Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 179
July 30, 2014
July 2014 reading challenge - Summer Vacation
One of the groups I'm on on Goodreads had a reading challenge this month where you spell out the name of somewhere you'd like to be this Summer using book titles. You use the first letter of the title, and can either use "a" or "the" as part of the name, or not, depending on your personal preference and the letters you need. For example, "The Pineapple Loving Dragon" could either count for the letter "p" or the letter "t"... Get it?
Anyway, I went with the word - well, words, technically - "the seaside" for where I'd like to spend at least some of my time this Summer. So, here are the books I read for the challenge:
T - Tanequil (High Druid Of Shannara, #2) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 8th 2014.
H - The Homework That Time Forgot by J. Smith ~ read on July 16th 2014.
E - Enter: Ten Tales For Tweens by M.J.A. Ware and others ~ read on July 12th 2014.
S - Straken (High Druid Of Shannara, #3) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 9th 2014.
E - Escape To Mars by GregKrehbiel ~ read on July 15th 2014.
A - Antrax (Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara, #2) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 4th 2014.
S - Scarlet's Escape (The Sanctum Series, #2) by Katrina Cope ~ read on July 13th 2014.
I - Ilse Witch (Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara, #1) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 2nd 2014.
D - Drippy The Peg-Legged Rainbow by John H. Carrol ~ read on July 16th 2014.
E - Esmerelda The Witch by Pacze Moj ~ read on July 17th 2014.
Anyway, I went with the word - well, words, technically - "the seaside" for where I'd like to spend at least some of my time this Summer. So, here are the books I read for the challenge:
T - Tanequil (High Druid Of Shannara, #2) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 8th 2014.
H - The Homework That Time Forgot by J. Smith ~ read on July 16th 2014.
E - Enter: Ten Tales For Tweens by M.J.A. Ware and others ~ read on July 12th 2014.
S - Straken (High Druid Of Shannara, #3) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 9th 2014.
E - Escape To Mars by GregKrehbiel ~ read on July 15th 2014.
A - Antrax (Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara, #2) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 4th 2014.
S - Scarlet's Escape (The Sanctum Series, #2) by Katrina Cope ~ read on July 13th 2014.
I - Ilse Witch (Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara, #1) by Terry Brooks ~ read on July 2nd 2014.
D - Drippy The Peg-Legged Rainbow by John H. Carrol ~ read on July 16th 2014.
E - Esmerelda The Witch by Pacze Moj ~ read on July 17th 2014.
July 23, 2014
Can you solve these riddles without reading the answers?
Riddle 1: What looks like a star, falls off a tail and burns in the air?
Riddle 2: What swirls, loops, and circles on your fingertips, yet never moves?
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Scroll down for the answers.
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Answer 1: Dust and gravel from comet tails.
Answer 2: Fingerprints.
Riddle 2: What swirls, loops, and circles on your fingertips, yet never moves?
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Scroll down for the answers.
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Answer 1: Dust and gravel from comet tails.
Answer 2: Fingerprints.
July 19, 2014
Space weekend
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the moon landing, this weekend is space weekend on one of the TV channels we get.
So, I've spent most of today watching shows about NASA's various trips in to space: from the first shuttle launch, to the building of the space station.
I also watched something about the different weathers on other planets: the acid rains of Venus, the storms of Saturn, etc. This show compared the weather to the weather we have here on Earth, and discussed what would possibly happen to our planet if we had similar weather.
Plus, I watched a documentary about the possibility that life used to exist on Mars, and some of it possibly made it to Earth on an asteroid.
All very interesting.
There are more shows on tomorrow. If it's anything like dinosaur weekend was they'll be the same ones, but if they are then I'll just watch them again, LOL!
Edited on Sunday July 20th 2014 at 2:12pm to add:
Nope! They're different shows! Today it's about how the universe works: from the big bang theory and how the universe evolved after it, to what will possibly happen to the universe in the future.
So, I've spent most of today watching shows about NASA's various trips in to space: from the first shuttle launch, to the building of the space station.
I also watched something about the different weathers on other planets: the acid rains of Venus, the storms of Saturn, etc. This show compared the weather to the weather we have here on Earth, and discussed what would possibly happen to our planet if we had similar weather.
Plus, I watched a documentary about the possibility that life used to exist on Mars, and some of it possibly made it to Earth on an asteroid.
All very interesting.
There are more shows on tomorrow. If it's anything like dinosaur weekend was they'll be the same ones, but if they are then I'll just watch them again, LOL!
Edited on Sunday July 20th 2014 at 2:12pm to add:
Nope! They're different shows! Today it's about how the universe works: from the big bang theory and how the universe evolved after it, to what will possibly happen to the universe in the future.
July 15, 2014
Random things on my mind - July 15th 2014 (FD)
I have no idea where this year has gone. Did someone put the world on fast forward again? I wish people would stop doing that, LOL!
***
It's a beautiful day today. Probably one of the warmer ones we've had this year, which is bad when you consider the fact it's only somewhere around 20 degrees C (about 72 degrees F).
***
I've been dying for some kiwi fruit, but for some reason we've had trouble getting any. No idea why. We managed to get a couple of these tubs of prepared fruit with a few grapes, a couple of chunks of kiwi, and several chunks of pineapple in them. Those were nice, but not what I wanted. Finally found some kiwis today though, and it wasn't long after they were in the house before I was eating one.
***
The camera has some photos on it, but we haven't had a chance to sort them out. I admit this is partially because my computer is the one with the card reader so it has to be done through mine, and I've been engrossed in reading and writing. On the bright side, I'm more than half way through my 2014 reading challenge, ahead of schedule on the books I promised to read and review, and ahead of my own writing schedule when it comes to the writing and editing of my own stories.
Speaking of my stories... Don't forget that all my books are 50% off until the end of July 2014 on Smashwords. Just go to my Smashwords author page, pick your books, and put coupon code SSW50 in the boxes beside each book at checkout.
***
Kero's still all itchy. I think we're going to have to have tests done on him to see if more can be done to help him. Poor little guy! I don't think it helps that he's in need of grooming, but I haven't had him booked for a grooming session so far this year. We've been bathing him, but he's not had a haircut. I don't know how well she could manage with him covered in sores and being all grumpy, so I haven't had his groomer come cut his fur. Anyway, Kero hates the vet, but I think we're going to have to take him back pretty soon. He's not been his usual self in general to be honest. I'm hoping it's just where the itchyness is making him uncomfortable, but since he hasn't been quite right since when he got that doggy virus last October, and he is 10 years old after all... Well, you know what I mean, I'm sure.
***
OK, that's enough of the random things on my mind for now.
***
It's a beautiful day today. Probably one of the warmer ones we've had this year, which is bad when you consider the fact it's only somewhere around 20 degrees C (about 72 degrees F).
***
I've been dying for some kiwi fruit, but for some reason we've had trouble getting any. No idea why. We managed to get a couple of these tubs of prepared fruit with a few grapes, a couple of chunks of kiwi, and several chunks of pineapple in them. Those were nice, but not what I wanted. Finally found some kiwis today though, and it wasn't long after they were in the house before I was eating one.
***
The camera has some photos on it, but we haven't had a chance to sort them out. I admit this is partially because my computer is the one with the card reader so it has to be done through mine, and I've been engrossed in reading and writing. On the bright side, I'm more than half way through my 2014 reading challenge, ahead of schedule on the books I promised to read and review, and ahead of my own writing schedule when it comes to the writing and editing of my own stories.
Speaking of my stories... Don't forget that all my books are 50% off until the end of July 2014 on Smashwords. Just go to my Smashwords author page, pick your books, and put coupon code SSW50 in the boxes beside each book at checkout.
***
Kero's still all itchy. I think we're going to have to have tests done on him to see if more can be done to help him. Poor little guy! I don't think it helps that he's in need of grooming, but I haven't had him booked for a grooming session so far this year. We've been bathing him, but he's not had a haircut. I don't know how well she could manage with him covered in sores and being all grumpy, so I haven't had his groomer come cut his fur. Anyway, Kero hates the vet, but I think we're going to have to take him back pretty soon. He's not been his usual self in general to be honest. I'm hoping it's just where the itchyness is making him uncomfortable, but since he hasn't been quite right since when he got that doggy virus last October, and he is 10 years old after all... Well, you know what I mean, I'm sure.
***
OK, that's enough of the random things on my mind for now.
July 3, 2014
Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale 2014
I've enrolled my books in the 2014 Smashwords Summer/Winter sale.
Until the end of July, my books are on sale at 50% off!
Go to my Smashwords author page and grab a bargain while you can!
Just add any of my books to your cart, and enter coupon code SSW50 at checkout to get the book at half the regular price. The code works for all my books, and can be used for as many of them as you want.
Until the end of July, my books are on sale at 50% off!
Go to my Smashwords author page and grab a bargain while you can!
Just add any of my books to your cart, and enter coupon code SSW50 at checkout to get the book at half the regular price. The code works for all my books, and can be used for as many of them as you want.
July 1, 2014
Jinx And The Faerie Dragons - Officially released today!
"Jinx’s little sister, Ayla, has warned him time and time again that one day his mischief making will get him in to serious trouble. But Jinx isn’t interested in his sister’s warnings; not even when the trouble she warns him about is a cave full of goblins.
Like most pixies, Jinx loves to play tricks and explore. But, unlike most pixies, Jinx takes his tricks too far on a regular basis, causing chaos and taking risks that no other pixie would even consider, much to the amusement of his faerie dragon friends, Caia and Draco, and the annoyance of just about everyone else; especially Ayla. Now Jinx and his faerie dragon friends are off on a treasure hunt, and not even the threat of being captured and eaten by goblins is enough to stop them answering the call of adventure."
That's the synopsis for my latest book. It's called 'Jinx And The Faerie Dragons' and is officially released today. You can already buy it from Smashwords in all formats they offer, as well as from a few other ebook retailers (such as Barnes And Noble), and will be able to buy it from others that carry my books soon.
I'm proud of this book for two reasons. For one thing, this is the 30th book I've published; 25th children's story, but 30th book total. For another thing, this is the longest story I've published.
Like most pixies, Jinx loves to play tricks and explore. But, unlike most pixies, Jinx takes his tricks too far on a regular basis, causing chaos and taking risks that no other pixie would even consider, much to the amusement of his faerie dragon friends, Caia and Draco, and the annoyance of just about everyone else; especially Ayla. Now Jinx and his faerie dragon friends are off on a treasure hunt, and not even the threat of being captured and eaten by goblins is enough to stop them answering the call of adventure."
That's the synopsis for my latest book. It's called 'Jinx And The Faerie Dragons' and is officially released today. You can already buy it from Smashwords in all formats they offer, as well as from a few other ebook retailers (such as Barnes And Noble), and will be able to buy it from others that carry my books soon.
I'm proud of this book for two reasons. For one thing, this is the 30th book I've published; 25th children's story, but 30th book total. For another thing, this is the longest story I've published.
Jinx And The Faerie Dragons
Jinx And The Faerie Dragons
Genre: Fairy Tales And Fables
Description: "Jinx’s little sister, Ayla, has warned him time and time again that one day his mischief making will get him in to serious trouble. But Jinx isn’t interested in his sister’s warnings; not even when the trouble she warns him about is a cave full of goblins.
Like most pixies, Jinx loves to play tricks and explore. But, unlike most pixies, Jinx takes his tricks too far on a regular basis, causing chaos and taking risks that no other pixie would even consider, much to the amusement of his faerie dragon friends, Caia and Draco, and the annoyance of just about everyone else; especially Ayla. Now Jinx and his faerie dragon friends are off on a treasure hunt, and not even the threat of being captured and eaten by goblins is enough to stop them answering the call of adventure."
Published: July 1st 2014
ISBN: 9781311838537
Buy it from Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Available elsewhere soon!
June 23, 2014
Meet My Character Blog Tour
This tour highlights a main character from one of the WIP (works in progress), recently published, or soon to be published works of the authors tagged. A week ago, I was tagged in this event by Alexandra Butcher. Here' are her bio and links:
"A.L Butcher is the British author of fantasy series The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles in which "a beautiful young elven sorceress flees for her life in a dark world where magic is forbidden and elves live as slaves." Her books have been described as: "Dark" and "gritty" and that "The story is very much a romance at heart, with plenty of steamy graphic sex to keep erotica fans happy." She also has several short stories published in fantasy and romance anthologies."
Website/blog: http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6430414.A_L_Butcher
Twitter:@libraryoferana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkFantasyBeyondTheStorm
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexandra-Butcher/e/B008BQFCC6/
***
Now it's my turn...
1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?
“My character’s name is Jinx. Jinx is a pixie; a pixie rogue, to be exact. I’m not going to get in to a debate as to whether or nnot pixies exist, but this particular pixie is fictional. Jinx is based on a combination of my own opinions on what pixies should be, and how they’re portrayed in the Pathfinder roleplaying system (which I used to help me design the character and decide on his skills and abilities).”
2) When and where is the story set?
“I suppose, if I have to pick a time and place, I’d have to say that the story is set back when forests and woodlands were less frequently visited by people, and that it’s set in one of those woods, as well as in a cave on the edge of that wood. Beyond that, I can’t really tell you when and where it’s set, since there’s no clearly defined date or location for the story, and both the woods and the cave are pulled from my imagination.”
3) What should we know about him/her?
“Jinx is a charming and kind-hearted pixie really, but – like most pixies – he’s fond of tricks and mischief. Unfortunately for everyone around him, Jinx is more fond of these things than your average pixie, and is always causing chaos wherever he goes; sometimes just because he’s bored and thinks it will liven things up a bit. He’s also very fond of exploring, and having adventures.”
4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?
“Jinx’s little sister, Ayla, is always trying to get him to behave, and constantly warning him that he’ll get in to serious trouble one day. As far as Jinx is concerned, she’s just jealous that he has more fun than she does, and he finds her constant reminders of possible danger annoying. There are also the goblins who live in the cave Jinx and his faerie dragons want to explore, who add an element of extra danger to his thirst for adventure. Not that Jinx is concerned, since he never takes the possibility of danger seriously.”
5) What is the personal goal of the character?
“Jinx’s goal is to fit as much fun and as many adventures as possible in to his life, despite his little sister’s constant warnings.”
6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
“The title of the story is ‘Jinx And The Faerie Dragons’ and I’ve mentioned it a few times in posts and interviews lately. It’s already pre-released, so Smashwords and any other ebook retailers that already carry it have the synopsis listed, as does Goodreads. Also, you can read a sample of the first 20% of the story on Smashwords via the link mentioned below.”
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
“The book is already pre-released, and is scheduled for official release on July 1st 2014. The Smashwords link is http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447528 (for other sites, such as Barnes And Noble, you’ll have to go search for it, since I don’t have the link).”
***
I'm only tagging one person today, and the person I'm going to tag is Rita Lee Chapmen. Here are her bio and links:
"Rita Lee Chapman was born in the UK and migrated to Australia in her early twenties. It was only when she retired that she wrote her first novel Missing in Egypt a romantic travel mystery. Her second book Winston - a Horse's Tale is for horse lovers from teenagers upwards. Told by Winston himself it relates his life experiences in Australia, as well as those of other horses he meets along the way. Rita enjoys playing tennis, reading, swimming, walking and the theatre."
Website: http://www.ritaleechapman.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5834608.Rita_Lee_Chapman
Don't forget to check out Alexandra's post from last week to see which character she was talking about. Also, remember to check out Rita's website next week to see which character she'll be telling us about.
"A.L Butcher is the British author of fantasy series The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles in which "a beautiful young elven sorceress flees for her life in a dark world where magic is forbidden and elves live as slaves." Her books have been described as: "Dark" and "gritty" and that "The story is very much a romance at heart, with plenty of steamy graphic sex to keep erotica fans happy." She also has several short stories published in fantasy and romance anthologies."
Website/blog: http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6430414.A_L_Butcher
Twitter:@libraryoferana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkFantasyBeyondTheStorm
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexandra-Butcher/e/B008BQFCC6/
***
Now it's my turn...
1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?
“My character’s name is Jinx. Jinx is a pixie; a pixie rogue, to be exact. I’m not going to get in to a debate as to whether or nnot pixies exist, but this particular pixie is fictional. Jinx is based on a combination of my own opinions on what pixies should be, and how they’re portrayed in the Pathfinder roleplaying system (which I used to help me design the character and decide on his skills and abilities).”
2) When and where is the story set?
“I suppose, if I have to pick a time and place, I’d have to say that the story is set back when forests and woodlands were less frequently visited by people, and that it’s set in one of those woods, as well as in a cave on the edge of that wood. Beyond that, I can’t really tell you when and where it’s set, since there’s no clearly defined date or location for the story, and both the woods and the cave are pulled from my imagination.”
3) What should we know about him/her?
“Jinx is a charming and kind-hearted pixie really, but – like most pixies – he’s fond of tricks and mischief. Unfortunately for everyone around him, Jinx is more fond of these things than your average pixie, and is always causing chaos wherever he goes; sometimes just because he’s bored and thinks it will liven things up a bit. He’s also very fond of exploring, and having adventures.”
4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?
“Jinx’s little sister, Ayla, is always trying to get him to behave, and constantly warning him that he’ll get in to serious trouble one day. As far as Jinx is concerned, she’s just jealous that he has more fun than she does, and he finds her constant reminders of possible danger annoying. There are also the goblins who live in the cave Jinx and his faerie dragons want to explore, who add an element of extra danger to his thirst for adventure. Not that Jinx is concerned, since he never takes the possibility of danger seriously.”
5) What is the personal goal of the character?
“Jinx’s goal is to fit as much fun and as many adventures as possible in to his life, despite his little sister’s constant warnings.”
6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
“The title of the story is ‘Jinx And The Faerie Dragons’ and I’ve mentioned it a few times in posts and interviews lately. It’s already pre-released, so Smashwords and any other ebook retailers that already carry it have the synopsis listed, as does Goodreads. Also, you can read a sample of the first 20% of the story on Smashwords via the link mentioned below.”
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
“The book is already pre-released, and is scheduled for official release on July 1st 2014. The Smashwords link is http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447528 (for other sites, such as Barnes And Noble, you’ll have to go search for it, since I don’t have the link).”
***
I'm only tagging one person today, and the person I'm going to tag is Rita Lee Chapmen. Here are her bio and links:
"Rita Lee Chapman was born in the UK and migrated to Australia in her early twenties. It was only when she retired that she wrote her first novel Missing in Egypt a romantic travel mystery. Her second book Winston - a Horse's Tale is for horse lovers from teenagers upwards. Told by Winston himself it relates his life experiences in Australia, as well as those of other horses he meets along the way. Rita enjoys playing tennis, reading, swimming, walking and the theatre."
Website: http://www.ritaleechapman.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5834608.Rita_Lee_Chapman
Don't forget to check out Alexandra's post from last week to see which character she was talking about. Also, remember to check out Rita's website next week to see which character she'll be telling us about.
June 16, 2014
Writing news - June 16th 2014
'Jinx And The Faerie Dragons' is completed at last, and pre-released too! It's scheduled for official release on July 1st 2014. It took a bit longer to get done than I planned for it to, but I enjoyed writing it, and I'm pleased with it, so I don't mind. I hope everyone who reads it enjoys doing so as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So, what's next?
Well, next is officially 'Wyrd Worlds 2' (the collection of fantasy and sci-fi stories I'm contributing to). But since I've completed and submitted my story for that several weeks ago I don't need to do anything for that right now. Because of that, 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' is next. I mean, I will be working on other projects too, since I've always got at least two writing projects going at the same time. But 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' will be the one I focus most of my energy on.
Actually, 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' is about half written already.
I'll tell you more about both 'Wyrd Worlds 2' and 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' closer to their publication dates.
So, what's next?
Well, next is officially 'Wyrd Worlds 2' (the collection of fantasy and sci-fi stories I'm contributing to). But since I've completed and submitted my story for that several weeks ago I don't need to do anything for that right now. Because of that, 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' is next. I mean, I will be working on other projects too, since I've always got at least two writing projects going at the same time. But 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' will be the one I focus most of my energy on.
Actually, 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' is about half written already.
I'll tell you more about both 'Wyrd Worlds 2' and 'Cubby And The Beanstalk' closer to their publication dates.
June 15, 2014
Father's Day 2014
Today is Father's Day.
Now, I'm not sure if my Dad will see this, and I'd be very surprised if my Father-In-Law saw it, but I wanted to post it anyway.
On behalf of Kelly and myself... Happy Father's Day to both our Dads!
Also, happy Father's Day to all the other Dads out there.
Now, I'm not sure if my Dad will see this, and I'd be very surprised if my Father-In-Law saw it, but I wanted to post it anyway.
On behalf of Kelly and myself... Happy Father's Day to both our Dads!
Also, happy Father's Day to all the other Dads out there.
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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