Joyce DiPastena's Blog, page 59

Tuesday Teaser

Tuesday Teaser is a weekly bookish meme (rhymes with "cream"), hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. (I've borrowed it from LDS Women's Book Review.) Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current readOpen to a random pageShare at least two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
I'm adapting the rules slightly. I'll be quoting some random lines from the last chapter I read before I post a teaser. I'm a slow reader, so you may get multiple teasers per book. Here's a teaser from Wrong Number :
She licked her lips and tried to ignore the hammering heartbeat accompanying her startled nerves. She was aware that if this man wasn't really a park ranger, there would be no way to escape.
From Wrong Number , by Rachelle J. Christensen, p 120

If you'd like to share a teaser from a book you're currently reading, I'd love you to do so in the comment section. And you don't even have to share it on a Tuesday! Be sure to include the title, author, and page number in case others would like to check out the book you're reading.

What Am I Reading Now?

Finished with The Silver Branch . Sadly, Constantius didn't show up until the very last chapter, though I enjoyed meeting him once he finally made an appearance. To be honest, while interesting, I didn't enjoy The Silver Branch nearly as much as I did The Eagle of the Ninth . The characters and story just don't "linger with me" the same way The Eagle of the Ninth did. Oh, well. I'm still glad I read it.

I'm going to save the final installment of Rosemary Sutcliff's Roman Britain series for a couple of reads down the road. In the meantime, I've chosen a contemporary mystery for my next read. I don't read a lot of contemporary mysteries (I don't read a lot of contemporary anythings), but this one is written by a good friend of mine, Rachelle J. Christensen. It's her debut novel and is up for a Whitney Award in May.

Here's the back cover blurb:

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn't know what to think when the caller mentions a dead body. At first she assumes it is some kind of prank. But the call isn't a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what's left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.

Stop by on Tuesday to read a Tuesday Teaser from Wrong Number .

Winner! : Fool for Books Giveaway Hop

Congratulations to Megan! Megan is the winner of my $12.73 Amazon gift certificate in the Fool for Books Giveaway Hop. Happy shopping, Megan!


Thank you to all who stopped by and followed, "liked" and subscribed. Hope you all had a good time at the Hop!

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop

The endlessly wonderful Kathy Habel of I Am a Reader, Not a Writer has organized another delightful (we hope you'll find it delightful!) blog hop to celebrate April Fool's Day...and this ain't no April Fool's! This is a short two day hop only, so you'll have to hop quickly to hit all the blogs.


In the past I've given away copies of my sweet medieval romance, Loyalty's Web , but I promised to do something different this time. So my Fool for Love Giveaway Hop Prize will be a $12.73 Amazon gift certificate. Why $12.73? Because anyone can give away an Amazon gift certificate divisible by 5! Heck, I just wanted to be different. :-)






To enter you MUST be a follower of JDP NEWS and you must leave me a comment telling me that you are a follower. AND don't forget to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!
To earn extra entries, you may do any or all of the following:
+1 Subscribe to JDP NEWS via the Feedburner subscription box in the left hand sidebar. You must confirm your subscription. Then leave a comment letting me know.+1 Like my "Joyce DiPastena" page on Facebook, then  leave a comment letting me know.+1 Become a NetworkedBlog follower (below the Feedburner subscription box), then leave me a comment letting me know.
AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH EACH OR ALL OF THE ABOVE. (Thanks!)
Deadline for entries is 11:59 PM EST/7:59 PM PST on April 2nd.
All entered? Great! Now hop along to the next link posted below.

Tuesday Teaser

Tuesday Teaser is a weekly bookish meme (rhymes with "cream"), hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. (I've borrowed it from LDS Women's Book Review.) Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current readOpen to a random pageShare at least two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
I'm adapting the rules slightly. I'll be quoting some random lines from the last chapter I read before I post a teaser. I'm a slow reader, so you may get multiple teasers per book. Here's my second teaser from  The Silver Branch:
"Would it not be better to be free?"
"Free? I was born a slave, the son of a slave. What is 'Free' to me, but being masterless--and maybe hungry?"
From  The Silver Branch , by Rosemary Sutcliff, p 175
If you'd like to share a teaser from a book you're currently reading, I'd love you to do so in the comment section. And you don't even have to share it on a Tuesday! Be sure to include the title, author, and page number in case others would like to check out the book you're reading.

Get to Know the Author: Shawn Lamb

Today's Get to Know You Interview is with Shawn Lamb, an award winning screen writer. Now she's moving into YA fantasy novels. Welcome to JDP News, Shawn!
JDP: Did your mother read to you as a child?
Shawn: No, I can't recall if my mother read to me. Then again, at my age, recalling things from childhood is hit and miss. lol  We did read to my daughter and encouraged, especially with the classics. So much emphasis is placed on being current that many fine works are ignored or even scorned. The use of refined language and words is frowned upon, replaced by short-cuts in speech, email and Twitter.
JDP: Do you remember a favorite book from your childhood?
Shawn: I had so many favorites books as a kid, but I'd say the one that really caught my attention was The Three Musketeeers by Alexandre Dumas. From that I developed a love for historical fiction.
JDP: Ooo, ooo, ooo! (Jumping up and down!) The Three Musketeers is one of my favorite books EVER! Okay, settling down now. Name a favorite author as an adult.
Shawn: Again I have to narrow down my list of favorite authors to only one. That being the case, I'll say Alistair MacLean. He set the stage and standard for writers like Tom Clancy and wartime thrillers. MacLean's mastery of description even translated well to first person, not a POV I'm fond of and rarely read. 
JPD: Another thing we have in common. 1st person isn't my first choice of POV for reading, either, although I'll admit a few of my favorite books are written in 1st person. I haven't read Alistair MacLean, but I recall him being a favorite author of my sister's.

Shawn: But those who most influenced my love for history and desire to become a writer were John Jakes, Taylor Caldwell, Dumas, and Mary Stewart. I LOVE reading historical fiction where you can't tell the fictional characters from the real people. The type of story that puts you there and used history to guide the story, not as flavoring. Where a full cast, rich description and emotional speech are welcomed and not the austere approach of today with few characters, little physical description and no dialogue tags. I believe an author doesn't need to sacrifice a good pace for description and solid identifying dialogue.
JDP: As an historical author myself, I agree with you there! Can you share a book you've read and enjoyed multiple times?
Shawn: What title I've read the most is a tie between San Andreas and HMS Ulysses , both by Aliastair MacLean and both about warfare in the North Atlantic during WWII. HMS Ulysses was his first novel and unbelievable in ability to make one feel the emotions and reality of the men and time, drawing upon his experience with the merchant marines. Great example of what I meant about not having to sacrifice pacing and action for description and dialogue. They can all live together and create a fine story.
JDP: Again, I agree with you. Now, Kindle, Nook, or good old hard copy?
Shawn: Good old hard copy!  There is nothing like the feel of a book in your hand, or the paper cuts on your fingers. Not only is a book easily transportable, but doesn't need batteries or electricity. Battery acid doesn't have the same effect as a paper cut.
JDP: What's your favorite place to read?
Shawn: I don't really have a favorite place to read. Some times I read sitting in a recliner, other times I read in bed – only that doesn't last long before sleep takes over. Another age factor.
JDP: What are your three favorite reading genres?
Shawn: Three genres? Historical fiction is by far my favorite – European mostly since I think Civil War and westerns are overdone. I guess after that would be mystery – but historical mystery like Ellis Peters or Simon Beaufort. I don't venture much beyond older authors since I don't want to read graphic sex or foul language - which is hard to find from today's authors and another example of the degraded use of language.

Surprisingly, I read very little fantasy, although I write it. I shape my fantasy stories from history, mythology and culture.
JDP: What's the last book you read?
Shawn: Chasing Mussolini by Zarle Williams. Zarle is a friend and fellow YA author and wrote a fascinating book based on the real life story of Antonio Buffa and his childhood living in Fascist Italy during WWII. She even traveled to Italy with Antonio to met is long lost friend from the war.
JDP: What are you're reading now?
Shawn: I'm not reading at the moment. I'm busy promoting Allon #3 Heir Apparent for publication in April, preparing for 2 major conventions this spring, followed by editing and prepping Allon #4 – A Question of Sovereignty for summer release, then 2 more festivals in the fall.
JDP: What's next on your reading list.
Shawn: Ditto answer #9. If I can fit in time to read I will, then I'll read whatever strikes my fancy for the mood I'm in.
JDP: What you would like to read more of? (author, genre, etc)
Shawn: Historical fiction. I'd like to see if any of my favorite authors have anything new I haven't read or maybe re-read something I haven't in years.
JDP: Share a favorite book that you've read in the last 12 months
Shawn: Chasing Mussolini. I wish Zarle had written more in-depth, but it is YA book and gives a glimpse into the hard life under the Fascist regime.
JDP: Thank you so much for joining us today, Shawn!
More about Shawn! : Shawn has written for children's television and won several screenwriting awards, including a Certificate of Merit from the American Screenwriters Association. She current lives in Nashville with her husband of over 25 years and their daughter, a budding film concept designer. Visit her at her website http://www.allonbooks.com  (It is a kid friendly site, complete with interactive map and character pages.)
Allon -Book 3 - Heir Apparent will be released spring 2011, but a short summary, link to the video trailer and excerpt can be found on the website.
Summary of Allon: Book 1
The land of Allon was a paradise until the fall of the Guardians paved the way for the rise of the Dark Way. Evil King Marcellus now controls the land as his forefathers did, with an iron fist and the help of the evil spirit, Dagar. But an ancient prophecy speaks of a time to come when the Guardians will return and Allon will be restored—lead by its rightful heir. All the while, the exiled teenage Promised Prince, Ellis, must prove himself worthy to be king through a series of supernatural trials that test his character, wisdom, courage, and his heart. The first in the Allon series, this magical tale of adventure, destiny, and faith will test the reader's strength and awaken their spirit of adventure.

Tuesday Teaser

Tuesday Teaser is a weekly bookish meme (rhymes with "cream"), hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. (I've borrowed it from LDS Women's Book Review.) Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current readOpen to a random pageShare at least two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
I'm adapting the rules slightly. I'll be quoting some random lines from the last chapter I read before I post a teaser. I'm a slow reader, so you may get multiple teasers per book. Here's a teaser from The Silver Branch:


"Flavius," he said desperately, "I'm not going."


There was a little pause, and then Flavius said, "No, nor I, of course." Then with the breath of a laugh, "Did not Paulinus say that we counted as one in this?"


From The Silver Branch , by Rosemary Sutcliff, p 95
If you'd like to share a teaser from a book you're currently reading, I'd love you to do so in the comment section. And you don't even have to share it on a Tuesday! Be sure to include the title, author, and page number in case others would like to check out the book you're reading.

What Am I Reading Now?

I finished The Chariot of Israel a few days ago and am deep into the second volume of Rosemary Sutcliff's Roman Britain trilogy, The Silver Branch . I'm not sure I'm as much in love with it as I fell with The Eagle of the Ninth , but I'm enjoying it all the same. What I do quite like about it is learning about the historical figures. I'm familiar with a great deal of ancient Roman history, enough to know that Rome was deeply involved in Britain, but my historical studies haven't taken me in any great depth to that island until after the fall of Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages. However, I was familiar with the name Constantius as the father of Constantine the Great. And so when I discovered in the introductory "Historical Note" that Constantius was going to play an important part in The Silver Branch , I became very excited at this opportunity to learn more about him, even through a fictional retelling.

Here's the back cover blurb for The Silver Branch :

Violence and unrest are sweeping through Roman Britain. Justin and Flavius find themselves caught up in the middle of it all when they discover a plot to overthrow the Emperor. In fear for their lives, they gather together a tattered band of men and lead them into the thick of battle, to defend the honor of Rome. But will they be in time to save the Emperor?

Come back tomorrow (Tuesday) and I'll share a Tuesday Teaser with you!

Get to Know the Author: Karen Cogan

Today's Get to Know You guest is Karen Cogan, an award winning multi-published author! 
JDP: Welcome Karen! Did your mother read to you as a child?
Karen: My mother read to me often as a child.  I loved stories about animals and she had to read them to me over and over.
JDP: Do you remember a favorite book from your childhood?
Karen: A favorite book I remember is Caddy Woodlawn that I read to myself when I was middle-grade. I loved prarie stories at that time and Carol Ryrie Brink was my favorite author.
JDP: Name a favorite author as an adult
Karen: As an adult, Dean Koontz is a favorite author.
JDP: Share a book you've read multiple times.
Karen: Dean Koontz's Watchers .
JDP: Kindle, Nook, or good old hard copy?
Karen: Hard copy!
JDP: What's your favorite place to read?
Karen: I like to read in bed or curled on my sofa.
JDP: What are your three favorite reading genres?
Karen: The genres I like best are sweet romance, suspense and inspirational.
JDP: What's the last book you read?
Karen: The last book I read was Frankenstein by Dean Koontz.
JDP: Dean Koontz has written a version of Frankenstein ? I'll have to check that out! What are you're reading now?
Karen: Right now, I am reading Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell.
JDP: What's next on your reading list?
Karen: I plan to read What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz next.
JDP: What you would like to read more of? (author, genre, etc)
Karen: I would like to read more Dean Koontz because I admire his writing skill and I like books that keep me turning pages.
JDP: Share a favorite book that you've read in the last 12 months
Karen: Heat Lightening , by ???
JDP: Thank you so much for joining us today, Karen!
More about Karen! : Karen Cogan has a background in elementary education and has written children's books, one of which recently won the Moonbeam Award for best multicultural story and book adoption for the state of New Mexico, as well as many articles and stories. She has historical and inspirational romance novels published by Avalon Books, The White Rose Press, and The Wild Rose Press.  Karen lives with her family in the Southwest, where she enjoys the opportunity for outdoor activities with her husband, children, and enough assorted pets to fill a small zoo. You can also visit Karen at http//www.karencogan.com
Publications by Karen Cogan (excluding extensive magazine publications)
Prodigal Heart —America House Now Love Never Lies —The Wild Rose Press Fragile Dreams —The Wild Rose Press The Mysterious Marquis -- The Wild Rose Press Her Own Sweet Time —Coming Soon—The Wild Rose Press The Secret of Castlegate Manor —Avalon Books A Flame in the Wind —Avalon Books Stolen Dreams —Avalon Books An Artful Deception —Avalon Books The Secret of Holly Green Manor —Avalon Books Pancho Finds A Home— New Mexico School Pick and Moonbeams Multicultural Award—Azro Press My Big Brother Ben —Richard OwenMOST RECENT TITLE; Forget Me Not— White Rose Press
All books are available on amazon.com.  
Summary of Forget Me Not:
School secretary, Miranda Wilkins, is thrilled when Paul Green walks into her life. The handsome gym coach is everything she wants in a man--except for one problem. He's stopped trusting in a loving God. As she attempts to persuade Paul to trust, her own faith is tested. Her mother is gradually becoming mentally and physically incapacitated by a mysterious illness, and her father and sister are suffering from a strain that threatens to tear the family apart. Will Miranda have the strength to be a witness to Paul, or will her tribulations and his anger at God cause him to drift from her?  

Book Signings!

I'm participating in the following book signings this weekend.

Writers Unite to Fight Cancer members who will sign at Speedway Bookmans (6230 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ) include:
10:00 AM until Noon Carroll Morris, and Margaret Turley.
Noon until 2:00 PM Joyce DiPastena, Cindy Williams,Donna Hatch, 
We are donating $1.00 from each book sold at this event to the American Association for Cancer Research .
ALSO THAT DAY...
Seven authors will sign books at Latter Day Cottage from 10:AM until 6:00 PM Saturday March 19th, 2011. (7012 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ) -- I'll be signing from 3:00-5:00 PM.


Bring your family and friends. We'd love to meet you. Both venues offer something for everyone and provide great gifts for upcoming events like birthdays, graduations, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Support your local authors. See You There.