Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 162
June 6, 2015
Zeena And The Dryad - officially released today!
"Zeena the faerie dragon doesn’t think she’s special, even though she’s the only one of her kind to have mastered the magic for all five elements equally. But when a dryad named Kishi comes to her for help, she doesn’t hesitate. Together with her best friend – a mischievous pixie named Saarik – Zeena sets off to free Heidi the earth fairy, as well as to save the woods and the creatures of Earth."
That's the synopsis for my latest book, which is officially released today!
The book is called "Zeena And The Dryad" and is the first book in the “Zeena Dragon Fae” series; a fantasy series containing four books. Well, it will contain four books when I'm finished writing them, anyway.
"Zeena And The Dryad" is now available to buy as an eBook from Smashwords in all formats they offer, as well as from other eBook retailers who carry my books, such as Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo, among others. It will be available elsewhere soon.
It will also be available in print in the near future; just as soon as this can be arranged.
That's the synopsis for my latest book, which is officially released today!
The book is called "Zeena And The Dryad" and is the first book in the “Zeena Dragon Fae” series; a fantasy series containing four books. Well, it will contain four books when I'm finished writing them, anyway.
"Zeena And The Dryad" is now available to buy as an eBook from Smashwords in all formats they offer, as well as from other eBook retailers who carry my books, such as Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo, among others. It will be available elsewhere soon.
It will also be available in print in the near future; just as soon as this can be arranged.
June 5, 2015
Furkid Friday - June 5th 2015
Hi humans, rats, other rodent types, and anyone else who's reading this.
This is Star the rat.
My humans put this strange thing in our cage a few weeks back. They say it's called a "wheel" and that we're supposed to run on it. I can't figure out why we'd want to run on it though, and neither can my sister, Skye.
Now, don't get me wrong, it's a great climbing toy; though it's easier to climb if we put one of our wooden toys on it to stop it moving. It also makes a nice seat. But we see no point in running on it.
We did try, but running on it got us nowhere, and what's the point of running when you're not going to get anywhere? It's a waste of time, if you ask me!
The boys run on their wheel quite often, and it doesn't get them anywhere either.
Well, our brothers might be daft enough to fall for that running in one place trick of the humans, but we rats aren't; my sister and I are much too smart for that.
I mean, I'm not sure what the purpose of that trick was - though there's bound to be one; there usually is with humans. But, whatever the humans had hoped to achieve, it won't work... Not with me and Skye!
Squeak soon,
Star
This is Star the rat.
My humans put this strange thing in our cage a few weeks back. They say it's called a "wheel" and that we're supposed to run on it. I can't figure out why we'd want to run on it though, and neither can my sister, Skye.
Now, don't get me wrong, it's a great climbing toy; though it's easier to climb if we put one of our wooden toys on it to stop it moving. It also makes a nice seat. But we see no point in running on it.
We did try, but running on it got us nowhere, and what's the point of running when you're not going to get anywhere? It's a waste of time, if you ask me!
The boys run on their wheel quite often, and it doesn't get them anywhere either.
Well, our brothers might be daft enough to fall for that running in one place trick of the humans, but we rats aren't; my sister and I are much too smart for that.
I mean, I'm not sure what the purpose of that trick was - though there's bound to be one; there usually is with humans. But, whatever the humans had hoped to achieve, it won't work... Not with me and Skye!
Squeak soon,
Star
June 3, 2015
Wednesday's writing related ramblings - June 3rd 2015
I'm still not able to give you details of exactly when my books will be available to buy in print. Hopefully I'll have some news for you about this soon.
In the meantime, the eBook version of the first "Zeena Dragon Fae" book will be officially released this coming Saturday, and I'm working on writing the second book in the series.
That's all the news I have about my own writing this week though.
So, on to those writing links...
This is a new twist on giving you tips on how to get noticed as an author... Read these tips on how not to get noticed, and then do the opposite. Of course, as the article says, doing the opposite may not guarantee you get noticed. But, you never know.
As you no doubt know, editing is a very important part of the book creation process, and there are all sorts of options available to help with editing; various types of editing software included. The writer should take what editors and editing software have to say in to consideration, but - in most cases - make up their own mind in the end. This article, entitled "Aliens and guillotines- 6 reasons to break the editing rules," explains why.
Speaking of rules... There are certain rules you need to stick to in order to write in a certain genre, but sometimes the rules people say you need to follow are based on what someone wants in order to make your book just like another book they loved - these are not rules of fantasy, for example. Like with all writing rules, you need to figure out for yourself which ones must be followed, and which ones are more flexible - or are fine to ignore completely.
Still sticking with the topic of writing rules... Here are the rules on how not to start your children's book according to one author and reader. Personally, I don't see any problem with setting the scene a little first; as long as something will be happening soon. But everyone's entitled to their opinions, and - if nothing else - it's worth knowing what rules are out there. I mean, if you're going to break writing rules, you should at least know what rules your breaking, right?
OK, moving on...
Need some help with promoting your book? Here are 10 ways to raise the bar on book promotion to help you out. Number nine on the list mentions promotion on other sites/blogs, which is something a couple of people I know try to encourage. If you're wondering why this is such a good idea - and why you usually get asked about yourself more than just your books when you participate - then here's why.
Do you find yourself asking the question "what's an independant author?" Or, perhaps, you're unsure whether or not to take a chance on a book you've spotted by one? Hesitate no longer... Read the post, then read the book you were hesitating about picking up just because of the method in which it was published. There's no more risk in trying a new independant author than there is in trying a new traditionally published author.
In the meantime, the eBook version of the first "Zeena Dragon Fae" book will be officially released this coming Saturday, and I'm working on writing the second book in the series.
That's all the news I have about my own writing this week though.
So, on to those writing links...
This is a new twist on giving you tips on how to get noticed as an author... Read these tips on how not to get noticed, and then do the opposite. Of course, as the article says, doing the opposite may not guarantee you get noticed. But, you never know.
As you no doubt know, editing is a very important part of the book creation process, and there are all sorts of options available to help with editing; various types of editing software included. The writer should take what editors and editing software have to say in to consideration, but - in most cases - make up their own mind in the end. This article, entitled "Aliens and guillotines- 6 reasons to break the editing rules," explains why.
Speaking of rules... There are certain rules you need to stick to in order to write in a certain genre, but sometimes the rules people say you need to follow are based on what someone wants in order to make your book just like another book they loved - these are not rules of fantasy, for example. Like with all writing rules, you need to figure out for yourself which ones must be followed, and which ones are more flexible - or are fine to ignore completely.
Still sticking with the topic of writing rules... Here are the rules on how not to start your children's book according to one author and reader. Personally, I don't see any problem with setting the scene a little first; as long as something will be happening soon. But everyone's entitled to their opinions, and - if nothing else - it's worth knowing what rules are out there. I mean, if you're going to break writing rules, you should at least know what rules your breaking, right?
OK, moving on...
Need some help with promoting your book? Here are 10 ways to raise the bar on book promotion to help you out. Number nine on the list mentions promotion on other sites/blogs, which is something a couple of people I know try to encourage. If you're wondering why this is such a good idea - and why you usually get asked about yourself more than just your books when you participate - then here's why.
Do you find yourself asking the question "what's an independant author?" Or, perhaps, you're unsure whether or not to take a chance on a book you've spotted by one? Hesitate no longer... Read the post, then read the book you were hesitating about picking up just because of the method in which it was published. There's no more risk in trying a new independant author than there is in trying a new traditionally published author.
June 1, 2015
Monday's random mutterings - June 1st 2015 (FD and kinda LBE)
I know... The last two Mondays I sort of cheated with my Monday posts, since I posted about my website's recipe section and nothing else two weeks ago, and then did a post about a newly released book last week.
You're getting a "proper" random mutterings post today though.
***
If you read my post from last Wednesday, then you'll know I mentioned computer issues in it.
You see, my laptop - well, actually, it's a "netbook" if I'm honest - isn't working properly any more.
For one thing, it doesn't have much memory. This was fine when I got it, because I was only doing a bit of writing and blogging for fun, and answering the odd e-mail too, of course. But now that I'm doing more, sometimes need to have a couple of windows open when I'm working on a story (during the re-write phases, when I need to check facts, for example) and need to upload files for my books on a regular basis, it just isn't enough; the poor thing couldn't cope, and kept crashing. Actually, sometimes just opening more than JAWS would cause it to crash.
On top of that, I've stepped on it several times, and did some damage after the first couple of times. The screen was in a bad way for a start (not an issue for me as a rule, but it meant Kelly couldn't help me out with anything when I needed him to). This may have contributed to its regular crashes, since I'm not sure exactly how much damage I did with stepping on it. The damage I did to it may be fixable, but since the low memory means I could do with an upgrade anyway, and it would probably cost a lot to fix, we decided to just get me a new computer.
We decided on a desktop this time though. For one thing, it means better specs for less money. For another thing, the machine needs to stay out of the way of my feet, which means it's safer if I'm using a desk, so it's pointless spending extra money on a laptop when it's just going to be sat on a desk anyway.
I got a new desk last month, and a new computer this month. I've now had the computer a little over a week, and it's working really well.
My only complaint is that I had to upgrade to Windows 8. I hate having to upgrade to new versions of Windows! I feel like I only just have one type figured out, and I have to figure out a whole new one. OK, I could have got one with no operating system installed, then got hold of a copy of Windows 7 to put on it. But doing so would have put the cost above the price range we could afford at the moment. Plus, I'd need to update sooner or later anyway... Whether I want to or not... So I figured I might as well get it over with.
I was a bit worried about JAWS working, but the site for the company who makes JAWS insisted that JAWS 15 and above work on Windows 8 (they're on JAWS 16 now) and I have JAWS 15, since I updated it last year, so they said I should be fine. Thankfully, they were right, and JAWS is working just fine with the new version of Windows.
It's taking me a while to figure out how to make JAWS do some things though. Like turning the computer off... It took me TWO HOURS to figure out how to make JAWS navigate to the "power options" button! I figured it out in the end though, so I guess that's what's important.
I still hate having to change operating systems though...
***
Sticking with technology for the visually impaired for a moment...
Kevin told me about an add on for Firefox designed to make things easier for the visually impaired. Actually, I should say "even easier" since Firefox is already the easiest browser to navigate with a screen reader.
Anyway, the WebVisum add on helps with things like solving word verification, etc... There's a list of features on the site.
I downloaded it of course; anything to make my life easier!
I know Kelly's happy to help with what I need help with, but that's not the point.
You have to send them a message to get a code to register, because they want to be sure you're not a robot, or a cartoon character who wants to take over the world.
So I sent them a message saying that I'm pretty sure I'm not a robot - despite recent concerns about possibly being one - and that taking over the world not only sounds like too much work, but that there's not enough chocolate in the world to help me deal with the grief involved in being the one to blame for all the world's problems.
I guess they liked my message, because they were really quick to send me my registration code.
***
The weather continues to be weird, with storms one minute, and beautiful sunshine the next.
Hey, at least we don't get a chance to get too sick of one particular type of weather.
Shame I missed out on snow this year though... Maybe I'll have better luck next Winter?
***
A few months ago - I think it was early February, though it might have been late January - my Dad sent me some lemon marmalade, which he'd made a few weeks before. He sent me three jars of it.
It was really tasty, but now it's all gone.
I plan to make my own - admittedly with a bit of help from Kelly - but just haven't had time.
I'm not going to make lemon though... I'll pick another fruit. After all, I don't want to be having the same flavour all the time.
Maybe I'll do something with berries in it?
***
I joined in with the A-Z title reading challenge on one of the groups I'm a member of over on Goodreads again this year.
For those not familiar with the rules: you have to read books with titles that work for the letters of the alphabet. You can decide for yourself whether to use or ignore the words "A" and "The" if a title starts with one of those, and when it comes to the "Q" and "X" all that matters is that they appear in the title somewhere.
The challenge lasts from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2015, but - me being me, and reading as much as I do - I finnished it before we even got half way through the year... I finnished it about a week and a half ago.
So, here are the books I read for the challenge:
A ~ Anne Hawksmoor: The Time Traveller (Anne Hawksmoor, #1) by K.C. Harry.
B ~ Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
C ~ Charm: An Amazing Story Of A Little Black Cat by Leyla Atke.
D ~ Dogs In Space (Astro's Adventures, #8) by Susan Day.
E ~ Eric & The Black Axes (The Sanctum Series, #4) by Katrina Cope.
F ~ From The Ashes (Ravenwood Detective Agency Mystery, #1) by Sabrina Flynn.
G ~ The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson.
H ~ A Horse Called September by Anne Digby.
I ~ I Am Touch by David Estes.
J ~ Jo's Boys (Little Women, #3) by Louisa May Alcott.
K ~ The Kingmaker's Daughter (The Cousin's War, #4) by Philippa Gregory.
L ~ Little Women (Little Women, #1) by Louisa May Alcott.
M ~ Mrs. Frisby And The Rats Of NIMH (Rats Of NIMH, #1) by Robert C. O'Brien.
N ~ Neptune's Trident (Astro's Adventures, #7) by Susan Day.
O ~ Old Jack's Tale by Walter Lazo.
P ~ Pathfinder #6—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 6: "Spires of Xin-Shalast" by Greg A. Vaughan & James L. Sutter.
Q ~ The White Queen (The Cousins' War, #1) by Philippa Gregory.
R ~ Rampaging Rats (Astro's Adventures, #3) by Susan Day.
S ~ Stanley Scotch And The Land Of Giants by Kit Jenson.
T ~ The Alien Chronicles by Autumn Kalquist, Hugh Howey, B.V. Larson, Jennifer Foehner Wells, Daniel Arenson, Blair Babylon, Annie Bellet, Peter Cawdron, WJ Davies, Patrice Fitzgerald, Moira Katson, Samuel Peralta, Will Swardstrom, Geoffrey Wakeling, Nicolas Wilson, David Gatewood, & Stefan Bolz.
U ~ Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
V ~ Villainous Vic (Bogamus And Friends, #2) by Nathan A. Jones.
W ~ Where's Lolly? (Class Heroes, #3) by Stephen Henning.
X ~ The Ix by Andrew P. Weston.
Y ~ The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1) by Marie Lu.
Z ~ Zombie Moon Rising (A Peter Brannigan Novella) by Claire Farrell.
You're getting a "proper" random mutterings post today though.
***
If you read my post from last Wednesday, then you'll know I mentioned computer issues in it.
You see, my laptop - well, actually, it's a "netbook" if I'm honest - isn't working properly any more.
For one thing, it doesn't have much memory. This was fine when I got it, because I was only doing a bit of writing and blogging for fun, and answering the odd e-mail too, of course. But now that I'm doing more, sometimes need to have a couple of windows open when I'm working on a story (during the re-write phases, when I need to check facts, for example) and need to upload files for my books on a regular basis, it just isn't enough; the poor thing couldn't cope, and kept crashing. Actually, sometimes just opening more than JAWS would cause it to crash.
On top of that, I've stepped on it several times, and did some damage after the first couple of times. The screen was in a bad way for a start (not an issue for me as a rule, but it meant Kelly couldn't help me out with anything when I needed him to). This may have contributed to its regular crashes, since I'm not sure exactly how much damage I did with stepping on it. The damage I did to it may be fixable, but since the low memory means I could do with an upgrade anyway, and it would probably cost a lot to fix, we decided to just get me a new computer.
We decided on a desktop this time though. For one thing, it means better specs for less money. For another thing, the machine needs to stay out of the way of my feet, which means it's safer if I'm using a desk, so it's pointless spending extra money on a laptop when it's just going to be sat on a desk anyway.
I got a new desk last month, and a new computer this month. I've now had the computer a little over a week, and it's working really well.
My only complaint is that I had to upgrade to Windows 8. I hate having to upgrade to new versions of Windows! I feel like I only just have one type figured out, and I have to figure out a whole new one. OK, I could have got one with no operating system installed, then got hold of a copy of Windows 7 to put on it. But doing so would have put the cost above the price range we could afford at the moment. Plus, I'd need to update sooner or later anyway... Whether I want to or not... So I figured I might as well get it over with.
I was a bit worried about JAWS working, but the site for the company who makes JAWS insisted that JAWS 15 and above work on Windows 8 (they're on JAWS 16 now) and I have JAWS 15, since I updated it last year, so they said I should be fine. Thankfully, they were right, and JAWS is working just fine with the new version of Windows.
It's taking me a while to figure out how to make JAWS do some things though. Like turning the computer off... It took me TWO HOURS to figure out how to make JAWS navigate to the "power options" button! I figured it out in the end though, so I guess that's what's important.
I still hate having to change operating systems though...
***
Sticking with technology for the visually impaired for a moment...
Kevin told me about an add on for Firefox designed to make things easier for the visually impaired. Actually, I should say "even easier" since Firefox is already the easiest browser to navigate with a screen reader.
Anyway, the WebVisum add on helps with things like solving word verification, etc... There's a list of features on the site.
I downloaded it of course; anything to make my life easier!
I know Kelly's happy to help with what I need help with, but that's not the point.
You have to send them a message to get a code to register, because they want to be sure you're not a robot, or a cartoon character who wants to take over the world.
So I sent them a message saying that I'm pretty sure I'm not a robot - despite recent concerns about possibly being one - and that taking over the world not only sounds like too much work, but that there's not enough chocolate in the world to help me deal with the grief involved in being the one to blame for all the world's problems.
I guess they liked my message, because they were really quick to send me my registration code.
***
The weather continues to be weird, with storms one minute, and beautiful sunshine the next.
Hey, at least we don't get a chance to get too sick of one particular type of weather.
Shame I missed out on snow this year though... Maybe I'll have better luck next Winter?
***
A few months ago - I think it was early February, though it might have been late January - my Dad sent me some lemon marmalade, which he'd made a few weeks before. He sent me three jars of it.
It was really tasty, but now it's all gone.
I plan to make my own - admittedly with a bit of help from Kelly - but just haven't had time.
I'm not going to make lemon though... I'll pick another fruit. After all, I don't want to be having the same flavour all the time.
Maybe I'll do something with berries in it?
***
I joined in with the A-Z title reading challenge on one of the groups I'm a member of over on Goodreads again this year.
For those not familiar with the rules: you have to read books with titles that work for the letters of the alphabet. You can decide for yourself whether to use or ignore the words "A" and "The" if a title starts with one of those, and when it comes to the "Q" and "X" all that matters is that they appear in the title somewhere.
The challenge lasts from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2015, but - me being me, and reading as much as I do - I finnished it before we even got half way through the year... I finnished it about a week and a half ago.
So, here are the books I read for the challenge:
A ~ Anne Hawksmoor: The Time Traveller (Anne Hawksmoor, #1) by K.C. Harry.
B ~ Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
C ~ Charm: An Amazing Story Of A Little Black Cat by Leyla Atke.
D ~ Dogs In Space (Astro's Adventures, #8) by Susan Day.
E ~ Eric & The Black Axes (The Sanctum Series, #4) by Katrina Cope.
F ~ From The Ashes (Ravenwood Detective Agency Mystery, #1) by Sabrina Flynn.
G ~ The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson.
H ~ A Horse Called September by Anne Digby.
I ~ I Am Touch by David Estes.
J ~ Jo's Boys (Little Women, #3) by Louisa May Alcott.
K ~ The Kingmaker's Daughter (The Cousin's War, #4) by Philippa Gregory.
L ~ Little Women (Little Women, #1) by Louisa May Alcott.
M ~ Mrs. Frisby And The Rats Of NIMH (Rats Of NIMH, #1) by Robert C. O'Brien.
N ~ Neptune's Trident (Astro's Adventures, #7) by Susan Day.
O ~ Old Jack's Tale by Walter Lazo.
P ~ Pathfinder #6—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 6: "Spires of Xin-Shalast" by Greg A. Vaughan & James L. Sutter.
Q ~ The White Queen (The Cousins' War, #1) by Philippa Gregory.
R ~ Rampaging Rats (Astro's Adventures, #3) by Susan Day.
S ~ Stanley Scotch And The Land Of Giants by Kit Jenson.
T ~ The Alien Chronicles by Autumn Kalquist, Hugh Howey, B.V. Larson, Jennifer Foehner Wells, Daniel Arenson, Blair Babylon, Annie Bellet, Peter Cawdron, WJ Davies, Patrice Fitzgerald, Moira Katson, Samuel Peralta, Will Swardstrom, Geoffrey Wakeling, Nicolas Wilson, David Gatewood, & Stefan Bolz.
U ~ Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
V ~ Villainous Vic (Bogamus And Friends, #2) by Nathan A. Jones.
W ~ Where's Lolly? (Class Heroes, #3) by Stephen Henning.
X ~ The Ix by Andrew P. Weston.
Y ~ The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1) by Marie Lu.
Z ~ Zombie Moon Rising (A Peter Brannigan Novella) by Claire Farrell.
May 30, 2015
Katrina Cope
Katrina is a quiet, bordering on shy, person until relaxed with company or after a couple of her favourite reds (Yes, that is all it takes).
She resides in Queensland Australia and is a loyal friend once you pass the barrier. Her three teen/preteen boys and husband of over fifteen years treat her like a princess. Unfortunately though, this princess still has to do domestic chores.
She holds a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo, which she likes to incorporate the experience into her stories. When she has enough time away from her writing to commit to training, she will be going for her 3rd Dan.
From birth, she has been a very creative person and has spent many years travelling the world and observing many different personalities and cultures. Her favourite personalities have been the strange ones yet the ones under the radar also hold a place in her heart. During her last extensive travels, she spent 16 nights in a bomb shelter on a Kibbutz 8 kilometers off the Lebanese border. It was to avoid Katyusha bombs that the resident volunteers decided to name her after (she is still trying to work out why).
PS. Do NOT try to scare her in a dark alleyway even as a joke. Just saying!
Author links:
http://katrenee11.wix.com/katrina-cope-author
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Katrina.Cope
http://www.amazon.com/Katrina-Cope/e/B00F00JF9M/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7265107.Katrina_Cope
https://twitter.com/k_copefunread
Katrina's books:
The Afterlife Series (YA Urban Fantasy)
Fledgling (Afterlife #1)
http://www.amazon.com/Fledgling-Book-Afterlife-Katrina-Cope-ebook/dp/B00XEPYDRY/
Blurb:
"The earth as we know it is changing. Each day, unknown forces are taking over the human race. Evil is growing stronger, and innocence is the victim. If
not stopped, the future of humankind is bleak.
With current protection angels being stretched past their limits, a new wave of protection is being developed. A new breed of angel is being trained to
fight.
Fledgling is one of them. She did not ask for this life. After living three short lives as a human, she was chosen. With a mind of an eighteen-year-old, she struggles to adapt to her new life surrounded by angelic rules.
All contact with her past life is ruled prohibited, and romance outlawed. Yet she still finds herself torn between her kind-hearted trainee friend, who has gorgeous blue wings with matching eyes, and the love of her human lives. Her human love is on the verge of either joining the angels or becoming lost to her forever. She is forbidden to intervene.
Despite her qualms, she is passionate about saving the innocent. Will she be able to place aside her struggles in order to fulfil her passion and new life, or will she become exiled from succumbing to her temptations?"
The Sanctum Series (Preteen Spy Thriller/Sci-fi)
Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain (The Sanctum Series #1):
http://www.amazon.com/Jayden-Mysterious-Mountain-Book-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00EYSKMF2/
Blurb:
"When a rich grandfather figure, strangely appears in the dark street, to rescue the young boy Jayden from homelessness, a life better than his dreams has come true. He is taken to a five star hotel - no, actually a school called The Sanctum, camouflaged in the mountains. The students build and operate high tech equipment, including surrogate robots all to fight against terrorism. Or are they?
By the way, you don’t want to annoy Scarlet who runs the general operations of the building. She is one cheeky AI and plays nasty if you cross her."
Scarlet's Escape (The Sanctum Series #2):
http://www.amazon.com/Scarlets-Escape-Book-2-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00L8KYSUO/
Blurb:
"Over a year has passed since Avando rescued Jayden from homelessness. Strange things are happening within The Sanctum, and their movements to fight terrorism are continually being jeopardised.
Secrets are discovered at Ernest State College. On the surface, they appear to be working for the good side, but what are they hiding?
What’s up with Scarlet? Has she blown her mainframe?"
Taylor's Plight (The Sanctum Series #3)
http://www.amazon.com/Taylors-Plight-Book-Sanctum-Series-ebook/dp/B00N6N9XFQ/
Blurb:
"THE ACTION INCREASES AS THE PLOT THICKENS.
Taylor, the renowned bully of Jayden and his friends, has been acting peculiar. He had disappeared for a couple of days, then reappeared and went on a rampage.
Meanwhile, Scarlet is having the fight of a lifetime. She is under attack from an experienced hacker. Will she be able to fight them off?
Mysterious things are found at Ernest State College that have nothing to do with who Dr Ernest is tracking. Brendan, the surrogate, goes on a field trip with Hayley, Liam and Dryden. What they discover rocks Brendan’s world and significantly changes the future."
Eric & the Black Axes (The Sanctum Series #4)
http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Black-Axes-Sanctum-Series-ebook/dp/B00R5HS5PS/
Blurb:
"THE EVIL PROFESSOR WAS NOT BLUFFING. HE HAS FOUND AN ALLY.
Will the two schools unite to fight the organisers of terrorism, or will the secrets of each school cause them to fight each other?
What mischief will Scarlet get up to with her new toy?"
She resides in Queensland Australia and is a loyal friend once you pass the barrier. Her three teen/preteen boys and husband of over fifteen years treat her like a princess. Unfortunately though, this princess still has to do domestic chores.
She holds a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo, which she likes to incorporate the experience into her stories. When she has enough time away from her writing to commit to training, she will be going for her 3rd Dan.
From birth, she has been a very creative person and has spent many years travelling the world and observing many different personalities and cultures. Her favourite personalities have been the strange ones yet the ones under the radar also hold a place in her heart. During her last extensive travels, she spent 16 nights in a bomb shelter on a Kibbutz 8 kilometers off the Lebanese border. It was to avoid Katyusha bombs that the resident volunteers decided to name her after (she is still trying to work out why).
PS. Do NOT try to scare her in a dark alleyway even as a joke. Just saying!
Author links:
http://katrenee11.wix.com/katrina-cope-author
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Katrina.Cope
http://www.amazon.com/Katrina-Cope/e/B00F00JF9M/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7265107.Katrina_Cope
https://twitter.com/k_copefunread
Katrina's books:
The Afterlife Series (YA Urban Fantasy)
Fledgling (Afterlife #1)http://www.amazon.com/Fledgling-Book-Afterlife-Katrina-Cope-ebook/dp/B00XEPYDRY/
Blurb:
"The earth as we know it is changing. Each day, unknown forces are taking over the human race. Evil is growing stronger, and innocence is the victim. If
not stopped, the future of humankind is bleak.
With current protection angels being stretched past their limits, a new wave of protection is being developed. A new breed of angel is being trained to
fight.
Fledgling is one of them. She did not ask for this life. After living three short lives as a human, she was chosen. With a mind of an eighteen-year-old, she struggles to adapt to her new life surrounded by angelic rules.
All contact with her past life is ruled prohibited, and romance outlawed. Yet she still finds herself torn between her kind-hearted trainee friend, who has gorgeous blue wings with matching eyes, and the love of her human lives. Her human love is on the verge of either joining the angels or becoming lost to her forever. She is forbidden to intervene.
Despite her qualms, she is passionate about saving the innocent. Will she be able to place aside her struggles in order to fulfil her passion and new life, or will she become exiled from succumbing to her temptations?"
The Sanctum Series (Preteen Spy Thriller/Sci-fi)
Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain (The Sanctum Series #1):http://www.amazon.com/Jayden-Mysterious-Mountain-Book-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00EYSKMF2/
Blurb:
"When a rich grandfather figure, strangely appears in the dark street, to rescue the young boy Jayden from homelessness, a life better than his dreams has come true. He is taken to a five star hotel - no, actually a school called The Sanctum, camouflaged in the mountains. The students build and operate high tech equipment, including surrogate robots all to fight against terrorism. Or are they?
By the way, you don’t want to annoy Scarlet who runs the general operations of the building. She is one cheeky AI and plays nasty if you cross her."
Scarlet's Escape (The Sanctum Series #2):http://www.amazon.com/Scarlets-Escape-Book-2-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00L8KYSUO/
Blurb:
"Over a year has passed since Avando rescued Jayden from homelessness. Strange things are happening within The Sanctum, and their movements to fight terrorism are continually being jeopardised.
Secrets are discovered at Ernest State College. On the surface, they appear to be working for the good side, but what are they hiding?
What’s up with Scarlet? Has she blown her mainframe?"
Taylor's Plight (The Sanctum Series #3)http://www.amazon.com/Taylors-Plight-Book-Sanctum-Series-ebook/dp/B00N6N9XFQ/
Blurb:
"THE ACTION INCREASES AS THE PLOT THICKENS.
Taylor, the renowned bully of Jayden and his friends, has been acting peculiar. He had disappeared for a couple of days, then reappeared and went on a rampage.
Meanwhile, Scarlet is having the fight of a lifetime. She is under attack from an experienced hacker. Will she be able to fight them off?
Mysterious things are found at Ernest State College that have nothing to do with who Dr Ernest is tracking. Brendan, the surrogate, goes on a field trip with Hayley, Liam and Dryden. What they discover rocks Brendan’s world and significantly changes the future."
Eric & the Black Axes (The Sanctum Series #4)http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Black-Axes-Sanctum-Series-ebook/dp/B00R5HS5PS/
Blurb:
"THE EVIL PROFESSOR WAS NOT BLUFFING. HE HAS FOUND AN ALLY.
Will the two schools unite to fight the organisers of terrorism, or will the secrets of each school cause them to fight each other?
What mischief will Scarlet get up to with her new toy?"
May 29, 2015
Furkid Friday - May 29th 2015
Hi humans, rodents, and anyone of any other species who happens to be reading this post.
This is Jacob the degu. It was meant to be my turn to do one of these bloggy post things last week, but the Mummy human wanted to post about the pet section her website now has, so I agreed to let her do that first.
My degu brothers and I have decided to allow the humans to pet us a little more, and to ask for cuddles a bit more often; something the humans have been trying to persuade us to agree to for some time.
It's not that we don't like being petted and cuddled; we do. But we like to be on our own four paws as much as possible, and prefer nibbles to petting.
However, we've been watching our ratty sisters getting petted and cuddled, and thought it looked kinda nice. So, we figured we'd get in on all the attention too.
Jasper and I especially have been making a huge effort to encourage the humans to give us attention.
And, you know what?
It feels really good!
We've been missing out these past couple of years with our insistance on only tolerating a little petting, and only wanting cuddles when the humans absolutely insist, or something scary or upsetting happened.
I'm glad we saw how much our ratty sisters were loving it, and realized we were missing out on something so good.
Squeak soon,
Jacob
This is Jacob the degu. It was meant to be my turn to do one of these bloggy post things last week, but the Mummy human wanted to post about the pet section her website now has, so I agreed to let her do that first.
My degu brothers and I have decided to allow the humans to pet us a little more, and to ask for cuddles a bit more often; something the humans have been trying to persuade us to agree to for some time.
It's not that we don't like being petted and cuddled; we do. But we like to be on our own four paws as much as possible, and prefer nibbles to petting.
However, we've been watching our ratty sisters getting petted and cuddled, and thought it looked kinda nice. So, we figured we'd get in on all the attention too.
Jasper and I especially have been making a huge effort to encourage the humans to give us attention.
And, you know what?
It feels really good!
We've been missing out these past couple of years with our insistance on only tolerating a little petting, and only wanting cuddles when the humans absolutely insist, or something scary or upsetting happened.
I'm glad we saw how much our ratty sisters were loving it, and realized we were missing out on something so good.
Squeak soon,
Jacob
May 27, 2015
Wednesday's writing related ramblings - May 27th 2015
I did a better job of getting my writing time in during this past week, despite computer issues, and being busy arranging for my books to become available in print.
I'm able to do the interior files myself (now that I've figured out how to do so) and Iggy is very kindly helping me with the cover files, since doing so is impossible for me with lack of sight.
Thanks so much for helping, Iggy... I really appreciate it!
So... I'm now waiting for a stack of proof copies of my books to arrive. They will be available to buy after they're approved to be sent out in to the big wide world, which will happen once they get here, and I can get Kelly to take a look for me to make sure there aren't any issues that need fixing (there shouldn't be, but you never know). How long this will take is anyone's guess at the moment, since it depends how long the proofs take to arrive, and whether they need anything done (which would mean fixing the issue, and then ordering a new proof copy).
I'll give you details of where you can buy them once the first books become available.
For now though... Time for those writing links...
So... How many tools are in your writing toolbox?
Do you feel your story is too short? Well, here are 5 ways to stretch your word count, which should help you make it a bit longer.
Trying to decide if you should start doing author interviews? Here are 10 reasons why you should interview your fellow fiction authors. I've never interviewed another author, though I do often do author or book spotlights; especially if it's an author I like. However, I have been interviewed by several authors myself, and am generally happy to accept interview invitations from people if they ask me directly. Oh, speaking of author spotlights though... Come back on Saturday for one I'm putting up for another author.
Staying on the theme of learning about an author for the moment... This article gives some tips on writing and placing your author biographies - useful if you're not sure what to put in that "about the author" box, on the profile page of your website, etc.
Also, here's some advice on how to promote your books, but keep your friends.
Finally, always remember: keep cracking yourself open, because - while doing so may not guarantee you'll be a best seller - it will increase the chances that those who read your book will love it, and that they'll not only come back for more, but also talk to their friends about your book.
I'm able to do the interior files myself (now that I've figured out how to do so) and Iggy is very kindly helping me with the cover files, since doing so is impossible for me with lack of sight.
Thanks so much for helping, Iggy... I really appreciate it!
So... I'm now waiting for a stack of proof copies of my books to arrive. They will be available to buy after they're approved to be sent out in to the big wide world, which will happen once they get here, and I can get Kelly to take a look for me to make sure there aren't any issues that need fixing (there shouldn't be, but you never know). How long this will take is anyone's guess at the moment, since it depends how long the proofs take to arrive, and whether they need anything done (which would mean fixing the issue, and then ordering a new proof copy).
I'll give you details of where you can buy them once the first books become available.
For now though... Time for those writing links...
So... How many tools are in your writing toolbox?
Do you feel your story is too short? Well, here are 5 ways to stretch your word count, which should help you make it a bit longer.
Trying to decide if you should start doing author interviews? Here are 10 reasons why you should interview your fellow fiction authors. I've never interviewed another author, though I do often do author or book spotlights; especially if it's an author I like. However, I have been interviewed by several authors myself, and am generally happy to accept interview invitations from people if they ask me directly. Oh, speaking of author spotlights though... Come back on Saturday for one I'm putting up for another author.
Staying on the theme of learning about an author for the moment... This article gives some tips on writing and placing your author biographies - useful if you're not sure what to put in that "about the author" box, on the profile page of your website, etc.
Also, here's some advice on how to promote your books, but keep your friends.
Finally, always remember: keep cracking yourself open, because - while doing so may not guarantee you'll be a best seller - it will increase the chances that those who read your book will love it, and that they'll not only come back for more, but also talk to their friends about your book.
May 25, 2015
Heroika 1 - Dragon Eaters
The art of dragon killing:
Dragons have been eating humans for centuries. Now heroes throughout history stalk their legendary foe. Learn how to hunt, kill, and eat the wild dragon. Never before has revenge tasted so good. A literary feast for the bloody-minded.
In Janet Morris' anthology on the art of dragon killing, seventeen writers bring you so close to dragons you can smell their fetid breath. Tales for the bold among you.
HEROIKA 1 -- DRAGON EATERS, an anthology of heroic fiction edited by Janet Morris, features original stories by Janet Morris and Chris Morris, S. E. Lindberg, Jack William Finley, Travis Ludvigson, Tom Barczak, J. P. Wilder, Joe Bonadonna, Milton Davis, Alexandra Butcher, William Hiles, M Harold Page, Walter Rhein, Cas Peace, Beth Waggoner Patterson, Bruce Durham, and Mark Finn.
Check out this U-tube link: http://youtu.be/JbmtCQJsKIU
Grab your copy today, from Amazon.com or Amazon UK, or Amazon Canada.
May 23, 2015
Why I'm happy and sad at the same time
Yesterday was our 12th wedding anniversary.
I'm not sure how Kelly's managed to put up with me for so many years, but I'm glad he has.
We were going to celebrate by going to see the new Avengers movie before it stops showing in our nearest movie theatre, since we both want to see it; we enjoyed the first Avengers movie, so figure we've got a good chance of enjoying the second. But I'm waiting for a delivery that might have come yesterday, and couldn't take the chance of missing it. So, we just had a quiet day at home with some take-away, and will get the movie on DVD when it comes out.
Besides, I'm kind of torn between being happy that we've just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, and being sad because we always celebrated our anniversary and Kero's birthday as one big celebration... Until this year, of course.
You see, today would have been Kero's 11th birthday.
Kelly brought Kero for me for our first anniversary. Well, I had him late, but that was because we had to find the perfect puppy for me, and wait for him to be ready. But he was still an anniversary gift from Kelly... My gorgeous Westie boy! Though I mostly just called him "Kero" is name was actually Keroberous, which means loyal protector... And there never was a more loyal dog than my Kero.
Chance was an anniversary gift too; I got him two years later. I was supposed to have had Dakoda (Chocolate Point Siamese cat) but ended up with Chance (Oriental cat) instead. Actually, that's how come Chance got his name... Because we got him by Chance. That wasn't his official title on his GCCF papers, but it was what we called him most. Though I did use his "real" name of Silva Flame sometimes; especially for vet trips, and when he was naughty.
My boys were the best gifts anyone could have ever had, and I miss them more than words could ever express.
So, while I'm happy to be able to celebrate 12 years with my wonderful hubby - who's been through a lot with me, and put up with a lot from me - I'm also sad that my boys are no longer here to help us celebrate.
Don't get me wrong, I miss the other furry, feathered, and scaled family members we've lost too. But my boys were special to me, and I always had a closer bond with them than with any of our other babies... Especially with Kero, who would howl as if the world was ending whenever I left him to go anywhere he couldn't come.
Rest in peace my beloved boys, and know you're never far from my thoughts, and always in my heart.
Also, happy anniversary to Kelly... Thank you for giving me the gift of our boys, and for putting up with me for 12 years.
I'm not sure how Kelly's managed to put up with me for so many years, but I'm glad he has.
We were going to celebrate by going to see the new Avengers movie before it stops showing in our nearest movie theatre, since we both want to see it; we enjoyed the first Avengers movie, so figure we've got a good chance of enjoying the second. But I'm waiting for a delivery that might have come yesterday, and couldn't take the chance of missing it. So, we just had a quiet day at home with some take-away, and will get the movie on DVD when it comes out.
Besides, I'm kind of torn between being happy that we've just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, and being sad because we always celebrated our anniversary and Kero's birthday as one big celebration... Until this year, of course.
You see, today would have been Kero's 11th birthday.
Kelly brought Kero for me for our first anniversary. Well, I had him late, but that was because we had to find the perfect puppy for me, and wait for him to be ready. But he was still an anniversary gift from Kelly... My gorgeous Westie boy! Though I mostly just called him "Kero" is name was actually Keroberous, which means loyal protector... And there never was a more loyal dog than my Kero.
Chance was an anniversary gift too; I got him two years later. I was supposed to have had Dakoda (Chocolate Point Siamese cat) but ended up with Chance (Oriental cat) instead. Actually, that's how come Chance got his name... Because we got him by Chance. That wasn't his official title on his GCCF papers, but it was what we called him most. Though I did use his "real" name of Silva Flame sometimes; especially for vet trips, and when he was naughty.
My boys were the best gifts anyone could have ever had, and I miss them more than words could ever express.
So, while I'm happy to be able to celebrate 12 years with my wonderful hubby - who's been through a lot with me, and put up with a lot from me - I'm also sad that my boys are no longer here to help us celebrate.
Don't get me wrong, I miss the other furry, feathered, and scaled family members we've lost too. But my boys were special to me, and I always had a closer bond with them than with any of our other babies... Especially with Kero, who would howl as if the world was ending whenever I left him to go anywhere he couldn't come.
Rest in peace my beloved boys, and know you're never far from my thoughts, and always in my heart.
Also, happy anniversary to Kelly... Thank you for giving me the gift of our boys, and for putting up with me for 12 years.
May 22, 2015
Furkid Friday: the pet section is up! (kinda LBE)
The pet section of our website is completed at last!
There's not very much information on some of the pets, but all the following pets are featured:
Birds:
Squalker AKA Snowy
Rosie
Diamond
Gem
Charlie's Angel
Cats:
Third Time Lucky AKA Lucky
Samantha AKA "Katie The Kitten"
Treacle Topping Sparkles Moglyn AKA Topsi
Shadow
Tinkerbell AKA Tinkers
Sakura Avalon
Ayla Malaika
Megan Zara Rose
Myskanco Dakoda Diero AKA Koda
Myscanco Chance Silva Flame AKA Chance
Cara Crookeshanks
Degus:
Luna
Jacob
Jasper
Jenks
Joshua
Dogs:
Bella Shadow-Thorn
Castellan Keroberous AKA Kero
Jayde Bramblerose
Lucy Blackthorn
Fish:
Bill
Ben
Angel
Smash
Snatch
Bert
Kian
Katie
Comet
Seren
Nemo
Flounder
Alpha
Bravo
Alex
Cody
Blue
Gerbils:
Bilbo
Baggins
Guinea Pigs:
Gwydion
Hamsters:
Teddy
Sampson Jamie AKA Sammy
Jessica Marie AKA Jessie
Hugo De Hamsta
Hamlet De Hammie
Butterscotch Pudding AKA Butters
Mr. Sirius Black
Rabbits:
Bubbles
Samhain Magik
Little Shiloh
Stew Pot AKA Stewie
Rats:
Skye
Star
(Yes, I name fish; I name pretty much everything, so if you're surprised, you obviously haven't had time to get to know me properly yet, LOL!)
To read about any of the animals listed in this post, and to see photos of those we have photos of, check out the pet section linked to above, or - for the direct links to pages for the species in question - follow the links below:
Birds: http://www.zigler.co.uk/birdss.htm
Cats: http://www.zigler.co.uk/cats.htm
Degus: http://www.zigler.co.uk/degus.htm
Dogs: http://www.zigler.co.uk/dogss.htm
Fish: http://www.zigler.co.uk/fish.htm
Gerbils: http://www.zigler.co.uk/gerbils.htm
Guinea Pigs: http://www.zigler.co.uk/guineapigs.htm
Hamsters: http://www.zigler.co.uk/hamsterss.htm
Rabbits: http://www.zigler.co.uk/rabbits.htm
Rats: http://www.zigler.co.uk/rats.htm
If you have anything you'd like to ask about any of the pets, which I didn't cover in the write-ups about each of them, ask away. I'll answer if I can, or provide a reason why I can't if I'm unable to do so; even if that reason is that I don't remember.
***
I feel sad seeing the number of pets we ended up rehoming for one reason or another; I miss them all, and hope they understand that I did what I thought was best for them at the time, and it wasn't always my choice to make.
I miss those who have crossed the rainbow bridge too; especially my boys, Chance and Kero. Rest in peace furry, feathered, and scaled friends!
There's not very much information on some of the pets, but all the following pets are featured:
Birds:
Squalker AKA Snowy
Rosie
Diamond
Gem
Charlie's Angel
Cats:
Third Time Lucky AKA Lucky
Samantha AKA "Katie The Kitten"
Treacle Topping Sparkles Moglyn AKA Topsi
Shadow
Tinkerbell AKA Tinkers
Sakura Avalon
Ayla Malaika
Megan Zara Rose
Myskanco Dakoda Diero AKA Koda
Myscanco Chance Silva Flame AKA Chance
Cara Crookeshanks
Degus:
Luna
Jacob
Jasper
Jenks
Joshua
Dogs:
Bella Shadow-Thorn
Castellan Keroberous AKA Kero
Jayde Bramblerose
Lucy Blackthorn
Fish:
Bill
Ben
Angel
Smash
Snatch
Bert
Kian
Katie
Comet
Seren
Nemo
Flounder
Alpha
Bravo
Alex
Cody
Blue
Gerbils:
Bilbo
Baggins
Guinea Pigs:
Gwydion
Hamsters:
Teddy
Sampson Jamie AKA Sammy
Jessica Marie AKA Jessie
Hugo De Hamsta
Hamlet De Hammie
Butterscotch Pudding AKA Butters
Mr. Sirius Black
Rabbits:
Bubbles
Samhain Magik
Little Shiloh
Stew Pot AKA Stewie
Rats:
Skye
Star
(Yes, I name fish; I name pretty much everything, so if you're surprised, you obviously haven't had time to get to know me properly yet, LOL!)
To read about any of the animals listed in this post, and to see photos of those we have photos of, check out the pet section linked to above, or - for the direct links to pages for the species in question - follow the links below:
Birds: http://www.zigler.co.uk/birdss.htm
Cats: http://www.zigler.co.uk/cats.htm
Degus: http://www.zigler.co.uk/degus.htm
Dogs: http://www.zigler.co.uk/dogss.htm
Fish: http://www.zigler.co.uk/fish.htm
Gerbils: http://www.zigler.co.uk/gerbils.htm
Guinea Pigs: http://www.zigler.co.uk/guineapigs.htm
Hamsters: http://www.zigler.co.uk/hamsterss.htm
Rabbits: http://www.zigler.co.uk/rabbits.htm
Rats: http://www.zigler.co.uk/rats.htm
If you have anything you'd like to ask about any of the pets, which I didn't cover in the write-ups about each of them, ask away. I'll answer if I can, or provide a reason why I can't if I'm unable to do so; even if that reason is that I don't remember.
***
I feel sad seeing the number of pets we ended up rehoming for one reason or another; I miss them all, and hope they understand that I did what I thought was best for them at the time, and it wasn't always my choice to make.
I miss those who have crossed the rainbow bridge too; especially my boys, Chance and Kero. Rest in peace furry, feathered, and scaled friends!
Zigler News
Author and book news for children's author and poet, Victoria Zigler, as well as general news from the life of the Zigler family; furry and otherwise!
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