Crystal Collier's Blog, page 7
August 3, 2016
EXCLUSIVE Timeless NEWS! (IWSG and a Bottled Genie)
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AND it's that magical time. What am I talking about?
First I brought you this:
Then this:
Now it's time for this:
What's it about?
Time is the enemy.
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil, and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
You know you want to get a first glimpse and help share this awesomeness with the world.
The reveal is happening September 12-14, 16-17, and 19, 2016.
Sign up to help HERE.Cover Reveal
First NameLast NameEmailBlog NameBlog URLDate
THE COVER: This cover reveal will not only feature a chance to win an Advanced Review Copy . *gasp* Also, anyone who signs up to help with the reveal will be entered into a separate contest for an Amazon gift card. You can participate via blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler, Pinterest, Goodreads, or any other social media.
And now for the monthly hop topic...
What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?
My very first piece was a picture book I wrote in 2nd grade, but on a professional level, my first FULL novel (not novella because there were a few of those), was NEITHERLANDS: AWAKENING. The book is currently under contract and revisions are being made as we speak...read...whatever. You have no idea how excited I am to share it with the world. *dances like a loon*
Now enough about me. Let's talk about you, eh? And the awesome book YOU could win this week.
Two weeks ago, Annalisa Crawford shared two truths and one lie with us. The winners were entered to win a print book of YOU. I. US.
The game:
1. I sink when I try to swim, but float away when I'm upright.
2. Due to repeats in the UK, I have watched the complete series of Star Trek: TNG, Castle, Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother multiple times.
3. It took me 6 attempts to pass my driving test.
The lie: #3. In fact, she never passed her test. She was so bad at driving, she gave up way before the instructor even mentioned putting her in for the test!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Sharorah!
Congrats, Sharorah!
And now for today's giveaway:
At seventeen, Adeelah Naji is transformed into a genie and imprisoned in a bottle. For a thousand years, she fulfills the wishes of greedy masters—building their palaces, lining their pockets with gold, and granting them every earthly pleasure. All that sustains her is the hope of finding Karim, the boy she fell in love with as a human. When at last she finds a note from her beloved, she confirms he has access to the elixir of life and that he still searches for her.
But someone else also hunts her. Faruq—the man who plots to use her powers to murder and seize the life forces of others—is just one step behind her. With the help of a kind master named Nathan, Adeelah continues to search for Karim while trying to evade Faruq. To complicate matters, she begins to experience growing fatigue and pain after conjuring, and finds herself struggling against an undeniable attraction to Nathan.
As Faruq closes in, Adeelah must decide just how much she’ll risk to protect Nathan and be with Karim forever. How much power does she really have to change her future, and what is she willing to sacrifice for an eternity of love? If she makes the wrong choice, the deaths of many will be on her hands.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Carol Riggs is an author of YA fiction who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. Her debut novel, THE BODY INSTITUTE, released Sept 2015 from Entangled Teen, exploring body image and identity. Her fantasy YA, BOTTLED, released from Clean Reads on July 7, 2016, and her sci-fi YA, SAFE ZONE, will release from Entangled Teen in October 2016. 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.
Connect with Carol: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
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 eBook copy of BOTTLED. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, August 23 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 24, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. Carol loves to swim; it’s one of her favorite things to do in the summer.
2. Carol has been married three times; her current husband is her third.
3. Carol has never gone skiing before, downhill or cross-country.So sleuths, which is the lie? What does TIMELESS mean to you? Have you signed up to help with the reveal? Do you like genie books?
Thank You'); }, error: function(xhr, status, error) { alert('Wait, what!??!! That did not work!'); console.log(xhr); }, }); }
AND it's that magical time. What am I talking about?
First I brought you this:
Then this:
Now it's time for this:
What's it about?
Time is the enemy.
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil, and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
You know you want to get a first glimpse and help share this awesomeness with the world.
The reveal is happening September 12-14, 16-17, and 19, 2016.
Sign up to help HERE.Cover Reveal
First NameLast NameEmailBlog NameBlog URLDate
THE COVER: This cover reveal will not only feature a chance to win an Advanced Review Copy . *gasp* Also, anyone who signs up to help with the reveal will be entered into a separate contest for an Amazon gift card. You can participate via blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler, Pinterest, Goodreads, or any other social media.
And now for the monthly hop topic...What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?
My very first piece was a picture book I wrote in 2nd grade, but on a professional level, my first FULL novel (not novella because there were a few of those), was NEITHERLANDS: AWAKENING. The book is currently under contract and revisions are being made as we speak...read...whatever. You have no idea how excited I am to share it with the world. *dances like a loon*
Now enough about me. Let's talk about you, eh? And the awesome book YOU could win this week.
Two weeks ago, Annalisa Crawford shared two truths and one lie with us. The winners were entered to win a print book of YOU. I. US.
The game:
1. I sink when I try to swim, but float away when I'm upright.
2. Due to repeats in the UK, I have watched the complete series of Star Trek: TNG, Castle, Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother multiple times.
3. It took me 6 attempts to pass my driving test.
The lie: #3. In fact, she never passed her test. She was so bad at driving, she gave up way before the instructor even mentioned putting her in for the test!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Sharorah!
Congrats, Sharorah!
And now for today's giveaway:
At seventeen, Adeelah Naji is transformed into a genie and imprisoned in a bottle. For a thousand years, she fulfills the wishes of greedy masters—building their palaces, lining their pockets with gold, and granting them every earthly pleasure. All that sustains her is the hope of finding Karim, the boy she fell in love with as a human. When at last she finds a note from her beloved, she confirms he has access to the elixir of life and that he still searches for her. But someone else also hunts her. Faruq—the man who plots to use her powers to murder and seize the life forces of others—is just one step behind her. With the help of a kind master named Nathan, Adeelah continues to search for Karim while trying to evade Faruq. To complicate matters, she begins to experience growing fatigue and pain after conjuring, and finds herself struggling against an undeniable attraction to Nathan.
As Faruq closes in, Adeelah must decide just how much she’ll risk to protect Nathan and be with Karim forever. How much power does she really have to change her future, and what is she willing to sacrifice for an eternity of love? If she makes the wrong choice, the deaths of many will be on her hands.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Carol Riggs is an author of YA fiction who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. Her debut novel, THE BODY INSTITUTE, released Sept 2015 from Entangled Teen, exploring body image and identity. Her fantasy YA, BOTTLED, released from Clean Reads on July 7, 2016, and her sci-fi YA, SAFE ZONE, will release from Entangled Teen in October 2016. 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.Connect with Carol: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
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 eBook copy of BOTTLED. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, August 23 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 24, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. Carol loves to swim; it’s one of her favorite things to do in the summer.
2. Carol has been married three times; her current husband is her third.
3. Carol has never gone skiing before, downhill or cross-country.So sleuths, which is the lie? What does TIMELESS mean to you? Have you signed up to help with the reveal? Do you like genie books?
Thank You'); }, error: function(xhr, status, error) { alert('Wait, what!??!! That did not work!'); console.log(xhr); }, }); }
July 20, 2016
How NOT to Accomplish Goals (in 5 Easy Steps)
Have you completely given up on your goals for 2016?
Several of my wonderful blogging buddies do a monthly check in about their goals for the month/year. I don't. I live off the "list." There's a master list of things I'd like to accomplish each day, and as I accomplish them, they get scratched off the list. Looking beyond that tends to overwhelm me...because you know, I'm home schooling 4 kids.
So enough about healthy habits. Let's talk about some not so healthy habits. (Because they're funner.)
At the beginning of the year, my 2016 writing goals included:
1. Finish TIMELESS (book 3 in the Maiden of Time trilogy). DONE!!!! First trilogy completed. You better bet I'm celebrating.
2. Publish an anthology of my short stories. .....3. Record the audiobook for MOONLESS. (Maybe after TIMELESS releases?)4. Finish PROJECT ALASKA and start querying. 32K words, and holding...until (you guessed it) after TIMELESS releases.5. Read 60 novels. Yeah, I knew it would be a small reading year. I'm at 34, unless you count the ones I'm critiquing and beta reading, but I don't count those--only the ones I review.
SO How Not to Accomplish Goals (in 5 Easy Steps):
#5: Get Netflix. (You'll probably spend an entire hour just trying to decide what to watch.)
(Credit: Shutterstock/Dave Clark Digital Photo)#4: Develop a social media dependence.
Source
#3: Have kids. And home school them. Every day. All day.
Source#2: My favorite, stay up all night every night reading EPIC books.
#1: Forget the goals because...OOHH!! Chocolate. (Or cheese.)
SourceWhether you're a list, calendar, or check in kind of goal keeper, I hope your goals are going swimmingly this year.
Time to give some away some book love, eh?
Last week Misha Gerrick shared two truths and one lie. The winners were entered to win an eBook: ENDLESS.
The game:
1. I'm currently wearing my hair the shortest I've ever worn it.
2. Mashed potatoes is my ultimate comfort food.
3. I've recently resumed my classical vocal lessons.
The lie: #2. Misha hates mashed potatoes. If she wants comfort, she'd chow down on chocolate. She is actually back in voice lessons as a soprano.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Cherie Reich!
Congrats, Cherie!
And now for today's giveaway:
In You. I. Us, Annalisa Crawford captures everyday people during poignant defining moments in their lives: An artist puts his heart into his latest sketch, an elderly couple endures scrutiny by a fellow diner, an ex-student attempts to make amends with a girl she bullied at school, a teenager holds vigil at his friend’s hospital bedside, long distance lovers promise complete devotion, a broken-hearted widow stares into the sea from the edge of a cliff where her husband died, a grieving son contacts the only person he can rely on in a moment of crisis, a group of middle-aged friends inspire each other to live remarkable lives. Day after day, we make the same choices. But after reading You. I. Us., you’ll ask yourself, “What if we didn’t?”
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall UK, with a good supply of moorland and beaches to keep her inspired. She lives with her husband, two sons, a dog and a cat. Annalisa writes dark contemporary, character-driven stories. She has been winning competitions and publishing short stories in small press journals for many years, and is the author of Cat & The Dreamer and Our Beautiful Child.
You might run across Annalisa munching on cheddar with her feet paddling in the sea.
Annalisa 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 PRINT copy of You. I. Us. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, August 2 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 3, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I sink when I try to swim, but float away when I'm upright.
2. Due to repeats in the UK, I have watched the complete series of Star Trek: TNG, Castle, Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother multiple times.
3. It took me 6 attempts to pass my driving test.So sleuths, which is the lie? What are your goals for 2016? How are you doing with them? What's your favorite distraction? Have you met Annalisa?
Several of my wonderful blogging buddies do a monthly check in about their goals for the month/year. I don't. I live off the "list." There's a master list of things I'd like to accomplish each day, and as I accomplish them, they get scratched off the list. Looking beyond that tends to overwhelm me...because you know, I'm home schooling 4 kids.So enough about healthy habits. Let's talk about some not so healthy habits. (Because they're funner.)
At the beginning of the year, my 2016 writing goals included:
1. Finish TIMELESS (book 3 in the Maiden of Time trilogy). DONE!!!! First trilogy completed. You better bet I'm celebrating.
2. Publish an anthology of my short stories. .....3. Record the audiobook for MOONLESS. (Maybe after TIMELESS releases?)4. Finish PROJECT ALASKA and start querying. 32K words, and holding...until (you guessed it) after TIMELESS releases.5. Read 60 novels. Yeah, I knew it would be a small reading year. I'm at 34, unless you count the ones I'm critiquing and beta reading, but I don't count those--only the ones I review.SO How Not to Accomplish Goals (in 5 Easy Steps):
#5: Get Netflix. (You'll probably spend an entire hour just trying to decide what to watch.)
(Credit: Shutterstock/Dave Clark Digital Photo)#4: Develop a social media dependence.
Source
#3: Have kids. And home school them. Every day. All day.
Source#2: My favorite, stay up all night every night reading EPIC books.
#1: Forget the goals because...OOHH!! Chocolate. (Or cheese.)
SourceWhether you're a list, calendar, or check in kind of goal keeper, I hope your goals are going swimmingly this year.
Time to give some away some book love, eh?
Last week Misha Gerrick shared two truths and one lie. The winners were entered to win an eBook: ENDLESS.
The game:
1. I'm currently wearing my hair the shortest I've ever worn it. 2. Mashed potatoes is my ultimate comfort food.
3. I've recently resumed my classical vocal lessons.
The lie: #2. Misha hates mashed potatoes. If she wants comfort, she'd chow down on chocolate. She is actually back in voice lessons as a soprano.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Cherie Reich!
Congrats, Cherie!
And now for today's giveaway:
In You. I. Us, Annalisa Crawford captures everyday people during poignant defining moments in their lives: An artist puts his heart into his latest sketch, an elderly couple endures scrutiny by a fellow diner, an ex-student attempts to make amends with a girl she bullied at school, a teenager holds vigil at his friend’s hospital bedside, long distance lovers promise complete devotion, a broken-hearted widow stares into the sea from the edge of a cliff where her husband died, a grieving son contacts the only person he can rely on in a moment of crisis, a group of middle-aged friends inspire each other to live remarkable lives. Day after day, we make the same choices. But after reading You. I. Us., you’ll ask yourself, “What if we didn’t?”Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall UK, with a good supply of moorland and beaches to keep her inspired. She lives with her husband, two sons, a dog and a cat. Annalisa writes dark contemporary, character-driven stories. She has been winning competitions and publishing short stories in small press journals for many years, and is the author of Cat & The Dreamer and Our Beautiful Child.You might run across Annalisa munching on cheddar with her feet paddling in the sea.
Annalisa 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 PRINT copy of You. I. Us. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, August 2 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 3, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I sink when I try to swim, but float away when I'm upright.
2. Due to repeats in the UK, I have watched the complete series of Star Trek: TNG, Castle, Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother multiple times.
3. It took me 6 attempts to pass my driving test.So sleuths, which is the lie? What are your goals for 2016? How are you doing with them? What's your favorite distraction? Have you met Annalisa?
July 13, 2016
The Great Beta and Beyond
Believe it or not, I'm not actually here today. What!? Then why on this good earth am I posting? Because I just wanted you to know where I am:
SourceBut no, that's not my manuscript. TIMELESS is officially in the hands of beta readers. *gulp*
Hopefully after feedback I'll be doing this:
Rather than this:
Add captionMeanwhile, I'm beta reading two books. That's right. TWO. And because I'm a considerate reader, I'm away to make sure I can hand them back within a reasonable time period.
SourceSo until I'm finished...
And hey, have some cheese on your way out.
BTW, because I'm off doing stuff, you've got one more week to guess Misha's lie and WIN her book. Yay!
SourceBut no, that's not my manuscript. TIMELESS is officially in the hands of beta readers. *gulp*Hopefully after feedback I'll be doing this:
Rather than this:
Add captionMeanwhile, I'm beta reading two books. That's right. TWO. And because I'm a considerate reader, I'm away to make sure I can hand them back within a reasonable time period.
SourceSo until I'm finished...
And hey, have some cheese on your way out.
BTW, because I'm off doing stuff, you've got one more week to guess Misha's lie and WIN her book. Yay!
July 6, 2016
Silencing the Negative Voice: Why You MUST (IWSG)
How often do you hear that inner voice telling you you're not good enough, not smart enough, not talented enough, not awesome?
THAT'S BULL.
SourceIt's easy to get caught in a mental rut. And yes, picture a rut. The brain is like a series of ruts in the mud that we reinforce by running the same track again and again. It can be difficult initially to get over the ridge of those ruts to brave new paths, especially if we've been on them a long time, but YOU MUST.
So how do you go about doing that?
Start each day with a stern talking to--no I'm serious. Stand in front of the mirror and recite:
I am beautiful/strong/powerful.
I will succeed today.
I am awesome.
Success starts with believing in yourself. Greater physical health results from a positive mental dialog, and who doesn't need some of that?
SourceWhen negative thoughts begin to intrude, KICK THEM OUT. That's right. Don't carry that kind of weight with you. Replace those messages by counting your successes.
Along that vein, the IWSG group proposed a question today:
What is the best thing someone has said about your writing?
I have a hard time believing the words of praise I hear. I keep listening to the inner dialog with excuses like, "They only said that because they know you." "They didn't really like it, but saying otherwise would be rude, so..." BUT, I'm listening to my own advice today and focusing on the positive.
I've heard so many wonderful things throughout the years, so I'll pull up just a couple short snatches:
"Enthralling."
"The most entrancing thing I've ever read."
"I fell head over heels for the characters."
"I fell off my chair with jealousy over your writing."
"Crystal Collier is a genius of a wordsmith."
Huge thanks to all the amazing people who have built me up, and more importantly, supported my writing through beta reading, reviews, book purchases, and word of mouth. You are amazing. You've made my career. I LOVE YOU TO CHEESE AND BACK!
Are you stuck in the mud? What mental rut are you working to overcome?
And speaking of great writing, time to give some away, eh?
Last week Melanie Schultz shared two truths and one lie. The winners were entered to win their choice of eBook: THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD.
The game:
1. I am a concert pianist.
2. My husband used to drive a race car.
3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.
The lie: #1. Melanie says she has musical talent whatsoever. So yes, she really does make cheese from 3 dairy sheep! Is she awesome or what?
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Nicola!
Congrats, woman!
And now for today's giveaway:
“First, do no harm.” Blake Ryan swore that oath to become a doctor. Ironic, given that he spent most of his thousand year life sucking souls out of other immortals.
Things are different now. Using regular shots of morphine to keep his inner monster at bay, Ryan has led a quiet life since the Second World War. His thrills now come from saving lives, not taking them.
Until a plane crash brings Aleria into his hospital. Her life is vibrant. Crack to predators like him. She’s the exact sort of person they would hunt, and thanks to a severe case of amnesia, she’s all but defenseless.
Leaving Aleria vulnerable isn’t an option, but protecting her means unleashing his own inner monster. Which is a problem, because his inner monster wants her dead most of all.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Today I'm giving back a little of that writerly love I've received. I had the opportunity to review Misha's book, and this is what I had to say:
Secret societies. Battles and alliances. Unique powers and humanity’s survival in the balance… This story has it all. Follow three characters whose immortal histories are intertwined and will only become more so.
Read the full review HERE:
Ready to meet the author?
Misha Gerrick lives near Cape Town, South Africa, and can usually be found staring at her surroundings while figuring out her next book. Her favorite cheese is haloumi.
If you’d like to see what Misha’s up to at the moment, you can find her on these social networks:
Tumblr | Twitter | Google Plus | Writing Blog
Misha 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 ENDLESS. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 20, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I'm currently wearing my hair the shortest I've ever worn it.
2. Mashed potatoes is my ultimate comfort food.
3. I've recently resumed my classical vocal lessons.So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you stuck in the mud? What mental message are you going to overcome?
THAT'S BULL.
SourceIt's easy to get caught in a mental rut. And yes, picture a rut. The brain is like a series of ruts in the mud that we reinforce by running the same track again and again. It can be difficult initially to get over the ridge of those ruts to brave new paths, especially if we've been on them a long time, but YOU MUST.So how do you go about doing that?
Start each day with a stern talking to--no I'm serious. Stand in front of the mirror and recite:
I am beautiful/strong/powerful.
I will succeed today.
I am awesome.
Success starts with believing in yourself. Greater physical health results from a positive mental dialog, and who doesn't need some of that?
SourceWhen negative thoughts begin to intrude, KICK THEM OUT. That's right. Don't carry that kind of weight with you. Replace those messages by counting your successes.Along that vein, the IWSG group proposed a question today:
What is the best thing someone has said about your writing?
I have a hard time believing the words of praise I hear. I keep listening to the inner dialog with excuses like, "They only said that because they know you." "They didn't really like it, but saying otherwise would be rude, so..." BUT, I'm listening to my own advice today and focusing on the positive.
I've heard so many wonderful things throughout the years, so I'll pull up just a couple short snatches:
"Enthralling."
"The most entrancing thing I've ever read."
"I fell head over heels for the characters."
"I fell off my chair with jealousy over your writing."
"Crystal Collier is a genius of a wordsmith."
Huge thanks to all the amazing people who have built me up, and more importantly, supported my writing through beta reading, reviews, book purchases, and word of mouth. You are amazing. You've made my career. I LOVE YOU TO CHEESE AND BACK!
Are you stuck in the mud? What mental rut are you working to overcome?
And speaking of great writing, time to give some away, eh?
Last week Melanie Schultz shared two truths and one lie. The winners were entered to win their choice of eBook: THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD.
The game:
1. I am a concert pianist.2. My husband used to drive a race car.
3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.
The lie: #1. Melanie says she has musical talent whatsoever. So yes, she really does make cheese from 3 dairy sheep! Is she awesome or what?
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Nicola!
Congrats, woman!
And now for today's giveaway:
“First, do no harm.” Blake Ryan swore that oath to become a doctor. Ironic, given that he spent most of his thousand year life sucking souls out of other immortals. Things are different now. Using regular shots of morphine to keep his inner monster at bay, Ryan has led a quiet life since the Second World War. His thrills now come from saving lives, not taking them.
Until a plane crash brings Aleria into his hospital. Her life is vibrant. Crack to predators like him. She’s the exact sort of person they would hunt, and thanks to a severe case of amnesia, she’s all but defenseless.
Leaving Aleria vulnerable isn’t an option, but protecting her means unleashing his own inner monster. Which is a problem, because his inner monster wants her dead most of all.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Today I'm giving back a little of that writerly love I've received. I had the opportunity to review Misha's book, and this is what I had to say:
Secret societies. Battles and alliances. Unique powers and humanity’s survival in the balance… This story has it all. Follow three characters whose immortal histories are intertwined and will only become more so.
Read the full review HERE:
Ready to meet the author?
Misha Gerrick lives near Cape Town, South Africa, and can usually be found staring at her surroundings while figuring out her next book. Her favorite cheese is haloumi.If you’d like to see what Misha’s up to at the moment, you can find her on these social networks:
Tumblr | Twitter | Google Plus | Writing Blog
Misha 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 ENDLESS. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 20, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I'm currently wearing my hair the shortest I've ever worn it.
2. Mashed potatoes is my ultimate comfort food.
3. I've recently resumed my classical vocal lessons.So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you stuck in the mud? What mental message are you going to overcome?
June 29, 2016
The 4 Commandments of Celebrating
What are you celebrating this week?
Come swim along for the
Four Commandments of Celebrating
, but first, I've got two celebrations.
First, Beverly Stowe McClure totally made my day. That's right, she reviewed MOONLESS. Want to make an author's day? It's just that simple. SEE WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY.
Second, Monday is the 4th of July! (Independence Day) So if you're outside of America, that holds less meaning, but think of it this way: The nation that is a world super power and supports the majority of the world's economy came into existence the day it declared independence. Now that's pretty monumental in my book. And although my country has had its ups and downs, I still love it--land of the free (ish) and home of the brave. So I'll be out celebrating on Monday.
BUT how to do it right?
I give you, THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS OF CELEBRATING: Reflect: What is it about any event, day, or circumstance that makes it worth celebrating? Looking back on life and reviewing the reasons helps us identify their meaning and evaluate their weight.Let Go: Sometimes we just need to let go of the restrains on normal life--and no, I don't mean do anything illegal. I mean, forget the day job, financial stresses, school & home work, etc. Free your mind to enjoy the moment.Make noise! I'm not kidding. Yelling and screaming releases pent up energy and emotions. Singing, likewise. Laughing has all kinds of benefits. Freeing the mind enough to let loose a "whoop" of joy can be difficult sometimes, but it's healthy and NECESSARY.EAT CHEESE: You knew that was coming. But seriously, no celebration is complete without a little splurging--be it food, money, or time.So what are you going to celebrate this week?
And speaking of celebrating, time for some giveaway love, eh?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (And if you already have, go buy another and gift it to someone!)
Last week Yolanda Renee ( author of EVER-TON) shared MURDER & OBSESSION, along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie was entered to win a SIGNED copy of either MURDER & OBSESSION or the PARALLELS anthology.
The game:
1. My Sunday school teacher was dismissed for taking our class to see the movie the Bible.
2. One of my favorite past times was drag racing. On the way to work one morning I raced a fellow driver on the highway. He asked me out and we are now married.
3. I've been married three times.
The lie: #2. While Yolanda didn't marry the man she was drag racing, but he did ask her out.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
L. Diane Wolfe!
Congrats, Diane!
And now meet a story from the author of HAUNTED in the Parallels anthology:
Alphabet Soup is a collection of flash fiction from the darker side—all done Ubook style. What’s a Ubook, you might ask? It’s a brand-new, patent-pending book format that combines the story with music. And the best thing? It’s completely free.
Experience it HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Melanie Schulz is planted in upstate New York with her husband and three kids on a smallish plot of land she likes to believe is a farm. She plays at being a writer, same as she plays at being a farmer, and nurse, and overall enjoyer of this thing called life. One of the things she enjoys most are people who delight in discussing all things listed above.
Join in the conversation at:
Website
Blog
Facebook
You might run across Melanie at her computer with a glass of wine munching on room-temperature camambert topped with an ooey, gooey carmel/dried apple/peacan mixture.
Melanie 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 their choice of eBook THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, July 5 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 6, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I am a concert pianist.
2. My husband used to drive a race car.
3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Melanie? What are you celebrating now/shortly?
Come swim along for the
Four Commandments of Celebrating
, but first, I've got two celebrations.First, Beverly Stowe McClure totally made my day. That's right, she reviewed MOONLESS. Want to make an author's day? It's just that simple. SEE WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY.
Second, Monday is the 4th of July! (Independence Day) So if you're outside of America, that holds less meaning, but think of it this way: The nation that is a world super power and supports the majority of the world's economy came into existence the day it declared independence. Now that's pretty monumental in my book. And although my country has had its ups and downs, I still love it--land of the free (ish) and home of the brave. So I'll be out celebrating on Monday.
BUT how to do it right?
I give you, THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS OF CELEBRATING: Reflect: What is it about any event, day, or circumstance that makes it worth celebrating? Looking back on life and reviewing the reasons helps us identify their meaning and evaluate their weight.Let Go: Sometimes we just need to let go of the restrains on normal life--and no, I don't mean do anything illegal. I mean, forget the day job, financial stresses, school & home work, etc. Free your mind to enjoy the moment.Make noise! I'm not kidding. Yelling and screaming releases pent up energy and emotions. Singing, likewise. Laughing has all kinds of benefits. Freeing the mind enough to let loose a "whoop" of joy can be difficult sometimes, but it's healthy and NECESSARY.EAT CHEESE: You knew that was coming. But seriously, no celebration is complete without a little splurging--be it food, money, or time.So what are you going to celebrate this week?
And speaking of celebrating, time for some giveaway love, eh?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (And if you already have, go buy another and gift it to someone!)Last week Yolanda Renee ( author of EVER-TON) shared MURDER & OBSESSION, along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie was entered to win a SIGNED copy of either MURDER & OBSESSION or the PARALLELS anthology.
The game:
1. My Sunday school teacher was dismissed for taking our class to see the movie the Bible.2. One of my favorite past times was drag racing. On the way to work one morning I raced a fellow driver on the highway. He asked me out and we are now married.
3. I've been married three times.
The lie: #2. While Yolanda didn't marry the man she was drag racing, but he did ask her out.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
L. Diane Wolfe!
Congrats, Diane!
And now meet a story from the author of HAUNTED in the Parallels anthology:
Alphabet Soup is a collection of flash fiction from the darker side—all done Ubook style. What’s a Ubook, you might ask? It’s a brand-new, patent-pending book format that combines the story with music. And the best thing? It’s completely free.Experience it HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Melanie Schulz is planted in upstate New York with her husband and three kids on a smallish plot of land she likes to believe is a farm. She plays at being a writer, same as she plays at being a farmer, and nurse, and overall enjoyer of this thing called life. One of the things she enjoys most are people who delight in discussing all things listed above.Join in the conversation at:
Website
Blog
You might run across Melanie at her computer with a glass of wine munching on room-temperature camambert topped with an ooey, gooey carmel/dried apple/peacan mixture.
Melanie 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 their choice of eBook THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, July 5 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 6, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I am a concert pianist.
2. My husband used to drive a race car.
3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Melanie? What are you celebrating now/shortly?
June 22, 2016
7 Amazing Reasons to Celebrate Dads (Late)
Father's Day just happened in the USA. Did you miss it? I happen to love this holiday. It gives me an opportunity to recall all the amazing things my father has done for me:
Dads (or dad figures) will do anything to teach you how to live right:
They protect you:
SourceThey make sure you don't starve:
SourceThey show you how to live by example:
They teach you what to fear:
And how to use your imagination:
And they're eager to play with you:
So I hope you honored your father (figure) this last Sunday, and if you didn't, it's never too late.
Time for some giveaway love, eh?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)
Last week Tamara Narayan ( author of SCRYING THE PLANE) shared HEART STOPPER, along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie was entered to win an eBook of Tamara's latest release, HEART STOPPER.
The game:
1. When I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo in SC, a local news crew came by to shoot a few clips of our Black-foot penguins. This was in 1992 and Batman Returns was big at the box office. This sequel featured Danny Devito as the villain The Penguin along with several real Black-foot penguins as his minions. I wasn’t in any of the shots, but one penguin did poop on the reporter’s foot. I don’t think that made the cut either.
2. On July 1, 2000 I walked in a protest march in Columbia, SC against putting the Confederate Flag on the SC State House grounds next to the Confederate Monument. The flag was being moved there from the dome of the Statehouse where it had flown since 1962 as a protest against desegregation. (The Confederate Flag was finally removed from the State House grounds on July 10, 2015, less than a month after the murder of nine people in a Charleston, SC church, including state senator Clementa C. Pinckney.)
3. I was in my garden weeding the other day. My cat, Mr. Mistoffelees, came by for snuggles and ended up sitting in my lap. Then two fellows came jogging by, one of which I recognized as Jason McElwain, better known as J-Mac, winner of the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. J-Mac, a high-functioning autistic, scored 20 points in a high school basketball game in four minutes, nineteen seconds.
The lie: #1. Tamara said: I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 1992, but no reporters ever came around to feature the birds in relation to Batman Returns or anything else. One of the penguins, named Chewy as a nod to Star War’s Chewbacca, had a crush on me. He’d wait by the door for me every morning and bring me sticks (the penguin version of roses). And yes, I was pooped on several times, but luckily I was wearing big rubber boots and a Dickie jumpsuit. Sounds stylish, doesn’t it?
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Krystal Jane!
Congrats, Krystal!
And now meet a story from the author of EVER-TON in the Parallels anthology:
Love is never easy, but for Detective Steve Quaid and his fiancée, Sarah, their road to happiness is laden with minefields.
After spending countless hours reconverting his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat for Sarah, the cabin becomes a bloody crime scene detailing her death. Accused, Steven escapes into the Alaskan mountains, biding his time to find the truth.
Who killed his beloved?
A seasoned woodsman, he outsmarts even the cleverest of trackers. All but one.
Mauled by a grizzly, a half-dead Steven barely escapes.
But will he live to bring the rightful murderer to Justice?
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
At one time adventure called to me and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun of Alaska, survive in below zero temperatures, and I was privileged to hike both the Brooks and Alaska Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries, and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.
Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and we have two wonderful sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!
Yolanda loves Swiss cheese, but due to changes in diet, she has had to eliminate it. She says she misses it more than ice cream.
Find Yolanda at: Defending the Pen Facebook Twitter Pinterest Amazon
Yolanda 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 either a SIGNED PRINT COPY of MURDER AND OBSESSION or PARALLELS. (Winner's choice: US and Canada only for print books. Open to international winners for an eBook prize.)
You have until Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 29, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. My Sunday school teacher was dismissed for taking our class to see the movie the Bible.
2. One of my favorite past times was drag racing. On the way to work one morning I raced a fellow driver on the highway. He asked me out and we are now married.
3. I've been married three times.
OH! And stop by Yolanda's place today where I'm chatting about cookies, research, and time. (Ooh!)So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Yolanda? What's the biggest thing you learned from your father (figure)? Which is your favorite funny? Do you have a funny "Dad moment" you'd like to share?
Dads (or dad figures) will do anything to teach you how to live right:
They protect you:
SourceThey make sure you don't starve:
SourceThey show you how to live by example:
They teach you what to fear:
And how to use your imagination:
And they're eager to play with you:
So I hope you honored your father (figure) this last Sunday, and if you didn't, it's never too late.
Time for some giveaway love, eh?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)Last week Tamara Narayan ( author of SCRYING THE PLANE) shared HEART STOPPER, along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie was entered to win an eBook of Tamara's latest release, HEART STOPPER.
The game:
1. When I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo in SC, a local news crew came by to shoot a few clips of our Black-foot penguins. This was in 1992 and Batman Returns was big at the box office. This sequel featured Danny Devito as the villain The Penguin along with several real Black-foot penguins as his minions. I wasn’t in any of the shots, but one penguin did poop on the reporter’s foot. I don’t think that made the cut either.2. On July 1, 2000 I walked in a protest march in Columbia, SC against putting the Confederate Flag on the SC State House grounds next to the Confederate Monument. The flag was being moved there from the dome of the Statehouse where it had flown since 1962 as a protest against desegregation. (The Confederate Flag was finally removed from the State House grounds on July 10, 2015, less than a month after the murder of nine people in a Charleston, SC church, including state senator Clementa C. Pinckney.)
3. I was in my garden weeding the other day. My cat, Mr. Mistoffelees, came by for snuggles and ended up sitting in my lap. Then two fellows came jogging by, one of which I recognized as Jason McElwain, better known as J-Mac, winner of the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. J-Mac, a high-functioning autistic, scored 20 points in a high school basketball game in four minutes, nineteen seconds.
The lie: #1. Tamara said: I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 1992, but no reporters ever came around to feature the birds in relation to Batman Returns or anything else. One of the penguins, named Chewy as a nod to Star War’s Chewbacca, had a crush on me. He’d wait by the door for me every morning and bring me sticks (the penguin version of roses). And yes, I was pooped on several times, but luckily I was wearing big rubber boots and a Dickie jumpsuit. Sounds stylish, doesn’t it?
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Krystal Jane!
Congrats, Krystal!
And now meet a story from the author of EVER-TON in the Parallels anthology:
Love is never easy, but for Detective Steve Quaid and his fiancée, Sarah, their road to happiness is laden with minefields.After spending countless hours reconverting his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat for Sarah, the cabin becomes a bloody crime scene detailing her death. Accused, Steven escapes into the Alaskan mountains, biding his time to find the truth.
Who killed his beloved?
A seasoned woodsman, he outsmarts even the cleverest of trackers. All but one.
Mauled by a grizzly, a half-dead Steven barely escapes.
But will he live to bring the rightful murderer to Justice?
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
At one time adventure called to me and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun of Alaska, survive in below zero temperatures, and I was privileged to hike both the Brooks and Alaska Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries, and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and we have two wonderful sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!
Yolanda loves Swiss cheese, but due to changes in diet, she has had to eliminate it. She says she misses it more than ice cream.
Find Yolanda at: Defending the Pen Facebook Twitter Pinterest Amazon
Yolanda 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 either a SIGNED PRINT COPY of MURDER AND OBSESSION or PARALLELS. (Winner's choice: US and Canada only for print books. Open to international winners for an eBook prize.)
You have until Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 29, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. My Sunday school teacher was dismissed for taking our class to see the movie the Bible.
2. One of my favorite past times was drag racing. On the way to work one morning I raced a fellow driver on the highway. He asked me out and we are now married.
3. I've been married three times.
OH! And stop by Yolanda's place today where I'm chatting about cookies, research, and time. (Ooh!)So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Yolanda? What's the biggest thing you learned from your father (figure)? Which is your favorite funny? Do you have a funny "Dad moment" you'd like to share?
June 15, 2016
Orlando Cries: One Local's Perspective
Have you ever had a large tragedy strike your front door?
I woke Sunday morning to a text from a family member asking if we were alright. We regularly get texts like that after a hurricane or tropical storm, but there was no storm that night. Facebook revealed a different story:
20 dead, as many as 50 headed to the hospital in a nightclub shootout.
We watched the police report and absorbed the tragedy, truly saddened. As the day progressed, the report updated. 49 dead, 53 injured. ISIS claimed the attack. The nightclub was a gay nightclub. The gunman was an actual Muslim terrorist. It was a hate crime and an act of terrorism. By a registered security guard. Who was also on a "watch" list for terrorism.
There was a call for local blood donations. Oh, you should have seen the lines. They ended up having to turn people away because there was such a huge response. Prayers and donations and a general sense of sadness have perpetuated our entire area.
And now there's the political debate:
Gun laws? Um, no. The guy was a SECURITY GUARD. He had a licence to legally handle a gun, and no tightening of gun laws is going to change that. Heck, if someone else in the nightclub had a weapon, they may have taken the jerk down rather than being mowed down. Stronger gun laws will not stop terrorists. It will just make their job easier. Maybe we shouldn't make it illegal to carry guns, but illegal to kill people, eh? If it wasn't a gun, it would have been a bomb, or a fire, or something else.
Hate crimes? Why can't everyone just love everyone! Why is everyone so bigoted? Um, no. This was a Muslim terrorist, and frankly, they would kill anyone who isn't one of them. Just for being different. To these extremists, if you're not Muslim, you're an infidel. Gays just rank at the top of their "hate" list. That doesn't mean the rest of the world feels that way, so please people, stop with the ranting.
On the Terrorist Watch List? This is the one that gets me. Why in the world would they approve someone on the watch list to become a SECURITY GUARD? What? Did someone's palms get greased? Is the government that inefficient? (Yes, the answer is yes.)
Regardless of the reasons, motivations, or political spewing motivated by this event, the reality is this:
People were killed. Senselessly. Because a group of fanatics (who must have the most messed up childhoods in the world) believe it's okay to senselessly massacre others.
There is no correction, no policing, no words that can make it better. I take solace in the fact that in the next life these violent men will one day stand face to face with those they slaughtered, and what will they have to say? In the meantime, there is an outpouring of love toward the victims and the suffering. To all my Orlando brothers and sisters, the world mourns with us.
If you would like to help the victims of this senseless crime, you can donate to a GoFundMe campaign HERE.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)
Two weeks ago I shared THE THING THAT TURNED ME, an anthology of close to 30 authors (including me!) about turning points. Everyone who mentioned "cheese" in a comment was entered to win an eBook of the anthology (after its release on the 28th).
And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Beverly Stowe McClure!
Congrats, Beverly!
And now meet a story from the author of SCRYING THE PLANE in the Parallels anthology:
Four tales I present to tingle your spine
Four seasons of suspense to let you unwind.
Lives at a crossroad, a breakdown of order
Between life and death, it’s a tenuous border.
(Did I just use poetry to promote a book? Yes, I did.)
Heart Stopper: The disappearance of random household items baffles Dallas Radner and his eleven-year-old daughter Tessa. Ten plastic bags, nine ballpoint pens, and so on as the countdown begins. On the Day of the Dead, Tessa’s birthday, one thing will vanish forever. Will it be her?
Detour: Fed up with her abusive beau, coed Chloe Langley ditches class for a trip home. She’ll never make it.
One Step Away: Darryl James’s acrophobia ruined his marriage and stole his son. On the cusp of completing desensitization therapy, a relapse occurs with shocking consequences.
Monitor: Perched on a mountain with a view to die for, Laura and Paul Alderson have it all: new home, new baby, and new challenges. Yet urgent whispers from the baby monitor threaten to turn their American dream into a nightmare.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
From doling out popcorn to moviegoers to flinging smelt to penguins, Tamara Narayan's taken the “road less traveled”. Her career path veered off into a land of integrals and other strange things while she taught college level math, but these days she’s cruising the fiction highway.
You might stumble across Tamara eating cheddar cheese fondu at The Melting Pot.
Visit her at www.tamaranarayan.com.
Tamara 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 HEART STOPPER in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 22, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. When I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo in SC, a local news crew came by to shoot a few clips of our Black-foot penguins. This was in 1992 and Batman Returns was big at the box office. This sequel featured Danny Devito as the villain The Penguin along with several real Black-foot penguins as his minions. I wasn’t in any of the shots, but one penguin did poop on the reporter’s foot. I don’t think that made the cut either.
2. On July 1, 2000 I walked in a protest march in Columbia, SC against putting the Confederate Flag on the SC State House grounds next to the Confederate Monument. The flag was being moved there from the dome of the Statehouse where it had flown since 1962 as a protest against desegregation. (The Confederate Flag was finally removed from the State House grounds on July 10, 2015, less than a month after the murder of nine people in a Charleston, SC church, including state senator Clementa C. Pinckney.)
3. I was in my garden weeding the other day. My cat, Mr. Mistoffelees, came by for snuggles and ended up sitting in my lap. Then two fellows came jogging by, one of which I recognized as Jason McElwain, better known as J-Mac, winner of the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. J-Mac, a high-functioning autistic, scored 20 points in a high school basketball game in four minutes, nineteen seconds.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Tamara? What are your feelings about the attack in my back yard? Do you like short stories or prefer longer ones?
I woke Sunday morning to a text from a family member asking if we were alright. We regularly get texts like that after a hurricane or tropical storm, but there was no storm that night. Facebook revealed a different story:20 dead, as many as 50 headed to the hospital in a nightclub shootout.
We watched the police report and absorbed the tragedy, truly saddened. As the day progressed, the report updated. 49 dead, 53 injured. ISIS claimed the attack. The nightclub was a gay nightclub. The gunman was an actual Muslim terrorist. It was a hate crime and an act of terrorism. By a registered security guard. Who was also on a "watch" list for terrorism.
There was a call for local blood donations. Oh, you should have seen the lines. They ended up having to turn people away because there was such a huge response. Prayers and donations and a general sense of sadness have perpetuated our entire area.And now there's the political debate:
Gun laws? Um, no. The guy was a SECURITY GUARD. He had a licence to legally handle a gun, and no tightening of gun laws is going to change that. Heck, if someone else in the nightclub had a weapon, they may have taken the jerk down rather than being mowed down. Stronger gun laws will not stop terrorists. It will just make their job easier. Maybe we shouldn't make it illegal to carry guns, but illegal to kill people, eh? If it wasn't a gun, it would have been a bomb, or a fire, or something else.
Hate crimes? Why can't everyone just love everyone! Why is everyone so bigoted? Um, no. This was a Muslim terrorist, and frankly, they would kill anyone who isn't one of them. Just for being different. To these extremists, if you're not Muslim, you're an infidel. Gays just rank at the top of their "hate" list. That doesn't mean the rest of the world feels that way, so please people, stop with the ranting.
On the Terrorist Watch List? This is the one that gets me. Why in the world would they approve someone on the watch list to become a SECURITY GUARD? What? Did someone's palms get greased? Is the government that inefficient? (Yes, the answer is yes.)
Regardless of the reasons, motivations, or political spewing motivated by this event, the reality is this:
People were killed. Senselessly. Because a group of fanatics (who must have the most messed up childhoods in the world) believe it's okay to senselessly massacre others.There is no correction, no policing, no words that can make it better. I take solace in the fact that in the next life these violent men will one day stand face to face with those they slaughtered, and what will they have to say? In the meantime, there is an outpouring of love toward the victims and the suffering. To all my Orlando brothers and sisters, the world mourns with us.
If you would like to help the victims of this senseless crime, you can donate to a GoFundMe campaign HERE.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)
Two weeks ago I shared THE THING THAT TURNED ME, an anthology of close to 30 authors (including me!) about turning points. Everyone who mentioned "cheese" in a comment was entered to win an eBook of the anthology (after its release on the 28th).And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Beverly Stowe McClure!
Congrats, Beverly!
And now meet a story from the author of SCRYING THE PLANE in the Parallels anthology:
Four tales I present to tingle your spineFour seasons of suspense to let you unwind.
Lives at a crossroad, a breakdown of order
Between life and death, it’s a tenuous border.
(Did I just use poetry to promote a book? Yes, I did.)
Heart Stopper: The disappearance of random household items baffles Dallas Radner and his eleven-year-old daughter Tessa. Ten plastic bags, nine ballpoint pens, and so on as the countdown begins. On the Day of the Dead, Tessa’s birthday, one thing will vanish forever. Will it be her?
Detour: Fed up with her abusive beau, coed Chloe Langley ditches class for a trip home. She’ll never make it.
One Step Away: Darryl James’s acrophobia ruined his marriage and stole his son. On the cusp of completing desensitization therapy, a relapse occurs with shocking consequences.
Monitor: Perched on a mountain with a view to die for, Laura and Paul Alderson have it all: new home, new baby, and new challenges. Yet urgent whispers from the baby monitor threaten to turn their American dream into a nightmare.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
From doling out popcorn to moviegoers to flinging smelt to penguins, Tamara Narayan's taken the “road less traveled”. Her career path veered off into a land of integrals and other strange things while she taught college level math, but these days she’s cruising the fiction highway.You might stumble across Tamara eating cheddar cheese fondu at The Melting Pot.
Visit her at www.tamaranarayan.com.
Tamara 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 HEART STOPPER in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 22, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. When I was a penguin keeper at the Riverbanks Zoo in SC, a local news crew came by to shoot a few clips of our Black-foot penguins. This was in 1992 and Batman Returns was big at the box office. This sequel featured Danny Devito as the villain The Penguin along with several real Black-foot penguins as his minions. I wasn’t in any of the shots, but one penguin did poop on the reporter’s foot. I don’t think that made the cut either.
2. On July 1, 2000 I walked in a protest march in Columbia, SC against putting the Confederate Flag on the SC State House grounds next to the Confederate Monument. The flag was being moved there from the dome of the Statehouse where it had flown since 1962 as a protest against desegregation. (The Confederate Flag was finally removed from the State House grounds on July 10, 2015, less than a month after the murder of nine people in a Charleston, SC church, including state senator Clementa C. Pinckney.)
3. I was in my garden weeding the other day. My cat, Mr. Mistoffelees, came by for snuggles and ended up sitting in my lap. Then two fellows came jogging by, one of which I recognized as Jason McElwain, better known as J-Mac, winner of the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. J-Mac, a high-functioning autistic, scored 20 points in a high school basketball game in four minutes, nineteen seconds.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Tamara? What are your feelings about the attack in my back yard? Do you like short stories or prefer longer ones?
June 1, 2016
Books, Boogiemen & IWSG
What is it you fear is hiding under your bed?
And no, I don't mean something like this:
sourceI'm talking about your proverbial bed. We all have fears that seem far too large to overcome, the monsters that haunt our souls. Today I'm facing one of those monsters, and it look like this:
If you met me face to face, you might never guess I struggle with social interactions. That's because I'm a FABULOUS actress. It didn't used to be this bad. In high school I worked hard on developing relationships and hanging out, but the truth is, I was more comfortable like this:
sourcethan this:
I went to a birthday party with my daughter yesterday and after 10 minutes I was like, "GET ME OUT OF HERE." No desire to stick around--even to chat with some awesome neighbors. It's a lack of practice, I know, but after a long season of illness that left me too exhausted to get out, and finally a new baby, I just don't have the willpower or energy to invest. And that's a bad thing. Life is about human interaction. It's about relationships. It's about LIVING.
So how do I reconcile that?
Well, I joined a book club. I'm in social media groups with other people. I'm planning some coops for my home schooling kids.
See, the only thing constant in life is change. We're either expanding outward, exploring and growing, or we're shrinking in on ourselves. I'm pretty tired of shrinking. How about you? What are you doing to expand your horizons?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)
Last week we met the very kind Sandra Cox and had an opportunity win her urban fantasy novel, LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.
2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.
3. English is my second language.
The lie: #3. English actually is her first language.
Way to guess everyone! That was tough. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Susan Gourley/Kelley!
Congrats, Susan!
And now for something a little different today.
I'm excited to be contributing to
(Releasing June 30th!)
I had the privilege of reviewing an Advance Reviewer Copy, and this is what I have to say:
Anthologies are always such a mixed bag. You may love one story and hate the next. Knowing the number of contributors in this anthology, I anticipated there’d be some back and forth, but I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. Strong stories, some very unique ideas, and some great reads. I enjoyed the experience...
(Read the rest of the review HERE and add it to you TBR list)
And now the clincher. If you mention the word "CHEESE" in your comment, I'll put you in my magic hat for the chance to win THE THING THAT TURNED ME in eBook. (Awarded on release day.)
You have until Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back to see the winner and for a chance to win another AWESOME book on June 15, 8 a.m EDT.Are you socially awkward? What monsters are hiding under your proverbial bed? Did you add the anthology to your list?
And no, I don't mean something like this:
sourceI'm talking about your proverbial bed. We all have fears that seem far too large to overcome, the monsters that haunt our souls. Today I'm facing one of those monsters, and it look like this:
If you met me face to face, you might never guess I struggle with social interactions. That's because I'm a FABULOUS actress. It didn't used to be this bad. In high school I worked hard on developing relationships and hanging out, but the truth is, I was more comfortable like this:
sourcethan this:
I went to a birthday party with my daughter yesterday and after 10 minutes I was like, "GET ME OUT OF HERE." No desire to stick around--even to chat with some awesome neighbors. It's a lack of practice, I know, but after a long season of illness that left me too exhausted to get out, and finally a new baby, I just don't have the willpower or energy to invest. And that's a bad thing. Life is about human interaction. It's about relationships. It's about LIVING.
So how do I reconcile that?Well, I joined a book club. I'm in social media groups with other people. I'm planning some coops for my home schooling kids.
See, the only thing constant in life is change. We're either expanding outward, exploring and growing, or we're shrinking in on ourselves. I'm pretty tired of shrinking. How about you? What are you doing to expand your horizons?
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)Last week we met the very kind Sandra Cox and had an opportunity win her urban fantasy novel, LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.
2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.
3. English is my second language.
The lie: #3. English actually is her first language.
Way to guess everyone! That was tough. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Susan Gourley/Kelley!
Congrats, Susan!
And now for something a little different today.
I'm excited to be contributing to
(Releasing June 30th!)
I had the privilege of reviewing an Advance Reviewer Copy, and this is what I have to say:
Anthologies are always such a mixed bag. You may love one story and hate the next. Knowing the number of contributors in this anthology, I anticipated there’d be some back and forth, but I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. Strong stories, some very unique ideas, and some great reads. I enjoyed the experience...
(Read the rest of the review HERE and add it to you TBR list)
And now the clincher. If you mention the word "CHEESE" in your comment, I'll put you in my magic hat for the chance to win THE THING THAT TURNED ME in eBook. (Awarded on release day.)
You have until Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back to see the winner and for a chance to win another AWESOME book on June 15, 8 a.m EDT.Are you socially awkward? What monsters are hiding under your proverbial bed? Did you add the anthology to your list?
May 25, 2016
Have You Ever Sent Someone Off to War?
Have you ever sent a loved one off to war?
Memorial day in the States is Monday. What is Memorial Day? The day we celebrate soldiers, but especially fallen soldiers. It has become a day to honor the men and women who serve in the military. I think about this frequently--what it would be like to pray every day for a father/mother, a husband/wife, a son/daughter, a brother/sister who has gone to fight for the freedoms I cherish. The fear they will not return, the struggle to keep a relationship strong over long distance, the stress of being a single parent while a spouse is deployed... I am left in awe of those who sacrifice so graciously--not just those who leave, but those who let them go.
To all who have made that sacrifice, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you. You are a true hero.
Quick heads up: I'm sharing words of inspiration plus a personal turning point on Diane Wolf's blog. Check it out HERE.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)
Last week we met the talented Cherie Reich and had an opportunity win her fantasy novel, REBORN. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.
2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.
3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.
The lie: #2. Cherie only changed her major three times (general studies to vocal performance to classics). If she had a chance to do it all over again, she would have majored in something else. Maybe anthology (linguistics) or something to do with computers (graphic design or websites) or history.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Tiana Smith!
Congrats, Tiana!
And now meet a story from the author of RAINERS in the Parallels anthology:
Some teens go to the Caribbean on spring break. Piper goes to save the world.
Piper Dunn isn’t who you would call a normal teenager. For one thing, she doesn’t want anyone to know she was born with a blowhole. Even stranger, she has two love interests. Joel, a fellow dolphin-human hybrid, and Tyler, a human.
It’s hard to choose when a mad scientist is hot on Piper’s trail. Worse, she’s trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. And . . . wait for it . . . Angel, her test-tube daughter, is apparently a real-deal reincarnation. It all adds up to an impossible situation, with happy endings all but lost at sea. Unless, of course, a voodoo high priestess casts a spell or two . . .
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romance, 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 or a latte, and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.
You might run across Sandra munching on pepper-jack sticks.
Find her on Facebook (likes appreciated) or her Blog.
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 LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS in eBook. (The first book in the series.)
You have until Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 1, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.
2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.
3. English is my second language.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you know any military families who deserve a salute? Ever heard of metaphysical nonfiction? Have you met Sandra?
Memorial day in the States is Monday. What is Memorial Day? The day we celebrate soldiers, but especially fallen soldiers. It has become a day to honor the men and women who serve in the military. I think about this frequently--what it would be like to pray every day for a father/mother, a husband/wife, a son/daughter, a brother/sister who has gone to fight for the freedoms I cherish. The fear they will not return, the struggle to keep a relationship strong over long distance, the stress of being a single parent while a spouse is deployed... I am left in awe of those who sacrifice so graciously--not just those who leave, but those who let them go.
To all who have made that sacrifice, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you. You are a true hero.
Quick heads up: I'm sharing words of inspiration plus a personal turning point on Diane Wolf's blog. Check it out HERE.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)Last week we met the talented Cherie Reich and had an opportunity win her fantasy novel, REBORN. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.
2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.
3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.
The lie: #2. Cherie only changed her major three times (general studies to vocal performance to classics). If she had a chance to do it all over again, she would have majored in something else. Maybe anthology (linguistics) or something to do with computers (graphic design or websites) or history.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Tiana Smith!
Congrats, Tiana!
And now meet a story from the author of RAINERS in the Parallels anthology:
Some teens go to the Caribbean on spring break. Piper goes to save the world. Piper Dunn isn’t who you would call a normal teenager. For one thing, she doesn’t want anyone to know she was born with a blowhole. Even stranger, she has two love interests. Joel, a fellow dolphin-human hybrid, and Tyler, a human.
It’s hard to choose when a mad scientist is hot on Piper’s trail. Worse, she’s trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. And . . . wait for it . . . Angel, her test-tube daughter, is apparently a real-deal reincarnation. It all adds up to an impossible situation, with happy endings all but lost at sea. Unless, of course, a voodoo high priestess casts a spell or two . . .
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romance, 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 or a latte, and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.You might run across Sandra munching on pepper-jack sticks.
Find her on Facebook (likes appreciated) or her Blog.
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 LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS in eBook. (The first book in the series.)
You have until Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 1, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.
2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.
3. English is my second language.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you know any military families who deserve a salute? Ever heard of metaphysical nonfiction? Have you met Sandra?
May 18, 2016
How Frogs Can Inspire You
It's been a serious and busy week around here. Are you in need of a laugh as much as I am? Today's chuckles brought to you by frogs:
source
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)
Last week we met the fabulous Sylvia Ney and had an opportunity win her contemporary short story, BROKEN ANGEL. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. Sylvia almost died as an infant, but became one of the first survivors of a rare birth defect.
2. Sylvia has ghost written for Nora Roberts.
3. Sylvia has held and played with a baby lion.
The lie: #2. Sylvia WISHES this were true! While she has ghost written for others, none of them are nearly as famous as the talented Ms. Roberts aka JD Robb.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Tamara Narayan!
Congrats, Tamara!
And now meet the author of FOLDS IN LIFE AND DEATH in the Parallels anthology, Cherie Reich (and for your reading pleasure, a quick excerpt):
She grabbed a pen and wrote the magic words along the unfinished paper frog’s legs. After she creased the legs up, the frog hopped.
She smiled. The first paper magic her mother had taught her included paper frogs. The Paperist gene skipped Charlie, but their older brother George and she had the gift. George had been a Paperist in the army, but his skills didn’t save him when an enemy sniper’s bullet killed him.
Her smile faltered.
The news hadn’t reported any new information about what happened to the President and his family. The longer the world waited for an announcement, the more speculation swirled among the journalists. Allyson shared their curiosity. What was taking so long? The President should make a speech—either in front of the reporters camped out as close to the White House as possible or from a secure location. No member of the White House staff had spoken to anyone.
“Damn it, Charlie. Where are you?” She kicked out and knocked into a paper frog under her desk. “Oops, sorry.”
The frog limped.
A firm knock sounded upon the front door, followed a few seconds later by the bell ringing.
“I’m…” The coming didn’t leave her lips. She hastened to the foyer and peered out the door’s side glass. Two military men, dressed in sharp and crisp uniforms, stood outside. She understood what their arrival meant. Her family experienced the same news when the army men came about George. Her knees weakened. She opened the door and clutched the frame.
Sounds awesome, right? It is. Today Cherie is offering her fantasy novel, REBORN, to the winner of her truth and lie game:
On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess. Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.
Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.
Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Cherie Reich owns more books than she can ever read and thinks up more ideas than she can ever write, but that doesn’t stop this bookworm from trying to complete her goals, even if it means curbing her TV addiction. A library assistant living in Virginia, she writes speculative fiction. Her books include the paranormal horror collection Once upon a Nightmare and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. She is a member of the Virginia Writers Club, Valley Writers, and Untethered Realms. Visit her website at http://smarturl.it/CReichWebsite.
You might run across Cherie munching on cheddars, smoked Gouda, brie, goat cheese, feta cheese… And so many more. Recently she discovered there was such a thing as a cheese librarian. Unfortunately it requires a Masters in Library and Information Science. It’s just her luck that she's a mere library assistant and doesn’t have her MLIS.
Cherie 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 REBORN in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 35, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.
2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.
3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you a fan of frogs? Do you read fantasy or speculative fiction? Have you met Cherie?
OH! A quick heads up. I will be online LIVE and answering questions on Twitter tomorrow night at 9 p.m. EDT. Join us @ #leafypages
source
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)Last week we met the fabulous Sylvia Ney and had an opportunity win her contemporary short story, BROKEN ANGEL. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. Sylvia almost died as an infant, but became one of the first survivors of a rare birth defect.
2. Sylvia has ghost written for Nora Roberts.
3. Sylvia has held and played with a baby lion.
The lie: #2. Sylvia WISHES this were true! While she has ghost written for others, none of them are nearly as famous as the talented Ms. Roberts aka JD Robb.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Tamara Narayan!
Congrats, Tamara!
And now meet the author of FOLDS IN LIFE AND DEATH in the Parallels anthology, Cherie Reich (and for your reading pleasure, a quick excerpt):
She grabbed a pen and wrote the magic words along the unfinished paper frog’s legs. After she creased the legs up, the frog hopped.
She smiled. The first paper magic her mother had taught her included paper frogs. The Paperist gene skipped Charlie, but their older brother George and she had the gift. George had been a Paperist in the army, but his skills didn’t save him when an enemy sniper’s bullet killed him.
Her smile faltered.
The news hadn’t reported any new information about what happened to the President and his family. The longer the world waited for an announcement, the more speculation swirled among the journalists. Allyson shared their curiosity. What was taking so long? The President should make a speech—either in front of the reporters camped out as close to the White House as possible or from a secure location. No member of the White House staff had spoken to anyone.
“Damn it, Charlie. Where are you?” She kicked out and knocked into a paper frog under her desk. “Oops, sorry.”
The frog limped.
A firm knock sounded upon the front door, followed a few seconds later by the bell ringing.
“I’m…” The coming didn’t leave her lips. She hastened to the foyer and peered out the door’s side glass. Two military men, dressed in sharp and crisp uniforms, stood outside. She understood what their arrival meant. Her family experienced the same news when the army men came about George. Her knees weakened. She opened the door and clutched the frame.
Sounds awesome, right? It is. Today Cherie is offering her fantasy novel, REBORN, to the winner of her truth and lie game:
On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess. Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.
Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Cherie Reich owns more books than she can ever read and thinks up more ideas than she can ever write, but that doesn’t stop this bookworm from trying to complete her goals, even if it means curbing her TV addiction. A library assistant living in Virginia, she writes speculative fiction. Her books include the paranormal horror collection Once upon a Nightmare and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. She is a member of the Virginia Writers Club, Valley Writers, and Untethered Realms. Visit her website at http://smarturl.it/CReichWebsite.You might run across Cherie munching on cheddars, smoked Gouda, brie, goat cheese, feta cheese… And so many more. Recently she discovered there was such a thing as a cheese librarian. Unfortunately it requires a Masters in Library and Information Science. It’s just her luck that she's a mere library assistant and doesn’t have her MLIS.
Cherie 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 REBORN in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 35, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.
2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.
3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you a fan of frogs? Do you read fantasy or speculative fiction? Have you met Cherie?
OH! A quick heads up. I will be online LIVE and answering questions on Twitter tomorrow night at 9 p.m. EDT. Join us @ #leafypages
