Sharon Ledwith's Blog, page 11

Book Reviews: The Literary Equivalent of Crack by Women's Fiction Author Anne Montgomery...

Once your bookhas had a 5-Star Review you’ll need that rush again.  But remember,some reviewers won’t be so benevolent, so be prepared to suffer the book reviewblues. Then, be strong, and send your baby out into the world again.

Authors long for reviews. We go to greatlengths to find folks willing to pen blurbs about our babies. Because, ofcourse, reviews sell books.

So…we contact newspapers and magazines and TV stations, radiooutlets, book bloggers, and those with the keys to the podcasts. Then there arethe book clubs and bookstores – the few that remain in brick-and-mortarform. Sometimes, authors beg friends and family members for reviews,but that seems a bit on the suspect side. I mean, generally, don’t loved oneswant to say nice things, if only to be polite and avoid familial strife? I haveso far refrained from this particular approach, which does not mean I might notgive it a try in the future. I just haven’t…yet. 

A well-written query letter, to all the properspecifications, might glean a review about two to three percent of thetime. Really. I sent out 60 requests one weekend and got two “No thanks”replies for my efforts. The other fifty-eight beautifully composedqueries went unanswered.

Still, on that rare occasion when someoneagrees to review your book…oh, the joy! And then the wait. Weeks, maybe months,go by before the results come in. And that first 5-Star Review? You read itover and over, lingering over the verbiage like it’s a letter from a lover:

“I say this is a must read! The book isutterly captivating and mature.”

“The story was tightly plotted andsuspenseful.”

“Tragic, disturbing, captivating, but utterlyfantastic!”

But as with most love affairs, eventuallythe words become too familiar, stale, and you long for something different.So the quest begins again. You need that high, and the begging – OK, goahead and call it marketing, if that makes you feel better – begins anew.

Then, of course, authors must also stomach thenot-so-charitable comments. There’s the dreaded DNF: Did Not Finish, meaning your book was so bad thereviewer simply couldn’t get to your well-crafted, quite brilliant ending.

“The writing style wasn’t for me. It was toodescriptive for my taste.”

“This work aims high but ultimately fallsshort.”

“The brief, cliff-hanger chapters might appealto reluctant readers.”

Ouch! And yet, we keep…on…looking. Hoping thatsomeone will read our words and tell us what they think.

Perhaps there is somethinginherently wrong with authors that we are willing to put ourselves ina position of such utter vulnerability. I’ve heard budding writers saythey fear rejection and I want to laugh. Rejection is part of the jobdescription. One must embrace it: “That which does not kill us makesus stronger,” and all that.

A way to survive the emotional ups and downs of the book reviewprocess is to consider the subjectivity of the practice, because these missivesare but personal opinions. Don’t believe me? Well, every one of the commentslisted above, including the dreaded DNF, came from actual reviews of mymost recent novel, The Scent of Rain.Go figure. How can one person adore a book and another find it repugnant? Beatsme. But I do know we authors must never refuse to offer our books upon the sacrificial altar of Reviews. Yes, there will be low points,but the highs, I promise you, will blot out those blues.

So stand straight. Be bold. Believe in your prose and send yourbaby out into the world. Really, there’s no other way.

Please allow me to give you a brief intro to my latest women's fiction novel for your reading pleasure.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archaeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

Amazon Buy Link

Anne Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. She worked at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter, and ASPN-TV as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery has been a freelance and staff writer for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces.

When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.

Learn more about Anne Montgomery on her website and Wikipedia . Stay connected on Facebook , Linkedin , and Twitter .

Author in the Kitchen: Beef Vegetable Soup by Cookbook Author Sloane Taylor...

Since January is National Soup month, I've invited renown cookbook author, Sloane Taylor into my virtual kitchen to prepare a hearty soup that will to keep you warm and toasty right down to your toes. Take it away, Sloane...

Thisrecipe is the perfect way to use veggies that have been around a while andleftover roast beef. Serve with crusty bread, a dry red wine and your dinner iscomplete.

BEEF VEGETABLESOUP
2tbsp. olive oil1 med. onion, chopped1lg. garlic clove, chopped12baby carrots, cut into thirds1celery stalk, chopped3tbsp. butter2red potatoes, not peeled, diced10green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces½small zucchini, diced½lb. cooked beef, diced3cups beef stock, not broth1– 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes½tsp. dried oregano½tsp. dried basil1small bay leaf2pinches allspiceFreshlyground pepper to taste

Warmoil in a Dutch oven set on medium heat. Add onions. Sauté 3 – 4 minutes untillightly colored. Add garlic, cook 30 – 60 seconds, stirring constantly. Mix incarrots and celery. Adjust heat so onions and veggies don’t burn.

Swirlbutter into pan. Add remaining veggies and meat. Sauté 5 – 8 minutes.

Combineremaining ingredients into pot. Bring soup to a boil. Cover pot, lower heat,and simmer 30 minutes.

May you enjoy all the days of your life filled with good friends, laughter, and seated around a well-laden table!

Sloane

Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.
To learn more about Taylor go to her website  Stay in touch on Blogger ,  Twitter , and LinkedIn .

Taylor's cookbooks, Hot Mean Wear Aprons, Date Night Dinners, Date Night Dinners Italian Style, Sizzling Summer, and Recipes to Create Holidays Extraordinaire are released by Toque & Dagger Publishing and available at all book vendors.

3 Tips for Aspiring Authors by Young Adult Paranormal Author Leigh Goff...

Be Ready for Rejection

Even if someone had told me about this, I’m not sure I wouldhave believed just how much rejection there would be. I even used Query Trackerto hone my agent and publisher searches, making sure my manuscript fit whateach agent or publisher was looking for and that I followed their query rules. Ican look back now and smile at how many rejection letters I received for myfirst novel, only because there were a few kind agents in the bunch who tookthe time to offer brief critiques on what I had submitted. 

I would send out 15-20 queries at a time, then I’d wait tohear back from the literary agents or small press publishers. I didn’t alwaysget a response, but when I did, it was ultimately a rejection (cue sad music).With some of those rejections came little nuggets of advice. Trust me, thosenuggets aren’t meant to be mean, they were bits of gold meant to improve mywriting. I took that gold and made revisions. And I made revisions. And I maderevisions. This book was my first attempt at writing a novel and I had a lot tolearn. The rejections were disappointing and hurt at first, but the advice wasnecessary, appreciated, and it did make the book better. So I’d say be readyfor rejection and be open to any advice a writing professional offers you. 

Be Prepared--the Publishing Process Moves Slowly

Once I received a publishing offer for my first book (woohoo!),I was slated for edits. There were three rounds of edits that had to fit thevarious editors’ schedules. Completing a round of edits does take time.Fortunately, I am good with deadlines, even when I had to take a chapter andrewrite it completely. Once that was done, the book went to their graphicdesigner for cover art, and it was typeset (set up for printing). The book was thenscheduled for a release date that worked for the publisher and their other bookreleases. Plus they had to plan social media events leading up to and for theweek of the release.  

My favorite part of this slow-moving process is the coverart. There’s nothing like getting to see what your “baby” is going to look likeon a bookshelf! 

Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams

Dreams do come true, but they may not happen the way youexpected or on your perfect schedule. 

After my first book was published, three months later thepublisher went out of business. I was blessed to find another publisher thatwas excited to take on my novel along with my second book. My third book wasdiscovered during a Twitter pitch party. That was a nice surprise. However,after the book was published the pandemic happened. That publisher sufferedfinancial losses and went under. The company’s name was purchased by someonewho had their own catalog of books, so that allowed me to take ownership of thethird book. Finally, after years of hoping, I signed with a literary agent formy fourth book. I worked with her on the edits for that manuscript and it is currentlyout on submission to editors and publishers. 

When that book went on submission, I finished my fifth bookwhich is a YA thriller set in coastal South Carolina. There are three sisters,an exotic garden, and Big Pharma causing lots of deadly trouble. I just loveit. Fingers crossed that my agent finds the best homes for both of these books.My sixth book idea is being outlined at present. It will be a YA thriller setin D.C. and it’s going to be super fun to write! 

Leigh Goff is an author of three published young adult novels and is represented by Lauren Bittrich. She is working on her next novel, a young adult thriller, while her current manuscript, Wicked Sweet, is on submission.

You can find her current published novels at Audible | Amazon | Apple   

Learn more about Leigh Goff onher website and blog.Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkTree

Souping Up the Chicken with Author Helen Carpenter...

We're good eggs here in Carpenter Country, and we subscribe to the waste-not philosophy of life. In our kitchen, one cooked chicken results in multiple meals, including delicious homemade chicken soup.

For this soup recipe, we began with a chicken slow cooked in the crockpot. Once the chicken was cooked and the initial chicken-and-vegetable-and-potato meal eaten, we separated the remaining meat from the bones. We used the darker chicken meat in the soup, and the white-meat portions in chicken salad, chicken potpie, and chicken sandwiches.

Then we got out our soup pot and put together this stovetop soup. For extra flavor, when we filled the pot with water, we added a few spoonsful of the drippings collected in the crockpot as the chicken cooked.

Note that this recipe works exactly the same if you prefer to roast your chicken in the oven.

Here's our souped-up video. The full recipe follows below.



CHICKEN SOUP CARPENTER STYLE
Chicken trimmings (bones and skin) from fully cooked chicken
Water (enough to cover the trimmings and fill the pot)
2-4 tbsp. pan drippings, depending on the size of your pot
2-4 cups fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice (we used frozen mixed)
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. garlic salt (or regular salt if you prefer)
2 tsp. minced garlic
Dash black pepper
2 cups shredded chicken meat

Add chicken trimmings to pot.

Add enough water to cover the trimmings and fill the pot.

Add pan drippings.

Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Remove chicken trimmings from pot with strainer or slotted spoon and skim off any foam from the broth.

Add vegetables, seasonings, and shredded chicken to pot. Add additional water if necessary.

Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Serve hot with bread or crackers.

TIPS and TRICKS
Add a packet of chicken bouillon with the drippings to punch up the flavor.

For a thinner broth, leave out the vegetables (or cook them until they are very soft) and reduce the amount of shredded chicken. Use the broth in other recipes or serve in mugs.

To make chicken noodle soup, add noodles or pasta of your choice along with the vegetables.

Be creative with the spices. For instance, a dash of curry powder adds a unique flavor.

Once upon a time there was a mother/daughter author duo named Helen and Lorri, who wrote as HL Carpenter. the Carpenters worked from their studios in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories was unreal but not untrue. Then one day Lorri left her studio to explore the land of What-If, and like others who have lost a loved one the magical place lost much of its magic. But thanks to family, plus an amazing group of wordsmiths named Authors Moving Forward (AMF), the magic is slowly returning.

Helen Carpenter loves liking and sharing blog posts from other authors. She lives in Florida with her husband of many years and appreciates every day, especially those without hurricanes.
Stay connected on her blog and Facebook.

Update in My Author Life…

 

Ah, a new year, and new plans. So much hope, and so much faith innew beginnings. A clean slate, a fresh start. As I went through my business planand goals for 2023, I was pleased to find that I managed to complete them all,save for nabbing a foreign rights agent. But, I realized that goal was totallyout of my control, with the exception of sending out queries. Among my otherlofty goals were creating a writing resource PDF I called, Tips,Tools & Tricks for the Tenacious Writer and putting it up on mywebsite as a free download, connecting with the local libraries to see if they’dpurchase and carry my books, and finish writing the third installment ofMysterious Tales from Fairy Falls called Sticksand Stones. Done. Done. Done. Well, the libraries never got back to me, soI assume it’s a flat no. Sigh.

I guess authors nowadays have to try many possible avenues to gettheir books out there. Shows. Events. Ads. Giveaways. Bribes. Begging. Sorry,got carried away. LOL! Actually, I was lucky enough to attend a couple ofevents in the fall of 2023. One at our town’s bookstore, River Bookshop, who hosted a Local AuthorBook Fair, and another with my publisher, Mirror World Publishing at aLocal Author Christmas Book Show. I love events that only allow authors andpublishers, as opposed to anything-goes craft shows, because you get actual readerswandering the aisles instead of people looking aimlessly around at thedifferent tables. Plus, we get to network with other authors, and learn whatbook promotion strategies work for them, and what doesn’t. A win-win in myeyes.

I also bought a program that helps authors create ads instantly.If you’ve never heard of BookGraphix,I
urge you to check it out if you like doing your own ads to share on yoursocial media accounts. The program allows authors to place their book or books(up to three) in images that are appropriate for your audience, create content,and download them to your computer. They also have holiday inspired ads aswell, and you can do trailers, cover reveals, and other creative stuff. For thelast three and a half years, I’ve been steadily running Facebook ads for tendays, and rolling over a new ad when one finishes. This strategy has garneredme a reach of over a million people for many campaigns that I’ve run, and abouttwo to five thousand clicks on the links I provide. I use my Amazon Author linkwith all my books, and my website books page for those links. It’s certainlybeen an investment for sure. The trick is to get those link clickers to buy oneof my books instead of click and go. It’s a patience game for sure!

As for my plans for 2024, I’ll be revising and editing Sticks and Stones so it’s ready forpublication either late this fall or in 2025. Yup. That’s how the publishinggame works! Slow, but sure. I’m going to continue to query foreign rightsagents seasonally until I attract the best one for me (fingers crossed), aswell as run my ten day Facebook ads to extend my reach and hopefully connectwith readers throughout the world. It’s also my intention to start gatheringresearch and plotting the story for the next installment of TheLast Timekeepers time travel adventure series, which will be in Treena Mui’spoint-of-view. Should be a blast!

On a personal note, my hubby and I got e-bikes from Santa for Christmasin 2022, and have been riding our butts off all spring, summer and fall, in aneffort to put a lot of mileage on them. Best. Presents. Ever. Plus, it’s greatexercise and gets us outside in nature. For more current news, please check my blog, as I periodically giveupdates to what’s going on in my author life. So how about you? Do you have anybig or small plans, goals, desires you want to make manifest in 2024? Dreambig, life is short. Would love to read your comments. Cheers and Happy New Year! Thanks fortaking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!

Author in the Kitchen: A Festive Cake Fit for a King and a Romantic Comedy Read by Catherine Castle...

Two years ago inlate December, I discovered almond paste and went down a cake rabbit hole. Myfamily celebrates Christmas on New Year’s Day most years, but that year we werecelebrating after January 6, which is Epiphany. Epiphany is the traditional datethe Wise Men visited the Christ Child, and to celebrate the event a specialcake, with a plastic baby or bean hidden in the cake, is served. The Epiphanycake, often referred to as a King cake or the Three Kings cake, has many forms,flavors, and even many trinkets hidden in it. It is also a tradition in manycountries, especially those with a Catholic background. 

I’d never heard of aKing cake, except in reference to Louisiana Mardi Gras celebrations. After someresearch, I decided to come up with my own version of an Epiphany King cakeusing almond paste. It took several tries to create something that showed offthe frangipane I’d made with almond paste. On my first attempt, using a yellowcake recipe, the frangipane melted into the cake batter and didn’t give me thedefinition I wanted.   

So I beganexperimenting. I decided I’d make a chocolate spice cake with a frangipanelayer. That worked. I’m calling it Epiphany Frangipane Chocolate Spice Cake. Ifyou don’t want to make it an Epiphany cake, complete with trinkets, just callit Frangipane Chocolate Spice Cake. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way - besure to make the frangipane first! 

Also, you may wantto consider adding the following: 

·      1 bean, or1 plastic small baby figurine, or several small trinkets. Be sure to tell yourguests these items are hidden in the cake!

·      Choppedmaraschino cherries or chopped candied fruit for decorating the cake. You can addthe chopped candied fruits to the baking pan before you add the batter, scatteringthem evenly around the pan, or you can reserve them and scatter them over thetop of the baked cake adhering them to the cake with a bit of confectionersugar glaze. 

FrangipaneChocolate Spice Cake Cake2½ cups sifted cakeflour2 cups granulatedsugar1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. salt1 tsp. ground nutmeg1 tsp. ground cloves3 tbsp. cocoa1 cup shortening1 tsp. vanillaextract1 cup buttermilk,divided4 eggs, roomtemperature 

Preheat oven to 350°F.  

Combine flour withspices and cocoa in a large bowl. 

In another bowl,cream shortening until fluffy. Add 1 cup sugar and mix again, then add 1 cupflour and spices. Mix and beat until combined, adding vanilla and ¾ cup buttermilk,¼ cup at a time, as needed to make batter mixable. 

Add remaining flour,sugar, and buttermilk until combined. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Keep batterscraped down from sides and bottom on bowl while beating. 

Add eggs andremaining buttermilk. Beat 2 more minutes on medium. 

In a lightlybuttered, easy-release Bundt pan, gently pour 2 cups of batter into cake pan,smoothing out until batter is level if necessary. 

Almond Cream Frangipane ½ cup (1 stick)unsalted butter, softened½ cup granulatedsugar2 eggs, roomtemperature¾ cup almond flour2 tbsp. all-purposeflour2 tsp. vanillaextract1 tsp. almondextract 

Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Combine ingredients on medium, then onhigh until fully combined. Refrigerate frangipane until cake batter is ready. 

Drop frangipane byteaspoonfuls onto batter, taking care to center in in batter. Or alternatelyyou could pipe frangipane onto batter. 

 

Add another layer of frangipane in samemanner as before. 

Cover with 1½ cups cake batter. 

Put upper rack in the lower third of oven.Bake cake for 60-65 minutes or until wooden skewer inserted in cake comes outclean. You need a long skewer, not just a toothpick to test for doneness. 

Cool pan upright for 5-10 minutes. Invertonto a wire cooling rack, Cool cake completely on wire rack. 

Note: You will have extra batter andfrangipane with this recipe. To use remaining mixes, make cupcakes. 

Spoon ⅛ cup batterinto a cupcake line. Top with 1 teaspoon frangipane, centering it in batter.

Cover frangipanewith another scant ⅛ cup batter. Bake at 375° F for 35 minutes or until

toothpick insertedin cupcake comes out clean. 

I hope you’ll enjoymy cake. While it’s baking check out my romantic comedy with a touch of drama, A Groom forMama. There’s cake in this book, too. Wedding cake. 

Beverly Walters is dying, and before she goes, she has one wish—to find a groom for her daughter. To get the deed done, Mama enlists the dating service of Jack Somerset, Allison’s former boyfriend.

The last thing corporate-climbing Allison wants is a husband. Furious with Mama’s meddling, and a bit more interested in Jack than she wants to admit, Allison agrees to the scheme as long as Mama promises to search for a cure for her terminal illness.

A cross-country trip from Nevada to Ohio ensues, with a string of disastrous dates along the way, as the trio hunts for treatment and A Groom for Mama.

Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer, she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems.

In addition to writing, she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting, and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter, FB, or her blog.

My Author Life’s Year-End Assessment…

When the year starts to wind down, I usually do an evaluation ofwhat I’ve accomplished, and what I’m still working on. Augh. Some of my goalsfor 2023 came to fruition, others fell flat, and still others were not in mycontrol to begin with. Augh, again. I did manage to finish the thirdinstallment of Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, entitled Sticks and Stones, but fell short of mydeadline for spring. Instead, I completed my manuscript just before our CanadianThanksgiving in early October. How fitting, since the novel ends during ourThanksgiving. Divine timing, it seems, is everything. My goal was to get thenovel ready for my publisher’s 2024 publication roster. Um, no. Fell a littleshort. But I got into the 2025 for sure, unless something unforeseen happensand a space opens up. Such is the complexity of the publishing industry. Sigh.

That said, I feel very blessed to have a publisher like Mirror World Publishing, wholiterally has their authors’ backs, and are so supportive and understanding.Another goal I did manage to get launched was compiling a writing resourceebook called Tips,Tools & Tricks for the Tenacious Writer, and offering it for freeon my website as a downloadable PDF. It was actually ten years in the making,as I took helpful articles from my blog to share my publishing journey withwannabe writers or authors who might just glean some useful material from it. Imanaged to get the freebie up last March, so a win-win for me! *Pats backvigorously*

A smaller goal was to try to get my books into the local librariesof the Southern Ontario region I live in. Talk about red tape and politics. Tripleaugh! I contacted the right people in the right positions, explained that Iwanted my books to share shelf space with the numerous books they had on hand,and of course told them I was a local author. I was informed that their budgetswould only allow so many books to be purchased (most likely famous authors orbestsellers), but that I could drop off my books at the closest libraries in mylocation. So I did. I chose the first books in my two young adult series, TheLast Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, and Lostand Found from Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls. I wrote a coverletter and packaged my book babies up, and sent them on their way. I alsomentioned in the letter that if they decided against purchasing my books, thenplease accept these titles as a donation. Sigh. Never even got a thank you or acharitable slip for tax purposes. *Shakes fist vehemently*

My HUGE goal (this one is NOT in my control) was to acquire aliterary agent to handle foreign and subsidiary rights for both my young adultseries. Yeah, I know it’s a pipe dream, but I truly believe in myself as awriter, and do want to bring more light into the world through my books. Ibegan this endeavor in November 2022, crafting a query tailored to my goals,and researched prospective literary agents. Shoot me now. I really hate QueryTracker because the format is geared to one manuscript. So, I got creative, cutand pasted my query and sent it along. I did hit pay dirt in July with a UKagent who requested my PDFs! My elation was short-lived, as she explained thather heart had to be all in, and she didn’t feel she was the right fit forrepresentation. Hey, I wouldn’t have expected anything else. That said, I knowthat the query letter I wrote did its job, and captured the eye of an agent. Atleast now I know there’s a chance of landing the perfect agent for me.*Crossing fingers and toes*

Of course, I had many othermini goals throughout 2023, as I continued to chip away and plod through myauthor life. How about you? If you’re an author, did you reach many of yourgoals? If you’re a reader, did you realize what an author’s life entails? Wouldlove to read your comments. Wishing you, and your loved ones, a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers!

Book Tour: YA Graphic Novel DELUGE by Mike Dubisch and Carolyn Watson-Dubisch...

 

Sapphyria's Book Promotions presents the 1-Week Virtual Book Tour for Deluge by Mike Dubisch and Carolyn Watson-Dubisch - YA Graphic Novel (December 11-15, 2023)

About Deluge:

About the Book:

12 year old Laura was just a normal girl from Seattle when her mother decided to move to a mysterious town in the midwest. The moment they arrive in their new home hundreds of frogs rain from the sky. Her quirky new neighbor has a house full of knick knacks and odd tiny creatures beckoning from the shadows, and there's a terrible curse on the town that makes every summer storm a life threatening event. Welcome to the town of Deluge.

Book Details:

Genres: YA Graphic Novel

Page Count: 50

Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202409014-deluge

Purchase from Amazon: 

https://amzn.to/3uNW4dH

Follow the Book Tour:

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2023/12/book-tour-schedule-deluge-by-mike.html
Meet the Authors:

Mike and Carolyn Dubisch began collaborating artistically at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. They married soon after graduating and began working together. Their first major project was designing rides on the Turn of the Century Carousel that was displayed in Grand Central Station in New York, The L.A. Auto Show in California, Also in Washington D.C., and New Orleans. Their comic book adaptation of the Japanese fable Urishima Taro, initially created for a fundraiser for the tsunami victims in Japan, was licensed by FOX in 2013.

Mike Dubisch is well known for his fantasy art and comics, including art for Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons and Aliens vs Predator. Carolyn Watson-Dubisch is a multiple award winning author and illustrator of 18 children’s books, working with multiple publishers and authors. Her work has appeared in Highlights for Children Magazine, Hopscotch Magazine and she designed and illustrated a regular feature in Whimsy Magazine for 5 years. Their most ambitious project, the all-ages graphic novel series “The People That Melt in The Rain”, is the product of over 10 years of development.

Social Media Links:
Mike:
Instahttps://www.instagram.com/mikedubisch/

FBhttps://www.facebook.com/MikeDubischArt

Tiktok@dubischsketchbook

Carolyn:
Instahttps://www.instagram.com/artbycwdubisch/
FBhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/170675381469

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/CarolynWDubisch

Author Pagehttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Carolyn-Watson-Dubisch/author/B004CS6K4G


The People That Melt in The Rain:
https://www.facebook.com/PeopleThatMeltInTheRain

A Holiday Recipe and Read: Craisin-Walnut Dressing and A Regency Christmas Collection by Emma Lane...

This year seems to have zipped by much too fast. Our family is alreadyhinting for me to cook their favorite dishes for Christmas dinner. One wants a hamwith gravy from drippings. Another is pleading for green bean casserole, whileanother wants fresh asparagus spears and dinner rolls. Me, I have a sweet toothand am looking forward to a home baked apple pie, of course ala mode, fordessert. 😊 One thing the entire family islooking forward to is my special dressing. Here’s the recipe for you.

CRAISIN-WALNUTDRESSING
1 bag seasoned breadcrumbs, or mixed 

breadcrumbs1½ cup chickenstock, just enough to moisten 

breadcrumbs2 tbsp. butter1 onion, chopped¼ cup celery, chopped⅓ cup dried craisons,dried cranberries or raisins¼ cup choppedwalnutsSalt & pepper totaste 

Preheat oven 350° F. 

Soak craisins, or raisins,in warm water to soften for fifteen minutes. 

Melt butter in a fryingpan. Sauté celery and onion until opaque, about 7 minutes.

Drain craisins. Combineall ingredients in a medium size bowl, then season with salt and pepper.  Pour chicken stock to moisten ingredients andmix lightly.

Grease an oven safe panthem scoop in mixture.

Bake 25 – 30minutes.

Merry Christmas,

Emma

Here's a peek at my Christmas collection. I hope you enjoy it.

Winter stormsswirling snow and unexpected guests on the eve of Christmas, the pungentfragrance of fresh pine boughs, springs of mistletoe hung with red ribbons, anda stolen kiss underneath the kissing ball comprise scenes of Christmas in thecountry. Ice skating anyone? Have a cup of wassail and toast your toes in frontof a warm fire while you enjoy four short stories of sweet Regency Christmasromances. 

Amazon Link

 

Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes cozy mysteries as Janis Lane, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane. 

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own. 

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma's new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter . Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest .

Book Tour: It Hurts Every Time by L.P. Mills...

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the 1-week virtual book tour for
It Hurts Every Time by L.P. Mills

About It Hurts Every Time:

“Death is not the end, sir,

No, sir, not the end of the line,

Just remember what I say to you;

It hurts, baby,

It hurts every time.”

Pluto Garcia is a lieutenant in the Community Militia of Morrisette, a post-communist city-state where a miracle drug has advanced enough to allow the dying a second chance at life by launching them into the nearest available universe in which they are still alive.

In his latest incarnation, Pluto is tasked with investigating the death of Krishna Klein, a brilliant but troubled philanthropist who has been found with a bullet in his head following a week-long bender. With the aid of his assigned partner, Esther Dupont, Pluto uncovers a techno-fascistic plot to plunge the flawed Utopia of Morrissette into authoritarian control once and for all.
Follow the Book Tour:

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2023/11/book-tour-schedule-it-hurts-every-time.html
Release Date:
December 1, 2023
Purchase Links:
Paperback: https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/product/it-hurts-every-time-by-l-p-mills-paperback-/107?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false
Ebook: https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/product/it-hurts-every-time-by-l-p-mills-e-book-/108?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZUeghc

Meet the Author:


LP Mills is an author, game designer, journalist, and beard owner. He currently lives in front of a computer screen in Nottingham, UK, where he feverishly tells stories in an attempt to ignore his day-to-day responsibilities. His dog, Jack Daniels, has yet to compliment him on his writing.

Find L.P. Online:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/liampmills10

Author Website: https://sealightstudios.bigcartel.com/

Publisher Website: http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/