Crystal Collier's Blog, page 10
October 21, 2015
Giving Away Halloween
Do you have your scary stories all loaded and ready for the holiday? If not, you're in luck. Here are a couple to get you in the spirit.
First, from me...
Read the rest HERE.
And now how about some giveaway action?
Last week Stephen Tremp shared with us SALEM'S DAUGHTERS, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a $25 gift card to Amazon!
Stephen's Game:
1. Stephen once met Los Angeles Laker basketball player Kobe Bryant.
2. He does not like meatloaf.
3. He still likes to color with crayons.
THE LIE: #1. Stephen wishes. ;)
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Chrys Fey!!!
Congrats, Chrys!
And now how about our giveaway for the day?
Faerie mischief starts the fun with ghosts, vampires, and zombies bringing in the scare. If you love Halloween, being scared or delighted, there’s a story for you in this flash fiction collection.
Get your copy HERE.
Or you might like this one if you're not so much in a Halloween mood...
Missie, an American flutist, is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where her music is the key to empowering The Treasures of Carmelidrium to defeat the evil tyrant, Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen. Immediately, her life is in danger. The Symberveen hunt her, an assassin attempts to kill her, Renwyk's men plot to kidnap her. Will she survive to accomplish the prophecy regarding her or will Renwyk take over Gil-Lael and then America too?
Buy it HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
N. R. Williams is an American grandmother who decided never to grown up. What better way to celebrate than to write epic fantasy's, children's stories and flash fiction alive with faeries, vampires, zombies and ghost, along with a few other super natural creatures? She is delighted to share these stories with readers and hopes that everyone will find something to love.
She adores Swiss cheese because of the holes and might be discovered eating it with turkey lunch meat and crackers.
N.R. gave me two LIEs and ONE truth to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of your choice.
You have until Tuesday, October 27 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 28.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I have almost died eight times from childhood illness, a difficult pregnancy and delivery and more recently two illnesses. I'm planning to continue living and will ignore references to cat's having nine lives.
2. I was born in Canada.
3. I love coffee. I drink it while balancing on my head and use a special straw.
So sleuths, which are the lies, and which is the truth? What are you reading for Halloween? Are you a bigger fan of faeries, vampires or zombies? Have you ever read/written flash fiction?
First, from me...
Read the rest HERE.
And now how about some giveaway action?Last week Stephen Tremp shared with us SALEM'S DAUGHTERS, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a $25 gift card to Amazon!
Stephen's Game:
1. Stephen once met Los Angeles Laker basketball player Kobe Bryant.2. He does not like meatloaf.
3. He still likes to color with crayons.
THE LIE: #1. Stephen wishes. ;)
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Chrys Fey!!!
Congrats, Chrys!
And now how about our giveaway for the day?
Faerie mischief starts the fun with ghosts, vampires, and zombies bringing in the scare. If you love Halloween, being scared or delighted, there’s a story for you in this flash fiction collection.
Get your copy HERE.
Or you might like this one if you're not so much in a Halloween mood...
Missie, an American flutist, is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where her music is the key to empowering The Treasures of Carmelidrium to defeat the evil tyrant, Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen. Immediately, her life is in danger. The Symberveen hunt her, an assassin attempts to kill her, Renwyk's men plot to kidnap her. Will she survive to accomplish the prophecy regarding her or will Renwyk take over Gil-Lael and then America too?Buy it HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
N. R. Williams is an American grandmother who decided never to grown up. What better way to celebrate than to write epic fantasy's, children's stories and flash fiction alive with faeries, vampires, zombies and ghost, along with a few other super natural creatures? She is delighted to share these stories with readers and hopes that everyone will find something to love. She adores Swiss cheese because of the holes and might be discovered eating it with turkey lunch meat and crackers.
N.R. gave me two LIEs and ONE truth to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of your choice.
You have until Tuesday, October 27 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 28.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I have almost died eight times from childhood illness, a difficult pregnancy and delivery and more recently two illnesses. I'm planning to continue living and will ignore references to cat's having nine lives.
2. I was born in Canada.
3. I love coffee. I drink it while balancing on my head and use a special straw.
So sleuths, which are the lies, and which is the truth? What are you reading for Halloween? Are you a bigger fan of faeries, vampires or zombies? Have you ever read/written flash fiction?
October 14, 2015
In Which You Win Book Cash and Women Kick Trash
Say hello to our special guest today, Stephen Tremp (and his fabulous Halloweeny read + GIVEAWAY)! Take it away, Stephen.
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” ~ William Shakespeare
Thank you Crystal for hosting me on my Salem’s Daughters Blog Tour! I love the action, adventure, fantasy and thrillers genres. In these stories not all heroes are heroes; some are heroines who demonstrate greatness in a variety of ways such as courage, inner-strength, or pressing on to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Not all leading and supporting female characters are tough girls like Wonder Woman (most famous and hottest heroine of all time), Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones), Buffy (Vampire Slayer), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) or Xena (Warrior Princess). These women were born with innate powers or they achieved advanced abilities through discipline, practice, sacrifice and a support group. Then there are the women who are not born into nor do they achieve greatness. Rather, they have greatness thrust upon them, often against their will.
There are three such women in Salem’s Daughters, one born with greatness, another who achieved greatness, and a third who had greatness thrust upon her.
Emily Livingston: The antagonist is born with greatness. Emily is the leader of her early 17th century coven and possesses each individual power of her followers, as long as they are alive. Together they terrorize the bed and breakfast.
Erma Dempsey: Debbie’s meddling Irish whiskey drinking, dark witted, sharp tongue spitfire of a grandmother who co-signed on the three-and-a-half million dollar loan to build Murcat Manor achieved greatness through seven decades of working hard and fighting for everything. Born into poverty, she and her husband Ross never gave up on anything and had to scratch and claw to become successful. These traits help set the stage for a showdown between Erma and the thirteen cats.
Debbie Stevens: The protagonist has great power thrust upon her against her will. She only wants to start a family, but instead has to give up her dreams to fight the evil threat killing her guests at Murcat Manor.
These three bad-ass ladies were fun to develop using each of the three forms of greatness Shakespeare mentioned in Twelfth Night, or What You Will.
Question: Do you have a favorite bad-ass female character in books or movies?
Short Blurb: A four hundred year old evil is unleashed when the daughters of those killed during the Salem Witch Trials find a new generation of people to murder at a popular modern-day bed and breakfast.
Stephen Tremp writes Speculative Fiction and embraces science and the supernatural to help explain the universe, our place in it, and write one of a kind thrillers. You can read a full synopsis and download Salem’s Daughters by Clicking Here.
Stephen Tremp posts weekly blogs at his website Breakthrough Blogs.
Next Stop: Friday October 16th Lexa Cain.
And now how about some giveaway action?
Last week Carol Riggs shared with us THE BODY INSTITUTE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a signed print book with bookmark!
Carol's Game:
1. Carol once met singer Harry Chapin, got his autograph, and kissed him on the lips.
2. Carol’s family owned a Mexican restaurant when she was 13, in which she washed dishes and reluctantly played waitress.
3. Carol lived on an island once, in Sitka, Alaska.
THE LIE: #2. Carol’s family owned a PIZZA restaurant, which was awesome because a)she got to eat pizza all the time, and b)it involved lots of CHEEEEESE.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Julie Flanders!!!
Congrats, Julie!
And now how about our giveaway for the day?
Stephen gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win A $25 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON.
You have until Tuesday, October 20 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 21. TRUTH OR LIE
1. Stephen once met Los Angeles Laker basketball player Kobe Bryant.
2. He does not like meatloaf.
3. He still likes to color with crayons.
Oh, and one quick note from me. Chrys Fey interviewed me for my birthday. How cool is that? Check it out HERE. (And drop us some cheese in the comments, eh?)
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have a favorite bad-ass female character in books or movies?
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” ~ William Shakespeare
Thank you Crystal for hosting me on my Salem’s Daughters Blog Tour! I love the action, adventure, fantasy and thrillers genres. In these stories not all heroes are heroes; some are heroines who demonstrate greatness in a variety of ways such as courage, inner-strength, or pressing on to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Not all leading and supporting female characters are tough girls like Wonder Woman (most famous and hottest heroine of all time), Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones), Buffy (Vampire Slayer), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) or Xena (Warrior Princess). These women were born with innate powers or they achieved advanced abilities through discipline, practice, sacrifice and a support group. Then there are the women who are not born into nor do they achieve greatness. Rather, they have greatness thrust upon them, often against their will. There are three such women in Salem’s Daughters, one born with greatness, another who achieved greatness, and a third who had greatness thrust upon her.
Emily Livingston: The antagonist is born with greatness. Emily is the leader of her early 17th century coven and possesses each individual power of her followers, as long as they are alive. Together they terrorize the bed and breakfast.
Erma Dempsey: Debbie’s meddling Irish whiskey drinking, dark witted, sharp tongue spitfire of a grandmother who co-signed on the three-and-a-half million dollar loan to build Murcat Manor achieved greatness through seven decades of working hard and fighting for everything. Born into poverty, she and her husband Ross never gave up on anything and had to scratch and claw to become successful. These traits help set the stage for a showdown between Erma and the thirteen cats. Debbie Stevens: The protagonist has great power thrust upon her against her will. She only wants to start a family, but instead has to give up her dreams to fight the evil threat killing her guests at Murcat Manor.
These three bad-ass ladies were fun to develop using each of the three forms of greatness Shakespeare mentioned in Twelfth Night, or What You Will. Question: Do you have a favorite bad-ass female character in books or movies?
Short Blurb: A four hundred year old evil is unleashed when the daughters of those killed during the Salem Witch Trials find a new generation of people to murder at a popular modern-day bed and breakfast.
Stephen Tremp writes Speculative Fiction and embraces science and the supernatural to help explain the universe, our place in it, and write one of a kind thrillers. You can read a full synopsis and download Salem’s Daughters by Clicking Here.
Stephen Tremp posts weekly blogs at his website Breakthrough Blogs.
Next Stop: Friday October 16th Lexa Cain.
And now how about some giveaway action?Last week Carol Riggs shared with us THE BODY INSTITUTE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a signed print book with bookmark!
Carol's Game:
1. Carol once met singer Harry Chapin, got his autograph, and kissed him on the lips.2. Carol’s family owned a Mexican restaurant when she was 13, in which she washed dishes and reluctantly played waitress.
3. Carol lived on an island once, in Sitka, Alaska.
THE LIE: #2. Carol’s family owned a PIZZA restaurant, which was awesome because a)she got to eat pizza all the time, and b)it involved lots of CHEEEEESE.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Julie Flanders!!!
Congrats, Julie!
And now how about our giveaway for the day?
Stephen gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win A $25 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON.
You have until Tuesday, October 20 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 21. TRUTH OR LIE
1. Stephen once met Los Angeles Laker basketball player Kobe Bryant.
2. He does not like meatloaf.
3. He still likes to color with crayons.
Oh, and one quick note from me. Chrys Fey interviewed me for my birthday. How cool is that? Check it out HERE. (And drop us some cheese in the comments, eh?)
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have a favorite bad-ass female character in books or movies?
October 7, 2015
IWSG, Ghost Buying, and Body Snatching
Do you hate or love birthdays?They're a huge deal in my house. Growing up there were 8 kids, so your b-day was YOUR day to shine. Everyone was extra nice, you got decorations and a boatload of gifts, Grandpa and Grandma would come visit, and let's not forget being sung to over a cake in both English and Portuguese. It was epic.
These days we take a family holiday when someone has a birthday, meaning no work, no school, just play and spoiling for that one day. Everyone stops and recognizes that person as the star. While that's lovely and all, I'd like to stop aging. I used to keep all my story files in my head. Believe it or not, they even stayed where I put them and could be retrieved on demand. Four kids later, not so much. Heck, I can't even keep track of all the appointments, errands, and demands of a single day. (Thank you calendar. I'd be dead without you!) For the first time\, I find myself forgetting or missing commitments. What's with that?
I guess what this boils down to is that I like birthdays. I really do. But aging? Not so much. Here's hoping someone can give me a brain upgrade in about 5 years, because this one might be down to steam and gears.How do you feel about birthdays?
IWSG is a monthly hop for writers seeking support and an awesome community. Join our hosts this month: TB Markinson,
Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Shannon Lawrence, and
Stephanie Faris.
Speaking of birthdays, I missed a book birthday, but it's not too late to celebrate, right?Last week Sandra Cox shared with us GHOST FOR SALE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook, THE CRYSTAL (in honor of guess who?)!
Sandra's Game:
1. I got the idea for Ghost For Sale when I heard on the news a ghost was up for sale on eBay.2. I was born in Ky, my husband in IL, my daughter in OH and my son in WI.
3. I broke a leg trying to climb Mt. Everest.
THE LIE: #3. Yeah, we saw that one coming, right?
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Mary Pax!!!
Congrats, Mary!
And now for this week's feature (which I've been SOOOOO exited to about FOR YEARS)...
Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches…
For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start…
Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul…
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Carol Riggs is a YA author who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. She enjoys reading, drawing and painting, writing conferences, walking with her husband, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds. You will usually find her in her writing cave, surrounded by her dragon collection and the characters in her head.She adores swiss cheese on Reuben sandwiches. Yum!
Carol gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an SIGNED PAPERBACK with a BOOKMARK (US only).
You have until Tuesday, October 13 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 14. TRUTH OR LIE
1. Carol once met singer Harry Chapin, got his autograph, and kissed him on the lips.
2. Carol’s family owned a Mexican restaurant when she was 13, in which she washed dishes and reluctantly played waitress.
3. Carol lived on an island once, in Sitka, Alaska.
So sleuths, which is the lie? How do you feel about birthdays? Do anything special for them? What do you think of that concept for Carol's book? (Epic, right?)
September 30, 2015
A Ghost for Sale and Birthday Love
Do you have a birthday season?
We have a birthday season. Once the middle of September hits, it's crazy until the end of the years. So for the next couple months I'll be doing this:
Hey, wish me happy birthday for Monday, eh? (I'll even take cheese from strangers.) Best birthday gift ever? Book purchases and reviews. Just sayin'...
Last week Jessie Andersen shared with us THE BREEDING TREE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook. Her stories are a little long, so they've been condensed to their titles here.
Jessie's Game:
1. FIRE, FIRE!
2. HOSPITAL RUN
3. THE RABID OPOSSUM
THE LIE: #1. It's a true story, but it didn't happen to Jessie.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
L. Diane Wolfe!!!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Caitlin King can’t believe that her shopaholic cousin actually bought two ghosts off of eBay. But she can’t ignore the truth when she starts seeing sexy Liam O’Reilly, who’s been dead for over a hundred years. He’s a fascinating specter, and the more time Caitlin spends with him, the closer they become—sending them both spiraling into a star-crossed tailspin. No matter how desperately they long for each other, there’s just no future with a guy who’s already stopped breathing.
In order to help Liam and his twin sister, Anna, leave their earthly limbo and cross over into the light, Caitlin must find the ghost of Anna’s fiancé. But a malevolent spirit is dead set against Anna moving on. Now Caitlin will have to unravel the mystery surrounding the twins’ past lives in order to keep Liam’s spirit safe—even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process.Get your copy HERE.
You can enter to win a wristlet and make-your-own charm bracelet, by clicking on the image below!
Ready to meet the author?
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romantic Suspense and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and has a yellow belt in Muay Thai.
Sandra gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE CRYSTAL (in honor of me *grin*) in either eBook or print, winners choice.
You have until Tuesday, October 6 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 7.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I got the idea for Ghost For Sale when I heard on the news a ghost was up for sale on eBay.
2. I was born in Ky, my husband in IL, my daughter in OH and my son in WI.
3. I broke a leg trying to climb Mt. Everest.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love ghost stories? Romances? Got a book you want to send me for my birthday? ; ) Or cheese?
We have a birthday season. Once the middle of September hits, it's crazy until the end of the years. So for the next couple months I'll be doing this:
Hey, wish me happy birthday for Monday, eh? (I'll even take cheese from strangers.) Best birthday gift ever? Book purchases and reviews. Just sayin'...
Last week Jessie Andersen shared with us THE BREEDING TREE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook. Her stories are a little long, so they've been condensed to their titles here.
Jessie's Game:
1. FIRE, FIRE!2. HOSPITAL RUN
3. THE RABID OPOSSUM
THE LIE: #1. It's a true story, but it didn't happen to Jessie.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
L. Diane Wolfe!!!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Caitlin King can’t believe that her shopaholic cousin actually bought two ghosts off of eBay. But she can’t ignore the truth when she starts seeing sexy Liam O’Reilly, who’s been dead for over a hundred years. He’s a fascinating specter, and the more time Caitlin spends with him, the closer they become—sending them both spiraling into a star-crossed tailspin. No matter how desperately they long for each other, there’s just no future with a guy who’s already stopped breathing. In order to help Liam and his twin sister, Anna, leave their earthly limbo and cross over into the light, Caitlin must find the ghost of Anna’s fiancé. But a malevolent spirit is dead set against Anna moving on. Now Caitlin will have to unravel the mystery surrounding the twins’ past lives in order to keep Liam’s spirit safe—even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process.Get your copy HERE.
You can enter to win a wristlet and make-your-own charm bracelet, by clicking on the image below!
Ready to meet the author?
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romantic Suspense and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and has a yellow belt in Muay Thai.Sandra gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE CRYSTAL (in honor of me *grin*) in either eBook or print, winners choice.
You have until Tuesday, October 6 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 7.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I got the idea for Ghost For Sale when I heard on the news a ghost was up for sale on eBay.
2. I was born in Ky, my husband in IL, my daughter in OH and my son in WI.
3. I broke a leg trying to climb Mt. Everest.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love ghost stories? Romances? Got a book you want to send me for my birthday? ; ) Or cheese?
September 23, 2015
Free Stories and a Rabid Opossum?
A quick shout from me, I've got another piece of Flash Fiction up at Lightning Quick Reads for your reading pleasure:
Get the rest HERE.
(Leave me some comment love and I'll toss you some cheese, eh?)
Last week Lan Chan shared with us POISON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win one of two copies of her eBook.
Lan's Game:
1. I was born in a refugee camp in Vietnam where I spent the first five years of my life. Whilst there I almost drowned twice by falling into rivers. Once it happened because I was trying to retrieve a flip flog that had fallen in. What a way to go!
2. As you might be able to tell from the environmental themes in Poison I am a bit of a nature geek. To that end I've been experimenting with alternatives to shampoo and conditioner because of all the nasty chemicals they contain. The most popular alternative is baking soda and apple cider vinegar. This is called the "No Poo Method." It did not end well.
3. Right before we moved to Australia my family moved from the refugee camp to Saigon. One day whilst coming home from the fields surrounding our house, I had my brother on my shoulders but because he was a very chubby baby I tripped and we fell into a muddy field littered with buffalo dung. My mother was not happy when we came home.
THE LIE: #3. This happened to her sister. When they came home she was sitting on the porch, and as a four year old, the first thing she did was run inside and tell on them.
Way to guess everyone! And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Ava Quinn
&
Jess
Congrats, Ava & Jess!
And now for this week's feature...
Is the opportunity to create the next generation of life a dream come true or a deadly nightmare?
When seventeen year old Katherine Dennard is selected to become a "Creation Specialist" in Sector 4, the opportunity sounds like a dream come true. But Kate soon discovers the darker side of her profession - the disposal of fetal organs and destruction of human life. It makes sense, really. In a society where disease and malformations don t exist, human perfection demands that no genetic "mutants" be allowed to live. For Sector 4, "survival of the fittest" is not just a theory - it's The Institute's main mission.
When Kate discovers that The Institute is using her DNA to create new life, her work gets personal. In order to save her unviable son, she'll have to trust Micah and his band of underground Natural Born Rebels. The problem is, if The Institute discovers her betrayal, the next body being disposed of could be hers.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
There’s not much to do growing up in a small town in Western, NY, so J. Andersen wrote stories and won high school writing contests. But in college her writing was limited to term papers. While teaching middle school she began to read young adult books and got serious about writing. She now writes full time, volunteers at the town library, helps to run a School of the Arts at her church, and sings in the church band. She enjoys good coffee—read: home roasted by her husband—crafts, baking, and chasing after her children. You’ll rarely see J. without a book in her hands, and that’s the way she’d like to keep it.
She ADORES white sharp cheddar. The sharper the better! A couple weeks ago she took a beach picnic with her hubbs. They stopped at a cool little deli near us and got amazing artisan sandwiches and olives stuffed with gouda. OH MY!!! So good. She was instantly hooked. Like, she's-been-eating-them-for-breakfast kind of hooked. Strange, but so yummy.
Jessie gave me two truths and one lie (story) to test your "lie detector" skills. These are a little long, but they're so fun I just had to keep reading. I hope you enjoy them as well. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE BREEDING TREE.
You have until Tuesday, September 29 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 30.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. FIRE, FIRE!
When I was a kid, we vacationed at Allegany State Park. We’d rent a cabin for the week, gallivant around the trails, swim, hike, the works. It was bliss, except for the year I turned 7.
Mom and Dad had managed a fire and grilled hamburgers as my brothers and I worked on catching crayfish in the stream behind our campsite. Dinner was uneventful minus the fact that my brother, Matt, continuously threw clumps of dirt in my hair. I’d try to pick them out, but then they’d fall into the mac and cheese on my plate. By the time we finished dinner, it started to rain, so I ran inside to grab my rain coat. There’s nothing worse than camping in the rain, unless you’re 7 years old. Then, rain, shine, it doesn’t matter. Sun meant swimming; rain meant mud pies and puddle jumping.
Mom spent a few moments cleaning up while my brothers and I played. I remember holding an umbrella in my hand, probably wielding it as a sword to defend myself from my brothers. I’m sure it would have been a mighty duel if I hadn’t tripped over the fire ring and fell into the burning coals.
The sizzle of my skin sent a shriek to my lips and somewhere in the distance I heard two voices, “Mom!!! Mom!!! Jess fell into the fire!”
Mom sprinted across the porch, leaped onto the ground and pulled me up. She ripped off my raincoat, which was melting and my pants.
In 1986 we didn’t have cell phones, so Mom and Dad threw me in the truck and headed for the entrance of the camp. I lay face down across Mom’s lap, screaming. When we arrived, they called an ambulance. I don’t remember much after that, but Mom says they prayed over me while they waited for the ambulance. She said, I instantly stopped crying and said it didn’t hurt any more. Even when the doctors tried to give me pain medication, I didn’t need it because it didn’t hurt.
Today, I have a little scar from the incident, but nothing major.
2. HOSPITAL RUN
I woke up early, which was unlike me and as soon as my feet hit the floor, I knew it was going to be that kind of day. You see, when I stood up and stretched my back, my water broke.
“Um, Todd?”
He grunted next to me.
“You might want to call in sick to work today.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because my water just broke.”
It was a millisecond later that he was moving.
Whip on clothes, call the doctor, call the sister-in-law to watch our son, grab the bags. He was a whirlwind of activity.
“How are you?” he’d ask.
“Fine. No contractions yet.”
In minutes, we were on the road.
Down the street about a mile, is the turn off for the highway. I glanced at the speedometer. 50 in a 30. “Um, you better slow down.” The moment I said it, I happened to see the big blue. “Because there’s a cop right there!”
The hubs mumbled under his breath and pulled over. He looked at me, who had not yet started contractions and was pleasantly sitting in the passenger seat. “You better look like you’re in pain.”
Mr. Officer approached. “License and registration, please.”
“Um, Officer,” Hubs began, “Would you believe we’re on the way to the hospital to have a baby? My wife is in labor.”
Mr. Officer leaned his head down to get a good look at me from the window. “Yes, sir, I would. Have a nice day and drive carefully.”
To this day, I still regret that my hubs didn’t get a ticket to put in the baby book.
3. THE RABID OPOSSUM
"There’s a possum in our garbage can. I think it’s either hurt or rabid, or both,” my husband said as he stood at the back door in his shirt and tie, ready to leave for work.
The clearly-rabid possum rested comfortably in our garbage can between left over spaghetti and a few rotten onions, hissing at our barking dogs. My husband leaning out to poke it with the end of a broom.
One glimpse of its head wobbling and the fact that it still hadn’t tried to move told me one thing: Rabid.--Yes, I'm that observant. However, this country chick does not handle rabid animals. I'm not THAT crazy.
The hubs, already late for work, was not impressed that this poor creature had decided to take up residence in our garbage can.
“It’s a good thing you hadn’t left for work yet, Todd,” I said, hoping he’d get the hint that there was no way on earth I’d kill it myself and he better not leave this house until it was gone!
He gave me the look.
“What? I can’t let the kids out the door. What if it jumps at them?"
“What if it jumps at me?!” He sighed. “I don’t know how to kill it.”
“My brother used a shovel one time.”
With a disgusted look, he trudged into the house, changed his clothes and ran to the barn to grab the shovel, all while I stayed safely inside (protecting the children!).
A few moments later, he came inside. “I think it’s dead. I whacked it like ten times in the head."
I ran inside to call animal control.
Me: Can you send someone out to dispose of a dead rabid opossum for us? Or test it or whatever?
Them: I’m sorry, maam. We only deal with dogs.
Me: Excuse me?
Them: Perhaps you could put it in the bag and place it out for the sanitation people.
Me: Um, a few years ago we had a rabid raccoon in our yard. You sent someone to pick that up.
Them: I’m sorry maam.
WHAT THE HECK?! What do you mean you don’t dispose of rabid animals? Why the heck are you called ANIMAL CONTROL? You aren’t called DOG control!
I ran to tell Todd, who was already dressed again and headed toward the car.
Before I reached the door, I heard the dreaded words again, “Jess?!”
“What?”
“IT’S. NOT. DEAD!”
“WHAT?! What do you mean, ‘It’s not dead.’?”
“It’s still moving. Look.” He tipped the garbage can my way.
Sure enough, it wobbled it’s head again.
“Use the end of the spade shovel this time.”
Once Todd left for work that fateful morning, I ran inside to call my Dad to ask for him to bring his truck down and empty our whole can into the dumpster at church.
A few minutes later, my dad pulled up. He peeked his head inside to tell me he'd arrived… at least that’s what I thought.
“Jess, it’s not dead.”
"You’ve GOT to be joking. Todd hit it like 16 times in the head.”
Sure enough, its little body was still breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Oh so slowly. But, when dealing with a rabid animal, you never really know at what point it's going to go postal, start foaming and hissing and lunge at your face with rabies-covered teeth, so we still used caution.
Thankfully, Dad said he’d take care of it. I called him later to see how everything went.
“Well, I whacked it a few more times and tossed it in the dumpster. But when I looked over the side, I saw that thing perk its head up and look around. I was going to leave it there but thought it might jump out at someone. So I climbed the snow pile and shoveled that thing back out onto the pavement, where I hit it enough times with the shovel to make sure it was really dead.
“I then had to go tell Betty (the church custodian) that when she came outside to take out the garbage, not to freak out because there was blood spattered on the pavement.”
Finally the opossum was really dead and I no longer have to fear the ravages of the dangerous creature or dream of mouth- foaming marsupials sneaking into my house.
So sleuths, which is the lie? True or not, which one of the stories is your favorite? Did you check out my flash fiction? What's your favorite dystopian book?
Get the rest HERE.
(Leave me some comment love and I'll toss you some cheese, eh?)
Last week Lan Chan shared with us POISON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win one of two copies of her eBook.
Lan's Game:
1. I was born in a refugee camp in Vietnam where I spent the first five years of my life. Whilst there I almost drowned twice by falling into rivers. Once it happened because I was trying to retrieve a flip flog that had fallen in. What a way to go!
2. As you might be able to tell from the environmental themes in Poison I am a bit of a nature geek. To that end I've been experimenting with alternatives to shampoo and conditioner because of all the nasty chemicals they contain. The most popular alternative is baking soda and apple cider vinegar. This is called the "No Poo Method." It did not end well.
3. Right before we moved to Australia my family moved from the refugee camp to Saigon. One day whilst coming home from the fields surrounding our house, I had my brother on my shoulders but because he was a very chubby baby I tripped and we fell into a muddy field littered with buffalo dung. My mother was not happy when we came home.
THE LIE: #3. This happened to her sister. When they came home she was sitting on the porch, and as a four year old, the first thing she did was run inside and tell on them.
Way to guess everyone! And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Ava Quinn
&
Jess
Congrats, Ava & Jess!
And now for this week's feature...
Is the opportunity to create the next generation of life a dream come true or a deadly nightmare? When seventeen year old Katherine Dennard is selected to become a "Creation Specialist" in Sector 4, the opportunity sounds like a dream come true. But Kate soon discovers the darker side of her profession - the disposal of fetal organs and destruction of human life. It makes sense, really. In a society where disease and malformations don t exist, human perfection demands that no genetic "mutants" be allowed to live. For Sector 4, "survival of the fittest" is not just a theory - it's The Institute's main mission.
When Kate discovers that The Institute is using her DNA to create new life, her work gets personal. In order to save her unviable son, she'll have to trust Micah and his band of underground Natural Born Rebels. The problem is, if The Institute discovers her betrayal, the next body being disposed of could be hers.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
There’s not much to do growing up in a small town in Western, NY, so J. Andersen wrote stories and won high school writing contests. But in college her writing was limited to term papers. While teaching middle school she began to read young adult books and got serious about writing. She now writes full time, volunteers at the town library, helps to run a School of the Arts at her church, and sings in the church band. She enjoys good coffee—read: home roasted by her husband—crafts, baking, and chasing after her children. You’ll rarely see J. without a book in her hands, and that’s the way she’d like to keep it. She ADORES white sharp cheddar. The sharper the better! A couple weeks ago she took a beach picnic with her hubbs. They stopped at a cool little deli near us and got amazing artisan sandwiches and olives stuffed with gouda. OH MY!!! So good. She was instantly hooked. Like, she's-been-eating-them-for-breakfast kind of hooked. Strange, but so yummy.
Jessie gave me two truths and one lie (story) to test your "lie detector" skills. These are a little long, but they're so fun I just had to keep reading. I hope you enjoy them as well. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE BREEDING TREE.
You have until Tuesday, September 29 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 30.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. FIRE, FIRE!
When I was a kid, we vacationed at Allegany State Park. We’d rent a cabin for the week, gallivant around the trails, swim, hike, the works. It was bliss, except for the year I turned 7.
Mom and Dad had managed a fire and grilled hamburgers as my brothers and I worked on catching crayfish in the stream behind our campsite. Dinner was uneventful minus the fact that my brother, Matt, continuously threw clumps of dirt in my hair. I’d try to pick them out, but then they’d fall into the mac and cheese on my plate. By the time we finished dinner, it started to rain, so I ran inside to grab my rain coat. There’s nothing worse than camping in the rain, unless you’re 7 years old. Then, rain, shine, it doesn’t matter. Sun meant swimming; rain meant mud pies and puddle jumping.
Mom spent a few moments cleaning up while my brothers and I played. I remember holding an umbrella in my hand, probably wielding it as a sword to defend myself from my brothers. I’m sure it would have been a mighty duel if I hadn’t tripped over the fire ring and fell into the burning coals.
The sizzle of my skin sent a shriek to my lips and somewhere in the distance I heard two voices, “Mom!!! Mom!!! Jess fell into the fire!”
Mom sprinted across the porch, leaped onto the ground and pulled me up. She ripped off my raincoat, which was melting and my pants.
In 1986 we didn’t have cell phones, so Mom and Dad threw me in the truck and headed for the entrance of the camp. I lay face down across Mom’s lap, screaming. When we arrived, they called an ambulance. I don’t remember much after that, but Mom says they prayed over me while they waited for the ambulance. She said, I instantly stopped crying and said it didn’t hurt any more. Even when the doctors tried to give me pain medication, I didn’t need it because it didn’t hurt.
Today, I have a little scar from the incident, but nothing major.
2. HOSPITAL RUN
I woke up early, which was unlike me and as soon as my feet hit the floor, I knew it was going to be that kind of day. You see, when I stood up and stretched my back, my water broke.
“Um, Todd?”
He grunted next to me.
“You might want to call in sick to work today.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because my water just broke.”
It was a millisecond later that he was moving.
Whip on clothes, call the doctor, call the sister-in-law to watch our son, grab the bags. He was a whirlwind of activity.
“How are you?” he’d ask.
“Fine. No contractions yet.”
In minutes, we were on the road.
Down the street about a mile, is the turn off for the highway. I glanced at the speedometer. 50 in a 30. “Um, you better slow down.” The moment I said it, I happened to see the big blue. “Because there’s a cop right there!”
The hubs mumbled under his breath and pulled over. He looked at me, who had not yet started contractions and was pleasantly sitting in the passenger seat. “You better look like you’re in pain.”
Mr. Officer approached. “License and registration, please.”
“Um, Officer,” Hubs began, “Would you believe we’re on the way to the hospital to have a baby? My wife is in labor.”
Mr. Officer leaned his head down to get a good look at me from the window. “Yes, sir, I would. Have a nice day and drive carefully.”
To this day, I still regret that my hubs didn’t get a ticket to put in the baby book.
3. THE RABID OPOSSUM
"There’s a possum in our garbage can. I think it’s either hurt or rabid, or both,” my husband said as he stood at the back door in his shirt and tie, ready to leave for work.
The clearly-rabid possum rested comfortably in our garbage can between left over spaghetti and a few rotten onions, hissing at our barking dogs. My husband leaning out to poke it with the end of a broom.
One glimpse of its head wobbling and the fact that it still hadn’t tried to move told me one thing: Rabid.--Yes, I'm that observant. However, this country chick does not handle rabid animals. I'm not THAT crazy.
The hubs, already late for work, was not impressed that this poor creature had decided to take up residence in our garbage can.
“It’s a good thing you hadn’t left for work yet, Todd,” I said, hoping he’d get the hint that there was no way on earth I’d kill it myself and he better not leave this house until it was gone!
He gave me the look.
“What? I can’t let the kids out the door. What if it jumps at them?"
“What if it jumps at me?!” He sighed. “I don’t know how to kill it.”
“My brother used a shovel one time.”
With a disgusted look, he trudged into the house, changed his clothes and ran to the barn to grab the shovel, all while I stayed safely inside (protecting the children!).
A few moments later, he came inside. “I think it’s dead. I whacked it like ten times in the head."
I ran inside to call animal control.
Me: Can you send someone out to dispose of a dead rabid opossum for us? Or test it or whatever?
Them: I’m sorry, maam. We only deal with dogs.
Me: Excuse me?
Them: Perhaps you could put it in the bag and place it out for the sanitation people.
Me: Um, a few years ago we had a rabid raccoon in our yard. You sent someone to pick that up.
Them: I’m sorry maam.
WHAT THE HECK?! What do you mean you don’t dispose of rabid animals? Why the heck are you called ANIMAL CONTROL? You aren’t called DOG control!
I ran to tell Todd, who was already dressed again and headed toward the car.
Before I reached the door, I heard the dreaded words again, “Jess?!”
“What?”
“IT’S. NOT. DEAD!”
“WHAT?! What do you mean, ‘It’s not dead.’?”
“It’s still moving. Look.” He tipped the garbage can my way.
Sure enough, it wobbled it’s head again.
“Use the end of the spade shovel this time.”
Once Todd left for work that fateful morning, I ran inside to call my Dad to ask for him to bring his truck down and empty our whole can into the dumpster at church.
A few minutes later, my dad pulled up. He peeked his head inside to tell me he'd arrived… at least that’s what I thought.
“Jess, it’s not dead.”
"You’ve GOT to be joking. Todd hit it like 16 times in the head.”
Sure enough, its little body was still breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Oh so slowly. But, when dealing with a rabid animal, you never really know at what point it's going to go postal, start foaming and hissing and lunge at your face with rabies-covered teeth, so we still used caution.
Thankfully, Dad said he’d take care of it. I called him later to see how everything went.
“Well, I whacked it a few more times and tossed it in the dumpster. But when I looked over the side, I saw that thing perk its head up and look around. I was going to leave it there but thought it might jump out at someone. So I climbed the snow pile and shoveled that thing back out onto the pavement, where I hit it enough times with the shovel to make sure it was really dead.
“I then had to go tell Betty (the church custodian) that when she came outside to take out the garbage, not to freak out because there was blood spattered on the pavement.”
Finally the opossum was really dead and I no longer have to fear the ravages of the dangerous creature or dream of mouth- foaming marsupials sneaking into my house.
So sleuths, which is the lie? True or not, which one of the stories is your favorite? Did you check out my flash fiction? What's your favorite dystopian book?
September 16, 2015
Poison, Pickles, and Pampers
Bringing you your mid-week laughs...
Source
Source
(I think maybe he was poisoned.Or he was subjected to this:)
SourceSpeaking of pickles, who doesn't need some of these?
Source
For the sake of everyone everywhere, please no! (Or is he saying heil?)
Back to our theme for the day...
Last week Rachel Schieffelbein shared with us DON'T FALL, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook.
Rachel's Game:
1. I once drove down a Canadian highway on a golf cart, and then took it through a McDonald's drive-thru with five other girls all on board.
2. Won a ballroom dance competition in five inch heels.
3. I was attacked by a deer.
THE LIE: #2. I mean seriously, who can dance in 5 inch heels? #MurderMeNow
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Shell Flower!!!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders.
In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.
It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.
Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilizing the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.
However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumors fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it. To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Lan Chan is a writer, gardener and professional procrastinator based in Melbourne, Australia. She is still waiting for her super powers to manifest but until then she writes young adult novels featuring strong female protagonists, minority characters and has a particular interest in dystopias and urban fantasy.
Although she can only handle what she calls the "essence of cheese" (ex: a pizza with the mozzarella picked off), she is still an author, and still deserves our respect. (Pity her for the cheesy goodness in life that she's missing out on and guess her lie, eh?)
Lan gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of POISON. There will be 2, I repeat TWO winners.
You have until Tuesday, September 22 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 23. TRUTH OR LIE
1. I was born in a refugee camp in Vietnam where I spent the first five years of my life. Whilst there I almost drowned twice by falling into rivers. Once it happened because I was trying to retrieve a flip flog that had fallen in. What a way to go!
2. As you might be able to tell from the environmental themes in Poison I am a bit of a nature geek. To that end I've been experimenting with alternatives to shampoo and conditioner because of all the nasty chemicals they contain. The most popular alternative is baking soda and apple cider vinegar. This is called the "No Poo Method." It did not end well.
3. Right before we moved to Australia my family moved from the refugee camp to Saigon. One day whilst coming home from the fields surrounding our house, I had my brother on my shoulders but because he was a very chubby baby I tripped and we fell into a muddy field littered with buffalo dung. My mother was not happy when we came home.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Any LOL moments for you today? Have you read dystopian? Like it?
Source
Source
(I think maybe he was poisoned.Or he was subjected to this:)
SourceSpeaking of pickles, who doesn't need some of these?
Source
For the sake of everyone everywhere, please no! (Or is he saying heil?)
Back to our theme for the day...
Last week Rachel Schieffelbein shared with us DON'T FALL, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook.
Rachel's Game:
1. I once drove down a Canadian highway on a golf cart, and then took it through a McDonald's drive-thru with five other girls all on board.
2. Won a ballroom dance competition in five inch heels.
3. I was attacked by a deer.
THE LIE: #2. I mean seriously, who can dance in 5 inch heels? #MurderMeNow
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Shell Flower!!!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders. In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.
It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.
Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilizing the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.
However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumors fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it. To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Lan Chan is a writer, gardener and professional procrastinator based in Melbourne, Australia. She is still waiting for her super powers to manifest but until then she writes young adult novels featuring strong female protagonists, minority characters and has a particular interest in dystopias and urban fantasy.Although she can only handle what she calls the "essence of cheese" (ex: a pizza with the mozzarella picked off), she is still an author, and still deserves our respect. (Pity her for the cheesy goodness in life that she's missing out on and guess her lie, eh?)
Lan gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of POISON. There will be 2, I repeat TWO winners.
You have until Tuesday, September 22 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 23. TRUTH OR LIE
1. I was born in a refugee camp in Vietnam where I spent the first five years of my life. Whilst there I almost drowned twice by falling into rivers. Once it happened because I was trying to retrieve a flip flog that had fallen in. What a way to go!
2. As you might be able to tell from the environmental themes in Poison I am a bit of a nature geek. To that end I've been experimenting with alternatives to shampoo and conditioner because of all the nasty chemicals they contain. The most popular alternative is baking soda and apple cider vinegar. This is called the "No Poo Method." It did not end well.
3. Right before we moved to Australia my family moved from the refugee camp to Saigon. One day whilst coming home from the fields surrounding our house, I had my brother on my shoulders but because he was a very chubby baby I tripped and we fell into a muddy field littered with buffalo dung. My mother was not happy when we came home.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Any LOL moments for you today? Have you read dystopian? Like it?
September 9, 2015
Who Are YOU Talking To? A Guide to Writing Cross Genre
You know how you change your voice to talk to a baby? You wouldn't dare speak to an adult in that same squeaky high voice, right? Or a teen? And school kids might think something was wrong with you.
Things change as we mature, and authors have the responsibility to know what "voice" to use for their intended audience. Some authors develop a voice that only appeals to one group, while others jump across genre boundaries like jackrabbits leap sagebrush.
I'm a genre jumper, so I thought I'd share a few quick secrets today.
MIDDLE GRADE WRITING:
First of all, if you can't remember being a kid, you have no business writing for them. When writing for middle graders, you have to: Break down adult limitations on creativity and go to the extreme. Let yourself build the impossible upon the impossible. Be charming.Keep your descriptions light and let your audience fill in the blanks with their imaginations.Be aware of the injustice kids feel when faced with adult mandates. Remember kids typically feel alone in their difficulties.Simpler language. Vocabulary should be commensurate with the age your writing for.Keep it clean. No language at this age.
Themes center around building friendships and learning how to fit into ones world.
YOUNG ADULT WRITING:
Same thing applies here. If you don't remember being a teen, you're sunk. Most YA authors still feel like they're 16. Tips for writing YA:There is going to be a love interest. Teens hormones dictate that. Deal with it.Angst. Yes, teenagers are angsty. It's just a fact. Descriptions should be heavier than middle grade, but still leave some room for imagination.Realize that teenagers are constantly worried about how their peers perceive them. Write quirky/smart dialog. Seriously. Teens have some of the craziest/funnest conversations.Some language/older themes are acceptable, but keep it toned down. If you were a teenager 20+ years ago, your ideas of teenage living are ancient. Either write in a historical setting, or go hang out with teens to get a feel for their world.Know technology.
Themes center around the worries of becoming an adult, figuring out how the individual stands out in the world, and resolving ones feelings of injustice with the way the world actually is.
ADULT WRITING:
This genre is so varied based on your specific audience that I will only offer a couple thoughts:Description should be rich. Unless your a minimalist. Anything goes as far as content.Adults expect more believable worlds grounded in a reality they can relate to.Most adult readers want to be engaged on an intellectual level.
Themes often include looking back and wishing to start over.
And now to test your intellect...
Last week Meradeth Houston shared with us TRAVELERS, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win ANY of her eBooks.Meradeth's Game:
1. The only continent Meradeth has yet to make it to is Antarctica (and considering she hates the cold, that’s not high on her list! :).
2. She was fluent in Spanish long before English and actually didn’t learn to read in English until second grade.
3. Her family ran an animal rescue ranch while she was growing up and it was an odd week when there wasn’t something being raised or nursed back to health in their kitchen (everything from emu, to ferrets, to desert tortoises).
THE LIE: #1. She has yet to make it to Africa, which she hopes to remedy soon! Though there are too many awesome places to visit she can’t pick where she wants to go first.Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Michael Pierce!!!
Congrats, Michael!
And now for this week's feature...
A contemporary Rapunzel.
Seventeen-year-old Anya leads a very secluded life in a house on the edge of town with her adopted mother. She doesn't go to school, but instead has a private tutor. Her over-protective mom keeps her so sheltered that she doesn't even have a best friend.
But Anya doesn't seem to mind. She has her books, her photography, her daydreams, and would do anything to please her mom. Until one day at the library, the only place she's allowed to go, she takes a picture of a beautiful boy.
Before long she's lying to her mom, and sneaking out late at night to meet Zander. But Zander wants more than a secret romance. If Anya wants to be with the boy of her dreams, she will have to risk her relationship with the only other person she's ever cared about.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Rachel Schieffelbein grew up in a tiny town in Southeast Minnesota reading books, riding horses, and participating in speech and theater. She is now married with four kids and enjoys reading books, riding horses, and coaching speech and theater. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
She enjoys writing characters she can relate to, ones she would want to hangout with, or fall in love with. She hopes her readers will love them, too.
Rachel gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of DON'T FALL.
You have until Tuesday, September 15 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 16. TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once drove down a Canadian highway on a golf cart, and then took it through a McDonald's drive-thru with five other girls all on board.
2. Won a ballroom dance competition in five inch heels.
3. I was attacked by a deer.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have anything to add to the genre tips above? What is your favorite genre to read/write or both? Do you Rapunzel's story?
Things change as we mature, and authors have the responsibility to know what "voice" to use for their intended audience. Some authors develop a voice that only appeals to one group, while others jump across genre boundaries like jackrabbits leap sagebrush.
I'm a genre jumper, so I thought I'd share a few quick secrets today.
MIDDLE GRADE WRITING:
First of all, if you can't remember being a kid, you have no business writing for them. When writing for middle graders, you have to: Break down adult limitations on creativity and go to the extreme. Let yourself build the impossible upon the impossible. Be charming.Keep your descriptions light and let your audience fill in the blanks with their imaginations.Be aware of the injustice kids feel when faced with adult mandates. Remember kids typically feel alone in their difficulties.Simpler language. Vocabulary should be commensurate with the age your writing for.Keep it clean. No language at this age.
Themes center around building friendships and learning how to fit into ones world.
YOUNG ADULT WRITING:
Same thing applies here. If you don't remember being a teen, you're sunk. Most YA authors still feel like they're 16. Tips for writing YA:There is going to be a love interest. Teens hormones dictate that. Deal with it.Angst. Yes, teenagers are angsty. It's just a fact. Descriptions should be heavier than middle grade, but still leave some room for imagination.Realize that teenagers are constantly worried about how their peers perceive them. Write quirky/smart dialog. Seriously. Teens have some of the craziest/funnest conversations.Some language/older themes are acceptable, but keep it toned down. If you were a teenager 20+ years ago, your ideas of teenage living are ancient. Either write in a historical setting, or go hang out with teens to get a feel for their world.Know technology.
Themes center around the worries of becoming an adult, figuring out how the individual stands out in the world, and resolving ones feelings of injustice with the way the world actually is.
ADULT WRITING:
This genre is so varied based on your specific audience that I will only offer a couple thoughts:Description should be rich. Unless your a minimalist. Anything goes as far as content.Adults expect more believable worlds grounded in a reality they can relate to.Most adult readers want to be engaged on an intellectual level.
Themes often include looking back and wishing to start over.
And now to test your intellect...Last week Meradeth Houston shared with us TRAVELERS, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win ANY of her eBooks.Meradeth's Game:
1. The only continent Meradeth has yet to make it to is Antarctica (and considering she hates the cold, that’s not high on her list! :).
2. She was fluent in Spanish long before English and actually didn’t learn to read in English until second grade.
3. Her family ran an animal rescue ranch while she was growing up and it was an odd week when there wasn’t something being raised or nursed back to health in their kitchen (everything from emu, to ferrets, to desert tortoises).
THE LIE: #1. She has yet to make it to Africa, which she hopes to remedy soon! Though there are too many awesome places to visit she can’t pick where she wants to go first.Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Michael Pierce!!!
Congrats, Michael!
And now for this week's feature...
A contemporary Rapunzel.Seventeen-year-old Anya leads a very secluded life in a house on the edge of town with her adopted mother. She doesn't go to school, but instead has a private tutor. Her over-protective mom keeps her so sheltered that she doesn't even have a best friend.
But Anya doesn't seem to mind. She has her books, her photography, her daydreams, and would do anything to please her mom. Until one day at the library, the only place she's allowed to go, she takes a picture of a beautiful boy.
Before long she's lying to her mom, and sneaking out late at night to meet Zander. But Zander wants more than a secret romance. If Anya wants to be with the boy of her dreams, she will have to risk her relationship with the only other person she's ever cared about.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Rachel Schieffelbein grew up in a tiny town in Southeast Minnesota reading books, riding horses, and participating in speech and theater. She is now married with four kids and enjoys reading books, riding horses, and coaching speech and theater. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! She enjoys writing characters she can relate to, ones she would want to hangout with, or fall in love with. She hopes her readers will love them, too.
Rachel gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of DON'T FALL.
You have until Tuesday, September 15 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 16. TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once drove down a Canadian highway on a golf cart, and then took it through a McDonald's drive-thru with five other girls all on board.
2. Won a ballroom dance competition in five inch heels.
3. I was attacked by a deer.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have anything to add to the genre tips above? What is your favorite genre to read/write or both? Do you Rapunzel's story?
September 2, 2015
IWSG, A Dog, and A Time Traveler
FREEBIES BELOW!!! (Including an amazing one from Meradeth Houston. Read on...)
The first week of school is over. Those of us still breathing are wondering how we'll survive week 2. Then there's the day job. The laundry. The dishes. The never-ending list of doom that threatens to swallow you whole before you ever type a single word.
So WHEN do you get to your writing (or current project), and how to you manage to have enough energy/brain power to actually get something done?
I suggest one little word: routine.
We are creatures of habit and pattern. If something is important, it will fit into our schedule because it will be part of our schedule. Not saying it works out perfectly every day, but effort over time=accomplishment .
IWSG is a monthly hop for writers seeking support and an awesome community. Join our hosts this month: Heather Gardner, Christine Rains, Dolorah, Julie Flanders, & Murees Dupe.
AND NOW HOW ABOUT SOME FREEBIES? My latest free short story:
Read the rest HERE. (And leave some comment love, eh?)
And how about if we give away some awesomeness?
Two weeks ago Melissa Maygrove shared with us Precious Atonement, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her signed paperback or eBook!Melissa's Game:
1. Melissa once met astronaut Alan Shepard.2. She loves pan-fried cabbage.3. She's been present at the birth of triplets, twice!
THE LIE: #3. Melissa has been present at the birth of triplets only once. Multiples greater than twins are rarely born in hospitals that don't have high level NICUs. It was a special occasion for her. :) Way to guess everyone! And the winner is: ...DRUM ROLL... Tyrean Martinsen!!! Congrats, Tyrean! And now for this week's feature...
Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive. Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die. Get your copy HERE. ONLY $0.99 now! Ready to meet the author?
Meradeth's never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her: >She's a Northern California girl who now braves the cold winters in Montana.
>When she's not writing, she's sequencing dead people's DNA. >She’s also an anthropology professor and loves getting people interested in studying humans.
>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she's terrified of heights. Lately she has been obsessed with gorgonzola and gnocchi, with a little pesto. Perfection!
Meradeth gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of ANY of her books.
You have until Tuesday, September 8 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 9. TRUTH OR LIE 1. The only continent Meradeth has yet to make it to is Antarctica (and considering she hates the cold, that’s not high on her list! :).2. She was fluent in Spanish long before English and actually didn’t learn to read in English until second grade. 3. Her family ran an animal rescue ranch while she was growing up and it was an odd week when there wasn’t something being raised or nursed back to health in their kitchen (everything from emu, to ferrets, to desert tortoises). So sleuths, which is the lie? How do you structure your project time? Did you check out the Dog Star story? Which one of Meradeth's books looks the most enticing to you? (I've read two of them and enjoyed both.)
The first week of school is over. Those of us still breathing are wondering how we'll survive week 2. Then there's the day job. The laundry. The dishes. The never-ending list of doom that threatens to swallow you whole before you ever type a single word. So WHEN do you get to your writing (or current project), and how to you manage to have enough energy/brain power to actually get something done?
I suggest one little word: routine.
We are creatures of habit and pattern. If something is important, it will fit into our schedule because it will be part of our schedule. Not saying it works out perfectly every day, but effort over time=accomplishment .
IWSG is a monthly hop for writers seeking support and an awesome community. Join our hosts this month: Heather Gardner, Christine Rains, Dolorah, Julie Flanders, & Murees Dupe.
AND NOW HOW ABOUT SOME FREEBIES? My latest free short story:
Read the rest HERE. (And leave some comment love, eh?) And how about if we give away some awesomeness?
Two weeks ago Melissa Maygrove shared with us Precious Atonement, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her signed paperback or eBook!Melissa's Game:
1. Melissa once met astronaut Alan Shepard.2. She loves pan-fried cabbage.3. She's been present at the birth of triplets, twice!THE LIE: #3. Melissa has been present at the birth of triplets only once. Multiples greater than twins are rarely born in hospitals that don't have high level NICUs. It was a special occasion for her. :) Way to guess everyone! And the winner is: ...DRUM ROLL... Tyrean Martinsen!!! Congrats, Tyrean! And now for this week's feature...
Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive. Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die. Get your copy HERE. ONLY $0.99 now! Ready to meet the author?
Meradeth's never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her: >She's a Northern California girl who now braves the cold winters in Montana.>When she's not writing, she's sequencing dead people's DNA. >She’s also an anthropology professor and loves getting people interested in studying humans.
>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she's terrified of heights. Lately she has been obsessed with gorgonzola and gnocchi, with a little pesto. Perfection!
Meradeth gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of ANY of her books.
You have until Tuesday, September 8 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 9. TRUTH OR LIE 1. The only continent Meradeth has yet to make it to is Antarctica (and considering she hates the cold, that’s not high on her list! :).2. She was fluent in Spanish long before English and actually didn’t learn to read in English until second grade. 3. Her family ran an animal rescue ranch while she was growing up and it was an odd week when there wasn’t something being raised or nursed back to health in their kitchen (everything from emu, to ferrets, to desert tortoises). So sleuths, which is the lie? How do you structure your project time? Did you check out the Dog Star story? Which one of Meradeth's books looks the most enticing to you? (I've read two of them and enjoyed both.)
August 19, 2015
Back to School with a Vengeance!
Are you ready for school season? I hear teachers groaning, parents cheering, and kids shrugging. (Wait, can you hear kids shrug? I guess if they're wearing noisy clothes...) Anyhow, I'm one of those people whose lives gets 500X more complicated during the school year (thank you home schooling!) so I thought maybe a few of us could use a laugh...like me.
Source
Source
Speaking of, how about if we give away some of that awesomeness?
Last week Alexia Chamberlynn shared with us Black Magic and Mojitos, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook!
Alexia's Game:
1. Alexia is an adept swordswoman and wishes she could carry her katana everywhere.
2. She is certified as an equine (horse) massage therapist.
3. She discovered she has a fear of heights while on the Eiffel Tower.
THE LIE: #1. Alexia doesn't own a sword, though she wishes she did. Owning and knowing how to use one is on her bucket list.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Shannon Lawrence!!!
Congrats, Shannon!
And now for this week's feature...
Rachel Emerson is resigned to live as a spinster. Her parents keep her shameful secret, and her only brother, Seth, vanished mere days after witnessing her rape, taking her dishonor with him and giving them all an alibi for their grief. But none of that matters. Appearances are useless if she can’t bear the touch of a man.
Jacob Evans welcomes pain as much as he seeks to escape it. The graves of his wife and child remind him of his sins every day. When Lawrence Emerson offers him a job and a chance to move west, Jacob permits himself a fresh start. But letting go of his past is only an illusion. Lawrence’s sweet, shy daughter captures Jacob’s heart and provides him a perfect tool for self-torment.
Despite painful lessons of the past, history soon threatens to repeat itself, and as Jacob’s love for Rachel grows, so does his agony. Giving his precious new wife the life she deserves might cost him the very thing he values most—her.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
You might run across Melissa eating warm mozzarella on pizza, or Brie on water crackers.Melissa gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of PRECIOUS ATONEMENT (US residents only), or an eBook (for international winners).
You have until Tuesday, August 18 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 19.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Melissa once met astronaut Alan Shepard.
2. She loves pan-fried cabbage.
3. She's been present at the birth of triplets, twice!So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have a favorite back to school joke or meme? What does back to school mean for you? Freedom? Stress? Something else?
Source
Source
Speaking of, how about if we give away some of that awesomeness?
Last week Alexia Chamberlynn shared with us Black Magic and Mojitos, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook!
Alexia's Game:
1. Alexia is an adept swordswoman and wishes she could carry her katana everywhere.
2. She is certified as an equine (horse) massage therapist.
3. She discovered she has a fear of heights while on the Eiffel Tower.
THE LIE: #1. Alexia doesn't own a sword, though she wishes she did. Owning and knowing how to use one is on her bucket list.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Shannon Lawrence!!!
Congrats, Shannon!
And now for this week's feature...
Rachel Emerson is resigned to live as a spinster. Her parents keep her shameful secret, and her only brother, Seth, vanished mere days after witnessing her rape, taking her dishonor with him and giving them all an alibi for their grief. But none of that matters. Appearances are useless if she can’t bear the touch of a man.Jacob Evans welcomes pain as much as he seeks to escape it. The graves of his wife and child remind him of his sins every day. When Lawrence Emerson offers him a job and a chance to move west, Jacob permits himself a fresh start. But letting go of his past is only an illusion. Lawrence’s sweet, shy daughter captures Jacob’s heart and provides him a perfect tool for self-torment.
Despite painful lessons of the past, history soon threatens to repeat itself, and as Jacob’s love for Rachel grows, so does his agony. Giving his precious new wife the life she deserves might cost him the very thing he values most—her.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.You might run across Melissa eating warm mozzarella on pizza, or Brie on water crackers.Melissa gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of PRECIOUS ATONEMENT (US residents only), or an eBook (for international winners).
You have until Tuesday, August 18 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 19.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Melissa once met astronaut Alan Shepard.
2. She loves pan-fried cabbage.
3. She's been present at the birth of triplets, twice!So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you have a favorite back to school joke or meme? What does back to school mean for you? Freedom? Stress? Something else?
August 5, 2015
6 Reasons Why Women Wear Jewelry, IWSG
That's like the most random topic on the face of the planet, right?But it's something I've been thinking about. My daughter LOVES jewelry. Me? I could take it or leave it. Most times I leave it, but I don't profess to be your average woman.
Some wear large, flashy things because they're fun loving.
Some wear earth-friendly adornment, showing they're aware of and value their environment.
Others wear classy or elegant pieces, calm individuals who place great value on traditional aspects.
One person might wear ONLY the best with the highest price tag or brand name, because value matters.
An OCD woman might wear matching sets or things that coordinate with her clothing perfectly.
And then there are people like me, who don't bother with jewelry unless it's a special occasion or sentimental. I'll wear my wedding ring, the family ring my father had made for us before his passing, a wedding anniversary necklace, a graduation bracelet from my grandmother...
So what am I getting at?
It's a big, wide earth, with every type of personality under the sun. If someone doesn't share preferences or place the same value on something (ahem, books), it doesn't mean the item/person is valueless. It means they're different, and that's okay.
Embrace your different. Find those who value you, your writing, your talents, your adorable face, and ignore the naysayers. Life is too short to get twisted up about the rest.
Speaking of, how about if we give away some of that awesomeness?
Last week Misha Gerieke shared with us The Vanished Knight and The Heir's Choice, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win both her books!
Misha's Game:
1) Misha is theoretically able to speak four languages and understand at least three more well enough to find her way home if she got dropped in the middle of countries speaking them.
2) Through her mother's side, her family is possibly the only one in existence to have two State Heads on two sides of the same war in their genes. One's Paul Kruger, the other is Queen Victoria. (The Anglo Boer War.)
3) She own two cats.
THE LIE: #3. She has 6 cats. Meow!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Chry Fey!!!
Congrats, Chrys!
And now for this week's feature...
Zyan Star’s latest job is turning into a real nightmare.When supernatural bounty hunter Zyan Star jets down to Rio to meet a prospective client, everything goes as planned initially. That is, until she finds out the person hiring her is Raoul Cabrera, the half demon/half faery supernatural overlord of Brazil, who rubs elbows with Lucifer himself. And that he’s hired another bounty hunter, Donovan McGregor, to work with her.
Their target is a herd of Nightmares, horse spirits that torment people with visions of their worst fears before devouring their flesh. Zy and Donovan head out on the hunt, but it quickly becomes apparent that their client hasn’t given them all the facts. There’s a pissed-off, powerful witch summoning the Nightmares, and she’s out to exact some serious revenge on Raoul. Zy soon realizes she’s caught in the middle of a lover’s spat between two immensely powerful supernaturals, and it’s not clear whose side she should stand on. As if that weren’t enough, pulling off this job is going to require her to relive her worst fears and summon her own long-suppressed magical powers.
Let the supernatural Carnival begin.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Alexia Chamberlynn lives in Florida. When she's not writing or reading, she can be found playing with horses, eating chocolate and other delicious things, drinking wine, traveling to the next place on her global wish list, or maybe doing yoga.She believes SO many cheeses are earth-shattering in their deliciousness, but if she has to pick one, it's goat cheese. The soft, spreadable chevre kind, not feta. You might stumble across her eating it on crackers with some pepper jelly or other delicious topping.Alexia gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BLACK MAGIC & MOJITOS.
You have until Tuesday, August 11 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 12.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Alexia is an adept swordswoman and wishes she could carry her katana everywhere.
2. She is certified as an equine (horse) massage therapist.
3. She discovered she has a fear of heights while on the Eiffel Tower.So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you noticed jewelry wearing behaviors? Women--what kinds of jewelry do you love?
