Brenda Corey Dunne's Blog, page 4
May 27, 2016
May 26, 2016
May 25, 2016
Blog Party Begins!
Today is the first day!
So excited to share SKIN with you! Pop on over to Danielle DeVor's book blog, and take a look at what she had to say about SKIN!
http://ddevor.weebly.com
Don't forget to pre-order your copy! (click on the pic on the right)----------------------------------->
Brenda
May 9, 2016
Pre-order anyone?
The SKIN ebook is now available for preorder on Amazon!(Click above to go to the website)
Paperback will be up soon also! :)
Thank you to all of my incredibly patient friends, family and followers who have been waiting to get their hands on a copy!
Don't forget, SKIN will be launching on June 2nd!
Brenda
May 2, 2016
ARCs are here!
YAY! Look what I've got in my hot little hands!
So excited to have a visit from my friendly neighbourhood deliveryman this morning! My beautiful advance review copies of SKIN have arrived! Things are shaping up for a fantabulous launch day on June 2nd at Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay!
Be warned...numerous Prince Edward Island trivia, seal pictures and shameless self promotion to follow! It's going to be a month of fun build up to the launch. :)
Want to take part in the excitement? Review SKIN on your blog? Find out how you can participate in launch day? Let me know below!
Brenda
April 11, 2016
Military Monday: The Proof is in the Clematis.
My baby clematis peekingover the fenceIn our family we have a saying--well, several sayings actually--that revolve around postings/PCSs.
"I see someone I know every time I go to the grocery store...it must be time to move."
"I can't go anywhere without running into someone I know...it must be time to move."
"We've almost finished unpacking...it must be time to move."
"The bookcase is just the way I like it...it must be time to move."
"I actually feel comfortable at school...it must be time to move."
"The teachers know who I am...it must be time to move."
You get the idea.
We say these things to torture ourselves, I think. Or to make it easier when the posting message actually comes. A coping mechanism. When you move every 1-3 years, there are some things that you really come to appreciate. The simple fact that your kid's gifts in Math precede them to the next grade. The knowledge that if you needed someone, you'd have more than one person to call. The location of the very best coffeehouse in town. These are things taken for granted in other communities, but in the military community they can be a sign that you've truly settled in a place.
Spring has sprung on Vancouver IslandI love to garden, and one of my dreams is to live in a place long enough to have both an established saucer magnolia, and a full, thriving purple clematis. To date it's never happened. Even one of the two would be nice, but as always, the magnolia just takes root...and it's time to move.One of the first things I did last summer was plant a clematis, in hopes it would take root and grow to something fantastic while we were still here. It did well all summer, and I even saw a few blooms before the fall. Throughout our short winter, I watched it, wondering how it would fare.
And now, after a wet and dark winter, spring is here on the pacific coast. Flowers are blooming and birds are singing and last week I noticed that my Clematis plant is not only up, but it's thriving. New shoots are poking out everywhere, and it's grown tall enough to peek over our almost six foot fence.
The clematis is thriving...it must be time to move, right?
Yup. Our posting message came the next day.
And so, the clematis has spoken. The Dunne family are on the move this summer, this time to the Eastern US.As much as the upcoming post is exciting, I'll be sad to leave my little clematis plant to fend for itself. Who knows, maybe our next house will have one to take it's place.
And a magnolia too.
Brenda
Like this post? Check out my other posts on 'Posting Phases:Orders, or Season of See-You-Later.
April 6, 2016
April: The Month of the Military Child
FIVE REASONS MILITARY CHILDREN ARE AWESOME:About two weeks ago I had the privilege of sitting in a local elementary school, listening to children from 6th to 10th grade give speeches--in French--as part of a nationwide competition, the Concours d'Arts Oratoire, (Oratory Arts Competition). It was the district finals, and my youngest daughter, who started French Immersion in 4th grade, was one of three finalists speaking in the 8th grade group of 'early immersion' kids, kids who started French in kindergarten.
Her speech was on Les Enfants de la Militaire, basically Military Children. She spoke fluently in a language she's only known for four years, with a passion born from life in seven homes in three countries, seven schools, numerous deployments and goodbyes.
Although my French is spotty, I have to say I was so proud to listen to her speak. She answered questions--in fluent French--about what she loved about being a military child, about the Month of the Military Child, and about her reasoning behind her speech.
She won the division. (so proud!!)
And then a week later my husband received a posting message for another cross-continental, cross-border move.
There's no life like it, right?
The fact is, military kids put up with a lot. How many first and second world war children never got to meet their fathers? How many times do military kids have to say goodbye to their bestest of BFF's, because their parent has to go to a new location? Stressors abound in the military lifestyle, and often military kids endure them in silence, because that's just the way life is.
But it's not all bad. In fact, the military life is a pretty fabulous way to grow up. The flower of the military child is a dandelion, and for good reasons. They move, they set up roots, and they flourish wherever they're put. In our family we've
embraced the lifestyle, and it's made all the difference. Being a military child sets kids up for real life. They're amazing individuals, and here's five reasons why:
1. Military children are resilient.
All of that movement, all of that change, sets kids up well for real life. Your high school friends most likely won't be there to support you through college. And jobs don't necessarily happen where you want them too. Like many things in life, the only way to learn how to adapt to new situations is to experience them--and these children experience many, many new things in their early years.
2. Military children know respect.
In a culture which demands respect, military kids learn the meaning first hand. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule (we've all met that kid), but generally military kids understand that rules are there for a reason.
3. Military children are good workers.
When my husband went away on deployment in 2010, I knew I'd need help with the day to day things or the house would slowly deteriorate around me. I set up a chore chart, with three sets of chores, rotating between the 3 kids each week. Some weeks were a little harder, some easier, but, surprisingly enough, it worked. My kids learned that if they didn't do the dishes one day, the pile would be even bigger the next. Six years later, that chore chart still exists, and although I sometimes have to prompt, they generally sort it out. It's a huge help. And skills they will need for later in life.
4. Military children are independent.
You don't have to be a teenager to know that high schools are social jungles. Walking into a new high school alone, without knowing a soul, is a seriously stressful event. But they do it. Time and again. And next year, it will be a new school, a new job, and a new team in a different place.
5. Military children have global experiences.
One of our favourite parts of being a military family is the opportunities we've had to see new places and experience new cultures. Even within Canada, things are done differently in different parts of the country. Our kids are experienced travellers, and they understand that life does not stop at the high school doors. There is so much more out there and they recognize that they've had many opportunities others don't get to experience... like learning to speak French. Or hanging out with dad at an air show. Or even going to school in a different country.
Do you know a military child? Let them know how much you appreciate their silent support.
Are you a military child? Thank you. Your service behind the scenes makes our world a better place.
Brenda
February 15, 2016
SKIN COVER REVEAL!
Happy Day-After-Valentine's Day!
I have the absolute best friends, family, followers and fans, so today I bring you love in a different form...the cover release for SKIN!
Scheduled to publish via Fortunate Frog Fiction (my wee froggie personal publishing company) in May of 2016, SKIN is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance set in one of my favourite places on earth, Prince Edward Island. Think red sand beaches and windswept dunes. Think lighthouses and wild roses. Starfish, seagulls and...Selkies!
Here's a bit about it:
With a name like Ocean, you’d think moving to Prince Edward Island would be simple. But since she crossed that huge bridge to the land of red sand, Ocean’s life has been far from normal—it’s been downright dangerous. Trouble seems to follow her, and she’s got the bruises to prove it.
And then there’s her mysterious neighbour, Sam...who seems to know more about her history than she does herself.
When Ocean finally steps into the salty waves with Sam, she realizes that her life has been based on a lie, and that she is missing something...something she never knew existed.
Her skin.
Ready to see it?
And now...
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The first peek of my new novel, SKIN...
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You're almost there...
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Ta Da!!!
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Isn't it pretty? Glendon at Streetlight Graphics has done an amazing job of taking my musings and turning them into a beautiful design. Thank you to my family, friends and even my agent, Fran, for putting up with the back and forth of fine tuning it. I can't wait to share more of SKIN with you in the next few months, and bring another book baby into the world in May. Please let me know what you think in the Comments!
Happy Day-after-Valentine's Day!
Want to find out more about SKIN? Interested in participating in my release party, reviewing an ARC or highlighting SKIN on your Blog? Comment below or message me on Facebook or Twitter! Don't forget to follow me!
Brenda
I have the absolute best friends, family, followers and fans, so today I bring you love in a different form...the cover release for SKIN!
Scheduled to publish via Fortunate Frog Fiction (my wee froggie personal publishing company) in May of 2016, SKIN is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance set in one of my favourite places on earth, Prince Edward Island. Think red sand beaches and windswept dunes. Think lighthouses and wild roses. Starfish, seagulls and...Selkies!
Here's a bit about it:
With a name like Ocean, you’d think moving to Prince Edward Island would be simple. But since she crossed that huge bridge to the land of red sand, Ocean’s life has been far from normal—it’s been downright dangerous. Trouble seems to follow her, and she’s got the bruises to prove it.
And then there’s her mysterious neighbour, Sam...who seems to know more about her history than she does herself.
When Ocean finally steps into the salty waves with Sam, she realizes that her life has been based on a lie, and that she is missing something...something she never knew existed.
Her skin.
Ready to see it?
And now...
*
*
*
*
The first peek of my new novel, SKIN...
*
*
*
*
*
*
You're almost there...
*
*
*
*
*
Ta Da!!!
*
*
Isn't it pretty? Glendon at Streetlight Graphics has done an amazing job of taking my musings and turning them into a beautiful design. Thank you to my family, friends and even my agent, Fran, for putting up with the back and forth of fine tuning it. I can't wait to share more of SKIN with you in the next few months, and bring another book baby into the world in May. Please let me know what you think in the Comments!
Happy Day-after-Valentine's Day!
Want to find out more about SKIN? Interested in participating in my release party, reviewing an ARC or highlighting SKIN on your Blog? Comment below or message me on Facebook or Twitter! Don't forget to follow me!
Brenda
February 5, 2016
SKIN Cover Reveal Party Coming Soon!
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The cover art for my YA Paranormal Romance, SKIN is finished! It's FABULOUS. So excited! Can't wait to share my beautiful Streetlight Graphics cover with you on a day we all need a little post-Valentine's pick me up...Monday, February 15th! I am planning a grand virtual celebration, and I need your help!
Want to party with me? I would love your help spreading the word. Comment below, or facebook/twitter pm me and I'll connect with you for the details. Will also be happy to return the favour for other authors.
You're going to love it!
Brenda
January 28, 2016
Vaccinations are a Pain
We are trying to update our vaccination records.
Trying.
To update.
Our vaccination records.
Trying.
Holy old moly.
Just looking at that declaration will give most military families stress. In fact. I discussed vaccines as one of the 7 Reason's Military Wives Out are Stressed All of the Time.
I was really keen two postings ago--gathered all of our bits of paper, tiny booklets and photocopied records and had our local public health office (which was actually NOT local, had to drive almost 45 minutes to get there..but that's a different story) update their system and print off a copy for each of the kids. This was not easy. In fact, it was so complicated that from that day on we've kept our vaccinations records in our fire-proof safe.
From there, we moved...within the same province but to a new school district. Easy, right?
WRONG. About a week into our new school year I got a nasty finger-pointing letter from the local school board saying if I didn't get our records updated (remember, they were updated) my kids would be suspended. Yup. Suspended. You'd think they would be kidding about this. But no, they are not. Ask my friend who just a week ago got a suspension letter for her kids because of the school board's vaccination clerical error.
So on top of moving stress, new job stress, new everything stress, there was the added stress of proving that yes, indeed, we are good parents and our children have had all of their required vaccinations on time. We are very pro-vaccine. Just have difficulty keeping things organized when we move every two years.
Back to our current situation. I wasn't as keen on our last move, and forgot to get an updated vaccination record as we packed five humans and one horse into a truck and trailer for a cross-continental move. My bad. Like I said, moving is stressful. I figured when the time came, it would be just a quick phone call or request. Once again, wrong (will I ever learn?). Provincial public health authorities do not talk to one another. My friend over at Canadian Army Wife blogged about this problem here. In order to access our records from our previous post, we need the doctor's notes...but the doctor has moved. Yep. No longer at that clinic.
The saga continues.
Anyway, at this point, I would just like to say that I have the most wonderful husband on the planet.
Why? Because he has made it his job to get our records sorted out, so that I don't have to.
I love him. Do I ever. He is the best.
Now if only he could offer up his arm for the list of about four needles I need to have updated.
Alas, that is a pain I must bear myself.
Brenda
Trying.
To update.
Our vaccination records.
Trying.
Holy old moly.
Just looking at that declaration will give most military families stress. In fact. I discussed vaccines as one of the 7 Reason's Military Wives Out are Stressed All of the Time.
I was really keen two postings ago--gathered all of our bits of paper, tiny booklets and photocopied records and had our local public health office (which was actually NOT local, had to drive almost 45 minutes to get there..but that's a different story) update their system and print off a copy for each of the kids. This was not easy. In fact, it was so complicated that from that day on we've kept our vaccinations records in our fire-proof safe.
From there, we moved...within the same province but to a new school district. Easy, right?
WRONG. About a week into our new school year I got a nasty finger-pointing letter from the local school board saying if I didn't get our records updated (remember, they were updated) my kids would be suspended. Yup. Suspended. You'd think they would be kidding about this. But no, they are not. Ask my friend who just a week ago got a suspension letter for her kids because of the school board's vaccination clerical error.
So on top of moving stress, new job stress, new everything stress, there was the added stress of proving that yes, indeed, we are good parents and our children have had all of their required vaccinations on time. We are very pro-vaccine. Just have difficulty keeping things organized when we move every two years.
Back to our current situation. I wasn't as keen on our last move, and forgot to get an updated vaccination record as we packed five humans and one horse into a truck and trailer for a cross-continental move. My bad. Like I said, moving is stressful. I figured when the time came, it would be just a quick phone call or request. Once again, wrong (will I ever learn?). Provincial public health authorities do not talk to one another. My friend over at Canadian Army Wife blogged about this problem here. In order to access our records from our previous post, we need the doctor's notes...but the doctor has moved. Yep. No longer at that clinic.
The saga continues.
Anyway, at this point, I would just like to say that I have the most wonderful husband on the planet.
Why? Because he has made it his job to get our records sorted out, so that I don't have to.
I love him. Do I ever. He is the best.
Now if only he could offer up his arm for the list of about four needles I need to have updated.
Alas, that is a pain I must bear myself.
Brenda
