Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 129
April 2, 2014
Better Left Unsaid Wednesday Meme ~ Fairy, Texas
Hi, and welcome to my entry in the Better Left Unsaid Wednesday Meme, created by Exquisite Quills, where we show what our characters think, but don’t say.
My entry is a snippet from Fairy, Texas. Laney Harris has just discovered that at least some people in Fairy might have nefarious plans for her!
Fairy, Texas is FREE on Kindle through Friday, so pick up a copy!
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My life sounded a little bit like a word problem: Josh and Mason both want Laney to be their own personal yaw-taw. Mr. Bartlef has mostly invisible bat wings. They all hang out at John Hamilton’s ranch. Assuming that Laney isn’t a total moron, calculate her chances of survival.
Have I mentioned how much I hate math?
I didn’t sleep much that night. I climbed back into my window and pulled the screen back up after me. I locked the window. And for good measure, I put my desk chair under the door knob like I’d seen in movies. Even if it wouldn’t keep anyone out, maybe they’d trip on it trying to come in. Then I kicked off my shoes and huddled into my bed, fully clothed. After being out in the hot Texas night, the air conditioner on my skin made me shiver.
Or maybe it wasn’t the air conditioner.
At any rate, I curled up under the covers and stared at the clock. I dozed occasionally, but my dreams were strange and filled with bat wings and chants. I jerked awake several times. Finally I gave up on sleep entirely. Outside, crickets chirped softly. In Atlanta, I could hear the sounds of the nearby interstate from my bedroom. Here, sound seemed to travel farther, but all I could hear were animals: the crickets singing, cows lowing, and from a longer way off, coyotes howling.
After what seemed like an eternity, the window started to get light and I decided to start my morning.
Not sleeping ensured I got the shower first, at any rate. No one else was up yet, so I stood in the hot spray and let it sluice over me for a long time, until the water ran cool. That ought to irritate Kayla, I thought.
When I wiped my hand across the mirror to clear the steam, my shadowed eyes stared back at me, ringed with purple smudges so dark they almost looked like bruises.
Hooray for concealer.
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Fairy, Texas. A small town like any other.
Laney Harris didn’t want to live there. When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that “boring” would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class.
She was right. Boring took on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.
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Buy Fairy, Texas
E-Book:
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins-ebook/dp/B00I7BTMJ4/
Paperback:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins/dp/1495419800/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fairy-texas-margo-bond-collins/1118584512
Books a Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Fairy-Texas/Margo-Bond-Collins/9781495419805
Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins/9781495419805
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April 1, 2014
Spotlight On: Summoned, by Rainy Kaye
Summoned – Week Blitz
By Rainy Kaye
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 3/28/2014
Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker.
Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can’t tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn’t the type to tolerate secrets.
Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl’s ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.
Summoned is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.
http://www.summonedtheseries.com & http://www.facebook.com/summonedtheseries
EXCERPT
I dislike having to murder someone. Kidnapping is worse. At least when I setup a kill, I know what’s coming. No connections, no honesty, no surprises. Everything I say and do are just steps to luring in my victim. Once the victim falls right into the trap, the next move is swift: crushed windpipe, fatal concussion, or a good ol’ fashioned headshot.
Kidnapping, on the other hand, is a little trickier. First, the victim has an opportunity to respond. I don’t like this. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they manage to alert the authorities. And sometimes they escape, usually by inflicting bodily harm on me.
Dead people don’t retaliate. Kidnapped ones, well, they’re a little more . . . lively.
The second major difference between killing and kidnapping is my conscience. I get in and out with a kill. We have no chance to bond.
Abductees require a little more one-on-one. As much as I try to keep the switch turned off, I can’t help but listen to their pleas and demands. And I usually realize I’m a jerk.
That’s exactly where I find myself one late afternoon in June. I prefer doing this at night, but moreover, I would prefer not doing this at all.
Instead, I have a belligerent nine year old girl sitting in the passenger seat of my Honda Accord, shackles on her wrists and ankles and a small stuffed bunny on her lap. She’s eying me in a way that makes me self-conscious. Like I’m the bad guy.
Probably because I am the bad guy.
Rainy Kaye Links
Facebook | Twitter | Blog
BUY LINK
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Summoned-Rainy-Kaye-ebook/dp/B00JAZT88G/
GIVEAWAY
2 $50 Amazon gift cards.
Hirelings by Greg Strandberg
The Hirelings
By Greg Strandberg
298 pages, Fantasy
January 27, 2013
Synopsis
It’s been six months since the horrendous incident atop Mount Misery, the incident that broke Beldar Thunder Hammer’s band of adventurers apart.
Now Beldar’s putting the band back together with the aim of heading back up Mount Misery to end the Kingdom’s Hireling system for good.
Of course that would upend the whole socio-economic balance of The Kingdom and usher in a time of peace and plenty for all. The powers-that-be can’t have that, and they’ll do everything in their power to thwart Beldar and his band of Hirelings from bringing that about.
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Excerpt
“You dumb wench!” the man she’d kicked said as he wiped a small stream of blood from the side of his mouth.
He pulled the sword from its scabbard, a long monster with a curved edge that glinted off the faint torchlight illuminating the place. Within seconds the five men behind him had pulled their weapons as well, two more swords, a battle-axe, war hammer, and dagger. A few months before it would have been nothing, but then a few months before she’d had a party of like-minded adventurers backing her up. Now she barely had enough components for even one spell.
Damn it, Glinny! she thought, you’ve gotten yourself into a helluva bind this time!
The leader of the group, the man she’d kicked, nodded his head at the men behind him and soon there were two groups of three circling around the stage and toward the small staircase in the back.
Beldar reached down to the large axe he carried. It was almost as long as himself and he pulled it from the leather sheath on his back. No one noticed, so intent were they on the half-naked woman backing slowly away from the group of six men nearly upon her.
“Looks like you’re stuck now, pretty,” the man she’d kicked said, “wherever will you go?”
His companions laughed at that, as well as the desperate-sound to his voice. Glinny narrowed her eyes and pinched a little bit of sulfur from the small packet she’d pulled up.
“Fireo, wireo, art y dart!” she said quickly.
The mans’ smile quickly disappeared and his eyes grew wide when he saw a small light form around Glinny’s left hand, then grow in intensity. After another moment what looked like an arrow made from fire formed, and his eyes grew wider still.
“She’s a spell–”
That was all the man was able to say before the small flame dart shot from Glinny’s hand and sped forth to imbed itself in his chest. His face took on a look of shock as he stared down at the still-visible flame dart sticking out of him. He managed to look up at Glinny once again, his mouth forming into some kind of curse, when he started to fall.
His companions watched in horror as he fell backward into a table, slamming down into it so hard that it flipped over and landed atop him.
There was no movement for a moment as everyone looked to him, and then when it was clear that there wasn’t going to be, snapped-to.
“There’s plenty more where that came from!” Glinny said forcefully after a moment, drawing the still-standing men’s attention to her.
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Buy Links
The Hirelings
By Greg Strandberg
298 pages, Fantasy
Janu...
The Hirelings
By Greg Strandberg
298 pages, Fantasy
January 27, 2013
Synopsis
It’s been six months since the horrendous incident atop Mount Misery, the incident that broke Beldar Thunder Hammer’s band of adventurers apart.
Now Beldar’s putting the band back together with the aim of heading back up Mount Misery to end the Kingdom’s Hireling system for good.
Of course that would upend the whole socio-economic balance of The Kingdom and usher in a time of peace and plenty for all. The powers-that-be can’t have that, and they’ll do everything in their power to thwart Beldar and his band of Hirelings from bringing that about.
___________________________
Excerpt
“You dumb wench!” the man she’d kicked said as he wiped a small stream of blood from the side of his mouth.
He pulled the sword from its scabbard, a long monster with a curved edge that glinted off the faint torchlight illuminating the place. Within seconds the five men behind him had pulled their weapons as well, two more swords, a battle-axe, war hammer, and dagger. A few months before it would have been nothing, but then a few months before she’d had a party of like-minded adventurers backing her up. Now she barely had enough components for even one spell.
Damn it, Glinny! she thought, you’ve gotten yourself into a helluva bind this time!
The leader of the group, the man she’d kicked, nodded his head at the men behind him and soon there were two groups of three circling around the stage and toward the small staircase in the back.
Beldar reached down to the large axe he carried. It was almost as long as himself and he pulled it from the leather sheath on his back. No one noticed, so intent were they on the half-naked woman backing slowly away from the group of six men nearly upon her.
“Looks like you’re stuck now, pretty,” the man she’d kicked said, “wherever will you go?”
His companions laughed at that, as well as the desperate-sound to his voice. Glinny narrowed her eyes and pinched a little bit of sulfur from the small packet she’d pulled up.
“Fireo, wireo, art y dart!” she said quickly.
The mans’ smile quickly disappeared and his eyes grew wide when he saw a small light form around Glinny’s left hand, then grow in intensity. After another moment what looked like an arrow made from fire formed, and his eyes grew wider still.
“She’s a spell–”
That was all the man was able to say before the small flame dart shot from Glinny’s hand and sped forth to imbed itself in his chest. His face took on a look of shock as he stared down at the still-visible flame dart sticking out of him. He managed to look up at Glinny once again, his mouth forming into some kind of curse, when he started to fall.
His companions watched in horror as he fell backward into a table, slamming down into it so hard that it flipped over and landed atop him.
There was no movement for a moment as everyone looked to him, and then when it was clear that there wasn’t going to be, snapped-to.
“There’s plenty more where that came from!” Glinny said forcefully after a moment, drawing the still-standing men’s attention to her.
___________________________
Buy Links
Fairy, Texas is FREE this week (no foolin’!)
Hi, all!
Fairy, Texas is FREE on Kindle through Friday! Pick up your copy here:
http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins-ebook/dp/B00I7BTMJ4/
Fairy, Texas: A YA Paranormal Mystery/Romance
Fairy, Texas. A small town like any other.
Laney Harris didn’t want to live there. When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that “boring” would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class.
She was right. Boring took on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.
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About the Author
Margo Bond Collins is the author of a number of novels, including Waking Up Dead, Fairy, Texas, and Legally Undead (forthcoming in 2014). She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters.
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Connect with Margo
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins
Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins
Tumblr: http://vampirarchybooks.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/
Be sure to add Fairy, Texas to your Goodreads bookshelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19502285-fairy-texas
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March 31, 2014
Spotlight On: Unbound by Cat Miller
Title: Unbound
Author: Cat Miller
Series: The Forbidden Bond Series (Book 1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Vampires
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: April 1 2014
Edition/Formats It Will Be Available In: Audio Book, eBook, Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
Girl gone wild . . .
College is supposed to be a time of discovery, but Danielle Vaughn never imaged it would be like this: heightened senses, supernatural powers, and a sudden craving for human blood. Dani is a demi-vamp, the daughter of a human psychic and a vampire noble, a living secret kept hidden for twenty-one ears.
As Dani’s heritage manifests itself, her thirst for blood is matched only by her hunger for Chase Diedrick. But as the son of the Vampire Council’s most powerful ruling family, Chase is already promised to another. Dani saw Council politics destroy her mother’s life; she won’t let the same thing happen to her. Besides, there’s no shortage of men who are eager to satisfy her every need, including the alluring vampire Kayden.
Unfortunately, Dani also has no shortage of enemies. Her heightened powers of telepathy and telekinesis attract the attention of a rogue vamp who preys on gifted vampires, absorbing their skills along with their lifeblood. Now, Dani must seek the Council’s help to quickly master her new vampire life . . . or risk losing it.
Book Links
Amazon
Kindle
Amazon
Audible
{Audio Edition}
Goodreads
YouTube Book Trailer
Giveaway
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and now I live not far from my birth place in Perry
Hall, Maryland. I have two teenage daughters and a man that keep me busy when I’m not working full-time as a Certified Medical Coder. I’m an avid reader and I love all genre of romantic fiction from historical to contemporary to paranormal. Sleeping has always been a problem for me so most nights I can be found in the living room reading or writing instead of in bed like the rest of the world. I don’t watch television. It’s not a conscious decision, it just never occurs to me to turn it on when I have books to read and writing to do. It can actually be a hazard, because I never know what the weather will be until I look outside and I have to rely on my kids and coworkers for local and world news. I love creating the characters you love and love to hate. My characters remind me of people I know and people I wish I had never known.
Author Links
Amazon
Author Page
Author Page
Personal Page
Goodreads
G+
Website
YouTube
Spotlight On: Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark
Uncovering Cobbogoth (Cobbogoth #1)
by Hannah L.
Clark
Release Date: 05/13/14
Summary from Goodreads:
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city
of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to
translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder
was a cover-up for something far more sinister.
When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes
that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is
keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late
to share her own.
Excerpt
Nor? ” James rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the heel of his hand. One look at me, however, and he was wide awake. “What is it? Is it Gram?”
“No. No, not that,” I croaked, guilt rushing through me for causing him more worry.
The panic left his eyes, and he squinted at me.
I shuffled self-consciously. I knew I looked terrible. I’d been up crying half the night after my argument with Uncle Jack about James breaking my heart. Finally, I snuck out my window, climbed down my cherry tree, and headed to the fire station to see James.
“Hey, Riley! Cut the lights, man!”
James glanced back into the dark, communal bedroom where the rest of the night shift firefighters slept.
“Come here.” He took my hand, closed the bedroom door and, in stockinged feet, led me down the hall. A moment later, we were sitting side by side on the stairs. James still held my hand, and I hoped he’d never let go. I watched as he reached into his shirt pocket, fishing around until he found a piece of peppermint gum.
He offered me half. I shook my head, so he stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. Then he turned those kind, piercing eyes on me.
Growing warm under his gaze, I cleared my throat. “I-I’m so sorry to wake you up,” I started. “I hoped you’d still be awake. It’s just . . .”
James mindlessly ran his thumb in circles over my knuckles. I lost my train of thought. Blinking, I took a deep breath and plunged on. “My uncle . . . he wants me to stop spending time with you. I mean, I can still help with Gram and everything, he just doesn’t want us hanging out any other time.” I sucked in another unsteady breath. “But I—I can’t let that happen, James. You’re my only friend.”
James was quiet for what seemed like forever. I prayed he wouldn’t just shrug his broad shoulders and shuffle back to bed.
To my relief, he reached up, rumpling his chocolate curls with his free hand. “Did he give you a reason why?” he asked, avoiding my eyes. I shook my head. “I think he’s afraid you’ll end up hurting me—that you’ll break my heart. You know how protective he is.”
He was silent again, this time longer.
Stupid, Norah! Why had I come here? Why did I think James would even care about this—that it would upset him at all?
Finally, James let out his breath. And the next moment, he was pressing the back of my hand to his lips.
I swallowed my shock. I’d never imagined that his lips could be so warm and soft. The contact sent a shock straight to my heart.
“What do you think?” James mumbled a moment later, still contemplating my hand. “Do you think I could hurt you?”
I wanted to burst into tears all over again. “I don’t think, James, I know. But it would be worth it.”
James chuckled this time, resting his forehead against my temple. “Now that’s a compliment.”
I smiled. Having him so close—smelling the fresh peppermint on his breath—was a fierce mixture of agony and ecstasy. They were feelings I’d never imagined I could feel.
“I’d never hurt you, Nor,” James whispered at last, and his breath tickled my neck. “Not really.”
About the Author
Hannah L. Clark is the
author of the YA fantasy-adventure “Uncovering Cobbogoth.” It is the
first book in a planned 7 book series. It will be released by Cedar Fort Publishing
on May 13, 2014.
Hannah lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with her husband and son.
Author Links:
Fool for Books Blog Hop
Welcome to the Fool for Books Blog Hop!
For this hop, I’ll be giving away more new releases from Entangled Publishing!
Tell me what you love most about romance novels, and enter to win.
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Enter to Win
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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HOP to the other participating blogs!
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March 30, 2014
Spotlight On: Bleak Devotion by Gemma Drazin
Bleak Devotion – Release Blitz
By Gemma Drazin
Young Adult Futuristic Dark Fantasy
Date Published: March 31, 2014
Jessica doesn’t know how long it’s been, only that it seems like forever since she’s allowed her feelings to show. Ever since they attacked her city. Monsters which appear human but are void of any expression, and seem bent on destroying all signs of sentiment in others. Their lethal blades shred anyone who shows even the slightest emotion.
After her only remaining friend is killed, Jessica flees the city hoping to find a place where emotions aren’t fatal. A place to grieve those she lost and live out her meager existence. When she discovers the world of the emotionless creatures isn’t what she believes, the love it leads her to may also be the path to her own death.
EXCERPT
Jessica clamped her teeth together and took a deep breath. “I can stay calm if he can.”
Zach shook his head. “I don’t think—”
“Let her speak with me.” A deep male voice resonated through the crowded hallway.
Throwing on an emotionless mask, Jessica slowly shifted her body toward the voice. A tall male, whom she could only assume was the monster they called Blade, had managed to sneak down the stairs and stood mere inches from her. If she reached out, she would be able to touch him. The thought disturbed her and she struggled to maintain her composure.
The only thing she wanted to do was run screaming at this monster who had ruined her life. Every emotion that she’d been forced to hold in since the invasion begged to be launched at him. Grief. Torture. Outrage. Terror. All of it, she wanted him to feel. She wanted the rage to coat him inside and out, no matter what it would do to him.
Buy on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Bleak-Devotion-Gemma-Drazin-ebook/dp/B00IV1OWHC/
Gemma Drazin
Gemma Drazin is the author of short stories and Young Adult Fantasies, sometimes mixing in a love story. She has a great love for cute shoes and can often be found outside with a book and a treat. When she’s not reading or writing she can be found enjoying time with her husband and children.
Author Links
Website | Goodreads
Giveaway
10 ebook copies of Bleak Devotion
New Liebster Award!
I love getting the Liebster Award—it’s an excellence in blogging award passed from blogger to blogger, and it’s one of my favorites! The nominee answers ten questions of the nominator’s choice, then passes the award along.
Author and blogger Suze DeMello (also known as Sue Swift) has passed the award to me. Check out her responses to the award here.
See my answers to Suze’s questions below, then keep reading for my nominees and their questions.
1. Assume reincarnation exists. What animal would you most wish to become?
I went into word-nerd mode here and looked some stuff up, because I had always thought that “reincarnation” had to do with being reborn as a human and “transmigration” had to do with being reborn into something other than human. Turns out? I was wrong. I do so love learning new stuff.
Anyway.
A jaguar. I’ve always been fascinated by big cats, so really, any big cat would do. But I love jaguars the best.
2. What was the last poem you read?
“Unending Love” by Rabindranath Tagore. It’s one of my all-time favorites. (Also discusses reincarnation, oddly enough . . .)
3. How far away from your hometown have you traveled? Where were you?
Ever? Halfway around the world. I went to Thailand about fifteen years ago on an amazing trip with friends.
Most recently, though, I went to Greece last November. I love, love, love to travel.
4. What is your greatest regret?
That I didn’t start working to publish my fiction earlier!
5. What is your darkest secret?
No way in hell would I put a “darkest secret” on my blog. Nope. No way. You can’t make me.
6. Beatles or Stones? Why?
Depends on my mood! I love the Beatles’ earlier music for upbeat moments, but I don’t know that there’s any song out there that’s any better than “Sympathy for the Devil,” so hooray for the Stones, too.
7. If you were a literary character, who would you choose to be? Why?
That’s a tough one, because the best literary characters have the worst lives! (I have been working on this question for half an hour. I keep adding in characters, then thinking about the horrible things that happen to them and erasing the answers!) Oh. I know! I’d like to be one of the time-traveling historians in Connie Willis’s novels. That would be fun!
8. If you were a historical figure, who would you choose to be? Why?
My gut response to this was “but they’re all dead!” I guess Queen Elizabeth I, because unless you’re going to be a queen, why bother? Also, she was an amazingly shrewd woman, and she gave damn good speeches.
9. What is your earliest childhood memory?
My first birthday. I remember riding in a wagon through the toy department at a store, picking out my birthday present. In my memory, the shelves tower above me, holding a tangle of stuffed animals, but one stands out—a huge, brown dog. I still have that toy; it’s in my daughter’s room now.
10. What is your wildest dream?
Space travel. I would love to go to outer space.
My nominees for this award are Katie Hayoz, Penny Estelle, and Nancy Wood.
If you accept the award, answer the ten questions below, then pass it on!
1. What was the last poem you read?
2. Which book have you read that you most wish you’d written?
3. Have you ever had a recurring dream? What was it about?
4. Which fictional character would you most fancy having a fling with and why?
5. You’ve been shipwrecked on a desert island; what book can’t you be without?
6. What is something you wish you had more time for?
7. Who was your first celebrity crush?
8. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?
9. Which country would you like to visit most and why?
10. What is something you’ve learned recently?
