D.E. Haggerty's Blog, page 30
November 7, 2017
A crime isn’t always criminal #mystery Abuse of Discretion from @authorPSY @RABTBookTours
Mystery, Thriller
Date Published: September 2017
Publisher: Goldman House Publishing
A Kid’s Curiosity … A Parent’s Nightmare
The award-winning author of “Anybody’s Daughter” is back with an addictive courtroom drama that gives readers a shocking look inside the juvenile criminal justice system.
Graylin Alexander is a model fourteen-year-old. When his adolescent curiosity gets the best of him, Graylin finds himself embroiled in a sexting scandal that threatens to ruin his life. Jenny Ungerman, the attorney hired to defend Graylin, is smart, confident and committed. She isn’t thrilled, however, when ex-prosecutor Angela Evans joins Graylin’s defense team. The two women instantly butt heads. Can they put aside their differences long enough to ensure Graylin gets justice?
Unbeknownst to Angela, her boyfriend Dre is wrestling with his own drama. Someone from his past wants him dead. For Dre, his response is simple—kill or be killed.
Other Books in the Dre Thomas Series:
Buying Time
Dre Thomas Series, Book 1
Publisher: Goldman House Publishing
Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer. But just when he’s about to hit rock bottom, he stumbles upon a business with the potential to solve all of his problems.
In Waverly’s new line of work, he comes to the aid of people in desperate need of cash. But there’s a catch. His clients must be terminally ill and willing to sign over rights to their life insurance policies before they can collect a dime. Waverly then finds investors eager to advance them thousands of dollars—including a hefty broker’s fee for himself—in exchange for a significant return on their investment once the clients take their last breath.
The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the cancer-stricken wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who’s bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General. When Waverly’s clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly and Erickson—who has some skeletons of his own to hide—are unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail and murder.
Amazon
B&N
Indie Bound
Anybody’s Daughter
Dre Thomas Series, Book 2
Publisher: Goldman House Publishing
Is Anybody’s Daughter Ever Safe?
Based on the real-life horrors faced by thousands of girls, award-winning author Pamela Samuels Young takes readers deep inside the disturbing world of child sex trafficking in a fast-paced thriller that educates as much as it entertains.
Thirteen-year-old Brianna Walker is ecstatic. She’s about to sneak off to meet her first real boyfriend—a boyfriend she met on Facebook. But Brianna is in for a horrifying surprise because her boyfriend doesn’t exist. Instead, Brianna unwittingly becomes the captive of a ring of drug dealers- turned-human traffickers who prey on lonely girls from dysfunctional homes. But they’ve made a big mistake in targeting Brianna because she doesn’t meet either of those criteria.
Brianna’s Uncle Dre, a man with his own criminal past, is determined to find the niece who is more like a daughter to him. Rather than sit back and rely on police to bring Brianna home, Dre scours the dark corners of Los Angeles looking for her. He is stunned to learn that the trafficking of children isn’t just happening in other countries. It’s occurring at epidemic levels right in his own backyard.
Dre is not alone in his desperate search. Loretha Johnson knows this world well. A social worker who previously lived “the life,” Loretha now dedicates her time to saving as many young girls as she can find. She turns out to be an invaluable resource for Dre, who ultimately gets a lead on The Shepherd, a mastermind in the trafficking world whose every move is fueled by ego and greed. Dre vows to bring his reign of terror to an end.
While Brianna makes a futile effort to thwart her captors, Dre is getting closer and closer to finding her. The woman he loves, attorney Angela Evans, knows the dangers faced by sexually exploited children because she represents them in juvenile court. Angela lends her moral support and, eventually, an important clue to Brianna’s whereabouts.
As he races against the clock, Dre ultimately comes up with a daring plan—one that puts many lives in danger, including his own. But will he find Brianna before it’s too late?
Amazon
B&N
Indie Bound
~ Excerpt ~
Chapter 1
Graylin
“What’s the matter, Mrs. Singletary? Why do I have to go to the principal’s office?”
I’m walking side-by-side down the hallway with my second-period teacher. Students are huddled together staring and pointing at us like we’re zoo animals. When a teacher at Marcus Preparatory Academy escorts you to the principal’s office, it’s a big deal. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I’m a good student. I never get in trouble.
Mrs. Singletary won’t answer my questions or even look at me. I hope she knows she’s only making me more nervous.
“Mrs. Singletary, please tell me what’s wrong?”
“Just follow me. You’ll find out in a minute.”
I’m about to ask her another question when it hits me. Something happened to my mama!
My mama has been on and off drugs for as long as I can remember. I haven’t seen her in months and I don’t even know where she lives. No one does. I act like it doesn’t bother me, but it does. I’ve prayed to God a million times to get her off drugs. Even though my granny says God answers prayers, He hasn’t answered mine, so I stopped asking.
I jump in front of my teacher, forcing her to stop. “Was there a death in my family, Mrs. Singletary? Did something happen to my mama?”
“No, there wasn’t a death.”
She swerves around me and keeps going. I have to take giant steps to keep up with her.
Once we’re inside the main office, Mrs. Singletary points at a wooden chair outside Principal Keller’s office. “Have a seat and don’t move.”
She goes into the principal’s office and closes the door. My head begins to throb like somebody’s banging on it from the inside. I close my eyes and try to calm down. I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s probably just—Oh snap! The picture!
I slide down in the chair and pull my iPhone from my right pocket. My hands are trembling so bad I have to concentrate to keep from dropping it. I open the photos app and delete the last picture on my camera roll. If anyone saw that picture, I’d be screwed.
Loud voices seep through the closed door. I lean forward, straining to hear. It almost sounds like Mrs. Singletary and Principal Keller are arguing.
“It’s only an allegation. We don’t even know if it’s true.”
“I don’t care. We have to follow protocol.”
“Can’t you at least check his phone first?”
“I’m not putting myself in the middle of this mess. I’ve already made the call.”
The call? I can’t believe Principal Keller called my dad without even giving me a chance to defend myself. How’d she even find out about the picture?
The door swings open and I almost jump out of my skin. The principal crooks her finger at me. “Come in here, son.”
Trudging into her office, I sit down on a red cloth chair that’s way more comfortable than the hard one outside. My heart is beating so fast it feels like it might jump out of my chest.
The only time I’ve ever been in Principal Keller’s office was the day my dad enrolled me in school. Mrs. Singletary is standing in front of the principal’s desk with her arms folded. I hope she’s going to stay here with me, but a second later, she walks out and closes the door.
Principal Keller sits on the edge of her desk, looking down at me. “Graylin, do you have any inappropriate pictures on your cell phone?”
“Huh?” I try to keep a straight face. “No, ma’am.”
“It’s been brought to my attention that you have an inappropriate picture—a naked picture—of Kennedy Carlyle on your phone. Is that true?”
“No…uh…No, ma’am.” Thank God I deleted it!
“This is a very serious matter, young man. So, I need you to tell me the truth.”
“No, ma’am.” I shake my head so hard my cheeks vibrate. “I don’t have anything like that on my phone.”
“I pray to God you’re telling me the truth.”
I don’t want to ask this next question, but I have to know. “Um, so you called my dad?”
“Yes, I did. He’s on his way down here now.”
I hug myself and start rocking back and forth. Even though I deleted the picture, my dad is still going to kill me for having to leave work in the middle of the day.
“I also made another call.”
At first I’m confused. Then I realize Mrs. Keller must’ve called my granny too. At least she’ll keep my dad from going ballistic.
“So you called my granny?”
“No.” The principal’s cheeks puff up like she’s about to blow something away. “I called the police.”
~ About the Author ~
Pamela Samuels Young is an attorney and award-winning author of eight legal thrillers. Her most recent courtroom drama, Abuse of Discretion, tackles a troubling sexting case that gives readers a shocking look inside the juvenile justice system. Pamela is also the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction for her thriller Anybody’s Daughter. The former journalist received a bachelor’s degree from USC and also earned graduate degrees from Northwestern University and UC Berkeley School of Law. She is a frequent speaker on the topics of child sex trafficking, online safety, fiction writing, and pursuing your passion. To invite Pamela to a book club meeting or speaking engagement, visit her website
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November 6, 2017
In defense of the boob tube (aka television) #MondayBlogs #Television #NetFlix
[image error]I admit there have been many times in my life when I’ve stated, in a more than snooty voice, “Oh, television, I don’t watch that.” I don’t know where the snooty voice came from as my lack of television watching inevitably had nothing to do with my looking my nose down upon it. When I was practicing law, I couldn’t keep my eyes open long enough to watch anything. When we lived in Germany, the slightest wind would cause our satellite dish to lose reception. In Istanbul, we had so few English-language stations, it wasn’t worth the bother. Now that I’m in The Netherlands, I finally have television in several languages I speak as well as easy access to Netflix. And yet, I’ve still claimed for the past several months, “I don’t watch television.” As if watching television makes you less of a person or something. That wasn’t my intention. I just preferred books to the tv.
Recently, however, my viewpoint has changed. I’m currently overwhelmed with work in specific and life in general. Writing a historical novel is incredibly time-consuming with all the research that comes with it. It doesn’t help that I’m obsessed with the details and can easily spend a morning researching the inside of a prison just to ensure one sentence in the novel is historically accurate. On top of that, I’m currently vice-president for a local expat group, which entails way more work than I expected. Then there’s the house in Germany that I run as a holiday let. Oh, and I actually have a social life (this shocks me as well). That doesn’t even take into consideration maintaining the dreaded ‘author platform’, marketing, and blogging.
[image error]By the time Sunday rolls around, I’m exhausted and probably slightly hungover to boot. Usually, Sunday is my day for reading books I’ve promised to review but haven’t gotten around to yet. To be perfectly honest, though, reading has just felt like yet another work obligation to me these past weeks. I needed to de-stress and get some rest as well. But how?
The past two Sundays I’ve spent binge-watching shows on Netflix. I can honestly say that not only have I enjoyed myself, but I’ve been able to ignore the rest of the world for those hours. Television series may not be the most intellectual of endeavors, but sometimes you need to let your brain check out for a while. Although – to my relief – I notice I can only handle one and a half seasons of any show before I’m over it.
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Any suggestions for shows I should binge-watch next week?
When the love of your life leaves, where do you go? Spotlight on #chicklit novel Life After Joe
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Title: Life After Joe
Author: Ann Benamin
Genre: Chick lit/contemporary
Published: July 2015
~ Blurb ~
When the love of your life leaves, where do you go?
When thirty-something Liz McNeil is unexpectedly widowed, she has no idea what to do with her life. After the initial shock of her husband’s death wears off, she packs up her car and sets off on a tour of the country with Joe’s urn in the passenger seat. Using social media to connect with a variety of friends and family, Liz works through her grief in a number of unpredictable methods. As she shares her experience via blog posts, on a road trip full of surprises, Liz takes what life has given her and makes the best of her situation. Will Liz ever be able to experience love again? Readers of P.S. I Love You will definitely be interested in the journey of this courageous young woman and her struggle for a new normal.
~ Grab a copy! ~
~ About the Author ~
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Ann Benjamin is an author and ex-pat living in Dubai, UAE. She enjoys travel, is obsessed with Pinterest, loves Newsies, supports UGA football, and write about food as A to Za’atar. You may recognize her from her other writing persona, Courtney Brandt, author of six young adult marching novels. With Room 702 well established, Ann is pleased to present her next project, a contemporary romance that asks: when the love of your life leaves you, where do you go? Life After Joe is now available. Please feel free to contact her at: annbenjaminauthor@hotmail.com
~ Stalk the author! ~
November 3, 2017
Dive into the #mystery disappearance in Maxwell Slade Has Vanished by @MarCarring
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Book title: Maxwell Slade Has Vanished
Author: Marcia Carrington
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Romance/Crime
Published: April 20, 2016
~ Blurb ~
Fitness entrepreneur and personality Maxwell Slade goes missing one evening, this devastating his wife Beverley, and loyal staff at his company Maxwell’s Fitness. The police suspect he has been kidnapped, but cannot work out why the well-liked Maxwell is in this position, as he has no known enemies. A staff member at Maxwell’s Fitness, Allison Parker, firmly believes that Maxwell is alive, despite protests to the contrary by Beverley. Spurred on by Beverley’s lack of faith in Maxwell, Allison will deeply delve into Maxwell’s disappearance, but will her intervention in this matter place her life in peril?
~ Grab a copy ~
Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iTunes
~ About the Author ~
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Marcia Carrington writes about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. She is an interested observer of popular culture, and fan of cinema from all eras and countries, especially from the 1930-1970s. Marcia is a long-time soap opera viewer, watching daytime, and night time serials from a very young age. Marcia is also a food connoisseur, with a particular love of chocolate, and coffee. The morning coffee has always been a staple for Marcia, and something which she cannot do without. There is just something about the fresh aroma of coffee early in the morning, and anytime for that fact, which proves irresistible to her. Marcia can be contacted on Twitter, and you can also visit her on her Blog at http://marciasbooktalk.wordpress.com/ and on Pinterest.
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Marcia’s Book Talk ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads
November 1, 2017
An armed insurrection, a military occupation, and the dawn of a dynasty…. The Last Crusader Kingdom #historicalfiction @HelenaPSchrader
Historical Fiction
Date Published: August 2017
An armed insurrection, a military occupation, and the dawn of a dynasty….
John d’Ibelin, son of the legendary Balian, will one day defy the most powerful monarch on earth. But first he must survive his apprenticeship as squire to man determined to build a kingdom on an island ravaged by rebellion. The Greek insurgents have already driven the Knights Templar from the island, and now stand poised to destroy Richard the Lionheart’s legacy to the Holy Land: the crusader foothold on the island of Cyprus.
~ Grab your copy now! ~
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iTunes ~ IndieBound ~ BookLaunch
~ Excerpt ~
The men who forced their way inside were dressed in chainmail from head to toe. They wore scull-cap helmets with heavy nose guards. Most terrifying of all, they wore surcoats with the arms of Jerusalem on them: they were the king’s men.
“Where’s Lord Aimery?” One of them barked at the servants.
“I’m here!” Aimery called from the floor above. Without hesitation the four armored men pushed past the frightened servants to the stairs at the back of the vaulted room. They pounded up to the next floor, and as they emerged out of the stairway, they found the Constable of Jerusalem hastily donning his surcoat while a young squire held his sword ready for him to take.
“Hold that, boy!” One of the king’s men shouted, springing to put himself between the squire and the constable. He pushed the squire backwards, pinned him against the wall, and wrenched the sword out of his hands with little trouble.
Meanwhile, the sergeant turned his attention to the Constable himself. “My lord, you are under arrest for high treason! Either you come with us willingly, or, we have orders to take you by force.”
Aimery de Lusignan was a handsome man in his early fifties. His shoulder-length, blond hair was somewhat disheveled and his face was sprouting the beginnings of a beard, but he had managed to pull on braies, hose and a gambeson over his nightshirt. He stood with his shoulders squared and his head held high. “The charges are false and slanderous!” he told the sergeant firmly. “I will defend myself before the High Court.”
“Maybe. For now you’re coming with us!” The sergeant answered bluntly, ominously lowering his hand to his hilt.
“Where are you taking me?” The Constable asked gruffly.
“To the royal dungeon, where all traitors are held! Now, are you coming willingly or must I use force?”
“Will you at least allow me to put on boots?” The Constable asked back in a voice that was edged with bitterness.
“No tricks!” the sergeant warned, drawing his sword for emphasis before nodding to Lord Aimery to get on with it.
The Constable walked across the room to where his knee-high boots were standing, the soft upper parts flopped over on their sides. He took the suede boots, sat on the nearest chest, and pulled them on one at a time. Then he stood and surveyed the room briefly; whether he was looking for a chance to escape or simply taking a last leave was unclear. The king’s men blocked the door, their swords drawn. They not only ensured he was trapped, they also kept his wife out. He could hear her anxious voice in the hall demanding an explanation. His squire was pinned against the far wall, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
“John, get word to your father of what has happened,” the Constable ordered the youth before walking briskly toward the men sent to arrest him. He allowed them to close around him as he passed out of the door. They clattered down the stairs and out into the street, leaving John and Lady Eschiva standing on the upstairs landing in horrified paralysis.
“Treason?” Lady Eschiva asked the squire. “Did I hear correctly? Champagne has arrested my lord husband for treason? But that’s not possible!” she protested at once.
“I’ve got to get word to my father at once!” John answered, his voice breaking with tension as the situation threatened to overwhelm him; he would not turn fourteen for another month.
“Mommy! Mommy! What are they going to do with Daddy?” It was the high pitched voice of eight-year-old Burgundia. Ten-year-old Guy pushed past her, protesting, “They can’t arrest, Daddy! He’s the Constable!”
Eschiva turned toward her children, but then stopped to look over her shoulder to her husband’s squire. “Yes, John, go to your father at once! If Isabella let this happen, he’s the only one who might be able to help us now!”
~ About the Author ~
Award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader offers readers tired of cliches and cartoons nuanced insight to historical events and figures based on sound research and an understanding of human nature. Her complex and engaging characters bring history back to life as a means to better understand ourselves.
Helena P. Schrader earned a PhD in History from the University of Hamburg with a ground-breaking biography of a leader of the German Resistance to Hitler. She has published numerous works of fiction and non-fiction since.
Her Jerusalem Trilogy, set in the Holy Land in the late 12th century, has won critical acclaim, including Best Biographical Fiction 2016 from Pinnacle, Best Christian Historical Fiction 2017 from Readers’ Favorite, Best Spiritual/Religious Fiction 2017 from Feathered Quill.
For details visit http://www.helenapschrader.com or follow her blog: http://schradershistoricalfiction.blogspot.com for updates on current works in progress, recent reviews and excerpts.
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The tinsel begins to tangle w/a series of Christmas Crimes #cozymystery Christmas in the Sisters from @beckiwillis15
Cozy Mystery, Holiday Cozy Mystery
Date Published: November 1, 2017
The tinsel begins to tangle when someone targets the community for a series of ‘Christmas Crimes.’ Homes are broken into and wrapped gifts are stolen from beneath trees. Even vehicles loaded with presents aren’t safe, particularly on a lone stretch of highway. Things like this just don’t happen in Naomi and Juliet. Torn between solving the rash of burglaries and shutting down the gambling ring that’s active in the area again, Brash does the only thing he can: he hires In a Pinch to help with the investigation.
Finding the common link between cases is like finding the bad bulb on a string of lights. Every lead is a short circuit. The frustration mounts when Madison and the Angel Tree she’s involved with fall victim to the crimes. Only the worst kind of Grinch steals from needy children!
Brash has plans of his own for the perfect Christmas. With the help of a new jewelry store, he thinks he’s found just the right gift for Madison, until the Grinch strikes again. This wasn’t the surprise he had in mind.
Ready or not, Christmas is on its way, and time is running out to create the holiday of their dreams. As the house fills with unexpected guests, Madison and the twins honor favorite traditions from the past while creating a few new ones of their own.
Who has time for being kidnapped by men in Santa suits and bad beards?
This is one Christmas that no one in The Sisters will ever forget!
Other Books in The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series:
Chicken Scratch
Book One
Amazon
When the Stars Fall
Book Two
Amazon
Stipulations and Complications
Book Three
Amazon
Home Again
Book Four
Amazon
Genny’s Ballad
Book Five
Amazon
About the Author
Becki Willis, best known for her popular The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series and Forgotten Boxes, always dreamed of being an author. In November of ’13, that dream became a reality. Since that time, she has published eleven books, won first place honors for Best Mystery Series, Best Suspense Fiction and Best Audio Book, and has introduced her imaginary friends to readers around the world.
An avid history buff, Becki likes to poke around in old places and learn about the past. Other addictions include reading, writing, junking, unraveling a good mystery, and coffee. She loves to travel, but believes coming home to her family and her Texas ranch is the best part of any trip. Becki is a member of the Association of Texas Authors, the National Association of Professional Women, and the Brazos Writers organization. She attended Texas A&M University and majored in Journalism.
Here’s what readers are saying about Becki and her books:
“This is an awesome new author with a strong voice! This was a great read with tons of suspense and great character development. I highly recommend you read this author!”…
“The best new series available.”…
“Full of twists and the best love story revealed in ages. Loved it!”…
“I should know better than to start one of Becki’s books at bedtime. So hard to stop in the middle!”…
“I loved every line of every page!!!”
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October 30, 2017
Spotlight on Seashells, Spells & Caramels #cozymystery from @EJohnsonWrites #giveaway
by Erin Johnson
Seashells, Spells & Caramels by Erin Johnson
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Self Published
Release Date – October 29, 2017
286 Pages
~ Blurb ~
Imogen’s spent her twenties in Seattle, saving every penny and missing every party, to follow her dream of opening her own bakery.
When that dream goes up in flames, she accepts a spot in a mysterious baking contest—one she doesn’t remember entering. She travels to a bustling, medieval village off the coast of France and discovers an enchanting world of magic and mystery, and learns that she, too, possesses powers.
Unable to so much as cast a spell, Imogen struggles to keep up with the other witches and wizards who have come from all over the magical world to the Water Kingdom’s big competition. She juggles relationships with a sweet new friend, a snarky baking fire, and a brooding, handsome baker. As Imogen falls for this bewitching world, she fears she won’t master her magic in time to win the job of Royal Head Baker, and will be forced to return to the shambles of her non magical life.
It only gets worse, when a competitor drops dead in the middle of the big white baking tent, and Imogen’s the prime suspect. Now, she’ll not only have to survive the vampire and psychic judges, but also clear her name by finding the real murderer, before they strike again.
With a killer on the loose, a missing prince, and the Summer Solstice Festival fast approaching, Imogen will have to bake like her life depends on it- because it just might.
~ A Special Recipe ~
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~ About the Author ~
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
Website: www.erinjohnsonwrites.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EJohnsonWrites.
Twitter: @EJohnsonWrites
~ Giveaway ~
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Learning how to say ‘no’. Step #1 – own yourself #MondayBlogs #IAmAWriter
[image error]I know how to say the actual word ‘no’. It’s not a difficult word, after all. But, somehow, I don’t end up using the word as much as I should. Whether it’s responding to a request to become vice-president of the local expat group or ordering that third bottle of wine at dinner, I’m pretty much a ‘yes girl’. This has resulted in me being stretched so thin that I’m worried I’ll actually become see-through. It’s more than past time for me to learn to say no and not let myself be persuaded any other way! But how?
I recently met an interesting woman and as we were telling our stories, I started to whine about feeling overwhelmed. I normally don’t whine and complain to strangers. Really, I don’t. I blame the wine. It turned out that this woman is absolutely lovely and a communications specialist to boot. Naturally, this meant I continued to complain.
One of the things I complained about was the huge number of people who continued to ask me to do volunteer work despite my having a full-time job. Of course, the discussion then evolved into my writing and all the things I do for my writing. I continued to complain about how everyone thinks that my writing is a hobby and/or that I can arrange my schedule to accommodate their needs as I’m ‘only a writer’. That’s when I received some pretty awesome advice. (To be fair: I’ve heard it a million times, but at this particular moment in time, it really resonated with me.)
“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. You have to own it.” (Click to tweet)
Easier said than done, am I right? One of the most difficult parts about being a writer (besides that horrible writer platform thing) is having confidence in your writing. Like most artists, our moods – and belief in our work – can change on a dime. One second you’ll be typing away thinking your story is awesome, then you’ll turn a page and ‘realize’ it’s all drivel. Who could possibly ever want to read this crap, you’ll think.
This is perfectly normal. But if you present this lack of self-confidence to the outside world, you will not only have a hard time selling books, but you won’t be considered a writer by the non-writing community. Thus, causing everyone and their cousin to ask you to do a gazillion things for them.
So, let’s practice this. All together now: I am a writer. That was pathetic. Let’s try again: I AM A WRITER. I feel better already.
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He saves a girl, but can he save himself? The Swing Over the Ocean from David Abare
A man saves a little girl, and as his world changes overnight, he hopes he can save himself.
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Book title: The Swing Over the Ocean
Author: David Abare
Genre: Mainstream Fiction, 18+
Published: September 2017
~ Blurb ~
Stephen Alexander shouldn’t have been there that day. He lives in her apartment yet spent the afternoon at the motel with another. Hours later he hears a girl scream, bravely intervenes, and then his world goes dark. Now millions want to know who he is-thinking he’s one man-while he’s sure he’s another.
The Swing Over the Ocean is a story about love amidst dysfunction, fear, and coming to understand what it means to forgive. It’s also a story about the bravery in the willingness to change, despite the comfort in remaining the same.
Grab a copy!
~ About the author ~
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David Abare is a writer from Northern CT, and The Swing Over the Ocean is his first novel. In addition to writing, he enjoys music, travel, performing Stand Up Comedy, visiting local breweries and loves Pugs.
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October 27, 2017
Biking in Holland ~ The Adult Version #Expatliving #Holland #Biking
If you are familiar with Holland at all, you know there are more bikes than people in this country. And because I’m a stickler for details, I have to point out that Holland is not actually a country. The Netherlands is a country of which North Holland and South Holland are provinces. Absolutely everyone rides a bike in the Netherlands – the Prime Minister on his way to the office, Crown Princess Amalia, and everyday Daan (most popular boy’s name at the moment).
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To the far left (the small tower) is where the Prime Minister works. I’m not sure where he parks his bike.
The Dutch bike in all kinds of weather. Rain is expected on a nearly daily basis, of course, but even when we get those few centimeters of snow, the Lowlanders will be out there on their bikes. When the wind off the North Sea gusts so hard you worry your house is going to blow over, they’re out there biking. I’ve actually managed to stand still while pedaling against that wind. (That was my last time biking in a storm by the way.)
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I’ve biked in this dress and shoe combo.
The Dutch also bike under all kinds of circumstances. They bike in dresses and high heels. They carry crutches, crates of beer, overfilled grocery bags … You name it and they’ve probably figured out a way to bike with it. They even have special hooks in which to put their hockey sticks. (Field hockey that is. They are crazy about field hockey as attested by the numerous Olympic medals.)
I no longer have a car and bike all over The Hague. I’ve gotten to the point where I now race against the time Google Maps thinks it will take me to arrive at my destination. One reason I bike a lot is my love for adult beverages. Yes, I’m talking wine and beer here. It’s impossible to go anywhere without those lovely adult beverages making an appearance. From the opening of a UN institute to a tennis game, beer and wine will be available.
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No blog post about biking would be complete without a picture of my pretty bike.
Biking is a good option to ensure you don’t get behind the wheel after having one too many. But the thing about biking while having had a drink or two is that you still need to balance yourself. Once you’ve managed that feat, you have to bike in a somewhat straight line. If you’re biking home with a friend, you have to manage the straight line while not running into your friend AND staying on the bike path. (Bike paths are often lower than the sidewalk. Hitting the edge of the sidewalk unexpectedly can be more than a little dangerous if you’ve decided to hit the pub after a wine tasting.)
This is the conversation I had with my Dutch hubby after biking home last week after a Thirsty Thursday gathering:
Me: Home safe. Me have hick ups. (sic)
Hubby: Are you drunk?
Me: Maybe?
Hubby: Did you bike home?
Me: With a friend! On a bike path!
Hubby: I’m so proud of you. Well integrated love 
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There you have it folks! I have passed my adult biking test. Happy weekend!
