Susan Mac Nicol's Blog, page 10
June 19, 2017
SID LOVE – DETOUR BLOG TOUR
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TITLE: Detour
AUTHOR: Sid Love
PUBLISHER: Cool Dudes Publishing
LENGTH: 226 Pages
GENRE: M/M Romance Thriller
COVER ARTIST: Corneles Bronkhorst
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BLURB: Austin Reyes works as a bartender to support his ailing mother in a small town called Eaton. But his life takes a horrible turn when his boss’ son, Caleb, arrives in town and forces himself upon Austin. There is no end to Caleb’s lustful intentions. Austin leaves Eaton and flees to Denver to start a new life when his mother commits suicide after succumbing to depression. There, he meets Dylan Carver.
Dylan is out and proud. He’s also a well-known actor in the porn industry. When haters damage his car, Austin, now homeless and destitute, is injured and Dylan helps him. In the immediate aftermath, Dylan develops more than a passing interest for Austin, and, though they part ways, chance meetings never stop.
Austin lets Dylan in on the secret about his past, but soon realizes that the man who looked so happy on the outside, has his own baggage. Unbeknownst to them, someone is plotting to get Austin killed.
Even while surrounded by danger, Austin and Dylan’s relationship takes a detour that was always meant to be. Will this detour be Dylan’s undoing? Will Austin finally come to terms with his mother’s suicide and follow his own truth? Or will their lives implode?
Trigger Warning: Content includes a rape scene.
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My apartment building had seen better days. It was ancient and looked like it would fall apart any time. The color had worn out over the years and there were cracks here and there, but it was dearest to me anyway. It had been my home for as long as I could remember; well, it wasn’t exactly owned by us — we rented, to be specific — but I speak from the sense of belonging. The owner of the building — Mr. Marshall — had promised to repair it soon. It was a one-story building with four small apartments, two on each floor that faced each other. Our apartment was on the first floor, so, at three in the morning, I took the flight of stairs and walked up to my door soundlessly. I knew better than to wake up our neighbor. I slowly put the key into the lock and opened the door.
Hesitating for some time, I considered again whether to tell my mother about what had happened. I couldn’t hide anything from her, but the explanations would have to wait until morning. I was too tired and sad right now.
I closed the door silently behind me.
The house lights were dim but I could see the light in her bedroom. As always, she was waiting for me to return. She would be curled up in her bed, reading her favorite Nora Roberts novel. She did the same every night before going to sleep.
I headed for her room. Thankfully, I had stopped limping as the pain dissipated; she wouldn’t know anything was wrong right away.
The door was ajar.
I stepped into the room.
…And suddenly it was hard to breathe.
“Mom! Oh, dear God!”
Her lifeless body hung from the ceiling fan.
I rushed to support her feet. Although I knew the worst had happened, I hoped she was alive.
She didn’t move.
Her bare feet were cold.
Her skin, pale like never before.
I couldn’t understand why she would take such an extreme step. She was fine when I had left for work that evening.
My tears flowed freely this time.
That was when I noticed it. The letter on the nightstand.
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Sid Love grew up in one of busiest cities in the world, Mumbai, listening to the excerpts of Indian epics as told by his father every night. While it served as an inspiration back, he has always had an ambitious mind.
In 2007, when he had just turned sixteen, he decided that he would make his lifelong dream come true—to become a well-known, respected author someday.
Ask him and he would refuse to accept that he is obsessed with books. Or movies. Or TV shows. Addicted may even be the right word.
He is a die-hard fan of Jane Austen’s romance novels and loves to reread them time and again.
Find him on –
Blog: https://sidlovewrites.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sid.love.16
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsidlove/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FatefulMercy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorSidLove/
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7793040.Sid_Love
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Winner gets a paperback copy of DETOUR!
June 15, 2017
Unlikely in Love – Release Date 28 June
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I have a little bunch of stories to release on the 28th June. I’ll let you figure out what they’re like from the little snippets below. Oh, and this is the cover. Sweet, a little naughty and I think it fits the contents perfectly.
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Meet Elliot and Dan in ‘Benchpressed’
City planner Elliot meets personal trainer Dan and between them, they whip the gym into shape…
“I happen to think you have a very nice belly,” Dan murmured. “It makes a change from the usual devotion to keeping a six pack.” His tone went dreamy. “I like a man with a bit of meat on him.”
Oh, fuck me. That sounded a bit awkward, even to me. My body flushed with heat and I cleared my throat.
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Meet Davey and Gus in ‘Dear Davey’
Agony Aunt columnist Davey has an unfortunate habit of causing mayhem for fellow worker Gus. He also has no filter. Remind you of someone?
“Oh, and I’m sorry I set fire to your waste bin yesterday,” I muttered.
“Who else would it have been?” he said. “Do I need to take out company hazard pay when I go out with you?”
I huffed, flicking my hair back from my forehead. “Puhleaze. It’d be worth every penny, I promise.”
Behind me, Gus’s cologne invaded my nostrils and I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent.
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Meet Cooper and Robbie in ‘Banana Appeal’
An errant gecko brings Graphic artist Cooper meets neighbour Robbie together. There may also be a banana involved.
I took a step forward, brandishing the banana toward him as if entreating him to eat it. Robbie took a step back, a wary look crossing his face. I wondered whether he’d expected me to ask him to fellate it. Because that would have been a complete waste when my dick was willing to be wrapped between those full lips. The banana didn’t stand a fucking chance if I got in there first.
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BUY LINKS/PRE ORDER
http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/unlikely-love-trilogy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X7G7PG
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/729922
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unlikely-in-love
May 17, 2017
Swagging along, singin’ a song…
We hate it because yes, of course it costs us money, even though well spent, and also —bigger issue—what the hell do you do that’s different from what everyone else is doing? I’ve done tee-shirts, mugs, pens, postcards, all the usual, and I’d love to find something a little different. I did do the whole Tenga Egg thing, that’s true, but at almost £10 an egg, it’s not something I can envisage me doing again soon. It’s damn expensive. My own branded condoms were fun but again, not cheap. Book charms on necklaces worked well, and aren’t too expensive if you get them from Etsy. I also bought two Kindle Fires when they were very well priced. One is in my cupboard, and I’m not too sure what to do with it, the other has been promised as a Grand Prize to the wonderful shiMMer event coming up in July.
(Talking about shiMMer, if you haven’t pre-ordered my books yet for signing, DO IT NOW!! There’s a great prize up for grabs for one of the people who do, a positively pleasurable cornucopia of treasures. This will be drawn after the pre-order window closes on May 24th).
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I think I still have a signed Alfredo Roagui 2016 calendar somewhere as well. That was ordered from him via Etsy and took a long time coming from Mexico. I could see the dust settling on the gulch, as I thirsted away, waiting for them to arrive…and some Men of London magnets. I bought the wrong size, and they ended up being big enough to fit as an advertising billboard on the side of your car door.
I did however come across a fabulous site doing a great range of promotional flash drives. To me, this is an item that always comes in handy in today’s digital world. I purchased these from them and I’m thrilled at the way they came out. They aren’t the traditional USB; they’re much more compact and easy to pop in a wallet. These little beauties will be coming with me to shiMMer as well.
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I still have more swag to order, and I’ll be visiting ye olde faithful Vistaprint or Etsy for some economical ideas. I’m thinking pens, notepads, smaller fridge magnets this time, and mousepads.
What’s your favourite form of swag, as an author or a reader/blogger? And if you have any great suggestions for anything you might have done and where to get it, please feel free to leave it right here….
April 28, 2017
‘Sight Unseen’ by Susan Mac Nicol #LGBT #Review #Romance
Source: ‘Sight Unseen’ by Susan Mac Nicol #LGBT #Review #Romance
Wow. I’m floored myself, it’s not just the reviewer. What a fabulous review, really insightful and so heartening to see. I’m so thankful someone appreciated this story like they did, and the efforts that went into it. I can’t claim all the credit on the fact this was a book set in the US and needed to be carefully researched in terms of the speech, slang, geography etc. My wonderful writing partner, Nicola Downs, himself an LA resident, was a goldmine on this one. As was my brilliant editor, Michelle Klayman, who’s also a Cali gal. So thanks needs to go to them both for me getting this right. And my friend Lynsey – my teacher in all things blind – had s lot to do with the research, as well as me spending hours watching videos, reading articles and blog posts and talking to people in the blind community. I’m glad it worked. My job is done. I love this result.
Fascinating article about flash fiction
Explore the flash fiction and stylized featured images at Just Punch the Clock.
via The Art of Featured Images: Visualizing the Flash Fiction at Just Punch the Clock — Discover
Latest update from the Novel Approach on what’s happening.
Cheers, friends, and welcome to a look at what we have coming up for you in the week ahead. It’s shaping up to be a great week, so here’s a […]
via Here’s a Sneak Peek at the Coming Week — The Novel Approach Reviews
April 25, 2017
What am I up to right now?
I thought it was about time I did an update on what’s going on in my life right now. You might not give a fig (LOL) but it’s nice to get it out there anyway. I’m told authors need to keep their profile fresh and ‘vibey’ so maybe this will help rekindle the love for my books and make me that million I’ve always wanted.
First on my list of bucket things to do was my recent trip to LA to meet my publisher, Boroughs Publishing Group, and writing partner, actor Nicholas Downs. I’m not going to say too much about it here because you can read all about here
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/my-la-experience-the-trip-of-a-lifetime/
Suffice it to say it was the best trip of my life and I intend having more of them. Hence the need to make that million.
I came away from that adventure with contracts for six books from now until the end of 2018. I hope to get back to publishing a new book every 3-4 months. I’ve slacked off with writing due to other pressures I’d had but now’s the time to pull up my big girl pants, stope eating and sleeping, forget I have a family and a day job, and get those words written.
Those books are the ninth Men of London book, ‘Survival Games’ featuring Kyle Tripper, Vegas croupier and nightclub manager, and Eric Kirby, paramedic, from Hard Climate. It’s the story of two survivors -one of spousal abuse, the other of losing a lover he couldn’t save.
Then there’s the eagerly anticipated ‘Living on Air’ (oh, is that just me? Right then…) This is a stand -alone novel depicting a psychotic paedophile priest (try saying that three times quickly), an abused youth turned man who finds solace in self-harming, and hides away as an aerialist in a circus, and a world-weary war photographer who wants to find the beauty in life again instead of cruelty and death. Bring these last two together and it’s a little like the witches’ boiling pot in Macbeth-
‘Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.’ Sparks will fly, blood will spill, emotions will run at fever point – oh and did I mention there’s clowns? Sorry to all you coulrophobics out there. I can give you some solace though -it isn’t IT.
Lastly for now, I’m writing a new spin off series from the Men of London book, ‘Feat of Clay’ featuring Clay Mortimer, former SAS operative, and Tate Williams, undercover DEA cop. Personally, I think this was one of my most under rated books. I adore this cover out of all my MOL covers, and the fact this was a story based on an existing relationship made it special to me. The chaps are coming back in a new series called Fetish Alley. It’s going to be sassy, funny, tongue in cheek madness with a mystery spin and of course, two hot men and their relationship. And yes, the word ‘fetish’ is exactly what it means. But you’ll have to stick around to find exactly what it’s all about. Tate’s education in weird is about to get very intense.
I’m also toying with the idea of a short Leslie and Oliver story, if I can stop breathing long enough to write it. (My take on this is that I’ve given up everything else and this is all I have left.) I want to write about Leslie and his new corset range with Debussy Fashion and how he makes Oliver his muse and model. Imagine Oliver in a corset and high heels. Teamed with the feisty Leslie, this would be one spectacular sight.
I’ve also been extremely busy with Divine Magazine well. Being Editorial Manager is a lot of hard work. I can say though that I‘ve been privileged to meet, speak to and interview some wonderful people like David Booher, whom I had the pleasure of having dinner with in LA, and Scott McGlynn, who has the most lovely Welsh accent. I’m also talking to Guillaume Sanchez who’s a fascinating character. All of these interviews will be featured soon.
As for The Being Me Campaign, of which I’m a Board Trustee, we’ve been busy behind the scenes building up what’s needed for 2017. I’m co-ordinating a wonderful charity anthology with Louis Harris from CoolDudes Publishing where sales of this book will benefit the charity. My story, ‘Strawberry Kisses’ has been submitted. I’d like to thank all the authors who are working with us on this for contributing their time and effort to help out the charity.
Jack L Pyke Heather C Leigh
Duncan Swallow Melissa Costa
J P Bilbao Amelia Faulkner
Louisa Mae Jennifer Slusher
Valynda King Violet Joicey-Cowan
Susan Mac Nicol Rhys Christoper Ethan
Melissa Costa Alex Jane
Sherri Jordan Asble Lane Swift
Heather C Leigh Dilo Keith
On a non-writing note, I’m off to South Africa with my husband and daughter to see family from 1-14th May. I’ll be in Cape Town and the West Cape so it’s going to be epic. Sun, sea, sand, wine, beer and family.
I’m at shiMMer in July, Brighton Pride in August, going to Dublin with a friend in September and hopefully then the travelling stops for a bit.
And I think I’ve said enough. I will leave you with this picture……I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
April 10, 2017
I’m tired of being generalised about…
I might ruffle a few feathers with this one. But I’ve had enough. This is intended as a post of respect for both you and for me, so please treat it as such. No disrespect is intended towards anyone, I think I kept this fairly heartfelt.
Certain members of the LGBT community- I implore you – please don’t lump ‘M/M authors’ into one category. I have great respect for what you are all saying and agree with you 100% – but I get twitchy when M/M romance writers seem to be in danger of being demonised as a whole by the recent KA debacle. Generalising – as you well know- is dangerous. Since this whole fiasco, I’ve seen a lot of off colour comments from people about ‘straight women writing M/M romance’ (not gay or queer romance because apparently we don’t get to call it that -although I prefer those terms myself) , loads of blog posts about M/M authors only being in it for the money, (believe me I don’t make that much- I do it because I enjoy it) how some of us have street teams who bully everyone else into agreeing with us (yes some do) and how being an ‘ally’ doesn’t really mean much to some in the community ‘because allies haven’t experienced what we have’. I agree with you on that one wholeheartedly. We don’t get to play in your sandbox simply because we write about gay men falling in love. However, I don’t use the word ‘ally’ when it comes to my support of the LGBT community. I use the word ‘human being’. Because that’s what I am and I have a sense of justice and fairness that plays out in many ways. That’s it. I’m not here to make a big name as an ‘ally’, or preen in my rainbow feathers because I move around in this community, which I adore by the way. I’m not here to grandstand, or marginalise anything the community does in its ever-constant battle to stay safe and be allowed acceptance, and to live life like any other member of the human race. I’m here to support where I can, help, learn – and educate myself every day. I share posts I think are valid, tweet things I think need saying, post things I think are important to say. I want people to know where I stand in this struggle of yours and in fairness, I think about that there can be no doubt. My daughter is bisexual so I do actually have some personal standing in this, I assure you.
It hurts my soul to see that whatever support I feel I’m giving is not worth it out there and being under-mined by unthinking, even if well-meant, comments by certain individuals. Please think twice before you make a blanket statement about people who have nothing but admiration and affection for you and only wish to do what’s right. And honestly – like you, I shouldn’t feel I have to defend the M/M author community. (This is purely my view, no other M/M authors were consulted in this post) Because we have a community too and in general, it’s a damn good one, full of people who care and who try to support and do good. It’s not all arseholes who blatantly don’t.
Thanks for listening to me. ♥♥
March 20, 2017
Theresa Oliver’s Fae Wish Blog Tour – March 20th through until March 24th
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★ Tiny or tall, brave or small—it is the size of our hearts that matter at all … ★
Title: Fae Wish
Series: A Cambria Fairy Tale Book 1
Release Date: March 6, 2017
Publisher: Write More Publications
Categories: Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34337252-fae-wish
Blurb
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Tiny or tall, brave or small—it is the size of our hearts that matter at all …
Legend tells that deep in the Land of Cambria, in the heart of the Magical Forest, a tiny race of enchanted beings, no bigger than a butterfly, still call the forest their home. Hidden away from the prying eyes of humans, these magical fairies keep their magic a secret from those who would use it for evil. Yet after thousands of years in hiding, the secret of the fairies is about to come out…
For young Raine, being a princess of the Magical Forest means duty before desire, and her fate to marry a fairy of her father’s choosing becomes a bit more complicated when she accidentally falls for Bryce—a human. In a desperate plea to be with the man she loves, Raine seeks the aid of Vitra, the Dragon Queen of the Dark Forest, in order to become a human and catch Bryce’s eye.
Blinded by true love and guided by destiny, Raine’s journey will jeopardize those she is sworn to protect and leave the fate of the Magical Forest to the evil forces at play. Can she save her kingdom from darkness? Or will she give up her heart’s true desire in order to realize her destiny?
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Buy Links
Kindle
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMX7NHV
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.com/uk/dp/B06XMX7NHV
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XMX7NHV
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06XMX7NHV
Paperback
CreateSpace Store https://www.createspace.com/6946013
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1543205127
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Excerpt
A broad smile spread across Virtra’s lovely face. “First thing’s first.” She raised her arms slowly as she chanted, “Grestrvance rashada molique, grestrvance rashada molique, grestrvance rashada molique!”
Raine felt faint as the blood rushed to her head. A violent wind began to shake the entire tent structure as white firefly lights zoomed in, surrounding her. “What is happening to me?” Pain shot through her body as it began to contort and morph. Raine looked down, and she was growing and stretching as the white miniature lights swirled violently around her until, finally, her feet touched the ground. When the pain subsided a few moments later, she was as tall as Virtra, who wore a self-satisfied grin.
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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Theresa Oliver:
Hello! Welcome to my blog tour! My name is Theresa Oliver, the author of “Fae Wish (A Cambria Fairy Tale)”. Here are 5 fun facts you didn’t know about me.
I’ve been writing since I was 14 years old, when I wrote my first short story “The Door”, a horror story. I later rewrote it for inclusion in an anthology.
I am a teacher! I’ve taught first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh grades. The only grade levels I haven’t taught are kindergarten, fifth, and eighth grades.
I was a hairdresser for 17 years, but never gave up my dream of becoming a published author.
I have three beautiful boys, the loves of my life, along with their father, Tommy.
I didn’t go to college straight out of high school. I went to college while I was working and finished my Associates degree. Then, my husband encouraged me to finish college and I went to college full time and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree, News Editorial sequence. I then went on to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence. My message to you is that it’s never too late to go after your dreams and to accomplish them! Don’t wait! Do it now!
Well, that’s 5 fun facts about me! Thank you for participating in my blog tour! I hope you enjoy “Fae Wish (A Cambria Fairy Tale)”!
Special thanks to Divine Promotions for hosting this tour! You’re the best!
Top 10 Snacks I Like:
Here are my top 10 favorite snacks I like to enjoy.
Trail mix
Three Musketeers
Milky Ways. especially the Milky Way bunnies at Easter
Chips and salsa
Raw carrots
Chili Con Queso and tortilla chips
Chex mix
Salt vinegar potato chips
French onion dip with potato chips
cashews
What are your favorite snacks?
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Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6d41b92d108
Meet The Author
An educator, writer, mother, and free spirit, Theresa Oliver’s love affair with the written word has spanned decades. An Indiana native, Theresa began the foundation of her writing career as a child. Her love of reading, writing, and creative expression guided her to seek a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, News Editorial sequence, from the University of Tennessee at Martin; and then continued on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence, from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Her foundational experiences in childhood led her to want to create meaningful, positive experiences with reading and writing for future generations, and inspire the same love of creative expression that has been such a rewarding force behind her career and life. A full-time teacher, author, and owner of both Write More Publications and TNT Author Services, Theresa has dedicated her life to the world of writing and the creation of novels that span all levels and genres. First and foremost a mother, her greatest loves are her three beautiful boys, to whom she dedicates the success and longevity of her prolific career. Theresa currently resides in Kissimmee, Florida with her beloved husband and children.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheresaOliverA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vs-Morgan/100003293857094
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4811674.Theresa_Oliver
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Theresa-Oliver/e/B0061JPWT8
Follow the Blog Tour
March 20
2 girls who love books – Review + Exclusive Excerpt
http://agirlandherbooksblog.wordpress.com
March 20
Stories That Make You Smile – Guest Post: Three Things I Do Before I Write
https://authoraddisonalbright.com
March 20
Books all things paranormal and romance
https://www.facebook.com/Booksallthingsparanormalandromance/
March 21
RAM PA Group – Exclusive Excerpt
http://rampagroup.com/
March 21
Author Susan Mac Nicol – Guest Post: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Theresa Oliver
http://www.susanmacnicol.net
March 22
velvetpanic – Fae Wish Dream Cast
https://velvetpanic2.wordpress.com/blog/
March 22
Nicole’s Book Musings – Guest Post: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Theresa Oliver
http://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.com/
March 23
Book-Lover
https://facebook.com/bookloverblog2014
March 23
Heather Bloggs – Review + Guest Post: Background information of Characters
http://www.heatherbloggs.com/
March 24
Yah gotta read this – Exclusive Excerpt
http://www.yahgottareadthis.blogspot.ca/
March 24
queens of the darkside – Review + Exclusive Excerpt
https://queensofthedarkside.wordpress.com
March 24
deal sharing aunt – Exclusive Teasers
http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com
March 24
Making it Happen – Guest Post: My Top 10 Ways to Spend a Weekend
http://moonangel23.blogspot.com
Hosted By:
March 15, 2017
New release: Sight Unseen by Susan Mac Nicol
The Sight Unseen blog tour continues, with a wonderful selection of excerpts, teasers and a giveaway. Put your name in the hat and let me know what you think about it all! ♥
A Collaborative project with L.A. producer and Hollywood Actor Nicholas Downs & International Bestselling Author Susan Mac Nicol
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