MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 432

April 10, 2013

The Wizard's Cauldron: The Indie Goldfish Bowl - Ngaire Elder meets writer Mark Barry

The Wizard's Cauldron: The Indie Goldfish Bowl - Ngaire Elder meets write...: Hello Wizardwatchers. Ngaire here. Lovely to see you all.  Well, the other day, I was minding my own business when the phone rang....

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Published on April 10, 2013 06:07

History Trivia - Ludovico Sforza captured by Swiss troops

April 10

837 Comet 1P/837 F1 (Halley) approached within 0.0334 AUs of Earth.

847 St Leo IV began his reign as Catholic Pope.

879 Louis III became King of the Western Franks.

1500 Ludovico Sforza was captured by the Swiss troops at Novara and was handed over to the French.

1512 James V of Scotland was born. His only legitimate child to survive to adulthood was Mary, Queen of Scots. His illegitimate son, the Earl of Moray, became regent of Scotland when Mary abdicated.
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Published on April 10, 2013 06:05

April 9, 2013

Veetu Industries and Rae Gee: Reality Bites

Veetu Industries and Rae Gee: Reality Bites: In the latter half of 2012, I had an email from the extremely cool Wiz Green . Would I be willing to write a biographical piece about my ris...
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Published on April 09, 2013 16:37

In the Midst: Reality Bites

In the Midst: Reality Bites: Have you ever wondered what makes you, you? Yes, I have wondered that myself but in searching I found it doesn't really matter anymore. ...


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Published on April 09, 2013 09:33

BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 43 - TOP TEN ACTION MOVIES

BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 43 - TOP TEN ACTION MOVIES: SHOW SYNOPSIS:  After a rather lengthy hiatus the crew returns to talk about the Oscars as if they haven't already happened and give t...
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Published on April 09, 2013 09:14

My Paranormal Life: Author Mark Barry live From England! Sunday April 14, 2013 3 pm Eastern

My Paranormal Life: Author Mark Barry live From England! Sunday- April...: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mackenzi... Mark Barry, author of “Hollywood Shakedown”, “Ult...



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Author Mark Barry live From England!                Sun, April 14, 2013  3 pm eastern                Remind+Call in to speak with the host
(805) 285-9770                           If you liked this show, you can follow Mackenzie K.                                                                                                                                                                          Mark Barry, author of “Hollywood Shakedown”, “Ultra Violence” and “Carla”, is a Psychologist and writer whose main interest focuses on relationships between people.   He has been writing since he was twenty one, having his first piece published in 1986.  He has written extensively on a variety of topics including, horse racing, football, personality disorders and human relationships.  Influenced by the great playwrights and screenwriters, much of Mark’s work transpires in dialogue.  He deplores exposition and, in his fiction, leaves the reader in a state of nervousness more than he probably should.
Mark has had an extensive career as a professional project designer and bid writer, having accrued over £20m for groups and organisations working with disadvantaged people.  An ex-lecturer, Mark designed and delivered the UK’s first ever course in Criminal Psychology in 1997.  Much of this work infils his fiction:  Psychopathy and Borderline Personality Disorders are featured heavily in “Carla”, for example.

Currently, Mark is a full time fiction writer and freelance blogger.  He has been interviewed on several Radio talk shows where he has given readings of his work.  His work has been featured in The Sun and Daily Mail and he has also been interviewed on Television.

Mark resides in Southwell, Nottinghamshire with his teenage son.
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Published on April 09, 2013 08:51

History Trivia - Septimius Severus proclaimed Roman Emperor

April 9

193 Septimius Severus was proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (Balkans).

475 Byzantine Emperor Basiliscus issued a circular letter (Enkyklikon) to the bishops of his empire, supporting the Monophysite Christological position.

491 Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno died at an approximate age of 65.

999 Gerbert of Aurillac became Pope Sylvester II.

1413 Henry V was crowned King of England.

1440 Christopher of Bavaria was appointed King of Denmark.

1483 King Edward IV of England died.

1492 Lorenzo de' Medici died.
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Published on April 09, 2013 08:42

SSLYBLOG - Book spotlight -The Briton and the Dane – Mary Ann Bernal

http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/new-release-book-spotlight-the-briton-and-the-dane-mary-ann-bernal/
The Briton and the DaneSecond Edition
BritonDane_Revised_CVR
King Alfred the Great has thwarted the Viking threat against his kingdom of Wessex. Signing a treaty with the formidable Danish King Guthrum, he succeeds in pushing the heathen army back to the rolling fens of East Anglia.
An uneasy peace holds sway: The King establishes a standing army under Lord Richard, who takes command of the citadel at Wareham.
Richard and his army are accompanied by his daughter, Gwyneth, an impetuous and reckless young woman – at once striking, intellectually gifted, but dangerously vain and imprudent.
While Richard broods on the Viking threat, Gwyneth falls in love with an enemy prince – only to discover that she has been betrothed to a Saxon warrior twice her age.
Refusing to countenance her grim fate, she flees the fortress, but is soon kidnapped by a Viking warrior and taken to the camp of King Guthrum while Saxon search parties scour the land.
In captivity, a hostage to fortune, and the focus of political intrigue, Gwyneth is submerged in a world of expediency, betrayal and black treachery. Slowly, she realizes the truth is suspect, nothing is what it appears and her reality cannot be trusted.
And all the time, against this background, she desires nothing more than to be reunited with her dashing Danish prince.
Buy Links:
Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/The-Briton-Dane-Second-Edition/dp/1482554089/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1362840113&sr=8-10&keywords=The+briton+and+the+dane
Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.com/The-Briton-Dane-Second-Edition/dp/1482554089/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1362842781&sr=8-10&keywords=The+Briton+and+the+Dane
MAB
About the Author
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

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Published on April 09, 2013 05:20

April 8, 2013

Mary Ann Bernal featured on Fifty Odd

Fifty Odd Viewing Life After 50 Through Rose-Colored Bifocals    Mary Ann Bernal … Women Writers over 50Posted on April 8, 2013 | Leave a comment Women Writers over 50…Mary Ann Bernal by Author Mary Ann Bernal by Author Mary Ann BernalFifty Odd is featuring women writers over 50 each week for 50 weeks. Each guest answers questions about her writing subjects, her writing inspiration, her purpose for writing, and her current books and upcoming writing projects.Author Mary Ann Bernal is the featured guest this week.
Author Mary Ann Bernal Women Writers over 50 Author Mary Ann Bernal
Women Writers over 50Thank you for having me, Peggy.
About the Author
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age.  While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm.  She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work.  She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.Women Writers over 50 … Mary Ann BernalWhen did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Since grade school, after having impressed my teacher with one of my rhythmic poemsWhat or who inspired you to write?
The Hollywood Blockbusters of my youth was the inspiration behind my dream to write my Erik the Viking novel.What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
One of the themes running through The Briton and the Dane series is the plight of the warrior and his family.  My stories shed light on the effect a warrior’s “career” has on the family, and the sacrifices made by loved ones.  My subtle inferences are seen in today’s society, with our deployed men and women serving their county and preserving our freedom.  Thank a service person and/or veteran for their service.  Freedom is not free.Excerpt from The Briton and the Dane:  Concordia
This excerpt is from chapter one.  The reader is introduced to Brantson, a gallant warrior serving in King Alfred’s army.  Brantson is the perfect embodiment of honor, truth and justice, in a violent world.” Brantson walked amongst the wounded as his able-bodied men made the necessary preparations to bury the dead.  He spoke with every man, assessing their wounds while providing comfort, but his demeanor was somber as he silently counted the number of warriors he had lost.  Brantson gestured to the stableboy who hurried towards him, and he smiled slightly when the lad removed his hat and bowed.“How are you called?”“Alden, my lord.”“Alden, I would have you bring the wounded men to the holy brothers at the abbey, but return quickly for the dead.”“We will need more wagons,” Alden replied while pointing at the heathen bodies.“Nay, we will alight a funeral fire as is their custom…I would not deny them their beliefs.”“As you wish,” Alden mumbled before taking his leave.“The boy seemed surprised by your honorable treatment of the enemy,” the first officer said quietly as he approached his commander.“It is only fitting,” Brantson murmured as he gazed upon the lifeless bodies.  “But you already know my thoughts in this regard, so why are you troubled?” ”What have you learned from writing?
One’s writing improves the more one writes.
What are you working on now…or what is your next writing project?My next project is The Briton and the Dane: Timeline  — since I’m not ready to leave the Anglo-Saxon Britain.Following is a synopsis of Mary Ann’s Latest release, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia: Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw. Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia’s shores to study at the King’s Court School at Winchester.Enter Concordia, a beautiful noble woman whose family is favored by the king. Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor. She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred’s court and ignites her yearning passions.Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome, but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man. As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain’s bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor. Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.
The Briton and the Dane Concordia – Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/yDPaiQqmaIs
The Briton and the Dane Concordia — Purchase Information
US   http://www.amazon.com/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358684323&sr=8-&keywords=The+Briton+and+the+Dane+Concordia
UK    http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358684038&sr=8-1

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Published on April 08, 2013 12:05