MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 439

March 27, 2013

The Phil Naessens Show 3-27-2013: NBA Playoff Projections!

http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/the-phil-naessens-show-3-27-2013-nba-playoff-projections/   On Wednesdays Phil Naessens Show the Sports-Kings Andy Flint joins Phil to discuss the Miami Heat’s 27 game winning streak, the Denver Nuggets 16 game winning streak, legendary New York Knick guard Walt Frazier’s statements regarding the Miami Heat and a look at potential playoff match-ups in NBA’s Eastern and Western Conferences.
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Published on March 27, 2013 07:37

History Trivia - Robert Devereux returns to England in disgrace

March 27

196 BC Ptolemy V ascended to the throne of Egypt.

1309 Pope Clement V excommunicated Venice and all its population.

1329 Pope John XXII issued his In Agro Dominico condemning some writings of Meister Eckhart as heretical.



1599 Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex and a favorite of Elizabeth I, became Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland during the Nine Years War. However, he was unsuccessful in defeating the rebel forces and returned to England in disgrace.

1625 Charles I, King of England, Scotland & Ireland, ascended to the English throne.
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Published on March 27, 2013 05:47

Veetu Industries and Rae Gee: Thanks Dad!

Veetu Industries and Rae Gee: Thanks Dad!: Thanks to my Dad I now have a list of unenviable (or enviable, depending on your point of view!) skills. I can - Temporarily fix an extrac...
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Published on March 27, 2013 05:30

The Wizard's Cauldron: Ngaire Elder meets Vickie "Just Evil" McKeehan...

The Wizard's Cauldron: Ngaire Elder meets Vickie "Just Evil" McKeehan...: For those who have not being paying attention the past month, here's Ngaire, outside her luxurious Hacienda near Jerez... Today, ...
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Published on March 27, 2013 04:54

March 26, 2013

Gladiator's Pen: Don't Touch EBook Release Day!

Gladiator's Pen: Don't Touch EBook Release Day!: Don't Touch is available on Smashwords today! Blurb Dr Ryan Reign has unlocked a gift she calls a curse. Detective Jackson Prince...
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Published on March 26, 2013 07:47

The Phil Naessens Show 3-26-2013: Fantasy Baseball Tuesday Outfielders and Catchers

http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/the-phil-naessens-show-3-26-2013-fantasy-baseball-tuesday-outfielders-and-catchers/

Tuesdays are dedicated to Fantasy Baseball. Joining Phil to discuss outfield options is Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks Eric Pleiss and Rotowire’s Nick Falk joins Phil to discuss Catchers….please listen in as the guys discuss strategy tips and sleepers to help you with your upcoming draft on the March 26th edition of The Phil Naessens Show
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Published on March 26, 2013 07:02

Journey to Freedom by K Meador - Amazon Review

4.0 out of 5 stars Good story, 26 Mar 2013
By Tribalchick
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Journey to Freedom (Kindle Edition) This historical novel, set against the back drop of the American Civil War is written from the heart. Well researched, we follow the lives of everyday people as they seek what we all seek - home, love, family and happiness. Highlighting prejudice, cruelty and the injustices of war, it's balanced against determination, courage, friendship and love and the search for freedom.
I loved the story but have to admit that the style wasn't my favourite choice in a good read as I'm a visual reader and sometimes couldn't hold all the characters in my head as I couldn't picture them...but that's just me!
As a first novel by K Meador, it's a cracking start on her writing path:-)

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Published on March 26, 2013 06:42

History Trivia - Caxton prints translation of Aesop's Fables

March 26

752 Pope Stephen (II) III elected; he was the first sovereign of the Papal States, crowned Pepin as King of the Franks, corresponded with the Emperor Constantine on the subject of the restoration of the sacred images, restored many of the ancient churches of the city, and built hospitals specifically for the poor near St. Peter's church where he is buried.

Pepin, King of the Franks
1026 Pope John XIX crowned Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor.

1484 William Caxton printed his translation of Aesop's Fables.


 
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Published on March 26, 2013 06:29

Literary Addicts - Mary Ann Bernal Featured Author

  Literary AddictsA Community for Book Lovers Featured Author - Mary Ann Bernal TTell us about your book(s)  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.


 Where did the idea of your (latest) book come from?    
Concordia is a character from The Briton and the Dane trilogy, who wanted her own story, and, naturally, I had to comply.

Who and what inspires you to write your books?  
After reading Sir Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe,” I became enthralled with early British history, and admit to being an incurable romantic Anglophile, and less nobly, and much more irritatingly, a Romanphile, accordingly to my favorite Brit and staunchest supporter.

 Each author has their own fascinating journey. How did you begin writing?    
Erik was “born” when I was still an impressionable teenager, after seeing "The Vikings" and other period movies Hollywood had to offer. I would think of different scenarios with Erik leaving his homeland to “Go A Viking” and what would happen if he was wounded, or if he met a “local” girl or if he stayed in a land he had wanted to conquer. Over the years, many “what ifs” were embedded in my mind, which were considered when I finally set pen to paper.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about being a writer? How about the most unexpected downside?  
A pleasant surprise was my appearance on a local TV talk show where I discussed my novels, which are dedicated to fallen soldiers. The downside is not spending time with family and friends while I am in writing mode.  

Do you have any particular writing routines or rituals?    
My writing time is usually in the afternoons, and I do limit the hours spent on the computer. However, I also set a word count goal, which I try to adhere to. Unfortunately, when life happens, it is difficult to keep to a schedule, but I do try to write at least one page a day to keep the creative juices flowing

Do you write in order?  
Yes, I write the beginning, middle and end, in order.  

What is on your playlist when you write?    
I listen to music from period movies, such as Centurion, Beowulf, The Eagle, King Arthur, The Last Legion, et cetera.

Favorite writing snack?    
Indulgent Trail Mix

Where do you like to write?    
I am fortunate to have an office in my home.

Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish?  
First, try to write every day, even if it’s just one page or 250 words.

Second, covers do sell books, unfortunately, so a professional illustrator is a must, unless, of course, you are artistically creative. Also, it is important to have an editor read the manuscript prior to publication.

Third, thoroughly research the market. Even if you are picked up by a conventional publishing house, you are still expected to promote your work - which means having profiles on the available social media sites.
 

Are you currently working on anything else?    
The next title in the series, The Briton and the Dane: Timeline will be published by Green Wizard Publishing, Nottinghamshire, UK, and is expected to launch in 2014.

Who is your favorite character and why?  
Arista is introduced in the second installment of the trilogy, The Briton and the Dane: Birthright. Without giving away spoilers, suffice it to say that Arista, who descends from the line of the Caesars, is a character whose life has been marred by events shaping her known world. However, fear clouds her judgment when forces beyond her control are set in place, threatening the family she adores. Since I tend to bet for the underdog, my money’s on Arista, but can she thwart the treachery shrouding her world? 

Favorite book of all time?    
“Hollywood Shakedown” by Indie author Mark Barry


I think breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect breakfast?    
Brioche French Toast with whipped cream and strawberry sauce.

Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book
Sumptuous writing, a whip-crackaway plot which never abates for a second; rounded, intriguing characters and a modern, fresh twist on historical fiction - a page turner that is difficult to put down.

 
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Published on March 26, 2013 06:05