Renee Hand's Blog, page 6
May 12, 2015
Review for Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron
Lucky Strike by Bobbie PyronA rich, southern voice tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders, the lightning strike that turns their world upside down and the true meaning of lucky.Nate Harlow has never had a lucky day in his life. He's never won a prize, he's never been picked first, he's never even won a coin toss. His best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn't think for one second that there's such a thing as luck, good or bad. But only an extremely unlucky person could be struck by lightning on his birthday... and that person is Nate Harlow. By some miracle, though, Nate survives, and the strike seems to have changed his luck. Suddenly, Nate's grandpa is the busiest fisherman in their small, beachside town. And Nate finds himself the center of attention, the most popular kid at school, the one who hits a game-winning home run! This lucky streak can't last forever, though, and as a hurricane draws close to the shores of Paradise Beach, Nate and Gen may need more than just good luck to save their friendship and their town: They need a miracle.
Age Range: 8 - 12 yearsGrade Level: 3 - 7Hardcover: 272 pagesPublisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (February 24, 2015)ISBN-10: 0545592178ISBN-13: 978-0545592178 Review:Lucky Strike is your typical story about two unique kids who get picked on at school. Genesis Beam is a brilliant, and at times, annoying walking encyclopedia, while Nate Harlow is the most unluckiest child in the world. Being bullied is not uncommon with these two. What changes everything is that Nate gets struck by lightening, but not directly. Though it didn't kill him, it did leave a scar on his hand and arm. It also changed his luck. For once in his life, everything seemed to work out for him. He was becoming friends with the most popular kids in school, he didn't get bullied, he even brought luck to the people who were around him. The problem was, as his popularity began to grow, so did his ego. He forgot what was important to him---it was his great friendship with Genesis, the one who liked him for who he was not who he was becoming. He didn't realize until it was almost too late how good he had it. The grass is greener on the other side, is what comes to mind when reading this book, but as we know the grass is only greener where you water it.
What is great about this story is how Nate realized what was truly important. It's not getting everything you want, it is to appreciate what you have. Though Nate liked helping other people he also saw the ugliness in people when they couldn't use him for what they wanted. They began turning his good fortune into something bad and it began to hurt the ones he loved. That certainly wasn't what he wanted. In fact, he wished that the lightening strike never happened to him and if he could have he would have reversed everything. But then a hurricane hit their town and instead of thinking about himself, Nate reached out to help others. When Genesis needed him that was when the lightening strike had become a true blessing. A broken friendship was immediately mended and the gift was no longer a curse. With supporting friends and family around him he was indeed the luckiest boy in the world.
Children of all ages will enjoy this 263 page novel and relish in the lesson it provides.
May 7, 2015
Interview with Joal Derse Dauer for Sadie and the Superstars
Come and join me as I talk with author Joal Derse Dauer about her picture book Sadie and the Superstars on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Sadie and the Superstars
Paperback: 42 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (December 16, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 150542545XISBN-13: 978-1505425451
Review:
Sadie and the Superstars is an inspiring story of a handicapped dog named Sadie who has overcome great obstacles. The story begins with a boy named, Max, and his dog, Dexter, who are both deaf. They meet up with Zach and some other friends and play baseball. Afterwards, they meet a girl named Joal who has Sadie in a wagon. Some of the kids pick on Sadie because she can't walk but the new friends ignore the kids and go and play together. They have a fun afternoon swimming down at the lake. As they walk back through town they run into some people in wheelchairs who are playing basketball. The people find Sadie inspiring because they too, cannot walk and need wheels to move around.
This story is inspiring to everyone. If Sadie can rise above all the problems and pain she had gone through, then others can do it as well. Sadie teaches everyone to focus on what they Can Do and not what they Can't Do.
About the Authors:
Allison Schley is the author of the Forever Friends’ series. Allison lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Bill, two children, Megan and Zach, three cats and a dog named Carlton. Allison grew up in Ohio and attended Beachwood Schools. It is there she learned to use sign language and befriended children with hearing loss. These friendships led her on a journey and to a lifelong passion to work with children with hearing loss. She has been in the field of Deaf Education for 20 years and founded Communication Connections, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to early intervention for families with hearing loss. When she isn’t working, Allison can be found enjoying time with her family, selling 3 D Mascara, and taking walks with Carlton.
Joal Derse Dauer was raised in suburban Milwaukee, and has had a passion for animals since early childhood. She uses this passion as an animal activist, teacher, lecturer and author to share Sadie’s story. Through her story, she hopes to promote acceptance of people and animals with special needs and to stop the cycle of animal abuse.
Book Summary:
SADIE AND THE SUPERSTARS Life can be difficult when you are looked at as “different” and not accepted. Meet Sadie, the real dog that no one wanted. She teaches us to focus on what you CAN DO and not what you CAN’T DO. Sadie lives with Joal and they travel extensively teaching acceptance and instructing others how to stop the cycle of abuse. This inspirational story will warm your heart! You just may think of adopting a shelter dog with special needs, just like Sadie!
www.savingsadie.com
Sadie and the Superstars
Paperback: 42 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (December 16, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 150542545XISBN-13: 978-1505425451
Review:
Sadie and the Superstars is an inspiring story of a handicapped dog named Sadie who has overcome great obstacles. The story begins with a boy named, Max, and his dog, Dexter, who are both deaf. They meet up with Zach and some other friends and play baseball. Afterwards, they meet a girl named Joal who has Sadie in a wagon. Some of the kids pick on Sadie because she can't walk but the new friends ignore the kids and go and play together. They have a fun afternoon swimming down at the lake. As they walk back through town they run into some people in wheelchairs who are playing basketball. The people find Sadie inspiring because they too, cannot walk and need wheels to move around.
This story is inspiring to everyone. If Sadie can rise above all the problems and pain she had gone through, then others can do it as well. Sadie teaches everyone to focus on what they Can Do and not what they Can't Do.
About the Authors:
Allison Schley is the author of the Forever Friends’ series. Allison lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Bill, two children, Megan and Zach, three cats and a dog named Carlton. Allison grew up in Ohio and attended Beachwood Schools. It is there she learned to use sign language and befriended children with hearing loss. These friendships led her on a journey and to a lifelong passion to work with children with hearing loss. She has been in the field of Deaf Education for 20 years and founded Communication Connections, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to early intervention for families with hearing loss. When she isn’t working, Allison can be found enjoying time with her family, selling 3 D Mascara, and taking walks with Carlton.
Joal Derse Dauer was raised in suburban Milwaukee, and has had a passion for animals since early childhood. She uses this passion as an animal activist, teacher, lecturer and author to share Sadie’s story. Through her story, she hopes to promote acceptance of people and animals with special needs and to stop the cycle of animal abuse.
Book Summary:
SADIE AND THE SUPERSTARS Life can be difficult when you are looked at as “different” and not accepted. Meet Sadie, the real dog that no one wanted. She teaches us to focus on what you CAN DO and not what you CAN’T DO. Sadie lives with Joal and they travel extensively teaching acceptance and instructing others how to stop the cycle of abuse. This inspirational story will warm your heart! You just may think of adopting a shelter dog with special needs, just like Sadie!
www.savingsadie.com
April 30, 2015
New Release of Romance Novel On May 1st
I'm so excited about this new release!!!Loves Conqueror out on May 1st, 2015. A pirate story. Please check it out at LOVES CONQUEROR on Amazon. Paperback and kindle available.
Description:
Miranda Mayne, the daughter of a notorious pirate, spent most of her life in the hustle and bustle of London society, though her true love was always the sea. Promising her father she will stay away from the life that killed her mother, Miranda accepts the marriage proposal of a man she thinks she can trust--only to discover that his true intentions are to secretly capture her father. Trapped between loyalty and deceit, Miranda's heart falls prey for her true match only to find that he is out of her reach. Will she lose everything she holds dear or can she save her father, find true love, and most of all...find herself before reality prevails?
April 29, 2015
Book of the Day-When My Lion Calls by Tara Fairfield
Tara FairfieldWhen My Lion CallsThe River Of Truth SeriesBook 1
* Blog: tarafairfield.com* Twitter: @makaiqueen *Website: www.makaiqueen.com
About The Author:Dr. Fairfield is a licensed psychologist with her doctorate from Northern Arizona University. She has been a featured guest on Teen Talk and Parent Talk radio with Nicole O'dell (ChooseNOW Ministries) and writes a monthly column for parents.
With over twenty years of experience working with youth and families, and as the mother of three children, Dr. Fairfield has dedicated her life to helping struggling teens find their confidence and faith in the Lord. She uses fictional characters to present positive messages to youth through the art of story. In the Makai Series, Dr. Fairfield puts this concept in action in these fantastical tales of adventure, forgiveness, and the acceptance of God's love.
When she's not writing you will find her having fun with her family or playing in the ocean! God Bless!
Summary:In a world decimated by death and disease, evil threatens to descend upon the small clan of survivors Elle calls family. Things are not what they seem and dark forces are at work. When a bear savagely attacks her friend, rumors suggest the incident might be more than coincidence. Nobody is safe. Armed with a sense of determination, Elle joins forces with a young lion keeper to save those she loves. Together, they embark on a quest to journey to the City of Light and seek the protection of King Elohim. Will this king have the answers they seek? Every choice has a consequence. Will Elle choose to embrace the truth or succumb to the pressures of her clan? The future depends upon her decision.
Series: River of Truth SeriesPaperback: 140 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 5, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1507866348ISBN-13: 978-1507866344Others books are The Makai Queen and The Makai King
April 28, 2015
Book of the Day-The Autobiography of an Infant by Jeffrey Von Glahn
The Autobiography Of An Infant by Jeffrey Von Glahn
Author's Note:
My experience as Jessica’s therapist (Jessica: The autobiography of an infanthttp://www.amazon.com/Jessica-autobiography-Jeffrey-Von-Glahn/dp/0595364292 ) was, overall, a totally mesmerizing experience, and one that I would without a second’s hesitation do again even though it occupied untold hours, as well as many years of my life if one includes writing the book, which took about 20 years. What I was most struck by, and what made the most lasting impression on me, was how Jessica’s infant mind compared to my adult mind, and with all the other so-called developed minds I had come to know. As Jessica described more and more of her very early experiences, and in such minute detail, I became more and more envious at how her mind operated during those earliest days of her life. She was so curious, so interested, so fascinated, so eager, and so sensitive to what was happening around her. She was so eager to be a part of that “big, working thing.”
Summary:Jessica had always been haunted by the fear that the unthinkable had happened when she had been “made-up.” For as far back as she could remember, she had no sense of a Self. Her mother thought of her as the “perfect infant” because “she never wanted anything and she never needed anything.” As a child, just thinking of saying “I need” or “I want” left her feeling like an empty shell and that her mind was about to spin out of control. Terrified of who––or what––she was, she lived in constant dread over being found guilty of impersonating a human being.
Jeffrey Von Glahn, Ph.D., an experienced therapist with an unshakable belief in the healing powers of the human spirit, and Jessica blaze a trail into this unexplored territory. As if she has, in fact, become an infant again, Jessica remembers in extraordinary detail events from the earliest days of her life––events that threatened to twist her embryonic humanness from its natural course of development. Her recollections are like listening to an infant who could talk describe every psychologically dramatic moment of its life as it was happening.
When Dr. Von Glahn met Jessica, she was 23. Everyone regarded her as a responsible, caring person – except that she never drove and she stayed at her mother’s when her husband worked nights.
For many months, Jessica’s therapy was stuck in an impasse. Dr. Von Glahn had absolutely no idea that she was so terrified over simply talking about herself. In hopes of breakthrough, she boldly asked for four hours of therapy a day, for three days a week, for six weeks. The mystery that was Jessica cracked open in dramatic fashion, and in a way that Dr. Von Glahn could never have imagined. Then she asked for four days a week – and for however long it took. In the following months, her electrifying journey into her mystifying past brought her ever closer to a final confrontation with the events that had threatened to forever strip her of her basic humanness.
Jeffrey Von Glahn*Website:http://newideasinpsychotherapy.wordpress.com*Twitter: @JeffreyVonGlahn*Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1KMiLeN
A Short Excerpt:
Until I watched Jessica (Jessica: The autobiography of an infant) remember her birth, I was as much of a non-believer as everyone else. It just didn’t seem humanly possible. To be convinced that it is, you either have to experience it yourself or watch someone you know do so.Jessica’s remembrance of her birth began just like the others, with her talking about an upsetting feeling she found herself experiencing at the moment and not, at least at first, related to any memory.Her immediate feeling on this day was “Something feels real dead and unimportant in me.” Her confident expression intimated that more would quickly follow. However, for the next 30 or so seconds she just stared over my shoulder at the window behind me.Since Jessica had already remembered a few infant experiences in the past month or two, I thought that a direct “When did you first feel dead?’ was worth a try.She had an immediate reply, and in the same confident tone: “I’ve always felt dead.” This was followed a few moments later by, “I was thinking about that earlier.”“I remember ‘thinking’ before I was born about everything that was going to happen. I was going to be born so that somebody could love and touch me, so I could be enough, so I could be a part of a big, working thing, and I could have an effect on the world.”I was mesmerized. I stayed in that state for the next 45 minutes, without saying a word the whole time.Jessica went on to explain that the first few minutes of her actually being in the world had been so hectic that a part of her must have gotten “screwed up within minutes.”When the top of her head appeared, she was pushed back in, turned over, and hurriedly pulled out – and with everyone totally unaware that she was trying to do her part in getting herself born.While all this was going on, her mother was screaming over her body tearing and blood squirting about. The doctor barked urgent commands and all on the medical team scurried about.The nurses handled her body like a rag doll and they joked with each other while they absentmindedly cleaned her up. And most importantly, no one looked directly into her eyes and welcomed her into the world.Throughout all this, Jessica’s voice was vibrant and her words electrifying. Her face, her posture, her tone of voice radiated whatever emotion she was experiencing – excitement, hope, indignation, disappointment, joy, and even at one point, laughter.At the end, she reflected on all she had remembered: “If visitors came to this planet, they’d leave and wonder how we got to be human beings. That’s exactly what I ‘thought’ when I first got here. How did anyone survive? I didn’t know how I’d survive. They were all screwy! That’s why you look so good. Because you’re not as screwy!”
April 23, 2015
Interview with Shirley Harris Slaughter for Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge!
Come and join me as I talk with author Shirley Harris Slaughter about her book Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge! on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge!
Summary:
Imagine experiencing emotions that have you questioning your sanity. Your body gets overheated at the least bit of excitement and you scramble to find a fan or some air. Or you find yourself in the throes of a panic attack and can’t understand how to shut it off, so you are filled with anxiety wondering when the next one is coming. What if every time you take a drug you experience side-affects that you are warned about on the label? The title was conceived in my mind after I thought over all the situations I had found myself in, getting out of them, and the affect all of this had on my overall physical and mental well-being. Crazy! Hot! And Living On the Edge!! Is the True Story of My Upside Down Life!
Paperback: 84 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (April 3, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1508952507ISBN-13: 978-1508952503
About the AuthorShirley Harris-Slaughter’s first book highlights her passion for history which led to her first published work, Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community. But she wouldn’t have been able to write that book had she not had the presence of mind to conquer the health crisis she found herself in. She is an advocate for natural health and healing. Any problem that she had to face, she found her way out of it through sheer determination and a miracle. This led to her second book CRAZY! HOT! AND LIVING ON THE EDGE!! Harris-Slaughter saw a void that needed to be filled; and so she decided to share her experience. Harris-Slaughter has been active in her community by supporting candidates for elected office, and voting in every election. She served on the Oak Park School Board. She is an advocate for children and mentored four freshmen girls in the Winning Futures program. She is an active member in her church and she belongs to the Rave Reviews (Virtual) Book Club. She married her best friend Langston and they share a blended family. “We are as different as night and day and yet we are so much alike in many ways. We made it through thirty-two years!” Shirley Harris-Slaughter is available for speaking engagements. Contact Email Address: sharrislaughter@gmail.com
April 19, 2015
Some Great Reads In Various Genres
WEEKLY INSPIRATION:"Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."~Ann Landers
Congrats to our MEMBER OF THE MONTH: Rebecca Reilly, author of HAUNTING MEGAN and DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN WOMAN!!
Please check out our website to learn more about this talented RRBC Member!
Congrats to this week's MEMBER OF THE WEEK: Renee Hand, author of some awesome Children's books, like THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCUS FOR HIRE. Renee is a very supportive member of other authors and she is appreciated for that support!
As Member Of The Week, Renee will get to choose a free book from the Kathryn C. Treat Book Giveaway Treasure Chest!!
Congrats to this week's #PUSHTUESDAY Winner: John Fioravanti!!
A huge THANK YOU to all those that supported him on his special day!!
Congrats to our BOOKS OF THE MONTH!!
MIRROR OF OUR LIVES: VOICES OF FOUR IGBO WOMEN by Joy Lo-Bamijoko
LUCK OF THE IRISH by Liz Gavin
PATTY CAKES & THE STOLEN BALL by J.V. Carr
Please show your support to these deserving members. You can do so by helping us promote them on social media, and also by purchasing/reviewing their books. Remember, those that give support will receive support!!
April 16, 2015
Interview with Rodney Evans for The Flatulent Pumpkin
Come and join me as I talk with author Rodney Evans about his book The Flatulent Pumpkin on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
The Flatulent Pumpkin
Review:
The Flatulent Pumpkin is not your ordinary story about someone or something passing gas, it is about a lesson in character. JJ is a boy in a boring cold town that is longing to have something amazing happen. Not much grows there, no flowers or bushes, yet here is a pumpkin that JJ had nurtured and cared for that grew to the size of a tree. Out of the ordinary, the people of the little town are scared and uncertain of what is going on, especially when they hear the pumpkin pass gas quite frequently, causing an orangish glow. The poor mayor constantly gets the blame for this, until JJ proves that his pumpkin is special. JJ, who is good at heart and is kind to others, makes a wish that the whole town can benefit from. When it comes true, the townspeople look at the pumpkin different, almost as a saving grace. The town needed a hero and one arose amongst the orange fog.
Children from all ages are going to like this 43 page short story. Unlike other books about flatulence, this story is not crude or disgusting. It actually brings about a good message while adding in some humor. The author does a great job weaving them together and focusing on what is truly important.
About the author:
The Flatulent Pumpkin started as a dinner time story. We were sitting around the table talking and I created a joke which made the family laugh. I never imagined becoming an author. I've spent my professional career writing reports, briefs, memos and emails. However, my family insisted I write this story because a flatulent pumpkin caused a giggle fest in our home, and the children wanted me to share it. So I followed the command and wrote this funny story about a magical flatulent pumpkin.
Unlike most stories with flatulence, I didn't write anything crude, offensive or disgusting. After all, we all know that one trick pony. When I tell stories, I used the opportunity as a teaching moment to entertain, educate and enlighten children and adults.
The story demonstrates how people respond to an unknown situation, how people care for one another and how they are able to work together. This is one of life's greatest lessons; you must approach life with an open mind and a sense of humor. Life is meant for us to be happy and isn't laughter the best way to show an appreciation for those you loved.
Paperback: 44 pagesPublisher: DBA (August 1, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0983989052ISBN-13: 978-0983989059
Book DescriptionOnce upon a time a strange magical pumpkin appeared. Curiosity turned to excitement when the pumpkin goes POP! and a 10 year-old boy vanished! So who will help our ten-year-old and what will the pumpkin do next? Find out how he returns and learns the lesson of a lifetime. Check out other titles including The Flatulent Pumpkin's instant classic Gone with the Wind!
This story will warm your heart. The newest, The Case of the Plucked Chicken, is the funniest character development story you will ever read.
The Flatulent Pumpkin
Review:
The Flatulent Pumpkin is not your ordinary story about someone or something passing gas, it is about a lesson in character. JJ is a boy in a boring cold town that is longing to have something amazing happen. Not much grows there, no flowers or bushes, yet here is a pumpkin that JJ had nurtured and cared for that grew to the size of a tree. Out of the ordinary, the people of the little town are scared and uncertain of what is going on, especially when they hear the pumpkin pass gas quite frequently, causing an orangish glow. The poor mayor constantly gets the blame for this, until JJ proves that his pumpkin is special. JJ, who is good at heart and is kind to others, makes a wish that the whole town can benefit from. When it comes true, the townspeople look at the pumpkin different, almost as a saving grace. The town needed a hero and one arose amongst the orange fog.
Children from all ages are going to like this 43 page short story. Unlike other books about flatulence, this story is not crude or disgusting. It actually brings about a good message while adding in some humor. The author does a great job weaving them together and focusing on what is truly important.
About the author:
The Flatulent Pumpkin started as a dinner time story. We were sitting around the table talking and I created a joke which made the family laugh. I never imagined becoming an author. I've spent my professional career writing reports, briefs, memos and emails. However, my family insisted I write this story because a flatulent pumpkin caused a giggle fest in our home, and the children wanted me to share it. So I followed the command and wrote this funny story about a magical flatulent pumpkin.
Unlike most stories with flatulence, I didn't write anything crude, offensive or disgusting. After all, we all know that one trick pony. When I tell stories, I used the opportunity as a teaching moment to entertain, educate and enlighten children and adults.
The story demonstrates how people respond to an unknown situation, how people care for one another and how they are able to work together. This is one of life's greatest lessons; you must approach life with an open mind and a sense of humor. Life is meant for us to be happy and isn't laughter the best way to show an appreciation for those you loved.
Paperback: 44 pagesPublisher: DBA (August 1, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0983989052ISBN-13: 978-0983989059
Book DescriptionOnce upon a time a strange magical pumpkin appeared. Curiosity turned to excitement when the pumpkin goes POP! and a 10 year-old boy vanished! So who will help our ten-year-old and what will the pumpkin do next? Find out how he returns and learns the lesson of a lifetime. Check out other titles including The Flatulent Pumpkin's instant classic Gone with the Wind!
This story will warm your heart. The newest, The Case of the Plucked Chicken, is the funniest character development story you will ever read.
April 9, 2015
Interview with Harmony Kent for Rave Soup For the Writer's Soul and Polishing Your Prose
Come and join me as I talk with author Harmony Kent about her book Polish Your Prose and Rave Reviews for the Writer's Soul and others on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Summary:
Polish Your Prose is a powerful new guide that gives essential editing tips for authors. Lots of books have been written on the art of writing, and here—at last—is a guide that will teach you the essential techniques of editing your own book. This will help you turn a promising manuscript into a published novel. And, it does this without the jargon. You don’t need to know all the grammatical terms in order to make use of this book. You don’t need to know the definition of a split infinitive, a comma splice, or a ‘to be’ verb, as this manual explains these in detail in easy to understand terms, and a lively and engaging style. Chapters on Passive Writing, Tense, Point of View, Dialogue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an editor would go through to polish and perfect your manuscript. Good writing is nothing without good editing. Learn the secrets of good editing and writing with this essential author reference, which offers so much more for so much less. Harmony Kent is an award winning author, and accomplished editor and proofreader. Her passion is helping Indie Authors to successfully achieve their goals and dreams.
Summary:
RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL Anthology is a compilation of motivational, inspirational and humorous stories from some of the most talented writers of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. These stories and poems are meant to inspire you and lift you up at the exact moment you need it. We all know how soup warms our bodies, and there are so many different brands on the market to choose from, but for a writer, only RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL will do! So pick up your literary spoon and ENJOY!
Author:
Indie Author Harmony Kent has written a number of books. The Battle for Brisingamen, her first novel, is a work of fantasy fiction and was approved by Awesome Indies within weeks of its release. Her second book, The Glade shows her equally at home in the realms of mystery, suspense and thriller - with a dash of magical realism. This book has also been approved for the Awesome Indies List. The Glade was awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion in July 2014. Harmony's third book (Elemental Earth) is Young Adult Fantasy Fiction, and was published 31st July 2014. With more books already in progress, she is well on her way to being a firmly established multi genre author. As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal and beta reading services. As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. Harmony is 42 years old, single and currently lives in Cornwall, England. Read on for ten things Harmony thinks you should know about her ... Ten Things:
I was born in 2013 (at least, the author in me was) ... the rest of me is ... err ... just a LITTLE bit older than that.
I am really boring.
I have absolutely no sense of humour. At all.
I read. A lot.
I write. Even more.
I'm completely sane (in).
I don't have any children, but I am surrounded by loads of cute gremlins who claim to be my nieces and nephews. Stranger still: they seem to like me.
If you've read this far, you're probably as sane as I am.
If you still want to hang around, and if you're feeling brave ...
I'm online ...
www.harmonykent.co.uk
twitter: @harmony_kent
www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HarmonyK
harmonykent@gmx.com
Summary:
Polish Your Prose is a powerful new guide that gives essential editing tips for authors. Lots of books have been written on the art of writing, and here—at last—is a guide that will teach you the essential techniques of editing your own book. This will help you turn a promising manuscript into a published novel. And, it does this without the jargon. You don’t need to know all the grammatical terms in order to make use of this book. You don’t need to know the definition of a split infinitive, a comma splice, or a ‘to be’ verb, as this manual explains these in detail in easy to understand terms, and a lively and engaging style. Chapters on Passive Writing, Tense, Point of View, Dialogue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an editor would go through to polish and perfect your manuscript. Good writing is nothing without good editing. Learn the secrets of good editing and writing with this essential author reference, which offers so much more for so much less. Harmony Kent is an award winning author, and accomplished editor and proofreader. Her passion is helping Indie Authors to successfully achieve their goals and dreams.
Summary:
RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL Anthology is a compilation of motivational, inspirational and humorous stories from some of the most talented writers of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. These stories and poems are meant to inspire you and lift you up at the exact moment you need it. We all know how soup warms our bodies, and there are so many different brands on the market to choose from, but for a writer, only RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL will do! So pick up your literary spoon and ENJOY!
Author:
Indie Author Harmony Kent has written a number of books. The Battle for Brisingamen, her first novel, is a work of fantasy fiction and was approved by Awesome Indies within weeks of its release. Her second book, The Glade shows her equally at home in the realms of mystery, suspense and thriller - with a dash of magical realism. This book has also been approved for the Awesome Indies List. The Glade was awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion in July 2014. Harmony's third book (Elemental Earth) is Young Adult Fantasy Fiction, and was published 31st July 2014. With more books already in progress, she is well on her way to being a firmly established multi genre author. As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal and beta reading services. As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. Harmony is 42 years old, single and currently lives in Cornwall, England. Read on for ten things Harmony thinks you should know about her ... Ten Things:
I was born in 2013 (at least, the author in me was) ... the rest of me is ... err ... just a LITTLE bit older than that.
I am really boring.
I have absolutely no sense of humour. At all.
I read. A lot.
I write. Even more.
I'm completely sane (in).
I don't have any children, but I am surrounded by loads of cute gremlins who claim to be my nieces and nephews. Stranger still: they seem to like me.
If you've read this far, you're probably as sane as I am.
If you still want to hang around, and if you're feeling brave ...
I'm online ...
www.harmonykent.co.uk
twitter: @harmony_kent
www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HarmonyK
harmonykent@gmx.com
April 2, 2015
Review of T-Bone's Traveling Circus by Janice Virant
Book DescriptionDefeat Bullying with Love, Laughter and Acceptance! In this imaginative sequel to "T-Bone the Flying Horse," meet Rita Bonita the young horse who is constantly the target of teasing and bullying. Her life is transformed in a wonderful way when she meets a girl and her colorful cast of misfit friends. The girl, inspired by her great friend T-Bone, has formed a circus to help the teased love themselves and stand up to bullying! Join Rita Bonita and her new circus friends as they share laughter and spark the imagination in this fantastical rhyming tale about love and acceptance.About the AuthorJanice Virant lives in Littleton, Colorado. She grew up on a farm in Chesterfield, Missouri. An avid horsewoman and animal lover, T-Bone and Rita Bonita are two adopted horses whose beauty and unconditional love inspired this story.Product DetailsPaperback: 26 pagesPublisher: Outskirts Press (January 7, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1478729619ISBN-13: 978-1478729617
Review
T-Bone's Traveling Circus is a story about how to defeat bullying with friendship, love, and laughter.
Rita Bonita becomes a victim of bullying, an all too common problem. Why do people bully you ask? It's hard to tell. Is it because of the power one gets when humiliating someone else? Though they are the ones who actually look like the fool. Is it because the person has bullying problems at home and so they extend that out to their own lives and pass it on? In this case Rita is being bullied because of her appearance. Her ears are rather large compared to other horses.
Ones appearance can easily be a cause for bullying. Whether someone is fat, has large ears, big nose, funky colored hair, attitude, or someones tastes in clothes. Teasing somone about their appearance can be hurtful. Rita experiences this first hand. But instead of wallowing about it in self pity, she ends up meeting some friends who are as unique in appearance as she. These new friends teach her of acceptance. People may tease but if we accept ourselves for our differences than no bullies words can hurt you. You must be proud of who you are, that comes first. Everyone is different, that is what makes us unique, we are not the same, so how we look or the things we like makes us who we are. Should we change ourselves because we don't conform to what everyone else likes and does, that's crazy.
Rita's friends talk to her about what makes them unique and she realizes that she is not alone. These new friends accept each other and become friends who can share what they have learned with others. A quibble would be that these friends are called a traveling circus. This makes one think that they show off their uniqueness to others like a freak show. That is certainly not the case. These friends actually go around talking about bullying and more. The title can give a misinterpretation of what this story is about. T-Bone's traveling friends would send a better message.
Children of all ages will enjoy the fun characters and great message the author instills in this 26 page picture book. Friendship, love, and laughter are great ways to overcome bullying.
