C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 17

MEET THE BAD FAIRY & Author, Elaine Kaye

***NEW RELEASE***

***99 CENTS***

 

 Series: A Bad Fairy Adventure (Book 2)

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Pages: 60

Ages: 7-12

 

BLURB:

Will Thistle ever escape the nickname Bad Fairy?

Thistle Greenbud thought the nickname Bad Fairy was behind her, but she can’t escape it. Someone is spreading a rumor about her that just isn’t true and can ruin all of her hard work in getting into Advanced School. What fairy would do such a thing?

As if that’s not bad enough, Thistle’s dad goes missing. Not a single fairy in Tinselville has seen him. He’s vanished like pixie dust. Her mom is distraught, and Thistle is worried. Where could he be?

Thistle and the Flutters, along with Dusty and Moss, are on both cases. Can they find out what happened to her dad and solve the Bad Fairy rumor? Thistle hopes so!

 

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon / Nook / iBooks / Goodreads

Thistle the Fairy Interviews Elaine Kaye:

Intro: Elaine Kaye is in her garden,
pruning her red rose bush when Thistle zips up and sits on Elaine’s shoulder.
Thistle has some questions for Elaine.

Thistle Greenbud:
Howdy! Where’s Sammy the Teddy Bear? I like to play with him.

Elaine: He’s at school with Gregory.

Thistle: Boogles. I don’t like
school. *puts hands on her hips* Has the story fairy visited you recently?

Elaine: Only you, Thistle.

Thistle: Well, I have plenty of
adventures I can tell you about. Have you ever been on an adventure?

Elaine: I’ve traveled in great, big,
metal birds to the islands of Hawaii and all the way to Okinawa, Japan.

Thistle: *her eyes grow wide* Metal
birds? You traveled in them? In their stomachs?

Elaine: *laughs* They’re called
airplanes, not real birds.

Thistle: Oooh. What other
adventures have you gone on?

Elaine: Do you remember the twisty
that devastated Tinselville a couple of months ago?

Thistle: *shivers* I’ll never forget
that.

Elaine: I’ve never been in or seen a
tornado, but I have gone through many hurricanes. Those storms are massive.
They even have an eye.

Thistle: *gasps* An eye?!

Elaine: An eye made of clouds.

Thistle: *whispers* Wow. Tell me more.

Elaine: I’ve seen The King perform.

Thistle: Which king?

Elaine: Elvis.

Thistle: Who’s that?

Elaine: He was a very famous
rock’n’roll singer. I went to his world-wide concert, Aloha from Hawaii,
which was broadcasted via satellite.

Thistle: Cool. I like to go to
concerts. Fairies know how to create pretty music. There was a lot of great
music at the Spring Festival.

Elaine: You did have a lot of fun at
the festival, and everyone can read about it in Bad Fairy Strikes Again.

Thistle: That’s right! Everyone can
read about me and see how I’m really not a bad fairy.

 

EXCERPT:

We are nearing the edge of our village limits when we see the abandoned house hidden in tall weeds. The night grows darker as we huddle in a fern thicket. “It sure is spooky out here,” Lacey whispers and shifts closer to Moss.

“Let’s move in closer,” Dusty says. “Moss and Lacey, you go to the other side of the house. Find a crack in the wall to see inside. Thistle and Rose follow me.” He looks back at Moss. “If you see anything strange, flick your flashlight on and off three times.”

“Then what?” Rose asks, munching on another berry.

“We’ll meet…um…” Dusty looks around and then points. “Over by that fern thicket. Is everyone clear?”

We nod and fly as low to the ground as we can. Once we reach our positions, we hunker down and wait. Time goes by as slow as a worm while we wait. It gets darker. After a while, boredom creeps in.

“What’s that?” Rose points behind us.

Dusty and I turn to see a shadow coming out of the woods, heading straight for us. Boogles! No, wait. There are two shadows!

Get Book 1 for 99 CENTS!

[image error]

BAD FAIRY: Amazon / Nook / iBooks / Kobo

 

***GIVEAWAY*** 

[image error]

PRIZES: 3 signed paperback picture books (Pea Soup Disaster, The Missing Alphabet, Slow Poke), three handmade bookmarks, plus a goodie bag and worksheets.

Eligibility: International

A RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

[image error]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elaine Kaye is the author of A Bad Fairy Adventure series AND A Gregory Green Adventure series. She first created Gregory Green after her son, who loved her homemade pea soup, thus inspiring the story Pea Soup Disaster.

Kaye has worked as a library assistant and teacher’s assistant in elementary schools in the Sunshine State. She currently lives in Florida, but she has called Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Okinawa, Japan home. She is a grandmother of three boys.

Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

May The Force Be With You on This Wednesday

I could use a bit of Star Wars power this month. If you’re in California you know what we might be up against this summer: water shortages, rolling electrical outages, and wildfires. What a perfect storm we could be heading into. Last summer we weren’t prepared for half of what Mother Nature hurled at us, so this time a lot of us are getting ready for the worst and hoping for the best.

I have my “Go Bag” by the front door. I’ve put irreplaceable items in storage. As you read this I’ll be on an evacuation drill with my community driving a back road that is the second route of escape in case of fire. (I may be late in visiting blogs this month.) There’s not much more I can do, so after this drill, I’m as ready as I can be. From now on, it’s a wait-and-see summer.

The boots were made for walkin’Fortunately, there are a lot of good writing events to look forward to at #IWSG!

First, here’s this month’s question. Remember, the question is optional!

Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?

The awesome co-hosts for today are

Erika Beebe,Pat Garcia,Tonja Drecker,Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!

Join Us Today

I’m always surprised at what readers say about my books, and this is why writing is such an adventure. I have my own world view, and of course, it’s the right one. Then someone sees something in what I’ve created on paper and it’s not what I wrote at all. Really? Gee, there’s another way to see that event, or that character’s reaction–one I’ve never thought of? The writer-reader interaction is mind-expanding, and that’s one reason I keep doing this. This question is close to the issue of the REVIEWS and the different ways writers react to them.

Some say they don’t read their reviews, but I find that hard to believe. I learn from my reviews–negative and positive. And I’d prefer getting them to not. There’s no quicker way to bury a book than to ignore it, so I like to review for others and do as many as I can. Another thought occurred to me while writing this answer (sorry if I’m rambling–age factor) A few readers have been offended by my topics, but in my mind if a book isn’t at least a bit polarizing, I didn’t write something worth reading.

I’m eager to see how others respond to this one. I think it’s a great question.

I’ve gone into this topic a bit more on my EMAIL CONNECT this month. This link takes you to my home page. The signup field is there. If you’d like to join me, you’ll receive a short story with a touch of horror to spike your reading pleasure in May. It would be great to have you among my contacts.

And now for the Ta Da moments in this post The Details and the Judges

Do you write sweet romance? This is a chance to have one of your stories read by 7 noted writers/agents and published in an anthology.

The theme: First Love

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Available NOW!

Discover dark matter’s secrets and visit the writers who are included in this anthology.

Stephanie Espinoza Villamor
CD Gallant-King
Kim Mannix
Steph Wolmarans
Tara Tyler
Deniz Bevan
Charles Kowalski
Olga Godim
Elizabeth Mueller
Mark Alpert

This Month’s Quote: “It’s like obituaries, when you die they finally give you good reviews.” Roger Maris

Girls Succeed, Indeed!

I’m so pleased to welcome JQ Rose and her new book about empowering girls to dream big!

Discover the inspiring stories of sixteen contemporary women who had ambitious dreams when they were girls. Find out how they made those dreams come true!

Readers cheer for these amazing women when they follow their lives to discover how they overcome obstacles and crash through barriers to complete their goals. Learn about their workday and the achievements in their chosen careers. 

Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women includes stories about 21st-century women who have discovered cures to stamp out disease, made people laugh, earned Olympic and Paralympic gold medals and crossed the country behind the wheel of an 18-wheel semi-truck. Meet the people who mentored these dreamers and helped them to negotiate the curves and bumps along the way.

The e-book is a unique reading experience for girls. With a simple click on videos and links related to the occupation, girls can dive deeply into the career and the woman’s life. Not only do readers meet role models who are successful in their careers, but the accompanying quotes empower girls to dream big. 

In The Girls Succeed Reader’s Guide, project and discussion ideas for classroom teachers and home-schoolers expand on themes covered in the eBook.
•Persistence
•Passion
•Feeling Different
•Being the Best You Can Be
•Overcoming Obstacles
•Trailblazers /Pioneers in their chosen professions.
Download Girls Succeed! From your favorite online bookseller

Only .99 from April 14-30

 AVAILABLE NOW TO BUY https://books2read.com/JQRose

April’s 1st Wednesday. No Time for Burnout, But…

that’s exactly what happened. Actually, burnout started last December, but it managed to stick around right up to spring. So while the daffodils tried to spread their sunny delight, I was working on not muttering “Bah. Humbug.”

A lot had to do with what everyone was going through–isolation from friends and family, disruption of those pleasant routines, like lunch in a restaurant, or a good gym workout, or seeing people’s smiles.

At first, I wrote myself through this, then in desperation, I turned to editing. Walking my 4 miles a day helped, and Zoom gave me my People Fix, not as satisfying as chatting in person, but something. I read everything I had on hand, from books and magazines to humorous cocktail napkins and wine labels.

The Great Burnout Wall appeared out of nowhere, and I hit it full on. The stories stopped. My editor’s pen ran dry. I wore out my second pair of walking shoes. There didn’t seem to be anything worth reading. Now what?

I met Contractor Ted. Yes. He put me back on track. For years, I’ve put off tearing off an old deck because I dreaded dealing with plans, and permits, and contractors. Ted changed all of that. Cheerful. Competent. Organized. Honest. Wow! He was a perfect burnout antidote.

I’m back to writing. The editing’s going well, Okay. It’s kind of meh, but at least it’s progressing. I bought new walking shoes and have been doing hitting the trails again, and I’ve even added my gym workout via Zoom. I’m back to enjoying reading, and as a bonus, the old deck’s history, and I’m loving the new one.

Almost before. I should have taken a picture prior to tear out.

AfterNext come the table and chairs.

Interestingly enough, in the IWSG Newsletter this month, there’s a great article about overcoming burnout by Mary Kole. Be sure to check it out. It’s perfect with advice about enjoying the journey and taking your eyes off the destination.

And now that I’ve regaled you with my tale of burnout misery and recovery, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the April 7 posting of the IWSG are

 PK Hrezo,Pat Garcia,SE White,Lisa Buie Collard,and Diane Burton!

The #IWSG question for the month is…

Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?

Join Us Now

I’m not sure I’d say I’m a risk-taker, but I like to “play” with different ways of telling a story. I like to use different points of view, even experimenting with using first and third in a single book–that experiment worked. A publisher paid me and published the book that was finally titled Sliding on the Edge.

Since some of what I write is contemporary/realistic Young Adult, my topics are about what teens experience. I’ve covered cutting, suicide, injustice, illiteracy, and prejudice in the novels I’ve written. I’m not sure these constitute controversial topics because authors write about them all the time, but they are hot issues in today’s world.

She’s a frightened child behind all that bad ass attitude.She has everything, and then suddenly almost nothing.They say the house is abandoned, but Cleo’s sure someone’s inside.He’s not guilty, but he can’t prove it.He’s smart. He just can’t read.

I have a new book almost ready to go out that deals with mass shootings. I started this several years ago, and since my first draft we’ve had three mass shootings in the U.S. Every time that kind of news flashes around the world, I wonder if I should sub this book, or just hold on to it. I’m not chasing after the news. The news seems to be chasing after my story.

When I write Middle Grade, I leave all the heavy topics behind and have fun. Writing for the eight to twelve age group is an escape for me, and I want it to be the same for the young reader. The biggest risk I took with these books is having talking alligators who were the sages in the story as well as witch familiars. As I typed this sentence, I thought, “This sounds so wierd.” And I guess it is, but the Adventures of Pete and Weasel are out there, and so far nobody’s come to collect me for a mental examination.

This week one of the early successes in children’s literature died at the age of 104. I’m so glad I got to meet and talk to Beverly Cleary a couple of years ago. After that meeting, I wrote a short article about that day and I published it on LinkedIn. If you want to read about a real national treasure who at the age of 102 still had her sense of humor and a very keen mind, here’s that ARTICLE.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller

March Madness Wednesday

You might think that after being in the writing game for this long, I wouldn’t make any mistakes. Well, that isn’t the case. January and February are proof. But I do have excuses, I just won’t bore you with the long story. There was a computer, a building project, two faucet leaks, and a giraffe involved. I’ll say no more.

I will say that I should have been telling earthlings about Pete and Weasel’s trip to the moon as stowaways on a rocket under the command of Captain Chrys Fey. Yes, the two boys are taking Some Very Messy Medieval Magic to our nearest satellite, and they plan to stay forever.

AMAZON . BARNES & NOBLE . KOBO . SMASHWORDS . YABC

The reason the boys have to stow away and can’t be legitimate paying passengers is because their author (me) was dealing with things (see above) and missed the deadline to up for the Moon Trip.

The idea is brilliant and due, in a large part, to Susan Kaye Quinn: Writers On The Moon is a lunar time capsule project. “We’ll send a rag-tag fleet of stories to the moon aboard a digital data card. We hope this snapshot of indie fiction from around the world in 2021 will reveal the humanity of today to the readers of tomorrow. Astrobotic and DHL have partnered to deliver “MoonBoxes” aboard Astrobotic’s lunar landers. Our payload will ride on the first Astrobotic lander to reach the moon, the Peregrine Lander. It will remain there permanently, a time capsule for the future.”

The RED STAR Marks the Spot.

Blast-Off!

I’m not finished with trying to mend my January/Februrary Screw Ups. So stick around. I’d looked forward to showing off Donna Galanti’s newest book and telling about her Giveaway, but I lost her post. (Item #1 Computer, See Above), then almost forgot the date to post (#2 building project), cobbled together something at the last minute (#3 two faucet leaks), and forgot the Giveaway (#4 the giraffe, but it was imaginary). Do you see a pattern developing? Anyway, to atone for the mess, I’d like to tout Donna’s book again today.

Simon and Schuster . Amazon

“An accessible and fast-paced magical adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews

“An all-too-human, enchanting middle grade fantasy novel.” – Forward Reviews 

“What begins as realistic fiction turns to a fantastical tale of magical rescue. Fans of unicorns and magic in the real world will enjoy this adventure.” – School Library Journal

Add Donna’s book to your TBR List on Goodreads, and please visit Donna at her beautiful Website.

Join Us Now

Now it’s time to rock the neurotic writing world, and rocking this neurotic writer would also help.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

March 3 question – Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

The awesome co-hosts for the March 3 posting of the IWSG are Sarah – The Faux Fountain PenJacqui Murray,Chemist Ken,Victoria Marie Lees,Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!

If there are pages between covers with a title on the front and you call it a book, I’m very likely to read it. A great cover makes me pick up a novel, an intriguing topic makes me pick up a non-fiction book.

Like so many fiction readers, I like to be drawn in right away; however, I’m likely to give a story with a slow start a little time if the writing is strong and I sense a trustworthy voice. With non-fiction, I really appreciate a sense of humor or well-crafted prose as well as clarity.

As a writer, I love to write, so with the exception of Romance and Erotica, I give everything a shot. I have a lot of failures to show for it, but in each failure, I’ve learned something.

Quote of the Month: With freedom, books, flowers, and the Moon, who could not be happy?
Oscar Wilde

#WEP Kicks off 2021 With a Kiss

Some kisses bring delight, others disaster.

1,016 Words

Once dawn gave way to morning, Mel built up the courage to reenter the bedroom. She pushed open the door enough to peer inside. The rumpled bed. The nightstand with a half-full glass of water. The night light still switched on. Everything as it should be.

But everything wasn’t as it should be. Just when she thought she’d put that terrifying experience behind her, it had come at her again last night, and she’d slept on the couch, shivering. Even with the heat turned up, the chills never stopped. 

She hated to call Abagail, but her best friend was the only one who’d listen and not freak out.

Abigail must have run after Mel’s call because she barged into the kitchen within three minutes of hanging up, and she lived half a block away. 

“That was… not a call I… wanted this morning.” Abigail panted, out of breath. “I thought this had stopped.”

“I know. Sorry. I didn’t have anyone else—”

“Don’t be sorry.” Abigail took her hand and held it tightly. “I’m making some coffee, then you’re telling me everything.”

With the steamy mugs in front of them, Abigail began. She tried to choose her words so that nothing sounded exaggerated or outright stupid. Yet her first start was both. And she shook her head, “Let me try that again.” 

She needed to recall the nightmare in the right way. No, it hadn’t been a nightmare. But if it had really happened, the events of last night wouldn’t come in jumbled dream-like snatches or have blank spaces. 

Mel straightened her back and clasped her hands around her coffee mug. “It was a little after midnight. I’d been reading. Nothing scary. A cozy mystery. When my eyes wouldn’t stay open anymore, I turned off the light, but with the full moon, the bedroom didn’t go dark. I decided to pull down the shades, or I’d never sleep.”

Abigail nodded encouragement.

“I went to the window and…” Her heart drummed inside her chest and she stood too quickly, knocking the edge of the table and sloshing their coffee onto the cloth. “Oh, God. I can’t…I—”

Abigail wrapped her in her arms and held her. “I think we should call the doctor.”

“No!” Mel wrenched free. “I can’t do that.”

“He helped before.”

“It was terrible.” The locked doors. The silence except for her sessions with the psychiatrist. The gauzy drug-induced days. 

Abigail led her back to the table. “Sit. Talk to me.”

Mel took a breath then released it. “He was there, outside the window. Then he was in the room, and it was the same as that night.”

“Did he attack you?”

Mel closed her eyes, but that only made the image of the man more vivid. It was better to stare into Abigail’s eyes, focus on the friendship they held. 

“Yes, but this time I grabbed the lamp and I hit him. Hard. Again and again.”

“So you drove him off.”

“No.” Mel swallowed the bile that came into her throat. “I killed him.”

Abigail took her hand and walked her into the bedroom. “Mel, look.”

“I know there’s no body. But last night there was.”

“Honey, I know you believe that. And I understand why. You’re out to change what happened two years ago, but you can’t in real life, so you try to do it in your dreams. Drake’s gone, Mel. His killer’s in prison.”

Abigail had been with her from the time Drake was been shot, through her repeated calls to 911, and her psychotic meltdown.

“Come and spend tonight with us. Then as much as I hate saying this, I think you have to move. It’s this house. That bedroom.”

Mel nodded. “I know.”

Early that evening, Mel packed an overnight bag. She’d agreed to take Abigail up on her offer and stay with her. She needed sleep before she made any decisions about selling and moving. Bundled in her heavy sweater, she stepped outside into the moonlit night. The stark shadows from trees and bushes stretched across the sidewalk. 

She’d passed her driveway when the crackle of dry leaves underfoot brought her to a halt. She froze, then with dread pumping blood into every part of her, she turned to look back. A shadow stretched toward her, nearly touching her toes. As it advanced, it crept up her legs and across her chest until it blotted out everything.

She cringed when it spoke. 

“You led me on, then when all I asked for was one kiss, you refused.”

Fear lodged in her throat, shut down her ability to move. She could’t scream for help. She couldn’t run. This time it wasn’t a nightmare. This time he was inches from her. She was sure of it.

“I wouldn’t have hurt you. I wouldn’t have killed Drake, but he had a gun. It was your fault it happened.”

It had been a flirtation. Yes, she’d encouraged him, but then said no. Her marriage was too important to risk. He’d refused to leave. Drake came home from his meeting and found her struggling in his embrace. The fight. The gunshot, and the blood. Those memories stalked her and refused to let her find peace. She’d made a stupid mistake and she’d paid for it again and again. She was so tired. Let whatever this was facing her, engulf and end her. Please.

Abigail’s voice was suddenly in her head saying what she’d been saying for two years. No means no, Mel. Don’t forget that. 

 Mel finally found her voice, tentative as it sounded. “But I said no.” The shadow slid back. She’d made it retreat if only small distance. 

You will regret forever, Abigail had said so often, but you must forgive yourself or you’ll never be free of him.

Then for the first time since that night, the words she’d been able to say came with the force of conviction. “It wasn’t my fault!”

The shadow melted into nothing, and the moonlight came down around her, clear and bright.

I like to explore mistakes by one person that ripple out into the lives of many and linger to haunt those that make the mistakes. Poor Mel. Riddled with guilt, she’s alone. Her husband’s dead. She can’t erase the part she played in what happened that night. And I have a hard time believing this will be the last of her nightmares/visitations.

Unicorn Island

Today my guest is Middle Grade author Donna Galanti with a new book in her series. Welcome, Donna.

Start Reading HEREMy Review

Her mom’s a musician who must go on a European tour and send Sam to live with her uncle. When Sam arrives at her uncle’s home in Foggy Harbor, he’s not expecting her, and he isn’t very welcoming. This only makes Sam feel less loved and very lonely.

Fortunately, she’s a resilient girl and when she discovers a boy named Tuck and strikes up a friendship, her time in this sleepy little town becomes much more bearable. Then she makes a startling discovery, and Foggy Harbor turns into a magical place.

Unicorn Island is a delightful story that young readers will fall in love with. There are—of course— unicorns, a friendly wyvern and a friendship that makes Sam happy at last. However, don’t think this is The End because when we leave the island, something quite dark and dangerous appears. We won’t find out what until the next book arrives.

At the back of the book, it was interesting to some history and facts about the Carolinas, the region where this book is set. The author also includes some information about unicorns, wyverns, pirates who used to sail the southern coastline. Some great teacher resources.

Book information:
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524864706
ISBN-13: 978-1524864705
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (February 9, 2021)
Reading level: 8 – 12 years

Where book is available: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Unicorn-Island/Donna-Galanti/Unicorn-Island/9781524864705
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54335181-unicorn-island
Donna’s website:  https://www.donnagalanti.com/

UNICORN ISLAND GIVEAWAY

Please see the link and HTML code and link to the Unicorn Island giveaway. This runs February 9th at 12a.m. through February 15th at 11:45p.m. USA and Canada only. I always provide both the code and link in case you can’t add in the code to your site:

The Unicorn Island Prize Package includes:
$25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Unicorn LED night light and key chain
Unicorn stickers, 2 pencils, 2 erasers
Bookmarks and autographed bookplate

CONTEST LINK:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ddcc91cd25/?

Meet Donna

I’m the author of the middle grade adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road, which the Midwest Book Review called, “A heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish”. I’m also the author of the follow up, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, and the bestselling paranormal suspense Element Trilogy for adults. In addition, I write the popular Unicorn Island series for Epic, the leading digital platform for kids 12 and under. I’m also a writing contest judge at NYC Midnight and regularly present as a guest author at schools.

I love teaching at writing conferences on marketing and craft, am the creator of several online courses for writers at Udemy, and a member of the blog, From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors. When I’m not writing you can find me on Twitter or Facebook where I love to share all things about outdoor adventures and children’s books. I’ve lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer, and have had a long career in corporate marketing. I’m represented by Liza Fleissig with the Liza Royce Agency in NYC. Visit me at donnagalanti.com.

Here’s to Jo and Chocolate

Nothing says love of life more than good food and a good sense of humor. Jo tapped into both, and so in honor of her, here’s one of my favorite biscotti recipes.

Espresso Hazelnut Biscotti

2/3 C. blanched hazelnuts
3 large eggs
2 TBS instant espresso powder
2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 C. butter
1 C. sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tsp coffee extract or vanilla extract
3 oz semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Toast hazelnuts, tossing until golden brown. (Keep an eye on these. They can burn if not watched.) 8-10 minutes. Cool, then coarsely chop. Reduce oven to 325.

Separate yolk from one egg over small bowl and catch the white. Place yolk in another small bowl. Set egg white aside for brushing. Crack remaining two eggs in bowl with yolk. Add espresso powder and dissolve.

Whisk flour baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. On medium speed beat butter and 1 C. sugar about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl, add egg yolk mixture in coffee extract to combine.

Add dry ingredients and mix on ow speed to combine. Add hazelnuts and chocolate and mix to evenly distribute.

Divide dough into 2 even pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets. Shape into 5″ squares, 1″ thick. Beat reserved egg white and brush over the loaves. Won’t need all of it. Sprinkle generously with sugar.

Bake loaves, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through until firm in the center and starting to crisp at edges 30-30 min. (I did for a shorter time.) They will spread, so give them space.

Transer loaves to cutting board. With serrated knife, slice 1/2″ thick. Arrange biscotti cut side down on baking sheets and bake, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back half way through, until dry and crisp, 30-35 minutes. Cool.

Can be baked 1 week ahead. Store in an airtight container, or freeze. However, these disappear so fast that you won’t have to worry about storing them.

To find other great recipes and some kind words about Jo, here’s the LINK.

Rainy Day Wednesday

It was a rainy, shut-in kind of day–the third in a row. Ordinarily, I don’t mind these days when I can cozy up by the fire, but after being a semi-recluse during the Covid year, I really felt caged in. I did a lot of pacing, eyed the wine rack (it was only ten in the morning), and considered tossing caution and heading out into the storm for a hike. But the wind was fierce and the trees were doing some very bendy tangos. I’d rather not have one of them crash on my head.

“Well, you could plant yourself in front of the computer and write something, you know.” The voice of the muse.

That was an option, but I was out of inspiration. That’s happened a lot this past year (see above re: semi-recluse and Covid) Then I received an image, and after a few wistful moments, taking in this picture, I followed my muse’s advice. I thought I’d share my writing prompt today in case anyone out there was in need of some cheerful nostalgia.

One of my boys off to see the world with his dog!

But now it’s time to rock the neurotic writing world! So shall we?

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.   

February 3 question – Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?  

The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Louise – Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!

Join Us Now

When I first started blogging I knew no one. I didn’t expect anyone to visit my site, and–surprise–nobody did, not at first anyway. But I plodded along, writing short, but daily posts and my publisher kept nudging me with hints about how important networking would be for me if I continued to write for publication. She sent me links to some “movers and shakers” in the community, so I visited them, and every once in a while someone would stumble on my posts and leave a comment. 

I can’t remember when I could claim to have a network, but it was probably my second year and after my second book came out. By that time I’d had a few trials by fire, met writers with similar experiences, and learned how to write a decent post. What I find interesting is that some of my earliest connections are still with me and I can definitely call them friends.

We’ve exchanged manuscripts, comforting shoulders (virtually, of course), book successes, and setbacks. We’ve exchanged hints and featured each other on our blogs during book launches. Some have called to talk when they knew I was going through a rough patch. Others send me cards with good wishes on holidays. One sent me congratulations and a bouquet of flowers when I did a presentation at a major conference. I remember how special that made me feel. 

I’ve said this many times, but this seems a good time to repeat it. I wouldn’t still be doing this if it weren’t for the friends I’ve made here in the blogosphere, and I value each of them for their talent, perseverance, and kindness.  

Quote of the Month: “And she loved a little boy very, very much. Even more than she loved herself.” -Shel Silverstein

A Fighting Chance Launch!

I had to know the answer to this question: Who is your favorite character in the Disaster Crimes series?

Here’s what the author, Chrys Fey wrote. Thorn. Hands down. And what’s interesting is that he wasn’t a character I had planned. In Hurricane Crimes (Book 1) Beth and Donovan carried that story and are the only characters (aside from Hurricane Sabrina) until one bad guy comes in at the end. Thorn comes into the series in Seismic Crimes (Book 2) because of the case against the murderers of Donovan’s brother, an Internal Affairs investigator. He wasn’t supposed to have a big role, but he wanted to come back for an undercover string. And then again after the earthquake. Okay, I thought, you’re cool and funny, so I’ll let you come along for the ride. 

In Tsunami Crimes, we see him more often. We also see other sides of him. He’s not just the detective or the guy who likes to flirt with Beth to get on Donovan’s nerves. He’s also caring, comes to Beth and Donovan’s rescue, speaks wisdom to Donovan, and gets embarrassed when Beth cries. He was quickly becoming a character I wanted to write about more and more.

So, I did. In Flaming Crimes, Thorn is called upon by Beth and Donovan for help. We witness his impressive driving skills as a law enforcement officer, in fiery woods to boot. I also introduce a possible love interest…Amanda, and in doing that, uncovered yet another side of Thorn—his romantic heart. He was always a great friend, like a brother to Beth and Donovan, but he hadn’t had the chance to show any other aspect of love up until then. In Frozen Crimes, I expanded on that. I had to. It was too good to resist, and Thorn wouldn’t have let me. Before I even began writing Frozen Crimes, I knew Thorn would have his own story with Amanda.

I guess you could say Thorn stole my writer’s heart.

Pages: 154
Genre: Romantic-Suspense
Heat Rating: Hot

BLURB:

*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*

Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he’s worried the truth will frighten her away.

And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.

Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

EXCERPT:

Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.

“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.

April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.

From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”

“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”

The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.

Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”

His voice was closer now.

***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***
THE DISASTER CURSE

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*

The Disaster Crimes Series:

*The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)
Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)
Seismic Crimes (#2)
Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)
Tsunami Crimes (#3)
Flaming Crimes (#4)
Frozen Crimes (#5)
A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)
The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)
*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.

***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***

TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.

***GIVEAWAY***

Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle

Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a92670/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:

 Newsletter / Website / Facebook Group /Blog / BookBub Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon