tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75013126999450950022024-03-15T18:11:59.296-07:00My Bookish PleasuresMy Bookish Pleasures: Author Interviews, Book Trailers, Book Spotlights, Author Features, Book FeaturesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1005125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-49217086262005067052024-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T21:00:00.167-08:00🔦In the Bookish Spotlight: The Dreaming Team by Chris Wallace<p> <i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX66ZB_oVKTeM5VkoXjVUo1GB00eC9pTCRSqwAICqZy6G844NNrDZahF8dREwjkM5MHSq_6Dm11BCLdM4E_FuoQad5i_Hb-dMOJd-kLrPhWu_w6lslAMGtt85RV8t_T1njxkGYQvdxLhEzN0LGEjY2BJX7WRkzM4n-0_qZIR0p016-8hKze3vYJqYBqzBg/s532/The%20Dreaming%20Team%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="352" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX66ZB_oVKTeM5VkoXjVUo1GB00eC9pTCRSqwAICqZy6G844NNrDZahF8dREwjkM5MHSq_6Dm11BCLdM4E_FuoQad5i_Hb-dMOJd-kLrPhWu_w6lslAMGtt85RV8t_T1njxkGYQvdxLhEzN0LGEjY2BJX7WRkzM4n-0_qZIR0p016-8hKze3vYJqYBqzBg/w424-h640/The%20Dreaming%20Team%20cover.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><i><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<h2 dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-580d7d28-7fff-0026-bbb9-38580b77c0d5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Title: The Dreaming Team</span></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Author: Chris Wallace</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Publication Date: October 30, 2023</span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pages: 368</span></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Genre: Historical Fiction</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
</h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">In
the 1850s, Australia was a thriving colony of the British Empire, with
its own sense of importance and sophistication. But the people who had
occupied this vast land for upwards of 40,000 years didn’t fit well with
colonial expectations of the future. In every way imaginable, white
Australia tried to keep its “darkies” in line. It is against this
backdrop in the 1860s that the amazing story of an all Aboriginal
cricket team, the first Aussie team to do so, played at Lords, the home
of cricket in England. Conventional wisdom predicted that Indigenous
Australians would die off by the next generation. <b><i>The Dreaming Team</i></b>
brings those Indigenous players to life and follows them on an
adventure that would appear to be unbelievable if it weren’t true. They
not only changed the minds and perceptions about Aboriginal
Australians, they arguably changed the course of Australian history.
Praise for The Dreaming Team: <i>“A beautiful story, beautifully
written, about a piece of Australian history that, if you don’t know
about, you probably should. Heartwarming, heartbreaking and brimming
with relevance for today’s Australia. A poignant example of how far
we’ve come and how far we haven’t.”</i> <i>“The Dreaming Team tells the
true story of the all Aboriginal cricket team from Victoria who did a
tour of Great Britain back in the 1860s and all the drama, setbacks, and
cultural divide between the Aboriginals and white Australians involved.
Considering the state of affairs for Aboriginal people in those days,
the team’s accomplishments are no small feat!”</i> <i>“What an
interesting story. It is truly an Australian story about indigenous
Australians. The story grabbed me from the first chapter, and drew me
further in to where I could not put it down. I don’t want to give
anything away, so I will say that the twists and turns makes you want to
know what happens next at the end of each chapter. To say it is a
sports story is not fair, it is a people story, told from the heart,
about the hearts of people who love the land, and their story. I
recommend it highly, and look forward to more from the author, Chris
Wallace!”</i></span></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">You can purchase your copy at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-Team-Chris-Wallace/dp/0645968706/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1700139793&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>. <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span></span></span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s266/excerpt%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="266" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s1600/excerpt%20books.png" width="266" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><p>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<blockquote><h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-weight: normal;"><span>Mr.
Buckingham has asked Black Johnny to come into the shearing shed. They
stand together, both uncomfortable for different reasons. Unaarrimin
wonders if he’s done something wrong. He has always tried to be a good
worker. Never complained about anything. Was happy just to be there on
the station What could he have done? In the very back of his mind, he
wonders if it has anything to do with Alice but dismisses the thought
as soon as it comes. Mr. Buckingham is uncomfortable because he doesn’t
like confrontation. And especially this one. He is perfectly happy
with Black Johnny, finds him easy going, cooperative and good at his
job. It’s only because of his wife that he is in this position. After a
few more awkward minutes, Buckingham clears his throat and begins.
“You know . . . Um . . . You see . . . If it was up to me . . . Well . .
. Er . . . The Missus has a bit of ah . . . Oh, damn it, I’m going to
have to let you go. That’s the size of it. You’ll have to leave the
property. I’ve arranged some provisions for you, tea and sugar, salt, a
blanket, a billy, matches, a good knife. But you’ll have to go.”
Unaarrimin can only look at this man dumbfounded; this man who has been
his guardian since he was orphaned as a little boy. “What have I done?”
Unaarrimin asks. “Well, that’s just it, you see. It isn’t that you’ve
done anything. It’s more like . . . um . . . look, Johnny, let’s just
leave it that the Missus would rather you weren’t here anymore. Like I
said, if it was up to me, we wouldn’t be having this talk. But you’ve
got to go. Here, take this letter with you. It’ll help you get a job
somewhere else. But she wants you off the property tomorrow. Early.”</span></span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">Alice
and Unaarrimin had been inseparable when they were children. She
claimed him. She taught him to read. As she learned them, she taught
him manners. They hiked all over Mullagh Station together. He taught
her how to live in the bush, showing her what plants were edible; how to
make bread, how to build a proper fire. They got into all manner of
mischief together, stealing honey from Mrs. Buckingham’s cupboard and
tobacco from Mr. Buckingham’s pouch. One time Unaarrimin twisted his
ankle jumping from the roof of the shed because Alice dared him. When
they saw that he was alright, they rolled on the ground together in fits
of laughter. He remembers how infectious Alice’s laugh is. It’s like a
melody, like music to him. He would always do anything to make her
laugh. And she always did. One day he was teaching her how to throw a
boomerang. “Hold it like this,’ he says. “Throw from the
shoulder”. Alice cranks her arm for a mighty toss and cracks Unaarrimin
in the nose. She starts laughing her magical laugh. Even when it
starts bleeding, she’s still laughing. And by now, he is laughing
too. Alice takes a handkerchief from her pocket and begins dabbing the
blood. Then she gives it to him so he can apply enough pressure to stop
the bleeding. All the while they are laughing uncontrollably.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">But there
is no laughter now. Now, he is filled with sadness as he empties the
remains of the billy onto the fire and rolls up his swag. Where is he
to go? What is he to do? He ambles away from the billabong, no longer
conscious of freedom, but thinking of what he has lost, wondering if
he’ll ever see her again. <br /></span></span></p></span></h2><h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2></blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span><br /></span></b></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Jx_7C0w8v4Ux-luNbv8IuszaOTt5sP6JP78UESPn-lSjwdj-BNj9JKSfyIw9273EmQmg0bDqOo8ICLrerdf8WCb7SVFHq19avtJ8kG7QPL30AUcmGyGG--4EQr0YnhBEpGb-cdgEHKQSwKf1dYiSZ1uJC9v5JVtsT91eKWitt3ElynZV3XYShH_lw/s581/About%20the%20Author%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="581" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Jx_7C0w8v4Ux-luNbv8IuszaOTt5sP6JP78UESPn-lSjwdj-BNj9JKSfyIw9273EmQmg0bDqOo8ICLrerdf8WCb7SVFHq19avtJ8kG7QPL30AUcmGyGG--4EQr0YnhBEpGb-cdgEHKQSwKf1dYiSZ1uJC9v5JVtsT91eKWitt3ElynZV3XYShH_lw/w487-h94/About%20the%20Author%203.png" width="487" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNuyw73kC_X6rtWD97TkqYuE_7u-axL_R4SkKtPJEbTxlSeSfOGZjzPtK2fFyjQb77U2XRMheBCCU_zLV9qAH56jguS46mwk2Jw27ZzTsB8rLzZiF9CHVkQkuRBuJrur_vhLGZpjdcWreyjJtni9b4YRpMeXINO__BLhXz7OVsDRLKNe-fBJ6V9zrCPd7/s426/Chris%20Wallace%20author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNuyw73kC_X6rtWD97TkqYuE_7u-axL_R4SkKtPJEbTxlSeSfOGZjzPtK2fFyjQb77U2XRMheBCCU_zLV9qAH56jguS46mwk2Jw27ZzTsB8rLzZiF9CHVkQkuRBuJrur_vhLGZpjdcWreyjJtni9b4YRpMeXINO__BLhXz7OVsDRLKNe-fBJ6V9zrCPd7/w582-h640/Chris%20Wallace%20author.jpg" width="582" /></a> <br /></div></div></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Chris Wallace is a creative resource. </span></span>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">As an actor, he was a regular on the hit daytime drama, <b>All My Children</b>, created the role of The Half-Percenter in Joe Papp’s production<b>, Mondongo</b>, appeared in countless television programs, including <b>The Incredible Hulk</b>, <b>The Mary Tyler Moore Hour</b> and had a starring role in the holiday horror classic film, <b>New Year’s Evil</b>. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">As a producer, he put on <b>New York: A Great Place to Live</b>
at Lincoln Center which kicked off New York City’s Diamond Jubilee; for
Channel Five in New York, he produced the highly acclaimed <b>Harlem Cultural Festival</b>; at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, he produced <b>Uptown Sunday Afternoon</b>,
which was hosted by Harry Belafonte and featured Richard Pryor, Bill
Withers, and a galaxy of other performers; for the National Organization
for Women, he produced <b>A Valentine’s Day Tribute to Woman</b> at New York’s Town Hall; was associate producer of the first <b>Ali-Frazier Heavyweight Championship Fight</b> at Madison Square Garden, and produced the gigantic block party, hosted by Gwen Verdon, which named West 46<sup>th</sup> Street as <b>Restaurant Row</b>. .</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">He earned the Silver Award at the New York International Film and Television Festival for <b>In the Balance</b>,
a film that advocated sustainability and common sense in wildlife
management. It was also singled out by the Department of the Interior
as one of the best films of its kind. Chris wrote, narrated and wrote
the musical score for that film.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">He
performed on several children’s television programs in New York,
Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Jacksonville, singing his
original children’s songs. In Hollywood, he performed them for all
denominations of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. He created a
musical, <b>A Special Thing to Be</b>, at the Los Angeles Children’s Museum that featured his kids’ songs and the museum’s children’s chorus.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">He wrote the songs for two children’s theatre productions in Hollywood, <b>Hooray, Here Comes the Circus</b> and <b>Sleeping Beauty</b>; wrote and performed the songs on <b>Strong Kids, Safe Kids</b>,
a video produced by Henry Winkler for Paramount that dealt with the
protection of children from sexual molestation and exploitation. He
created his first musical revue, <b>Greatest Hits</b>, in Hollywood, which played several venues, including Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s on Sunset Strip and The Backlot in West Hollywood.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Upon relocating to Australia, he produced <b>A Helping Hand</b> at the Victorian Arts Centre, a benefit for Quadriplegic Hand Foundation; wrote book, music and lyrics for <b>Nothing to Wear</b>, a musical based on “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” also produced at the Victorian Arts Centre. He created a one-man show, <b>A Thing of Shreds & Patches</b>, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival; created another one-man show, <b>The Mark Twain You Don’t Know</b>, which toured Australia, then Pacific Palisades, California, and played in New York City on the 100<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of Mark Twain’s death. He created several cabaret shows
for The Butterfly Club in Melbourne, most notable of which was <b>Les Femmes</b> which featured an all female cast. He wrote, produced and performed in <b>Huckleberry: A Musical Adventure</b> which premiered in Melbourne.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Which brings us to <b>The Dreaming Team</b>. This is his second book. The first, <b>Hollywood Mosaic</b> is written under the pen name, Pete Joseph.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">You can visit his website at <a href="http://www.olentangymusic.com"><b>www.olentangymusic.com</b></a>.</span></span> </p></div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ8kYfvjHK0d1zrPe4DcASzqXQ7N7KgyaQWK9Io6ryz_caIvReA7kuUMG89Hll8KmBGtvgLBgxdVa4M8ph6axQ2dyC9zpY78SlsUqEZ7gcmbLFZA1n55FiuZSfVC2wyaW1c-vlBQg9Or3sL3HZGC2w4ysjoVoRybjoN9BOWN1elX3dRPwwsfJaaGcuHZL/s640/The%20Dreaming%20Team%20blog%20tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ8kYfvjHK0d1zrPe4DcASzqXQ7N7KgyaQWK9Io6ryz_caIvReA7kuUMG89Hll8KmBGtvgLBgxdVa4M8ph6axQ2dyC9zpY78SlsUqEZ7gcmbLFZA1n55FiuZSfVC2wyaW1c-vlBQg9Or3sL3HZGC2w4ysjoVoRybjoN9BOWN1elX3dRPwwsfJaaGcuHZL/s16000/The%20Dreaming%20Team%20blog%20tour.jpg" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-72831609286899513562024-01-30T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-30T21:00:00.155-08:00Book Trailer Spotlight: Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks<p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="515" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r79vBaTtbi4?si=lni51yA5VP-ZXaj4" title="YouTube video player" width="700"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYv1puN0vR8/Xxw2sO9kRBI/AAAAAAAA4qs/gKJDFQLY1EYB7VSo92nl9dFDx1GKuT1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bbook.png" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYv1puN0vR8/Xxw2sO9kRBI/AAAAAAAA4qs/gKJDFQLY1EYB7VSo92nl9dFDx1GKuT1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bbook.png" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6_4KbAeihqcQ73zZ_fZAxy90LP6j0E-9Z3ausfl3tPX_Ap8laICfzGtn6j1dxjTrqXJobwk_O20uPAiZ32eHpqjHXXE953F9e9QwUHXoLHAc9WBCzTStysDS5K44NzliPkwmnMdP5WzpE1VsU0aXpUrixdpLDXT2JZSUTD7ccLYYJU6Xhcs2P5RDn56B/s800/Homecoming%20Chaos%2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6_4KbAeihqcQ73zZ_fZAxy90LP6j0E-9Z3ausfl3tPX_Ap8laICfzGtn6j1dxjTrqXJobwk_O20uPAiZ32eHpqjHXXE953F9e9QwUHXoLHAc9WBCzTStysDS5K44NzliPkwmnMdP5WzpE1VsU0aXpUrixdpLDXT2JZSUTD7ccLYYJU6Xhcs2P5RDn56B/w717-h434/Homecoming%20Chaos%2015.jpg" width="717" /></a></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Title</b>: HOMECOMING CHAOS<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Author</b>: D.W. Brooks<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Publisher</b>: Life Reboot LLC<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pages</b>: 448<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Genre</b>: Romantic Suspense</span><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Jamie
Scott’s life fell apart four years ago when she broke off her
engagement, turned down a dream job, and went overseas to run away from
her life. Now she’s back, but the reunion is not without problems. She
arrives home just in time to attend the soiree her mother planned, but
she’s not prepared for what she finds—a dead employee in the parking
lot.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Detective
Nick Marshall is assigned to the murder case at the forensics lab owned
by Jamie’s family. He meets the headstrong Jamie, but he has a job to
do. And his attraction to her… well, he’s a professional.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Jamie
knows the stakes are high. She has to face the past and save her
parents’ business while dealing with her family drama and an uncertain
future. She also has to deal with Nick, who wants her out of the way of
his investigation. But fate keeps throwing them in one another’s paths…
and into chaos that they both want to avoid, but neither can seem to
escape.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;">Buy Links:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Chaos-D-W-Brooks-ebook/dp/B0CKS9P7PF"><strong>Amazon</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144277742"><strong>B&N</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/homecoming-chaos"><strong>Kobo</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/homecoming-chaos/id6469733473"><strong>iBooks</strong></a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br style="font-size: 15.84px;" /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzdmav2YIs/Xxw2z0UIyoI/AAAAAAAA4qw/FCmgWTXpn3E6MqmgB9YIDGWd1kAwiKTPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bauthor.png" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="358" height="57" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzdmav2YIs/Xxw2z0UIyoI/AAAAAAAA4qw/FCmgWTXpn3E6MqmgB9YIDGWd1kAwiKTPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bauthor.png" style="border: medium; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSgOQGJvw7o-Mty9hWlNqcvtVG2YrYHtXqLY_JeovghNLI0SZgG0JkRDMcCGunl32R922C9EaC4g6HWJjZdCf9eIdDWz6RPI1fRPceBuKqnJhUcxswsVPEtUDiNGr5g9Y4AhLKd-Nrdb2M9iGdEXlm6mcGmYGlUoeLT3Ps8TPVBvSz5NTBWX8hCg9YVBY/s410/D.W.%20Brooks%20author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSgOQGJvw7o-Mty9hWlNqcvtVG2YrYHtXqLY_JeovghNLI0SZgG0JkRDMcCGunl32R922C9EaC4g6HWJjZdCf9eIdDWz6RPI1fRPceBuKqnJhUcxswsVPEtUDiNGr5g9Y4AhLKd-Nrdb2M9iGdEXlm6mcGmYGlUoeLT3Ps8TPVBvSz5NTBWX8hCg9YVBY/w303-h400/D.W.%20Brooks%20author.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">The
author lives in Texas with her husband and children. She enjoys trying
to stay in shape, sporadically cooking, reading (still), writing, and
working on her blog. She is eternally grateful to the woman who donated a
kidney to her over 5 years ago and continues to advocate for organ
donation as much as she can.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><strong>Author Links </strong> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://authordwbrooks.com">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lifethereboot">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authordwbrooks">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/authordwbrooks">Instagram</a></span></span></p><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-89863180571813384102024-01-28T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-28T21:00:00.131-08:00📖Authors To Watch: Donna Fletcher Crow, Author of GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uA3DIjaQNqRja8FHZySyhwq-86CSM-FMiYYECRa6uS_PrdwymwLiBRt7jDPHFHL6gUs1pSiJ5Kmpk2h6SpNk5_4QhYf8qU8RMk-LHyHoL9fwNxfUnQb7k16YUOO4oi1w-2qmU6gMB4s8KDJ_o6gNTd8GhwMBnIytH6h8zT7-CNElMDt-nihoAeWfezA/s610/Donna%20Fletcher%20Crow%20Author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="408" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uA3DIjaQNqRja8FHZySyhwq-86CSM-FMiYYECRa6uS_PrdwymwLiBRt7jDPHFHL6gUs1pSiJ5Kmpk2h6SpNk5_4QhYf8qU8RMk-LHyHoL9fwNxfUnQb7k16YUOO4oi1w-2qmU6gMB4s8KDJ_o6gNTd8GhwMBnIytH6h8zT7-CNElMDt-nihoAeWfezA/w268-h400/Donna%20Fletcher%20Crow%20Author.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>Donna
Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, is an award-winning author
who has published some 50 books in a career spanning more than 40 years.
Her best-known work is <i>Glastonbury,</i> The Novel of Christian
England, a grail search epic depicting 1500 years of British history.
The Celtic Cross is a 10-book series covering the history of Scotland
and England from the 6th to the 20th century. <p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Crow
writes 3 mystery series: The Monastery Murders, contemporary clerical
mysteries with clues hidden deep in the past; Lord Danvers Investigates,
Victorian true-crime stories within a fictional setting; and The
Elizabeth and Richard literary suspense series, featuring various
literary figures. Where There is Love is a 6-book biographical novel
series of leaders of the early Evangelical Anglican movement. The
Daughters of Courage is a semi-autobiographical trilogy family saga of
Idaho pioneers.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Reviewers
routinely praise the quality of her writing and the depth of her
research. Crow says she tries never to write about a place she hasn’t
visited and one of her goals in writing is to give her readers a
you-are-there experience.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Donna and her husband of 60 years live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 children and 15 grandchildren, and she is an avid gardener.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><b>Author Links </b> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://www.donnafletchercrow.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaFletcherCr">Twitter</a> |<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063745772509"> Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56147.Donna_Fletcher_Crow">Goodreads</a></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why did you write your book, Going There: Tales from the Riviera and Beyond?</span></span></p>
<p>One of my goals as a writer is always to take my readers with me to places I love. That is usually locations I have visited on research trips for my novels. My trip to the Riviera and beyond was planned to be a purely family time, but it gradually dawned on me what a truly extraordinary experience I was having—a beautiful get-away to places I had always wanted to visit—in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. The summer of 2021 offered a tiny window of openness to world travel between two Covid spikes. And we managed to slip through before restrictions returned.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What's one of your favorite stories from the book?</span></span></p>
<p>I enjoyed telling all of them because each story has my characters in places we visited and that gave me a chance to relive my time there again. Because I usually write very realistic history and mystery novels, however, I especially enjoyed writing the two fantasy stories “The Ghost Boy” and “Worlds Converge” because it was a somewhat new genre for me.<br /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you tell us the circumstances leading up to the writing of your book?</span></span></p>
<p>My granddaughter Jane was attending ballet school in Basel, Switzerland, with a summer program in Monaco. There was a two-week gap between sessions and her mother and I were convinced she needed a chaperone. My daughter-in-law Kelly is a food writer, so she planned our itinerary to match our mutual interests. I didn’t at all have any idea of writing about the experience until I found that at each place, I was meeting my characters who were having their own adventures. I started making notes in the journal that became the basis for my book.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></span></p>
<p>Working in the short story genre. My best-known book is the epic <a href="https://donnafletchercrow.com/booksHistorical.php#glastonbury"><em>Glastonbury</em></a>, The Novel of Christian England, which is almost 800 pages long. Most of my history and mystery series run to 6 or 7 books so far. I love words. I love well-developed plots, backgrounds and characters. Short stories are more like poetry—a condensed medium. But then, I love new challenges, so I found the undertaking exciting.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></span></p>
<p>Thank you for saying projects because I always have several going. As a devout Janite, I am currently writing a series of articles for the “Jane Austen’s Regency World” magazine on “The Landscape of Pride and Prejudice.”</p>
<p>My next long-term venture will be book 7 in my <a href="https://donnafletchercrow.com/booksMystery.php#monastery">Monastery Murders</a> series: <em>A Wind in the Hebrides. </em>I did the research for this story in 2001 and am so delighted to be getting to the writing—finally.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring authors?</span></span></p>
<p>Write from your Passion. If you don’t love it, your readers won’t.</p>
<p>Read, read, read—especially the classics. You may never write as well as you read, but you will not write better. I discovered that after writing my first romance 40 years ago, then rereading <em>Jane Eyre</em>, and wondering, “Why do we try?” But, as you can see, I kept on.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p><a href="https://donnafletchercrow.com/booksHistorical.php#glastonbury"><i></i></a></p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p><i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"></span></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC2q6z8-dy54Rmm1FBg22DwDNfv6nb9fsVEvHPGLwjbKtQ7EStwQO_eFya3xRbEVy4kDdGruNkr4aLzqHdaVwGcQgDhXSl7OR6NzDMU031NvcBgROhUonUO-HxWS-sLYNct03rU54bE5cu0d_UnZfDFpgEog8CBVEkRFMx9weaGObsYzOBy19FoGdqWF8/s595/Going%20There%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="388" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC2q6z8-dy54Rmm1FBg22DwDNfv6nb9fsVEvHPGLwjbKtQ7EStwQO_eFya3xRbEVy4kDdGruNkr4aLzqHdaVwGcQgDhXSl7OR6NzDMU031NvcBgROhUonUO-HxWS-sLYNct03rU54bE5cu0d_UnZfDFpgEog8CBVEkRFMx9weaGObsYzOBy19FoGdqWF8/w261-h400/Going%20There%20cover.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">In
the summer of 2021 my daughter-in-law and I slipped through a brief
window of sanity in a world driven mad by the Covid pandemic. Our
purpose was to see my granddaughter Jane to a summer program in Monaco,
then back to her ballet school in Switzerland. In spite of restrictions,
protests, and nail-biting worries, the result was a marvelous
experience.</span></span>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">I
invited characters from my mystery series to join me in my imagination
and have their own adventures in each setting. Their encounters are:
Nice: “The Crime of Passion”; St Tropez: “The Mother Decrees”;
Villefrance-sur-de-mer: “The Ghost Boy”; Monaco: “Fracas in Monaco”; The
Loire Valley: “The Old Winemaker”; Saint Gallen: “Whispers of Legend”.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">The
final coda is “Home Another Way” As 2 years later I return from quite a
different trip aboard the Queen Mary 2 and my characters join in the
celebrations as worlds coincide.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">More information on the book GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND can be found at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Going-There-Tales-Riviera-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0CPHBRVJH?ref_=ast_author_mpb">https://www.amazon.com/Going-There-Tales-Riviera-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0CPHBRVJH?ref_=ast_author_mpb</a>.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKluE69quP0253PjSjRClp4F3kmmScMFMbhKkZG34MuEwKEUcRQnsvzdS9tzWTlHZcI6B6jR92As7rzm1mYarHdMMZO8m1mrQxRf6bgPIBNuJg2pKxc_LMup2iESJM5yfvduEKSlRS0sn2cs_1hw4vt0E_tbQGQLIfV3Dl73sygU8g0jLwDxWCNGPhTzTX/s793/Going%20There%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="793" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKluE69quP0253PjSjRClp4F3kmmScMFMbhKkZG34MuEwKEUcRQnsvzdS9tzWTlHZcI6B6jR92As7rzm1mYarHdMMZO8m1mrQxRf6bgPIBNuJg2pKxc_LMup2iESJM5yfvduEKSlRS0sn2cs_1hw4vt0E_tbQGQLIfV3Dl73sygU8g0jLwDxWCNGPhTzTX/w620-h411/Going%20There%2010.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>
</p><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-68562767512583675362024-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-01T21:00:00.149-08:00Book Trailer Blitz: Stonebridge by Linda Griffin<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bHrQioFgsEo?si=oOcE9vnX4kanCZRa" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /></p><p><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYv1puN0vR8/Xxw2sO9kRBI/AAAAAAAA4qs/gKJDFQLY1EYB7VSo92nl9dFDx1GKuT1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bbook.png" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYv1puN0vR8/Xxw2sO9kRBI/AAAAAAAA4qs/gKJDFQLY1EYB7VSo92nl9dFDx1GKuT1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bbook.png" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3QjVJEDoCp-debItxJjO8N-Qiav79Fd4DSSYh4u_MfWlEHIUm5qyT4GwbUA5Z50rTh0RhUO5JzpbkwEE3WqSUQnj1m0Qr-32Ln0Y-C7wrycML_Qa6Thq-b3spOKtCLfqh6a5tDntUdJI7WgVSTSak9sFTu6Strx1NHkrzZF842r46mZ_WQLQHVZn8jbj/s800/Stonebridge%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="800" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3QjVJEDoCp-debItxJjO8N-Qiav79Fd4DSSYh4u_MfWlEHIUm5qyT4GwbUA5Z50rTh0RhUO5JzpbkwEE3WqSUQnj1m0Qr-32Ln0Y-C7wrycML_Qa6Thq-b3spOKtCLfqh6a5tDntUdJI7WgVSTSak9sFTu6Strx1NHkrzZF842r46mZ_WQLQHVZn8jbj/w655-h501/Stonebridge%203.jpg" width="655" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Title</b>: STONEBRIDGE<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Author</b>: Linda Griffin<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Publisher</b>: Wild Rose Press<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pages</b>: 256<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Genre</b>: Paranormal Romance</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">After
the death of her mother, Rynna Dalton comes to live with her imperious
great-grandmother and her bookish, disabled cousin Ted at Stonebridge
Manor. Almost immediately she is aware of a mysterious presence, which
she believes is the spirit of her mother’s murdered cousin, Rosalind.
Rynna is charmed by Rosalind’s lawyer son Jason Wyatt, who courts her,
and she agrees to marry him. Meanwhile Ted and Rynna become good
friends. But Stonebridge holds secrets that will profoundly affect her
future. Why is Ted so opposed to the match? Why does Rosalind seem to
warn Rynna against it? And how far will Jason go to possess
Stonebridge—and the woman he professes to love?</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Gabriela;">Buy Links:</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stonebridge-Linda-Griffin-ebook/dp/B0CGG1TN31"><b>Amazon</b></a><b> | </b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1000585740"><b>Barnes & Noble</b></a><b> | </b><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/stonebridge/id6463164419"><b>iBooks</b></a></span></span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-580d7d28-7fff-0026-bbb9-38580b77c0d5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Gabriela; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></h2></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br style="font-size: 15.84px;" /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzdmav2YIs/Xxw2z0UIyoI/AAAAAAAA4qw/FCmgWTXpn3E6MqmgB9YIDGWd1kAwiKTPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bauthor.png" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="358" height="57" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQzdmav2YIs/Xxw2z0UIyoI/AAAAAAAA4qw/FCmgWTXpn3E6MqmgB9YIDGWd1kAwiKTPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Slow%2BDown%2Babout%2Bthe%2Bauthor.png" style="border: medium; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYVDjZ2gHmx4-q4yVoP6RNBNAsftCj8ndHeYN3ZZBKh6XLl0z-0OpMLcobE4Vti_cmClTHTHf0AMaIaYmpEM5x6DrVWSuP7elm2xqdZ54e-AB4yWFGK7lp4GLCBPckl8qfp1l6bdI-n1wZxLetMh8I9FK84_aqFLCr5EDUrxxMiWunGMX6jfwOq9WWpF3/s385/Linda%20Griffin%20author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYVDjZ2gHmx4-q4yVoP6RNBNAsftCj8ndHeYN3ZZBKh6XLl0z-0OpMLcobE4Vti_cmClTHTHf0AMaIaYmpEM5x6DrVWSuP7elm2xqdZ54e-AB4yWFGK7lp4GLCBPckl8qfp1l6bdI-n1wZxLetMh8I9FK84_aqFLCr5EDUrxxMiWunGMX6jfwOq9WWpF3/s320/Linda%20Griffin%20author.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Linda
Griffin knew she wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as she learned to
read and wrote her first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” at the age of
six. She retired as fiction librarian for the San Diego Public Library
to spend more time on her writing. She has had stories of every length
from short shorts to novellas published in numerous literary journals,
and <i>Stonebridge</i> is her eighth book from the Wild Rose Press. She
enjoys the three R’s — reading, writing, and research–as well as
Scrabble, movies, and travel. <p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><b>Author Links </b> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://www.lindagriffinauthor.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LindaGriffinA">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lindagriffin.author/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lindagriffinauthor/">Instagram</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-2393411370726500292023-09-19T23:00:00.001-07:002023-09-20T06:24:20.187-07:00📖Authors To Watch: LJ Ambrosio, Author of REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD #authorstowatch #interview<p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_tauHpTUWCVbFGYPpXo-Aak5kAqt6Rdr4ayEgXvUbKoDl4w6f15cTC0Zq_8o7gV8A7SE7aafrm1zBFDrvadnzthHRxMwNTtROD4I_X-lMq57wUgwNT0WSwfAD6arm23BhxKjNHskaab-XEBXB2yxMnjqfVYVzVll5CVSvybdVJRfoWTvM8_fe43vBgej/s400/LJ%20Ambrosio%20lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_tauHpTUWCVbFGYPpXo-Aak5kAqt6Rdr4ayEgXvUbKoDl4w6f15cTC0Zq_8o7gV8A7SE7aafrm1zBFDrvadnzthHRxMwNTtROD4I_X-lMq57wUgwNT0WSwfAD6arm23BhxKjNHskaab-XEBXB2yxMnjqfVYVzVll5CVSvybdVJRfoWTvM8_fe43vBgej/s320/LJ%20Ambrosio%20lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Louis
J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in
Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical
producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. He
taught at over 7 universities in America. Ambrosio also distinguished
himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course
of his impressive career. </span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><strong>Author Links </strong> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><a href="https://www.ljambrosio.com">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/louis.ambrosio">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/authorlambrosio">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ljambrosioauthor/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/ljambrosio">Tumblr </a>| <a href="https://linktr.ee/ljambrosio">Universal Link</a></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p></p><p><i> </i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
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</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We welcome you to My Bookish Pleasures! Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When andwhere do you write?</b></span></span><br /> </p><p>I write only in the evening for 2 hours with my coffee, in my office overlooking my garden. I<br />write and then when finished, I do a spell and syntax correction. I reread the next day, I continue<br />this process until I finish, then I do another pass. After this, it goes to an editor. I write stream of<br />consciousness and I take on more than one point of view. It could be tricky but I’ve mastered it.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can you tell us about your most recent release?</b></span></span></p><p><br />Book two in the trilogy is a fun buddy adventure travel book. Al three books connect and flow. I<br />am halfway through the third book.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How did you get the idea for the book?</b></span></span></p><p><br />My life and my passion for people.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was the most challenging aspect of authoring your book?</b></span></span></p><p><br />Research to be accurate. If you screw up facts, you lose credibility with the reader.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What projects are you currently working on?</b></span></span></p><p><br />My third book, “Exiles.”</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: large;"><b>What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?</b></span></p><p><br />Be passionate, believe in yourself, tell the story.</p>
<p><br /></p><p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR_n60s8OkRw0mE3BFjNSi2TsjrIQQdaBZi1F-NJ5Gt5rI5PThBeF_n_z-OoKfR7_Lq3TPIAU9UHyvV5LZCeeNpbG_2n7YZACwZM12AwF-AMEjwiLhE_bRiSzp4L7hTMwvhFcAGZW62wQMiQVI_mCxfH3A2hl6y_gEMMtu7dWsH2D0LXLrz2bM40CTbQn/s572/Reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR_n60s8OkRw0mE3BFjNSi2TsjrIQQdaBZi1F-NJ5Gt5rI5PThBeF_n_z-OoKfR7_Lq3TPIAU9UHyvV5LZCeeNpbG_2n7YZACwZM12AwF-AMEjwiLhE_bRiSzp4L7hTMwvhFcAGZW62wQMiQVI_mCxfH3A2hl6y_gEMMtu7dWsH2D0LXLrz2bM40CTbQn/s320/Reflections.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />Title: Reflections on the Boulevard<span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: LJ Ambrosio</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Film Valor</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publication Date: June 7, 2023</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 238</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Fictional Buddy Adventure / Coming of Age <br /></span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="pibfi_pinterest " style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Gabriela; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="goodreads add to" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-99113" height="41" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/goodreads-add-to.png" width="130" />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Michael’s story continues from <em>A Reservoir Man</em>
(2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He
unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and
journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and
Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures.
The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Buy Links:</strong> </span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/4tsz5ft6">Amazon </a>| <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/reflections-on-the-boulevard/id6448296429">Apple </a>| <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reflections-on-the-boulevard-lj-ambrosio/1143396462?ean=2940167436961">B&N</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/reflections-on-the-boulevard">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1384458">Smashwords</a> | <a href="https://www.ljambrosio.com/reflections-on-the-boulevard">Author’s Website</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/reflections-on-the-boulevard-reflections-of-michael-trilogy-book-2-by-l-j-ambrosio">Bookbub</a></span></div><p>
</p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">LJ Ambrosio giving away one $20 Amazon Gift Card & an Autographed Copy of Reflections on the Boulevard!</span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Gabriela;">Terms & Conditions:</b></p>
<ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive either a $20
Amazon Gift Card or an autographed copy of Reflections on the Boulevard.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">This giveaway starts August 28 and ends September 22.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Winner will be contacted via email on September 23.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Winner has 48 hours to reply.</span></li></ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Good luck everyone!</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">ENTER TO WIN!</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1a49cf61258" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1a49cf61258/" id="rcwidget_239beu9u" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Gabriela;">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJLppyw4mBl3lTawdMDPEXnCDuuFP_p41iunkpHNTzhWyBbM2UZ50qfWUMsFqU5yII_rGgyujmxOJVTnPwSrR5ROtb4OY1Pu7BvJHlBH6UmoNGOO1CieCU4I4Mzqtvjp1pwCSTDG2HhhpK9sBVwUf7ou5yBBPBYi2DjyzmIyW8TKGtdD3rj3NPPLKXQqg/s800/Reflections%20on%20the%20Boulevard%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="800" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJLppyw4mBl3lTawdMDPEXnCDuuFP_p41iunkpHNTzhWyBbM2UZ50qfWUMsFqU5yII_rGgyujmxOJVTnPwSrR5ROtb4OY1Pu7BvJHlBH6UmoNGOO1CieCU4I4Mzqtvjp1pwCSTDG2HhhpK9sBVwUf7ou5yBBPBYi2DjyzmIyW8TKGtdD3rj3NPPLKXQqg/w547-h245/Reflections%20on%20the%20Boulevard%2012.jpg" width="547" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d8_Iqx0NJW8hyaRhkCuSzbZGkb86nIfnZ2zBZmPIWknAnKAFdngMmKgaMnvJqkRiQcrFhNOz1qLCspJXU6aMNAcTfzpgWtMXDzsNjFOOJmFCRNrGE-z6PK9x6QeFd5ego_s0x-dKuCMkkhwvHpnc0I-ebySCGq8Bdnef0E_6CzD0vYm-Yf4z40QD_iac/s695/Reflections%20on%20the%20Boulevard%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="695" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d8_Iqx0NJW8hyaRhkCuSzbZGkb86nIfnZ2zBZmPIWknAnKAFdngMmKgaMnvJqkRiQcrFhNOz1qLCspJXU6aMNAcTfzpgWtMXDzsNjFOOJmFCRNrGE-z6PK9x6QeFd5ego_s0x-dKuCMkkhwvHpnc0I-ebySCGq8Bdnef0E_6CzD0vYm-Yf4z40QD_iac/w593-h256/Reflections%20on%20the%20Boulevard%2013.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-27076151844793839162023-09-19T21:00:00.000-07:002023-09-19T21:00:00.152-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Jamie Saloff, Author of HATCH: A CHANGE YOUR LIFE GUIDE #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><strong></strong></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy7_0JbbKsa0EfkdpcIDF33lgIUigrlkfAUfpegR37tMiU6ubeLxFB6lcevzXrOanojKUxEF12sPCGARbzbAH7my80p-C4CK4qeWTT_l5idnngVsHvyhloJ8b7wjhPHxqvDHaPg6XkNQWdSwxkQltFO6_dWUu2qmSUOXy_jpQCd2rBMJGiSDc8RAMEzu5/s410/Jamie%20Saloff%20author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy7_0JbbKsa0EfkdpcIDF33lgIUigrlkfAUfpegR37tMiU6ubeLxFB6lcevzXrOanojKUxEF12sPCGARbzbAH7my80p-C4CK4qeWTT_l5idnngVsHvyhloJ8b7wjhPHxqvDHaPg6XkNQWdSwxkQltFO6_dWUu2qmSUOXy_jpQCd2rBMJGiSDc8RAMEzu5/s320/Jamie%20Saloff%20author.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></div><strong>Jamie Linn Saloff</strong>
is passionate about aiding fiercely independent, misfit, square pegs
trapped in an unfulfilling life. Author, teacher, story weaver,
spiritual counselor, seer of visions, pathfinder, for over thirty years
Jamie’s taught how to reignite your heart by listening to your body
groan and your soul weep. She is the author of twelve books including <em>Hatch: A Change Your Life Guide</em> and her <em>Marvelous Messages™</em> series.<br />
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Author Links </strong> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.MarvelousMessages.com">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JamieSaloff">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JamieLSaloff">Facebook Author Page</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/JamieSaloff">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/jamie_saloff">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesaloff">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://tinyurl.com/38dknc49">Amazon Profile</a></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p></p><p><i> </i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
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</p><p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to My Bookish Pleasures. We would love to get to know you and your book! </span></strong></p>
<p>Thank you so much for having me. I am honored to appear on your blog. It’s clear you spend a lot of time manicuring it. </p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">When did you begin writing?</span></strong></p>
<p>I wrote my first book when I was three. Scratch that! I filled a pad of paper with what I thought were words, but, according to my mother, my “prose” didn’t make the cut. I recently learned that I also attempted to write on the foyer floor. My mother also panned that “book” too. However, I must have gotten better because my first bio, complete with spelling errors and overstrikes, appeared in my baby book, kept for posterity. </p>
<p>I guess I always knew I would be a writer. I know I couldn’t wait to be old enough to take typing classes (yes, this was before word processors and computers), but started penning stories while still in school. I know I wrote my first “novel” during Spanish II my junior year in high school. (I did not get good grades in that class for some reason.) I also attempted to write stories for children I babysat for. The kids weren’t entertained. </p>
<p>After I met my husband-to-be, I wrote stories for him. He seemed to appreciate my stories, and for a while, we would write letters to each other in a blank book. We broke up several months into our early relationship and even though we got back together (and have been married for forty-forty years) we no longer shared writing in that way. He does, however, read every book I’ve published, offering unique insights I would have missed. <br /><br />In my early years of writing, I dreamed of attending one of the mail-in writing schools, but couldn’t afford it. I tried selling some magazine articles. Nothing sold. You’d think I should have given up, but writing flowed from my pen into journals all the time. I couldn’t stop. Then I finally got the chance to take a course with an instructor who had a small group that met around his dining room table. I joined that group, and for the first time, I learned the professional way to submit a manuscript to an agent or editor. Not long after, I sold my first book, which was a collaboration between myself and my husband. I did the writing and he did the photos for a book about vintage pottery. </p>
<p><strong><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Describe your writing process. </span></span></strong></p>
<p>I always wrote in journals, so my early books began in that way. Then, after working with a mentor, I would work on large poster boards. Those were an awesome way to free write, but awkward to use. I eventually switched to large art pads. I prefer the smoother paper pads, and usually, at that stage, use colored, fine-point markers. I also sometimes use mini sticky notes or cut 3x5 index cards into 3 slices (about business card size). I use those to write down early ideas. However, nowadays, I usually do a lot of brainstorming in a mind map on the art pad, then move those tidbits to a phone app (Evernote, at the moment). Once I have enough notes for a book, I will begin transferring my ideas into layout software as I design and format my own books (something that became a twenty-year career for me).</p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring authors?</span></strong></p>
<p>I’ve been helping authors for over twenty years in a variety of capacities. I spent a lot of time volunteering for a writer’s organization. I learned a lot by doing that and met a lot of published authors, agents, and editors, some of whom became long-time friends. Then I became a book designer (from which I am now semi-retired). I walked countless authors through the process of self-publishing. Because of all my experiences, it’s impossible to fully offer advice. (I’d have to write a book!) But here are my top five tips.</p>
<p>1. Don’t skip having your book edited by a professional, and really listen to what they are saying about readability. So many authors I work with are so focused on their “vision” for their book that they often forget that, yes, it’s cool that you can self-publish and break all the rules, but some of those rules equate to sales. </p>
<p>2. When it comes to designing a cover, most authors make two mistakes. The first is they become too attached to their first idea. They go to a cover designer and say, “Do it exactly like this.” They lose out on the tremendous potential they have tapped into. A seasoned designer knows what sells, what pops, and what attracts attention. Authors need to let their designer take their idea and enhance it (not change it, but kick it up a notch). If you let them, they can take it to a higher level. Does this mean you can’t make suggestions, ask for changes, or let them know that something isn’t working for you? Absolutely you should do these things, but don’t make them stay in the closed box you have presented them. You’ll likely have a better cover if you let them use their imagination and expertise. Secondly, I can’t tell you how many authors find a single photo or image and then tell me they have a “cover.” Uh, no, you don’t. You have an image. The font that makes the title, the other layered items that make that image pop, and the rest of the cover items (spine, logo, barcode, company info, blurb, and more) all combined, make a cover. No, it’s not “simple.” It’s not something your cover artist spits out in five minutes. Respect the work they have to do to make this all come together. A good designer can make a world of difference in the amount of your sales and is worth their weight in gold. </p>
<p>3. Buy Publisher Rocket and learn how to use it. This is a tool I use with every book. It’s invaluable and costs way less than it is worth.</p>
<p>4. Learn how to market your book cost-effectively. Stop dreaming of sitting in a mall bookstore where you will sell five books and waste your day. By far, I’ve learned the most from Bryan Cohen’s ad challenge (offered free several times a year) and I don’t regret spending what I did for his ad school as well as Mark Dawson’s Self-Publishing Formula course. You will spend (and waste) far more money trying to do any number of low-dollar courses than you will gain by going straight to one of those. </p>
<p>5. After you’ve spent all your time and effort creating this piece of your heart, don’t stop. Firstly, you will likely need multiple books to really see them earn their worth. And secondly, these books don’t sell themselves. Stop worrying if you have the right color on your website and spend your effort on number four above and in writing your next book. I see so many authors spend countless dollars on their book, then believe it failed to sell, when in truth, they didn’t really understand it takes more than a book and a website to create a bestseller.</p>
<p><strong><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><em>Hatch – A Change Your Life Guide</em>, is for fiercely independent, misfit, square pegs trapped in an unfulfilling life. It’s a self-help, step-by-step guide helping readers reignite their hearts and answer their soul's calling. In this book, I share stories and methods for deeper self-exploration teaching how to “Hatch a life worth loving” by listening to your body groan and your soul weep.<strong><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></span></strong></p>
<p>By age thirty, I’d experienced a lot of grief. Both my parents had passed. Many other loved ones too. I’d been through a lot of health issues, including cancer. I had a lot of problems fitting in. I didn’t seem to think like other people or like the same things. I had trouble finding where I fit in life. Even though I had a great husband and two wonderful boys, I felt like there should be more to life. I knew I should be grateful to even be alive, I knew I should be happy to just settle. Yet, I still had an empty feeling. I didn’t know how to change that without losing all the good things I had. Over the passing years, I found my way to that “more” my heart had been looking for and I wanted to help others like me find their “more” too. </p>
<p><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What message are you trying to get across with your book?</span></span></strong></p>
<p> “Whoever you are, whatever you’ve been through, you are a being with tremendous potential.” Some periods in our lives are difficult. We may feel stuck. We may feel there’s no way it can get any better. When I look back at the different times in my life when I felt like that, if I would have stopped there, I would have missed so much. I still am amazed at all I have accomplished, experienced, and enjoyed. My hope is to show others how to ignite this type of potential in their lives as well. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></strong></span></p>
<p>I am working on a gift book called <em>Hatch-ette</em> (or in other words, the mini version of <em>Hatch</em>), which I intend to give away. It will be a quick jumpstart for those who want to “hatch a life worth loving.” When that is done, I am working on my <em>Marvelous Messages</em> series of books. The next one to be launched is <em>Marvelous Messages from Your Ancestry</em>. I have a deck of cards that goes with that one. After that, I want to create a video course, a community where I can interact with others, and an incubator program where I can privately mentor others.</p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How can our readers reach out to you?</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong>My new favorite saying is that I don’t live on the Internet. I have stopped trolling social media sites as if my life depended on it. The best place to find me is to write me via my website <a href="http://www.marvelousmessages.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.MarvelousMessages.com</a> or to simply email me at jamie@MarvelousMessages.com. I love, love, love hearing from readers and answer all that I can.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1okx51vNb_yo4dIa4E5oY8mN7ej57TmJRggwDiUXLv0snKZqhilqSrB3ZCFQnv72_VfMDZ4PPg63fW73J_RrRo9CTQILsOEDaIcRVJcadkscZyma6oSHVO43r1HSJ9YR475-z6ATPWVVICZ1pu3XkDRC3QByFC-vT1TGm_8k-8Xh3ZFAO0wTRlfviDdR/s534/Hatch%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="435" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1okx51vNb_yo4dIa4E5oY8mN7ej57TmJRggwDiUXLv0snKZqhilqSrB3ZCFQnv72_VfMDZ4PPg63fW73J_RrRo9CTQILsOEDaIcRVJcadkscZyma6oSHVO43r1HSJ9YR475-z6ATPWVVICZ1pu3XkDRC3QByFC-vT1TGm_8k-8Xh3ZFAO0wTRlfviDdR/w326-h400/Hatch%20cover.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Title: Hatch: A Change Your Life Guide</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Jamie Saloff</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Sent Books</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publication Date: June 25, 2023</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 384</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Self-Help/Motivational, Religion/Spirituality, Personal Growth/Personal Transformation </span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="pibfi_pinterest " style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Gabriela; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>If you could, how would you change your life?</strong> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">While
bravely facing the motherlode of difficult life challenges, you never
dreamt the result would be a soul-sucking, heart-crushing existence.
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Although
you try to ignore the emptiness, detachment, and feeling that you don’t
belong, you rarely make changes. It just seems too impossible for so
many reasons. Instead, you silenced your heart’s nagging with
self-sacrifice, food stuffing, or by becoming a workaholic. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Contemplating
ending her life, Jamie Saloff chose instead to hatch a new one. She
knows how self-doubt and unworthiness can cloud our ability to move
forward after the darkness of illness, grief, trauma, or tragedy –
because she’s faced it too. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><em>In Hatch – A Change Your Life Guide</em>, Saloff walks readers through her step-by-step method to: </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> • Awaken your soul’s purpose by listening to your heart’s voice </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">• Find confidence in your next forward step by hearing your body speak </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">•See messages of guidance everywhere by learning where to look </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> • Uncover your future in your past by examining your ancestral heritage </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> • And much, much more… </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><em>
“It’s a simple question “Do you wish you could change your life for the
better” while the answer is an easy one – do you have any idea of how
to accomplish the task? “Hatch – A Change Your Life Guide” gives you a
systematic process that will take you on a journey of physical,
emotional, and spiritual healing…I highly recommend this wonderful and
enlightening book”</em> – Yolanda Renee</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Buy Links:</strong> </span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/3ukyuhk5">Amazon </a>| <a href="https://amzn.to/3NMi66m">B&N</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/reflections-on-the-boulevard">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yy2j85xc">BooksAMillion</a></span></div><p>
</p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyTspOQl1mr-x0npgpGLNUHeWXlaV812U9Kio5wfdPdxt3NG3LRCK2eIYCINMUAuAsFG34IGwYMXNww54Pg5ICN_vZVvHWd6jf_VuxCN4zmGQ2Z68FYlG0wbgjVZ9IJ_xXxyDjsIRJNoM-f_0NOexfoF9STBsXuSArxlx2MboWb431x58bIz0LkUSAvjT/s723/Hatch%2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="723" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyTspOQl1mr-x0npgpGLNUHeWXlaV812U9Kio5wfdPdxt3NG3LRCK2eIYCINMUAuAsFG34IGwYMXNww54Pg5ICN_vZVvHWd6jf_VuxCN4zmGQ2Z68FYlG0wbgjVZ9IJ_xXxyDjsIRJNoM-f_0NOexfoF9STBsXuSArxlx2MboWb431x58bIz0LkUSAvjT/w640-h266/Hatch%2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-39183713954241705952023-09-17T21:00:00.001-07:002023-09-17T21:00:00.133-07:00📖Authors To Watch: David Myles Robinson, Author of TROPICAL SCANDAL #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3M75NV8m9RpfF4NpvoVuwCBMTISIwYGRZdfkriQaQgqMDyCzINLLM0qwWeddLTVUDzHBkoXT7Ms2L9BqgyTf0X8wYyN2a9aHepAxwzcHnolImgoC1eD39ZyfPNVus8y51w12fwsF7SiLGqrFIUFjc5XQau6ujl_olzME-rm0G5aQWlWVCOUkcRcxSeVS/s621/David%20Myles%20Robinson.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="527" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3M75NV8m9RpfF4NpvoVuwCBMTISIwYGRZdfkriQaQgqMDyCzINLLM0qwWeddLTVUDzHBkoXT7Ms2L9BqgyTf0X8wYyN2a9aHepAxwzcHnolImgoC1eD39ZyfPNVus8y51w12fwsF7SiLGqrFIUFjc5XQau6ujl_olzME-rm0G5aQWlWVCOUkcRcxSeVS/w340-h400/David%20Myles%20Robinson.png" width="340" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">David
Myles Robinson has always had a passion for for writing. During the
late 1960’s and early 1970’s, while in college, Robinson worked as a
freelance writer for several magazines and was a staff writer for a
weekly minority newspaper in Pasadena, California. Upon graduating from
San Francisco State University, he attended the University of San
Francisco School of Law. It was there that he met his wife, Marcia
Waldorf. In 1975 the two moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and began practicing
law. Robinson became a trial lawyer and Waldorf eventually became a
Circuit Court judge. </span></span> <p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Upon retiring in 2010, Robinson completed his first novel, <i>Unplayable Lie</i>. He has since published eight more novels. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="http://www.davidmylesrobinson.com">www.davidmylesrobinson.com</a> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DMRobinsonWrite">http://www.twitter.com/DMRobinsonWrite</a> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DavidMylesRobinson">https://www.facebook.com/DavidMylesRobinson </a></span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidmylesrobinson">https://www.instagram.com/davidmylesrobinson</a></span><p> </p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p></p><p><i> </i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
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</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?</span></span></p>
<p>I wrote my first short story in seventh grade and have been hooked on writing since. During my college years I wrote a lot of short stories and portions of novels, but when I became a trial attorney my fiction writing was put on hold for thirty-eight years until I was about to retire, which is when I wrote and then published my first novel (<em>Unplayable Lie</em>, a golf-related suspense novel).</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?</span></span></p>
<p>I begin with a vague idea and then begin writing. So, seat of the pants would most describe it. Writing suspense and mystery novels, it is not unusual for me to write myself into a corner and be forced to retreat. I write in my home office and when I am immersed in a particular project, I can write most of the day. I love it. But I am not so disciplined that I force myself to write when I’m not working on something specific.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release, <em>Tropical Scandal</em>?</span></span></p>
<p>Pancho McMartin, the protagonist in all of my <em>Tropical</em> series legal thrillers, is the leading criminal defense attorney in Honolulu. When he is asked by an aging and alcoholic trial attorney of whom Pancho had always admired to take on a murder case, Pancho, and his best friend and private investigator, Drew Tulafono, begin to uncover a bizarre and unbelievable scenario that is bound to be the biggest scandal ever to hit Hawaii’s judiciary.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></span></p>
<p>Like all of my Pancho McMartin legal thrillers, of which <em>Tropical Scandal</em> is the fifth, it was inspired (as opposed to based upon) by true events in Hawaii. In the case of <em>Tropical Scandal</em>, the inspiration was a truly bizarre series of events which shook the judicial and law enforcement world in Honolulu</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?</span></span></p>
<p>Pancho McMartin, the protagonist, is my favorite character. He is smart and witty and loves the challenge of trial. Since my retirement from the law in Hawaii, I moved to Taos, New Mexico and so when I began writing the Pancho McMartin series I had him having been born in Taos to a pair of original hippies who lived on a commune. His parents claimed that they named him Pancho so that he would fit in better in the mostly Hispanic schools. Pancho, however, believes that his parents dropped acid to celebrate his birth and named him while stoned.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></span></p>
<p>In any suspense or mystery novel, the most challenging thing is to build the suspense and maintain the mystery for as long as possible. In legal thrillers, at some point during or before trial, the mystery usually becomes clear, so at that point the challenge is to maintain the readers’ interest by showing how Pancho will win the case and clear his client.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></span></p>
<p>I am contemplating turning one of my prior stand-alone novels, <em>Son of Saigon</em>, into a screenplay.</p>
<p>What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors? Just write and keep on writing. Very, very few novelists get rich, or even make a living, writing novels, so if you’re not writing for the love of writing there’s not much point to it.</p>
<p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZBdgKJwDj4CZv1CyPbq07R7gejwPYgd3beYJpxbHiGhuh61dXUHUv2sdVIQvyk-y7TGyxn2K1ATjkbP6c0p-nxKAbMiZGrc8sAhpyZKFrDUwpbKGPWpaxZL6oCgqMe_6G0A14eupiwRLsuD6EMAyNTM8qqViciSyJVQZe5gpSdO8ONGsFKOP6Ix1ktoQ/s671/Tropical%20Scandal%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZBdgKJwDj4CZv1CyPbq07R7gejwPYgd3beYJpxbHiGhuh61dXUHUv2sdVIQvyk-y7TGyxn2K1ATjkbP6c0p-nxKAbMiZGrc8sAhpyZKFrDUwpbKGPWpaxZL6oCgqMe_6G0A14eupiwRLsuD6EMAyNTM8qqViciSyJVQZe5gpSdO8ONGsFKOP6Ix1ktoQ/s320/Tropical%20Scandal%20cover.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Title: Tropical Scandal</span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Author: David Myles Robinson</span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: Bluewater Press, LLC</span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 291</span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Genre: Legal Thriller/Suspense/Mystery </span></span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">When
Pancho McMartin, Honolulu’s top criminal defense attorney, takes on the
case of Dayton Kalama, a young drug dealer accused of murdering his
grandmother (tutu), Pancho is faced with a daunting amount of evidence
pointing squarely at Dayton. But as Pancho, together with his private
investigator, Drew Tulafono, gradually pull back the layers of deceit,
they begin to uncover hints at what is beginning to look like the
biggest scandal ever to hit Hawaii’s legal community. This book is pure
fiction, but is inspired by true, scandalous events which shook
Honolulu’s legal community to its core. </span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Amazon: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/3p8vwcvf">https://tinyurl.com/3p8vwcvf</a></span></span><p>
</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6npSTxVmBNxbf5c-ySeiuaOIuO4ADSXnnHRzExDr5HxGn11VSAd6HrwONfG67JVdmGfoTJdlgSEwTbu_3VLjtcq0Yjotjn-aXiRbhruyIoO0Vu7ArRI-Q4acVaL1UOC5kr3A0SxVArGjs1pgyI6jyHIwRsr49u2YZZ4Ld3iIoVnhHQMK128-_uZdUaTbA/s640/Tropical%20Scandal%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="640" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6npSTxVmBNxbf5c-ySeiuaOIuO4ADSXnnHRzExDr5HxGn11VSAd6HrwONfG67JVdmGfoTJdlgSEwTbu_3VLjtcq0Yjotjn-aXiRbhruyIoO0Vu7ArRI-Q4acVaL1UOC5kr3A0SxVArGjs1pgyI6jyHIwRsr49u2YZZ4Ld3iIoVnhHQMK128-_uZdUaTbA/w640-h364/Tropical%20Scandal%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-59071422498181331122023-09-04T21:00:00.001-07:002023-09-04T21:00:00.139-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Avery Sterling, Author of PRECIOUS BURDENS #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt55oQG3QH6qTODI2zs-8ODaVmMJMJN8vLy0inxuDWI6lwqb7ibB-sMMhzV2hQQG7uoMoWOxswk5e6L46RNNJPkPiqP69ORL91sRjWampwYheVai0kdIj8zBpO1CyWMwRfwIixMNcQUCWmGbyE96oQFPjWDkpTcRYYmFGgBNZ571-NB6kOdVJkdooSIbX/s675/Avery%20Sterling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt55oQG3QH6qTODI2zs-8ODaVmMJMJN8vLy0inxuDWI6lwqb7ibB-sMMhzV2hQQG7uoMoWOxswk5e6L46RNNJPkPiqP69ORL91sRjWampwYheVai0kdIj8zBpO1CyWMwRfwIixMNcQUCWmGbyE96oQFPjWDkpTcRYYmFGgBNZ571-NB6kOdVJkdooSIbX/s320/Avery%20Sterling.png" width="267" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Avery Sterling’s love
for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her
first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions
brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards
learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that
felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and
words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards
understanding the essence of what she wished to create. </span></span><p></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Most of her youth was
spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her
everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores
of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she
discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and
simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate
to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love…with all the steamy
romance. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="http://www.avery-sterling.com">http://www.avery-sterling.com </a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/averysterling17">http://www.twitter.com/averysterling17 </a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avery.sterling.125?eav=AfaEN0SdTOOmVInfsysAoPRLYUanLZ1olr4QWTIjYzwm85tfJ7Ij6rQhS1Qf5oXnK7k&paipv=0&_rdr">https://www.facebook.com/avery.sterling.125?eav=AfaEN0SdTOOmVInfsysAoPRLYUanLZ1olr4QWTIjYzwm85tfJ7Ij6rQhS1Qf5oXnK7k&paipv=0&_rdr </a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/Avery.Sterling17">http://www.instagram.com/Avery.Sterling17</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19674760.Avery_Sterling">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19674760.Avery_Sterling </a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Bookbub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/avery-sterling">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/avery-sterling</a></span></p>
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<p> </p><p></p><p><i> </i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
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</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?</span></span></p>
<p>I was heavily into historical romances when I was a teenager. I
admired authors for the stories they told, and their ability to wield so
much emotion. When I was about sixteen, I was having coffee with my
dad, and telling him about my latest read. I was a little disappointed
at how the story was unfolding. My dad—who probably wasn’t a big romance
novel buff—listened, then asked me how I’d change it. I told him what I
thought should happen, and he nodded. He said that it sounded like a
good idea, then he continued sipping his coffee. That was when it struck
me—I wanted to write my own book! It was at that moment, I realized I
had a true passion for something. He agreed, and even added that I could
get published, one day. At sixteen, I held little interest in
publishing anything. I just wanted to tell a story. But I never forgot
that conversation. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?</span></p>
<p>I often write in my den because it’s lined with windows, which allows
me to daydream. Admittedly, I have no plan when I begin writing. The
process starts with a flash, or a spark. It might be one scene, some
sort of action, an image of the characters, etc. Most importantly, I
want to translate the emotion that was created in me. I weave the rest
of the story using those initial sparks. When I finish my first draft, I
wait a few days before I look at it again. I need fresh eyes when the
hard work begins. Now, having the shell of my story, I start creating a
solid foundation for it to stand on. During my revisions, I peel back
the layers of all the characters and their backstories. I start asking
all the questions. Why did they do that? Why would they say that? How
are they acting/reacting? What drives them? etc. The characters start to
come alive. I can connect with them on a deeper level, and get a better
understanding of the world in which they dwell. When the story starts
to align with the emotions initially inspired, I know I’m getting closer
to completing my characters’ journey. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release?</span></span></p>
<p>My most recent release, Precious Burdens, was one of the first
stories I had ever written. It’s special to me because over the years,
it's grown and transformed more than any other. What started as a fun,
fiery love story, became something much deeper. Nye and Sarafina have
more than just a passionate connection, they’re two souls aching for one
another. Many obstacles threaten their love, and so many fears…
questions of redemption and worthiness.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></span></p>
<p>U2’s With or Without You was playing on the radio, and a flash of
both characters came to me. I saw the hero standing by the railing of
his ship, watching the heroine in a long boat. She was leaving him, and
for whatever reason, he couldn’t ask her to stay. As the distance grew
between them, they watched each other, their longing was
painfully clear. Without a thought of her own safety, the heroine
plunged into the water and tried swimming back. When he saw her jump in
the ocean, he smiled, and jumped in after her. It raised so many
questions within me. I was captivated by these two characters. The more I
listened to the song, the more I saw these two together, in brief
flashes. Finally, I put U2’s song on repeat, and began writing. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?</span></span></p>
<p>I can’t say I have a favorite character, they’re all unique and dear to me. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></span></p>
<p>The most challenging aspect for Precious Burdens was Nye’s torment
and stubbornness. It was difficult to go forth with some of his
decisions. It was tempting to tap some keys and “fix” everything—at
least for Sarafina’s sake! </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></span></p>
<p>I’m currently writing a novel based in Ireland, about a pagan about
to be hanged for witchcraft when she’s rescued by the new lord of her
ancestral home.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?</span></span></p>
<p>Be inspired, but don’t compare yourself to others, whether by skill
or their perceived success. The journey is unique for each writer.
You’ll carve out your own path, and you’ll do so in your own way.</p>
<p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqURsOVPsksi7bQcNNA5eOePEagX9d7M3UvRI8SuiwX0cD_NbUvqo_Qfy8VHVdnj75u6NxVSmzagBnf8_1qW1vGpunAQcwrr0UrNwXh8tJ8p8MFRkwqtyTIVfsLW4paEeGAPHIkVadC51xjlcWes2pC7Vod_8upYBI4Ivc8pdIT9OxEiVpzSv45Xupggn/s620/Precious%20Burdens.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqURsOVPsksi7bQcNNA5eOePEagX9d7M3UvRI8SuiwX0cD_NbUvqo_Qfy8VHVdnj75u6NxVSmzagBnf8_1qW1vGpunAQcwrr0UrNwXh8tJ8p8MFRkwqtyTIVfsLW4paEeGAPHIkVadC51xjlcWes2pC7Vod_8upYBI4Ivc8pdIT9OxEiVpzSv45Xupggn/s320/Precious%20Burdens.png" width="222" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title: Precious Burdens</span></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Avery Sterling</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: The Wild Rose Press</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 324</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Historical Romance </span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Sarafina di Ramonicci sets sail for America as the promised bride in an arranged political marriage. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Taken
prisoner at sea, she clashes with her captor and demands freedom, only
to discover he is planning her future husband’s demise, with her as a
pawn in their deadly feud. The challenge of escape tests her loyalty to
family, human decency, and love. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Captain
Nye Tarquin is a dangerous man. Left to die on the streets of New
Orleans, he swears retribution on the man responsible. When he makes
Sarafina part of his plan, he isn’t prepared for the fiery vixen aboard
his ship, nor his desire to claim her as his own. When passion overtakes
honor, he’s torn between his heart and his need for justice. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Burdens-Avery-Sterling-ebook/dp/B0C8VHNH3V">https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Burdens-Avery-Sterling-ebook/dp/B0C8VHNH3V</a> </span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Barnes & Noble: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/precious-burdens-avery-sterling/1143685468?ean=2940160809335">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/precious-burdens-avery-sterling/1143685468?ean=2940160809335</a></span><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><br /><p>
</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmPSHAZrp3__xTcGXUPEFFlEnzxx6TBsx0BnQqF-1iRlo8WpVHx3_Vt5HBbe7nJ4-WL64fQGgqqJicHKnqTENTFaZGLazL01mpYuZ593LibYcxVWUaaCi0r4ko6rdpWjmTA734ySKAxrwatL8s92MoQgFINuCUQhYkdX1s42j6mGkkWKvgNaBek8diGm1/s798/Precious%20Burdens%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="798" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmPSHAZrp3__xTcGXUPEFFlEnzxx6TBsx0BnQqF-1iRlo8WpVHx3_Vt5HBbe7nJ4-WL64fQGgqqJicHKnqTENTFaZGLazL01mpYuZ593LibYcxVWUaaCi0r4ko6rdpWjmTA734ySKAxrwatL8s92MoQgFINuCUQhYkdX1s42j6mGkkWKvgNaBek8diGm1/w462-h205/Precious%20Burdens%2010.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-31473035576869529702023-08-27T21:00:00.000-07:002023-08-27T21:00:00.143-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Stella Atrium, Author of HOME RULE: BOOK III OF THE TRIBAL WARS #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcpGwRw6R_EpyeYobxknZTnpCE_0gZZ85nTdW3K4Pwr8eOlIEqDRylb-NrzAvMZ2xtolMrVbQlfR7CFsRteiDBngazzFRMySpKN5WpVv0xLH1BSUsbY-3Fz5wD5dYWdp5UyxthWVQIlS-TMCkXKCo-Nb4foBcSPB8e1XhdV_BND-H5HaEZfpUqTifnZj-/s588/Stella%20Atrium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcpGwRw6R_EpyeYobxknZTnpCE_0gZZ85nTdW3K4Pwr8eOlIEqDRylb-NrzAvMZ2xtolMrVbQlfR7CFsRteiDBngazzFRMySpKN5WpVv0xLH1BSUsbY-3Fz5wD5dYWdp5UyxthWVQIlS-TMCkXKCo-Nb4foBcSPB8e1XhdV_BND-H5HaEZfpUqTifnZj-/s320/Stella%20Atrium.png" width="277" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Stella Atrium is writing <em>The Tribal Wars</em>
series. The first trilogy is available as ebooks and in print. BookLife
has awarded the Editor’s Pick designation for each book upon its
release. </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><em>Home Rule</em>
rounds out the first trilogy and received first place in the 2023
Artisan Book Review Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Book 4 titled <em>Tribal Logic</em> is scheduled for release in early 2024. Also be certain to pick up Atrium’s standalone novel <em>Seven Beyond</em> that won a 2014 Reader’s Favorites award in science fiction. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="https://stellaatrium.com">https://stellaatrium.com </a> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/SAtriumWrites">https://www.twitter.com/SAtriumWrites </a></span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SAtriumWrites">https://www.facebook.com/SAtriumWrites</a></span><p></p><p><i> </i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
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</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can you tell us how you got started writing science fiction?</b></span></span></p>
<p>Thinking back… I remember that I wanted to expand roles for women where they drive the plot and have tools to succeed. What better realms than magic on other planets where the roles for women are not structured by institutions like marriage or teaching or politics.</p>
<p><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?</b></span></span></p>
<p>Since the narrative is carried by more than one narrator, I have charts for who is on which planet at any time in the plot, and other charts for who is speaking and present in the scene. I’m a list maker, so I find many opportunities to procrastinate. </p>
<p>I write in the mornings before the phone demands my attention. I like to review the current scene, write in the character’s voice, and leave something left to write tomorrow so I have energy to start again the next day. These habits are hard-won over decades of experimenting what works to shut out distractions. </p>
<p><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can you tell us about your most recent release, Home Rule: Book III of The Tribal Wars Series?</b></span></span></p>
<p>I’m so glad you asked. Reader response has been great. Amazon readers have stated that the first two books work well, but HOME RULE in exceptional in that it ties up the story threads with a big event at the end that changes the world for all characters.<br /> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How did you get the idea for the whole series?</b></span></span></p>
<p>Although placed on another planet, the tribes bind together into a society where everybody votes. Individuals make big sacrifices in the struggle for unity amidst diversity. Scenes may resemble what we see on TV news segments for the Arab Spring (decades ago now), for protests in the Middle East or in India or in Asia, anywhere that voices are raised for more representation in governance.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?</b></span></span></p>
<p>In HOME RULE Hershel Henry drives the story. He’s a photojournalist from Earth who witnesses big changes in tribal leadership. Reviewers have called him an ‘intrepid reporter’ and feckless for taking responsibility for the consequences of his actions. </p>
<p>Overall of course, Brianna Miller is the protagonist. She is mixed blood and educated by different factions, even jumping back to Earth for a decade. She can see the motives of one group or another, working to negotiate a peace treaty. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</b></span></span></p>
<p>Currently, the most challenging aspect is promoting three books together. HOME RULE includes the big ending and can be read as a stand-alone novel. THE BUSH CLINIC starts off our adventure, and THE BODY POLITIC serves to increase jeopardy for favorite characters and pressure on the tribes. </p>
<p>As a writer, I’m in an unusual place in that the next novels (Books 4 and 5) are completed and in production. I have to think back for choices made for characters in the earlier books to ensure continuity. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What projects are you currently working on?</b></span></span></p>
<p>Book 4 in the series titled TRIBAL LOGIC is in production. I recently re-edited sections of books 5 and 6. I have to keep the timelines straight and the ages of characters as they mature into adult roles. One character named Stuben, who is introduced in HOME RULE, sort of carries the narrative for later events while we see him find his place in the world. But, that’s for later. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?</b></span></span></p>
<p>The world of publishing remakes itself every 18 months, it seems. Advice for writers that worked 3 years ago may not apply, or be useful in your genre. </p>
<p>And now we have change-ups in Amazon, Meta, and Twitter for how they allow self-published writers to advertise. I find it’s best to work close to home with the writer website and with promotion partners who I can trust for book tours. </p>
<p>For the writing, uh well… Writers must find lifelong themes that become signatures for what to expect from them for genre, characters, storyline, delighting the reader in specific ways – like using magic. </p>
<p>Be bold! Be original! Allow the world to grow into your vision rather than reflecting what’s already written. Your voice is unique.</p>
<p>Stella Atrium</p>
<p>Website: https://stellaatrium.com</p>
<p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/SAtriumWrites">https://twitter.com/SAtriumWrites</a></p>
<p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAtriumWrites</p>
<p>Reviews for HOME RULE:</p>
<p>Self-Publishing Review </p>
<p>“a multi-world plot that is a testament to Atrium’s long-game draftsmanship” @selfpubreview</p>
<p>“rich in detail at every turn, this is high sci-fi that will thrill anyone who loves imaginative stories populated with three-dimensional players” -- @selfpubreview</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-self-publishing-review wp-block-embed-self-publishing-review"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2023/05/home-rule-by-stella-atrium/
</div></figure>
<p>Artisan Book Reviews</p>
<p>First place winner in the 2023 @ArtisanReads Book Excellent Awards Contest for Science Fiction and Fantasy</p>
<p>An epic page-turner, <em>Home Rule</em> by <em>Stella Atrium</em> is a masterpiece of science fiction world-building and plotting. Terrific—a powerful, commanding, political, sci-fi with soul.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-artisan-book-reviews wp-block-embed-artisan-book-reviews"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://artisanbookreviews.com/2023/07/02/home-rule-by-stella-atrium-award-winner/
</div></figure>
<p>BookLife Editor’s Pick</p>
<p>“This superb third entry in Atrium’s Tribal Wars series showcases the author’s great strengths. Atrium populates these new realms with compelling, all-too-human characters, especially women and outsiders, trying to do the right thing despite the tangled mess of politics and power.</p>
<p>First-rate SF novel of revolution, oppression, and the urgent textures of life.</p>
<p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5LzsxxTHh9H-WxE_Ocd_J7W0nLwVwPC8VmUXSbOgX4ZqnMFAcU9rOY7PpY8t8gOvRFKa7uNiZVi9sgWLK4SCOXVcbutqKaW_gQ155O7ZRDF3qxYqwpjEXukr2ot4D-c361M-i-MiV8FE75rjvN0Cq4bkPdJMsUdjGtJQl0IWVs0ZgP7xsFR4RgywgB10/s598/Home%20Rule%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="378" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5LzsxxTHh9H-WxE_Ocd_J7W0nLwVwPC8VmUXSbOgX4ZqnMFAcU9rOY7PpY8t8gOvRFKa7uNiZVi9sgWLK4SCOXVcbutqKaW_gQ155O7ZRDF3qxYqwpjEXukr2ot4D-c361M-i-MiV8FE75rjvN0Cq4bkPdJMsUdjGtJQl0IWVs0ZgP7xsFR4RgywgB10/w253-h400/Home%20Rule%20cover.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Title: Home Rule: Book 3 of The Tribal Wars</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Stella Atrium</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Stella Atrium Writes LLC</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 458</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Science Fiction </span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Sarafina
di Ramonicc In book 3 of the award-winning series, photojournalist
Hershel Henry witnesses the loss by self-torching of tribal women. The
Madquii and Gora tribes have laid siege to the city of Urbyd, and
Brianna Miller must seek a peace treaty. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Kelly
Osborn travels to Stargate Junction to set the wedding of ambassador
Otieno. Hershel Henry opens a gazette to report on pending elections for
home rule, but then shocking events upset their plans. </span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C44QT91N">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C44QT91N</a></span><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeCscRUX7HqU0KuvacL_zUlwnwq-MtU6zG3IKQpBZNqcdHvhLB3L-PVtfxENc8XFWAhTSoc4iAxmtZc20WwtZauheC36Gy_9UoqLXPW6EoawsvW8qyF4InUzpuXNbZiD79anP8ORaS1C8Ov5uKtDNn4kIpOSBjaHe-R8LwDzqRYJwgu35XYAUNsKKSmkt/s702/Home%20Rule%2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="702" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeCscRUX7HqU0KuvacL_zUlwnwq-MtU6zG3IKQpBZNqcdHvhLB3L-PVtfxENc8XFWAhTSoc4iAxmtZc20WwtZauheC36Gy_9UoqLXPW6EoawsvW8qyF4InUzpuXNbZiD79anP8ORaS1C8Ov5uKtDNn4kIpOSBjaHe-R8LwDzqRYJwgu35XYAUNsKKSmkt/w558-h239/Home%20Rule%2014.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-5252133390197594132023-08-24T21:00:00.001-07:002023-08-24T21:00:00.159-07:00🔦In the Bookish Spotlight: Blood & Water by Linda Armstrong-Miller <p> <i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiLrTp75ywZEjvgO-7rYrp715H6w_TeH63G9fc_-aGkAty-IhYGX32iTu_T2houM64bu8mPH14MntFLvj8scgzHPIUWlhxRUjeA-6IsA8iZrUOC8eH-sB7Ra5xa6FPzehqFB0SEVTbEKHPUw6KUUVsU4dHH3ypK7opjKYZ71O_pz-YuGrgc1YTbP-uDkS/s697/Blood%20&%20Water.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="514" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiLrTp75ywZEjvgO-7rYrp715H6w_TeH63G9fc_-aGkAty-IhYGX32iTu_T2houM64bu8mPH14MntFLvj8scgzHPIUWlhxRUjeA-6IsA8iZrUOC8eH-sB7Ra5xa6FPzehqFB0SEVTbEKHPUw6KUUVsU4dHH3ypK7opjKYZ71O_pz-YuGrgc1YTbP-uDkS/w472-h640/Blood%20&%20Water.png" width="472" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Title: Blood & Water</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Author: Linda Armstrong-Miller</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: Dorrance Publishing</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 266</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Genre:</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>Christian Thriller</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Lisa Rivers is a
genius with a photographic memory. She is the youngest, highest paid
computer designer for the Department of Defense. Her program promises no
more POWs and can be used domestically. No more missing children. So,
how is it that Lisa is kidnapped? How was her identity discovered? Is
she still alive and if so, can she be found before it is too late? </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/35nwbkz3">https://tinyurl.com/35nwbkz3 </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Barnes & Noble: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/bdcu442x">https://tinyurl.com/bdcu442x </a></span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/tbn9suhe">https://tinyurl.com/tbn9suhe</a></span><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span></span></span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s266/excerpt%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="266" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s1600/excerpt%20books.png" width="266" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><p>
</p>
<span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>
<i><br /></i>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Sunday
morning, Sam Rivers and his son Zach ran from the parking lot to the
entry of the emergency room. The run had only been a hundred yards but,
with the guilt Sam carried, twenty extra pounds, and no sleep in the
past twenty-four hours, he found himself panting and sweating as if he
had just run a marathon.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">He bent
over, placed a hand on each knee for support. As he did, sweat joined in
the center of his smooth, black forehead, ran down to a point, and
dropped off his nose as he held his head first down then up, trying to
catch his breath.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">The few
gray strands at his temple appeared to outshine the rest of his black
hair. If this is what getting old is all about, Sam decided he didn’t
want any part of it. He stood and wiped his face. The sweat made his
skin look like dark shiny caramel.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Breathing
less like an asthmatic old man, Sam led Zach through the door-way. Once
inside, they felt lost and overwhelmed. They stopped, looked around for a
familiar face then tried not to panic when they didn’t find one.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">As Sam looked around, he continued to work on controlling his breathing and on the catch that had seized his right side.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">There were
two areas where they could seek help, triage and the information
desk—both busy. Between the two areas was a door sporting a Staff Only
sign. Sam thought about trying the door. Before he could, a young woman
wearing baggy blue jeans and a sagging yellow T-shirt—Sam could only
guess she was someone wanting to be seen but hadn’t—beat him to it.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">The exasperated attendant of the information desk turned to her and asked, “Can’t you read?”</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“I was just looking for the bathroom,” the lady with the yellow T-shirt said then sucked her teeth.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“That sign don’t say Bathroom.” He pointed down the hall to a sign that did.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">With that,
the attendant turned back to the young mother of two standing before
the information desk. The lady with the yellow T-shirt turned from the
door, flipped the attendant a bird then left through the doors Sam and
Zach had just entered.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">The
waiting room was filled with mothers holding babies and with men and
women reading magazines as they waited for one of the too-few rooms to
become available. Sam and Zach felt like intruders as they walked
through the waiting room trying to find a way back into the patient care
area; unwilling to wait. On the way to the bathrooms, they passed a man
holding his head down as if snoozing, a lady sitting next to him,
trying to quiet her crying baby. He never looked up but she watched them
suspiciously as they walked through.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">After
checking the phone and bathroom areas, Sam and Zach had no choice but to
go back and wait for someone at either the triage area or information
desk to become available. There were two nurses at triage. One,
somewhere in her early twenties, was assisting an elderly white-haired
lady—who was not making her job easy. For some reason, the lady kept
trying to pull her blouse up and show the nurse something underneath.
Each time she did, the woman exposed her undergarment. The nurse noticed
Sam, smiled then looked back at the elderly lady.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">The other
nurse, mid-thirties, maybe older, was with a young mother who was
holding a runny-nosed little boy. He squirmed, trying to get down. When
he didn’t get what he wanted, he screamed for all to hear, “Let go!”</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">More
focused and quicker than the younger nurse, the older nurse finished
with the mother who couldn’t control her child then moved on to yet
another mother and child combo. When done, she turned to Sam and Zach.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“Sir, may I help you?” she asked.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Her name
was Tish, no last name, just Tish. She was light skinned with sandy
brown hair, which was pulled tightly into a ponytail. Tish was heavy-set
with a pretty face but, for some reason, she seemed unwilling or unable
to smile. She looked tired, although it was only 0800.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Tish
looked at Sam through the open glass partition which separated them as
he approached. “Yes, I’m Detective Rivers. My daughter was just brought
in by helicopter.” Sam who was tired and had pain in both his knees and
his legs also found it hard to smile at 0800.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">The pain
in his knees and legs were the least of the pain he felt, the pain that
encompassed his heart threatened to encompass the rest of him. He felt
all of the fifty-three years that made up his life catching up with him.
At least he was no longer panting. He was thankful for that.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“Sir, let me get the patient representative. She’ll be able to…”</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“I don’t
want the patient representative.” Sam walked away from Zach, meaning for
him to stay where he was, and approached the door. Zach followed
anyway. "I want to see my daughter, Lisa Rivers. I know she's here?"</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Sam looked
through the open door into the hallway located behind triage. He
wondered where Special Agent Frank Millwood was. Sam couldn’t help
feeling angry at Frank. He knew they were coming. Where was he? Why
hadn’t he made arrangements for them to be taken straight back upon
their arrival?</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“Sir, at the moment—” Tish started again.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“There was an FBI agent that came in with my daughter, Agent Millwood.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Where is he?” Sam interrupted her again.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“Detective
Rivers, Zach, over here.” They turned and saw Millwood standing in the
hallway, at the end of the waiting room. The sight of him immediately
made Sam forget he had been angry at him. In fact, he was glad to see
him. According to Frank’s partner, Sam couldn’t ask for anyone better to
protect Lisa. That kind of praise from one lawman about another was
gold.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Saturday
night, when Frank was called in, before Lisa’s rescue had gone down,
Frank had been dressed in a nice coat and tie. Sam marveled that all he
had to show for the day’s wear and tear was a little dirt. As far as Sam
was concerned, that made him a lucky man.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Frank had
thick curly brown hair with even thicker and curlier eyelashes, the kind
that women envied. He had perfect white teeth that flashed easily.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Sam found him easy to like and trust—something he rarely found, especially the first time he met someone.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Millwood
was a second-generation FBI agent, joining the agency because it was
expected of him. If Millwood was feeling the pressure of walking in his
father’s footsteps, it didn’t show.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">“Thank God,” Sam said leaving Tish and triage.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Millwood
waved at Tish, indicating that Sam and Zach were friends, not foes. This
didn’t seem to impress Tish one way or the other, but she said nothing
more, allowing the two to pass.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">As Sam and
Zach walked with Millwood, it appeared that he was either already
familiar with this emergency room or he’d done a lot of investigating
since arriving. He led them down a long hallway that had no patient
examination rooms, just closed doors.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">They went
about halfway down that hall and turned to the right, which placed them
in an area that did have examination rooms. They passed the mother with
the runny-nosed little boy. She was chasing him in the hallway while
other patients watched her. Some were laughing at her and encouraging
the little boy to run faster.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Millwood
caught the kid and held him for his mother. He then flashed a look at a
young, white male of about twenty-two, sporting tattoos of horned
serpents all over his right arm. The look said, I dare you to say
another word.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">When the mother had her son in the room again, Millwood pulled the door shut and the three of them continued.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">They made a
left onto another hall and Millwood led Sam and Zach to room 104, where
all else ceased to exist for Sam. The door to the room was open and no
one in the room seemed to realize visitors were standing outside looking
in. Sam and Zach watched the flurry of activity centered on a stretcher
that sat in the center of the room.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Lisa laid
on that stretcher, attached to three IVs—one in each arm, and another
one with four tails extending from it, protruded from her neck. Two
one-liter bags, which were almost empty, hung from an IV pole; their
fluids ran into Lisa’s veins. A small bag with the word Dopamine and the
life saving liquid from two units of blood were also running into
Lisa’s bruised and battered body.</em></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em style="font-weight: normal;">As if that
weren’t enough, she also had wires running from her small chest to a
cardiac monitor mounted to the wall. Other wires ran from her chest and
back to another monitor that sat on a red cart. Without being told, Sam
and Zach knew what all the activity was about. Lisa had gone into
cardiac arrest and now she was being resuscitated. She had coded.</em></h2></blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span><br /></span></b></span></span><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1494820207040531290" itemprop="articleBody"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Jx_7C0w8v4Ux-luNbv8IuszaOTt5sP6JP78UESPn-lSjwdj-BNj9JKSfyIw9273EmQmg0bDqOo8ICLrerdf8WCb7SVFHq19avtJ8kG7QPL30AUcmGyGG--4EQr0YnhBEpGb-cdgEHKQSwKf1dYiSZ1uJC9v5JVtsT91eKWitt3ElynZV3XYShH_lw/s581/About%20the%20Author%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="581" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Jx_7C0w8v4Ux-luNbv8IuszaOTt5sP6JP78UESPn-lSjwdj-BNj9JKSfyIw9273EmQmg0bDqOo8ICLrerdf8WCb7SVFHq19avtJ8kG7QPL30AUcmGyGG--4EQr0YnhBEpGb-cdgEHKQSwKf1dYiSZ1uJC9v5JVtsT91eKWitt3ElynZV3XYShH_lw/w487-h94/About%20the%20Author%203.png" width="487" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISGXKINp6vPw2goCFD7Qb9sDxPQ0WOZPPSQkfrw3NdlBCXQf0aVd4kNO0ZQuHVhJJOs6GyOwQkJFaM_nbsT2ZBWHP3foCblAthSK604rTTnDkB2N28sw7sqYOIKd5CLmN16qM22LtE9ksH4hUHCCY_gegUgGV2iLe7sPRn7Uqegjzj4XjRWIPsWaPp623/s336/Linda%20Armstrong-Miller%20author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISGXKINp6vPw2goCFD7Qb9sDxPQ0WOZPPSQkfrw3NdlBCXQf0aVd4kNO0ZQuHVhJJOs6GyOwQkJFaM_nbsT2ZBWHP3foCblAthSK604rTTnDkB2N28sw7sqYOIKd5CLmN16qM22LtE9ksH4hUHCCY_gegUgGV2iLe7sPRn7Uqegjzj4XjRWIPsWaPp623/s320/Linda%20Armstrong-Miller%20author.jpg" width="318" /></a> <br /></div></div></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Linda
Armstrong-Miller has worked in the medical field for over twenty years.
In that time she has worked as a counselor, registered nurse in the
emergency room, ICU, Recovery Room, and she has worked with children
placed in psychiatric hospitals. She understands when a family is in
crisis and she has been with them during their time of distress,
depression, anxiety and difficulty. She believes in God and uses her
belief as well as her experience when writing. Blood and Water is her
second book published. Touched is her first book. Currently she is
working on a young adult trilogy.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;">Website:<a href="http://lindaarmstrongmillerauthor.com"> lindaarmstrongmillerauthor.com</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/lindaam1">https://twitter.com/lindaam1</a> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039732613292">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039732613292</a></span><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></p><br /><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fymtDCMEunNxMvae1GI3eZGP8PsKN1FAk76OZntuUOG4fzNi_bntt0V2XPhhykCrSIjfs4RUICGCFgF1hTcKtc25DIwNLQKm1FwbB2-L-Nv4tQGzpwHHB3QVT9UNTi4VF6zjXpCTo7PFh9qbPCYEo5xMQGowJL6wSx6ILjO1v_ZYP0BaetCcX_7wdDVM/s793/Blood%20&%20Water%2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="793" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fymtDCMEunNxMvae1GI3eZGP8PsKN1FAk76OZntuUOG4fzNi_bntt0V2XPhhykCrSIjfs4RUICGCFgF1hTcKtc25DIwNLQKm1FwbB2-L-Nv4tQGzpwHHB3QVT9UNTi4VF6zjXpCTo7PFh9qbPCYEo5xMQGowJL6wSx6ILjO1v_ZYP0BaetCcX_7wdDVM/w569-h260/Blood%20&%20Water%2019.jpg" width="569" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYqldym-Q80BHTDaF3Mo0-ZSd3awj2GHfkvkeQcGh7yycihgEeHrehTE4OAZjfjTNMy-YBezeqMGjKnh5p0vwDwjUnxNHbTNAdd4s7kHv3g64bvgmtM2pRpuzGN3uCIpByaWdamKCNFRhVYxYXYzL-I0P93ZINY7iIeXqtemNVA54TeLMOU-Cq_4/s2720/A%20Final%20Farewell%206.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div></div><p><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-62672570290469905782023-08-16T21:00:00.000-07:002023-08-16T21:00:00.133-07:00📖Authors To Watch: S.P. Grogan Author of CRIMSON SCIMITAR: ATTACK ON AMERICA 2001-2027 #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><p><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oWn_n02rpXaAIL6Qcl89Krziqi6-dqSLYk4b3PR7rq4qGw14kYz-TVG2exqKeYINs88Js8C0B2dXCHiSCXt6KDrKEXqfE4mCTOEUyjHOWf9EfWVeqaoqWSFU7ZoK3Y-ybnUFAlh0iY8V7W6rCOsd8vPRXZl66QUIr90lY1JzasJ_AjkkqAqNf0t5smfc/s573/S.P.%20Grogan%20author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oWn_n02rpXaAIL6Qcl89Krziqi6-dqSLYk4b3PR7rq4qGw14kYz-TVG2exqKeYINs88Js8C0B2dXCHiSCXt6KDrKEXqfE4mCTOEUyjHOWf9EfWVeqaoqWSFU7ZoK3Y-ybnUFAlh0iY8V7W6rCOsd8vPRXZl66QUIr90lY1JzasJ_AjkkqAqNf0t5smfc/s320/S.P.%20Grogan%20author.jpg" width="241" /></a></i></div><i>S.P. Grogan in 2008 gained recognition with his first novel, Vegas Die, a Quest Mystery,
in which the writing were clues that led the ‘Questor’ to seek out a
dagger hidden somewhere in the Vegas Valley to be redeemed for $25,000
cash. Launching a fan-based treasure hunt Vegas Die became a
best-seller, and an award for ‘Best Regional’ fiction. S.P. Grogan calls
himself an eclectic storyteller in that he seeks out blending history
and romance into various genres to create unusual plotting. In 2019,
academic publisher Histria Books negotiated to acquire the author’s
existing catalogue of four novels for re-issuing and an option on the
next several stories he might create. Lafayette: Courtier to Crown Fugitive
tells the coming-of-age story of the young Marquis de La Fayette,
‘France’s richest orphan’ and delves into his quest to revenge the death
of his father, and his unbridled ambition to escape the intrigues of
the court of Queen Marie Antoinette and go to the American colonies to
find glory. In 2022, Captain Cooked, A Hawaiian Mystery of Romance, Revenge and Recipes
won “Best Novel” from Gourmand International Cookbook Awards. Here, the
author writes from the first-person perspective of a twentyish LA woman
who is filming her father’s top cable cooking show when she stumbles
into the murder of a famous Hawaiian singing star (think ‘Iz’), and
struggles with romantic ‘love on all the wrong beaches’ when she has to
choose between a thief, a king, and a murderer. Best-selling author Anne
Hillerman said of Captain Cooked: “It reads like Janet Evanovich morphing into Rachel Ray while filming a remake of Perils of Pauline. Coming out in August 2023 is Atomic Dreams at the Red Tiki Lounge,
an elaborately crafted Hawaiian fantasy-thriller set in post World War 2
Honolulu with the gods fighting against mutated demons, star-crossed
romance, where future famous people pass through the doors of the Red
Tiki. There’s even Russians seeking to steal an Atomic Bomb. Artwork
illustrations provided by famed surrealist artist, Brad ‘Tiki Shark’
Parker. Finally, is Crimson Scimitar, which has been described
as ‘the awakening epic of our times’ to be released September 2023.
Multiple story lines including Hollywood Culture takes on Terrorists.
The reader will be amazed how the author can take current history and
give it resonance to today’s events and still provide a thriller with
unusual twists including the warning: ‘9/11 can happen again.’ Author
S.P. Grogan lives in Henderson, Nevada, and is working on his next
novel. </i><p></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="http://www.spgrogan.com">www.spgrogan.com </a></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grogan.sp">https://www.facebook.com/grogan.sp </a></span></i></p>
<i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4032468.S_P_Grogan">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4032468.S_P_Grogan</a></span></i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell us how you got your feet wet writing fiction?</span></strong></p>
<p>Believe it or not I started in grade school writing small booklet
reviews of stories, and coloring pictures. I got multiple As. Here's my
list in order: Editor of highschool Creative Writing Magazine, won a
writing prize in highschool, editor of two college newspapers, took a
Creative Writing Course at Harvard (A-), winner of the Shubert
Fellowship in Playwriting, worked in the Denver Post Library (Morgue)
where I met future author John Dunning, on the side at the Post I wrote
police blotter news items, and was called upon to write early rock 'n
roll concert reviews, that included interviewing Janis Joplin, Jefferson
Airplane, Ravi Shankar. This led me into being the editor of the first
underground newspaper in Denver. The problem I had in writing is that as
I worked at writing my leadership talent took me into editorial
management, and then into the business world where I wrote business
plans and got sidetracked. In the beginning of 2000 I found myself as
editor and publisher of a trade industry magazine, sold advertising and
wrote news stories. Now living in Las Vegas, I attended the Henderson
Writer's Group and renewed my creative writing interest. Here, I was
told, write what you know, write about what surrounds you. Las Vegas is a
fertile garden of craziness and many writers use Sin City as a
background. "Vegas Die" in 2008 was my first novel. Read it, you will
see I put in every type of oddity from the strippers, Elvis
impersonators, to the novel's theme: 'Someone is killing the retired
mobsters of Las Vegas, and the Mayor is the #1 suspect." I believe
sometimes instead of just writing words you need the 'gimmick' or the
'gotcha' that will retain the reader's interest. In my case I wrote into
'Vegas Die, a Quest Mystery', a treasure hunt that would lead
'Questors' to seek out a dagger hidden somewhere in the Vegas Valley
worth $25,000 redeemed, the clues hidden within the writing. 'Vegas Die'
became a best-seller. My new publisher thought so highly of it, "Vegas
Die" was reissued in 2020 as a "15th Year Special Anniversary Edition".</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?</span></span></strong></p>
<p>Let me be honest: The greatest downside to my writing is
'procrastination'. It is so easy to postpone the seriousness of creating
your story. Many times, almost always, when I am at a book signing
event someone will invariably say, 'I have this great idea that would
make a tremendous book.' I want to shake them and say, 'Just write your
first sentence.' You will never hear from them again. It would be hard
to define my writing process, except to believe I gain a thread of an
idea and like the writer James Joyce, go free association, meaning
merely let my fingers flow from whatever recesses of my brain stumble
out. This means a lot of re-writing and editing. Sometimes I will
outline the plot just to interlock story threads. I have legal yellow
pads for this, and notes and research, and many times I misplace my
organization and have to root among the hoarded fragments. Organization
is key. I had a teacher once who put all ideas on notecards then
organized it into the story line. Another piece of advice, and another
flaw, I write what I like so that I only have to please myself. But if
you are going to go commercial, seek to make the business profitable,
then sadly, you have to bow to the gods of formalization. Read
successful authors of the genre you are going to pursue, outline how
they write, how they set out the twists and turns, and mimic them until
you find your own voice. This is an industry of hit and miss, especially
in finding literary agents. A publisher will demand a formula book a
year. Don't be discouraged; keep hustling to get noticed out of the
slush piles. As for my sit down environment towards writing, I have the
computer before me, but again finding quality hours, concentrating time,
becomes rare. You have to have a cat or a partner who will respect your
need for time to yourself. The cat though does not believe in 'me time'
except for themselves.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><br /></strong><strong>Can you tell us about your most recent release?</strong></span></span></p>
<p><strong><em>Crimson Scimitar</em></strong> by S.P. Grogan is an
expansive action-political terrorist thriller that tells the ‘what if’
story--What if, in 2011, instead of being killed al Qaeda leader Osama
bin Laden is captured and put on trial, what would American justice look
like, and would the outcome be as expected? What if prior to his
capture he and al Qaeda were planning to launch an attack on America
worse than 9/11? Who could stop it? In <strong><em>Crimson Scimitar</em></strong> is the chase to capture bin Laden, the Trial of the Century’, the diabolical <strong><em>Crimson Scimitar</em></strong>
plot in action, and climactic ‘gun battle at the bridge’. Author S.P.
Grogan’s writing seamlessly blends the political War on Terrorism events
of 2011 into a realistic landscape that features strong women
characters, an eccentric centi-billionaire, reality television stars,
SEAL members on the attack, battling defense and prosecution lawyers,
CIA agents, the President of the United States, and an ambitious
jihadist who will begin a violent transformative journey. More
intriguing is how the terrorist plot was created that will lead to stock
market manipulation, attacks on amusement parks, and nuclear waste
poisoning. And amid it all there are romantic challenges that must be
faced to create strong bonds to fight against evil. <strong><em>Crimson Scimitar</em></strong>
is labeled as the ‘Awakening Epic of Our Times’, reminding readers that
a 9/11 could happen again and that we must be vigilant. </p>
<p>Let's dissect this from the marketing aspect of capturing a book buyer's attention. Look at the full title of my novel, <strong>"Crimson
Scimitar" Attack on America 2001-2027, Including the Official
Proceedings of the Capture and Trial of Osama bin Laden -- </strong>.
Hopefully the browser at the book store seeing the book cover ought to
wonder: what's that mean? The smart person might finally interpret it
--'Oh, Crimson Scimitar that means a bloody sword'. Therefore there is
going to be action...and surely violence. <em>Attack on America</em>
says just that, so now you can surmise perhaps this is a thriller. The
years stated are 2001-2007 might be a 'MacGuffin' incidental numbers
that might seem important up front but then later might have no value.
2001 is 9/11 reality, but why 2027 which has not occurred; is there
importance to that date? And that is curious to wonder. Finally, is the
tagline 'Official Proceedings, etc.' This should capture someone's
attention, thinking, 'but bin Laden is dead'. The 'Capture and Trial'
defines that more action is going to take place. Put it all together and
perhaps the browsing public might be drawn in, but then, I might just
be too clever. </p>
<p> Crimson Scimitar is to be released the first week in September,
seriously, in time for the 9/11 anniversary. Available as an ebook, at
all independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and perhaps
discounted slightly at publisher HistriaBooks.com The novel also
displays the cover tagline, "The Awakening Epic of Our Times." Meaning
the story is heroic, good battling evil, and it is long.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></strong></p>
<p>I started out collecting first edition signed thrillers, beginning
with courtroom dramas, like authors John Grishim and Scott Turow. One
day, back in 2000 I was wondering, the 'What if' alternative reality
thesis, 'What if bin Laden was not killed, but captured, what would his
trial look like'? I was thinking about an old novel entitled 'The Court
Martial of General Custer'. In my original concept the bin Laden trial
would be held and he would be acquitted! The writer's fallacy in this
--know your subject--I was not an expert in law and the construct would
definitely be savaged by critics. But I do know, as we all do,
television like <em>Law and Order</em>, heck even <em>Perry Mason</em>,
but more so I knew entertainment, and one of the central characters
creates a televised show trial, and I think readers can actually
envision this sort of mega event.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?</span></span></strong></p>
<p>Islamic fundamentalist Khalaf, an al-Qaeda senior courier to bin
Laden and his relationship with the child-bride, Sabz. I want the reader
to have mixed emotions, can a blind jihadist rise to the heroic? How
does the central focus of political violence be challenged? And with his
relationship with Sabz, he is not only smitten, his eyes begin to see
the real world we take for granted, as being not what he was raised to
see destroyed to raise the caliphate banner. In Sabz, you find a
teen-ager with a mind of her own where survival, not al Qaeda, is her
central focus. Two different philosophies at odds yet drawn together.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></strong></p>
<p>This novel was half written when in 2011 the world heard that bin
Laden was slain by U.S. SEALs. A writer's worst shock, a best-seller
stopped cold. The manuscript sat on the shelf for 20 years before being
totally rewritten, perhaps on my concern of open borders where in 2023
100 identified terrorists were caught at the border. How many escaped
and are now in the U.S. plotting? With my flashback look at the 9/11
terrorist attack the reader can foresee future possibilities. Can you
tell me if I am wrong?<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></strong></p>
<p>2023 into 2024 I am concentrating on four books that suddenly came on
the market in 2023 from the publisher, HistriaBooks.com --"Crimson
Scimitar", "Captain Cooked", "Atomic Dreams", and "Cookbook Passion"
(edited by me). I am overwhelmed. For 2024 my current writing -- Plot: A
depraved mastermind is going to hold a convention for serial killers to
improve their skills. A lady homicide detective (from Vegas Die) is
drawn into solving multiple murders of her fellow homicide detectives.</p>
<p><strong style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?</span></strong></p>
<p>Multiple steps, most importantly, keep writing, have patience, stay
positive, and curse all those who don't know the genius that lurks
within you.</p>
<p>One of my late writing friends, who I consider a better seer, the
late Elmore Leonard ('Get Shorty') said it best in his 'Ten Rules on
Writing', tongue-in-cheek, “My most important piece of advice to all you
would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts
readers skip.”</p>
<p>I have this personal note that he once sent to me: "Steve, One of my
favorite lines, it's in 'La Brava' & I stole from someone else.
Maurice Zola saying, "I spent most of my dough on booze, broads, and
boats-- and the rest I wasted."</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kD6npfvaD6uMBsGPbS5CzVxIjjKciXA6KD5SuS3ROtz3vAAIsARm4Q9RK4c_iTBNhBH8MqxjFnMKGQWno3XZxwyo9nYMXuzVqnfQlPc-83fyxSRIV3O--jlmKyxA0H4eZ3uoMCnV15pxWKxcziw900GfzYWKMj1J6-avcin1wQ4fOYKetd4_XVmi5m5e/s569/Crimson%20Scimitar%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kD6npfvaD6uMBsGPbS5CzVxIjjKciXA6KD5SuS3ROtz3vAAIsARm4Q9RK4c_iTBNhBH8MqxjFnMKGQWno3XZxwyo9nYMXuzVqnfQlPc-83fyxSRIV3O--jlmKyxA0H4eZ3uoMCnV15pxWKxcziw900GfzYWKMj1J6-avcin1wQ4fOYKetd4_XVmi5m5e/s320/Crimson%20Scimitar%202.png" width="215" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Title: Crimson Scimitar: Attack on America 2001-2027<span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"> Author: S.P. Grogan</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"> Publisher: Addison & Highsmith Publishers</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"> Publication Date: September 5, 2023</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"> Pages: 680</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"> Genre: Current Historical Fiction/Action/Adventure/Thriller<br />
</span></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;"><em>Crimson Scimitar</em>
by S.P. Grogan is an expansive action-adventure terrorist thriller that
tells the ‘what if’ story of the al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden. What
if, in 2011, instead of being killed bin Laden is captured and put on
trial, what would American justice look like, and would the outcome be
as expected? What if prior to his capture he and al Qaeda were planning
to launch on America worse than 9/11? Who could stop it? In <em>Crimson Scimitar</em> is the chase to capture bin Laden, the ‘Trial of the Century’, the diabolical <em>Crimson Scimitar</em>
plot in action, and climactic ‘gun battle at the bridge.’ Author S.P.
Grogan’s writing seamlessly blends the political War on Terrorism events
of 2011 into a realistic landscape that features strong women
characters, an eccentric multi-millionaire, reality television stars,
SEAL members on the attack, battling defense and prosecution lawyers,
CIA agents, the President of the United States, and an ambitious
jihadist who will begin a violent transformative journey. More
intriguing is how the terrorist plot was crated that will lead to stock
market manipulation, attacks on amusement parks, and nuclear waste
poisoning. And amid it all there are romantic challenges that must be
faced to create strong bonds to fight against evil. <em>Crimson Scimitar</em>
is labeled as the ‘Awakening Epic of Our Times’, reminding readers that
a 9/11 could happen again and that we must be vigilant. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Amazon: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/6v9s8n9k">https://tinyurl.com/6v9s8n9k </a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Barnes & Noble: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crimson-scimitar-sp-grogan/1142693076">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crimson-scimitar-sp-grogan/1142693076 </a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Histria Books: <a href="https://histriabooks.com/product/crimson-scimitar/">https://histriabooks.com/product/crimson-scimitar </a></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/149851203-crimson-scimitar">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/149851203-crimson-scimitar </a></span></span><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVBIaAy3-TD4XDktmbgokNByrDLsp760t3_B6oLAr4ZSgGJsXFUOBcbwZaqOGg44XuhUN4TBDsGEncF75I5O-hT64mPNnQxosVkLrr56QTqh6rp6getFruZnqAqZ-8zTB9t57yI3J-m-WEJ-h6ieR66X5blEcPCIJqrR03oxV2XRjajy6JI97twsnPBoH/s793/Crimson%20Scimitar%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="793" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVBIaAy3-TD4XDktmbgokNByrDLsp760t3_B6oLAr4ZSgGJsXFUOBcbwZaqOGg44XuhUN4TBDsGEncF75I5O-hT64mPNnQxosVkLrr56QTqh6rp6getFruZnqAqZ-8zTB9t57yI3J-m-WEJ-h6ieR66X5blEcPCIJqrR03oxV2XRjajy6JI97twsnPBoH/w640-h288/Crimson%20Scimitar%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"></span><p>
</p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-21915284068059863682023-08-14T21:00:00.001-07:002023-08-14T21:00:00.149-07:00📖Authors To Watch: David E. Feldman Author of A DIVISIVE STORM #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><p></p><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CCLw9kKHTujIhXNq_ZFRPZ9Wv3qxzXiZwfYXwQI7vHfFHWiL6vm-roTXtxTNVg50wx_qsiVaWO06k9uxkhyAx9HDfDFzXt_U8alxv9sei5tYrnVxbIqNRgRtlifHOs44PBwbQr9Hdr02mkcptznqk_4WN3bquSGCHNCPTcyTlrGGhxQyuu3MmzI8v6lK/s334/David%20E.%20Feldman%20author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CCLw9kKHTujIhXNq_ZFRPZ9Wv3qxzXiZwfYXwQI7vHfFHWiL6vm-roTXtxTNVg50wx_qsiVaWO06k9uxkhyAx9HDfDFzXt_U8alxv9sei5tYrnVxbIqNRgRtlifHOs44PBwbQr9Hdr02mkcptznqk_4WN3bquSGCHNCPTcyTlrGGhxQyuu3MmzI8v6lK/s320/David%20E.%20Feldman%20author.jpg" width="226" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">David E. Feldman has
written 8 books of his own and ghost-written many others. He has made
several films, won 2 film awards and won a playwriting contest in 2022.
His first in series Not Today: Dora Ellison Mystery Book 1 was a
Best Mystery 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore finalist and was followed
by four, soon to be five, more Dora books. His novel The Neighborhood was a 2023 finalist for The Book Excellence Awards. </span></span></i><p></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">He plays piano and
sings professionally and loves to paint, which he does both for fun and
commission. He adores his wife, two sons and their Yorkie. He has an MLS
degree in Library & Information Science. </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">His books include: The Dora Ellison Mystery Series </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Not Today, Dora Ellison Mystery Series Book 1 </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">A Gathering Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Series Book 2 </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">A Sickening Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Books Book 3 </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">A Biological Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Series Book 4 </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">A Special Storm, Dora Ellison Mystery Series Book 5 </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Pilgrimage from Darkness Nuremberg to Jerusalem </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Bad Blood, a Long Island Mystery </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Born of War: Based on a Story of American Chinese Friendship </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">How to Be Happy in Your Marriage </span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">The Neighborhood<br />
</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">His work can be found at <a href="https://www.davidfeldman.com/books.shtml">https://www.davidfeldman.com/books.shtml</a>. </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">He works extensively as a ghostwriter, via his ghostwriting website at <a href="https://longislandnyghostwriter.com">https://longislandnyghostwriter.com</a>. His film, Everyone Deserves a Decent Life (directed, produced) won the Alfred Fortunoff Humanitarian Film Award at the Long Island Film Expo, 2014. His film, Let Me Out!
(Written, directed, produced) won Best Psychological Thriller at the
2009 New York International Film Festival. His play, Love Lives On, was a
winner of the inaugural Artists in Partnership Inaugural Playwriting
Contest and was performed in Sept. – Oct. 2022 in Long Beach, New
York. </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="https://www.davidefeldman.com/books.shtml">https://www.davidefeldman.com/books.shtml </a> </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/davidefeldmanw1">https://twitter.com/davidefeldmanw1</a> </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/DavidEFeldmanAuthor">https://facebook.com/DavidEFeldmanAuthor </a> </span></i></p>
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidefeldmanwriter">https://www.instagram.com/davidefeldmanwriter </a></span></i></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><br /></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">We welcome you to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing thriller/noir?
</span></span></p>
<p>I was an "other side of the tracks" kid, aka in trouble a lot when I
was growing up, and I rarely attended school. In fact I skipped school
so much that I was sent to a strict private school for my senior year of
high school. I got my education from reading--first science fiction,
along with classics like Kurt Vonnegut's books, then John Steinbeck
(East of Eden is one of my favorite books of all time, and finally
mysteries--the darker the better. I have written since I was in my teens
and in recent years have focused on mysteries and
thrillers--particularly bleak, noir, hard-boiled stories. I loved noir
movies and now I love--and write--noir books.</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
</span></span></p>
<p>I write most days, and nearly always at home. I do occasionally take
motorcycle rides (I ride a Harley Sport Glide at the moment) and find
out-of-the-way restaurants or parks and write there. I am somewhere
between a plotter and a pantser. I decide upon the crime, the murderer
and his or her motive, the detective and my assortment of other
characters. I then cover up the crime with misdirections and red
herrings. I also develop the emotional, personal arcs of all my
characters. Once I start writing, the story will evolve, grow more
complex, and change. </p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release?
</span></span></p>
<p>As it turns out, my August 1 release of <i>Dora Ellison Book 6, A Divisive Storm</i>, is to be the finale (at least for now) of the <i>Dora</i>
series. Here's a short synopsis: Ray Drucker is shot in the face while
sitting in his car in the parking lot of a drug store.His wife, Katie,
hires Dora Ellison and Missy Winters of Geller Investigations to find
his killer. Soon, another murder occurs, and these are linked to a third
murder, five years earlier. Dora and Missy learn that these men were
all members of a club with a barely hidden racist agenda and a white
supremacist past. As the bodies pile up, Dora and Missy are faced with
their most daunting, dangerous case yet!</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you get the idea for the book?
</span></span></p>
<p>The Dora Ellison Mystery Series often revolves around an issue. In book 1, <i>Not Today,</i> it
was local corruption. In book 2 it was drug addiction and dealing, book
3 was health care, book 4 gender identity, and book 5 people with
special needs. <i>A Divisive Storm, Book 6,</i> is about
bigotry--specifically, white supremacy and what I'd call fringe bigotry.
By the way, last year I released a standalone novel that was not a
mystery called <i>The Neighborhood</i>. That book was about what I
call "casual bigotry"--the kind so many people grow up with around the
dinner table. The kind they hear from their parents growing up.
Fortunately, my experience has been that many people who grow up with
this latter kind of bigotry change as they spend time with people who
are different from them. The bigotry in <i>A Divisive Storm</i> is
more pernicious--and deadly. But mystery writing requires twists, and so
the tables are turned in a way that I can't describe without spoiling
the mystery. </p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?
</span></span></p>
<p>Wow. I love them all. They're my children, in a sense. I have a
special place in my heart for my heroine, Dora Ellison. She has a soft,
sweet heart, but bridles at injustice and does something about it. She
has a brutal streak that I suppose is part of my own psyche. In book 1
she discovers she is a natural, a savant at martial arts, so she has the
opportunity to give bullies--and murderers--what they deserve. And she
does. I love Missy because she's a librarian. My own degree is in
Library Science, and I believe libraries are important; they are
equalizers, giving folks who may not have access to literature the
access they and everyone ought to have. When anyone marvels at her
sleuthing or research ability, she responds with "Hey, I'm a librarian!"</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
</span></span></p>
<p>They are all challenging. <i>A Divisive Storm</i> was difficult
because I decided it would be the last of the series. I had ideas for 2
new series, and I wanted to get started on them while I'm still on the
planet (lol). Saying goodbye to Dora was and is difficult. </p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: large;">What projects are you currently working on?
</span></span></p>
<p>I am starting a new, noir and hard-boiled series tentatively titled <i>Hammer & Sharpe,</i>
about a detective in the Sam Spade vein who tangles with and coexists
with a clan of complicated, criminal brothers who run a town. There will
be murders, kidnappings and lots of other fun. I am also developing a
comedic, cozy series about an aging detective with all sorts of health
issues who has a running conversation with his late wife and solves
mysteries with the help of his dog.</p><p>What advice would you offer to
new or aspiring fiction authors? Read books in the genre. Write to
market. Study, learn, and adopt the tropes of your genre. This is one of
the secrets to selling books without the budget of a major publisher.
Read Chris Fox's <i>Write to Market</i>, along with books about
writing and selling your books in today's marketplace. Read books about
writing mysteries, police procedures (unless, of course, you've been a
cop), and profiling. There are so many outstanding books around nowadays
that will help. And, two very important things: write a much and as
often as you can, and ... never give up!
</p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj7RwcY76buOw0war_uFUgsOQCJBnvYDx0G9zKPH-FZYAqj-0kBH3ZBxEf_IH-QbMBv90W6mfSfKX--C8O-xGVV9gVDv_wBdDHZuAOYW0xg08ozK52ATtWiFhjq_ztny7UnHoO6w4Fb0SamRHACZjgsPJiarigd8qiq4mU3qzVZz9kJ8ayA3bYhs8Li2k/s562/A%20Divisive%20Storm%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj7RwcY76buOw0war_uFUgsOQCJBnvYDx0G9zKPH-FZYAqj-0kBH3ZBxEf_IH-QbMBv90W6mfSfKX--C8O-xGVV9gVDv_wBdDHZuAOYW0xg08ozK52ATtWiFhjq_ztny7UnHoO6w4Fb0SamRHACZjgsPJiarigd8qiq4mU3qzVZz9kJ8ayA3bYhs8Li2k/s320/A%20Divisive%20Storm%202.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>Title: A Divisive Storm: Dora Ellison Mystery Series Book 6</span></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: David E. Feldman</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Eface Media</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publication Date: August 1, 2023</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 233</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Thriller / Noir<br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Ray
Drucker is shot in the face while sitting in his car in the parking lot
of a drug store. His wife, Katie, hires Dora Ellison and Missy Winters
of Geller Investigations to find his killer. Soon, another murder
occurs, and these are linked to a third murder, five years earlier. Dora
and Missy learn that these men were all members of a club with a barely
hidden racist agenda and a white supremacist past. As the bodies pile
up, Dora and Missy are faced with their most daunting, dangerous case
yet! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Fans and lovers of Noir, Hard-Boiled and LGBT Detective Mysteries will love the Dora Ellison Mystery Series. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Divisive-Storm-Gripping-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0BF1FKNVV/">https://www.amazon.com/Divisive-Storm-Gripping-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/BoBF1FKNVV/</a><br /></span>
</span></p>
<p> </p><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3rOLIahEZKfMLCQYTcFH5dPCkZ-bqpPkE2Xtnkoe0ukD60ksvH6sJFcL13uU9Lx-Pw3DVhjBuvyOcHLY7ks5e45U1Nr35s4eSC8xh0NzJlZt8oKIpApyYmVv4-o-gBsiGEe6bwHf7irxkFlr_v1-cEvs9_mZaeLWZ6vfIEmFmialXX7_J-9x1aGuukt8/s793/A%20Divisive%20Storm%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="793" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3rOLIahEZKfMLCQYTcFH5dPCkZ-bqpPkE2Xtnkoe0ukD60ksvH6sJFcL13uU9Lx-Pw3DVhjBuvyOcHLY7ks5e45U1Nr35s4eSC8xh0NzJlZt8oKIpApyYmVv4-o-gBsiGEe6bwHf7irxkFlr_v1-cEvs9_mZaeLWZ6vfIEmFmialXX7_J-9x1aGuukt8/w640-h288/A%20Divisive%20Storm%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-3633961589190307372023-07-24T21:00:00.001-07:002023-07-24T21:00:00.138-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Linda Armstrong-Miller Author of BLOOD & WATER #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div>
<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><p></p><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xQrwCt4uPqFv7resFWd-DHl5LwXey6sbrclJAy7UDK79CP3D-uPg6wYipjXEGO4_34p6O0cYVhdF-d44nk48qhYOoEwTULvR4e_HgqZy2STDMUtHpPJvqQ6VnXx68kDh2fB30LLayIEoBtjuBvNTAShKB7aG2xR9V0qVzW_CIOoBzybig0K885RZmTDh/s486/Linda%20Armstrong-Miller.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="484" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xQrwCt4uPqFv7resFWd-DHl5LwXey6sbrclJAy7UDK79CP3D-uPg6wYipjXEGO4_34p6O0cYVhdF-d44nk48qhYOoEwTULvR4e_HgqZy2STDMUtHpPJvqQ6VnXx68kDh2fB30LLayIEoBtjuBvNTAShKB7aG2xR9V0qVzW_CIOoBzybig0K885RZmTDh/s320/Linda%20Armstrong-Miller.png" width="319" /></a></i></div><i><br />Linda Armstrong-Miller
has worked in the medical field for over twenty years. In that time she
has worked as a counselor, registered nurse in the emergency room, ICU,
Recovery Room, and she has worked with children placed in psychiatric
hospitals. She understands when a family is in crisis and she has been
with them during their time of distress, depression, anxiety and
difficulty. She believes in God and uses her belief as well as her
experience when writing. Blood and Water is her second book published.
Touched is her first book. Currently she is working on a young adult
trilogy. </i><p></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Website: <a href="http://www.lindaarmstrongmillerauthor.com">http://www.lindaarmstrongmillerauthor.com </a></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/lindaam1">https://twitter.com/lindaam1 </a></span></i></p>
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039732613292">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039732613292</a></span></i></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><br /></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We welcome you to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction? </span></span></p><p>I started writing fiction because it is basically what I read.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write? </span></span></p><p>I write by the seat of my pants. I come up with a what if scenario then the characters. Sometimes I come up with the ending and work backwards. I write wherever I am; in the vehicle, on the deck or while my husband is fishing.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p>Blood and Water was released 20 years ago then again in 2014. I got sick before I had the chance to really market it. The second time it was released as Betrayal and Forgiveness. The book deals with loss, family conflict and tragedy but in all of that there is a happy ending.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How did you get the idea for the book? </span></span></p><p>I have worked as a counselor and as a registered nurse. I have witnessed a lot of family tragedy and trauma and conflict and yes they sometimes have a happy ending. I myself am proof of that. You can’t do it by yourself. First I have my relationship with my Savior then with my family and friends.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why? </span></span></p><p>I created all my characters. Until I get to my trilogy where I have demons, I love all characters.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book? </span></span></p><p>Learning to stop. I could add so much more detail but then the book would be way too long.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What projects are you currently working on? </span></span></p><p>I am currently working on a YA trilogy, involving angels and demons.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors? </span></span></p><p>Just take pen and paper in hand and start writing.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08Ir2AktildsF3leqOMVoPW9pJZyPj-p9gNOd7RTdyH_GAK-Patd-SwScRK8KjGMdWNExNF3_nO70-or-PIQ9DYVTEWgqAxi1E8LkfB1_0mrBJ3VXrTu0FTMDpaG4DeMQeV9mmW2UNHWA6ZCWszlxMzDbe4g3oA80zKy4G2v9OMj3dQEQ0DTKPr2UBCAF/s697/Blood%20&%20Water.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="514" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08Ir2AktildsF3leqOMVoPW9pJZyPj-p9gNOd7RTdyH_GAK-Patd-SwScRK8KjGMdWNExNF3_nO70-or-PIQ9DYVTEWgqAxi1E8LkfB1_0mrBJ3VXrTu0FTMDpaG4DeMQeV9mmW2UNHWA6ZCWszlxMzDbe4g3oA80zKy4G2v9OMj3dQEQ0DTKPr2UBCAF/w295-h400/Blood%20&%20Water.png" width="295" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Title: Blood & Water</span></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Linda Armstrong-Miller</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Dorrance Publishing</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 266</span><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Christian Thriller<br />
</span><p></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Lisa Rivers is a
genius with a photographic memory. She is the youngest, highest paid
computer designer for the Department of Defense. Her program promises no
more POWs and can be used domestically. No more missing children. So,
how is it that Lisa is kidnapped? How was her identity discovered? Is
she still alive and if so, can she be found before it is too late? </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/35nwbkz3">https://tinyurl.com/35nwbkz3 </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Barnes & Noble: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/bdcu442x">https://tinyurl.com/bdcu442x </a></span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/tbn9suhe">https://tinyurl.com/tbn9suhe</a></span><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYMA0tVBA918hL3zktioYpRv7luGhglQwD2P--df4yz0mJvf_MfzWoO3TOhsJBo3r92DiOW4ldo8_8I95GWQv_gOfvPhv3DPWTtIHwGOYv1xwQ5y29rSgWZgZx_0tT37jsTzcO_gEF3DJJRPNtsCCau2tf7Fhx5gPihsZdRMtT4GbRhThtYmWjoYrZE2J/s793/Blood%20&%20Water%2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="793" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYMA0tVBA918hL3zktioYpRv7luGhglQwD2P--df4yz0mJvf_MfzWoO3TOhsJBo3r92DiOW4ldo8_8I95GWQv_gOfvPhv3DPWTtIHwGOYv1xwQ5y29rSgWZgZx_0tT37jsTzcO_gEF3DJJRPNtsCCau2tf7Fhx5gPihsZdRMtT4GbRhThtYmWjoYrZE2J/w640-h292/Blood%20&%20Water%2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-61134035467721030392023-07-18T21:00:00.003-07:002023-07-18T21:00:00.140-07:00🔦In the Bookish Spotlight: Mom's Search for Meaning: Grief and Growth After Child Loss by Melissa M. Monroe #MomsSearchForMeaning<p> <i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzrBfyTl267ONtxzETPT9LRnPJSe2mc57-Nkcgabjpv5qS5PaGE_AvtSkKc0HKbyew4ElhI_2VI4eA948hS_vvpTEHWVOSSZsM-wr3vXz8o0zUUhMZA-iCpdqLhfJigHzRroSy0LY6ol3sANOCqSosxKw2rOwF_eH6DIVFeVdItFthBoFhjcmPC1y5A/s708/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="524" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzrBfyTl267ONtxzETPT9LRnPJSe2mc57-Nkcgabjpv5qS5PaGE_AvtSkKc0HKbyew4ElhI_2VI4eA948hS_vvpTEHWVOSSZsM-wr3vXz8o0zUUhMZA-iCpdqLhfJigHzRroSy0LY6ol3sANOCqSosxKw2rOwF_eH6DIVFeVdItFthBoFhjcmPC1y5A/w474-h640/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning.png" width="474" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Title: Mom's Search for Meaning: Grief and Growth After Child Loss</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Author: Melissa M. Monroe</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: Independent</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 276</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Genre:</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>Memoir</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Paralyzed by guilt,
grief, and PTSD after her 2-year-old daughter Alice died in her sleep of
unknown causes, acupuncturist Melissa Monroe determined not to become a
victim in the story of her life. While taking the advice she had given
to many grief and trauma patients throughout the years, hoping she could
create a meaningful life without closure, she took notes throughout her
healing process. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Struggling to advance
her timeline beyond that of her daughter’s – and still eager to be the
keeper of Alice’s stories – Melissa began to write about Alice’s life
and the impact of her death. She became her own lab rat, trying various
approaches to healing with the hope that her experience might be helpful
to others stuck in a trauma time loop. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">As much a study of trauma’s effect on time perception as it is an intimate view into the heart and mind of a bereaved mother, <i>Mom’s Search for Meaning</i> shows us that meaning resides in the search itself…with a spoonful of gallows humor to help the medicine go down.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Praise:</span></p>
<p>“Melissa doesn’t just say the way out is through, she very much takes
us through what that looks like. And in being so specific, I think it’s
universally relatable. The final chapter is “To be, or not to be”-level
work. This is mom-loss Shakespeare.” Teresa Strasser, author of <i>Exploiting My Baby</i>, the upcoming <i>Making It Home</i>, and co-host of the syndicated TV show <i>The Lis</i>t</p>
<p>“Melissa’s book provides powerful testimony to the strength of the
human spirit and our vulnerable, complicated, and yet inspirational
ability to heal.” Kim Cookson, Psy.D., founder of the Trauma and
Resiliency Training and Services Program at the Southern California
Counseling Center</p>
<p>“It is the story of how one person found her way – with grief and
with pain, but also with humor and grace – back to a life that would be
forever different, but which couldn’t be, and wouldn’t be, anything less
than purposeful and honest.” Dan Koeppel, author of <i>To See Every Bird on Earth</i>, <i>Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World</i>, and <i>Every Minute is a Day</i></p>
<p>“The explorations of compassion are deep, Melissa’s march toward love
is inspiring, and the writing is beautiful. It is a book about child
loss that – at times – made me laugh out loud. I will never stop
thinking about this book. And I am so glad.” Liz Friedlander, film and
television director</p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yrmuumc6">https://tinyurl.com/yrmuumc6</a><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Barnes & Noble: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mryd9z7s">https://tinyurl.com/mryd9z7s</a><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123189454">https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123189454</a><br />
</span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Billy Dees Podcast: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMzd6XXm-kU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMzd6XXm-kU</a></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span></span></span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s266/excerpt%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="266" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNmbK517tm9PssReGLjWpZDG-2vLtzWKr-FFzybGNsyT4Axu-kMxgcEhmpl8Qwha3JRvRbjjfkibejk5beXAU6Du4Jk4gHEdKSoVJ1IRx5FzVYn-CgfH8OwhQe8Lq6r1qe1r7a8ST2FDtwKK4bInK1E2WvyE9Em7VvVDATaeWsUlLKvsdtDXgo9Q0OQ/s1600/excerpt%20books.png" width="266" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><p>
</p>
<span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>
<i><br /></i>
<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwa6z1ZwLgfw_IajeYDO1lcQLrLgNF3p7zIPgrPwnhaI_2bQ-ldtfXQyVlJibBZv6zKCsv5Dg6-gWEKpn9VMhnvUaLIoqMpfkaGlCfjjXUjXV1SXoRS4wmby5jfBNiStYjdq31R73IIH5bcS2l0IvGT3Z5kxyDXN2-QW-A9H2CGbKhgYPhrl74m6ehg/s1158/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning%2012.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="399" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwa6z1ZwLgfw_IajeYDO1lcQLrLgNF3p7zIPgrPwnhaI_2bQ-ldtfXQyVlJibBZv6zKCsv5Dg6-gWEKpn9VMhnvUaLIoqMpfkaGlCfjjXUjXV1SXoRS4wmby5jfBNiStYjdq31R73IIH5bcS2l0IvGT3Z5kxyDXN2-QW-A9H2CGbKhgYPhrl74m6ehg/w220-h640/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning%2012.gif" width="220" /></a></i></div><i><br />"When
everything we love turns to ash, all we have is love. I began to
realize that if I marched toward the love — even on a day when I felt
like shit — I would always be guided and surrounded by love. If I cursed
the path, I wouldn’t see the love that was all around me and would find
a cursed path.</i><p></p>
<p><i>When Alice died, it became crystal clear to me that nothing
matters but love. That clarity was notable because not one other thing
was clear. But more importantly, I began to see that love doesn’t die.
My love for Alice went nowhere; I just didn’t know what to do with all
that love when her body was no longer here, when I could not interact
with her personality or hug her chubby belly. It was clear to me my love
for her survived though her body did not. I could still feel her,
though I couldn’t see or touch her. Grief is love in the absence of the
recipient of the love.</i></p>
<p><i>Grief is the phantom limb of love.</i></p>
<p><i>This meant I had to learn how to love someone no longer here ...
and to do that, I had to focus on the love that was here. And there was
so much love around me, thank God.”</i></p>
</blockquote><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNRmUn6ljSDZSWRJmVPyGGAr8c8zvBLu4UMHw6gi-_acUzsVdaMe2BdrpgS4BPChOWkIxWnUUQpw5bNOJ__WGhS6yZtWjaYJygdWycnTNx1I-Cq_edN93EZaaNbAcEzM29LyIDlp0UNp4ytNgSzSJidcDFzi5LUpPKXOet5wJNoCdrThPQBiDAZ1BCQ/s167/more%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="167" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNRmUn6ljSDZSWRJmVPyGGAr8c8zvBLu4UMHw6gi-_acUzsVdaMe2BdrpgS4BPChOWkIxWnUUQpw5bNOJ__WGhS6yZtWjaYJygdWycnTNx1I-Cq_edN93EZaaNbAcEzM29LyIDlp0UNp4ytNgSzSJidcDFzi5LUpPKXOet5wJNoCdrThPQBiDAZ1BCQ/s1600/more%20books.png" width="167" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Now living in Los
Angeles with her daughter Grace, Melissa M. Monroe was born in Yuma, AZ.
She attended Loyola University in Chicago. After finishing at Loyola,
she studied modern dance at University of Chicago. In 1995, she moved to
California to train in Pilates, yoga, and acupuncture, which she
practices as a professional. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Website: <a href="http://www.melissamariemonroe.com">http://www.melissamariemonroe.com </a><br />
</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/tripleMMeaning">https://twitter.com/tripleMMeaning</a><br />
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<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Tik Tok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@triplemmeaning">https://www.tiktok.com/@triplemmeaning</a><br />
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<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissammonroe/">https://www.instagram.com/melissammonroe/</a><br />
</span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-monroe-b0b1197/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-monroe-b0b1197/</a></span></span><p></p></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYqldym-Q80BHTDaF3Mo0-ZSd3awj2GHfkvkeQcGh7yycihgEeHrehTE4OAZjfjTNMy-YBezeqMGjKnh5p0vwDwjUnxNHbTNAdd4s7kHv3g64bvgmtM2pRpuzGN3uCIpByaWdamKCNFRhVYxYXYzL-I0P93ZINY7iIeXqtemNVA54TeLMOU-Cq_4/s2720/A%20Final%20Farewell%206.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5HrBvFqn2w_AbwZu9JPik8a9SZHfQANxHmhfSAhH2lNPb7PYFn_WJqynsWQY3mzH4uRsboQVLCUvCOwYdrs6aEMgrBIP5hDEwfjpOsH59AaD4C_yEKW-ydxxXiy0IKmEQdvT2wkS1vZQx98WwSBCZYtnX87lr882u3mp5eecSHMzj6NqFzL_CTPlew/s793/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="793" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5HrBvFqn2w_AbwZu9JPik8a9SZHfQANxHmhfSAhH2lNPb7PYFn_WJqynsWQY3mzH4uRsboQVLCUvCOwYdrs6aEMgrBIP5hDEwfjpOsH59AaD4C_yEKW-ydxxXiy0IKmEQdvT2wkS1vZQx98WwSBCZYtnX87lr882u3mp5eecSHMzj6NqFzL_CTPlew/w579-h261/Mom's%20Search%20for%20Meaning%2011.jpg" width="579" /></a></div></div></div></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-71087933911984350132023-07-18T21:00:00.001-07:002023-07-18T21:00:00.141-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Amy W. Vogel Author of COME TO ME: A DEVOTIONAL FOR HEALING FROM HURT #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
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<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span><br /></span></span></span></i></p><p></p><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></i><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNMfvEjZAZzqZkTFlCneZ46Zy8C2SBHdOLR5m6xojfaT_yqC1jPKJz9yvxj4Wra2nZSIsH5lL5uOk61V6tlV6zAhmLlmYpp-L0K2Fh3d-KDC6HwBGSa86UAx9jn01mr_omiCSKR6eUeNBFD1bbieCHSRARkAKgtmxEtZG8tBTKgTKcz190IK92fUh7oA/s2099/Amy%20W.%20Vogel%20lg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2099" data-original-width="1738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNMfvEjZAZzqZkTFlCneZ46Zy8C2SBHdOLR5m6xojfaT_yqC1jPKJz9yvxj4Wra2nZSIsH5lL5uOk61V6tlV6zAhmLlmYpp-L0K2Fh3d-KDC6HwBGSa86UAx9jn01mr_omiCSKR6eUeNBFD1bbieCHSRARkAKgtmxEtZG8tBTKgTKcz190IK92fUh7oA/s320/Amy%20W.%20Vogel%20lg.jpg" width="265" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Amy W. Vogel is an
accomplished author, speaker, podcaster, and ministry consultant. She
loves learning and sharing her knowledge through stories in her
inspirational projects and fiction novels. </span></span></i></div><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Amy creates, leads,
and speaks to large and small groups and churches to help people
understand their inherent worth and goodness by giving them a vision of
hope for everyone, everywhere. She is married to David, has three
daughters, and lives in Houston, TX. </span></i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Website: <a href="https://amywvogel.my.canva.site/">https://amywvogel.my.conva.site/</a><br />
</span></i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/amywvogel">http://www.twitter.com/amywvogel</a><br />
</span></i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/amywvogel">www.facebook.com/amywvogel</a><br />
</span></i></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela;">Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/awvogel">http://www.instagram.com/awvogel</a></span></i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><br /></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: x-large;">Welcome to My Bookish Pleasures. We would love to get to know you and your book! When did you begin writing?</span></p>
<p>I began writing <i>Come to Me: A Devotional for Healing from Hurt</i> in October of 2022 after about two months recovering from depression and massive burnout following the loss of my role as pastor, my church, and a family crisis. I started writing it to facilitate my own healing journey but I knew when I started that if I wanted to heal from hurt, other people would too!</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Describe your writing process. When and where do you write?</span></span></p>
<p>I usually write in the mornings, with a rare evening burst. I am a morning person so I have the most creative energy then. Like I said, there are those rare evenings though! I have a couple of different “offices” spaces in my house. Currently, I’m at my dining room table but we have a room above the garage which houses my official space.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></span></p>
<p>I have always loved the passage in Matthew 11 that is the central theme of the book – and the only passage I explore. As I was coming out of a very dark place, I felt the urge to start investigating this verse. I would just sit with it, think about it and eventually that formed thoughts in my heart and mind I wanted to express. This is my second devotional that I’ve published (I’ve written several others over the years as well) and the format for each day came from my experience in healing ministry and spiritual growth. I wanted to make the journey tangible and for people to be able to engage for themselves – to have their own experience.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></span></p>
<p>Self-publishing was a pretty big learning curve. The writing itself flowed. Editing is always a challenge to go back and do but learning the business – the ins and outs – of self-publishing has been a big task.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you find it easier to write nonfiction?</span></span></p>
<p>I do because I have more experience. Nonfiction for me is like eating a snack. It is a smaller output that is gratifying but not that taxing. I am writing fiction as well and when I sit down to do that, it feels like the feasting process. Lots of intake and then lots of time to digest!</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you have plans to write fiction?</span></span></p>
<p>Yes! I am releasing a novel called <i>Teleosis</i>. It is religious fantasy fiction that explores big subjects like mental health, the harm of religious systems and the unique power of women to be conduits for healing in the world. That comes out in early 2024.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></span></p>
<p>I’m in the editing process for my fiction release and also planning a series about retellings of “villain” type women in the Bible. I also know what my next nonfiction devotional will be about and looking to start that in late 2024 or 2025. I’m always busy!</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring nonfiction authors?</span></span></p>
<p>Write what you know! Also, write it! The books I’ve published are the ones I’ve finished, so just keep working at it. Those places inside of you that say “You can’t,” are the places that actually really want you to be successful. If we look at the fears and shame that drive those voices, we often find the sources that can fuel our creativity. The darkness is actually a blank slate rather than a pit we fear to fall into.</p>
<p>Thanks for this opportunity!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEIFniWCT8j1n2D5LLBqHSsLp99gGulBqP4IVqHR_ODf-8FSQokIiw5Kykbmuij6Izlm4UumDvCwu0ajAQwLhUlqVZN9C-7aPpmhat8PrUlmDoSfpF_mTvLyUyWE8rbbUGk8aTHLdI5lVn7U7jhHe7dK23T_s0_iqX5poiEkiwJeyRijr8PTXzbhjHfNO/s706/Come%20To%20Me%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEIFniWCT8j1n2D5LLBqHSsLp99gGulBqP4IVqHR_ODf-8FSQokIiw5Kykbmuij6Izlm4UumDvCwu0ajAQwLhUlqVZN9C-7aPpmhat8PrUlmDoSfpF_mTvLyUyWE8rbbUGk8aTHLdI5lVn7U7jhHe7dK23T_s0_iqX5poiEkiwJeyRijr8PTXzbhjHfNO/s320/Come%20To%20Me%20cover.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span>Title: Come to Me: A Devotional for Healing From Hurt</span></span><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Author: Amy W. Vogel</span><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: AW Vogel Publishing</span><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 123</span><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span> Genre: Nonfiction/Christian Inspirational/Spiritual Growth</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Gabriela; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span>
</span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">From the author of <i>Third Person: 30 Days with the Holy Spirit</i> comes a unique devotional experience. <i>Come to Me</i> stands out with messages from one particular passage, Matthew 11:28-30. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">It is an invitation by
Jesus to those who are hurting, with a promise to bring hope,
soul-level rest, and a new vision of wholeness to those experiencing the
wounds of life. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus meets us right
where we are, and through this collection of personal reflections,
time-tested spiritual practices, and new ways to imagine God working,
you can find the healing from the hurt you long for. </span></span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Amazon: <a href="https://a.co/d/69jzFNZ">https://a.co/d/69jzFNZ</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAhhrmg5GLscgHm4oyaPoOG4lvYj8bMuKKMUpGN4W9b9Vtv7-4bYkOomqu8Kv-ku5MEUpU8plRuoR9zuDwcP5OkXl47M7NqFZZ8Nmr4qUnj77OMs61AfcovzVuq1LACHjsm3kH-X4mlh0n3yWCNTeqFYMcb5ypo8hOdH84qt9SkL_sBXWg3Q1kmR44gqe/s798/Come%20to%20Me%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="798" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAhhrmg5GLscgHm4oyaPoOG4lvYj8bMuKKMUpGN4W9b9Vtv7-4bYkOomqu8Kv-ku5MEUpU8plRuoR9zuDwcP5OkXl47M7NqFZZ8Nmr4qUnj77OMs61AfcovzVuq1LACHjsm3kH-X4mlh0n3yWCNTeqFYMcb5ypo8hOdH84qt9SkL_sBXWg3Q1kmR44gqe/w640-h284/Come%20to%20Me%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Gabriela; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-74532963340559378102023-07-14T05:55:00.006-07:002023-07-18T04:30:49.632-07:00🔦In the Bookish Spotlight: Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani #BecomingFlawesome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj844BQVacDycxnLWZJ_6ZylrT8-viok6v2M4_QLvRftlBXWnCX61gWxNivzTKtBR32B4xDvuN9btX1Dvn29fs-0snIzx6cLrOpQ_U_dTkCg7jbKfiTkmiBC6iYvbSeUMrtwgvvYK1ku9YVFKF-SABreY2D_IexkjvzFppO-prRFG6v3wNs-1vD7kFt8_vq/s675/IN%20THE%20BOOKISH%20SPOTLIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="675" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj844BQVacDycxnLWZJ_6ZylrT8-viok6v2M4_QLvRftlBXWnCX61gWxNivzTKtBR32B4xDvuN9btX1Dvn29fs-0snIzx6cLrOpQ_U_dTkCg7jbKfiTkmiBC6iYvbSeUMrtwgvvYK1ku9YVFKF-SABreY2D_IexkjvzFppO-prRFG6v3wNs-1vD7kFt8_vq/w640-h392/IN%20THE%20BOOKISH%20SPOTLIGHT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span id="docs-internal-guid-eb81b19d-7fff-6c60-4942-8a06c392af73" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JaY6TzYb9_ZkAJPNIdx1hQFJ0EY2wkkX94AH-Ylu7wjEkr5q7a1DuxyjZdc5qGO75PWnvrDEQjWHOIbhJGxyCa5VMg0YCY_A-aVFNDtgX681cfxtnnyLJ4rsrwaWyYQQ7IHyv-D2XfE5jPmYtEzjhDUKXBXvQ5IaT1nf816cGbFdObnz7KOFhnw0jA/s771/Becoming%20Flawesome.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JaY6TzYb9_ZkAJPNIdx1hQFJ0EY2wkkX94AH-Ylu7wjEkr5q7a1DuxyjZdc5qGO75PWnvrDEQjWHOIbhJGxyCa5VMg0YCY_A-aVFNDtgX681cfxtnnyLJ4rsrwaWyYQQ7IHyv-D2XfE5jPmYtEzjhDUKXBXvQ5IaT1nf816cGbFdObnz7KOFhnw0jA/w462-h640/Becoming%20Flawesome.png" width="462" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="color: black;">Title: Becoming Flawesome</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="color: black;"> Author: Kristina Mand-Lakhiani</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: Hay House Publishing</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 280</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="color: black;"> Genre:</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>Nonfiction</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span>
</p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6a0182e4-7fff-d643-a53b-8a71c652a737" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perfection. We all dream of living by it, feeling it, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">being</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> it…</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And it is in the name of perfection that we demonise our flaws, make ourselves ‘less-than,’ and render ourselves vulnerable to the shame of not being good enough.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We live in a society that subliminally encourages us to wear metaphorical masks, slay our inner sadness, and ignore our imperfections, or as Kristina refers to them, her ‘dragons.’ </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even within the world of personal development and spirituality, toxic perfectionism lurks in the shadows. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Kristina’s upcoming book </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Becoming Flawesome #BecomingFlawesome</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, she reflects on her own story, her </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">battle against perfectionism</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and what it took for her to return to what she now deems to be her most authentic self. Being described as “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10 years worth of therapy in one book,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Becoming Flawsome</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every chapter is closed with reflection points and exercises to encourage the readers to dive deep into the essence of who they truly are, what their values are, and how to navigate an oftentimes overwhelming world. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this book, Kristina breaks the mould as she takes the reader on a journey through:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><br /></span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dark, controversial side of ‘personal growth,’ and the insecurities that thrive on it</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Self-care vs self-love, and why you need both</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What authenticity actually is, beyond the buzz</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ‘Hermione Syndrome,’ and how to diagnose if you’re secretly suffering from it</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How to create aligned lifestyle habits that stick</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why the more you judge others, the more you judge yourself</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Societal masks, and how to remove them from your psyche </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imposter syndrome in the world of high-flyers </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emotional literacy: how to cope with strong, painful emotions healthily </span></span></p></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amazon: </span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/mwtzj3jx" style="font-family: Cherry Swash; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://tinyurl.com/mwtzj3jx</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><br /></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mind Valley Books: </span><a href="https://www.mindvalley.com/books/flawesome" style="font-family: Cherry Swash; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.mindvalley.com/books/flawesome</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><b>Book Excerpt</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><blockquote><p>
</p>
<p></p><span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOPoszGwkNBZfIAVowtto6V5ptVAGxzQx90DbNn7dddiJKs9Ka0iBbH-10LJPM8mc66ONENww-zIR953Z8rXmvgGOfNwenBtPvMJqtBusVnjlzwUTCkaCq7Ge1EIyInajpE3lWh3fXf-PaSm4slfJQJI4r6rAo34gwGNF3VyJvc5asxcrb4q5VM-ndA/s1158/Becoming%20Flawesome%202.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOPoszGwkNBZfIAVowtto6V5ptVAGxzQx90DbNn7dddiJKs9Ka0iBbH-10LJPM8mc66ONENww-zIR953Z8rXmvgGOfNwenBtPvMJqtBusVnjlzwUTCkaCq7Ge1EIyInajpE3lWh3fXf-PaSm4slfJQJI4r6rAo34gwGNF3VyJvc5asxcrb4q5VM-ndA/w214-h640/Becoming%20Flawesome%202.gif" width="214" /></a></div><br />The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life<p></p>
<p>Introduction</p>
<p>Let’s Begin</p>
<p>It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a good book has to start with a proper introduction.</p>
<p>And by “proper” I mean that it has to prime the reader for the
journey, raise excitement and set expectations, explain the process, and
make reading the book an experience both profitable and smooth. After
all, we are about to spend some time together on this journey.</p>
<p>Therefore, I was not surprised when on the first meeting with my
publisher I was asked if I would consider writing a proper introduction
to my book. You see—the original manuscript started with a story of me
pondering my future book while standing in the shower, warm water
running down my back, and my finger absentmindedly drawing random
patterns on the fogged-up glass.</p>
<p>I started this book during the long years of successive COVID
confinements, and I was planning to self-publish it because I wanted the
freedom to make decisions about the book—how to write, what to write,
what stories to include, what kind of experience to offer to my reader.
So, naturally, it wasn’t following any universally acknowledged truths
or conventions.</p>
<p>Yet, by the time I had to present my book-baby to the world, I felt
that I wanted to give it the best possible future, and I had to face the
big decision between my heart and my brain: Will it be self-published
(heart), or will I work with a traditional publisher (brain)? Going the
traditional way meant facing more choices between my quirky and
obstinate self-expression and conventional ways of doing things.</p>
<p>This book is about finding your way back to yourself, about
understanding who you really are, accepting your dents and scratches,
your quirky uniqueness and even your flaws. It is about thriving in
being unapologetically you, most flawesomely.</p>
<p>This book has been through the hands of several editors ever since I
put the last stop on its original manuscript. This journey has been both
emotional and transformative for me. I had to face my biggest dragon by
far—my obstinate need for pure self-expression—over and over again.</p>
<p>When do you follow convention, and when do you stick to your own principles and values?</p>
<p>There is no simple answer to this question, except: you have to learn to balance.</p>
<p>If you follow all the rules that your peers expect you to follow, you
bet all there is on a slim chance of the grand prize, but you do it at
the price of your own unique self-expression. At times, I felt like I
had to “sell my soul to the devil” for a chance at success.</p>
<p>But if you obstinately stick to your own unique quirks and
principles, you might end up being unheard and misunderstood so
universally that there is no point in writing a book. For it is the
readers who make a writer. Without the readers, a book is just a private
diary.</p>
<p>Reader, will you judge me if I tell you that this book is a delicate
balance between convention and my own uniqueness? Of course, I want you
to succeed. But I cannot give you the proper introduction to my book
because every book is a journey. This book has been my journey, and</p>
<p>now it is yours. I walked my path to my true self, to understanding what makes me truly me . . .</p>
<p>and what of that unique quirkiness is simply noise. You see, your
flaws and your dragons are there for a reason—they make you who you are,
but they also hold the key to your biggest value, to your mightiest
strengths, if you choose to look your dragons in the eye.</p>
<p>Now I am hoping that you will take this journey with me to your
unique destination—to finding the path back to you. I will be your
companion on this journey, but it is yours to take.</p>
<p>So why wouldn’t I tell you what’s ahead? Imagine if Gandalf told
Bilbo Baggins that on his journey, he would encounter trolls, go through
a perilous enchanted forest, and face a dragon in a far-away mountain.
Wouldn’t that be a bit of a spoiler?</p>
<p>I want you to take this journey back to you without any spoilers,
with an open heart, and trust that the destination is going to be worth
your effort. Because becoming flawesome is the best gift you can give to
yourself.</p>
<p>So, if you are ready, let’s begin!</p>
<blockquote>
<i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6df3e55d-7fff-500f-22c2-633ba3046d25" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p></blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">More...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__PCrcbuNR8jdUWQ7esLwb3HMVgv2Tq37jxVDojFnyb-AUVmj-_0wmXw12oGGQiZ4HM44Ch0Cu7QAGmxiLeZ93B84B8Zocv5mNsnAW3JSXo9ld0v2kyKfI7eNFachq-oxmd2IfW7-94bl8jhmCh3nx6sjLZUhaxkJ66gXap64hmwqr31Ge46NvROoCA/s640/Becoming%20Flawesome%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__PCrcbuNR8jdUWQ7esLwb3HMVgv2Tq37jxVDojFnyb-AUVmj-_0wmXw12oGGQiZ4HM44Ch0Cu7QAGmxiLeZ93B84B8Zocv5mNsnAW3JSXo9ld0v2kyKfI7eNFachq-oxmd2IfW7-94bl8jhmCh3nx6sjLZUhaxkJ66gXap64hmwqr31Ge46NvROoCA/w570-h428/Becoming%20Flawesome%208.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1494820207040531290" itemprop="articleBody"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeP92xdICOCRdr0uPbih5VQUfB2nXNKZ9_ft1Rq6uY7EsgiefAyqSU5ACqoZNzWP2tDyGYZATv9mwYuwB5ivsGKyHUjah89pEoVJIEnmGtn-Mx0WDgnO70rcqQ0BdYeaFHtaaQk8Ez5Nc0S17KRNFDts3RV6ArUpaPTNZlow70ZQmh0L3R5Jzhji_Ww/s633/Becoming%20Flawesome%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="618" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeP92xdICOCRdr0uPbih5VQUfB2nXNKZ9_ft1Rq6uY7EsgiefAyqSU5ACqoZNzWP2tDyGYZATv9mwYuwB5ivsGKyHUjah89pEoVJIEnmGtn-Mx0WDgnO70rcqQ0BdYeaFHtaaQk8Ez5Nc0S17KRNFDts3RV6ArUpaPTNZlow70ZQmh0L3R5Jzhji_Ww/w542-h556/Becoming%20Flawesome%2010.jpg" width="542" /></a></div> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3PaCWSMKshzYCUKKaj0mlgryIwZx5Gh-kN6G1v7BE6Ekl3265rZlsiPOaCv0yBeduZO9eLMzKqKfSj5k9cWN1EtyLHm7FMbKMZhI162FR2cvr5Y6yjO3Tac0CjVt9uV7ni_n5uRawjwDTtLDUgYunye2B3VfJLrPhJ5Ghy-tlaN46UtKUsnqbJKRiA/s640/Becoming%20Flawesome%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3PaCWSMKshzYCUKKaj0mlgryIwZx5Gh-kN6G1v7BE6Ekl3265rZlsiPOaCv0yBeduZO9eLMzKqKfSj5k9cWN1EtyLHm7FMbKMZhI162FR2cvr5Y6yjO3Tac0CjVt9uV7ni_n5uRawjwDTtLDUgYunye2B3VfJLrPhJ5Ghy-tlaN46UtKUsnqbJKRiA/w557-h418/Becoming%20Flawesome%2011.jpg" width="557" /></a></div><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span>About the Author</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DwRYQ_w4Bu2CF2upH6PN3UO_2hpTB_SmvvfQtdIzXziltummpzy7vrJRAULQfR02YASDrm6Mi4OpPHEERyJQr5ZYG4lhl54SYxonWXSUjfuhwkIvtCcUY9a-GyTuf-M66ZUsHrWdlFNha81cDVnQBPsWx2bNKekqG9d_glthpka7fmvyf-esVMmwDQ/s821/Kristina%20Mand-Lakhiani.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="821" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DwRYQ_w4Bu2CF2upH6PN3UO_2hpTB_SmvvfQtdIzXziltummpzy7vrJRAULQfR02YASDrm6Mi4OpPHEERyJQr5ZYG4lhl54SYxonWXSUjfuhwkIvtCcUY9a-GyTuf-M66ZUsHrWdlFNha81cDVnQBPsWx2bNKekqG9d_glthpka7fmvyf-esVMmwDQ/w640-h414/Kristina%20Mand-Lakhiani.png" width="640" /></a></div></span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<p>
</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BHYz1-0BzJ4XUOGIIZwnymF4WHLyQ8ZP/view?usp=share_link">Kristina Mand-Lakhiani </a>is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of <a href="http://mindvalley.com/">Mindvalley</a>,
a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated
the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith,
Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">She
started her career in a government office in her native Estonia and, by
her mid-20s, achieved a level of success mostly known to male
politicians at the end of their careers. It was shortly after that
Kristina and her then-husband Vishen founded Mindvalley. From a small
meditation business operating out of the couple’s apartment in New York,
the company quickly grew into a global educational organization
offering top training for peak human performance to hundreds of
thousands of students all around the world. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Kristina
believes life is too important to be taken seriously and makes sure to
bring fun into every one of her roles: as a teacher, mother,
entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveller. Kristina helps her
students to virtually hack happiness by taking them through her unique
framework - “Hacking happiness” - a unique framework of balancing your
life, taking in every moment, and paying close attention to the small
daily choices. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Kristina is also the author of three transformational quests - <a href="https://kristinamand.com/7-days-to-happiness/">"7 Days To Happiness</a>", <a href="https://kristinamand.com/#programs">"Live By Your Own Rules.</a>”
and "The Art of Being Flawesome". Kristina talks about personal
transformation, authenticity, understanding and accepting oneself, and a
path to happiness.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">In July 2023, with the help of Hay House Publishing, Kristina releases her very first book - "<a href="http://mindvalley.com/book/flawesome">Becoming Flawesome</a>"
#BecomingFlawesome. In her book, Kristina shares her own journey from
being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping
aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path
towards being more honest with herself. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Website: <a href="https://kristinamand.com/">https://kristinamand.com/</a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kristinamand">https://www.facebook.com/kristinamand</a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mand-lakhiani-73168414/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mand-lakhiani-73168414/</a></span></span></p></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-13998346436615037072023-07-11T21:00:00.003-07:002023-07-12T07:19:45.689-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Jo Denning Author of HUSH HUSH CITY #authorstowatch #interview <p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div>
<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"></p><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span><br /></span></span></span></i></p><p></p><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></i><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt42A3Zvyxys3jqyLGb8h4w8VnFcJDM7anvoRdBSHbrJj31jxaTea2m-XkomvXeZog5Z89LKbqMsvK2QYxXhvjpYp8RhbTn4YrCfECr7rbRKhws_pzKk6ncPjaOyEbiY5rfTE_egOgxuF2jVu_xE_6B4BwwFzBpTvz5E8QVWUO7deAn_OSIa5Y_CpEP1Z/s933/Jo%20Denning%20lg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt42A3Zvyxys3jqyLGb8h4w8VnFcJDM7anvoRdBSHbrJj31jxaTea2m-XkomvXeZog5Z89LKbqMsvK2QYxXhvjpYp8RhbTn4YrCfECr7rbRKhws_pzKk6ncPjaOyEbiY5rfTE_egOgxuF2jVu_xE_6B4BwwFzBpTvz5E8QVWUO7deAn_OSIa5Y_CpEP1Z/s320/Jo%20Denning%20lg.jpg" width="240" /></a><i>Jo Denning is the author of the Saoirse
Reilly series. She has spent her career as a behavioral health therapist
supporting kids and teens who struggle with addiction. Jo began writing
supernatural crime thrillers as a way of processing the traumatic
things she has seen and heard. Her characters may be supernatural but
their stories, their fear, and their pain are real. So, too, are the
triumphs over impossible odds.<br /></i></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><i>When she’s not writing, Jo enjoys baking,
drawing, and watching trashy reality TV. She makes her home somewhere in
the contiguous United States with her husband, one fluffy cat, and one
barely domesticated cat.</i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s Connect!</span><br /></i></p>
<p><i><a href="https://www.jodenning.com/">Website </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/jo_denning">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Jo-Denning/100075794838908/">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21978316.Jo_Denning">Goodreads</a></i></p></div><br /></div></span></div></span></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?</span></span><br />I began writing Dead Blood City, the first book in the Saoirse Reilly series, while working in a<br />psychiatric hospital at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the death of a thirteen-<br />year-old patient by suicide. The magic and monsters in Reilly’s world are metaphors for the very<br />real evil and darkness that exists in our world. The painful experiences of my characters are<br />things that real people go through every day. Unfortunately, treatment is not always enough to<br />help them escape the darkness inside their own minds. I write to process my work and my many,<br />many feelings about my work.</p><p><br /><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: x-large;">Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?</span></p><p>I write whenever I can! But, usually, it is earlier in the day on weekends or whenever I have a<br />break at work. I always create a detailed outline before I start writing. Then I create scene cards,<br />a strategy discussed in ‘Story Genius,’ to make sure every scene actively contributes to character<br />development. I jump around to different chapters and scenes when I write so a good outline helps<br />me stay on track. I also create playlists for every story or book I write to get in the right<br />headspace. You can listen to these free on Spotify!</p><p><br /><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you tell us about your most recent release?</span></span></p><p>Cruel Prince meets Law &amp; Order in Hush Hush City, the thrilling sequel to Dead Blood City and<br />second installment in the Saoirse Reilly series!<br /> </p><p>Saoirse Reilly, police detective and wayward psychic, is still reeling from the events of Dead<br />Blood City. Her lies are piling up but there&#39;s no time to deal. She and her loved ones are in<br />danger once again. While investigating the murder of a Boston blueblood, Reilly is drawn into a<br />supernatural power struggle centuries in the making.<br /> </p><p>Ancient monsters are prowling the streets and Domenico Alderisi, newly installed vrykolakas<br />master, needs Reilly’s help securing his territory—which just so happens to be her hometown.<br /><br />Alderisi, once her enemy, may be the only one who can save the city. But he has his own agenda<br />and a taste for Reilly&#39;s blood.<br /> </p><p>The only way for Reilly to protect all she holds dear may be to rely on her two-faced teacher, Dr.<br />Emrys Somerled. The criminal psychologist and occult expert is something more than human. If<br />anyone can take on monsters, it&#39;s him. And he&#39;d like to get closer to Reilly than ever before.<br />There’s just one problem. Somerled is keeping secrets, too, and there&#39;s nothing more dangerous.<br /> </p><p>After all…<br /> </p><p>Stepping out of the silence is scary but secrets can kill.<br /> </p><p>Will Reilly escape the web of death and deception?<br /> </p><p>Find out in this urban fantasy meets gritty noir detective novel featuring imperfect heroes and<br />slow burn dark romance with beautiful monsters who can’t be trusted.<br /> </p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How did you get the idea for the book?</span></span><br /> </p><p>I always knew Dead Blood City would have a sequel. In Hush Hush City, I wanted to address<br />some of the questions readers had about Reilly’s heritage and her burgeoning powers. Other<br />inspirations included Norse myths of the undead, the overlap of Viking and Irish culture, and the<br />long, troubled history between Ukraine and Russia. But my overarching inspiration for the book<br />was imagining someone presented with a series of distinct choices and choosing wrong every<br />single time. Where would they end up?</p><p><br /><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?</span></span></p><p>For the sake of my other characters, I want to say this is a tough one!!! (It’s not.) My favorite<br />character is Saoirse Reilly, of course! Reilly is the protagonist, a Boston police detective with<br />psychic abilities. She has been a love-her or hate-her kind of character for readers and that is<br />intentional. She has taken a lot of hits throughout her life. As a result, she is a bit of a mess right<br />now. Reilly has her flaws and she is not the easiest person to love. But she is the most real<br />character I have ever written. I knew I needed a truly believable, human character to frontline<br />this fantastical series. Like all of us have or have to, Reilly needs to confront the trauma holding<br />her back in order to thrive. I believe in her.<br /> </p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?</span></span><br /> </p><p>This is a hard question to answer because I really love writing. The process of editing and<br />revising can be time-consuming but I don’t dislike it. In terms of the most challenging aspect of<br />publishing, it is definitely formatting my manuscript for print. It melts my brain.<br /> </p><p><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></span><br /> </p><p>I’m hard at work on the third book in the Saoirse Reilly series, Black Sight City, so named<br />because it will be the darkest installment yet. This will be a major turning point for the series.<br /><br />For those wanting (demanding) more about Reilly’s heritage and the mysterious world we’ve<br />only seen in flashbacks, this is the book for you! But be careful what you wish for. It is always<br />darkest before dawn.</p><p><br /><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?</span></span><br /> </p><p>The best advice I can give aspiring authors is to WRITE. It’s okay to talk about books, do social<br />media marketing, go to coffee shops, whatever floats your boat—but you have to actually write<br />your book. No one else is going to do it for you. Good luck! </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V7SLmtzTFM6-BtXdFe3xC_stEsBgPVq7qXa_xw4xZT89_6WY3_0gv0e282Smxx9PuntUdlbFJFDbuDPpLAHXege9_AOu2Wo4oZ34dzc1pUPazKP1BFCzrALZ_XMesuzI70GA0DMkG2KKt9aos21booQAS-zyX_r9qZeiusnYdcArPSNn6uxR8Cf7PU4M/s4297/Hush%20Hush%20City%20lg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4297" data-original-width="2820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V7SLmtzTFM6-BtXdFe3xC_stEsBgPVq7qXa_xw4xZT89_6WY3_0gv0e282Smxx9PuntUdlbFJFDbuDPpLAHXege9_AOu2Wo4oZ34dzc1pUPazKP1BFCzrALZ_XMesuzI70GA0DMkG2KKt9aos21booQAS-zyX_r9qZeiusnYdcArPSNn6uxR8Cf7PU4M/w420-h640/Hush%20Hush%20City%20lg.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Title: Hush Hush City</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Jo Denning</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Leabhar & Fola Publishing House</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 330</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash;"> Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Romance</span><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Cruel
Prince meets Law & Order in Hush Hush City, the thrilling sequel to
Dead Blood City and second installment in the Saoirse Reilly series!
Saoirse Reilly, police detective and wayward psychic, is still reeling
from the events of Dead Blood City. Her lies are piling up but there’s
no time to deal. She and her loved ones are in danger once again. While
investigating the murder of a Boston blueblood, Reilly is drawn into a
supernatural power struggle centuries in the making. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Ancient
monsters are prowling the streets and Domenico Alderisi, newly
installed vrykolakas master, needs Reilly’s help securing his territory –
which just so happens to be her hometown. Alderisi, once her enemy, may
be the only one who can save the city. But he has his own agenda and a
taste for Reilly’s blood. The only way for Reilly to protect all she
holds dear may be to rely on her two-faced teacher, Dr. Emrys Somerled.
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<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Stepping out of the silence is scary but secrets can kill. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Will Reilly escape the web of death and deception? </span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Find
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/41Z1UUq">https://amzn.to/41Z1UUq </a></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-37906686912277485112023-07-04T21:00:00.000-07:002023-07-04T21:00:00.154-07:00Happy Book Birthday to Smooth by Celia Bonaduce & Win $25 Amazon Gift Card!<div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfN71qDZAE69pRq3gGEdhHED2ZiLep1XErA7J2zPa5FGn6XRm1v-k1GAusYA4k7KbFHdtkaM5YKeXEi91NQakCgOgOrKl49IM0aDId382e9FpFNJdTSxuJGAETWKMd-OutnFCpUp_Gdtr_4G89ymsPr_wnQeCizuBQU1IIPPfBqfrpahRjetNMFEIeg/s640/Smooth%20Happy%20Birthday%20Bash%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfN71qDZAE69pRq3gGEdhHED2ZiLep1XErA7J2zPa5FGn6XRm1v-k1GAusYA4k7KbFHdtkaM5YKeXEi91NQakCgOgOrKl49IM0aDId382e9FpFNJdTSxuJGAETWKMd-OutnFCpUp_Gdtr_4G89ymsPr_wnQeCizuBQU1IIPPfBqfrpahRjetNMFEIeg/w574-h430/Smooth%20Happy%20Birthday%20Bash%20Invitation.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span>We're
thrilled to announce the release of Celia Bonaduce's new book, SMOOTH: LIFE HACKS TO GET YOU SMOOTHLY THROUGH CHEMO today!
To help celebrate, we are asking our readers if you can please pretty
please pick up a copy at<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ywf2mjc3" style="color: #15a3a3; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> Amazon</a> and come back and tell us how you liked it? Or, leave a review while you're there!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_YQg3D-e1x-w-MLw4xzXhfb8vcZXhjOwQQwjevdideQwAv5z_zT4vMFyLyLmhOmINbVqKYAe9gft0iVgyTiQ201VU0EETyT1fMLZlvSmJuJ9_LvdeCMr8bKyFsq_YarJaqS1a5N3FbLWHl_r7Fh12gZYDHkU2iO5MbOFIhQHKNJJpXfXkvgU93k/s716/happy%20book%20birthday%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="716" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_YQg3D-e1x-w-MLw4xzXhfb8vcZXhjOwQQwjevdideQwAv5z_zT4vMFyLyLmhOmINbVqKYAe9gft0iVgyTiQ201VU0EETyT1fMLZlvSmJuJ9_LvdeCMr8bKyFsq_YarJaqS1a5N3FbLWHl_r7Fh12gZYDHkU2iO5MbOFIhQHKNJJpXfXkvgU93k/w553-h254/happy%20book%20birthday%206.jpg" width="553" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations, Celia, on your new release, Smooth: Life Hacks to Get You Smoothly Through Chemo!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMEBc5CVOP8/XvO76FehkhI/AAAAAAAA36s/C8G4qPcQbgg-oFsPwB7JKFuFr14I9IG0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/balloons%2B2.png" style="color: #15a3a3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMEBc5CVOP8/XvO76FehkhI/AAAAAAAA36s/C8G4qPcQbgg-oFsPwB7JKFuFr14I9IG0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/balloons%2B2.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy6rj_E9GrLVoWS8rkSxVYzVYEeuNn5UMVNOGqx18BKy7lXWnFT6CKGZE0Wi-KmgVX5iS8X_9TbLForlS9TQEgmDMwZrCE_IXq4Dm3LRN_TBdiKynI9tINtmVNtQlHUOJ5Z-6XS-LSg1ATfY3_p1A_6raJmRLpPH1lajS2ELix5vDGbDAvPBgg3bLPA/s373/Smooth%20xxx.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="373" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy6rj_E9GrLVoWS8rkSxVYzVYEeuNn5UMVNOGqx18BKy7lXWnFT6CKGZE0Wi-KmgVX5iS8X_9TbLForlS9TQEgmDMwZrCE_IXq4Dm3LRN_TBdiKynI9tINtmVNtQlHUOJ5Z-6XS-LSg1ATfY3_p1A_6raJmRLpPH1lajS2ELix5vDGbDAvPBgg3bLPA/s320/Smooth%20xxx.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dhiSwiooiCNZrldycURh1lvYejnUkM8qzK-O0ZCkEZI2gJClMTjjS3bMXiV58OLadoXhL2eurSYZEM7GeRs2E1kD6Z_gLStLWADptMFONXyc4lqBuQmnTkujc4sEVtRTUaHMR4QpgGXvrNJzixO4F7DppAq9-dq3fdUGcNmiZ6JbbZ8fU16PuYo/s1245/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20xxx.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is Now Available in Paperback!</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFK1cOBKgqCI_NKFqQxZ-qG-cdsvGTZVdjBGuekc5oE9RF2N7UvKKbuPLUz1scrfzI6c6iwW1ZypcnPJPs0pqnK8QothOKLM2SQ5qSN-zH1VMUPjXCoAw9_Nx9xZXE12D-ABxb3buXhMGB_a1hAouDp35I3w_nhuMIVk-Mh3XiJUN0Yw9cY5s_UXMiA/s640/Smooth%20happy%20book%20birthday%20anim.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFK1cOBKgqCI_NKFqQxZ-qG-cdsvGTZVdjBGuekc5oE9RF2N7UvKKbuPLUz1scrfzI6c6iwW1ZypcnPJPs0pqnK8QothOKLM2SQ5qSN-zH1VMUPjXCoAw9_Nx9xZXE12D-ABxb3buXhMGB_a1hAouDp35I3w_nhuMIVk-Mh3XiJUN0Yw9cY5s_UXMiA/w589-h442/Smooth%20happy%20book%20birthday%20anim.gif" width="589" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIBnhrNSPCU8mpCdZNZS4NMmr7YItDOfCIWjyAiAp8OCAb6rnlJFo5KCwAMH_BBu0Z8GIHwNSA8o0LezGl1zKaE1Q6HrchTFa3FyYkgIiHD31w11Vn0DBKNvM1d6QapGZ5ZEQOgrhuW_ovwYWPY3_MA84h6iKxrDUf4SagLSmxalxL5-q8ihsGXeing/s513/About%20the%20Book%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="513" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIBnhrNSPCU8mpCdZNZS4NMmr7YItDOfCIWjyAiAp8OCAb6rnlJFo5KCwAMH_BBu0Z8GIHwNSA8o0LezGl1zKaE1Q6HrchTFa3FyYkgIiHD31w11Vn0DBKNvM1d6QapGZ5ZEQOgrhuW_ovwYWPY3_MA84h6iKxrDUf4SagLSmxalxL5-q8ihsGXeing/s320/About%20the%20Book%20books.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfd1lu8Kz1NM6NOEVpj427jdah2JhR6sqX7S8P471I_0NXGPr_rhssx4Ru8sCO1dHX_Y_R1KzrT3W-crWRuT6kh0z5h3WZxVdj1ihvIMekbRld3yhCkEH2Zcisu0Zlsod-XeiDOQ_rjebaJdXmCloZ6oQRwHZyqBaQfaerAU8NYBb_WjdvRTHQW-tZQ/s694/Smooth.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="694" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfd1lu8Kz1NM6NOEVpj427jdah2JhR6sqX7S8P471I_0NXGPr_rhssx4Ru8sCO1dHX_Y_R1KzrT3W-crWRuT6kh0z5h3WZxVdj1ihvIMekbRld3yhCkEH2Zcisu0Zlsod-XeiDOQ_rjebaJdXmCloZ6oQRwHZyqBaQfaerAU8NYBb_WjdvRTHQW-tZQ/w640-h530/Smooth.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Title: Smooth: Life Hacks To Get You Smoothly Through Chemo</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Celia Bonaduce</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: BookBaby</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 100</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: Nonfiction<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">When cancer got in the
way of Celia traveling for her day job as a field producer on the hit
HGTV show, House Hunters, she did not let it stop her creativity. While
the road to her first nonfiction book was anything but SMOOTH, it was a
path that Celia felt compelled to explore. This collection of life hacks
comes from Celia’s own experiences living through chemo. </span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon:<a href="https://amzn.to/3pmQoFa"> https://amzn.to/3pmQoFa</a></span><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX5fwfa8X_ZOWqrVsfm3BPuRVnATj-K-76_UwNBVqPJHxnkFZizxnZT8wLQpWWLoX7oiagxM10QQF_QPnI4DyBhjeePJwUYFAgcpt8atx0SQWlWYaEeH81F-NvTrynPIR4MxY0y_oMDxX5yACNiEntWUDY4aRWBOxiedksWftEC7_IBnpGBNAXDk67g/s782/Smooth%20happy%20book%20birthday%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="618" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX5fwfa8X_ZOWqrVsfm3BPuRVnATj-K-76_UwNBVqPJHxnkFZizxnZT8wLQpWWLoX7oiagxM10QQF_QPnI4DyBhjeePJwUYFAgcpt8atx0SQWlWYaEeH81F-NvTrynPIR4MxY0y_oMDxX5yACNiEntWUDY4aRWBOxiedksWftEC7_IBnpGBNAXDk67g/w506-h640/Smooth%20happy%20book%20birthday%202.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLYcij7jSwh7BUEJmoGteBpo2Rc2h8fg7leGoLwPZC6OXQV7z15QM44Zgwfl_A-fBy9MU8700CXTXrXOQJiLyUl6nqlYYuDrGSQVO5d59YJH8sPYxJai9iuyLf6h7omlcMfUALATA1TVXCfTFlg06XL9cBa7FlWl6Dh5RmS5HaJcPxnaOobSjYw5eLQ/s266/excerpt%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="266" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLYcij7jSwh7BUEJmoGteBpo2Rc2h8fg7leGoLwPZC6OXQV7z15QM44Zgwfl_A-fBy9MU8700CXTXrXOQJiLyUl6nqlYYuDrGSQVO5d59YJH8sPYxJai9iuyLf6h7omlcMfUALATA1TVXCfTFlg06XL9cBa7FlWl6Dh5RmS5HaJcPxnaOobSjYw5eLQ/s1600/excerpt%20books.png" width="266" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One test had led to the next and then the next. I’d had two mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. So when the call came, I was ready.</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Hi, Celia…” my doctor said, her voice trailing off. “It’s cancer.”</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Yeah,” I said, picturing my life as a novelist and a TV producer grinding to an immediate halt. “My village would have to be missing its idiot for me to not have suspected this.”</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So then I did the breast cancer thing—lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I learned a lot about breast cancer (for example, that mine was Stage 1-B triple-negative breast cancer). But here’s a secret: while there are lots of books out there about women’s personal stories during their breast cancer journeys, when you’re going through it, you don’t give a rat’s ass about anyone else’s story. You just want to know how to get through it yourself.</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This isn’t a personal retrospective, nor is it a medical journal. But I do have some recommendations I’d like to pass along—just some ideas that might make your life easier during this most stressful of times. All the products mentioned are my personal favorites from my own chemo adventure. No company has endorsed, sponsored, or bribed me. The photographs of the products are beautiful and professional looking because my beautiful and professional friend Justine shot them.</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As you start your journey, you will wonder where you will get the mental as well as physical strength to voluntarily show up for chemo month after month. But you will find that strength or that strength will find you. I hope these tips will make your trip easier.</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Because it’s all about you.</span></span></i></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As it should be.</span></span></i></h2>
<p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1fGEXX_5xyzSvior6glgwgSgQB11d8OcHAEToN-esWFqtU9XcmioTOHGHmz_A4od5BLlCRR7eZVB7R6ce0v39UZeXDlmtB-5tyg1z6U8veNKbN3pdXJOC6qqjKiQw3TuGIoOtd8507nu2d_QK0j9r5suZ0glJdB-r8yZTfCf650kVIUSxUd9FtWiGA/s581/About%20the%20Author%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="581" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1fGEXX_5xyzSvior6glgwgSgQB11d8OcHAEToN-esWFqtU9XcmioTOHGHmz_A4od5BLlCRR7eZVB7R6ce0v39UZeXDlmtB-5tyg1z6U8veNKbN3pdXJOC6qqjKiQw3TuGIoOtd8507nu2d_QK0j9r5suZ0glJdB-r8yZTfCf650kVIUSxUd9FtWiGA/w400-h78/About%20the%20Author%203.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><p><span data-mce-style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMOkYwcvxVI4-7RthXMrwaBAlJxnD3aMwvx3sR1p8WQ1MkMoIjYM0j9E6h4p4udyjof-wbe78rPSuzaumn70yMpsZjDy9kkhLZsKrdATH5xdwArplvBz3RafbefNs1ELfhI6UvK58j0p9ITVU88dm4A5-QFf5IM6sE4XXo4_SRDHDE67rC9QcqLg3Mw/s592/Celia%20Bonaduce.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="545" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMOkYwcvxVI4-7RthXMrwaBAlJxnD3aMwvx3sR1p8WQ1MkMoIjYM0j9E6h4p4udyjof-wbe78rPSuzaumn70yMpsZjDy9kkhLZsKrdATH5xdwArplvBz3RafbefNs1ELfhI6UvK58j0p9ITVU88dm4A5-QFf5IM6sE4XXo4_SRDHDE67rC9QcqLg3Mw/w374-h406/Celia%20Bonaduce.png" width="374" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Celia Bonaduce is an
award-winning novelist, podcast writer, and television producer. Celia
spent fifteen years as a producer-director in lifestyle programming on
shows that include ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and HGTV’s House
Hunters and Tiny House Hunters. As a novelist with Kensington
Publishing, Celia has written three trilogies: the Venice Beach
Romances, the Fat Chance, Texas series, and the Tiny House Novels. The
Tiny House Novel series won top honors with a Grand Finalist nod from
the New Apple Official Selection, first place in the Book Excellence
Awards and Gold from both the National Federation of Press Women and the
Elite Choice Awards. Celia is also a co-author of <i>A Texas Kind of Christmas</i>, an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Historical Romance that took Gold from the National Federation of Press Women. </span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="https://www.celiabonaduce.com">https://www.celiabonaduce.com </a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Twitter: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/CeliaBonaduce">https://www.twitter.com/CeliaBonaduce </a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBonaduceAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBonaduceAuthor </a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/celiabonaduce">https://www.instagram.com/celiabonaduce </a></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Bookbub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/celia-bonaduce">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/celia-bonaduce</a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"> </span></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbdFNhNs4bSJFSYQxliqR9ZIt10kejCB1h_A8WZ2kFWZqUabRq5LobGeIAwA51oNgYKiVf0rwASmBp63Q787-PHDkm_DMv1mDNiPmTIWHsCyAQ3FarS9xkq3p6p8LY26_MaAw49H3Ry_T0fdp3VLxcn42o-1nWY2__xF0_lu9-BJnFke2Whch9gWEIA/s306/giveaway%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="306" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbdFNhNs4bSJFSYQxliqR9ZIt10kejCB1h_A8WZ2kFWZqUabRq5LobGeIAwA51oNgYKiVf0rwASmBp63Q787-PHDkm_DMv1mDNiPmTIWHsCyAQ3FarS9xkq3p6p8LY26_MaAw49H3Ry_T0fdp3VLxcn42o-1nWY2__xF0_lu9-BJnFke2Whch9gWEIA/s1600/giveaway%20books.png" width="306" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br id="docs-internal-guid-cc67bdfe-7fff-0e20-880f-bb89187ebb78" /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 17pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Celia Bonaduce is giving away one $25 Amazon Gift Card!</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Terms & Conditions:</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Card.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This giveaway ends midnight July 5.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Winner will be contacted via email on July 6.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Winner has 48 hours to reply.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Good luck everyone!</span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">ENTER TO WIN!</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1a49cf61257/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></a><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1a49cf61257" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1a49cf61257/" id="rcwidget_4wwlx6p5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /></p> </div><br /></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/85dOq4pDPz0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"></span></div></b></div><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzg2aAxndG0EAOUrOmdj8CyPslod-V6yx1B6iX4Yi1kpxcSZpiEhVUzRf_s6rhBT36GwXzIgNfODsjY-WU-Say0gd4lmXYpERi2WH6gSOEPdYBZMsn9rkLyDaVJUcLjFz6Wqt7oxe_6JTCyB7JBEVnP58moieNJjygeEVp79QOuzRaBjEB6A5L2hU=s268" style="color: #15a3a3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzg2aAxndG0EAOUrOmdj8CyPslod-V6yx1B6iX4Yi1kpxcSZpiEhVUzRf_s6rhBT36GwXzIgNfODsjY-WU-Say0gd4lmXYpERi2WH6gSOEPdYBZMsn9rkLyDaVJUcLjFz6Wqt7oxe_6JTCyB7JBEVnP58moieNJjygeEVp79QOuzRaBjEB6A5L2hU=w640-h449" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-37148490926058474412023-06-11T21:00:00.001-07:002023-06-11T21:00:00.139-07:00📖Authors To Watch: Marilyn Meredith Author of A FINAL FAREWELL #authorstowatch #interview @marilynmeredith<p> <br /></p><div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
</div>
<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxu294skMlE/V1Icw0-ANCI/AAAAAAAAZxo/mkXZo_-UHTU0_mM0hP6dZj7S0LPZsgRFwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2Bauthors%2Btow%2Bwatch.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"></p><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span><br /></span></span></span></i></p><p></p><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></span></i><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVm4alBFpvjk8brFAB6B2YjtI7Z7_gQPt3KMWAji0Q20U-oZHtUXbIGGCChgrL63fE50pHgjV1n3nrt926-ssFakI5k38PsWfm7-y7YgfxDNXU4EliFACi4MWHdL7-I8EtK8jVgR469I6ZyzCzdxnT-T6f492i-2WB4-JYEhLtFtq44DDT6UcT6tR3w/s445/Marilyn%20Meredith%20author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVm4alBFpvjk8brFAB6B2YjtI7Z7_gQPt3KMWAji0Q20U-oZHtUXbIGGCChgrL63fE50pHgjV1n3nrt926-ssFakI5k38PsWfm7-y7YgfxDNXU4EliFACi4MWHdL7-I8EtK8jVgR469I6ZyzCzdxnT-T6f492i-2WB4-JYEhLtFtq44DDT6UcT6tR3w/s320/Marilyn%20Meredith%20author.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><i>Marilyn Meredith is the author of over forty published novels,
including the award-winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. She is
a member of Sisters in Crime and on the board of the Public Safety
Writers Association. She’s taught writing in many venues and appeared on
numerous panels at mystery cons. Her home is in the foothills of the
Southern Sierra, a place much like the fictional Bear Creek of the Tempe
Crabtree mysteries. When not writing, Marilyn enjoys spending time with
her large family.</i></span><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><i>Website | <a href="http://fictionforyou.com">http://fictionforyou.com</a> </i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><i>Twitter | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/marilynmeredith">http://www.twitter.com/marilynmeredith</a> </i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><i>Facebook | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marilynmeredith">https://www.facebook.com/marilynmeredith</a></i></span> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div></div></span></div></span></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="color: #118899; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kQl4AkcQfE/V1Ie1xZ_zPI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/i53hwDZMBrgbWskDQgSz9cT7DeQy2xTOwCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BInterview.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you tell us how you got started writing mysteries?</span></span><b><br /></b></p><blockquote>I’ve been reading mysteries all my life from Nancy Drew and onto Agatha
Christie, Erle Stanley Gardner, and Mary Higgins Clark and onto all the
other famous mystery writers. It just seemed natural for me to write
mysteries too. (I love watching good movies that are mysteries, but they
are few and far between.)</blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you find writing mysteries comes natural to you or do you struggle sometimes?<br /></span></span></p>
<p></p><blockquote>I love writing of all kinds—but of course there are struggles. Coming up
with a good plot, characters reader will connect with, creating
exciting scenes, and making sure everything works are only part of the
struggles. <br /></blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: x-large;">Do you think someone could be a writer if they don't feel emotions strongly?</span><br /></p><blockquote>It certainly helps to be aware of what kind of emotions people will face
in all kinds of situations. A writer needs to understand people, and
how different people will react to the same situations. When writing, I
try to immerse myself in what is happening to each character. <br /></blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: x-large;">Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?</span><br /></p><blockquote>No, that is not the way I view writing. When I’m writing, I’m in the
world my characters inhabit and I want to make sure I’ve written about
it in the way the reader will be able to see it through their
imaginations by the way I’ve described it. <br /></blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: x-large;">How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in fiction writing?</span><br /></p><blockquote>If you mean making a living by fiction writing, only the most popular
writers are able to do that. However, over the years, I’ve had a great
fan-base, readers who have kept in touch, some I’ve met and have become
my friends. I’ve had wonderful career writing about Tempe Crabtree and
the mysteries she’s been faced with. <br /></blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: x-large;">In <i>A Final Farewell</i>, what was the hardest scene to write?</span><br /></p><p></p><blockquote>The last scene was definitely the most difficult. I wrote it one way,
and my editor wanted changes. Once I made the changed, I knew she was
right.</blockquote><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display; font-size: x-large;">I have a dedication page fetish. I love how each author makes their dedication page special. Who did you dedicate your book to?</span><br /></p><blockquote><p>My husband of nearly 72 years was ill and passed away while I was
writing this book. I dedicated every book in the series to him, and of
course this one too.</p>
<p>I also dedicated it to Tempe herself as I’m going to miss her nudging me to create a new adventure for her.</p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: Red Hat Display;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Will there be a follow up book to A Final Farewell or other books in the future?</span></span> <br /></p><blockquote>This was #20 in the series, and the final one. Of course I’ll continue
to write—that’s what I do. What will be next, I’m not sure.</blockquote><p> </p><p></p><p style="color: black;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="color: #118899; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IhPk8fKq-k0/V1IezmqkQUI/AAAAAAAAZyI/zUsaDuT4zn0EtUZ_4YX1glipjkO1zpxkgCPcB/s1600/My%2BBookish%2BPleasures%2B-%2BAbout%2Bthe%2BBook.jpg" style="border: medium none; position: relative;" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiUlSnfA0yzAOLAZ6_ZuGQY2jJmOoNbBXnl_gLQtg-ooTe7h1g7FSnS9gGPBBfQboRbgmiUCNFAjJkgIb9DPtW0pu2_s603ell8CHYjIwAQcaEV5oF345ccoy4UFag9TWRlaLuc7MVEQSisoZSppkve00V82eNdwxsydqL7XPrTjLT1RU86Hz2atRfQ/s900/A%20Final%20Farewell%20lg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiUlSnfA0yzAOLAZ6_ZuGQY2jJmOoNbBXnl_gLQtg-ooTe7h1g7FSnS9gGPBBfQboRbgmiUCNFAjJkgIb9DPtW0pu2_s603ell8CHYjIwAQcaEV5oF345ccoy4UFag9TWRlaLuc7MVEQSisoZSppkve00V82eNdwxsydqL7XPrTjLT1RU86Hz2atRfQ/w271-h408/A%20Final%20Farewell%20lg.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>Title: A Final Farewell<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Author: Marilyn Meredith</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Publisher: Independent</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Pages: 227</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> Genre:</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>Mystery</span>
<p>
</p><p>
</p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">A woman’s body found in a neighbor’s pond piques Tempe’s
curiosity. It isn’t long before she is enmeshed in the intrigue and
gossip surrounding the mystery.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Miqui Sherwood has two handsome suitors both wanting to marry her. Does either one have any ties to the murder victim?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Tempe’s life is threatened, and the health of Tempe’s friend and mentor, Nick Two John, is failing.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/40YLA5V">https://amzn.to/40YLA5V</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TXqqN3Po31HHkbY-EXAw3W54Z83A7As5Lu5R9dS0rUcJdfkNFf6aPi0R1RiZBLYycQpjkhAfiohjnatMDyc6_hvRskhHhM6dWnCRD7G0kvb7fSfZzWUQ_KdtdcebDp3_GmgA3ccDQkTVKag9p-xfnYtab_o0tOtHZ99DYwCao-HBg9oCrdPFLpmWjA/s699/A%20Final%20Farewell%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="699" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TXqqN3Po31HHkbY-EXAw3W54Z83A7As5Lu5R9dS0rUcJdfkNFf6aPi0R1RiZBLYycQpjkhAfiohjnatMDyc6_hvRskhHhM6dWnCRD7G0kvb7fSfZzWUQ_KdtdcebDp3_GmgA3ccDQkTVKag9p-xfnYtab_o0tOtHZ99DYwCao-HBg9oCrdPFLpmWjA/w575-h205/A%20Final%20Farewell%20banner.jpg" width="575" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-6170552294523720092023-06-07T05:44:00.003-07:002023-06-07T05:44:15.419-07:00Happy Book Birthday to Babe in the Woods by Jude Hopkins<div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmB_5_ERndCCrnatUQZxXgzU5NF4gKt_Gx4STav5NoKIgZcS2i6tpQRMIhueL6bjTRgxKKHTG3EV17lmPoP1D8Wd8RQ8jpFqCZ1VpTFxSPFPwzmxvhIrNlF3B2lvGpLasmV8uI-jZEqjV5xTotAs1KHsmeXQdUiQKsYYSrkixD-wDhiPqOWaz3VE/s640/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20Happy%20Book%20Birthday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmB_5_ERndCCrnatUQZxXgzU5NF4gKt_Gx4STav5NoKIgZcS2i6tpQRMIhueL6bjTRgxKKHTG3EV17lmPoP1D8Wd8RQ8jpFqCZ1VpTFxSPFPwzmxvhIrNlF3B2lvGpLasmV8uI-jZEqjV5xTotAs1KHsmeXQdUiQKsYYSrkixD-wDhiPqOWaz3VE/w585-h439/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20Happy%20Book%20Birthday.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span>We're
thrilled to announce the release of Jude Hopkins' Babe in the Woods today!
To help celebrate, we are asking our readers if you can please pretty
please pick up a copy at<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Babe-Woods-Jude-Hopkins/dp/1509248439/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UDYUTWUIQRZR&keywords=jude+hopkins+babe+in+the+woods&qid=1677248702&sprefix=jude+hopkins,aps,194&sr=8-1" style="color: #15a3a3; text-decoration-line: none;"> Amazon</a> and come back and tell us how you liked it? Or, leave a review! </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_YQg3D-e1x-w-MLw4xzXhfb8vcZXhjOwQQwjevdideQwAv5z_zT4vMFyLyLmhOmINbVqKYAe9gft0iVgyTiQ201VU0EETyT1fMLZlvSmJuJ9_LvdeCMr8bKyFsq_YarJaqS1a5N3FbLWHl_r7Fh12gZYDHkU2iO5MbOFIhQHKNJJpXfXkvgU93k/s716/happy%20book%20birthday%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="716" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_YQg3D-e1x-w-MLw4xzXhfb8vcZXhjOwQQwjevdideQwAv5z_zT4vMFyLyLmhOmINbVqKYAe9gft0iVgyTiQ201VU0EETyT1fMLZlvSmJuJ9_LvdeCMr8bKyFsq_YarJaqS1a5N3FbLWHl_r7Fh12gZYDHkU2iO5MbOFIhQHKNJJpXfXkvgU93k/w585-h269/happy%20book%20birthday%206.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cookie;"><span>Congratulations, Jude, on your women's fiction new release, Babe in the Woods!</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMEBc5CVOP8/XvO76FehkhI/AAAAAAAA36s/C8G4qPcQbgg-oFsPwB7JKFuFr14I9IG0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/balloons%2B2.png" style="color: #15a3a3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMEBc5CVOP8/XvO76FehkhI/AAAAAAAA36s/C8G4qPcQbgg-oFsPwB7JKFuFr14I9IG0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/balloons%2B2.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dhiSwiooiCNZrldycURh1lvYejnUkM8qzK-O0ZCkEZI2gJClMTjjS3bMXiV58OLadoXhL2eurSYZEM7GeRs2E1kD6Z_gLStLWADptMFONXyc4lqBuQmnTkujc4sEVtRTUaHMR4QpgGXvrNJzixO4F7DppAq9-dq3fdUGcNmiZ6JbbZ8fU16PuYo/s1245/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20xxx.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="1245" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dhiSwiooiCNZrldycURh1lvYejnUkM8qzK-O0ZCkEZI2gJClMTjjS3bMXiV58OLadoXhL2eurSYZEM7GeRs2E1kD6Z_gLStLWADptMFONXyc4lqBuQmnTkujc4sEVtRTUaHMR4QpgGXvrNJzixO4F7DppAq9-dq3fdUGcNmiZ6JbbZ8fU16PuYo/w593-h72/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20xxx.png" width="593" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is Now Available in Paperback!</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaySa4Bhe-78V-mLnY7DD7UHcYSOJ2EGutPj7p5B-crNdpkJT5YP8PDbqqbXmFQdvkti_v0JiSAt2upLD0myFx0MC12riFyWl7i5jqLOHcmtS-LtmJ6vc-IAY7aZbJ5p_IJjQhW6fMxKk5PAIqNo6uthotTYWzan2biF4CDMSbSUh_6hrdQE9ZUJE/s640/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20Happy%20Book%20Birthday%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaySa4Bhe-78V-mLnY7DD7UHcYSOJ2EGutPj7p5B-crNdpkJT5YP8PDbqqbXmFQdvkti_v0JiSAt2upLD0myFx0MC12riFyWl7i5jqLOHcmtS-LtmJ6vc-IAY7aZbJ5p_IJjQhW6fMxKk5PAIqNo6uthotTYWzan2biF4CDMSbSUh_6hrdQE9ZUJE/w603-h452/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20Happy%20Book%20Birthday%202.jpg" width="603" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7AIw4hTdoNHsoThzhM_o_nbiQGn6kocWIaeCkF9AzCTYsLemn43kVwn9F_M9MBxDxcwCiQVQl4Jr_yCmaIAYGj5fkld5nLJrbyYHlmRe_4DWh7QMwF_HBKa_-tiNyxgp0pEegw_Kcqup0sY9QBpQNXlM5vA2B10wHp4NTpq2gbPkigUsuCLFtlE/s1158/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%207.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7AIw4hTdoNHsoThzhM_o_nbiQGn6kocWIaeCkF9AzCTYsLemn43kVwn9F_M9MBxDxcwCiQVQl4Jr_yCmaIAYGj5fkld5nLJrbyYHlmRe_4DWh7QMwF_HBKa_-tiNyxgp0pEegw_Kcqup0sY9QBpQNXlM5vA2B10wHp4NTpq2gbPkigUsuCLFtlE/w222-h640/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%207.gif" width="222" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's
September 1995, the first year of the rest of HADLEY TODD'S life. After
a decade in Los Angeles, trying and failing to launch her career as a
playwright, Hadley has returned to her hometown in rural New York to
write and to be closer to her lonely, ailing father - not that he always
welcomes the help. Between looking after him and teaching Shakespeare
to teenage malcontents at the local high school, Hadley is determined to
produce a masterpiece before 36. She even joins a writing group,
thinking the structure will keep her focused. Hadley hopes to channel
her recent heartbreak from being dumped in L.A. into writing a play
about the last moment of a woman's innocence, a play that an agent
friend in Hollywood has promised to produce. But she struggles with
writer's block and seeks inspiration.</span></span> <p></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: large;">Enter
TREY HARDING, a young, handsome sports reporter for a local radio
station who covers sports at the high school where Hadley teaches. Trey
reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to touch off her
imagination. Trey has two girlfriends who work at the school, giving
Hadley a great perch from which to watch and write down their
interactions. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has
L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles
promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But after they
both go to Hollywood, Hadley learns that believing in herself is all the
inspiration she needs. </span></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: large;">Amazon: <a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/41FoWQa" href="https://amzn.to/41FoWQa">https://amzn.to/41FoWQa</a> </span></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: large;">Barnes & Noble: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/451nn20" href="https://bit.ly/451nn20">https://bit.ly/451nn20</a></span></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDGGkpMQuNOBP62fTNQ-u9g1A4wfXjL3W_dV-3XEg7ZMCzGy6O_Ay3i0zMBK_Mw-4CYdQ0omG9ugKtky_55oAzUeLThXfthTvT4TxTsDp53t0O3_KPa29TckWtH2flcON1t8u-DIR7pYvEIKkkZ2BxMJ-bxcH5Vz5wCEmuQLlsCaw-etS2K_WQ7I/s839/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20happy%20birthday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDGGkpMQuNOBP62fTNQ-u9g1A4wfXjL3W_dV-3XEg7ZMCzGy6O_Ay3i0zMBK_Mw-4CYdQ0omG9ugKtky_55oAzUeLThXfthTvT4TxTsDp53t0O3_KPa29TckWtH2flcON1t8u-DIR7pYvEIKkkZ2BxMJ-bxcH5Vz5wCEmuQLlsCaw-etS2K_WQ7I/w418-h640/Babe%20in%20the%20Woods%20happy%20birthday.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-weight: 700;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">About Jude Hopkins</span></span></span><br /></p><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><p><span data-mce-style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLlEg9phDYJhA0Kmn5ZLGtdZaYhAGlDUOa0FzfkyYgs2TyY7R-iU_jXaSvZpgDHZ2MDqxE5Ol4sh5Lesy9W5xUxdMG_BBDfpElp50_IIa_gOqezL5TdjzyK8KMsqwGG_qr0bUZPGc-Xlv3ELlWpTPWZZisF536D-1v5Il5XFcwEY86V8EKFw36_c/s556/Jude%20Hopkins.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="556" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLlEg9phDYJhA0Kmn5ZLGtdZaYhAGlDUOa0FzfkyYgs2TyY7R-iU_jXaSvZpgDHZ2MDqxE5Ol4sh5Lesy9W5xUxdMG_BBDfpElp50_IIa_gOqezL5TdjzyK8KMsqwGG_qr0bUZPGc-Xlv3ELlWpTPWZZisF536D-1v5Il5XFcwEY86V8EKFw36_c/s320/Jude%20Hopkins.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jude
Hopkins has published essays in The Los Angeles Times, Medium, and
elsewhere, as well as poetry in numerous journals and magazines. Her
work can be found on her website at <a data-mce-href="http://www.judehopkinswriting.net" href="http://www.judehopkinswriting.net">judehopkinswriting.net</a>. <p></p><p><span data-mce-style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: <a data-mce-href="http://www.twitter.com/HeyJudeNotJudy" href="http://www.twitter.com/HeyJudeNotJudy">www.twitter.com/HeyJudeNotJudy </a></span><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></p><span data-mce-style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;">Medium: <a data-mce-href="https://medium.com/@heyjudehopkins" href="https://medium.com/@heyjudehopkins">https://medium.com/@heyjudehopkins</a></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E_5kzXC67ek" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> <br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzg2aAxndG0EAOUrOmdj8CyPslod-V6yx1B6iX4Yi1kpxcSZpiEhVUzRf_s6rhBT36GwXzIgNfODsjY-WU-Say0gd4lmXYpERi2WH6gSOEPdYBZMsn9rkLyDaVJUcLjFz6Wqt7oxe_6JTCyB7JBEVnP58moieNJjygeEVp79QOuzRaBjEB6A5L2hU=s268" style="color: #15a3a3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzg2aAxndG0EAOUrOmdj8CyPslod-V6yx1B6iX4Yi1kpxcSZpiEhVUzRf_s6rhBT36GwXzIgNfODsjY-WU-Say0gd4lmXYpERi2WH6gSOEPdYBZMsn9rkLyDaVJUcLjFz6Wqt7oxe_6JTCyB7JBEVnP58moieNJjygeEVp79QOuzRaBjEB6A5L2hU=w640-h449" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><br /></p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-14257008215609109592023-05-14T21:00:00.001-07:002023-05-14T21:00:00.147-07:00In the Spotlight: The Shade Under the Mango Tree by Evy Journey<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJlGFTPTbBrg1ujjIHjOLHyBo1iuzxAqtxJZruI9RMW5o_F19FqAttLSUik-BlmPQCMBgDwyUvArNyWSx0KPIqowxIxTcd2H7NhMsUrnl-Oc9UZLnRBh-1keRDj9bTnlRlTQG0NMQ4aiNsologBCxOWnfsA9EytHcAPArf4dm_MiybEUry0Ban7A/s688/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="688" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJlGFTPTbBrg1ujjIHjOLHyBo1iuzxAqtxJZruI9RMW5o_F19FqAttLSUik-BlmPQCMBgDwyUvArNyWSx0KPIqowxIxTcd2H7NhMsUrnl-Oc9UZLnRBh-1keRDj9bTnlRlTQG0NMQ4aiNsologBCxOWnfsA9EytHcAPArf4dm_MiybEUry0Ban7A/w554-h178/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%20banner.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<div><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3c1bd959-7fff-71fd-4dd3-c1c8f6e4f8a0" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fa2fbb8d-7fff-2079-8c75-d5830e2f3c68" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-205f2506-7fff-bb3a-9533-f2d813c005ff" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span><span class="a-text-italic" style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><i>"Gripping. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a long time." </i></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">-- International Review of Books</span></span></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCzwG3ywtC-6gTw6ukMvhQbZJuumgtNhdrZ3Ipg57_-Kuq31qoAMsRq4GdbcDqPTRceOlwR7uUVUEKUch_084cleWmSXMUMtrGdMLk-jaEBq0B6mEje4bqIUDV317BF9BoAdbhJBjg8F2Git2zZnITcN7vv1K3LtcNibSiKhcXO_PFTZ8LS_A5_8/s727/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCzwG3ywtC-6gTw6ukMvhQbZJuumgtNhdrZ3Ipg57_-Kuq31qoAMsRq4GdbcDqPTRceOlwR7uUVUEKUch_084cleWmSXMUMtrGdMLk-jaEBq0B6mEje4bqIUDV317BF9BoAdbhJBjg8F2Git2zZnITcN7vv1K3LtcNibSiKhcXO_PFTZ8LS_A5_8/w474-h640/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree.png" width="474" /></a></span></div><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Title: The Shade Under the Mango Tree</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: Evy Journey</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: Sojourner Books</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 288</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Women's Literary Fiction / Cultural Heritage Fiction </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p>After two heartbreaking losses, Luna wants adventure. Something
and somewhere very different from the affluent, sheltered home in
California and Hawaii where she grew up. An adventure in which she can
also make some difference. She ends up in place steeped in an ancient
culture and a deadly history.</p>
<p>Raised by her grandmother in a Honolulu suburb, she moves to her
parents’ home in California at thirteen and meets her brothers for the
first time. Grandma persuades her to write a journal whenever she’s
lonely or overwhelmed as a substitute for someone to whom she could
reveal her intimate thoughts.</p>
<p>Lucien, a worldly, well-traveled young architect, finds a stranger’s
journal at a café. He has qualms and pangs of guilt about reading it.
But they don’t stop him. His decision to go on reading changes his life.</p>
<p>Months later, they meet at a bookstore where Luna works and which
Lucien frequents. Fascinated by his stories and his adventurous spirit,
Luna volunteers for the Peace Corps. Assigned to Cambodia, she lives
with a family whose parents are survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide
forty years earlier. What she goes through in a rural rice-growing
village defies anything she could have imagined. Will she leave this
world unscathed?</p>
<p>Inspired by the<a href="https://evyjourney.net/writing-to-save-your-life-and-your-psyche/"> healing effects of writing</a>,
this is an epistolary tale of love—between an idealistic young woman
and her grandmother and between the young woman and a young architect.
It’s a tale of courage, resilience of the human spirit, and the bonds
that bring diverse people together.</p>
<p>Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFMR9SG">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFMR9SG</a></p>
<p><i>Also available as an audiobook: </i></p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shade-Under-Mango-Tree-Between/dp/B09X7CPYFD/">https://www.amazon.com/Shade-Under-Mango-Tree-Between/dp/B09X7CPYFD/</a></p>
<p>Barnes & Noble:</p>
<p>https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shade-under-the-mango-tree-evy-journey/1137986157?ean=2940166256980</p>
<p>Kobo: <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-shade-under-the-mango-tree-1">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-shade-under-the-mango-tree-1</a></p>
<p>iBooks: <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-shade-under-the-mango-tree/id1606925369">https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-shade-under-the-mango-tree/id16069</a></p>
<br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><b>Book Excerpt</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><blockquote><p>
</p>
<p></p><span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></i></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><i data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></i></span>
<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur1pLqeln1criwbLN4FG2-spQGGDQcNqwYHAjKQSRkz0biB1Z-VJeT4rGrCduWbc8KOplDqKhBOvwmGkZOKc98f3CzgRxk642_Vud2Z_RndvG3LHHiJiZkV7zLLKMJftvc3VxP5K5Sknii52fL6e8OZlmSK0EtyqRN55FLVqtTaSsySdE0gTPdIM/s1094/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%208.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="378" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur1pLqeln1criwbLN4FG2-spQGGDQcNqwYHAjKQSRkz0biB1Z-VJeT4rGrCduWbc8KOplDqKhBOvwmGkZOKc98f3CzgRxk642_Vud2Z_RndvG3LHHiJiZkV7zLLKMJftvc3VxP5K5Sknii52fL6e8OZlmSK0EtyqRN55FLVqtTaSsySdE0gTPdIM/w222-h640/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%208.gif" width="222" /></a></i></div><i><br />Prologue</i><p></p>
<p><i>Ov’s thin upper body is slumped over his crossed legs, his
forehead resting on the platform. His brown, wiry arms lie limp, the
right one extended forward, hand dangling over the edge of the platform.
Dried blood is splattered on his head, and on the collar, right
shoulder, and back of his old short-sleeved white shirt.</i></p>
<p><i>It seems fitting that he died where he used to spend most of his
time when he wasn’t on the rice fields—sitting on a corner of the bamboo
platform in the ceiling-high open space under the house. It’s where you
get refreshing breezes most afternoons, after a long day of work.</i></p>
<p><i>The policeman looks down at Ov’s body as if he’s unsure what to do
next. He lays down his camera and the gun in a plastic bag at one end
of the platform untainted by splatters of gelled blood.</i></p>
<p><i>He steps closer to the body, anchors himself with one knee on top
of the platform, and bends over the body. Hooking his arms underneath
Ov’s shoulders and upper arms, he pulls the body up, and carefully lays
it on its back. He straightens the legs.</i></p>
<p><i>He steps off the platform. Stands still for a few seconds to catch
his breath. He turns to us and says, “It’s clear what has happened. I
have all the pictures I need.”</i></p>
<p><i>He points to his camera, maybe to make sure we understand. We have
watched him in silence, three zombies still in shock. Me, standing
across the bamboo platform from him. Mae and Jorani sitting, tense and
quiet, on the hammock to my left.</i></p>
<p><i>Is that it? Done already? I want to ask him: Will he have the body
taken away for an autopsy? I suppose that’s what is routinely done
everywhere in cases like this. But I don’t know enough Khmer.</i></p>
<p><i>As if he sensed my unspoken question, he glances at me. A quick
glance that comes with a frown. He seems perplexed and chooses to ignore
me.</i></p>
<p><i>He addresses the three of us, like a captain addressing his troop. “You can clean up.”</i></p>
<p><i>The lingering frown on his brow softens into sympathy. He’s gazing
at Jorani, whose mournful eyes remain downcast. He looks away and turns
toward Mae. Pressing his hands together, he bows to her. A deeper one
than the first he gave her when she and Jorani arrived.</i></p>
<p><i>He utters Khmer words too many and too fast for me to understand.
From the furrowed brow and the look in his eyes, I assume they are words
of sympathy. He bows a third time, and turns to go back to where he
placed the gun and camera. He picks them up and walks away.</i></p>
<p><i>For a moment or two, I stare at the figure of the policeman
walking away. Then I turn to Jorani. Call him back. Don’t we have
questions? I can ask and you can translate, if you prefer. But seeing
her and Mae sitting as still and silent as rocks, hands on their laps,
and eyes glazed as if to block out what’s in front of them, the words
get trapped in my brain. Their bodies, rigid just moments before, have
gone slack, as if to say: What else can anyone do? What’s done cannot be
undone. All that’s left is to clean up, as the policeman said. Get on
with our lives.</i></p>
<p><i>My gaze wanders again toward the receding figure of the policeman
on the dirt road, the plastic bag with the gun dangling in his right
hand. Does it really matter how Cambodian police handles Ov’s suicide? I
witnessed it. I know the facts. And didn’t I read a while back how
Buddhism frowns upon violations on the human body? The family might
object against cutting up Ov—the way I’ve seen on TV crime shows—just to
declare with certainty what caused his death.</i></p>
<p><i>I take in a long breath. I have done all I can and must defer to Cambodian beliefs and customs.</i></p>
<p><i>But I can’t let it go yet. Ov chose to end his life in a violent
way and I’m curious: Do the agonies of his last moments show on his
face? I steal another look.</i></p>
<p><i>All I could gather, from where I stand, is life has definitely
gone out of every part of him. His eyes are closed and immobile. The tic
on his inanimate cheeks hasn’t left a trace. The tic that many times
was the only way I could tell he had feelings. Feelings he tried to
control or hide. Now, his face is just an expressionless brown mask.
Maybe everyone really has a spirit, a soul that rises out of the body
when one dies, leaving a man-size mass of clay.</i></p>
<p><i>I stare at Ov’s body, lying in a darkened, dried pool of his own
blood, bits of his skull and brain scattered next to his feet where his
head had been. At that moment, it hits me that this would be the image
of Ov I will always remember. I shudder.</i></p>
<p><i>My legs begin to buckle underneath me and I turn around,
regretting that last look. With outstretched hands, I take a step toward
the hammock. Jorani rises to grab my hands, and she helps me sit down
next to Mae.</i></p>
<p><i>Could I ever forget? Could Mae and Jorani? Would the image of Ov
in a pool of blood linger in their memories like it would in mine?</i></p>
<p><i>I know I could never tell my parents what happened here this
afternoon. But could I tell Lucien? The terrible shock of watching
someone, in whose home I found a family, fire a gun to his head? And the
almost as horrifying realization—looking back—that I knew what he was
going to do, but I hesitated for a few seconds to stop him.</i></p>
</blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">More...</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SpKtFoQzwAleezomFaHN5Btsvgi9fcO-pYlLjHlKOSuXwNJqERMyfeqm4n0pblcCCq28AbikRo-ef-sdE5cgqaOIm_9p_KNu7hNQqSyejCHeZl4YJzOZBLDOJ12v6cvIVCl8Z1MRjU4LBv6pHr5BUYRmeW5vVeiUDzswWucMb66VxytJ7CWxHIE/s640/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SpKtFoQzwAleezomFaHN5Btsvgi9fcO-pYlLjHlKOSuXwNJqERMyfeqm4n0pblcCCq28AbikRo-ef-sdE5cgqaOIm_9p_KNu7hNQqSyejCHeZl4YJzOZBLDOJ12v6cvIVCl8Z1MRjU4LBv6pHr5BUYRmeW5vVeiUDzswWucMb66VxytJ7CWxHIE/w563-h422/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%209.jpg" width="563" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilavngmG5vD6ev0b0LOA5Kpk_FQjqHlQfYt6mHTt_bVWWoo_drvWkb1_BE6noI0GODF8obLupSjvj80Ht_MbbhhjK8UqFsVsXL7stTRQgqEWt0mu_2o_YCfjoaA5pPSbJfIwtODnEyKoyGn7LG-gk-CrJEKTIaB8ZN-6P7go6B56p8bapZdrAutXM/s640/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilavngmG5vD6ev0b0LOA5Kpk_FQjqHlQfYt6mHTt_bVWWoo_drvWkb1_BE6noI0GODF8obLupSjvj80Ht_MbbhhjK8UqFsVsXL7stTRQgqEWt0mu_2o_YCfjoaA5pPSbJfIwtODnEyKoyGn7LG-gk-CrJEKTIaB8ZN-6P7go6B56p8bapZdrAutXM/w571-h428/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%207.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTyM_-rmM5MZnn2DGj5qXCmAW7R64ReuLFAyeSmUXEcTbAbt6ePr-86-RwrmeE2Vq38vaLbznqpkxu1CUhix8M8UpGhp5uG8Aaj8s6xG81v_31yOo1FEBocO3p3y6IOnSVT02h0auEaEZ06PFVWnsXJQ32sPxgEiDCI57c6BTcmnB4oE8J4t7cf4/s640/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTyM_-rmM5MZnn2DGj5qXCmAW7R64ReuLFAyeSmUXEcTbAbt6ePr-86-RwrmeE2Vq38vaLbznqpkxu1CUhix8M8UpGhp5uG8Aaj8s6xG81v_31yOo1FEBocO3p3y6IOnSVT02h0auEaEZ06PFVWnsXJQ32sPxgEiDCI57c6BTcmnB4oE8J4t7cf4/w566-h424/The%20Shade%20Under%20the%20Mango%20Tree%2011.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span>About the Author</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XqpvZybbQ2JW-aGFyKSq2fwYAz_yn0CzNt32KwuDNzk825jzQ2tPGsm-qgy86fMXSS-nCHNYW_LcK_ZTSEiA6oCa5b8wskXxkFa71fAK8Z3_e2sodTNkuQnNAUQ0G65AhLdXs-jP2QThF24ZwlowSWkEpL8mPFScmfY-EaWgqlcbcjotoy3OGxg/s532/Evy%20Journey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="532" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XqpvZybbQ2JW-aGFyKSq2fwYAz_yn0CzNt32KwuDNzk825jzQ2tPGsm-qgy86fMXSS-nCHNYW_LcK_ZTSEiA6oCa5b8wskXxkFa71fAK8Z3_e2sodTNkuQnNAUQ0G65AhLdXs-jP2QThF24ZwlowSWkEpL8mPFScmfY-EaWgqlcbcjotoy3OGxg/w400-h360/Evy%20Journey.png" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><p></p>
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</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Evy studied psychology (M.A., University of
Hawaii; Ph.D. University of Illinois). So her fiction spins tales about
nuanced characters dealing with contemporary life issues and problems.
She believes in love and its many faces.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Her one ungranted wish: To live in Paris
where art is everywhere and people have honed aimless roaming to an art
form. She has visited and stayed a few months at a time.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Website or Blog: <a href="https://evyjourney.net"><em>https://evyjourney.net</em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ejourneywriter/"><em>https://www.facebook.com/ejourneywriter/</em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14845365.Evy_Journey"><em>https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14845365.Evy_Journey</em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-31355350616323264442023-05-11T21:00:00.000-07:002023-05-11T21:00:00.130-07:00Mike Martin Presents All That Glitters Cover Reveal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhviBYwkvt_V_CfC78ULZ3TVoy2uc03slZrA71_PuiJ_V55HVcAlE9aKqD4KL-6yAYp-Al4bu6VS1-ajAEYGPsBRO8JhBiJvdRa4mz_cAdnPATXNXxQW5xIUqUw8JGV8Cghk2cdyXChw4uJAB9E6UgSwmL4pt0IHgO8bopgXe0bhImvN0-mL99Zo/s688/All%20That%20Glitters%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="688" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhviBYwkvt_V_CfC78ULZ3TVoy2uc03slZrA71_PuiJ_V55HVcAlE9aKqD4KL-6yAYp-Al4bu6VS1-ajAEYGPsBRO8JhBiJvdRa4mz_cAdnPATXNXxQW5xIUqUw8JGV8Cghk2cdyXChw4uJAB9E6UgSwmL4pt0IHgO8bopgXe0bhImvN0-mL99Zo/w569-h178/All%20That%20Glitters%20banner.jpg" width="569" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We invite you to Mike Martin's <span style="color: #2b00fe;">ALL THAT GLITTERS</span> Cover Reveal! Please leave a comment to let Mike know you stopped by and don't forget to order your copy!</span></div>
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___________________________________________________</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi5FVutOI0XeqHWlLDzDEiPKqdSl34MFIPTeFLIScOeKJ-tL5IuFdQ1gDxBOsmt39EKyEwxDwKvSw4vKhALgSiKWWcsgTgqPnPnmEBG3zTgnATgKn6gopGL33mFJRthv9I2HJz06ctUVO0Q4k68XK8hZIiReR1u3A3jl8iDqTxrO5Sryb5-MzC0U/s697/All%20That%20Glitters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="517" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi5FVutOI0XeqHWlLDzDEiPKqdSl34MFIPTeFLIScOeKJ-tL5IuFdQ1gDxBOsmt39EKyEwxDwKvSw4vKhALgSiKWWcsgTgqPnPnmEBG3zTgnATgKn6gopGL33mFJRthv9I2HJz06ctUVO0Q4k68XK8hZIiReR1u3A3jl8iDqTxrO5Sryb5-MzC0U/w474-h640/All%20That%20Glitters.png" width="474" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Title</b>: ALL THAT GLITTERS<br />
<b>Author</b>: Mike Martin<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Ottawa Press and Publishing<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 282<br />
<b>Genre</b>: Mystery </p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p>Sergeant Winston Windflower is moving on to a new chapter of his life, no longer an RCMP officer but now a Community Safety Officer in his home of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.</p>
<p>But when a body is found in the bed and breakfast he co-owns, diamonds are found in the body’s digestive system, and then Windflower’s friend Dr. Sanjay, who was given the diamonds for safekeeping, is kidnapped, it’s clear that crime has returned once more to Grand Bank.</p>
<p>Windflower finds himself back in the thick of it, helping his newly promoted friend, RCMP Corporal Eddie Tizzard, track down a ruthless diamond smuggler who will stop at nothing — kidnapping, even murder — to pull off his dirty business.</p>
<p>This is another finely spun Windflower mystery that contrasts suspense and tension with the joys of friendship, family, and gratitude.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/products/pre-order-all-that-glitters-by-mike-martin-release-date-may-22-2023">Ottawa Press and Publishing</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-That-Glitters-Windflower-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C3SGWMWT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1683827708&refinements=p_27%3AMike+Martin&s=books&sr=1-2">Amazon U.S.</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/All-That-Glitters-Windflower-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C3SGWMWT">Amazon CAN</a> <br /></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDNPclZLL8Uaw7G5mxyp4flz3SfZYBo9DZ3lCE-iNqwwsiuegJJERhlNCWykWLDcm7_Yyv5IGESrEMIfNd6l4_JFhR4bzYjnLtwVIHOdo10WfaYF3w79QP_00lYCDA2D9K37BQByBLQgPBnl4zoEB0WVnmQY0y8dMf-Rd35qtuhHULJkw1JbYkAE/s569/all%20that%20glitters%20about%20the%20author.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="60" data-original-width="569" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDNPclZLL8Uaw7G5mxyp4flz3SfZYBo9DZ3lCE-iNqwwsiuegJJERhlNCWykWLDcm7_Yyv5IGESrEMIfNd6l4_JFhR4bzYjnLtwVIHOdo10WfaYF3w79QP_00lYCDA2D9K37BQByBLQgPBnl4zoEB0WVnmQY0y8dMf-Rd35qtuhHULJkw1JbYkAE/w537-h57/all%20that%20glitters%20about%20the%20author.png" width="537" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWYJ_YFIjMQrLIBZpf2wKTEC3qisTFUsmPaAGCRwIcwW0pG1ydQwHm7kwIonS3wWm5aSlHMPNaQCwCooSAfJqyUawFHB8EmLV876Uv59JvpQJV-cH7T-8fkGT8mbkxiQ2o1rXPFSX1J-3yMX1YU7wYmuUiON9RU47fUkiUXURMF_mU5INvN5mfxQ/s700/Mike%20Martin%20lg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="700" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWYJ_YFIjMQrLIBZpf2wKTEC3qisTFUsmPaAGCRwIcwW0pG1ydQwHm7kwIonS3wWm5aSlHMPNaQCwCooSAfJqyUawFHB8EmLV876Uv59JvpQJV-cH7T-8fkGT8mbkxiQ2o1rXPFSX1J-3yMX1YU7wYmuUiON9RU47fUkiUXURMF_mU5INvN5mfxQ/w640-h506/Mike%20Martin%20lg.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<p>
</p><p>Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and
now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance
writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers,
magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.</p>
<p>He is the award-winning and best-selling author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 13 books in this light mystery series with the publication of <em>All That Glitters</em>. </p>
<p><em>A Tangled Web</em> was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and <em>Darkest Before the Dawn </em>won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. </p>
<p>Some Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are now available as audiobooks and the latest <strong>A Tangled Web</strong> was released as an audiobook in 2023. All audiobooks are available from Audible in Canada and around the world.</p>
<p>Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Capital Crime Writers.</p>
<p>Website: <a href="https://sgtwindflowermysteries.com/">https://sgtwindflowermysteries.com/</a></p>
<p>Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mike54martin">http://www.twitter.com/mike54martin</a></p>
<p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore">https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore</a></p>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-36148118855282665992023-05-10T21:00:00.001-07:002023-05-10T21:00:00.168-07:00In the Spotlight: Crossing a Fine Line by W.L. Brooks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwZzE6wunj5FpOs0Z-fTXdM7QHIU3pYs_khge3WkJrtodSFeWSSIgFlyB3DCwt_63D0ppQ803P-vRMI72kHvwSrrRTJmUur5u-OepkvVoGrUnkLLeLN8s3BA2QpdK-HSZIMF4ovFLnzJjK0qkB2DkI-4q0pJGlbygnMtghb2J4Dp9nJfbtTTTPjM/s682/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="682" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwZzE6wunj5FpOs0Z-fTXdM7QHIU3pYs_khge3WkJrtodSFeWSSIgFlyB3DCwt_63D0ppQ803P-vRMI72kHvwSrrRTJmUur5u-OepkvVoGrUnkLLeLN8s3BA2QpdK-HSZIMF4ovFLnzJjK0qkB2DkI-4q0pJGlbygnMtghb2J4Dp9nJfbtTTTPjM/w604-h194/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%20banner.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="https://puybvirtualbookclub2.blogspot.com/2023/02/pump-up-your-book-virtual-book-tour_02129586401.html"></a>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fletcher J. McKay has been shot, driven insane, and tortured by a madman, so what's one more psycho coming after her?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzkcq2SL6_qeiuOCUkxiNTT1qvguM7aSNRDr5VLWqoe9XJ88ZvfoiHCPLBptIq-xvqVcMjq35kDoNg1zjhNxHkZEnJhQcPvsD9buenT8Rm2a8MJCPLpWKWgzSCbBtqsmSAZ0lyDxxkpepHeXoJm0_HCdabz3r8ILXJMi7oO90dJcaQZAXpMBI9yc/s730/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzkcq2SL6_qeiuOCUkxiNTT1qvguM7aSNRDr5VLWqoe9XJ88ZvfoiHCPLBptIq-xvqVcMjq35kDoNg1zjhNxHkZEnJhQcPvsD9buenT8Rm2a8MJCPLpWKWgzSCbBtqsmSAZ0lyDxxkpepHeXoJm0_HCdabz3r8ILXJMi7oO90dJcaQZAXpMBI9yc/w474-h640/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line.png" width="474" /></a><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div></span></span></div><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Title: Crossing a Fine Line: The McKay Series Book Five</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Author: W.L. Brooks</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Publisher: The Wild Rose Press</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Pages: 314</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> Genre: </span>Romantic Suspense<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p>
</p><p>Fletcher J. McKay has been shot, driven insane, and tortured by a
madman, so what’s one more psycho coming after her? But this foe’s
disturbing attempts to extinguish Fletch’s light leave her shaken.
Running out of options, she must consort with the enemy.</p><p>Fletcher
is undoubtedly Sheriff Noah Reed’s nemesis. Their discord began with an
irrevocable outcome of an unforeseeable trauma, but duty demands he
keeps her safe. The closer he gets, the more his loathing turns to lust.</p><p>Devastated
by loss, Fletcher agrees to go into Noah’s protective custody. Passion
takes them across the boundaries of their animosity, but is their
tentative bond enough? Or is the line between love and hate, as with
life and death, fixed.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>
<p>Pre-order eBook on Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/3TD6x4a">https://amzn.to/3TD6x4a</a> </p>
<p>Amazon (paperback): <a href="https://amzn.to/3FJd33G">https://amzn.to/3FJd33G</a> </p>
<p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><b>Book Excerpt</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><blockquote><p>
</p>
<p></p><span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></em></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><em data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></em></span>
<em><br /></em><em></em>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI2ZzvhrjjO-HIm_X39qSiwFn3jyqdIh5_FXpMRu0_79ZQYY5Uh1u94EW2XogujGrAgKJ_ScfU90c3U4-akmSBwtSNgkDGAsERxvrTLEEhrscxbhcJJC0y-zhC-rt6nW5kJ0KNuA6HrrRptw97j3xk9FKwCU_UuURNnaGKZCv6mjM-sEzDvV4kr8/s1100/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%208.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="380" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI2ZzvhrjjO-HIm_X39qSiwFn3jyqdIh5_FXpMRu0_79ZQYY5Uh1u94EW2XogujGrAgKJ_ScfU90c3U4-akmSBwtSNgkDGAsERxvrTLEEhrscxbhcJJC0y-zhC-rt6nW5kJ0KNuA6HrrRptw97j3xk9FKwCU_UuURNnaGKZCv6mjM-sEzDvV4kr8/w222-h640/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%208.gif" width="222" /></a></div>Noah
walked barefoot to his office and poured himself a scotch. He closed
his eyes as the liquid traced a molten path to his stomach. Shaking it
off, he sat at his desk and flicked on the TV for background noise. On
top of his stack of mail was a letter with his name on it, one that
hadn’t been there before. <p></p>
<p>Opening the drawer to his left, he pulled out a pair of latex gloves.
Using every precaution, he unsealed the envelope and dumped out the
contents. </p>
<p>He picked it up with his thumb and forefinger and unfolded the paper. </p>
<p>Reed around the rosy </p>
<p>Someone’s too damn nosy</p>
<p> Ashes to embers </p>
<p>Make sure he remembers </p>
<p>Ashes take flight</p>
<p> Someone dies tonight </p>
<p>What the hell? Someone had been in his house. He squeezed his eyes shut. She’d broken in before. Hadn’t she?</p>
<p> Damn it; this had gone too far. He got a plastic baggy from the
kitchen, put the note inside, slipped on his loafers, and grabbed his
keys. So much for getting any sleep tonight.</p>
</blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">More...</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMW0-YSEpIUIx7vYYezSp9cq9zMrIHbK2ApghlfRtwG1s2_ixMWpW1Mi-nq4a7NIq_a8ZkT8mgrN5nzwN7B5cCwjb6jMrs84X2d9jRTMnZfsmDNzCszo1f44wu7sn5yARn9LuDiiWnA7fhhTmiq954sM-0jCe2C-Qxv_cE5PGC3Z2c2wJAIv2xJ8/s640/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMW0-YSEpIUIx7vYYezSp9cq9zMrIHbK2ApghlfRtwG1s2_ixMWpW1Mi-nq4a7NIq_a8ZkT8mgrN5nzwN7B5cCwjb6jMrs84X2d9jRTMnZfsmDNzCszo1f44wu7sn5yARn9LuDiiWnA7fhhTmiq954sM-0jCe2C-Qxv_cE5PGC3Z2c2wJAIv2xJ8/w577-h433/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%209.jpg" width="577" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlZWkPvYXSLauZv5yf43RszTh13xuaFQCTKTGFxjX-tkAYpV_TrpNk8rk4D6aS-75t7C_1xNsgUAFvXkesdM52zJskUYZM11G1mH4t2ixLTuB1QzDZajkj2gfG-FVaCMtp6s1hMxR7cs1mPzV0H-_lAK68MNqUkqBdJFqsoJN6T5eMCw2j9tQphs/s640/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlZWkPvYXSLauZv5yf43RszTh13xuaFQCTKTGFxjX-tkAYpV_TrpNk8rk4D6aS-75t7C_1xNsgUAFvXkesdM52zJskUYZM11G1mH4t2ixLTuB1QzDZajkj2gfG-FVaCMtp6s1hMxR7cs1mPzV0H-_lAK68MNqUkqBdJFqsoJN6T5eMCw2j9tQphs/w483-h362/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%2012.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYJfFBgpOlBWD614oNI9VyIB_pyKppDLIl8nWAnj_xy2Yj5f9M0-IBP8o3QZALYkffKZHkk5E3ijE11q-9YCPFc49I9EtBN7_MuFXSg_dxVQ4EunRCwGaWidwG78VWxC0VHf1lpAD0e9BtUlVveLx0Chhl3Tn5vfnoCodF1iJ-jDf8jp1xNemxmM/s640/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYJfFBgpOlBWD614oNI9VyIB_pyKppDLIl8nWAnj_xy2Yj5f9M0-IBP8o3QZALYkffKZHkk5E3ijE11q-9YCPFc49I9EtBN7_MuFXSg_dxVQ4EunRCwGaWidwG78VWxC0VHf1lpAD0e9BtUlVveLx0Chhl3Tn5vfnoCodF1iJ-jDf8jp1xNemxmM/w600-h399/Crossing%20a%20Fine%20Line%207.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span>About the Author</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLfI2kGPkbXC68r-8eGUA_V8E7_fzzcc0M66SeCGpTE237uWidf_ouzZJoY1GLn6I2h2z1QB0Cupfl_85Za80R5SvwEN7S5dSZRSEatmwGSJAsqtyfX2VkjUXqZdqaBlkhucZ1TKuc4GOY0YsGbFAvYVodQC8a6iwwowczCI9oZy3QvjI1Lbe8EE/s266/W.L.%20Brooks%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLfI2kGPkbXC68r-8eGUA_V8E7_fzzcc0M66SeCGpTE237uWidf_ouzZJoY1GLn6I2h2z1QB0Cupfl_85Za80R5SvwEN7S5dSZRSEatmwGSJAsqtyfX2VkjUXqZdqaBlkhucZ1TKuc4GOY0YsGbFAvYVodQC8a6iwwowczCI9oZy3QvjI1Lbe8EE/w301-h400/W.L.%20Brooks%202.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><p></p>
<p>
</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">W.L. Brooks was born with an active
imagination. When characters come into her mind, she has to give them a
life- a chance to tell their stories. With a coffee cup in her hand and
a cat by her side, she spends her days letting the ideas flow onto
paper. A voracious reader, she draws her inspiration from mystery,
romance, suspense and a dash of the paranormal.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A native of Virginia Beach, she is
currently living in Western North Carolina. Pick up her latest novel,
Unearthing the Past - available now!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Website: <a href="http://www.wlbrooks.com/">www.wlbrooks.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorwlbrooks">http://www.facebook.com/authorwlbrooks</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16200243.W_L_Brooks">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16200243.W_L_Brooks</a></p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-41537102711031582782023-05-04T06:29:00.001-07:002023-05-05T06:31:22.482-07:00In the Spotlight: What Did Jesus Say by Rev. Terry Allan Christian<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"></h3>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sDWbgSi68xsKQlHJBwJh8bgzLqtWoNA4AISW4ZO8h29DmrGYEubgCQBNMHLz3-gQFmYiIPxUSakBnrdLzyv5fAxTh3MxMLNObSbtPCMpyPVbVJKsQ8md50pH7lhtiMVAEbOxFvQyZF0AgflgYDr3xbHcVnOWrI1D9cmkK1Nk9oY5WD9dtbrhB_w/s677/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="677" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sDWbgSi68xsKQlHJBwJh8bgzLqtWoNA4AISW4ZO8h29DmrGYEubgCQBNMHLz3-gQFmYiIPxUSakBnrdLzyv5fAxTh3MxMLNObSbtPCMpyPVbVJKsQ8md50pH7lhtiMVAEbOxFvQyZF0AgflgYDr3xbHcVnOWrI1D9cmkK1Nk9oY5WD9dtbrhB_w/w559-h189/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%20banner.jpg" width="559" /></a></p><br /><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="https://puybvirtualbookclub2.blogspot.com/2023/02/pump-up-your-book-virtual-book-tour_02129586401.html"></a>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fce883e8-7fff-ca1c-691f-89a982b5ace9" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This “one of a kind” book contains over 500 Scriptures spoken only by Jesus to those who loved and followed Him, without any added comments or religious opinions from the author…</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuheoKHMioQPbRX8nyoU4P0AGmGoirb6UqB6cxau7J734z9KmIF-K1Op8sktqL9wexKpXrFfsZ9ZCFwb91j4eIo5ddENqwJKsYwnq45WopLtCcL5jPjK9Ob5tMo__ZLtQDhDxbiar0v0TWwHkZDyPfIc4RcgTnn4dbNDWUoR2aIh69gIMtOjaJv44/s716/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuheoKHMioQPbRX8nyoU4P0AGmGoirb6UqB6cxau7J734z9KmIF-K1Op8sktqL9wexKpXrFfsZ9ZCFwb91j4eIo5ddENqwJKsYwnq45WopLtCcL5jPjK9Ob5tMo__ZLtQDhDxbiar0v0TWwHkZDyPfIc4RcgTnn4dbNDWUoR2aIh69gIMtOjaJv44/w472-h640/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say.png" width="472" /></a></div></span></span></div><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title: What Did Jesus Say: The Seven Messages From The Master<br />Author: Terry Allan Christian<br />Publisher: Divine Publication<br />Pages: 157<br />Genre: Christian/Gospel</span></span><br /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Imagine
you’re walking down the beach, and you come across a crowd waiting for
Jesus to appear and teach them. What would he say? Would he talk about
current religious and political conflicts, or would he speak about Love,
Light, and Truth? Join us as we go for a walk with Jesus, and listen to
his words as he shares with us the Seven Messages from the Master. Each
spiritual message reveals His teachings that will strengthen and guide
you to a most peaceful life in Christ.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/404q0fA">https://amzn.to/404q0fA</a> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Audible: <a href="https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Terry+Allan+Christian">https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Terry+Allan+Christian</a> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/13827563">https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/13827563</a> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">YouTube: <a href="https://bit.ly/3KseiWj">https://bit.ly/3KseiWj</a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><b>Book Excerpt</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><blockquote><p>
</p>
<p></p><span style="color: black;"></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></i></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><i data-rich-text-format-boundary="true"></i></span>
<i><br /></i><i></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOJewrg8MrkGJIGfXnKn_iCJfj__eoAfWs6r8e0XSW6WsgZfpjnjBd92ddtcd_MwAUzP6n0xWUGBuJ-cX5PHlWADtQXGwReR73SV5Np25vtaot5Yr446jSNkSR8x91koeRsObKahbBVDiQY3vhmlQzIIzc2IMaSU47LLyks3k-SXU2lxM1lvurKg/s1092/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2017.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="378" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOJewrg8MrkGJIGfXnKn_iCJfj__eoAfWs6r8e0XSW6WsgZfpjnjBd92ddtcd_MwAUzP6n0xWUGBuJ-cX5PHlWADtQXGwReR73SV5Np25vtaot5Yr446jSNkSR8x91koeRsObKahbBVDiQY3vhmlQzIIzc2IMaSU47LLyks3k-SXU2lxM1lvurKg/w222-h640/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2017.gif" width="222" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Message I </span></span></blockquote></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"> </span></span></p><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">The Christ</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">It’s early morning and the sun is rising over the water.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">You can see a crowd gathering at the water’s edge, waiting for Jesus to appear, and teach them.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">As everyone begins to quiet, a deep silence falls and the only sound to be heard are the birds flying above.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Then Jesus suddenly appears and says...</span></span></blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">More...</span></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3crSp-YYR_RR96pv-BrmDSfRpqXJCGLwshXF55C6YQSl15AbdLAZMRxW7FxUeCwk4Woo-P06nwD3U_b7TTjxIREeflVZsHkHm48pu_5vtq8RaLMzsm1qLNeFSnz6LLC_OFavPK8GWWFsgizJcZXVJnJzT2F_vEwyVPcRtqhPwxo2Ar6pxItI4j38/s565/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="555" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3crSp-YYR_RR96pv-BrmDSfRpqXJCGLwshXF55C6YQSl15AbdLAZMRxW7FxUeCwk4Woo-P06nwD3U_b7TTjxIREeflVZsHkHm48pu_5vtq8RaLMzsm1qLNeFSnz6LLC_OFavPK8GWWFsgizJcZXVJnJzT2F_vEwyVPcRtqhPwxo2Ar6pxItI4j38/w559-h570/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2015.jpg" width="559" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzs1W455gh2kCkpsSFolp4u5xAqdPXsVq0c_ixkAOzodcRtG8DaL1CMxytPwnm4NTTgmQRVrT6Ey5YtF4tvx2xEvbbiovaM3mHI4fohg8e3tj2kTgp988q5qiWCX6YwpvBtBOH36bVkOuzExTUhecANNLO_y_-jNQUDnD-nicIzRp3e3Y0cJ2GeE/s556/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="529" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzs1W455gh2kCkpsSFolp4u5xAqdPXsVq0c_ixkAOzodcRtG8DaL1CMxytPwnm4NTTgmQRVrT6Ey5YtF4tvx2xEvbbiovaM3mHI4fohg8e3tj2kTgp988q5qiWCX6YwpvBtBOH36bVkOuzExTUhecANNLO_y_-jNQUDnD-nicIzRp3e3Y0cJ2GeE/w570-h600/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2014.jpg" width="570" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbjhEg70gu6cL-ySujXH2eHHCMYQZi3CsdX32Dcye2l5VsIcInc97yYvMsSTAHnc-2gFghZdvo6Kh7I9e2q-JAvnsHN_KlZrGQzym8X_TL05rtW23-9t7i--siRrFRCxdCggnkvatvGd4SqWMP396IYSO5S4qUagLkcqkhXiiTBANF6-coHZzhvQ/s640/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbjhEg70gu6cL-ySujXH2eHHCMYQZi3CsdX32Dcye2l5VsIcInc97yYvMsSTAHnc-2gFghZdvo6Kh7I9e2q-JAvnsHN_KlZrGQzym8X_TL05rtW23-9t7i--siRrFRCxdCggnkvatvGd4SqWMP396IYSO5S4qUagLkcqkhXiiTBANF6-coHZzhvQ/w583-h437/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%2016.jpg" width="583" /></a></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1494820207040531290" itemprop="articleBody"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span>About the Author</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gCzYMUz8vEAoU2o7Yb5t1OI7LV8F8BYMxo9GU2cGWigenDVS0Km1bVhBesmynPs7Rt1lJquLM4gfWTcskVZ6y5OR0Qv2ZFmKEyo4v3uCiDOxHM0Ln7kP923Rz1lw7vHi9_pHSS8x_nrejUpP-dyagxvFo6vkqo81P7aUJRomeyXc14hKoJ4wLC0/s750/Rev%20Terry%20Allan%20Christian.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gCzYMUz8vEAoU2o7Yb5t1OI7LV8F8BYMxo9GU2cGWigenDVS0Km1bVhBesmynPs7Rt1lJquLM4gfWTcskVZ6y5OR0Qv2ZFmKEyo4v3uCiDOxHM0Ln7kP923Rz1lw7vHi9_pHSS8x_nrejUpP-dyagxvFo6vkqo81P7aUJRomeyXc14hKoJ4wLC0/w534-h534/Rev%20Terry%20Allan%20Christian.png" width="534" /></a></div><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><p></p>
<p>
</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Since
dedicating his life to Jesus at the age of 23, Terry Allan Christian
has been reading the red lettered version of the 4 Gospels as recorded
in the KJV Bible. Even though Terry reads the whole Bible, his primary
focus is on the words of Jesus and the example of His actions.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Terry
grew up in a violent dysfunctional family where he quit school at 16
and left home. He stuttered so bad he could only say 3-5 words in a row.
His family and friends mocked him and that caused much stress in his
early life.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">At
the age of 23, he had a near death experience and in which he had a
dream. In this dream, he was told that one day he would be a teacher for
Jesus. Needless to say, he was scared at first because of his
stuttering and lack of structured education however, he always had a
child-like faith and trust in Jesus as Lord.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">After
the dream, he was soon hired by the Dale Carnegie Organization and
trained in sales and public speaking, where he met a man who taught him
how to visually read. During the next few years Terry read several
hundred books on the subject of personal growth.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">At
the age of 30, Terry became a professional Motivational Speaker and
Executive Trainer and over the next 20 years he would deliver more than
2,500 presentations to private and public audiences across America and
Canada.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Several
years ago, Terry retired as a public speaker after feeling the Holy
Spirit redirecting his life. He was led to do what Jesus told him many
years earlier. After researching the 4 Gospels he composed the book What
Did Jesus Say: The Seven Messages from the Master, using only the Words
spoken by Jesus as recorded in the 4 Gospels, without adding any
personal comments or opinions.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">As
in all God called missions it took longer, cost more and challenged him
to the edge of his faith. He would later say, he had to read the Book
of Job just to understand why this was happening to him and was he being
tested or penalized. In the end, he was being tested and by the grace
of God, he prevailed.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Now
after 12 years of study, obedience, difficulty and struggle, this book
is now available in Paperback, eBook, Audio Book and Kindle.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Today,
Author, Teacher and Counselor, Rev. Terry Christian is founder of
Foundations for Life ‘Online’ Ministries and he presently lives Negril
Jamaica where he does local missionary work in schools and churches
while counseling Christians worldwide online thru his program Christian
Helping Christians.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Negril,
Jamaica is where Rev. Christian went to fast & pray while seeking
divine healing for Bladder Cancer. His doctors gave him 3yrs to live so
he created a healing sabbatical and after fasting & praying, and
walking the beach for 21 days, he returned to his Doctors and they
released him ‘cancer free’.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Terry
calls this program: The Life Walk –aka- The Miracle Walk and now offers
this ‘restoration’ program online or in Negril, for Christians seeking
Life, Health or Marriage Restoration.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">Rev.
Christian believes: WITH GOD, all things are possible, all the time,
wherever we live and at every given moment, when we pray, believing.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.wdjbook.com">WWW.WDJBOOK.COM</a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b>Twitter</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/RevTChristian">https://twitter.com/RevTChristian</a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b>Facebook</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/revchristian">https://www.facebook.com/revchristian</a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b>Book Website:</b> <a href="http://www.whatdidjesussay.world">www.whatdidjesussay.world</a></span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><p></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p></p></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64Jg4mtYP5OYb0dqzWpO5ZDRnlShdw6Tnhgdn6dyHhtzI8pMNuWw1yXLNpcRGAZgvGoau5E9JI_F3u-a0DHYRfeAHudw61-2wi7aIcXBxxBOmorobqtDRHLwPulLhgJnEQ4E0UU_MnPKzmzvGEl9ZnUrqHm9nkGWQJ4DDiJrjYb7YXJ2NHJgfA48/s2720/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%206.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2720" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64Jg4mtYP5OYb0dqzWpO5ZDRnlShdw6Tnhgdn6dyHhtzI8pMNuWw1yXLNpcRGAZgvGoau5E9JI_F3u-a0DHYRfeAHudw61-2wi7aIcXBxxBOmorobqtDRHLwPulLhgJnEQ4E0UU_MnPKzmzvGEl9ZnUrqHm9nkGWQJ4DDiJrjYb7YXJ2NHJgfA48/w640-h434/What%20Did%20Jesus%20Say%206.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;">Sponsored By:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pumpupyourbook.com/" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="956" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vQ6IPbeU0k/X-8d6ScxRVI/AAAAAAAA84I/HY7f-zgSjqAAe_CyeCtW8nViVRneT9BzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h174/Pump%2BUp%2BYour%2BBook%2BVirtual%2BBook%2BTours%2BBanner.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501312699945095002.post-59849527998405507262023-05-02T04:56:00.003-07:002023-05-02T04:56:39.038-07:00In the Spotlight: Blake's Folly Romance Trilogy by J. Arlene Culiner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVCxLE7wQf5NISikuub6gHsk4y6H8nQ5-GZtKO7kyAOEGoB50OgrZMYgdAzJiu3WTE5MnDOAvYl13W4VXckSsd4ra2w6ISDsARifaGtEANinMH-YkBrau7eUaAa2AD8faxC5zlUSKBU4oacLGl_Gz9O1H178w5jCFYOBb4Mp4lpHJIgL52BCSKJE/s654/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="654" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVCxLE7wQf5NISikuub6gHsk4y6H8nQ5-GZtKO7kyAOEGoB50OgrZMYgdAzJiu3WTE5MnDOAvYl13W4VXckSsd4ra2w6ISDsARifaGtEANinMH-YkBrau7eUaAa2AD8faxC5zlUSKBU4oacLGl_Gz9O1H178w5jCFYOBb4Mp4lpHJIgL52BCSKJE/w607-h195/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%20banner.jpg" width="607" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="https://puybvirtualbookclub2.blogspot.com/2023/02/pump-up-your-book-virtual-book-tour_02129586401.html"></a>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-5f42a582-7fff-fb9a-f026-4b8cf90d43b9" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blake’s Folly, a former silver boomtown in Nevada, has become a semi-ghost town. The people who live there are originals, but that doesn’t stop them from finding love…</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5f42a582-7fff-fb9a-f026-4b8cf90d43b9" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cherry Swash; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-228e0370-7fff-93fb-1135-376886b666b3" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NE72B8hEwhd7jGNpmhKVYLrplR_rSheNfG1BAeQX9r83owsPyR9NCVthi8_J-ocTDjs6THmN9iq_mkRmFHBGAtVntt5lUi7X451J5_Ajb6SKtQOprTK8oaHMdYhI6_kCmXlBUuvuPR_s_2KC6nxI26ZW1PAPzRj6lRWL3ZlGbj4T2Ozm7sHSwGs/s877/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="877" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NE72B8hEwhd7jGNpmhKVYLrplR_rSheNfG1BAeQX9r83owsPyR9NCVthi8_J-ocTDjs6THmN9iq_mkRmFHBGAtVntt5lUi7X451J5_Ajb6SKtQOprTK8oaHMdYhI6_kCmXlBUuvuPR_s_2KC6nxI26ZW1PAPzRj6lRWL3ZlGbj4T2Ozm7sHSwGs/w572-h322/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy.jpg" width="572" /></a></div></span></span></div><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4228c015-7fff-45a9-8d05-3a252dc97f26" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-163e1e2f-7fff-e74d-c102-93300b4c5efb" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-73aceb05-7fff-a7b8-7299-7b7e161268cb" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><span><span></span></span></span></b></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Title: Blake's Folly Romance Trilogy</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Author: W.L. Brooks</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Publisher: The Wild Rose Press</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Pages: App. 214 pp. each</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Genre: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Historical / Contemporary Romance</span><br /></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
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</p><p>By 2023, the silver boomtown of Blake’s Folly, once notorious for
saloons, brothels, speakeasies, and divorce ranches, has become a
semi-ghost town of abandoned shacks and weedy dirt roads. But unusual
settings attract unusual people, those forced to adapt to new
circumstances in order to survive, and those who have never really fit
into mainstream society. But none are humdrum. All have dreams and a
chance to fall in love.</p>
<p><strong>A Room In Blake’s Folly</strong></p>
<p>In 1889, when Blake’s Folly boasted silver mines, saloons, and
brothels, the adventurer, Westley Cranston, fell in love with Sookie
Lacey a former prostitute. Their romance was doomed but never forgotten,
and these six stories tell the tale.</p>
<p><strong>All About Charming Alice</strong></p>
<p>Alice Treemont cooks vegetarian meals, rescues unwanted dogs, and
protects the most unloved creatures on earth: snakes. What man would
share those interests?</p>
<p>Jace Constant is in Nevada, doing research, but he won’t be staying
long. He hates desert dust, dog hair and snakes terrify him. Even if the
air sizzles each time Alice and Jace meet, any romance seems doomed.</p>
<p><strong>Desert Rose</strong></p>
<p>Rose Badger is the local flirt, and settling down is the last thing
she intends to do. Geologist Jonah Livingstone is intriguing, but with
his complicated life, he’s off limits for anything other than
friendship.</p>
<p>Jonah Livingstone is fascinated by the sparkling and lovely Rose
Badger, but she doesn’t seem inclined to choose a favorite, so why fret?
Jonah’s secret life keeps him busy.</p>
<p>https://books2read.com/BlakesFollyRomance</p>
<p>https://books2read.com/Charming-Alice</p>
<p>Desert Rose has no links yet. To be added.</p>
<p>Trailer: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt3VkYUTVNk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt3VkYUTVNk</a> </p>
<p></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bb2c3c93-7fff-81ba-616c-dcad5ef352a7" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -0.1pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><span><b>Book Excerpt</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><blockquote><p>
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<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-331eeea2-7fff-140b-1487-b2f189da9e8a" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Garamond,serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1YLeNYanYoRaR7Sd-BsFh6g2wINnfVuB55kX6gY4ZGhnptMHQdauXYtCksq03C9i4g2kcqCMgylMAvy_o8Qxd00TUKdMrScD7bmj8UGesyJ1Fd_xGB98M6BXWT65bC-5o2eExtxGP8KadjosAW0wcRST-t4sZ14mfOMZsMDVfOhOdwh2_SmQhb0/s750/A%20Room%20in%20Blake's%20Folly%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1YLeNYanYoRaR7Sd-BsFh6g2wINnfVuB55kX6gY4ZGhnptMHQdauXYtCksq03C9i4g2kcqCMgylMAvy_o8Qxd00TUKdMrScD7bmj8UGesyJ1Fd_xGB98M6BXWT65bC-5o2eExtxGP8KadjosAW0wcRST-t4sZ14mfOMZsMDVfOhOdwh2_SmQhb0/s320/A%20Room%20in%20Blake's%20Folly%20cover.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="white-space: normal;">Excerpt from <strong>A Room in Blake’s Folly</strong></span></div><p></p>
<p>“You trust Big Jim?” Resentment rippled down Westley Cranston’s
spine, meshed with scorn. “A lousy cad who jilted you when you were
carrying his child? Who knew your bigoted family would kill you?”</p>
<p>Seemingly unperturbed, Sookie Lacey dipped her forefinger into the
oily pot of carmine on her dressing table, spread the rosy salve over
her lips. Turned, met Westley’s eyes squarely. “Jim didn’t have a
choice. He was on the lam. He had to keep moving.”</p>
<p>“Because he was wanted for a violent robbery! Why the hell are you
making excuses for an unscrupulous criminal who forced himself on an
impoverished family?” </p>
<p>“You weren’t out in this part of the world back then. You can’t even
imagine that winter when cattle froze to death on the prairie. How could
anyone, good or bad, have survived in the open?” </p>
<p>“And while hiding out with your family, he seduced you.”</p>
<p>“Seduced!” Her nostrils flared. “Being with Jim protected me from my
vicious brother, my depraved father, I told you that. They both tried to
have their way with me.”</p>
<p>It was an old argument, one they’d had many times. Why couldn’t
Sookie see that Big Jim’s perfidy could have ruined her life—would have
ruined her life if she’d been a weaker woman? A pregnant
fifteen-year-old runaway when she arrived in Blake’s Folly, Sassy Sookie
had gone to work as a prostitute in the Red Nag Saloon. It wasn’t the
lowest sort of brothel, but it wasn’t a classy parlor house either. Yet,
clever, lighthearted, and a favorite with the men, she soon realized
her own worth. Never succumbing to the temptations of alcohol or
laudanum, she’d left the Red Nag, come to the Mizpah, and as a saloon
girl, made such excellent money selling dance tickets, encouraging men
to buy alcohol, and to gamble, she no longer needed to sell herself.</p>
<p>“So, four years after jilting you, Jim walks into the Mizpah, sees
you’ve become successful, and decides to stake his claim. That makes him
a decent man?”</p>
<p>“He’s changed. Jim has become a respectable businessman, and he wants
to marry me. He’s building us a big fine house where we can live
together with our little son.”</p>
<p>“Where? Where will this wonderful fine house be?”</p>
<p>“In Virginia City.”</p>
<p>“Have you ever been there? Seen what he’s building?” </p>
<p>“You know I haven’t. Jim’s been on the road for the last five months.
He sends me letters from Denver, San Francisco, New Orleans, and
Phoenix.”</p>
<p><em>How can she be so blind?</em> Westley took a deep breath, forced
himself to sound steady and reasonable, not like a man hopelessly in
love with the woman he would soon lose. “And what about us? What about
what we shared? The nights you spent in my arms?” Nights when she had
given herself without reticence but with warmth, tenderness.</p>
<p>Sookie stood, shook out the short, ruffled skirt and colorful
petticoats floating just below her shapely calves. Her golden beauty,
caught in the lamp’s uneven flicker, made his heart ache. How desirable
she was in the low-cut sequined bodice that barely hid the sweetness of
her breasts.</p>
<p>“Westley, what you and I shared is our secret. A delicious secret
that no one else can know about or even suspect, particularly since Jim
has sent Doug Lazy here to protect me.”</p>
<p>“To spy on you, you mean.”</p>
<p>Sookie’s chin tilted defiantly. “Think what you’d like. Just don’t forget I’m marrying Jim in September.”</p>
<p>Pushing past him, she swept out of her boudoir and into the long dark
corridor. The tapping of her tasseled kid boots on the stair held a
note of finality.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Garamond,serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32yKPOxKNxJcO3tDvtS_CnhigHPUTwqUBraSvPUQY9ONhfR52yg3UECFLZFxXC_XbZw10Zju44davoHi3ID07tCgAgPFEHoobkePQaNnsZW3m42OnYfKL4UDMz3rE-VZfC86auqRIc_OPpNxJs0ClkHoRgA9l5Xoqaib7LLqKSonEJvAKFe4xwHg/s750/All%20About%20Charming%20Alice%20lg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32yKPOxKNxJcO3tDvtS_CnhigHPUTwqUBraSvPUQY9ONhfR52yg3UECFLZFxXC_XbZw10Zju44davoHi3ID07tCgAgPFEHoobkePQaNnsZW3m42OnYfKL4UDMz3rE-VZfC86auqRIc_OPpNxJs0ClkHoRgA9l5Xoqaib7LLqKSonEJvAKFe4xwHg/s320/All%20About%20Charming%20Alice%20lg.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Excerpt from <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>All About Charming Alice</b></span><p></p><br />
<p>The back seat of Jace’s car looked like it needed a shave. “Can’t you dogs keep your hair on?”</p>
<p>The shaggy black animal wagged its tail, a look of simple adoration
in its eyes. Jace sighed. His day was going all wrong. He didn’t like
dogs, didn’t like dog hair, and didn’t like being late. Yet here he was,
late for his appointment and busy driving a shedding mutt around a
ramshackle agglomeration no one could call a village or a community. A
semi-ghost town? Yes, that was the right word for this jumble of shacks,
run-down frame houses, beat-up trailers, and car wrecks strewn along
weed-choked lanes.</p>
<p>Hard to imagine that a hundred years ago Blake’s Folly had been a
wild town, a Gomorrah, a name that had brought terror into the hearts of
honest men and women but also a refuge in a harsh, hostile wasteland.
Times had changed, all right. Nowadays there was nothing appealing,
nothing welcoming, and nothing threatening about the place. It was
definitely a has-been.</p>
<p>“Jeez!” Jace muttered. “Why would anyone choose to live in a mess
like this?” As if in response to the question, which was, of course,
merely rhetorical, the dog shifted forward and licked his cheek.</p>
<p>Jace jerked away, threw the creature a sour look in the rearview mirror. “The last thing I need is a dog with all the answers.”</p>
<p>The dog was large—very large. Its bulbous head seemed to sway on a
sagging neck. Its legs were long, knotted, and spindly, and its ribs
wanted to punch through a dull, ratty-looking coat. Yet, ugly though it
was, the damn thing had a strange appeal.</p>
<p>But was that a reason to talk to it? Jace had never had a
conversation with an animal in his life—folks who did were either nuts
or absolute fools. “And there’s no way I’m sliding into one of those
categories!” he stated with definite emphasis. The animal’s tail thumped
a mocking denial on the seat.</p>
<p>Jace groaned. It was all the fault of the dry Nevada air. “Doing
strange things to my brain. I need the city, with big city dirt,
pollution, and noise. Spend a few more hours in the desert with this
beast, I’ll find myself explaining the theory of relativity to it.” He
turned again. The amount of dog hair on the back seat had now reached
disaster proportions. He had to get rid of this animal and fast.</p>
<p>Suddenly, the rutted track came to an abrupt end. Jace slammed his
foot down on the brake, and the car skidded to a dusty stop. Now what?
Ahead of him, the countryside stretched out in beige desert monotony:
endless, lifeless, treeless. The man at the gas station had told him to
take this dog to the last house in town: a yellow mansion. One belonging
to a woman called Alice Treemont—how was that for a moniker? Certainly
seemed appropriate for someone who lived in the desert and took in stray
dogs. He could picture her, too, hair dyed ruby red, cigarette hanging
out of a corner of her mouth, her body molded by leopard-print latex. Or
else a mean-lipped witch, one who hated every male on Earth.</p>
<p>Jace stared at the structure on his right. High, ancient, rickety,
made out of wood, it looked nothing like a mansion and more like the
typical haunted house found in amusement parks. Could this be what he
was looking for? Impossible. He peered out at the landscape: left,
right, behind, ahead. Nothing else. Just this.</p>
<p>“And the locals call that yellow?” Sure, it must have been yellow
once…around a hundred years ago. Back then it might have been regal.</p>
<p>Opening the car door, he stepped out onto the soft, brown dust that,
to his annoyance, instantly covered the fine Italian leather of his
boot. Hell on Earth, that’s what this part of the world was. He was
really looking forward to getting back to Chicago with its art
galleries, concerts, and theater performances and to meeting up with the
good-looking, sophisticated women he knew. But for the next month or
so, he was stuck out here, doing research. It was his own fault:
sometimes he had crazy ideas.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Garamond,serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO0g-8nyHT9d1ItyeGhypVM1DKh8Z145e8ItDkSvDpcfJi3Lk1C_yPhhgFKgxl0iart7tpE0t36jHH9iZG00AMnjxtX4ZomYJArQWd-tV3sFDXk3U8J7jde8q0hDoFNArIzmmHzd5tWvCQZ6V52us2xYQxmzekOUESeKSw9Nh9kMrtxnYdCr1iG8/s647/Desert%20Rose.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO0g-8nyHT9d1ItyeGhypVM1DKh8Z145e8ItDkSvDpcfJi3Lk1C_yPhhgFKgxl0iart7tpE0t36jHH9iZG00AMnjxtX4ZomYJArQWd-tV3sFDXk3U8J7jde8q0hDoFNArIzmmHzd5tWvCQZ6V52us2xYQxmzekOUESeKSw9Nh9kMrtxnYdCr1iG8/s320/Desert%20Rose.png" width="240" /></a></div><br />Excerpt Desert Rose<p></p><br />
<p>When the bell above the shop door tinkled, Rose’s well-practiced
welcome smile was almost in place. Almost…then it stopped in
mid-stretch. Stunned, she stared, swallowed, stared some more. My
goodness: wasn’t <em>he</em> gorgeous. Her interest increased, and her
heart did a pitter-patter tippy-toe dance as she took him in:
tallish—but anyone would be tall when compared to her tiny size—rangy,
with tousled hair so black it appeared blue under the lights, an
explorer’s bone structure and weather-honed skin, deep brown eyes. And
here she was, acting like a complete idiot, frozen into place, gawking
at him as if he were of another species, or something totally
new-fangled dropped down from a distant stretch of the Milky Way.</p>
<p>Not that he seemed to be faring any better, not moving, staring at
her, his gaze unwavering, the wide-open door letting in frosty air and
plump snowflakes. What was that gaze of his telling her? That he was
surprised? Pleased? Oh yes. He liked what he saw, all right—and men did
like her, she knew that. She was used to their admiration. They liked
naturally golden curls, slanting blue eyes, and the broad, flat
cheekbones of the Russian steppe. But wasn’t it especially nice to be
admired by such a gorgeous specimen? Yes, indeed.</p>
<p>Mentally, Rose shook herself, forced herself out of her
stupor—somebody had to do something. This was a store, a business, not a
blind date. If a man suddenly showed up in a ladies’ dress shop, that
meant there was already a woman in his life. Unless he was a
cross-dresser. Or was lost and needed directions out of this
half-a-horse hellhole.</p>
<p>“Hello.” She forced the formerly incomplete smile into something more fulsome and professional.</p>
<p>“Hello,” he answered. Smiled back. Not a forced smile, though. A
wonderful one that softened the craggy angles of his face, crinkled into
deep lines around his mouth and eyes.</p>
<p>Rose swallowed. Stared for another few seconds, then ordered herself
to stop thinking about his smile, his lips, the bristly, salty way his
skin would taste if she licked it, right there, at the corner of his
mouth. The thought made her knees tremble. A bad case of lust at first
sight? With a great effort of willpower, she corralled the lusty
thoughts until they were more manageable, somewhat closer to normality.
Heard her own voice, calm, practical: “Can I help you with something?”</p>
<p>He blinked, once, twice, as if waking from a trance. Then, laugh
lines and crinkles disappeared, gave way to a more business-like
expression. “Yes, of course.” Stepping into what was left of the warmth
in the shop, he turned, closed the door behind him. Stared at her again.
Cleared his throat. “I’m looking for a present.”</p>
<p>“For your wife?” Rose held her breath.</p>
<p>His mouth tightened. “Not quite.”</p>
<p>“Ah.” Hope faded. Not quite a wife wasn’t nearly as bad as a snuggled-in official wife, but it was close enough.</p>
</blockquote><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;">More...</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHBy1Dv0UjkT4sASfqfXCNjdl9AU1VuWMGQhF35nVatzqPDBiKbSN91pwHcPaCJbQzxpL9kiFExqkrwaNAUCqM8rXcEFhl54UXDCw3RJ-_gBrtQJ2lYznkCGzsCZxGDbyLz88sgvPWQLHbc2Ff2RCawdsfLN6f_4oSnPUTz1MUL8Lvx3HCRODXtw/s686/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="686" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHBy1Dv0UjkT4sASfqfXCNjdl9AU1VuWMGQhF35nVatzqPDBiKbSN91pwHcPaCJbQzxpL9kiFExqkrwaNAUCqM8rXcEFhl54UXDCw3RJ-_gBrtQJ2lYznkCGzsCZxGDbyLz88sgvPWQLHbc2Ff2RCawdsfLN6f_4oSnPUTz1MUL8Lvx3HCRODXtw/w640-h448/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8klM-4Zlrmt0tdbigdB8kT7eChig02eM0ZYc09jucrO6D7BexOLTLhRkEHPIYyEutdl6saFmqigbVtXA7IjdxBlrY341GSySrH_yLBMIJFL37OGK3TMTILMYY7QMD5Rh-aK-A9yrBRe7q21As_Cj1DByY3cyWjurc_lCV1ywtAD4bc6tGba2i9Lk/s640/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8klM-4Zlrmt0tdbigdB8kT7eChig02eM0ZYc09jucrO6D7BexOLTLhRkEHPIYyEutdl6saFmqigbVtXA7IjdxBlrY341GSySrH_yLBMIJFL37OGK3TMTILMYY7QMD5Rh-aK-A9yrBRe7q21As_Cj1DByY3cyWjurc_lCV1ywtAD4bc6tGba2i9Lk/w640-h430/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSgmldM3hvE9UQ0nA-73foEaSYB25mXAFfvtiuetBLH1fyFDehQeC65gX88UOrwZRzXsbJL_X7sGaoTC4KXY_XvtWF8h-j9ukoxQCQNbfAaOL9xHSwnw8TYjK4qggPJrIwHmwsUPdBp5RiqVOUvEYxZJqXjK1bVdjJBPLHS11MgOyjT3UuUVdG60/s640/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSgmldM3hvE9UQ0nA-73foEaSYB25mXAFfvtiuetBLH1fyFDehQeC65gX88UOrwZRzXsbJL_X7sGaoTC4KXY_XvtWF8h-j9ukoxQCQNbfAaOL9xHSwnw8TYjK4qggPJrIwHmwsUPdBp5RiqVOUvEYxZJqXjK1bVdjJBPLHS11MgOyjT3UuUVdG60/w640-h480/Blake's%20Folly%20Romance%20Trilogy%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1494820207040531290" itemprop="articleBody"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><span><span>About the Author</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Cherry Swash;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yG6ygmTo6PK93u735ArqY-aS6dlJaWBzPMYrXzH-mCZZqtDT67cITNgpLUNIrRc9qeONSI6eyGtNCtB3f4gRIeplQK52wl1hN69tEA-awqq2xdgPlQ31Ox1_F9lyigc4Ynm1fqzNrZ3YAsU9UunJB_SgfNVNLgYfyCQPuVZGgnZQiwEaAGXlUUw/s362/J.%20Arlene%20Culiner%20author.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yG6ygmTo6PK93u735ArqY-aS6dlJaWBzPMYrXzH-mCZZqtDT67cITNgpLUNIrRc9qeONSI6eyGtNCtB3f4gRIeplQK52wl1hN69tEA-awqq2xdgPlQ31Ox1_F9lyigc4Ynm1fqzNrZ3YAsU9UunJB_SgfNVNLgYfyCQPuVZGgnZQiwEaAGXlUUw/s320/J.%20Arlene%20Culiner%20author.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><p></p>
<p>
</p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span>
</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Writer, photographer, social critical
artist, and storyteller, J. Arlene Culiner, was born in New York and
raised in Toronto. She has crossed much of Europe on foot, has lived in a
Hungarian mud house, a Bavarian castle, a Turkish cave dwelling, on a
Dutch canal, and in a haunted house on the English moors. She now
resides in a 400-year-old former inn in a French village of no interest
and, much to local dismay, protects all creatures, especially spiders
and snakes. She particularly enjoys incorporating into short stories,
mysteries, narrative non-fiction, and romances, her experiences in
out-of-the-way communities, and her conversations with strange
characters.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Website:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.j-arleneculiner.com">http://www.j-arleneculiner.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Blog:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com">http://j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>All sites:</strong> <a href="https://linktr.ee/j.arleneculiner">https://linktr.ee/j.arleneculiner</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Facebook:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">https://www.facebook.com/jarlene.culiner/</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Storytelling Podcast:</strong> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/j-arlene-culiner">https://soundcloud.com/j-arlene-culiner</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><p></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><p></p></div><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;">Sponsored By:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pumpupyourbook.com/" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="956" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vQ6IPbeU0k/X-8d6ScxRVI/AAAAAAAA84I/HY7f-zgSjqAAe_CyeCtW8nViVRneT9BzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h174/Pump%2BUp%2BYour%2BBook%2BVirtual%2BBook%2BTours%2BBanner.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0