Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 47
January 6, 2013
Top 10 Things You’ll Take From “Daisy: Between a Rock and Hard Place” & $50 G!veaway
Please welcome author Janis F. Kearney with a fascinating top ten list for “Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place” (creative non-fiction chronicling the life of Civil Rights Legend Daisy Gatson Bates).
Ten Things Readers will take from “Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place”
(A guest post from Janis F. Kearney)
10. Readers will gain a better geographical and historical understanding of Arkansas. The small southeastern state is hardly a blip on most Americans’ radars, but readers will come away from reading this book, understanding how it played a significant role in many aspects of American history.
9. Readers will find that the relationship between whites and blacks in the south was a very complicated one. While cities such as Little Rock called themselves moderate, with cordial race relations; the truth was that both races ‘accepted’ their perspective roles in the south’s legally segregated and discriminatory structure.
8. Readers will realize that much of the real work of the civil rights struggle was done by everyday southerners who simply wanted to see fairness and equality in their everyday lives; not leaders from “up north,” or men who were apart of Martin Luther King’s organization. There remains today many, many unheralded local leaders.
7. Readers will realize that women played an important role in this country’s civil rights struggle throughout the south. They sacrificed a great deal to pursue justice and equality
6. Readers will learn that the civil rights struggle benefitted greatly from white allies in the south, including in Arkansas during the tumultuous years of the Central High Integration Crisis
5. To many readers’ surprise, they will learn that L.C. Bates was in many ways, a renaissance man. He stood proudly behind Daisy as the spotlight shone squarely on her. He supported her leadership role, and advised her in all things.
4. Readers will learn that Daisy Bates was the only woman to speak at the historical 1963 March on Washington, led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. Readers will learn that Daisy Gatson Bates was 15 years old when she met and fell in love with 29-year old Lucius Christopher “LC” Bates, when he came to Huttig to sell her Orlee and Susie Smith a life insurance policy.
2. Readers will learn that Daisy was orphaned at the age of one, when her mother was allegedly raped and killed by white men, and left in the 40 Mill Pond, a tributary owned by the Union Saw Mill, and used to transport logs to and from the mill. Her father left her with Orlee and Susie Smith to care for her.
1. Readers will learn that Daisy Gatson Bates transformed her hate for all whites to a love for all people; and her bitterness, to a passion to see America live up to its greatness – where every child is given the opportunity to succeed in life.
Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color. The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world. Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world – from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.
The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white. The book is based on the author’s personal interviews, oral histories, conversations and in-depth research.
Praise
“Thank you to Janis F. Kearney for shedding a critical light on an often forgotten civil rights heroine. Daisy Bates was a woman who refused to be defined by society’s rules on both race and place in America. An often controversial figure, Bates lived life on her own terms, for which she paid dearly. She was an American hero who loved her country for all its greatness; but courageously proclaimed it could and should be better.” ~Sharon La Cruise, Producer
Author Janis F. Kearney
Janis F. Kearney is a publisher, author, and oral historian. She was one of 19 children born to Arkansas Delta Sharecroppers T.J. and Ethel Kearney. She Graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B.A., in Journalism, and completed 30 hours in public administration, and Journalism.
She was hired by Daisy Bates in 1987 as Managing Editor of the Arkansas State Press. In 1988, she purchased the newspaper. She served as Personal Diarist to President Clinton from 1995 to 2001. She was the country’s first personal diarist to a U.S. President, and during that time, she also served as White House liaison to the U.S. National Archives.
In 2001, Janis moved with her husband Bob Nash to Chicago, where she began her writing life. In 2003, Janis, with her husband’s support, founded Writing our World Press/WOW! Books in 2003. Her first book, Cotton Field of Dreams: A Memoir was published in 2004. Her other books include Something to Write Home About: Memories of a Presidential Diarist; Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton…from Hope to Harlem; and Once Upon a Time there was a Girl: a Murder at Mobile Bay, her first fiction. WOW! Books has also published two other authors. Her next book, Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, is scheduled for publication, December 2012. Her third memoir, Sundays with TJ: 100 years of Memories on Varner Road, and her second Once Upon a Time there was a Girl murder mystery are both slated for publication in Spring, 2013.
Janis is an internationally-traveled public speaker, and can be contacted for speaking engagements, by emailing: bookingagent@writingourworldpress.com.
Links:
Website * Twitter * Facebook
Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/12 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 5, 2013
Jan.06.13 #SixSunday with Last Call
Coming soon to FTMP!
Last week Nick and Rhys had a rude awakening – literally – when they got an early morning call the bad guys were closing in. They made it to the car unscathed, at which point Rhys reveals something she remembered about the night she was shot. (No, I can’t tell you!) This six is from Nick’s point-of-view. (It might be a little choppy out of context, but finding sixes without spoilers is getting tough, lol).
Rhys didn’t look at Nick any differently than she had the day before. He’d underestimated her—sex didn’t seem to change as much as he thought it would. But how could it? He was already hopelessly in love with her.
All the more reason he had to go when this was over. Rhys deserved more than a man with blood on his hands.
LAST CALL is now on GoodReads! Click here to add it to your TBR list.
Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time! To see other participating authors, click here.
January 3, 2013
S.G. Rogers Interview: Tournament of Chance ($25 Tourwide G!veaway)
Please welcome author S.G. Rogers, who brought her new book and an awesome tour-wide prize. Ready to hear all about it?
Welcome, and congratulations on your new book, TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE. This one looks amazing. Will you introduce the story to our readers?
Thank you, Sarah! When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love?
That’s one amazing tale! From where did you draw inspiration for this story? Are there any events in your real life which parallel those of the book?
I don’t suppose any real-life events of mine parallel those of the book, but I can certainly relate to an outsider trying to conquer a challenge. TOURNAMENT began its life as a short story about a young woman trying to break through the glass ceiling separating commoners from royalty. She becomes the people’s champion and a symbol against an oppressive system of government. But as a short, the narrative ended just as the action was getting good. So I lengthened the story, added in magic and romance, and submitted it to the publisher. I’m very happy they bought it!
I just took a quick look at your reviews, and I think it’s safe to say readers wholeheartedly second that, lol. Speaking of readers, what might they be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of?
Although I rarely fully plot my stories, this particular tale was unusually open-ended. I myself was surprised to find shape-shifters, trolls, fairies and time travel working their way into the book. In addition, certain characters developed relationships I had not anticipated. It takes me longer to write a book when I let it unfold in a free-form fashion, but I believe it allows my creativity to blossom.
I love when stories and characters make their own demands–it’s a sure sign of strong writing! *wink* Let’s have some fun with TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE.
What’s the first sentence?
The guards at the castle gates were rude and brusque, but Heather hadn’t let it check her enthusiasm for what lay ahead.
Why, yes I will keep reading, LOL. Great hook! What’s your favorite line in the story?
Magic endures. Not so love, it seems.
Oh, that’s a great one! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it, LOL.
“I’m not scared of you.”
“Ah, too bad,” he murmured, pulling her closer. “I must be losing my touch.”
Another good one! I love how one or two lines can capture my interest. Which scene of TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE was most difficult for you to write? Why?
I don’t want to give too much away, but a prophecy is made to Heather that later comes to fruition:
“There is treachery, deceit, and great loss ahead of you, but wherever you go, your heart will follow.”
Writing the scene in which Heather realizes her loss was pretty painful to get through.
I love how you foreshadow through a prophecy, then tie it together. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
I’d love to experience the toe-curling moment where the two main characters admit their feelings for one another… from Heather’s perspective, of course!
Falling in love … toe-curling moments. *happy sigh* What inspired the title of TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE?
King Chance is the ruler of the kingdom of Destiny. He began the archery competition, named after himself, so commoners might believe he was egalitarian and fair. Both commoners and royalty are allowed to enter to win a place at court. No commoner has ever won, which feeds the suspicions of the rebels that the tournament is for show.
Clever! (And the commoners have a point, LOL.) On what are you currently working?
I’ve just released a sequel to my YA fantasy adventure (THE LAST GREAT WIZARD OF YDEN.) This second novel in the Yden trilogy is called CHILDREN OF YDEN, and I’m very excited about it! I also have a Victorian romance in development, as well as a handful of other projects. Something is always simmering in the back of my brain.
And to good end, because your readers clearly LOVE you. Congratulations again on your new release. Let’s take a closer look:
Tournament of ChanceIn Tournament of Chance, a hunter’s daughter becomes the spark that ignites a revolution—in time.
When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love?
Find it @ * * Smashwords
Tournament of Chance | Excerpt
“Today is a momentous occasion,” said King Chance, after he’d settled himself on a cushion. His booming voice resonated across the field. “Let the finalists for the Tournament of Chance come forward.”
“Your Majesty, I present Lady Felicia of the Valley and Heather of the Jagged Peaks,” announced Sir Fitzelle.
Felicia glided toward the king as if to greet an old friend, but Heather hung back. Now that the moment had arrived to actually meet the king and queen, her feet were frozen to the ground. Suddenly wishing for invisibility, she forced herself to move toward the king’s canopy. All eyes swiveled in her direction as she stood next to Felicia. Murmurings and titters rippled through the royals at Heather’s appearance. Although Felicia ignored her altogether, the queen openly laughed, as did many of the courtiers. A rosy blush crept toward Heather’s hairline.
The king beamed at Felicia. “How splendid to see you again, dear girl.”
“And you, Your Majesty,” Felicia responded. Her smile showed the lovely dimples in her cheeks.
Queen Chelsea frowned — far less pleased to see Felicia than was her husband. King Chance next focused his attention on Heather. His welcoming expression did not slip one bit, but Heather was taken aback. His eyes resembled those of a cold, poisonous snake.
Find it @ * * Smashwords
S.G. RogersOriginally from Southern California, S.G. Rogers has lived in Asheville, North Carolina and Laurel, Mississippi. She earned her first black belt in taekwondo from martial arts champion Billy Blanks. Later on, she earned black belts in taekwondo and hapkido from Master Myung Kim. Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes fantasy and romantic fantasy stories. She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Although she’s most often drawn to speculative fiction, she’s been known to break away to write other genres. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
Tourwide $25 Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/23/12 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
$50 Book Blast for “Daisy: Between a Rock and Hard Place” (G!veaway)
Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color. The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world. Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world – from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.
The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white. The book is based on the author’s personal interviews, oral histories, conversations and in-depth research.
Praise
“Thank you to Janis F. Kearney for shedding a critical light on an often forgotten civil rights heroine. Daisy Bates was a woman who refused to be defined by society’s rules on both race and place in America. An often controversial figure, Bates lived life on her own terms, for which she paid dearly. She was an American hero who loved her country for all its greatness; but courageously proclaimed it could and should be better.” ~Sharon La Cruise, Producer
Purchase
Author Janis F. Kearney
Janis F. Kearney is a publisher, author, and oral historian. She was one of 19 children born to Arkansas Delta Sharecroppers T.J. and Ethel Kearney. She Graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B.A., in Journalism, and completed 30 hours in public administration, and Journalism.
She was hired by Daisy Bates in 1987 as Managing Editor of the Arkansas State Press. In 1988, she purchased the newspaper. She served as Personal Diarist to President Clinton from 1995 to 2001. She was the country’s first personal diarist to a U.S. President, and during that time, she also served as White House liaison to the U.S. National Archives.
In 2001, Janis moved with her husband Bob Nash to Chicago, where she began her writing life. In 2003, Janis, with her husband’s support, founded Writing our World Press/WOW! Books in 2003. Her first book, Cotton Field of Dreams: A Memoir was published in 2004. Her other books include Something to Write Home About: Memories of a Presidential Diarist; Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton…from Hope to Harlem; and Once Upon a Time there was a Girl: a Murder at Mobile Bay, her first fiction. WOW! Books has also published two other authors. Her next book, Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, is scheduled for publication, December 2012. Her third memoir, Sundays with TJ: 100 years of Memories on Varner Road, and her second Once Upon a Time there was a Girl murder mystery are both slated for publication in Spring, 2013.
Janis is an internationally-traveled public speaker, and can be contacted for speaking engagements, by emailing: bookingagent@writingourworldpress.com.
Links:
Website * Twitter * Facebook
Tour Schedule
BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/12 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 2, 2013
3 Strange Things That Help My Writing Productivity
Okay, so “strange” is in the eye of the beholder (or perhaps those of the onlookers, lol) but suffice to say I’ve read a few dozen articles on increasing productivity and haven’t exactly seen these crop up. But I can’t be the only one … right? Eh, maybe. LOL. Anyway, as promised, I give you some of the little inspirations that–along with the awesome support of my readers–keep me writing, or at least encourage me to open the darn files every night.
Actual Plot Bunny
1. My Pet Plot Bunny
Isn’t this adorable? This was one of many plot bunnies handmade by members of my local RWA chapter. It took me forever to choose one (seriously, they were worse than sad-faced little puppies begging “pick me!”) but in the end I selected this guy because my first love is romantic suspense and he came nicely accessorized for the genre. Why does this inspire me? Well, aside from being an Actual Plot Bunny, he rocks because he’s proof I went out there in the world and announced myself as an author. My knees are still a little wobbly three months after my first meeting, but I did it, dang it, and my little buddy here won’t let me forget it.
2. Live Kitten Cam
Yes, kittens. Naturally as I type this the kitten cam is frozen on a furry little butt, but most of the time this is my window into utter relaxation. When I tune in, it only takes a couple of moments to zone out the whirlwind that is my life and enjoy the serenity that is a room full of playful kittens I don’t have to feed, clean up after, or, um, smell. This form of relaxation works amazingly well, and I have to credit my new editor for the tweet-out, lest I not have found it otherwise. (Yes, I was twit-stalking.) As it turns out, New Editor is also responsible for item #3 on my list….
It also dries tears
3. Writer’s Revision Towel
The aforementioned New Editor gave me this. It reads:
Writer’s Revision Towel: Stuff in Mouth and Scream *With spit, can also be used to clean computer screens.
How the heck does it help me write? Like the plot bunny, it’s a reminder I stepped out into the world, MET MY EDITOR, and survived (and not only did she not run from me, but she’s still speaking to me to this day, lol). But there’s more to this kindness: there’s also this underlying threat. She’s going to edit the holy halo out of me, and I’m one of those authors who LOVES a good edit. And to that end, she’s going to pour hours of her time into my story, and it’s my job to make it a good one. And to do that, first I must write.
(And also check somewhat obsessively to see if the kitten cam is back.)
What are some of your daily inspirations? You don’t have to be an author to have one or two of these, so let’s hear ‘em!
January 1, 2013
$50 Book Blast: The Grimm Chronicles (YA)
The Grimm Chronicles
200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world. Literally. Now the characters of the Grimms’ stories walk among us. With every day that passes, they grow more evil. They are the Corrupted, and only a hero can stop them.
For 18-year-old Alice Goodenough, that means taking precious time off from her summer vacation. In addition to volunteering at the local library, Alice must stop the Corrupted who are now actively hunting her down. With the help of her magic pen and her trusty rabbit friend, the world has suddenly gotten a lot more complex. The Corrupted are everywhere, and only Alice can see them for what they truly are.
This book contains the first 3 episodes of the critically acclaimed series:
Episode 1: Prince Charming Must Die!
Episode 2: Happily Never After
Episode 3: Revenge of the Castle Cats
Additional features for this special edition:
- An introduction
- Two special “Lost Diaries”
- A behind-the-scenes interview
- A collection of original Grimms’ Fairy Tales
The Grimm Chronicles is intended for Young Adults aged 13 and up. The goal is to provide Young Adult readers with a strong, charismatic young woman in the role of the hero and provide readers with a positive protagonist who uses her brain to overcome obstacles life throws in her way.
Praise
“5 stars!” ~ Bookies Book Blog
“Highly recommended for all who love fairy tales and the YA genre.” ~ My Cozie Corner
“All in all the books were excellent.” ~ LilyElement
“If you love fairy tales and them being turned into modern day stories you will love these short stories.” ~ Mom With a Kindle
5 stars (out of 5) ~ I Am, Indeed
“Isabella Fontaine and Ken Brosky’s incredible talent for storytelling takes the reader on an amazing action-packed ride fueled by endless creativity and limitless imagination. TGC is like a high-stakes version of Harold and the Purple Crayon meets a contemporary, above ground Alice in Wonderland. “ ~ Bookfetish
“I absolutely loved this book! No, let me rephrase that, I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK! Nope, that doesn’t even do it justice. Vol. 1 has the first three stories from the 12 that will ultimately make up the chronicles.” ~ Jesse Kimmel-Freeman
Purchase:
The Grimm Chronicles: Volume 1
Book 1: Prince Charming Must Die!
Book 2: Happily Never After
Book 3: Revenge of the Castle Cats
Book 4: The Orphanage of Doom
Book 5: Blood and Thunder
About the Authors
Ken Brosky received his MFA in fiction writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He also teaches English at Madison College. This is his first Young Adult series.
Isabella Fontaine owns a farm in Wisconsin and enjoys reading weird books like House of Leaves. This is her first Young Adult series.
Website * Facebook
Book Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/11/13 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway - CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Happy New Year: 13 Reasons 2013 Rocks!
1. I have a contract with Entangled Publishing, and I can’t wait to use it! LOL. I don’t know when my story comes out, but from what I’ve seen in the short amount of time I’ve been privy to the inner workings of Entangled, I have to say I’m incredibly impressed and being on the roster is a HUGE honor.
2. I took the very scary plunge and started going to a local chapter of RWA, where I’ve met some incredible people. This marks the first time the writerly me has left the computer and ventured into real life. I was terrified, but I survived … and I’m going back.
3. Road trip! If nothing comes up work-wise and ruins it, my husband and I are surprising our kids with a road trip this fall. They’ll see some amazing things, and I can’t wait to share the experience I enjoyed so much as a kid.
4. 2012 had writerly baggage. One of my publishers imploded and the fallout is still … falling out. Though I’ve long put this behind me, turning the page on a brand new year makes moving on an official act.
5. LAST CALL, a romantic suspense with which I’ve struggled, is just about ready. I started it a year ago and stopped several times to bang my head against the wall. I also began – and finished – THREE other stories while LAST CALL didn’t happen. To put a period at the end of this one is a milestone for me.
6. One of the stories I finished is under revision on a request I never, ever in a million years thought would ever come my way. There are no details yet (and there won’t be any for months), but there’s a certain email I’ll probably read a dozen times a week because I just can’t believe it came. TO ME.
7. I might get my own bathroom this year. (If not, it’ll be early in 2014). I don’t mean “my own” as in not sharing with my husband. I mean “my own” as in having a house with more than one bathroom, LOL! (We’re planning to build a house, and the plans are AMAZING.)
8. New family business … or is it an old one? My husband, who probably works so hard just to stay out of the insanity that is our household, was finally able to get back into farming and livestock in 2012, and we’ll be in full production — and expanding — in 2013. Exciting times! (Yes, farming is exciting. LOL.)
9. We finally got the paperwork back from the Coast Guard on the “big boat” (that’s what we call it because we have several, which is of course my husband’s fault) so we can now hit the big ocean water and do whatever it is people do a few miles from shore. (I hear there are big fish out there. And rogue waves. Oy.)
10. My youngest kid is potty trained. After changing diapers nonstop for OVER FOURTEEN YEARS, there are NO MORE DIAPERS in my life. NONE. (Okay, that’s not entirely true. There’s a couple leftover packs we use for long rides in the car, though the kid in question screams “NOT BABY!” when there are no other options. Talk about an awesome tantrum!)
11. My husband hits a milestone birthday this year. I’m 3.5 years younger, so he’ll get to be old and I’ll be … well, not quite as old. For a little bit longer … or it is always that way?
12. Even though they drive me freaking NUTS (I homeschool them … all six of them), I have a bunch of offspring who are always complimented on their kindness and good behavior. I also have an amazing, wonderful husband who for some reason adores me and is home every night. Everyone is healthy and I’m grateful for every day I share with them. (No, really. ALL THE DAYS.) Also, for my mom, who rotates them through spending the night at her house, and once a month or so TAKES THEM ALL FOR 24 HOURS. In that one fell swoop, she wins Mother AND Grandmother of the year. *cheers and applause*
13. The number 13 ROCKS. Therefore, I insist 2013 will be awesome. No, I DECREE it. So there.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! What are you most excited about in 2013?
December 29, 2012
12.30.2012 #SixSunday with Last Call
Coming soon to FTMP!
Nick and Rhys spent the night together, but there’s no morning-after glow. They awaken to a ringing phone with a tip from their contact the bad guys are closing in fast. The caller is the speaker in this six.
Nick hopped on one foot, trying to thread his jeans with the other. Could it be the same duo from the hotel? He glanced to Rhys, who had taken his cue and started pulling on clothes.
“You tell me. But apparently your girlfriend had a front row seat for a hit and [bad guy]’s got a well-established habit of eliminating witnesses.”
Nick had suspected as much, but hearing it still took his breath.
LAST CALL is now on GoodReads! Click here to add it to your TBR list.
Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time! To see other participating authors, click here.
December 28, 2012
Weekly #Giveaway Winners … and What’s Next
For the past year, I’ve offered a weekly giveaway open to those who subscribe to my blog by email. (Details are here if you’ve missed them). You guys have been awesome and I’m infinitely grateful for each and every one of you who follow along by email (and every other method!), and that will never change. I am happy, however, to announce a slight shift in the giveaway climate, and if you’re reading this, you’ll be among those most likely to benefit. (Yay!)
New Giveaways for 2013
I’d like to reward those of you who visit, welcoming my guests and offering your support and presence here, so 2013 will bring in bigger prizes you’ll have to “show up” to win. There’s no single method of entry or schedule of giveaways so a simple summary doesn’t exist, but I will say the blog post titles will be marked “giveaway” (or more likely “g!veaway” or some other alteration in an attempt to stay out of your spam folder) so you’ll still be able to tell at a glance there’s something up for grabs. I hope this won’t discourage you from visiting the other posts, but I’m all for making it as easy as possible for you to find what interests you most.
So, in short, stay tuned. I’m looking forward to some pretty awesome prize offerings in 2013, and I can’t wait to see who random.org chooses next!
For full giveaway rules, please visit the giveaways link at the top of my blog (it will soon be updated to reflect the changes outlined here).
Recent Weekly Giveaway Winners
11/23 debis126
11/30 justjanhvi
12/7 lasherjodi
12/14 sedenomichelle
12/21 wendyhatton
12/28 spookycat72
Winners are contacted by email. If you are listed and have not gotten an email, please contact me at sarah at sarahballance dot com.
December 26, 2012
“The Gaze” by Javier A Robayo
The Gaze
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
As a sophomore in college, Samantha Reddick meets Tony Amaya, a brokenhearted young man, whose written words she keeps as a memento of a weekend long affair. The words, written on the back of a paper placemat, become her only solid ground during a tumultuous decade that nearly destroys her, leaving her searching for answers at the bottom of the bottle. Haunted by guilt and the constant menace from a man she once loved, Samantha searches for Tony and inserts herself into his life through an online friend request to his wife, Gwen. Mutual curiosity opens the door to an unexpected friendship that becomes the catalyst of an inner battle between the better woman Samantha longs to be, and the Samantha who despises her own gaze.
“The Gaze” Book Trailer
Javier A. RobayoWebsite
Goodreads
Javier A. Robayo is the author of THE GAZE and THE NEXT CHAPTER. He immigrated to the United States in 1988 at the age of 12 from Quito, Ecuador. He began writing as a way of learning English throughout his high school years, and studied at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. He lives in Connecticut, with his wife, and two daughters, where he is currently at work on his next novel.
