Crystal Collier's Blog, page 8
May 11, 2016
Does Your Family Suck?
Is that a question you've ever considered?
SOURCEThe future doctors, teachers, and politicians of this world are in school, developing and growing. I often wonder what it is they're learning and who it is that's filling their minds. Is it the system? The parents? Peers? Social media?
As a mother, I'm pretty sure I think about my little ones more than myself. I agonize over their struggles. I plan for their futures. I hope and pray what we're doing for them with our limited capacity will prepare them for the life ahead and that they will become strong, kind, successful individuals. Because they know someone loves and is 100% invested in them, they will hopefully have the confidence to reach their full potential. They have someone always available to hear what's on their mind or to ask questions. I am their first source of information.
BUT.
But, but, but...
SOURCEWe live in a world where everyone thinks both parents need to hold down a 40 hr or more work week. Why? For stuff. Stuff like daycare, sports, an extra car, evening programs and activities, music lessons, etc. Add in the HOURS OF HOMEWORK, parties, events... Who is raising these children? How much time do they actually spend with their parents? How can they have a decent conversation with the people who gave them life if they never have a quiet hour together? Who is shaping their character?
Let us ask instead, "Can I do without this?" "Is this just cluttering our lives?" Sometimes less is more. In the case of children and valuable time, less is definitely more.
Let's be wise. Let's raise the future.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)
Last week we met the thrilling Hart Johnson and had an opportunity win her medical thriller, A SHOT IN THE LIGHT. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win their choice of an eBook or print copy.
The Game:
1. I began writing with Fan Fiction. In fact I wrote a Harry Potter alternative book seven prior to the release of Deathly Hallows that had such uncanny commonalities as Nagini turning into a woman, breaking into Gringotts to steal the Hufflepuff cup from a vault, and Snape's tears having magic powers that were central to the climax. I will never beat the last line of that story: “So spank me.” (Narcissa to Lucius as they finally made peace, having been estranged during the war).
2. When I was a senior in high school my best friend got a wild hair... or decided my mom was the only mom of one of her friends who could be talked into signing the permission form—one of those things—and we signed up for a skydiving lesson. We spent a full afternoon jumping off progressively higher things and rolling out of the fall so we didn't break an ankle or a leg, then we went up in a perfectly good airplane and jumped out.
3. In 2008 I had a conference in London. Through my early online interactions and writing experiences I was part of a writing group, a couple of my fellow members decided to travel at the same time so we could all meet our friend Tara who lives in Wales and we could travel a bit together after the conference, taking advantage of some of the things we had in common (mostly writing, Harry Potter, and Monty Python). The highlight of our trip was making our way to Doune Castle in Scotland and doing a few rounds of the French taunting...
The lie: #3. The conference was really in Glasgow and the Castle they did the French taunting from was Cardiff Castle in Wales.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Stephen Tremp!
Congrats, Stephen!
And now meet the author of WIN in the Parallels anthology and check out the short story she has up for grabs in the Truth or Lie game today:
Jake Martin stops to rest at Sarah's farm. Her circumstances stir up memories for Jake, and force him to consider the type of life he lives. Can he change his ways or is he permanently broken?
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Sylvia Ney is a freelance writer, editor, and speaker. She regularly contributes to newspapers, magazines, and other anthologies. Some of her recurring publications include Southeast Texas Family magazine, Houston Family magazine, Southern Writer's magazine, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Sylvia is a member of the Texas Gulf Coast Writers and the Bayou Writers Group of Louisiana.
You will find her madly munching on any cheese that comes with Mexican food.
To learn more, visit: www.sylviacney.com
Sylvia 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 Sylvia's short story in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 17, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 18, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
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.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Who do you think has the most influence on kids these days? Did you have devoted parents who spent time with you? Do you have a favorite heartwarming story? Have you met Sylvia?
SOURCEThe future doctors, teachers, and politicians of this world are in school, developing and growing. I often wonder what it is they're learning and who it is that's filling their minds. Is it the system? The parents? Peers? Social media?As a mother, I'm pretty sure I think about my little ones more than myself. I agonize over their struggles. I plan for their futures. I hope and pray what we're doing for them with our limited capacity will prepare them for the life ahead and that they will become strong, kind, successful individuals. Because they know someone loves and is 100% invested in them, they will hopefully have the confidence to reach their full potential. They have someone always available to hear what's on their mind or to ask questions. I am their first source of information.
BUT.
But, but, but...
SOURCEWe live in a world where everyone thinks both parents need to hold down a 40 hr or more work week. Why? For stuff. Stuff like daycare, sports, an extra car, evening programs and activities, music lessons, etc. Add in the HOURS OF HOMEWORK, parties, events... Who is raising these children? How much time do they actually spend with their parents? How can they have a decent conversation with the people who gave them life if they never have a quiet hour together? Who is shaping their character?Let us ask instead, "Can I do without this?" "Is this just cluttering our lives?" Sometimes less is more. In the case of children and valuable time, less is definitely more.
Let's be wise. Let's raise the future.
This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)Last week we met the thrilling Hart Johnson and had an opportunity win her medical thriller, A SHOT IN THE LIGHT. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win their choice of an eBook or print copy.
The Game:
1. I began writing with Fan Fiction. In fact I wrote a Harry Potter alternative book seven prior to the release of Deathly Hallows that had such uncanny commonalities as Nagini turning into a woman, breaking into Gringotts to steal the Hufflepuff cup from a vault, and Snape's tears having magic powers that were central to the climax. I will never beat the last line of that story: “So spank me.” (Narcissa to Lucius as they finally made peace, having been estranged during the war).
2. When I was a senior in high school my best friend got a wild hair... or decided my mom was the only mom of one of her friends who could be talked into signing the permission form—one of those things—and we signed up for a skydiving lesson. We spent a full afternoon jumping off progressively higher things and rolling out of the fall so we didn't break an ankle or a leg, then we went up in a perfectly good airplane and jumped out.
3. In 2008 I had a conference in London. Through my early online interactions and writing experiences I was part of a writing group, a couple of my fellow members decided to travel at the same time so we could all meet our friend Tara who lives in Wales and we could travel a bit together after the conference, taking advantage of some of the things we had in common (mostly writing, Harry Potter, and Monty Python). The highlight of our trip was making our way to Doune Castle in Scotland and doing a few rounds of the French taunting...
The lie: #3. The conference was really in Glasgow and the Castle they did the French taunting from was Cardiff Castle in Wales.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Stephen Tremp!
Congrats, Stephen!
And now meet the author of WIN in the Parallels anthology and check out the short story she has up for grabs in the Truth or Lie game today:
Jake Martin stops to rest at Sarah's farm. Her circumstances stir up memories for Jake, and force him to consider the type of life he lives. Can he change his ways or is he permanently broken?Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Sylvia Ney is a freelance writer, editor, and speaker. She regularly contributes to newspapers, magazines, and other anthologies. Some of her recurring publications include Southeast Texas Family magazine, Houston Family magazine, Southern Writer's magazine, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Sylvia is a member of the Texas Gulf Coast Writers and the Bayou Writers Group of Louisiana. You will find her madly munching on any cheese that comes with Mexican food.
To learn more, visit: www.sylviacney.com
Sylvia 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 Sylvia's short story in eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 17, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 18, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
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.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Who do you think has the most influence on kids these days? Did you have devoted parents who spent time with you? Do you have a favorite heartwarming story? Have you met Sylvia?
May 4, 2016
IWSG & Ten Pieces of Speculative Fiction You Don't Want to Miss
Are you excited today? I'm back!!! That's right. My vacation away from blogland is over. Shall I tell you what transpired in my corner of the world while I was away?
A little of this:
And a little of this:
And a little of this:
And some of this:
LOTS of this:
Even a touch of this:
And FINALLY this:
But not much of this:
Or at least, not as much as I'd have liked. Guess I was inspired to take that blogging break, eh?
SO on the quick and exciting end of the spectrum, yesterday was the big bad release day for
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)
I contributed THE MIRROR PEOPLE to this anthology: Jak Ralston leads an ordinary life. Home, work, church. Repeat. Unremarkable in every way, except for one. Every day Jak stares into the eyes of a serial killer.
My review of the anthology:
5 STARS Rarely have I enjoyed an anthology this much. It engaged, took me to new places, and left me pondering. With most anthologies, I find myself skimming through some stories to get to the next. Not so in this case. Each stood on its own... (Read more)
It's the crazy times in life that make us appreciate the good. I'm super grateful for the outpouring of love I've seen over the last month, and though I'm frantic about writing deadlines, I feel solid in ways too innumerable to count. With the bad comes reflection. With the bad comes perspective. With the bad, we suddenly see the good in ways we never could have imagined. Here's to taking the punches of life and learning to truly appreciate those bandaging or bandages on our bruises. Take a moment and let your bandagers know how much you appreciate them today, eh?
Now it's giveaway time! I'm going to introduce one of the authors in the Parallels anthology, a woman who ROCKS to medical thriller world.
Last month L.G. Keltner (author of FELIX WAS HERE in the anthology) shared with us SELF HELP 101, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an entire series of comedy stories.
The Game:
1. When I was 17, I got a chance to travel in Europe for three weeks. The day before I left, I got up early to run errands. Then I was too excited to fall asleep that night. Combine that with an inability to fall asleep on airplanes, landing in Rome at 10a.m., and having an entire day of activities ahead, I was awake for approximately 60 consecutive hours.
2. When I was about 12, I was playing basketball at school. I decided to make a half-court shot. Not only that, I decided to do it while facing the opposite basket. After all, I thought I stood no chance of making it either way. So I took the shot and . . . I made it. I turned just in time to see it go in. I’m sure I could never under any circumstances pull it off again.
3. In college, Jamie Kennedy (Randy from Scream, comedian, etc.) did a stand-up routine at my school. On a dare, I asked him to marry me, and he asked me how much money I had.
The lie: #3. Jamie Kennedy did perform at L.G.'s school, and she actually did ask him to marry her. However, she wasn't dared to do it. She did it because she, for some reason she cannot fathom now, thought it would be funny. And he did ask how much money she had. The answer was $10.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Christine Rains!
Congrats, Christine!
And now meet the author of THE THIRTEEN in the Parallels anthology (and one of her OTHER works, A Shot in the Light):
Sidney Knight, a freelance reporter, is at a motel on the Oregon coast. She takes a break from her writing to walk the beach and discovers hundreds of dead seagulls. She rushes back inside and calls her brother who works for the CDC. The bird flu has arrived and she wants to know what she should do. She ends saying at least she will get a flu shot, but his alarmed “No!” gives her chills.
She begins to dig into the statistics and realizes it is the deadliest flu year in many decades, what's worse, the shot seems to have increased the death toll. A Shot in the Light follows Sidney and a group of her friends as they first try to understand how this happened, then make an effort to expose those involved without getting themselves killed.
Set in an American where half the population has died, distrust is rampant and various police state efforts complicate matters, A Shot in the Light is a near future apocalypse thriller.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Hart Johnson is a social scientist by day, and plots murder and the apocalypse when the sun goes down. She has published a flu conspiracy trilogy (A Shot in the Light) and a cozy mystery series under the name Alyse Carlson. She has hopes to eventually support herself writing or take over the world, whichever works out first.
When someone tells her they are vegan, her first response is WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP CHEESE!?
Her favorite cheese is brie but she is extremely enthusiastic about many sorts. She has two buddies in her neighborhood and collectively they are the Couch to Keg team. This was originally a misheard statement by another neighbor—they were doing the Couch to 5K and he misheard them; the name stuck a lot longer than the running efforts. Now they mostly watch great TV (currently Game of Thrones and Outlander) and drink wine accompanied by some CHEESE. In the off season, they also go to the Whole Foods Wine bar and typically get a cheese tray (the Spanish tray is the best—manchego, drunken goat and one other—but always ask after the daily special first).
Find her online HERE!
Hart 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 their choice of the PRINT book (US ONLY, just the first book in the series) or the entire series via eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 10, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 11, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I began writing with Fan Fiction. In fact I wrote a Harry Potter alternative book seven prior to the release of Deathly Hallows that had such uncanny commonalities as Nagini turning into a woman, breaking into Gringotts to steal the Hufflepuff cup from a vault, and Snape's tears having magic powers that were central to the climax. I will never beat the last line of that story: “So spank me.” (Narcissa to Lucius as they finally made peace, having been estranged during the war).
2. When I was a senior in high school my best friend got a wild hair... or decided my mom was the only mom of one of her friends who could be talked into signing the permission form—one of those things—and we signed up for a skydiving lesson. We spent a full afternoon jumping off progressively higher things and rolling out of the fall so we didn't break an ankle or a leg, then we went up in a perfectly good airplane and jumped out.
3. In 2008 I had a conference in London. Through my early online interactions and writing experiences I was part of a writing group, a couple of my fellow members decided to travel at the same time so we could all meet our friend Tara who lives in Wales and we could travel a bit together after the conference, taking advantage of some of the things we had in common (mostly writing, Harry Potter, and Monty Python). The highlight of our trip was making our way to Doune Castle in Scotland and doing a few rounds of the French taunting...
So sleuths, which is the lie? How was your April? Do you have someone to thank today for being there? Do you read medical thrillers? Have you met Hart?
A little of this:
And a little of this:
And a little of this:
And some of this:
LOTS of this:
Even a touch of this:
And FINALLY this:
But not much of this:
Or at least, not as much as I'd have liked. Guess I was inspired to take that blogging break, eh?
SO on the quick and exciting end of the spectrum, yesterday was the big bad release day for
BUY NOW (Because waiting until later would just be silly.)I contributed THE MIRROR PEOPLE to this anthology: Jak Ralston leads an ordinary life. Home, work, church. Repeat. Unremarkable in every way, except for one. Every day Jak stares into the eyes of a serial killer.
My review of the anthology:
5 STARS Rarely have I enjoyed an anthology this much. It engaged, took me to new places, and left me pondering. With most anthologies, I find myself skimming through some stories to get to the next. Not so in this case. Each stood on its own... (Read more)
It's the crazy times in life that make us appreciate the good. I'm super grateful for the outpouring of love I've seen over the last month, and though I'm frantic about writing deadlines, I feel solid in ways too innumerable to count. With the bad comes reflection. With the bad comes perspective. With the bad, we suddenly see the good in ways we never could have imagined. Here's to taking the punches of life and learning to truly appreciate those bandaging or bandages on our bruises. Take a moment and let your bandagers know how much you appreciate them today, eh?
Now it's giveaway time! I'm going to introduce one of the authors in the Parallels anthology, a woman who ROCKS to medical thriller world.
Last month L.G. Keltner (author of FELIX WAS HERE in the anthology) shared with us SELF HELP 101, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an entire series of comedy stories.
The Game:
1. When I was 17, I got a chance to travel in Europe for three weeks. The day before I left, I got up early to run errands. Then I was too excited to fall asleep that night. Combine that with an inability to fall asleep on airplanes, landing in Rome at 10a.m., and having an entire day of activities ahead, I was awake for approximately 60 consecutive hours.2. When I was about 12, I was playing basketball at school. I decided to make a half-court shot. Not only that, I decided to do it while facing the opposite basket. After all, I thought I stood no chance of making it either way. So I took the shot and . . . I made it. I turned just in time to see it go in. I’m sure I could never under any circumstances pull it off again.
3. In college, Jamie Kennedy (Randy from Scream, comedian, etc.) did a stand-up routine at my school. On a dare, I asked him to marry me, and he asked me how much money I had.
The lie: #3. Jamie Kennedy did perform at L.G.'s school, and she actually did ask him to marry her. However, she wasn't dared to do it. She did it because she, for some reason she cannot fathom now, thought it would be funny. And he did ask how much money she had. The answer was $10.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Christine Rains!
Congrats, Christine!
And now meet the author of THE THIRTEEN in the Parallels anthology (and one of her OTHER works, A Shot in the Light):
Sidney Knight, a freelance reporter, is at a motel on the Oregon coast. She takes a break from her writing to walk the beach and discovers hundreds of dead seagulls. She rushes back inside and calls her brother who works for the CDC. The bird flu has arrived and she wants to know what she should do. She ends saying at least she will get a flu shot, but his alarmed “No!” gives her chills.She begins to dig into the statistics and realizes it is the deadliest flu year in many decades, what's worse, the shot seems to have increased the death toll. A Shot in the Light follows Sidney and a group of her friends as they first try to understand how this happened, then make an effort to expose those involved without getting themselves killed.
Set in an American where half the population has died, distrust is rampant and various police state efforts complicate matters, A Shot in the Light is a near future apocalypse thriller.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Hart Johnson is a social scientist by day, and plots murder and the apocalypse when the sun goes down. She has published a flu conspiracy trilogy (A Shot in the Light) and a cozy mystery series under the name Alyse Carlson. She has hopes to eventually support herself writing or take over the world, whichever works out first.When someone tells her they are vegan, her first response is WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP CHEESE!?
Her favorite cheese is brie but she is extremely enthusiastic about many sorts. She has two buddies in her neighborhood and collectively they are the Couch to Keg team. This was originally a misheard statement by another neighbor—they were doing the Couch to 5K and he misheard them; the name stuck a lot longer than the running efforts. Now they mostly watch great TV (currently Game of Thrones and Outlander) and drink wine accompanied by some CHEESE. In the off season, they also go to the Whole Foods Wine bar and typically get a cheese tray (the Spanish tray is the best—manchego, drunken goat and one other—but always ask after the daily special first).
Find her online HERE!
Hart 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 their choice of the PRINT book (US ONLY, just the first book in the series) or the entire series via eBook.
You have until Tuesday, May 10, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 11, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I began writing with Fan Fiction. In fact I wrote a Harry Potter alternative book seven prior to the release of Deathly Hallows that had such uncanny commonalities as Nagini turning into a woman, breaking into Gringotts to steal the Hufflepuff cup from a vault, and Snape's tears having magic powers that were central to the climax. I will never beat the last line of that story: “So spank me.” (Narcissa to Lucius as they finally made peace, having been estranged during the war).
2. When I was a senior in high school my best friend got a wild hair... or decided my mom was the only mom of one of her friends who could be talked into signing the permission form—one of those things—and we signed up for a skydiving lesson. We spent a full afternoon jumping off progressively higher things and rolling out of the fall so we didn't break an ankle or a leg, then we went up in a perfectly good airplane and jumped out.
3. In 2008 I had a conference in London. Through my early online interactions and writing experiences I was part of a writing group, a couple of my fellow members decided to travel at the same time so we could all meet our friend Tara who lives in Wales and we could travel a bit together after the conference, taking advantage of some of the things we had in common (mostly writing, Harry Potter, and Monty Python). The highlight of our trip was making our way to Doune Castle in Scotland and doing a few rounds of the French taunting...
So sleuths, which is the lie? How was your April? Do you have someone to thank today for being there? Do you read medical thrillers? Have you met Hart?
April 6, 2016
How Animals Can Inspire You... (IWSG)
...to laugh. Okay, so one of these isn't per say an "animal," but it's pretty amazing.
Brought to you by MaggidWEEEE!
Beware the Kung Fu master!
And you thought fishing was safe.
Can't you just hear him laughing as he runs? Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, suckers!
Yoink!(Beware, Elephants are smarter than they seem.)
I'm still kind of on break, drafting like a maniac, but I wanted to pop in and say, I hope you've laughed today. If not, find a good reason. It's when we get too serious about ourselves or life that reality crushes us. Don't be crushed. Be like the first elephant. Jump for joy.
A quick heads up, I'm participating at the Parallels Anthology blog for the A-Z Challenge, posting for C, H, and O. Pop in and say hi! I'll be back to posting weekly in May.
Now it's giveaway time!
Last month Sarah Ahiers shared with us ASSASINS HEART, 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 paperback.
The Game:
1. I came in second place in my middle school’s spelling bee when I was in 6th grade
2. I played the violin for ten years.
3. I have had a myriad of pets, including: dogs, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, horse, anoles, tree frogs, & cockatiels.
The lie: #1. Sarah has never actually entered a spelling bee.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Kai Strand!
Congrats, Kai!
And now for the next few posts I'll be doing something different. I'm so excited to be in the first ever IWSG Anthology contest that I'm going to introduce you to ALL the other authors, one week (or month) at a time. But of course they'll be giving stuff away. And playing the game.
The first one is:
Dani Finklemeier has decided to write a self-help book about how to take over the world, but she’s not sure where to start. After all, she’s only seventeen and looking for a better way to make money than babysitting. She buys a self-help book that promises to teach her how to write a self-help book in the hope of getting the job done.
Not that it’ll be easy to get any work done this holiday season. Her family is staying at the house for Christmas, and fights break out almost immediately. Dani also has to deal with the fallout from an unexpected kiss with her best friend Seth and the feelings that go along with it. On edge around her family and unsure how to interact with the one person she’s trusted with everything in the past, she can only take what inspiration she can from the crazy circumstances surrounding her and see what happens.
One way or another, it should be an interesting holiday.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
L.G. Keltner has been trying to write novels since she was six years old. She’s wanted to be many things over the years, but the dream that survived into adulthood was that of being a writer. She graduated from Drake University in 2008, but she’s still learning every day. L.G. lives in Iowa with her husband and children.
You might run across L.G. munching Pepper Jack cheese while kicking trash over a game of Monopoly.
Find her online HERE!
L.G. 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 an the ENTIRE series (not yet released) in eBook of SELF-HELP 101! (5 installments between now and February 2017.)
You have until Tuesday, May 3, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 4, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. When I was 17, I got a chance to travel in Europe for three weeks. The day before I left, I got up early to run errands. Then I was too excited to fall asleep that night. Combine that with an inability to fall asleep on airplanes, landing in Rome at 10a.m., and having an entire day of activities ahead, I was awake for approximately 60 consecutive hours.
2. When I was about 12, I was playing basketball at school. I decided to make a half-court shot. Not only that, I decided to do it while facing the opposite basket. After all, I thought I stood no chance of making it either way. So I took the shot and . . . I made it. I turned just in time to see it go in. I’m sure I could never under any circumstances pull it off again.
3. In college, Jamie Kennedy (Randy from Scream, comedian, etc.) did a stand-up routine at my school. On a dare, I asked him to marry me, and he asked me how much money I had.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you laughed today? What did you find funny recently? Do you like funny books? Have you met L.G Keltner before?
Brought to you by MaggidWEEEE!
Beware the Kung Fu master!
And you thought fishing was safe.
Can't you just hear him laughing as he runs? Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, suckers!
Yoink!(Beware, Elephants are smarter than they seem.)
I'm still kind of on break, drafting like a maniac, but I wanted to pop in and say, I hope you've laughed today. If not, find a good reason. It's when we get too serious about ourselves or life that reality crushes us. Don't be crushed. Be like the first elephant. Jump for joy.
A quick heads up, I'm participating at the Parallels Anthology blog for the A-Z Challenge, posting for C, H, and O. Pop in and say hi! I'll be back to posting weekly in May.
Now it's giveaway time!
Last month Sarah Ahiers shared with us ASSASINS HEART, 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 paperback.
The Game:
1. I came in second place in my middle school’s spelling bee when I was in 6th grade
2. I played the violin for ten years.
3. I have had a myriad of pets, including: dogs, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, horse, anoles, tree frogs, & cockatiels.
The lie: #1. Sarah has never actually entered a spelling bee.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Kai Strand!
Congrats, Kai!
And now for the next few posts I'll be doing something different. I'm so excited to be in the first ever IWSG Anthology contest that I'm going to introduce you to ALL the other authors, one week (or month) at a time. But of course they'll be giving stuff away. And playing the game.
The first one is:
Dani Finklemeier has decided to write a self-help book about how to take over the world, but she’s not sure where to start. After all, she’s only seventeen and looking for a better way to make money than babysitting. She buys a self-help book that promises to teach her how to write a self-help book in the hope of getting the job done.Not that it’ll be easy to get any work done this holiday season. Her family is staying at the house for Christmas, and fights break out almost immediately. Dani also has to deal with the fallout from an unexpected kiss with her best friend Seth and the feelings that go along with it. On edge around her family and unsure how to interact with the one person she’s trusted with everything in the past, she can only take what inspiration she can from the crazy circumstances surrounding her and see what happens.
One way or another, it should be an interesting holiday.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
L.G. Keltner has been trying to write novels since she was six years old. She’s wanted to be many things over the years, but the dream that survived into adulthood was that of being a writer. She graduated from Drake University in 2008, but she’s still learning every day. L.G. lives in Iowa with her husband and children.You might run across L.G. munching Pepper Jack cheese while kicking trash over a game of Monopoly.
Find her online HERE!
L.G. 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 an the ENTIRE series (not yet released) in eBook of SELF-HELP 101! (5 installments between now and February 2017.)
You have until Tuesday, May 3, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on May 4, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. When I was 17, I got a chance to travel in Europe for three weeks. The day before I left, I got up early to run errands. Then I was too excited to fall asleep that night. Combine that with an inability to fall asleep on airplanes, landing in Rome at 10a.m., and having an entire day of activities ahead, I was awake for approximately 60 consecutive hours.
2. When I was about 12, I was playing basketball at school. I decided to make a half-court shot. Not only that, I decided to do it while facing the opposite basket. After all, I thought I stood no chance of making it either way. So I took the shot and . . . I made it. I turned just in time to see it go in. I’m sure I could never under any circumstances pull it off again.
3. In college, Jamie Kennedy (Randy from Scream, comedian, etc.) did a stand-up routine at my school. On a dare, I asked him to marry me, and he asked me how much money I had.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you laughed today? What did you find funny recently? Do you like funny books? Have you met L.G Keltner before?
March 2, 2016
Shocking Facts about Time & IWSG
Do you ever think about time?
I write a series about time manipulation, so it's kinda par for the course, but lately I've been thinking about real time--and not just in a day, in a lifetime.
The average American spends:
26 years sleeping
11 years watching TV
10.3 years working
8 years shopping (for women)
5 years browsing online
4.3 years driving a car
4 years on the phone
3.66 years eating
2.5 years cooking
1.5 years in the bathroom
1.1 years cleaning
That's a whopping 77.36 years!
An article my brother sent got me thinking even more--one about actual time spent on relationships. It's super fascinating and you can find it HERE, but let me sum up some shocking facts:In the first 18 years of your life, you've probably spent 90% of the time you will with your parents. For someone in their mid-30's, that leaves only about 300 more days with parents if they live to 90 years. The statistic is similar for siblings--leaving that number closer to 85% after leaving home. Trickle that down to other relatives, close friends, etc, and you begin to see how precious a few hours may be.
And that's why...
I spend an average of 10 to 12 hours a week on blogging. ("WHAT?!?" you say, "But you only post once a week!") It's true. I only post once a week. So how does that work?
I spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour a week communicating with author's I'll feature, people who win prizes, calendaring, etc.about 1/2 to 1.5 hrs researching material to share and writing posts 30 minutes prepping tweets to get the word out and an average of 8 hours visiting blogsThat 10 to 12 hours doesn't even include time to reply to the comments on my blog!
That's 10 to 12 CONSCIOUS hours a week I don't spend playing with/teaching my children, or writing. (Both of which are my priorities right now--especially the children when considering the above stats.)
And here's what it boils down to: I'm going to drop back to blogging once a month for March and April. (Hoping that will get me through deep edits on TIMELESS.) There will still be giveaways. There will still be fun. There will still be cheese. There will also be some crazy editing happening here, around the crazy crazy of my wonderful family.
How are you spending your time?
Now how about a giveaway?
Last week Anna Soliveres shared with us CRIMSON EARTH, 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 VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH in eBook.
The Game:
1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.
The lie: #2. Although Anna was inspired by Momma Mia, she went to Greece shucking off any ideas of romance, in favor of a grander adventure: finding her next story.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Julia!
Congrats, Julia!
And now for this week's feature...
In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.
With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Sarah Ahiers has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and lives in Minnesota with three dogs and a house full of critters. She has a collection of steampunk hats and when she’s not writing she fills her time with good games, good food, good friends and good family.Sarah writes Young Adult and Middle Grade novels and occasionally dabbles in Picture Books. Fantasy is her favorite genre, though she sometimes can be found playing around with Horror and other things that go bump in the night.
You might find her munching on a parmesan/gouda hybrid like A Dutch Hybrid Vincent, or a great cheddar like Kerrygold’s Skellig (which is a sweet cheddar), or having a meat, cheese and cracker tray for lunch.
Find Sarah online HERE!
Sarah 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 an print edition of ASSASSINS HEART! (U.S. Only)
You have until Tuesday, April 5, at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 6, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I came in second place in my middle school’s spelling bee when I was in 6th grade
2. I played the violin for ten years.
3. I have had a myriad of pets, including: dogs, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, horse, anoles, tree frogs, & cockatiels.
So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Where do you think most of your time goes in a week? A month? Did you find any of these stats shocking? What do you wish you could spend more time doing?
February 24, 2016
Exclusive News: Timeless & Crimson Earth
Have you ever had news you wanted to scream about but didn't dare whisper?
I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...
It's not done.
What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.
*laughs*
In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.
BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.
And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.
I felt strangely empty.
And complete.
Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.
I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall .
Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?
Now it's giveaway time!
I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.
Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.
In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.
Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.
Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. As with all writer's, she is an avid reader. You'll likely find Anna lost behind a novel or nonfiction work. If she's not reading, she's probably binge-watching a series on Netflix or Amazon, in search of inspiration, taking her imagination beyond words and into the realm of visual storytelling. She grew up (or rather, remained forever ensnared) in the world of anime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and all things with "Super" or "Hero" in the title. Her debut novel, VIOLET STORM released March 2014. To learn more, please visit her at www.annasoliveres.com.
Anna 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 an eBook of VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 2, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.
So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Have you procrastinated to enjoy something longer? Are you as excited as I am about Timeless? Have you seen Anna's books? Picked one up? (You should. You really should.)
I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...
It's not done.
What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.
*laughs*
In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.
BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.
And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.I felt strangely empty.
And complete.
Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.
I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall .
Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?
Now it's giveaway time!I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.
Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.
Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.
Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. As with all writer's, she is an avid reader. You'll likely find Anna lost behind a novel or nonfiction work. If she's not reading, she's probably binge-watching a series on Netflix or Amazon, in search of inspiration, taking her imagination beyond words and into the realm of visual storytelling. She grew up (or rather, remained forever ensnared) in the world of anime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and all things with "Super" or "Hero" in the title. Her debut novel, VIOLET STORM released March 2014. To learn more, please visit her at www.annasoliveres.com. Anna 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 an eBook of VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 2, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.
So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Have you procrastinated to enjoy something longer? Are you as excited as I am about Timeless? Have you seen Anna's books? Picked one up? (You should. You really should.)
February 17, 2016
Love or Hate Anthologies?
Do you like short stories?
When it comes to writers, it seems like they either go long, or go short. It's rare you have someone who's mastered the art of the short story and the full length novel.
I was always a long distance writer, but could totally appreciate the short story. About 8 years ago I was introduced to flash fiction. (Stories that are 100 to 1000 words long--a paragraph to 2.5 pages.) I was fascinated. It was also my gateway drug to the short story realm.
Fast forward a bit... This year I'm contributing to my 7th and 8th anthologies--one of which I'm super excited to introduce today! (Click on the BOOKS to see the other publications.)
Anthology #7 is one most of you have probably seen about the interwebs, but if not, here it is:
The competition was stiff to get into this anthology, and only 10 pieces were accepted. We (the 10 authors) have started a blog all about the awesomeness of speculative fiction. (Check it out!) We'll be participating in the A to Z Challenge there and may just blow your mind. (In a good way.)
For fun, I thought I'd share a teaser here today from my contribution:
The Mirror PeopleWe think no one is watching behind closed doors, but what if they are? Meet the Mirror People.
Excerpt:
Every day I look into the eyes of a stone-cold killer. Sometimes he’s straightening his tux bowtie before a fancy shin-dig. Sometimes he’s grinning madly while brandishing a knife. Sometimes he’s spattered in blood.
The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.
I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.
He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.
I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...
Coming May 3, 2016
Preorder HERE
Now let's award a WINNER!
Last week Alysia S. Knight shared with us AURORA RISING, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook AND a super cool bookmark.
The Game:
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.
The lie: #3. Alysia likes hiking but prefers warm weather--and she doesn't want to hike anything that steep.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Christine Rains!
Congrats, Christine!
And that's it for this week. There will be another fun Truth or Lie game next week for super cool prizes. Go check out the Parellels blog eh? Or order yourself an awesome anthology.
Do you read short stories? When was the last time you read an anthology?
When it comes to writers, it seems like they either go long, or go short. It's rare you have someone who's mastered the art of the short story and the full length novel.
I was always a long distance writer, but could totally appreciate the short story. About 8 years ago I was introduced to flash fiction. (Stories that are 100 to 1000 words long--a paragraph to 2.5 pages.) I was fascinated. It was also my gateway drug to the short story realm.
Fast forward a bit... This year I'm contributing to my 7th and 8th anthologies--one of which I'm super excited to introduce today! (Click on the BOOKS to see the other publications.)
Anthology #7 is one most of you have probably seen about the interwebs, but if not, here it is:
The competition was stiff to get into this anthology, and only 10 pieces were accepted. We (the 10 authors) have started a blog all about the awesomeness of speculative fiction. (Check it out!) We'll be participating in the A to Z Challenge there and may just blow your mind. (In a good way.)
For fun, I thought I'd share a teaser here today from my contribution:
The Mirror PeopleWe think no one is watching behind closed doors, but what if they are? Meet the Mirror People.
Excerpt:
Every day I look into the eyes of a stone-cold killer. Sometimes he’s straightening his tux bowtie before a fancy shin-dig. Sometimes he’s grinning madly while brandishing a knife. Sometimes he’s spattered in blood.
The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.
I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.
He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.
I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...
Coming May 3, 2016
Preorder HERE
Now let's award a WINNER!Last week Alysia S. Knight shared with us AURORA RISING, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook AND a super cool bookmark.
The Game:
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.
The lie: #3. Alysia likes hiking but prefers warm weather--and she doesn't want to hike anything that steep.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Christine Rains!
Congrats, Christine!
And that's it for this week. There will be another fun Truth or Lie game next week for super cool prizes. Go check out the Parellels blog eh? Or order yourself an awesome anthology.
Do you read short stories? When was the last time you read an anthology?
February 10, 2016
Funny, Deadly Love, and Alternate Realities
So, Valentines Day. Do you hate it? Do you love it?
Allow me to make it a little more loveable for you:
Source
Source
Source
(Replace that with cheese and I'm all over it.)
Source Now how about a giveaway?
Last week R.W. Hert shared with us DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
The lie: #3. My brothers did dig a twenty foot hole in our back yard, but they didn’t bury me in that one. Instead they dug another hole, (one I could climb out of), convinced me to climb in, put boards over the top and covered it in dirt, then left me behind. After a while I realized they’d run off and unburied myself. Guess that makes me a vampire!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Diedre Knight!
Congrats, Diedre!
And now for this week's feature...
In a world where everyone has talents, every child is tested at puberty, carefully screened to help guide them into the field that would coincide with their natural strength and interest. Degrees of talents normally range from low to average, but every once in a while one will spike off the charts, these special few usually become Guardians, protectors of the people.
For nearly two centuries guardians protected from natural disasters, accidents and when someone turn evil. Now guardians face their strongest foe, a guardian strength talent that is gathering a force of other strong corrupt talents to help him wipe out the governing council and the guardians so they can take over the world, turning it into a place where the strongest talents rule and the weaker would be subjected to serve them.
Aurora Rising takes you into the future and off Earth. Aurora Straye is thrust into the role of being the protector she was born to be and has to stop a man of immense power who would enslave everyone to feed his ego.
Taking her place as a guardian also lines Aurora up with the man she’s destined to love forever – if they can survive.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
I grew up in a small town in Wyoming loving the outdoors, sports, art, and reading Hardy Boys books. After reading them all at least a half dozen times, I started writing my own stories.
Thirty years ago I married a wonderful, honorable man. I’m mother of five children and grandmother of six boys. I love traveling. Through my husband’s work and vacations, I have visited much of the United States, all over Eastern Europe, Canada, Mexico, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia, giving me many intriguing locations and experiences for my stories.
I am a storyteller. I write the classic hero story because I think there’s a need for more heroes, love, and adventure in our lives. I’m not out to change the world with my writing; I’m just hoping to make your day a little better.
Hope you enjoy.
Alysia S. Knight
Alysia 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 an eBook of AURORA RISING (Open Internationally) and a FANCY bookmark for U.S. residents only.
You have until Tuesday, February 16 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 17.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.
3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.
So sleuths, which is the lie? What's the funniest Valentine you've ever seen? Do you celebrate this holiday? Do you like stories about alternate realities or star-crossed lovers?
Allow me to make it a little more loveable for you:
Source
Source
Source(Replace that with cheese and I'm all over it.)
Source Now how about a giveaway?Last week R.W. Hert shared with us DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.
The Game:
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
The lie: #3. My brothers did dig a twenty foot hole in our back yard, but they didn’t bury me in that one. Instead they dug another hole, (one I could climb out of), convinced me to climb in, put boards over the top and covered it in dirt, then left me behind. After a while I realized they’d run off and unburied myself. Guess that makes me a vampire!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Diedre Knight!
Congrats, Diedre!
And now for this week's feature...
In a world where everyone has talents, every child is tested at puberty, carefully screened to help guide them into the field that would coincide with their natural strength and interest. Degrees of talents normally range from low to average, but every once in a while one will spike off the charts, these special few usually become Guardians, protectors of the people.For nearly two centuries guardians protected from natural disasters, accidents and when someone turn evil. Now guardians face their strongest foe, a guardian strength talent that is gathering a force of other strong corrupt talents to help him wipe out the governing council and the guardians so they can take over the world, turning it into a place where the strongest talents rule and the weaker would be subjected to serve them.
Aurora Rising takes you into the future and off Earth. Aurora Straye is thrust into the role of being the protector she was born to be and has to stop a man of immense power who would enslave everyone to feed his ego.
Taking her place as a guardian also lines Aurora up with the man she’s destined to love forever – if they can survive.
Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
I grew up in a small town in Wyoming loving the outdoors, sports, art, and reading Hardy Boys books. After reading them all at least a half dozen times, I started writing my own stories.Thirty years ago I married a wonderful, honorable man. I’m mother of five children and grandmother of six boys. I love traveling. Through my husband’s work and vacations, I have visited much of the United States, all over Eastern Europe, Canada, Mexico, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia, giving me many intriguing locations and experiences for my stories.
I am a storyteller. I write the classic hero story because I think there’s a need for more heroes, love, and adventure in our lives. I’m not out to change the world with my writing; I’m just hoping to make your day a little better.
Hope you enjoy.
Alysia S. Knight
Alysia 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 an eBook of AURORA RISING (Open Internationally) and a FANCY bookmark for U.S. residents only.
You have until Tuesday, February 16 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 17.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.
3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.
So sleuths, which is the lie? What's the funniest Valentine you've ever seen? Do you celebrate this holiday? Do you like stories about alternate realities or star-crossed lovers?
February 3, 2016
Valentines, Dragons, and Ninja's, Oh My! (Plus IWSG)
Would you like a chance to win MY BOOKS? (The Maiden of Time trilogy?) Keep reading...
From Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out and Guilie Castilol-Oriard at A Quiet Laughter, and co-hosted by Elizabeth Seckman, Yolanda Renee, Denise Covey. and Alex J. Cavanaugh.
My contribution:
NEVER LOST
I can't do thisechoes loudlyover the petulant staresand hungry faceswaiting to be fedmy anguish.
I stand straightsmile plastered and crackingchasing a single breathblinded to the crowd bya well of loss.
For he lies in that casketnow closedto open at some distant date.Long, long in the future.
Did I know him at all?Well enough?Or is he a stranger?
His world so distant.So dignified.
Farther than I could reach.
Though reach I did,a child cooing for his pleasurea girl trusting his grasp while treading ripplesa young woman handing greasy tools beneath an elevated vana daughter locked behind a piano to produce an adequate eulogy of love.
The song that waitstrapped by four bloated words:I can't do this.
But he is not gone.He is listeningchampioning his little girl, though unseen.
My throat opens.I sing for him.
And though I cannot see him,
I am wrapped in his love.
In my home, Valentines Day is a family holiday. My husband buys/makes gifts for each of his kids and they wake up that morning to a daddy surprise. My father did similar things--surprises. That's one aspect I remember him best for. He passed away in 2004, and though I sometimes speculate about what life would be like if he were physically present, I can attest that he is not far. Those who pass on are closer than we think.
Find the rest of the hop HERE.
As far as IWSG, this is it this month, folks! Emotion is what drives powerful writing--the good, the bad, etc. What emotion are you experiencing right now, and how can you use it to better your writing?
Now how about a giveaway? (One that's a little lighter hearted?)
Last week Rena Rocford shared with us ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an ebook.
The Game:
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.
2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
The lie: #1. And by way of fun, Rena said: I did see the Hope up close and personal. They had it out of its setting for a documentary to see if it could have been cut from the Cul de Mar, but I didn't wear it. No one wears it. My adviser held it, but I didn't have the nerve. So, there I am, standing inside a vault, inside a vault and they're passing around the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond. My brain leaked. Then, I was looking around and there was a diamond necklace. At first, I thought it was a fake. Then I thought about how I had to walk past two armed guards to get into that room. Every gaudy, shiny bit of of everything in the room that had looked like a cheap tourist attraction suddenly looked VERY different. There was a solid gold statue of a camel with crushed rubies mixed into epoxy to color the blankets. The diamond necklace in the box with silk could only be real diamonds. I pointed it out. The guy said "Oh yeah, that's the necklace Napoleon gave to Marie. That's the package he gave it to her in." This necklace. And I held it--in the same package Napoleon held.
Interesting side notes about the truths:
I had the matched black pearls made into a pair of earrings. I wear them when I need some extra luck. I'm suspicious that all the luck is worn out of them with that spectacular origin story, or they are wiser than I am and realize I haven't really needed their luck just yet.
As for the guy who dived into my field trip, he was just launching his parasailer. It hadn't caught the wind yet (it wasn't the best launch). I saw something out of the corner of my eye and slammed on the breaks. The parasailer fell onto the van, dragged his bottom across the windshield, tweaked the antennae and flew away.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melton-Butcher!
Congrats, Hilary!
And now for this week's feature... A ninja/demon fusion...
For as long as sixteen-year-old Zade can remember he’s dealt with the thing locked inside, another soul that can use his body...if he lets it.
As long as he stays away from the nearby villagers, he can control the soul’s strange powers—and its hunger—powers he needs to keep the encroaching creatures of the nether realm from finding the demon gate and destroying the valley where he lives.
But when Zade saves a village girl from monstrous wolves, he loses the one tool that aids his control: the villagers’ fear of him.
Now they won't leave him alone and his darker side is getting stronger—a side hungry for blood, and it doesn’t care if that blood is demonic or human.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
R. W. Hert spent her childhood dreaming of fairies and dragons, large battles filled with magic, and the impossible coming true. Books were a portal that allowed her to visit the impossible and believe in the unlikely. Today she uses those dreams to create worlds that others can travel through and enjoy. Today she lives in Utah with her husband and three kids.
She really like Asiago cheese and Swiss. You might run across her munching some while curled up on the couch watching a movie.
R.W. 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 an eBook of DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, February 9 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 10.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
ALSO, you have a chance to WIN MY BOOKS, along with R.W. Hert's. (My books are the 7th prize--see the dots below the prize announcement? Yup. A paperback of Soulless for US residents or eBook of MOONLESS and SOULLESS.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you missing someone this Valentines season? Do you like ninjas? How about demon stories?
From Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out and Guilie Castilol-Oriard at A Quiet Laughter, and co-hosted by Elizabeth Seckman, Yolanda Renee, Denise Covey. and Alex J. Cavanaugh.
My contribution:
NEVER LOST
I can't do thisechoes loudlyover the petulant staresand hungry faceswaiting to be fedmy anguish.
I stand straightsmile plastered and crackingchasing a single breathblinded to the crowd bya well of loss.
For he lies in that casketnow closedto open at some distant date.Long, long in the future.
Did I know him at all?Well enough?Or is he a stranger?
His world so distant.So dignified.
Farther than I could reach.
Though reach I did,a child cooing for his pleasurea girl trusting his grasp while treading ripplesa young woman handing greasy tools beneath an elevated vana daughter locked behind a piano to produce an adequate eulogy of love.
The song that waitstrapped by four bloated words:I can't do this.
But he is not gone.He is listeningchampioning his little girl, though unseen.
My throat opens.I sing for him.
And though I cannot see him,
I am wrapped in his love.
In my home, Valentines Day is a family holiday. My husband buys/makes gifts for each of his kids and they wake up that morning to a daddy surprise. My father did similar things--surprises. That's one aspect I remember him best for. He passed away in 2004, and though I sometimes speculate about what life would be like if he were physically present, I can attest that he is not far. Those who pass on are closer than we think.
Find the rest of the hop HERE.
As far as IWSG, this is it this month, folks! Emotion is what drives powerful writing--the good, the bad, etc. What emotion are you experiencing right now, and how can you use it to better your writing?
Now how about a giveaway? (One that's a little lighter hearted?)Last week Rena Rocford shared with us ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an ebook.
The Game:
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
The lie: #1. And by way of fun, Rena said: I did see the Hope up close and personal. They had it out of its setting for a documentary to see if it could have been cut from the Cul de Mar, but I didn't wear it. No one wears it. My adviser held it, but I didn't have the nerve. So, there I am, standing inside a vault, inside a vault and they're passing around the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond. My brain leaked. Then, I was looking around and there was a diamond necklace. At first, I thought it was a fake. Then I thought about how I had to walk past two armed guards to get into that room. Every gaudy, shiny bit of of everything in the room that had looked like a cheap tourist attraction suddenly looked VERY different. There was a solid gold statue of a camel with crushed rubies mixed into epoxy to color the blankets. The diamond necklace in the box with silk could only be real diamonds. I pointed it out. The guy said "Oh yeah, that's the necklace Napoleon gave to Marie. That's the package he gave it to her in." This necklace. And I held it--in the same package Napoleon held.
Interesting side notes about the truths:
I had the matched black pearls made into a pair of earrings. I wear them when I need some extra luck. I'm suspicious that all the luck is worn out of them with that spectacular origin story, or they are wiser than I am and realize I haven't really needed their luck just yet.
As for the guy who dived into my field trip, he was just launching his parasailer. It hadn't caught the wind yet (it wasn't the best launch). I saw something out of the corner of my eye and slammed on the breaks. The parasailer fell onto the van, dragged his bottom across the windshield, tweaked the antennae and flew away.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melton-Butcher!
Congrats, Hilary!
And now for this week's feature... A ninja/demon fusion...
For as long as sixteen-year-old Zade can remember he’s dealt with the thing locked inside, another soul that can use his body...if he lets it. As long as he stays away from the nearby villagers, he can control the soul’s strange powers—and its hunger—powers he needs to keep the encroaching creatures of the nether realm from finding the demon gate and destroying the valley where he lives.
But when Zade saves a village girl from monstrous wolves, he loses the one tool that aids his control: the villagers’ fear of him.
Now they won't leave him alone and his darker side is getting stronger—a side hungry for blood, and it doesn’t care if that blood is demonic or human.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
R. W. Hert spent her childhood dreaming of fairies and dragons, large battles filled with magic, and the impossible coming true. Books were a portal that allowed her to visit the impossible and believe in the unlikely. Today she uses those dreams to create worlds that others can travel through and enjoy. Today she lives in Utah with her husband and three kids.She really like Asiago cheese and Swiss. You might run across her munching some while curled up on the couch watching a movie.
R.W. 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 an eBook of DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, February 9 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 10.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
ALSO, you have a chance to WIN MY BOOKS, along with R.W. Hert's. (My books are the 7th prize--see the dots below the prize announcement? Yup. A paperback of Soulless for US residents or eBook of MOONLESS and SOULLESS.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you missing someone this Valentines season? Do you like ninjas? How about demon stories?
February 1, 2016
Valentines, Dragons, and Ninja's, Oh My!
Would you like a chance to win MY BOOKS? (The Maiden of Time trilogy?) Keep reading...
From Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out and Guilie Castilol-Oriard at A Quiet Laughter, and co-hosted by Elizabeth Seckman, Yolanda Renee, Denise Covey. and Alex J. Cavanaugh.
My contribution:
NEVER LOST
I can't do thisechoes loudlyover the petulant staresand hungry faceswaiting to be fedmy anguish.
I stand straightsmile plastered and crackingchasing a single breathblinded to the crowd bya well of loss.
For he lies in that casketnow closedto open at some distant date.Long, long in the future.
Did I know him at all?Well enough?Or is he a stranger?
His world so distant.So dignified.
Farther than I could reach.
Though reach I did,a child cooing for his pleasurea girl trusting his grasp while treading ripplesa young woman handing greasy tools beneath an elevated vana daughter locked behind a piano to produce an adequate eulogy of love.
The song that waitstrapped by four bloated words:I can't do this.
But he is not gone.He is listeningchampioning his little girl, though unseen.
My throat opens.I sing for him.
And though I cannot see him,
I am wrapped in his love.
In my home, Valentines Day is a family holiday. My husband buys/makes gifts for each of his kids and they wake up that morning to a daddy surprise. My father did similar things--surprises. That's one aspect I remember him best for. He passed away in 2004, and though I sometimes speculate about what life would be like if he were physically present, I can attest that he is not far. Those who pass on are closer than we think.
Find the rest of the hop HERE.
As far as IWSG, this is it this month, folks! Emotion is what drives powerful writing--the good, the bad, etc. What emotion are you experiencing right now, and how can you use it to better your writing?
Now how about a giveaway? (One that's a little lighter hearted?)
Last week Rena Rocford shared with us ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an ebook.
The Game:
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.
2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
The lie: #1. And by way of fun, Rena said: I did see the Hope up close and personal. They had it out of its setting for a documentary to see if it could have been cut from the Cul de Mar, but I didn't wear it. No one wears it. My adviser held it, but I didn't have the nerve. So, there I am, standing inside a vault, inside a vault and they're passing around the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond. My brain leaked. Then, I was looking around and there was a diamond necklace. At first, I thought it was a fake. Then I thought about how I had to walk past two armed guards to get into that room. Every gaudy, shiny bit of of everything in the room that had looked like a cheap tourist attraction suddenly looked VERY different. There was a solid gold statue of a camel with crushed rubies mixed into epoxy to color the blankets. The diamond necklace in the box with silk could only be real diamonds. I pointed it out. The guy said "Oh yeah, that's the necklace Napoleon gave to Marie. That's the package he gave it to her in." This necklace. And I held it--in the same package Napoleon held.
Interesting side notes about the truths:
I had the matched black pearls made into a pair of earrings. I wear them when I need some extra luck. I'm suspicious that all the luck is worn out of them with that spectacular origin story, or they are wiser than I am and realize I haven't really needed their luck just yet.
As for the guy who dived into my field trip, he was just launching his parasailer. It hadn't caught the wind yet (it wasn't the best launch). I saw something out of the corner of my eye and slammed on the breaks. The parasailer fell onto the van, dragged his bottom across the windshield, tweaked the antennae and flew away.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melton-Butcher!
Congrats, Hilary!
And now for this week's feature... A ninja/demon fusion...
For as long as sixteen-year-old Zade can remember he’s dealt with the thing locked inside, another soul that can use his body...if he lets it.
As long as he stays away from the nearby villagers, he can control the soul’s strange powers—and its hunger—powers he needs to keep the encroaching creatures of the nether realm from finding the demon gate and destroying the valley where he lives.
But when Zade saves a village girl from monstrous wolves, he loses the one tool that aids his control: the villagers’ fear of him.
Now they won't leave him alone and his darker side is getting stronger—a side hungry for blood, and it doesn’t care if that blood is demonic or human.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
R. W. Hert spent her childhood dreaming of fairies and dragons, large battles filled with magic, and the impossible coming true. Books were a portal that allowed her to visit the impossible and believe in the unlikely. Today she uses those dreams to create worlds that others can travel through and enjoy. Today she lives in Utah with her husband and three kids.
She really like Asiago cheese and Swiss. You might run across her munching some while curled up on the couch watching a movie.
R.W. 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 an eBook of DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, February 9 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 10.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
ALSO, you have a chance to WIN MY BOOKS, along with R.W. Hert's. (My books are the 7th prize--see the dots below the prize announcement? Yup. A paperback of Soulless for US residents or eBook of MOONLESS and SOULLESS.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you missing someone this Valentines season? Do you like ninjas? How about demon stories?
From Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out and Guilie Castilol-Oriard at A Quiet Laughter, and co-hosted by Elizabeth Seckman, Yolanda Renee, Denise Covey. and Alex J. Cavanaugh.
My contribution:
NEVER LOST
I can't do thisechoes loudlyover the petulant staresand hungry faceswaiting to be fedmy anguish.
I stand straightsmile plastered and crackingchasing a single breathblinded to the crowd bya well of loss.
For he lies in that casketnow closedto open at some distant date.Long, long in the future.
Did I know him at all?Well enough?Or is he a stranger?
His world so distant.So dignified.
Farther than I could reach.
Though reach I did,a child cooing for his pleasurea girl trusting his grasp while treading ripplesa young woman handing greasy tools beneath an elevated vana daughter locked behind a piano to produce an adequate eulogy of love.
The song that waitstrapped by four bloated words:I can't do this.
But he is not gone.He is listeningchampioning his little girl, though unseen.
My throat opens.I sing for him.
And though I cannot see him,
I am wrapped in his love.
In my home, Valentines Day is a family holiday. My husband buys/makes gifts for each of his kids and they wake up that morning to a daddy surprise. My father did similar things--surprises. That's one aspect I remember him best for. He passed away in 2004, and though I sometimes speculate about what life would be like if he were physically present, I can attest that he is not far. Those who pass on are closer than we think.
Find the rest of the hop HERE.
As far as IWSG, this is it this month, folks! Emotion is what drives powerful writing--the good, the bad, etc. What emotion are you experiencing right now, and how can you use it to better your writing?
Now how about a giveaway? (One that's a little lighter hearted?)Last week Rena Rocford shared with us ACNE, ASTHMA, AND OTHER SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE HALF DRAGON, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an ebook.
The Game:
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
The lie: #1. And by way of fun, Rena said: I did see the Hope up close and personal. They had it out of its setting for a documentary to see if it could have been cut from the Cul de Mar, but I didn't wear it. No one wears it. My adviser held it, but I didn't have the nerve. So, there I am, standing inside a vault, inside a vault and they're passing around the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond. My brain leaked. Then, I was looking around and there was a diamond necklace. At first, I thought it was a fake. Then I thought about how I had to walk past two armed guards to get into that room. Every gaudy, shiny bit of of everything in the room that had looked like a cheap tourist attraction suddenly looked VERY different. There was a solid gold statue of a camel with crushed rubies mixed into epoxy to color the blankets. The diamond necklace in the box with silk could only be real diamonds. I pointed it out. The guy said "Oh yeah, that's the necklace Napoleon gave to Marie. That's the package he gave it to her in." This necklace. And I held it--in the same package Napoleon held.
Interesting side notes about the truths:
I had the matched black pearls made into a pair of earrings. I wear them when I need some extra luck. I'm suspicious that all the luck is worn out of them with that spectacular origin story, or they are wiser than I am and realize I haven't really needed their luck just yet.
As for the guy who dived into my field trip, he was just launching his parasailer. It hadn't caught the wind yet (it wasn't the best launch). I saw something out of the corner of my eye and slammed on the breaks. The parasailer fell onto the van, dragged his bottom across the windshield, tweaked the antennae and flew away.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melton-Butcher!
Congrats, Hilary!
And now for this week's feature... A ninja/demon fusion...
For as long as sixteen-year-old Zade can remember he’s dealt with the thing locked inside, another soul that can use his body...if he lets it. As long as he stays away from the nearby villagers, he can control the soul’s strange powers—and its hunger—powers he needs to keep the encroaching creatures of the nether realm from finding the demon gate and destroying the valley where he lives.
But when Zade saves a village girl from monstrous wolves, he loses the one tool that aids his control: the villagers’ fear of him.
Now they won't leave him alone and his darker side is getting stronger—a side hungry for blood, and it doesn’t care if that blood is demonic or human.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
R. W. Hert spent her childhood dreaming of fairies and dragons, large battles filled with magic, and the impossible coming true. Books were a portal that allowed her to visit the impossible and believe in the unlikely. Today she uses those dreams to create worlds that others can travel through and enjoy. Today she lives in Utah with her husband and three kids.She really like Asiago cheese and Swiss. You might run across her munching some while curled up on the couch watching a movie.
R.W. 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 an eBook of DAEMARKIN, DEMON'S VOW! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, February 9 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 10.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I climbed a waterfall barefoot and when I reached the top gorged myself on wild raspberries. Best raspberries I’ve ever had (and the most awesome climb I’ve ever done). 2. I ran over a mile in under 4 minutes because I thought I was being chased by a mountain lion. 3. I was dropped down a twenty foot hole and left to get out on my own.
ALSO, you have a chance to WIN MY BOOKS, along with R.W. Hert's. (My books are the 7th prize--see the dots below the prize announcement? Yup. A paperback of Soulless for US residents or eBook of MOONLESS and SOULLESS.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you missing someone this Valentines season? Do you like ninjas? How about demon stories?
January 27, 2016
Top 10 Dragon Movies...and a Book...with Cheese
Are you a fantasy fan?
I grew up on dragons, unicorns, and elves. They lived in my head and danced across the pages I read or drew. They fed my imagination and kept me from dwelling on the sour, depressing, or down moments of life. Ten of the best dragons movies ever in no particular order (most of which you've probably not heard about):
And because we need a little cheese...
Source
Source
Source Now how about a DRAGON giveaway?
Last week Anna Simpson shared with us WHITE LIGHT, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win signed bookmarks and a charm bracelet.
The Game:
1. I had over 50,000 movies on videotape in my basement. Due to mold and obsolete equipment, my wife and I recently rented a huge dumpster just to haul the tapes away.
2. Fifteen years ago I was in an alternative/rock/country-funk/performance art/comedy band. I wore pajamas and slippers for every show. My character was a sort of demented hillbilly who toted around a saxophone, but rarely played it.
3. I have webbed toes. But it's a bonus, because in high school gym, I was a championship swimmer. Shoes are hard to fit, though. I have to have them special ordered from WebsRUs.
The lie: #3.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
S.P. Bowers!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Allyson fights acne, not trolls. As an inhaler-carrying member of the asthma society, she just wants to meet the father who turned her mother into a paranoid, move-across-the-nation freak. Now she’s trying to fit in at yet another school, but for the first time in her life, she has a best friend, Beth. When Allyson accidentally spits fire at kidnappers in the mall, she realizes why her father isn’t in the picture: she’s half dragon. Her acne? Emerging scales. Her asthma? The side effects of her dragon's fire breath. Instead of freaking out, unflappable Beth reveals her own troll heritage and explains how things work with the supernatural creatures hiding within the modern world of smartphones and skyscrapers.
When trolls kidnap a unicorn, Beth gets blamed. Allyson is determined to prove Beth’s innocence and keep her friend off the unicorn chopping block. When they start looking for the kidnappers, they get a call from the last person they expect: Allyson’s father. He tries to warn them off, but he's been put under a spell by the kidnappers to keep the victims from escaping. Nothing short of death can stop him. Now Allyson must choose between killing the father she’s always dreamed of, or letting her best friend die for a crime she didn’t commit.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Living as a muggle has brought Rena some levels of success, such as procuring a master’s degree from a well vetted university, but always the stories returned, calling her to the keyboard in the dark of night. Now, having built armies from words, Rena has set her sights on world domination, one book at a time.
From her secret base in the wine country, Rena has enlisted the help of her cats, her loyal dogs, and her family―who can be relied upon to hide the launch codes at a moment’s notice. You can find Rena at her blog, follow her on Twitter, or find her on Facebook. Her debut novel, Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon just released with Curiosity Quills. You can find it here on Goodreads, or buy it here!
Rena 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 an eBook! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Monday, February 1 at 1 a.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 1, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.
2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love dragons? What's your favorite dragon movie? Book? Have you seen any of these?
I grew up on dragons, unicorns, and elves. They lived in my head and danced across the pages I read or drew. They fed my imagination and kept me from dwelling on the sour, depressing, or down moments of life. Ten of the best dragons movies ever in no particular order (most of which you've probably not heard about):
And because we need a little cheese...
Source
Source
Source Now how about a DRAGON giveaway?Last week Anna Simpson shared with us WHITE LIGHT, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win signed bookmarks and a charm bracelet.
The Game:
1. I had over 50,000 movies on videotape in my basement. Due to mold and obsolete equipment, my wife and I recently rented a huge dumpster just to haul the tapes away.2. Fifteen years ago I was in an alternative/rock/country-funk/performance art/comedy band. I wore pajamas and slippers for every show. My character was a sort of demented hillbilly who toted around a saxophone, but rarely played it.
3. I have webbed toes. But it's a bonus, because in high school gym, I was a championship swimmer. Shoes are hard to fit, though. I have to have them special ordered from WebsRUs.
The lie: #3.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
S.P. Bowers!
Congrats!
And now for this week's feature...
Allyson fights acne, not trolls. As an inhaler-carrying member of the asthma society, she just wants to meet the father who turned her mother into a paranoid, move-across-the-nation freak. Now she’s trying to fit in at yet another school, but for the first time in her life, she has a best friend, Beth. When Allyson accidentally spits fire at kidnappers in the mall, she realizes why her father isn’t in the picture: she’s half dragon. Her acne? Emerging scales. Her asthma? The side effects of her dragon's fire breath. Instead of freaking out, unflappable Beth reveals her own troll heritage and explains how things work with the supernatural creatures hiding within the modern world of smartphones and skyscrapers. When trolls kidnap a unicorn, Beth gets blamed. Allyson is determined to prove Beth’s innocence and keep her friend off the unicorn chopping block. When they start looking for the kidnappers, they get a call from the last person they expect: Allyson’s father. He tries to warn them off, but he's been put under a spell by the kidnappers to keep the victims from escaping. Nothing short of death can stop him. Now Allyson must choose between killing the father she’s always dreamed of, or letting her best friend die for a crime she didn’t commit.Get your copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Living as a muggle has brought Rena some levels of success, such as procuring a master’s degree from a well vetted university, but always the stories returned, calling her to the keyboard in the dark of night. Now, having built armies from words, Rena has set her sights on world domination, one book at a time.From her secret base in the wine country, Rena has enlisted the help of her cats, her loyal dogs, and her family―who can be relied upon to hide the launch codes at a moment’s notice. You can find Rena at her blog, follow her on Twitter, or find her on Facebook. Her debut novel, Acne, Asthma, And Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon just released with Curiosity Quills. You can find it here on Goodreads, or buy it here!
Rena 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 an eBook! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Monday, February 1 at 1 a.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on February 1, 8 a.m EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once wore the Hope Diamond. I was working at the Smithsonian for my master's degree, and the Hope Diamond was just being put back into its setting after being scanned for a documentary to see if it was possible to get the Hope and another diamond from the Cul de Mar. They were about to shine up the diamond and they were letting the resident scientists wear the diamond. It was surreal.
2. One time, a person fell out of the sky into the middle of a field trip I was leading. Then, he flew away.
3. I once pulled a matched pair of black pearls from an oyster at a pick'a'pearl. But first, I told the guy running the kiosk that I couldn't buy one because I would pull a pair of matched, black pearls, and that would blow his mind. He said he didn't believe me, and the rest is history.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love dragons? What's your favorite dragon movie? Book? Have you seen any of these?
