Lynn Hallbrooks's Blog, page 2

Paying It Forward: Beneficiaries of #WATWB and a #PositiveMindset

A short while before the We Are The World Blogfest aka #WATWB began, I was on a personal quest for a positive mindset. Writing blogs alongside fellow bloggers as well as working behind-the-scenes with the admins of the group gave me what I didn’t know I was seeking. A chance to be at the heart of a movement. In the grand scheme of things, it may seem to others like a drop of rain in an ocean, yet it made a huge impact on my personal and professional life.

After laying aside the negative mindset that had been part of my life for many years, I began building better relationships with authors from around the world, working with them behind-the-scenes on their books. I also began proofreading professionally, as a result of those interactions. It’s something I continue to do to this day.

During my shares of WATWB events, I began to build relationships with other positivity-minded individuals. This resulted in widening my LinkedIn audience. Many of the other positive posts I created resonated with multiple people including, the person who would become my mentor and team leader, Kurtis Tompkins. While there were many factors that led up to my contract work with Jobready2dey, it basically came down to Kurtis liked what he saw in my posts and reached out to me. Now, I’m the staff writer for the company. The great part is, I get to continue to write words that help others, and because of that I’m contributing to their mission:  "Changing Lives, One Job Seeker at a Time".
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Due to the blog posts from fellow WATWB bloggers as well as changing what I see in my social feeds, I continue to fill up my proverbial cup with positivity. In turn, I’m able to provide some positive insights to others directly and indirectly. Sometimes even being the light in someone else’s darkness.
While we may not gather as a group to share links to positive stories from around the world, any longer, I know several of my blogging mates will continue to share positive stories. That can be beneficial to their audience.
 
Happy Fifth Anniversary WATWB Bloggers!
 
Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

A Tribute to Tracy James Jones #Actor #Author #Screenwriter

My dear friend, Tracy James Jones, was a highly talented person. To begin with, in days past, acting was a passion. She often mentioned being in a scene from “Born On the Fourth of July” but it wound up on the cutting room floor. As it turned out writing was her true calling.
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When you read her short stories or books, you could feel the emotion. To me, it was as if you were in the room with real people instead of reading words about fictional characters on an electronic or paper page. She was also a writer of blogs and reader of books. Always helping fellow authors in some way or other. The last I heard, her “Secrets & Lies” book series was in the process of being written as a screen play. I was so happy for her when she mentioned it. I could tell she was finally coming into her own because there was joy in her words. The flyer for the first Indie Vengeance Day book signing event in October 2013 Lynn Hallbrooks, Tracy James Jones, Charity Parkerson She was also quite good at getting my hair untangled from the button of my blue shirt that I wore to the Indie Vengeance Day book signing event. She helped to organize this event.  We shared a table together. It was my first ever book-signing event. I was in awe. For one thing, not only were we there, but so was our mutual friend, Charity Parkerson. Even more awe-inspiring, was the fact that many other authors came from around the world that day to share print versions of their bodies of work. That was the last time I saw her in person but we continued to have conversations via email and online. The authors at the first IndieVengeance book signing event October 2013 ​Unfortunately, my life had gotten extremely busy. It hadn’t even registered that I hadn’t seen any recent posts. It wasn’t as though I didn’t care. I kept thinking, I will get in touch with her, as soon as things slow down. I wasn’t prepared for the news when I read it. I was in shock, sad, and disbelieving all at the same time. I have had time to process my feelings and I’m on a little more even keel now. As I came out of the fog, I felt the best way to honor my dear friend was by writing this blog post.

The one thing that always tickled me about her as a person, when something tickled her, she would type “Giggles”. Mind you, she’s a grown woman in her own right, not a teenager. That’s my friend, Tracy, a mixture of serious writer and uplifting joy bringer.

A little nugget of wisdom from me to you: Friends are treasures, cherish the time you spend with them.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author Reader Cheerleader
​Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Skystorm by Steven Konkoly #NetGalley #BookReview #Skystorm #Thriller

On May 11, 2021, Skystorm by Steven Konkoly will be released via Thomas and Mercer on Amazon. Since I have read The Rescue, The Raid, and The Mountain, the three previous books in the series, I voluntarily read a unproofread version of Skystorm via NetGalley.

Parental note: The book contains violence, adult language and situations.

Genre and my rating: Thriller - 5 stars.

A brief synopsis: Ryan Decker had plans with his daughter for after school and was arranging his day accordingly. Without warning, things turned upside down and inside out faster than a twister in Texas.

My take as a reader: Ryan Decker is a loving son, wonderful father, great friend, and a hard-working military veteran who is known for fighting evil. In this story, a malicious organization decided to attack Decker’s team and family – not the wisest of moves. Meanwhile, on the fringes of this situation, are other people on a different mission. There is lots of action and intrigue that kept me reading to the end.

My take as an author: I think that Steven Konkoly did an awesome job of showing the various viewpoints as things are being unveiled. Adding the unexpected twist to the unfolding events was a stunning success, in my opinion.
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If you'd care to learn more about Steven Konkoly and/or his book series, you can visit his website or Amazon page at any time.

I learn more about the writing craft by reading books by fellow authors than most books on writing that I've read. What has your experience been as an author/reader?

​Happy Reading and Writing,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Have You Heard Of Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Awards? #AuthorsHelpingAuthors #BookAwards

Interactions on social media can be positive and negative. It helps if you can be cautiously open-minded.

One day, on Twitter, I was approached by the hostess of Speak Up Talk Radio. She shared a link to the Firebird Book Award. As I read about it, I was intrigued.

After looking into what was needed, I decided to add Animals, Acrobatics, Attitude, and Amore into the short story category. I was delighted with the service and attentiveness that I received. Whether the book won or not, I was happy that I made the effort. Fast forward to April 2021, I get an email letting me know that my book was a winner.

Normally, I don't mention my works on this blog. The point here is that this is an honorable organization with honorable intentions. If you'd like to renew the love for one or more of your books, this is the place to check out. If you decide to "go for it", you will be contributing to a worthy cause. If your book or books make it to the winner circle, you'll have something to share with new-to-you readers.​ This sounds like a win-win for all concerned.

You are welcome to share this post with fellow authors or anyone you think could benefit from it.

​If you know of other honorable organizations that do book awards, please share in the comment section.

Happy reading and writing,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Book Review of "When Force Meets Fate" by Jamison Hill #WhenForceMeetsFate #NetGalley #Memoir #Medical

​​​On January 26, 2021,  When Force Meets Fate: A Mission to Solve an Invisible Illness  by Jamison Hill will be made available to the general public. I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book via  Net Galley  courtesy of  Inkshares . Today, I am sharing my honest insights of this voluntarily read story.
 
Parental note: There are traumatic events, medical terminology, adult language, as well as some sexually intimate moments.
 
Genres and my rating: Autobiography - Memoir - New Adult - Medical - 5 stars
 
Brief synopsis: During college, Jamison's focus was on fitness training. Two life-altering events pushed his goals to the side. One, an accident and the second a chronic debilitating disorder known as CFS/ME. It was one that his doctors had a difficult time diagnosing and treating. 
 
My take as a reader: My professional background includes being a Certified Coding Specialist. That means I'm familiar with a variety of disorders from an administrative perspective (as opposed to clinical one as a nurse or doctor). That being said, Mr. Hill's book taught me lots of things that I did not know before. I have a new-found respect for people with this disorder.
 
My take as an author: Memories are difficult to recapture, let alone putting them in the form of a book. What Mr Hill went through to put this book together was impressive. In some ways, the book put me in mind of Helen Keller's The Story of My Life . I think I read that when I was a teenager and I might have to re-read it in the future.

As it often does, life went on and Mr. Hill continues to share his journey with others. I've come to believe that he does this so that people with the same condition as his will know they are not alone. If you'd like to learn more about Jamison Hill and what he shares you can visit his website or follow him on Twitter .

What books, after reading them, have made you realize something significant?
 
Happy reading and/or writing,
 
Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder of  Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Book Review of The Maverick by Jennifer Valenti #BookReview #TheMaverick #NetGalley

​​​On December 7, 2020 The Maverick by Jennifer Valenti will be made available to the general public. I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book via Net Galley, Broken Arrow Books (an imprint of Hyde Park Press), and Mindbuck Media of Double M Publishing. I am sharing my honest insights of this voluntarily read story.
 
Parental note: There are sexual situations, violence, as well as adult language and situations.
 
Trigger Alert: There are a few scenes in this book that could potentially be a PTSD trigger.
 
Genres and my rating: Women's Fiction - New Adult - 5 stars
 
Brief synopsis: Jane Valiante is offered the work opportunity of a lifetime. When her dream job becomes tarnished, it leaves her wondering if she was to blame.
 
My take as a reader: I felt a connection to Jane Valiente. I shared in her joys and wanted to comfort her in her sorrows. To feel deeply for a character in a book is a credit to the author and her support team.
 
My take as an author: This is a debut novel by Ms. Valenti. She did a wonderful job of bringing a sensitive subject to light. It was done as tastefully as possible given the circumstances.
 
You can learn more about Jennifer Valenti and her debut series by visiting this website.
 
Have you ever read a book, even when you felt it might potentially trigger bad memories, to support an author? Was it as awful as you imagined or did you feel a connection to the main character?
 
Thank you for helping me support fellow authors,
 
Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

A #BookReview of 42 Million to One by Hal Malchow #NetGalley #42MilliontoOne #PoliticalThriller

On August 4, 2020 the book 42 Million to One by Hal Malchow was published and made available to the general public. The book is currently available to download on NetGalley, courtesy of Double M Publishing and Mindbuck Media. 

Parental note: There is mild violence, adult language, and moderately graphic sexual situations.

Genres and my rating: Political Thriller and  International Intrigue - 4 stars

Brief synopsis: A computer programmer, a reporter, and a campaign manager all have different insights into the modern-day workings of politics and voting.

My take as a reader:  I was not particularly fond of some of what was written. I did wonder how things were going to unfold, that's what kept me reading.

My take as an author: I applaud the author for doing what he could to bring real-life situations to light inside a fiction story. Finding the right balance of sharing information, keeping the characters on track, and the action going is not as easy as it looks.

If you'd like you can stop by here to learn more about the author, Hal Malchow.

Thanks for dropping by. As always, please share your positively word comments below.

Happy Reading,
​
Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC 

A #BookReview of The Pandora Deception by David Bruns and J. R. Olson #NetGalley #Thriller #InternationalIntrigue

On September 15, 2020, the fourth novel in the Weapons of Mass Deception (WMD) series will be available to the general public. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, I received an advanced reader's copy of The Pandora Deception by David Bruns and J. R. Olson aka the Two Navy Guys.

I highly recommend reading the other books in the series/universe to get a better insight into the world and characters this writing duo has created.

Parental note: There is violence and adult language. In addition, there are some hints of intimacy as well as mentions of the world's oldest profession.

Genres and my rating: The genres are Technothriller, Terrorism Thriller, Military Thriller, and International Intrigue. My rating is 5 stars.

A brief synopsis: After a few close calls, a new group is created to detect and defend against emerging threats nationally and internationally. Don Riley is selected to head this directorate. Before a team is even settled in, events are unfolding on the Nile River Basin. The question arises: Is everything as it seems on the surface?

My take as a reader: I was swept up in what was going on within this universe. The new team and their allies had challenges. The "bad guys" were not what you would expect.  

My take as an author: I was awed by how this author duo weaved the backdrop to the scenes as well as provided viewpoints from the main characters, the allies, and the "bad guys" without delaying the action of the story.

More about the authors:  The Two Navy Guys, graduates of the US Naval Academy, have a website that will explain more about them. While you are visiting, you get to see all the books in the Weapons of Mass Deception series/universe.

 Want to get your own copy of The Pandora Deception? Here are a couple of links:

Amazon US link

Other book vendors

I believe that when you read a book series/universe in order, you get to experience events without knowing what's going to happen next. No spoilers, as it were. Care to share your viewpoint on this topic? If yes, please provide a positively worded comment below.

​Thanks for stopping by. Whatever books you enjoy, I wish you happy reading.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Positivity and Kindness in Action #WATWB #Positivity #KindnessMatters

If you've been following this blog for any length of time, you know that supporting fellow authors and their books is part of who I am. You may even know that I'm a positivity promoter and in the past, I worked in hospitals, so medicine is no stranger to me.

What you may not know is that for the past year or so, I've been as active as possible on LinkedIn. A connection there asked me to check out a book about a gentleman with a particular medical condition. When I read ShahenShah: Story of Shrenik Shah, the Cancer Conqueror, I knew that I had to share it and that We Are The World Blogfest was the appropriate place. Why? Because Shrenik Shah conquered cancer through the power of positivity.  While I was promoting the We Are The World Blogfest for July 2020, another connection mentioned a podcast that he was listening to that is put on by Ben Baker. In it, he was interviewing Randall (Randy) McNeely. They were discussing the importance of kindness in the business world. When it got to the end there was a link to The Kindness Givers' Formula. It is the combination of all the things that Randy McNeely practices to spread kindness to those he encounters online and in real life. I'm looking forward to reading it.  We Are The World Blogfest is a way to share and encourage positive stories from around the world to counteract the negativity that often overwhelms the news feeds. 

The co-hosts for the month of July 2020 are: 
Eric Lahti - Susan Scott - Inderpreet Kaur Uppal - Shilpa Garg - Peter Nena

Basic Guidelines: Keep your post to below 500 words, as much as possible, on a human news that shows love, humanity, and other types of positive stories. On the last Friday of each month plan on sharing blog posts. No story is too big or small, as long as it goes beyond religion and politics, into the core of humanity. Showcase the WE ARE THE WORLD Badge on your sidebar, and help us spread the word on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook sharing the #WATWB hashtag. If this sounds like something you can do and you'd like to become a member of We Are The World Blogfest visit here to sign up.

If you'd like to see what other stories have been shared, you are welcome to like/follow the Facebook page - Blogfest Community We Are The World Blogfest - or follow the Twitter page .

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you've found something positive to share with those you're connected to - family, friends, or acquaintances. Positively worded comments are always welcomed.

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
​Founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

The Mountain by Steven Konkoly #BookReview #PoliticalThriller #LawEnforcement #MilitaryVeteran

On July 14, 2020, The Mountain by Steven Konkoly will be released via Thomas and Mercer on Amazon. I was provided with an advanced copy of this book via Stribling Media. As I've read the previous two books, The Rescue and The Raid, I voluntarily read this one. Why? Because, I had to see what trouble Decker found himself in, this time. 

Parental note: The book contains violence, adult language as well as mentions of drug use and human trafficking.

Genre and my rating: Political Thriller - 5 stars.

A brief synopsis: Ryan Decker, Harlow Mackenzie, and their teammates are asked to investigate in an area known as Murder Mountain by Senator Steele. She wants to find out if a family member of a close friend has been 'disappeared' or simply working in the Emerald Triangle and unable to keep in touch. What they discover is anything but a simple missing person's case.

My take as a reader: Ryan Decker might be a fictional character but to me, he is a real person who, despite his best efforts, finds trouble. When he does, it's a doozy. This story is packed full of them. 

My take as an author: I was impressed by the amount of research a book like this must have taken. The information was provided to the reader in the right amount - not too long-winded - and in the proper places. To me, this helped the information and story flow together. 
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If you'd care to learn more about Steven Konkoly and/or his book series, you can visit his website or Amazon page at any time.

I suspect any of my fellow US military veterans will love this book but I've seen some civilians who love the series just as much as I do. 

​Happy Reading,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author-Reader-Cheerleader
Founder Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC