Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 106

#Fantasy And #Sci-Fi #Audiobooks

Do you listen to audiobooks?

Are you a fan of fantasy and/or science-fiction books?

Then check out this list of fantasy and sci-fi audiobooks.

#Writing Wednesday - A Kero's World Teaser - #KidLit #Pets

Kero thought it was a bit odd that Santa Paws was going to visit while they were sleeping. It sounded a bit suspicious to him. What kind of a creature sneaks in to someone’s house while they were sleeping? No. Kero did not like the sound of that at all.

After thinking about it for a while, Kero decided there was only one thing for it. He would have to stay awake all night to watch for this Santa Paws. Nobody was going to sneak in to his home while his human was sleeping... Even if he did plan on leaving toys and treats for them!

That evening Kero’s human showed him the stockings.

“When you get up in the morning this will be full of treats from Santa Paws,” she said.

Kero licked his lips. He liked the sound of that.

He decided not to tell his human about his plan to stay up and watch for Santa Paws. Instead he watched her set out the snacks for Santa Paws, then he went along with the usual bedtime routine: going out to the garden, having his bedtime treats, then settling beside his human as if he planned to sleep with her.

Once he was sure she was asleep, Kero quietly got up and went in to the living room where the stockings were.

He settled himself on the back of the sofa where he’d have a good view of the window and the stockings.

~Above from "Kero Celebrates Christmas" by Victoria Zigler.

Enjoy what you just read? Want to read more about Kero - not to mention, learn if he managed to stay awake to spot the mysterious Santa Paws? Then grab your copies of my "Kero's World" books!

The books are available as eBooks, in paperback, and now also in audio - read by Giles Miller.

Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can find them:

Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
iTunes, Audible Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

#KidLit #FairyTale #Book - Asha's Big Adventure Now In #Audio!

This is the story of a little girl who loves exploring, a hungry wolf, three brave little pigs, three nervous goats, a troll with a toothache, and three misunderstood bears.

Based on the author’s own takes on three well-known fairy tales, “Asha’s Big Adventure” tells the story of a little girl named Asha who ignores her parents’ warnings about going exploring in the woods near where they live. Asha soon finds herself getting lost, being chased by a hungry wolf, unable to cross a bridge because of a grumpy troll, and proven guilty of breaking and entering by an angry family of bears.

"Asha's Big Adventure" is now available in audio, read for you by Patricia DeBruhl. The previously published eBook and paperback versions of the book are also still available for those who would rather those formats.

Regardless of your prefered format, here are the main places where you can buy the book:

Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.

#KidLit #Pets - Kero The #Westie

I've mentioned Kero so many times everywhere - especially on this blog - that it almost seems pointless to write a post to tell you who he was. However, for the benifit of newcomers to this blog: He was a West Highland White Terrier who was very special to me, and who crossed the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago.

Also, for the benifit of anyone who isn't totally familiar with the breed, here's what the Kennel Club has to say about a Westie:

The breed was developed from Cairn terrier ancestry and it was the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire who developed a white strain of Cairns in the mid 19th century. Many breeders of Cairns had been in the practice of culling white puppies but the Malcolms asserted that they were easier to see when working on the moors. The West Highland White was eventually developed to become a little shorter in the body and with a higher tail carriage than the Cairn.

Early names for the breed were the Poltalloch terrier, and the Roseneath terrier – after a strain developed on the Duke of Argyll's Roseneath Estate.

Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1907, the West Highland White remains one of the most popular breeds in the group.

Breed Group: Terrier
Vulnerable Native Breed: No
Size: Small
How much exercise?: Up to 1 hour per day
Length of coat: Medium
How much grooming?: More than once a week
Supposedly sheds? : Yes
Town or Country: Either
Type of home: Flat
Minimum Garden Size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 12 Years

~Above from this page on the Kennel Club's website.

Want to read Kero's adventures? Then grab your copies of my "Kero's World" books! The books are available as eBooks, in paperback, and now also in audio - read by Giles Miller.

Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can find them:

Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
iTunes, Audible Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

#KidLit #Books - The Kero's World Series By @VictoriaZigler Now In #Audio! Plus A #Giveaway!

Thanks to the narration skills of Giles Miller, my “Kero’s World” books are now in audio!

For those who don't know: The "Kero's World" stories are all about the adventures of my West Highland White Terrier, Kero, who made that journey across the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago. So, read his stories, and see the world from the point of view of a little white dog.

***~~~***

Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies

If there’s one thing Kero loves more than going for a walk, then it has to be going for a walk that takes him to more than one place. Today his walk will take him both to the park and to the beach. What will he find there? Who will he see? And what will a little dog like him think of it all?

Buy "Kero Goes Walkies" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday

It’s Kero’s birthday, and his humans are doing everything they can to make it a special day for him. What will Kero think of all the fuss and attention? And what exactly makes a birthday special for a dog anyway?

Buy "Kero Celebrates His Birthday" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick

Kero isn’t feeling well at all, and that means only one thing: a trip to his least favourite place in the world... The vet! What will the vet do to make Kero feel better? And will Kero think it was worth the trip to the vet in the end?

Buy "Kero Gets Sick" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween

Something strange is going on, and Kero doesn’t know if he’s more confused or frightened. All he knows for sure is that the humans are calling it Halloween. Will Kero be able to make sense of this Halloween thing? Or is it just too scary and confusing for a little dog to understand?

Buy "Kero Celebrates Halloween" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town

Kero’s very excited to find he’s going to town with his humans. He’s sure there must be loads of great things to do there, after all the humans go there all the time. But what kinds of things can a little dog do in town? And will it be as much fun as he thinks it will?

Buy "Kero Goes To Town" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas

Christmas is here, and with it comes snow and Santa Paws - whoever he is. What will Kero think of the snow? Will he be able to make sense of all the holiday activity? And will he be able to stay up long enough to catch this mysterious Santa Paws?

Buy "Kero Celebrates Christmas" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Kero is sicker than he's ever been before, and has been for a while now. It looks like it's time for another trip to the vet. But this time Kero's human won't be bringing him home; it's time for Kero to cross the rainbow bridge! What does this mean? And what will Kero find on the other side of the rainbow bridge?

This is the final book in the "Kero's World" series, and tells the story of the saddest and very last chapter in the life of a beloved dog, as he goes to the place where all of us must go eventually.

Buy "Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Want to get your hands on a free set of these books in audio? You're in luck, because I have some audible codes to give away for all seven books in the series.

Yes, I did say all seven books: each winner will get a complete set of audible audiobooks.

So, to get your hands on a set of Audible codes for these books, simply be one of the first 12 people to send me an eMail with the subject "Kero's World" to keroberous2004@gmail.com with the answer to the following question in it:

There are three terriers closely related to - and close in appearance to - the West Highland White Terrier. Can you name one of those breeds?

I have codes for both Audible.com and Audible.co.uk - please let me know in your eMail which you would prefer.

Eadweard - A Story Of 1066 Is Now In #Audio! #KidLit #History #BattleOfHastings #1066

It’s October 14th 1066, and King Harold’s Saxon army is about to go in to battle against Duke William’s invading Norman army. Among the ranks of the Saxons are two boys who shouldn’t be there: Eadweard, and his best friend, Cerdic.

Daydreams of becoming great war heroes had the boys convinced to disobey their Fathers and go to war, despite the possibility of punishment if they were caught. Now it’s time for the battle to begin, and Eadweard is starting to wish he’d stayed home after all. But it’s too late to turn back now, and Eadweard finds himself witnessing the events of the battle that would later be called The Battle Of Hastings, and learning how different from his imaginings the reality of war actually is.

*Note: This is a work of fiction, which is based on actual events. It tells the story of the battle between King Harold’s Saxon army and Duke William’s Norman army, which took place a short distance away from the town of Hastings on October 14th 1066, in a place now known simply as Battle. Though this is a children’s story, the recommended reading age for this book is eight years and over, since it is a story that takes place on a battlefield, and therefore contains scenes of violence that are not suitable for younger, or more sensitive, readers.

Previously published in October 2016 to mark the 950th anniversary of The Battle Of Hastings, my book "Eadweard - A Story Of 1066" is now also available in audio, read for you by Danny Letham.

Regardless of whether you'd prefer the new audio edition, or want to grab a copy as an eBook or paperback, here are the main places you can buy the book:

Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.

#Furkid Friday: The Mummy Human Went Away! (FD)

Hi everyone. This is Maizie the chinchilla.

Guess what?

She left us!

The Mummy human... She went away and left us!

OK, so she left that Daddy human here to feed us, make sure we had water, and make sure our TV and light were working when they should be, so we were taken care of. But she left us!

It's supposed to be the Mummy human who feeds us - especially at breakfast time - and she wasn't here to do it. We don't know why, but she was gone for three breakfast times, and three dinner times! The Daddy human had to give us our nibbles. He was good about giving special nibbles like Shreddies as well as regular nibbles, but he's not the Mummy human, and we like her feeding us.

She even missed Saturday afternoon TV time, and we're right in the middle of catching up with episodes of NCIS. How can she miss NCIS time?

I suppose the good thing is, the little white Lilie dog was gone too, so those days were peaceful for us. But that's not the point. The point is that the Mummy human wasn't here.

She did come back though... Eventually.

I hope she doesn't plan to make a habit of disappearing like that, because I didn't like her going away like that, and neither did my chinchilla sister, Mollie, and our degu brother, Joshua.

Oh, and she brought the little white Lilie dog back with her as well. We wouldn't have minded too much if she hadn't done that, but I suppose we've got to put up with it if we want the Mummy human to be home with us where she belongs. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, I suppose.

Squeak soon,
Maizie

#Writing Wednesday - November 15th 2017

In case you missed my posts from Saturday and Sunday:

"Bluebell The Fairy Guide" is now available in audio, narrated by Jenny Bacon, with Beatrice Turner as the voice of Bluebell.

And...

"Ulrike's Christmas" is now available in audio, narrated by Jerry Fischer.

Both books can be purchased in audio via Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. For a list of links - including those for eBook and paperback versions, just in case you'd prefer those formats - click on the posts linked to above.

Audiobook production is coming along quite nicely. There have been a few production delays in some cases, but things are moving along nicely and 20 of my titles are now available in audio (12 of them you'll have already seen the announcement posts for if you're a regular reader of this blog). I'm working with Jerry and Jenny on a few of my other stand alone stories. I'm working with a couple of other narrators - Patricia DeBruhl and J D Kelly - on some of the other stand alone stories I have too. I'm also still working with Natalee Pfifer and Tiffany Marz on my Magical Chapters Trilogy and Zeena Dragon Fae series respectively. Giles Miller has completed work on my Kero's World books, so there will be some posts about those next week (those are seven of the books I have yet to post announcement posts for, despite them being available in audio already). Finally, I worked with a wonderful narrator by the name of Danny Letham to produce an audio version of "Eadweard - A Story Of 1066" over the past month or so, which is the other book I have yet to post an announcement for (I'm waiting for the iTunes link). Like I said, things are moving along quite nicely. 20 books down, 31 to go.

If you have books you want to produce in audio too, take a moment to read this post on working with a narrator.

***

Regardless of the kind of thing you write - from blog posts to novels, and everything in between - check out this post on keeping the passion for writing going.

If your problem is that you're feeling uninspired, try these tips for when you're feeling uninspired. Of course, the one about writing down your ideas will only help you if you make a habit of doing it so there's a handy list for when you're struggling to find inspiration, but it's still a good idea. On that note, here are some ideas of how to collect writing ideas while you're procrastinating online. Remember though to beware of Procrastination: A Writer’s Kryptonite.

On the other hand, if it's the demon of self-doubt you're battling with, here's a post on fighting the demon of doubt, and a reminder to stop trying to come up with the most original story idea ever.

Oh, and if you're doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and have fallen behind on your word count, here are some tips for getting word count when you've fallen behind. Most important though is to not panic. Don't let it stop you from continuing with NaNoWriMo and trying to get your 50,000 words written. I mean, it would be amazing if you manage it - I hope you do, in fact. But you deserve a pat on the back for trying in the first place, and any progress you make towards writing your novel is awesome. Just keep writing, be proud of however much you do achieve, and enjoy yourself.

Of course, if you want to do a writing challenge, it doesn't have to be something like NaNoWriMo. In fact, it doesn't even have to be one of the hundreds and hundreds of writing challenges you can find by browsing the internet. You can always invent a writing exercise that challenges you personally. Just a thought.

Anyway...

Many people say you should avoid overused expressions, but that's actually easier said than done. So, here's a short post with some examples of How to freshen up cliched expressions instead.

Also, here's an interesting post on How Being a Wallflower Improves Your Writing, or things to take note of during quiet moments when you can observe the people and things around you while out and about.

Here's how to determine if your novel needs a prologue. However, whether it does or not, check out this next post if you need some tips on how to start that first chapter.

Next, here are three keys to writing effective action scenes and eight things writers forget when writing fight scenes, just in case you have trouble with one - or both - of those things. I know I struggle with the latter; I'm personally not that good at writing fight scenes, so I'm glad to have those tips to bear in mind for the future.

Speaking of writing fight scenes, if you want your fantasy battles to be accurate, this post will help you out with what most new fantasy writers get wrong about weapons and armour. Something that's especially important if you're writing in a medieval setting, or other actual historical period.

On the other hand, if you have either science or magic in your story, you might want to take a look at this post on how science and magic are two sides of the same coin, and bear in mind that magic needs some rules - even if they aren't explained in your story - and science doesn't have to be explained in great detail (not that there's anything wrong with explaining your science in your science-fiction, since some people - myself included - do enjoy some evidence of scientific research, you just don't need to explain every single aspect in perfect detail).

Regardless of the elements in your story, these things causing a sagging middle could help you if the middle of your story has fallen a bit flat.

Last, but certainly not least, always remember that all writing counts, and you are a writer - as long as you write.

Of Caravans And Things (FD) (Kinda R/WP)

The only thing I did for Halloween this year was eat pasta with pumpkin sage sauce and cheese, follow it up with some lemon cheesecake, and eat some chocolate. I had planned to do more, but everything else that's been going on, combined with a caravan holiday that was planned for the weekend after, meant I abandoned the other plans. I didn't even bother with pumpkin carving this year (the pumpkin for my pumpkin sage sauce came from a can).

The caravan holiday took place from November 3rd to November 6th. The caravan site had fireworks every night that weekend to celebrate the fact it was Bonfire Night on November 5th. The photo at the top of this post was taken on the first night. We didn't take any other photos of the fireworks, since the only cameras we had with us were the ones on our phones. "We" meant me, my Mam, and Lilie. Lilie wasn't the least bit bothered by the fireworks, by the way, and actually sat and watched them quite happily. Well, until she got bored and fell asleep.

Mam's new puppy, Alexis-Hope, was supposed to be there too, but Mam decided to leave her with a friend due to concerns about how such a young puppy would behave in a caravan (Lexi would have only just turned four months old at the time). We were a bit concerned about seven month old Lilie as it was, but she behaved a lot better than expected.

We had some fun times over that weekend, but we won't be repeating the experience. At least, not at that particular caravan park.

Things were set out in such a confusing manner that every time we left the caravan it took us an hour to find it again (bearing in mind it had taken us about an hour to find it in the first place, even with help from someone who lived on site). So after a couple of times we tried to avoid going out of sight of the caravan, and the one time we had to Lilie and I stayed near the caravan while my Mam went wherever it was - to find food, if you really want to know - so Lilie and I could act as a landmark for Mam to find the caravan again. It helped, but still took ages for her to find her way back.

Finding food in itself was a chore, since the only food options on the site for anyone who didn't want fish or sausages was plain chips or to pick up stuff from their little convenience store (where it cost more for bread and milk than I'd usually spend on enough food to feed me all week). A huge problem for someone like me who happens to be a vegetarian. Apparently they had a vegetarian sausage, but we were suspicious of it so weren't going to risk eating it (Mam couldn't see any difference between it and the regular sausage). We took the option of just chips and the very expensive bread and milk on the first night, since it took us long enough to find those things, but the following day Mam left me and Lilie at the caravan and went to find a grocery store to fetch us things to eat for the rest of the weekend.

There was apparently a nice place to walk that led to the sandy beach near the site. We'd planned to take Lilie to it. The beach near us is the kind with shingles rather than sand, so we thought we'd let her see some actual sand. But we didn't end up going, since we were too scared to leave the caravan and not be able to find it again. Her walks mostly involved her getting exercise on her extending lead while one of us held it outside the caravan. We felt a bit bad about it, but - as I said - were too scared to go away from the caravan, for fear we wouldn't find our way back. It was something that made us glad Lexi didn't come after all, since at least Lilie was a small enough dog that she was happy with us just doing that. Lexi is a larger breed, and I doubt she'd have been so easily satisfied.

Also, it was a cold weekend, and the heating system in the caravan was unreliable. When we got there it was way too hot, afterwards we struggled to keep warm even with the gas fire on.

The morning we left was a very frosty one. The temperature was around freezing, and there was a thick layer of frost on the ground. It was Lilie's first time seeing frost like that. She wasn't all that impressed. She stopped to sniff at it a bit, but mostly she seemed more interested in getting to the car to go home.
I think she'd had enough of the caravan holiday by then too. I know Mam and I were glad to be going home.

Some #MondayMotivation

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
~Helen Keller

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
~Thomas A. Edison

"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground."
~Theodore Roosevelt

"If you can dream it, you can do it."
~Walt Disney

And remember: every blogger matters!