debut novel, #1 of the Child of Grace book series.
Praise:"A little mystery, a bit of intrigue, a lot of romance. To Die Once is a Christian romance with real characters facing deep issues. The emotional writing is truly heart-felt. This is Ms. Uyeh's debut novel and thankfully, this won't be the last." —K. Victoria Chase, Bestselling author of From Across The Divide, Virginia Justice, Raphael: volume 1, Santiago Brothers book series.
"Miranda Uyeh has penned a novel full of heart. To Die Once is a story alternately thorny and tender that tackles the various forms of love - romance, friendship, and faith - in unique settings and situations. Often surprising, consistently intriguing, Uyeh's debut is a bold start to her blossoming writing career." — Amber Stokes, Author of "The Heart's Spring" Series
"A fun inspirational romance read" — Rektok Ross, Best selling YA Romance author of Prodigal
Find the Author:Twitter
Blog
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
Goodreads
Today I will be posting next week's review early and then I will be gone for a while....
This week was much less busy than last week but it still seemed like I had hardly any time. On Sunday, I had my Coterie Young Playwright Festival which went amazingly.
Then, I came down with a cold. Which wasn't fun. But anyway, I wanted to let you all know that next week's post will be sparse if I even post them or not. Why? Because I am going to be at the RT Booklover's Convention, and I unfortunately won't have much time to write any posts.Until then, here is my review of To Die Once by Miranda A. Uyeh.
About the book:
"A NOVEL
Two men, one woman, a rosebush …
… a terrible past, an uncertain future
Jennifer, a woman unexpectedly trapped in a path of love and passion against everything
Rodrigo, a man set to get what he wants at the cost of what matters most.
Stefano, a man with a past, a story to tell and passion to offer.
Chidi, a friend in need, a friend indeed. Or not?
From a culture where good girls follow the norm and live as they’ve been told, Jennifer is no
different from any other girl until by happenstance, she meets and falls in love with Rodrigo, a
man who’s handsome, rich and foreign. Different. She has no idea who he is or what he does,
and is swept into a world of romance and passion. It is not long before she discovers a shocking
Stefano shows up at a time when Jennifer has made up her mind about the rules of life. He thinks
she’s beautiful and is in love with her. In a bid to convince her to give him a chance in her life,
old memories once buried are brought to life. And the events that follow don’t leave anyone
unaffected by the truth of the past that was left unsettled.
Meanwhile, Jennifer with her friend Chidi, find themselves on a self-discovery journey that has one of them raising questions.
Some just have to ask, where is God in all this?
… an inspirational romance, from Lagos to Italy."
My Thoughts:
The Idea:It was certainly interesting! This was an inspirational romance involving things like dark pasts and life choices. Some points were heartrendingly sad, and it really kept my interest throughout the entire book. This is about Jennifer, who marries a man with a bad past and is devastated when he disappears. I loved the story.The Characters:There were a few times, I have to admit, that I wanted to slap both Jennifer and Rodrigo in the face. But I think I only felt like that because I cared about them. Really, I was rooting for them and hoping for them to finally have some peace and happiness.The Plot:This book had a GREAT plot. It really kept me interested no matter what was happening. I finished it much ahead of time and enjoyed every second of it. I look forward to more from this author!The Setting:Very unique! I don't think I have ever read anything in this genre/setting. I loved the setting of Italy because Italy just seems like a wonderful place to set a book! A few scenes were also in London and Africa. It was very interesting!Overall:GREAT book that I recommend to friends! I hope you enjoy!About the Author:Miranda A. Uyeh is an assistant lecturer at a local college in Makurdi City, Nigeria, where she teaches two geology courses. Her love for books goes as far back as when her father placed Disney’s Rapunzel in her hands—her very first storybook! By the time she was thirteen she knew she was going to be a writer. You can find Miranda on her blog where she shares her love for books, entertainment and Christian spirituality with her readers. Miranda holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Applied Geology from ATBU, Nigeria. To Die Once is her debut novel, #1 of the Child of Grace book series.
Praise:"A little mystery, a bit of intrigue, a lot of romance. To Die Once is a Christian romance with real characters facing deep issues. The emotional writing is truly heart-felt. This is Ms. Uyeh's debut novel and thankfully, this won't be the last." —K. Victoria Chase, Bestselling author of From Across The Divide, Virginia Justice, Raphael: volume 1, Santiago Brothers book series.
"Miranda Uyeh has penned a novel full of heart. To Die Once is a story alternately thorny and tender that tackles the various forms of love - romance, friendship, and faith - in unique settings and situations. Often surprising, consistently intriguing, Uyeh's debut is a bold start to her blossoming writing career." — Amber Stokes, Author of "The Heart's Spring" Series
"A fun inspirational romance read" — Rektok Ross, Best selling YA Romance author of Prodigal
Find the Author:Twitter
Blog
Google+
Goodreads
Sorry!
Hey everyone!
I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been posting too much this week.
I have had a really bad cold since Monday! Basically, each day I had enough energy to get through school and then I was super exhausted and feeling yucky.
But now I am starting to feel better and hope to get into the swing of things again!
I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been posting too much this week.
I have had a really bad cold since Monday! Basically, each day I had enough energy to get through school and then I was super exhausted and feeling yucky.
But now I am starting to feel better and hope to get into the swing of things again!
May 5, 2014
Book Monday: Am Reading
Hello!
As you could see by Friday's post, I was really busy this weekend. So I had no time to read or write a review! Sorry!
I am reading Through Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
What are you reading?
As you could see by Friday's post, I was really busy this weekend. So I had no time to read or write a review! Sorry!
I am reading Through Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
What are you reading?
May 3, 2014
Catch-Up Friday: Crazy Week!
Hey everyone! Sorry I am posting this on Saturday instead of Friday
This week has been very crazy but very fun!
On Tuesday, I got to leave school early to head to my first-ever author event! I took part in a writer's panel at Maple Woods College, where I and five other authors read excerpts from our books, answered questions, and talked about writing to an audience. It was SO MUCH fun and all the other writers were super nice. Then, we had a booksigning (my first ever!) where I got to meet some new fans and friends. I absolutely LOVED it and cannot wait to do something like this again.
Reading my book excerpt.
Ready to autograph!
Talking to fans.
After the event, I headed straight to rehearsals for my Coterie show! I watched rehearsals for the play I wrote, "Letters to Romeo and Juliet." My actors are absolutely fabulous and I cannot wait to see the show on Sunday! After this, I had rehearsals for the play I am performing in, "Literary Armageddon." You can purchase tickets for Sunday, May 4th, at 7:00 at the Coterie's website.
Next, when I got home, I found out my Vistaprint order had arrived! I got a Swept to Sea T-shirt and Phone case.
Then, on Thursday, I attended my tech rehearsals for these plays. This day was a little crazy because it was also my final day of my Audition Lab classes, and it was the day I had to audition before the Coterie's artistic director. My audition went pretty well! I did my monologue, sang, and then performed my pantomime piece. I really enjoyed this!
After my Coterie activities were over, I changed into a dress and ran over to my school's award banquet. There, I received the Student of the Year Award!
Receiving the Student of the Year Award.
Student of the Year!
Me with the award.
The text read before the award was presented.
All four awards I received that night.
It was very cool.
All in all, I have had an insanely busy week, but I wouldn't trade it for a thing in the world.
This week has been very crazy but very fun!
On Tuesday, I got to leave school early to head to my first-ever author event! I took part in a writer's panel at Maple Woods College, where I and five other authors read excerpts from our books, answered questions, and talked about writing to an audience. It was SO MUCH fun and all the other writers were super nice. Then, we had a booksigning (my first ever!) where I got to meet some new fans and friends. I absolutely LOVED it and cannot wait to do something like this again.
Reading my book excerpt.
Ready to autograph!
Talking to fans.After the event, I headed straight to rehearsals for my Coterie show! I watched rehearsals for the play I wrote, "Letters to Romeo and Juliet." My actors are absolutely fabulous and I cannot wait to see the show on Sunday! After this, I had rehearsals for the play I am performing in, "Literary Armageddon." You can purchase tickets for Sunday, May 4th, at 7:00 at the Coterie's website.
Next, when I got home, I found out my Vistaprint order had arrived! I got a Swept to Sea T-shirt and Phone case.
Then, on Thursday, I attended my tech rehearsals for these plays. This day was a little crazy because it was also my final day of my Audition Lab classes, and it was the day I had to audition before the Coterie's artistic director. My audition went pretty well! I did my monologue, sang, and then performed my pantomime piece. I really enjoyed this!
After my Coterie activities were over, I changed into a dress and ran over to my school's award banquet. There, I received the Student of the Year Award!
Receiving the Student of the Year Award.
Student of the Year!
Me with the award.
The text read before the award was presented.
All four awards I received that night.It was very cool.
All in all, I have had an insanely busy week, but I wouldn't trade it for a thing in the world.
April 29, 2014
Bible Verse Wednesday: Royal Priesthood
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9
April 28, 2014
Book Monday: The Ransom Review
Hi everyone! Sorry I am posting this late. I had the intention of writing up this post when I got home but I needed to stop at the eye doctor and drop off my glasses to be fixed, and then make a stop at a book store. After that, I worked on my audition and my piece I am performing at the Coterie on Sunday.
In other words, sorry I didn't post this sooner!
Today I have a review of The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall.
Here's a little about the book:
"In Jamaica in 1692, women were not allowed to run businesses. But Juliana has no choice. To save her family and keep her secret, she allies herself with the town buffoon. Alex, the most feared pirate in Port Royal, leads a dual life to stave off his boredom, but when his infatuation with Juliana puts them in grave danger, only a divine hand can lead them to safety as Port Royal sinks into the sea."
My Thoughts:The Idea:I looooved the idea. In case you don't know, this book is related to MaryLu's Legacy of the King's of the King's Pirates series. (One of my favorites from her.) Well, this piece is about Merrick and Charlisse's son, Alex, AKA The Pirate Earl AKA Lord Munthrope. I really enjoyed the idea of pirate Alex leading a double life as the most feared pirate in the area and fluffy, nonsensical, colorful Lord Munthrope. I also enjoyed the idea of Juliana Dutton being forced to take over her father's business as he falls ill. And, there were pirates. So I loved it. The Characters:The characters were fantastic! Juliana and Alex had vivid, realistic back stories. I loved Alex as both "Munny" and the Pirate Earl. Even the smaller characters were pretty well developed. I was really invested in this book and didn't want to stop reading.The Plot:It was a great plot! It really kept me reading, and I would love to read it again. This book was a little longer than most in its genre, but I enjoyed it. There were many twists and turns, and while I could predict the outcome of some events, I still loved it.The Setting:Fan. Tastic. I am writing a novel right now involving someone who was injured in the Port Royal earthquake of 1692, so I have been doing a lot of research for this era. MaryLu did not disappoint. Everything was accurate and vividly described. Overall:It was amazing! I loved this book and recommend it to friends. I am a huge fan of MaryLu Tyndall, and this did not disappoint.
About the Author:Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
In other words, sorry I didn't post this sooner!
Today I have a review of The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall.
Here's a little about the book:
"In Jamaica in 1692, women were not allowed to run businesses. But Juliana has no choice. To save her family and keep her secret, she allies herself with the town buffoon. Alex, the most feared pirate in Port Royal, leads a dual life to stave off his boredom, but when his infatuation with Juliana puts them in grave danger, only a divine hand can lead them to safety as Port Royal sinks into the sea."
My Thoughts:The Idea:I looooved the idea. In case you don't know, this book is related to MaryLu's Legacy of the King's of the King's Pirates series. (One of my favorites from her.) Well, this piece is about Merrick and Charlisse's son, Alex, AKA The Pirate Earl AKA Lord Munthrope. I really enjoyed the idea of pirate Alex leading a double life as the most feared pirate in the area and fluffy, nonsensical, colorful Lord Munthrope. I also enjoyed the idea of Juliana Dutton being forced to take over her father's business as he falls ill. And, there were pirates. So I loved it. The Characters:The characters were fantastic! Juliana and Alex had vivid, realistic back stories. I loved Alex as both "Munny" and the Pirate Earl. Even the smaller characters were pretty well developed. I was really invested in this book and didn't want to stop reading.The Plot:It was a great plot! It really kept me reading, and I would love to read it again. This book was a little longer than most in its genre, but I enjoyed it. There were many twists and turns, and while I could predict the outcome of some events, I still loved it.The Setting:Fan. Tastic. I am writing a novel right now involving someone who was injured in the Port Royal earthquake of 1692, so I have been doing a lot of research for this era. MaryLu did not disappoint. Everything was accurate and vividly described. Overall:It was amazing! I loved this book and recommend it to friends. I am a huge fan of MaryLu Tyndall, and this did not disappoint.
About the Author:Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
April 25, 2014
Catch-Up Friday
Hello, everyone!
What have I been up to? Being busy!
This week, I have been practicing my monologue, pantomime, and song for an audition next week. Please wish me luck for that!
Also, tomorrow is my very first rehearsal for "Letters to Romeo and Juliet," a piece I wrote, and "Literary Armageddon," a piece I am performing You can see both and others at the Coterie Young Playwrights Festival May 4th at 7:00.
This week I have been trying to get a lot of writing done. On Sunday I hit 50K in "Carried Home," my sequel to "Swept to Sea."
What have you been doing? Tell me in the comments.
What have I been up to? Being busy!
This week, I have been practicing my monologue, pantomime, and song for an audition next week. Please wish me luck for that!
Also, tomorrow is my very first rehearsal for "Letters to Romeo and Juliet," a piece I wrote, and "Literary Armageddon," a piece I am performing You can see both and others at the Coterie Young Playwrights Festival May 4th at 7:00.
This week I have been trying to get a lot of writing done. On Sunday I hit 50K in "Carried Home," my sequel to "Swept to Sea."
What have you been doing? Tell me in the comments.
