tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59275786626431705162024-02-07T17:10:22.019-08:00Come Walk With MeNancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-23282251052873813622018-09-21T12:10:00.001-07:002018-09-21T12:10:39.504-07:00Wild Horse Rescue Release September 21, 2018 Happy Book Birthday! by Nancy M BellToday is Wild Horse Rescue's book birthday! I am very proud of this book. It's the first book in a new series set in Alberta. Wild Horse Rescue is Book 1 in The Alberta Adventures. Click on the cover to find out where you can get your copy. <br />
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<a href="http://bwlpublishing.ca/authors/bell-nancy-romance-ya/"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDHdQ32BVT1zHqQv-ScP7wfLb61Q9IRNZqvJEacbxHq4t95H7RgZYtpHldQCUFdryTVC0D1Y-MZsqY4NHDArqijNlMyrl0aZKXNG8h831OERMQKH0b8Nc3hs5Vss-D4ov1W8f9h3HyCQ/s1600/Bell-WildHorseRescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDHdQ32BVT1zHqQv-ScP7wfLb61Q9IRNZqvJEacbxHq4t95H7RgZYtpHldQCUFdryTVC0D1Y-MZsqY4NHDArqijNlMyrl0aZKXNG8h831OERMQKH0b8Nc3hs5Vss-D4ov1W8f9h3HyCQ/s640/Bell-WildHorseRescue.jpg" width="427" height="640" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div></a><br />
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Alberta's wild horses are near and dear to my heart. Ever since I was a kid I've loved wild horses. The first ones that came to my attention were the ones in British Columbia and I poured over magazine articles and books back in the days before the internet. I fed my dreams on books by Walter Farley, and others. My favourite one was Beyond Rope and Fence by David Grew and also Smokey, the story of a cow horse, by Will James. I have Fred Remmington and Charlie Russel calendars pasted on my wall and only recently did I throw out decades worth of Western Horseman magazines. (they were old and musty but it still was a wrench) <br />
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This is White Spirit, the Alberta wildie that inspired the story and who the stallion Coal is modeled on. Photo credit to Darrell Glover<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4c8j8tJTFRhV-ApPumj9iclqUxvg6nPUSIK3Tj-eMYCxvrJmrkiJD4Wq3Z7V9dP3s7FjqAErAVC7LgA0vTm4Jz54eDGzsOk1cKVXC8wt-Cde0VmWOq4curYTrsiR6PxRVKTQpwsWwt0/s1600/White-Spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4c8j8tJTFRhV-ApPumj9iclqUxvg6nPUSIK3Tj-eMYCxvrJmrkiJD4Wq3Z7V9dP3s7FjqAErAVC7LgA0vTm4Jz54eDGzsOk1cKVXC8wt-Cde0VmWOq4curYTrsiR6PxRVKTQpwsWwt0/s640/White-Spirit.jpg" width="640" height="424" data-original-width="932" data-original-height="618" /></a></div><br />
Below is a short excerpt from Wild Horse Rescue to whet your whistle:<br />
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The Dedication:<br />
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To all horses and beasts of burden, both wild and domestic, may you live in Peace as the Universe intended. <br />
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Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization we will find the hoofprint of the horse beside it. John Moore<br />
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This is from part way through the story: <br />
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“I mentioned the horse trap to my dad,” Joey remarked.<br />
Laurel and her two friends rode side by side across the short grass, heat waves shimmering over the prairie. The smell of curing hay mixed with the faint sent of crushed wild flowers under foot and dry dust blown by the hot wind.<br />
“What did he say about it?” Laurel twisted in her saddle to see him better.<br />
“He wasn’t too happy to hear about it. You know he loves those horses as much as we do.”<br />
“Did he have any ideas?” Coll frowned into the distance.<br />
“No. He wasn’t too happy about me getting involved with any tearing down of other people’s property.”<br />
“But it’s illegal! Or it should be,” Laurel exclaimed. “He won’t say anything, will he? Dad would kill me if he knew I was involved with sabotaging Mr. Cullen’s trap.”<br />
Joey shook his head. “Nope. He hates how those horses get treated. I think he might be willing to help us, if we need it.”<br />
“Really? He’d really help us?” Laurel’s heart leapt in excitement. If Harry would help them, maybe there was something they could do about the situation. Harry Good Smoke was aware of the young people’s obsession with the wild horses and encouraged it. Maybe there was hope for Coal and his band after all.<br />
“He said to wait and see how things shook out. Maybe the government will change their mind about the cull.” Joey shook his head and clucked to his stocky pinto gelding. “This one came from Coal’s band, you know. The mare got killed and Pa found this little guy by her body. Brought him home and we raised him. Pa let me help break him.”<br />
“He was born wild? That’s brill!” Coll exclaimed turning to take a better look at the horse walking calmly by the side of his horse.<br />
“A horse is a horse. Treat ’em right and gentle them without scarin’ the crap out of them and the wildies are the best horses you could ever have.” Joey ran a hand down the thick neck and tossed the long mane all to one side.<br />
“That’s true, Joey. But I’d rather see them stay wild, the way they were born. Iinii is different, he was an orphan and he’d never have survived on his own,” Laurel said.<br />
“That’s an odd name. What does it mean?” Coll reined his horse closer to Joey.<br />
“Iinii is buffalo in my language,” Joey told him.<br />
“Well, I never! That’s right brilliant,” Coll exclaimed. “What’s the word for horse?”<br />
“I know that one.” Laurel laughed. “Ponokaomitaa. Translated it’s elk dog.”<br />
“Elk dog?” <br />
The Cornish boy’s expression made Laurel giggle.<br />
“When the Blackfoot first saw a horse the closest animal in size they knew was an elk, but the horse was used to carry things the same way we used big dogs at the time, so…elk-dog,” Joey explained.<br />
“I guess it’s kind of like the way we still call the old tin mines wheals and stuff. And your grandfather the selkie calls rocks karrek,” Coll mused.<br />
“Wait! What? Your grandfather was a what?” Joey pulled his horse to a halt and stared at Laurel.<br />
Coll flushed with guilt and shrugged at Laurel. “Oops, sorry.” <br />
Laurel sighed. “You have to promise not to breathe a word of this to anyone. Dad would literally kill me if this ever got out. Promise?”<br />
“Sure. You know I can keep a secret. What’s a selkie?” Joey persisted.<br />
“Coll, you want to explain? You probably know more of the old stories than I do,” Laurel said.<br />
They set their horses in motion again, following the wide trail toward the river.<br />
“Cornwall is full of old legends and myths, but like my gramma says, most of them have a grain of truth to them.”<br />
Joey nodded. “The old aunties and uncles say that about our stories too.”<br />
“A selkie is a shapeshifter…” he paused to see how Joey was taking his words.<br />
“Like Napi the trickster. He is sometimes a coyote.”<br />
Encouraged, Coll went on. “Laurel’s Gramma Bella lived in Cornwall when she was a girl and was friends with my gramma and Sarie. They met a handsome man and didn’t know he was a selkie until later. His name is Vear Du…that means Great Black in old Cornish. Anyway, I don’t know all the details but Bella and Vear Du got…you know…close…and anyway…Laurel’s dad was the result.” <br />
“No shit?” Joey turned to Laurel. “That’s pretty hard to believe.”<br />
“It’s true. But Dad won’t ever admit it. I’d be grounded until I’m ninety if he ever finds out anybody else knows about it.”<br />
“Who knows?” Joey frowned. “More than your family…and him?” He nodded in Coll’s direction.<br />
“Yup. People in Cornwall, but only close friends of Gramma Bella. Mom, Dad, Coll’s gramma, Sarie, me, Aisling and Gort, I think that’s it,” Laurel replied.<br />
“Don’t forget that old guy, Red, your gramma told you about. The one that used to work for your Grampa D’Arcy,” Coll reminded her.<br />
“Yeah, but that was a long time ago. He’s gone now, but he was there when Dad was born,” Laurel agreed.<br />
“Wow! Like a legend come to life. That’s pretty cool.” Joey shook his head. <br />
“Just remember you can’t breathe a word of it. To anyone,” she cautioned him.<br />
“No worries. I sure don’t want your dad mad at me,” Joey agreed.<br />
“Me either, so let’s keep mum about me opening my big pie hole,” Coll worried.<br />
“I’m just glad him and Gramma Bella are speaking to each other again,” Laurel remarked while her horse picked his way down a steep slope toward the river.<br />
“I thought your gramma was staying in England?” Joey said.<br />
“She is. But her and Dad saw each other for the first time since I was a kid when we were there last Christmas. I have no idea what they said to each other, but he hugged her before she left, and he even agreed to meet Vear Du and be civil to him. It took a lot for him to swallow his anger and do that,” Laurel said.<br />
“You mean old Mr. Rowan really wasn’t his father, right? Wow…” Joey stared off at the horizon. “I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I found out Pa wasn’t my dad, let alone that some Napi character actually was.”<br />
Laurel snorted. “As far as Colt Rowan is concerned D‘Arcy Rowan is his dad and nobody is ever going to know any different around here.” She nudged Sam with her heel and urged the gelding into a lope along the grassy river valley. “C’mon, let’s go see if anybody rebuilt that trap.”<br />
“Maybe we’ll see that stallion again.” Coll loped easily beside her.<br />
“The foals will be gettin’ big, and I bet some of those bachelor stallions will be getting pushed out of the band. That’s always exciting to watch.” Joey caught up to Laurel and Coll.<br />
A quick check satisfied Laurel the horse trap in the cottonwoods near the river was still dismantled. They rode a kilometer or so further up the valley to ease her mind further that there were no more traps in the vicinity. The sun was lowering in the western sky when they came up out of the coulee onto the rolling prairie. Joey waved a hand in farewell and loped off toward home while Laurel and Coll jogged toward the Rowan homestead. <br />
“What does that mark on the cows mean?” Coll wondered when they passed a herd of red brockle-faced cattle.<br />
“That’s our brand. Grampa D’Arcy’s dad registered it way back in the forties, I think. It’s how you can tell who owns what cattle. Every rancher has his own unique brand.”<br />
“How do you read it? Looks like random marks to me.” Coll frowned and turned his head sideways trying to make sense of the marks.<br />
“Take it apart. The thing that looks like a roof? That’s a ‘rafter’, below that is a reversed R. So, you read it as ‘rafter, reverse R’ on the right rib.<br />
“You mean it matters where you put the brand?” Coll turned his attention back to Laurel.<br />
“Of course. When you buy and register your brand the Livestock Identification Service checks no one else within a certain distance has a similar one already registered and where you can place the brand on the animal. The symbols also have to meet their standards.”<br />
“Sounds complicated. I don’t think we have anything like that at home.”<br />
“Race you home!” Laurel leaned forward and urged Sam into a gallop.<br />
“Hey!” Coll yelped from behind her. “No fair!” He sent his mount after her, blinking against the dust raised by Sam’s hooves.<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-24695849183012887512018-01-08T11:08:00.001-08:002018-01-08T11:08:47.050-08:00His Brother's Bride is now available in French ~ Nancy M Bell<a href="https://www.amazon.com/L%C3%A9pouse-son-fr%C3%A8re-lhistoire-canadienne-ebook/dp/B078VFHVT9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515438209&sr=8-1&keywords=B078VFHVT9"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0bF4CUdk1OdNL_zsQsUl2jftU-kxOgojXOs6QP1qVc4PeDIxvc-QU26QdZN6KXXcLwA_sl5AJJaNSwI179rCyHEN007eE6aSCQzCkC20HE-7KDIFaoT_dcwWpBSIt0BjXE_Sm6eSoRk/s1600/CanadianBrides-Ontario-PRINTCOVER-French.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0bF4CUdk1OdNL_zsQsUl2jftU-kxOgojXOs6QP1qVc4PeDIxvc-QU26QdZN6KXXcLwA_sl5AJJaNSwI179rCyHEN007eE6aSCQzCkC20HE-7KDIFaoT_dcwWpBSIt0BjXE_Sm6eSoRk/s400/CanadianBrides-Ontario-PRINTCOVER-French.jpg" width="400" height="291" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1165" /></a></div></a><br />
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I am excited to announce the release of His Brother's Bride in the French edition. This is the first title of mine to be translated and released in another language, so I'm a little chuffed. You can click on the cover to see it.<br />
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This has been a busy year with His Brother's Bride releasing in March of 2017 and then I was asked to take over the creation of the Manitoba book for this collection. I partnered with Margaret Kyle as my research assistant and go to source of all things Mennonite in southern Manitoba. Landmark Roses is the result of that collaboration and the title released in November of 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Landmark-Roses-Manitoba-Canadian-Historical-ebook/dp/B075SSQT65/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515438305&sr=8-1&keywords=landmark+roses"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyLc1YJrBjwEXCvMppk5LbMeZkLI0K11pCw6Nj6qkl01bxRt0CDzUUoZklo9xDi6Ekx4o5nwrfrtucV8IBJym9AD8JrIHzOvTRvzxD8lq60dFfjnrXylAZzZzXraq3KQqhc8Mz-LTGGc/s1600/CanadianBrides-Manitoba-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyLc1YJrBjwEXCvMppk5LbMeZkLI0K11pCw6Nj6qkl01bxRt0CDzUUoZklo9xDi6Ekx4o5nwrfrtucV8IBJym9AD8JrIHzOvTRvzxD8lq60dFfjnrXylAZzZzXraq3KQqhc8Mz-LTGGc/s400/CanadianBrides-Manitoba-small.jpg" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="300" /></a></div></a> Click on the cover for the buy link.<br />
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Elsie Nuefeld loves to sit on her porch and watch the children grow in the Mennonite community near Landmark, MB. Returning to the area after moving to Paraguay for a time, Elsie is happy to be living on the wild rose dotted prairie of south-eastern Manitoba. Her granddaughters are growing up and getting married, it's an exciting time. Secure in her long standing marriage to Ike, Elsie is content to observe the community from the sidelines and rejoice in the joys of the young ones. She often walks with her daughters and granddaughters through the graveyard abloom with wild roses and shares the stories of the ancestors sleeping there. It’s important, she feels, for the younger generation to feel connected to those who went before. Elsie hopes when she joins those resting beneath the Landmark roses the tradition of honouring the memory of the forebearers continues.<br />
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Then I also had a hand in the New Brunswick title, On A Stormy Primeval Shore. Partnered with Diane Scott Lewis, I served as research assistant and alpha reader for this title. It was a wonderful experience and everyone I contacted for obscure information was very helpful. We are hoping to do some events in New Brunswick this June. On A Stormy Primeval Shore just released on January 1, 2018.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Primeval-Shore-Brunswick-Historical-ebook/dp/B076ZSZMWD/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1515438352&sr=1-1&keywords=on+a+stormy+primeval+shore"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoMpERiks9IvkcYhPVNdYHZctcjmB_RC_v-ViLHhQdJSO9ktx5An03xlTor7-OcEhFuIh8nm2SScyJREnR2XOSTbAuDmdfVYct0JADfQ9tMhK9wJWrMOTp_iGnwR-PWeZJscp5z2wyjs/s1600/CanadianBrides-NewBrunswickB%2526N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoMpERiks9IvkcYhPVNdYHZctcjmB_RC_v-ViLHhQdJSO9ktx5An03xlTor7-OcEhFuIh8nm2SScyJREnR2XOSTbAuDmdfVYct0JADfQ9tMhK9wJWrMOTp_iGnwR-PWeZJscp5z2wyjs/s640/CanadianBrides-NewBrunswickB%2526N.jpg" width="427" height="640" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div></a> Click on the cover for the buy link.<br />
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In 1784, Englishwoman Amelia Latimer sails to the new colony of New Brunswick in faraway Canada. She’s to marry a man chosen by her soldier father. Amelia is repulsed by her betrothed, refuses to marry, then meets the handsome Acadian trader, Gilbert, a man beneath her in status. Gilbert must protect his mother who was attacked by an English soldier. He fights to hold on to their property, to keep it from the Loyalists who have flooded the colony, desperate men chased from the south after the American Revolution. In a land fraught with hardship, Amelia and Gilbert struggle to overcome prejudice, political upheaval, while forging a life in a remote country where events seek to destroy their love and lives.<br />
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All the titles in this series have been well received and garnered excellent reviews.<br />
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And to top it all off, my very first translated work! <br />
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until next post, stay well, stay happy, stay healthy Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-58694142515069861732017-08-29T13:30:00.000-07:002017-08-29T13:30:41.283-07:00Northern Lights Library System Author Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcX8c7OS3ZywldOXZMZAg9kO-XBg2HFMEgzIcYgyCFXityFn2uZexH8DymQfPlVTl1e6rMcVuphauOozwwRYTjAAb63j39CUKZvFu8lgk7lsm9uv9tovDap5hp07yo0Jxpk_RxUyzJHo/s1600/NancyMBell2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcX8c7OS3ZywldOXZMZAg9kO-XBg2HFMEgzIcYgyCFXityFn2uZexH8DymQfPlVTl1e6rMcVuphauOozwwRYTjAAb63j39CUKZvFu8lgk7lsm9uv9tovDap5hp07yo0Jxpk_RxUyzJHo/s640/NancyMBell2015.jpg" width="640" height="639" data-original-width="1373" data-original-height="1370" /></a></div><br />
I am pleased to announce I will participating in an author tour of northern Alberta libraries. I hope if you're in the vicinity you'll come out and say hello.<br />
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<b>Monday October 2, 2017</b><br />
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Rochester Municipal Library 3:00 pm<br />
Redwater Public Library 6:00 pm<br />
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<b>Tuesday October 3, 2017</b><br />
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Radway and District Municipal Library 2:00 pm<br />
Newbrook Public Library 5:00 pm<br />
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<b>Wednesday October 4, 2017</b><br />
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Thorhild Library 1:00 pm<br />
Bonnyville Municipal Library 6:30 pm<br />
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<b>Thursday October 5, 2017</b><br />
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Wainwright Public Library 1:00 pm<br />
Chauvin Municipal Library 4:00 pm<br />
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<b>Saturday October 7, 2017</b><br />
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Alice B. Donahue Library and Archives Athabasca 11:00 am<br />
Morninville Public Library 2:00 pm<br />
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<b>Tuesday October 10, 2017</b><br />
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Edmonton Garrison Community Library Lancaster Park, AB 2:30 pm<br />
Boyle Public Library 7:00 pm<br />
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<b>Wednesday October 11, 2017</b><br />
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Tofield Municipal Library 3:00 pm<br />
Viking Municipal Library 7:00 pm<br />
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<b>Thursday October 12, 2017<br />
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Vegreville Centennial Library 10:00 am<br />
Innisfree Public Library 3:00 pm<br />
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<b>Saturday october 14, 2017</b><br />
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Cold Lake Public Library - South Branch 11:00 am<br />
St. Paul Municipal Library 3:00 pm<br />
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<b>Tuesday October 17, 2017<br />
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Plamondon Municipal Library 10:00 am<br />
Stuart MacPherson Public Library Lac La Biche 2:00 pm<br />
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I will be speaking on a number of topics about the craft of writing and about my books in general. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlWHvdWm8tGXzRSubRtvqFCD8t9ELbGhy1jxcEu5uQKr_0SfxqCoaDB4cjh1uqw8Oyu0Ppt3Gyi2hFLICp41rR0NENV85mJ4kBVv9bCD04AWOULMT7FZfS560AACSS6U_qh3EUG_3G4c/s1600/Bell-AStepBeyond200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlWHvdWm8tGXzRSubRtvqFCD8t9ELbGhy1jxcEu5uQKr_0SfxqCoaDB4cjh1uqw8Oyu0Ppt3Gyi2hFLICp41rR0NENV85mJ4kBVv9bCD04AWOULMT7FZfS560AACSS6U_qh3EUG_3G4c/s320/Bell-AStepBeyond200x300.jpg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIFTIPnIiQHOkOMtJdF67-RbcgFj6AUjzVq3RMq7WVHKqowUUIEKImS9dq1T7erWt3HDUF17J2RSYun-l6_CgUvJYPuFlKFH4iCMHzgRAB78jXgMRBI7x7Nc2bt8QlBqrlQG8llDHnVQ/s1600/Bell-LaurelsQuest200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIFTIPnIiQHOkOMtJdF67-RbcgFj6AUjzVq3RMq7WVHKqowUUIEKImS9dq1T7erWt3HDUF17J2RSYun-l6_CgUvJYPuFlKFH4iCMHzgRAB78jXgMRBI7x7Nc2bt8QlBqrlQG8llDHnVQ/s320/Bell-LaurelsQuest200x300.jpg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfyVHXfVAxmMyJfnzAzarbJoZqcRKSECoKeWOPA-vzqWm54Q0Wx2mcck1ooXXO-3hAhVP2-Bf9NzAPQj07pQZMJbSNuEDyIoi00j0XrCe_CUHCVdNbMBwnCdOERNkWWbpyflK4aGjMY4/s1600/Bell-ChristmasStorm200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfyVHXfVAxmMyJfnzAzarbJoZqcRKSECoKeWOPA-vzqWm54Q0Wx2mcck1ooXXO-3hAhVP2-Bf9NzAPQj07pQZMJbSNuEDyIoi00j0XrCe_CUHCVdNbMBwnCdOERNkWWbpyflK4aGjMY4/s320/Bell-ChristmasStorm200x300.jpg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-50319614970404587932016-06-13T14:30:00.001-07:002016-06-13T14:30:04.595-07:00Wonderful New Book from Penny Lockwood. Ghostly Visions,a dual offering of Ghost For Lunch and Ghost for Rent. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XSbaPwbUOWOu96MUDpUNJhFTuQf2tdD1VjdSBf0WRGoqG4C1V_FVN3SeLLbqziG_91UcW6ODbmlmH5uf-jeaykscsaZrZ2DoH5WYyJkWVTHjmZb7bIm8FCp6XgeKlVdd0-JCfuHpr6o/s1600/GhostlyVisionsCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XSbaPwbUOWOu96MUDpUNJhFTuQf2tdD1VjdSBf0WRGoqG4C1V_FVN3SeLLbqziG_91UcW6ODbmlmH5uf-jeaykscsaZrZ2DoH5WYyJkWVTHjmZb7bIm8FCp6XgeKlVdd0-JCfuHpr6o/s400/GhostlyVisionsCover.jpg" /></a></div>The lovely and talented Penny Lockwood is my guest. I know you'll enjoy getting to know her better and exploring her newest offering Ghostly Visions.<br />
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Wendy Wiles attracts ghosts, first in Ghost for Rent, when her parents separate and she, her brother, and mother move into a haunted house. The story begins in Portland, Oregon and quickly moves to small town, Scappoose, Oregon. Miserable at leaving her friends and beloved Portland behind, Wendy meets her neighbor Jennifer who tells her the house Wendy’s mom rented is haunted. After two of them appear to Wendy, the girls find themselves tracking down the mystery of who the ghosts are and why they "live" in the Wiles' home.<br />
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In Ghost for Lunch, Wendy’s friend, Jennifer, moves away, leaving Wendy sad until new neighbors and their restaurant in St. Helens bring ghosts back into Wendy's life. She, her brother, and their new friend discover the two cases are connected. Once again, the young sleuths use clues and lots of brainstorming to figure out who is haunting the restaurant.<br />
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Ghostly Visions is available direct from the publisher <a href="http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/penny-lockwood.php">4RV Publishing LLC</a> for $15.99 including shipping and handling. It can also be ordered from your local bookstore with the following ISBN numbers: ISBN-10: 0982642326, ISBN-13: 978-0982642320, or through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Visions-Ghost-Rent-Lunch/dp/0982642326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465600196&sr=1-1&keywords=ghostly+visions.">Amazon</a>, <br />
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I've had the pleasure of working with Penny and I can tell you she is an excellent author and a fine person, to boot. If you have young people in your family or in your circle of friends be sure to augment your library with all of Lockwood's works. You won't be sorry. Money well spent! If you're looking for some summer romance reading, be sure to get your copy of Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror. <br />
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Penny Lockwood (Ehrenkranz) has published over 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook, and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s publications, and non fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing, parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications. She is a former editor for MuseItUp Publishing, 4RV Publishing, and Damnation Books. Visit her web site at http:// pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com and her writing blog at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.<br />
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4RV Publishing has joined her two middle grade novels (Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch) as Ghostly Visions. She recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishing and has one other children’s picture book under contract with them: Many Colored Coats. She has three romances published by MuseItUp Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror. Her short story collection, A Past and A Future, is available through Alban Lake Publishing and Smashwords. <br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-14198394537969698642016-03-15T16:07:00.000-07:002016-03-15T16:07:08.675-07:00I have an exciting new opportunity!I've been offered an exciting new opportunity by my publisher, Books We Love. A terrific author who we have lost, Pat Dale, is being kept alive by his literary executor. Pat's wife has agreed to let me revamp and re-release Pat's work. Currently, The Last Cowboy is available on Amazon and where good books are sold. This is the first of the re-releases. <br />
Here's the cover by Michelle Lee. You can click on the cover to be taken to a buy link.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Cowboy-Pat-Dale-ebook/dp/B01CB4XD9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458082984&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Last+Cowboy+Pat+Dale"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr43Sq2ptQhZwv_19_C2HVt1FgKQQn6N1S1XXUFE2WAKsjESBBNfgcr5JCOwvbhmASNJvSIlYsRAoIafFV5MSxBxdt7-vn2xcOBKZvAys1LvcCFCrq_MYFbOhuZy_AakyXQYTRgZBcws/s1600/Dale-LastCowboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr43Sq2ptQhZwv_19_C2HVt1FgKQQn6N1S1XXUFE2WAKsjESBBNfgcr5JCOwvbhmASNJvSIlYsRAoIafFV5MSxBxdt7-vn2xcOBKZvAys1LvcCFCrq_MYFbOhuZy_AakyXQYTRgZBcws/s640/Dale-LastCowboy.jpg" /></a></div></a> <br />
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The next book will be The Teddy Dialogues. Pat has created a wonderful character. Teddy is dog with a unique voice and personality who lives with his person and takes fixing up her love life into his own paws. He has a pararmour of his own as well, much to the dismay of the poodle's owner. Pat's original short story will form the basis for the dialogues and I will create two or three stories gleaned from Pat's work. It promises to be an entertaining and excellent read.<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-6524028780311109962015-11-05T14:21:00.000-08:002015-11-05T14:21:04.448-08:00Fun Interview hosted by Steve DeWinter of Old Dog New Trx.I just had the pleasure of being a guest on Steve DeWinter's YouTube channel. It's called Old Dog New Trx and features authors from all walks of life. I had a blast and the hour just flew by. We talked about my books and the writing process as well as the amount of research that goes into writing a well grounded and accurate story. I won't go on and on about it, I'll just sit back and let you watch the interview and make up your own mind. Although I do think I look like an evil elf, the camera is <i>not</i> my friend. No not at all! LOL <br />
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Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/gEuMYC-H0Xc">view the interview</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7CW_zzJW3VmWDkm5vvLkhHqKg-GhsLecCuOBk8J-z5_5n44l-UJa84DVAf2UTyb7PZ2W5qb2AnWp-zWurwQA6IObpkUEIuf6YiuVWdwbnu3IMZ1wm_XOtDaywpvPrGKcUmHvEvM-iHk/s1600/Bell-LaurelsQuest200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7CW_zzJW3VmWDkm5vvLkhHqKg-GhsLecCuOBk8J-z5_5n44l-UJa84DVAf2UTyb7PZ2W5qb2AnWp-zWurwQA6IObpkUEIuf6YiuVWdwbnu3IMZ1wm_XOtDaywpvPrGKcUmHvEvM-iHk/s320/Bell-LaurelsQuest200x300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FttD_3pz29xgADlwSGQBeOPxBVrf3yP_Q5dFJVSFi5MLnyVEiCh_6kSetBmIWYyqQW3xpY5TYfYOjQ2iOTNDxsh8auhG0rngHO864FBXXOexbq4ZmZGHI-YeFgYbWRCTJwgQFbqvLZE/s1600/Bell-AStepBeyond200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FttD_3pz29xgADlwSGQBeOPxBVrf3yP_Q5dFJVSFi5MLnyVEiCh_6kSetBmIWYyqQW3xpY5TYfYOjQ2iOTNDxsh8auhG0rngHO864FBXXOexbq4ZmZGHI-YeFgYbWRCTJwgQFbqvLZE/s320/Bell-AStepBeyond200x300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiGfEyaSHm3TTb9i90Tzpzb9sQSjBMSw6QVJU9YlDveOCTFIVJRE2seU1f2Gady8_RCzkJETOM-iqKqzlQ1tuE_IvU6yaW8TnFSZmrZx1cGEzppMlhwzm_nsENT6PNezVkPXv0Dxu06o/s1600/Bell-GoGently200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiGfEyaSHm3TTb9i90Tzpzb9sQSjBMSw6QVJU9YlDveOCTFIVJRE2seU1f2Gady8_RCzkJETOM-iqKqzlQ1tuE_IvU6yaW8TnFSZmrZx1cGEzppMlhwzm_nsENT6PNezVkPXv0Dxu06o/s320/Bell-GoGently200x300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcxAEL8sSuE8wJVakQkL7w6nNZxD69SXI9F0qQR3nfvnSXFKw6RD7WP12zMBAQ6kD42SYLNhrN0bHIyHsz0UWc_92L4XDS-uiKbNOZdhF9Drz5FJF3o2SMVdihCuQrNNo-ly334j_-qM/s1600/Bell-StormsRefuge200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcxAEL8sSuE8wJVakQkL7w6nNZxD69SXI9F0qQR3nfvnSXFKw6RD7WP12zMBAQ6kD42SYLNhrN0bHIyHsz0UWc_92L4XDS-uiKbNOZdhF9Drz5FJF3o2SMVdihCuQrNNo-ly334j_-qM/s320/Bell-StormsRefuge200x300.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g7xo_5F4vQGKHsOS-jStRzfrqQ_8G4_KPl47GNosjAvCHDmorksM-CveLZ5D8KLb5oEVsyyRGItzcW6xIQHa435o6tEhVXPJ8RC7SN1OsPsrzGcO6_lmVDSNtb_1tKPqG-m3ojaxSu0/s1600/Bell-NoAbsolution200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g7xo_5F4vQGKHsOS-jStRzfrqQ_8G4_KPl47GNosjAvCHDmorksM-CveLZ5D8KLb5oEVsyyRGItzcW6xIQHa435o6tEhVXPJ8RC7SN1OsPsrzGcO6_lmVDSNtb_1tKPqG-m3ojaxSu0/s320/Bell-NoAbsolution200x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you're looking for great Christmas gifts, my books are available at <a href="http://bookswelove.net/authors/bell-nancy/">Books We Love</a>. Just scroll down, click on a cover and it will take you to the book store. <br />
<br />
Don't forget to pick up the five Christmas novellas which just released on November 1, 2015. My contribution is A Longview Christmas. It's Christmas Eve at Mary and Luke Cassidy's and match making Mary is in fine form. Don't miss out on the hilarious goings on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTzSXh1qJuMX9UORB9Ea7g-B9RzckagYdADT69BRdDfqxUfuT24uzW3cWodbpZXFM3_40KeYhJgqA5KHxlH1axoR9PM1Q7Bl0tq3_MFT1KLBqX_Oumzm7prucHaHluJqcWZVW544Z-wU/s1600/BWLChristmasTale-Bell-ALongviewChristmas-Payloadz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTzSXh1qJuMX9UORB9Ea7g-B9RzckagYdADT69BRdDfqxUfuT24uzW3cWodbpZXFM3_40KeYhJgqA5KHxlH1axoR9PM1Q7Bl0tq3_MFT1KLBqX_Oumzm7prucHaHluJqcWZVW544Z-wU/s320/BWLChristmasTale-Bell-ALongviewChristmas-Payloadz.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNU4DYhMzb9nGfhfp0NbhyphenhyphenpD6NeyzGb_F2Lgkk9hAkSpWpgQtjGlh08gbzBT6XyTSMTk_1XFJhwKK_gagSVikjK0o_iqnlXmumdGeNQT7OM20HIwf4s4-oZJ-y8dQQDtI3sKUogUQGf4/s1600/BWL-Christmas2015.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNU4DYhMzb9nGfhfp0NbhyphenhyphenpD6NeyzGb_F2Lgkk9hAkSpWpgQtjGlh08gbzBT6XyTSMTk_1XFJhwKK_gagSVikjK0o_iqnlXmumdGeNQT7OM20HIwf4s4-oZJ-y8dQQDtI3sKUogUQGf4/s320/BWL-Christmas2015.gif" /></a></div>Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-74720199626067797002015-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:002015-10-28T00:00:03.777-07:00Welcome Rave Reviews Book Club Spotlight Author TC Booth! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s400/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWZwDZZteHZOOyLwSV_MZu3P6ehhyFEPGosFdHbwHvGQeE4Po3rcf2_VgZhsTCcTOKIkA55DtavGzy-vVqtoqE0931tLWTY1ChKIG_-aMnXXDOKGVO0fzgaateOyJN5mwtH2qomqawCQ/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWZwDZZteHZOOyLwSV_MZu3P6ehhyFEPGosFdHbwHvGQeE4Po3rcf2_VgZhsTCcTOKIkA55DtavGzy-vVqtoqE0931tLWTY1ChKIG_-aMnXXDOKGVO0fzgaateOyJN5mwtH2qomqawCQ/s400/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
TC Booth<br />
<br />
Rave Reviews Book Club <br />
<br />
Spotlight Author<br />
<br />
TC Booth<br />
<br />
<br />
Teen Bullying<br />
<br />
I rocked big hair and spandex as a teenager. My vocabulary <br />
<br />
contained the phrases like totally, no duh, phsyc, take a chill <br />
<br />
pill, and I’m sure. Gotta love the 80’s. Things have changed <br />
<br />
since then, but one constant the remains a constant among <br />
<br />
generations of teens is bullying.<br />
<br />
While writing To Be Honest, I researched how bullying today is <br />
<br />
different from the days I remember. The main difference I found <br />
<br />
is that today rumors and nasty comments meant to humiliate you <br />
<br />
can be posted online for all to see. <br />
<br />
Both boys and girls experience bullying. There are <br />
<br />
differences in the way they're bullied, but the outcome is the <br />
<br />
Here’s what I found out:<br />
<br />
Boys are more likely to be bullied physically, but girls <br />
<br />
are more likely to be bullied by rumors or being left out.<br />
<br />
Girls bully to feel a sense of importance and control.<br />
<br />
Boys usually get bullied by other boys, whereas girls tend <br />
<br />
to get bullied by both boys and girls. <br />
<br />
Girls experience bullying on school property more often <br />
<br />
81% of teens say it’s easier to bully someone online than <br />
<br />
70% see frequent bullying online<br />
<br />
90% of teens who have seen bullying online say they ignore <br />
<br />
Girls are more likely to fall victim to online bullies than <br />
<br />
The good news is that there is more of an awareness of the <br />
<br />
seriousness of bullying today. Dosomething.org is an excellent <br />
<br />
resource for teens who need support. My character Starla had a <br />
<br />
good support system otherwise she may have needed to check it <br />
<br />
To learn more about TC Booth or to purchase her books, please visit:<br />
<br />
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/TCBooth<br />
<br />
Website http://www.tcbooth.com<br />
<br />
Twitter handle: @BoothTammi<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9qgQgsb4wHgAruGw2s8n4X-22HJo-Fsr03ASA-9QEctSyDCtuNU1XtaoYb9fqtSdE5JtLW1Eal9ENNb8sAloSADqaxG-W5-Z6biB2FznF9m4zbVSgMgJdkqSGWfhyphenhyphenpGYCYauvVu1_Es/s1600/TCBoothPost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9qgQgsb4wHgAruGw2s8n4X-22HJo-Fsr03ASA-9QEctSyDCtuNU1XtaoYb9fqtSdE5JtLW1Eal9ENNb8sAloSADqaxG-W5-Z6biB2FznF9m4zbVSgMgJdkqSGWfhyphenhyphenpGYCYauvVu1_Es/s400/TCBoothPost.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-42405659817112988102015-10-09T12:37:00.001-07:002015-10-09T12:37:54.373-07:00FantasyCon Mini-Interview with Justine Manzano <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOERjsyV3XkdSEVaQlkFA1mDUCHPq8dVttrEYP39GXU5KdjkjzNXHTRrlTAu75xp_WD81ERG4gILG9dx25K9ntCCyCKLj2MuW3iUZVqADdxm0367iEAwbvbCVnoIUbQjhcQSYfWnGwKs/s1600/Flier+with+link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOERjsyV3XkdSEVaQlkFA1mDUCHPq8dVttrEYP39GXU5KdjkjzNXHTRrlTAu75xp_WD81ERG4gILG9dx25K9ntCCyCKLj2MuW3iUZVqADdxm0367iEAwbvbCVnoIUbQjhcQSYfWnGwKs/s640/Flier+with+link.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A FantasyCon Mini-Interview with Justine Manzano, not to be confused with Megan who you all met yesterday. Justine is a Reader, Blogger and Author, and I think these ladies might be sisters. If so, they are a talented family. <br />
<br />
Q: Are you a Reader, Author, Blogger, or Artist? <br />
<br />
A: Reader, Author, and Blogger. As for art, I'm strictly a stick figure gal. <br />
<br />
Q: What first drew you to fantasy? <br />
<br />
A: I love to escape. The real world can be difficult. The challenges can wear you down. But in fantasy, the challenges can be overcome with a little bit of magic, a little twist in the way the world is perceived, a little bit of strength you wouldn't normally have. I love fantasy because with it we have the opportunity to explore things we never would have the chance to in our regular lives. Things we couldn't even dream of. I was a fantasy fan before I even understood what it was. I just loved making things up that could never possibly happen. <br />
<br />
Q: If you were trapped in a fantasy realm with no escape, where would you want to be and who would you want to be your best friend? <br />
<br />
A: Does it have to be an existing realm, or can it be one I've made up? Something with unicorns and phoenixes and elves, where nobody is strange and everybody is accepted. Katniss would be a helpful hunter, I suppose. <br />
<br />
Q: Have you written any stories? If so, please tell us about them. <br />
<br />
A: The Order of the Key, my YA Contemporary Fantasy is due for release in 2016. It follows a girl, Jacklyn Madison, as she joins an organization designed to defend people from inter-dimensional creatures and close rifts between dimensions. However, that organization is not what it seems, and Jacklyn finds herself becoming a weapon in a battle for leadership between the group's leader and her idealistic son.<br />
<br />
The Order of the Key is Book 1 of the Keys & Guardians series. I am currently outlining Book 2 and have plans for the story to span 6 books. <br />
<br />
For more information on Keys & Guardians, as well as my other various projects, like my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/justinemanzanoauthor<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ2FC3xY8ty_dJC8UUpzz6YTQeMHyeKVal9vfrfRooZ-8MayBpC1YmQGm213lAoqCfTohyphenhyphenubKKaVU5neHw6YA89e-qu_wxIfd9xPxGNUaNSgR87n_pQaYHNJeoxjKSQHSkvS3zJP1mv0/s1600/12049469_10207656550913096_9063275700241630369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQ2FC3xY8ty_dJC8UUpzz6YTQeMHyeKVal9vfrfRooZ-8MayBpC1YmQGm213lAoqCfTohyphenhyphenubKKaVU5neHw6YA89e-qu_wxIfd9xPxGNUaNSgR87n_pQaYHNJeoxjKSQHSkvS3zJP1mv0/s400/12049469_10207656550913096_9063275700241630369_n.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-8173131188601765602015-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-12T00:00:00.835-07:00Welcome to Rave Reviews Book Club's "SPOTLIGHT" Author Blog Tour with"SPOTLIGHT" Author, Peggy Hattendorf!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPbaHaYaK5s0i_xHhtSKj561xOlTqNU7jH0JbyxHVu4zmjzoNZOSEfPH1SCe7Kq0urDXEgrEVgkipP4JVdbleHy0_XGFbBAlrlbhsaJAEC8wwPps2gnYEmxAeQXuIjxLCBSOEHv-mw00/s1600/Peggy+Hattendorf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPbaHaYaK5s0i_xHhtSKj561xOlTqNU7jH0JbyxHVu4zmjzoNZOSEfPH1SCe7Kq0urDXEgrEVgkipP4JVdbleHy0_XGFbBAlrlbhsaJAEC8wwPps2gnYEmxAeQXuIjxLCBSOEHv-mw00/s400/Peggy+Hattendorf.png" /></a></div><br />
How Did I Decide To Write My Book?<br />
Blog<br />
<br />
The notion of writing a book started about nine years ago with a concept of a beautiful and wealthy young woman who flitted around the world socializing in the circles of the international elite from the worlds of business, politics, sports, fashion etc. She was the “jet setting” consummate “party girl.” As I continued to conceptualize my intended protagonist – the character fell flat and I couldn’t break through and write about her seemingly frivolous existence. She was shallow and one dimensional. <br />
<br />
The idea of writing a novel was shelved for a long time, as I surmised if I was bored with the character my potential readers too would lose interest. I still brainstormed ideas – but I couldn’t write through my blockages. Frustrated and fraught with self doubt, I figured the whole book writing process best be left to highly creative individuals. <br />
<br />
But I was still motivated and something continued to gnaw at me – providing a glimmer of hope that maybe this wasn’t just a pipe-dream or unrealistic pursuit.<br />
<br />
It was still long in coming but finally I had the striking realization - to recast my main character. While not abandoning the idea of a female lead, diligently I set out to craft the character with more depth and substance. She would be armed with a pedigree education starting in Swiss boarding school and culminating with advanced degrees from Harvard and Wharton. A step into the business world brought her to the family founded multi-national worldwide conglomerate, Barrington Holdings International. Groomed for this since she was a small child – it was all she ever knew. As the only child of Elizabeth Matthews Barrington and Jonathan Robert Barrington, she’s the presumed heir apparent. With a defining career in the makings, she labors with the tensions and discord of the contentious relationship with her father. Jonathan as the antagonist provides the perfect counterpoint. This entangled relationship spills over into her personal life as well as she continues not only to meet but exceed all his expectations. For the first time, I gave my character her name - Christiana Lynn Barrington.<br />
<br />
This was pivotal in deciding to write – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty. From that point forward, characters and storyline started to be defined and the book was formulated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXJNJf0jhbHHrIytPGOn2_JZOd_3JByyx5iA-FCbNI_eFvywOJRXcfSo8j9q_bl_Hi-qj2Xx7yFuKOLzsG0Gm9h3tVWu8dzPyDz-oevutqikE6dYvRd80D8pCEDpMauW2HRGaqtmvaDQ/s1600/Son+of+My+Father.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXJNJf0jhbHHrIytPGOn2_JZOd_3JByyx5iA-FCbNI_eFvywOJRXcfSo8j9q_bl_Hi-qj2Xx7yFuKOLzsG0Gm9h3tVWu8dzPyDz-oevutqikE6dYvRd80D8pCEDpMauW2HRGaqtmvaDQ/s400/Son+of+My+Father.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I welcome your comments or questions and am reachable at: <br />
Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com <br />
Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty <br />
Travel Editor – hers Magazine<br />
<br />
<br />
Author Bio:<br />
Peggy’s earlier careers helped cultivate and enrich her interest in writing. In her executive positions in the non-profit field, she had the opportunity to compose technical and operational handbooks for staff and volunteers for a number of name recognized organizations. Her management experience guided her to a multi-decade second career in the travel industry highlighted with the co-founding of a nationwide marketing consortium and independent contractor network. With over 5000 members, generating $180 million in annual sales, she wrote daily travel updates and news briefs distributed electronically to the membership. Today, she maintains an ambitious travel schedule and is the Travel Editor for hers Magazine where she writes travel feature articles and Hotel Review blog posts. In addition, she still serves on a number on non-profit boards. Her background with upscale and luxury travel products served as cornerstones in the character development and storyline of her first novel – “Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty.” She is currently working on her second book.<br />
<br />
<br />
Author Contact:<br />
Twitter: @peggyhattendorf<br />
Facebook: www.facebook.com/peggy.hattendorf<br />
Website: www.peggyhattendorf.com <br />
Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-43265694935462732062015-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-26T00:00:00.942-07:00RRBC June Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week with my guest Harmony Kent by Nancy M Bell <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyQF5eRrYenKDFFYhQDRBTQSAPjJKW_Cwd6hdScJxvL6LbM1hkene9lRSIkktWr1mKD3cQjYcb3-8-gJ4RujMcEbturz1G0CZUmyD5vM0-BTejH8Vz0EQlZ7XB5i6xPMEusMXK3VqD7A/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyQF5eRrYenKDFFYhQDRBTQSAPjJKW_Cwd6hdScJxvL6LbM1hkene9lRSIkktWr1mKD3cQjYcb3-8-gJ4RujMcEbturz1G0CZUmyD5vM0-BTejH8Vz0EQlZ7XB5i6xPMEusMXK3VqD7A/s400/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Welcome Harmony! Please share a bit about yourself.<br />
<br />
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Indie Author Harmony Kent has written a number of books. The Battle for Brisingamen, her first novel, is a work of fantasy fiction and was approved by Awesome Indies within weeks of its release. Her second book, The Glade shows her equally at home in the realms of mystery, suspense and thriller – with a dash of magical realism. This book has also been approved for the Awesome Indies List. The Glade was awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion in July 2014. Harmony’s third book (Elemental Earth) is Young Adult Fantasy Fiction, and was published 31st July 2014. With more books already in progress, she is well on her way to being a firmly established multi genre author. As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal and beta reading services. As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. <br />
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Well, that’s the official biography … Harmony also has violent tendencies and forced me to add a not quite so official version …<br />
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Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She lives in rural Cornwall with her ever present sense of humour and quirky neighbours. She is single and not admitting to her age.<br />
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Here are ten things she thinks you ought to know about her …<br />
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Born in 2013 (at least the author was …)<br />
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Really boring<br />
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Has absolutely no sense of humour<br />
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Biographer is a compulsive liar<br />
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Reads … a lot<br />
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Writes … even more<br />
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Completely sane(in)<br />
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Neighbours are nuts<br />
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If you’re feeling extra brave she’s around<br />
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Online …<br />
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Harmony is the author of some great books. Check them out right here!<br />
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Slices of Soul<br />
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Slices of Soul is a collection of contemporary poetry from author Harmony Kent that will both delight and call for deeper reflection. ‘Phantoms’ gives a gritty account of pain that you can never catch. ‘Enough’ expresses the contentment of Zen. ‘Diamonds’ shows the beauty to be found on a drab and rainy day. While ‘The Alchemist’ shows you how a guitar can turn lead into gold. This wonderful arrangement of fifty poems takes you from the abstract of Zen to the melody of music, and will reach into your mind, your heart, and your soul.<br />
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Finding Katie Check out the <a href="https://youtu.be/pgujIWZlxJE">trailer</a>!<br />
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I killed someone, you see. I killed the girl, who used to be me. <br />
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I’m Kate … Kate Charlesworth. I’m seventeen, and self-harming. This time I cut too deep, and I’m in hospital. I hadn’t meant for it to be so bad—it just sort of happened. I needed a lot of distraction that day. <br />
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You’ve had bad days, right? Days it hurts too much to think. Days you just wanna stay in bed. Days when the world needs to go away for a while. Right?<br />
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What do you do when you’ve hit rock bottom? When there’s nowhere left to turn? <br />
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This one little mistake lands me back on a psych unit—the last place I wanna be. Only this time, the nurse I end up with isn’t content to stick on a band-aid and send me home. She wants me to face my demons. But to do that, I’ll have to face who I am … who I used to be … I’ll have to find Katie.<br />
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Polish Your Prose<br />
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Polish Your Prose is a powerful new guide that gives essential editing tips for authors. Lots of books have been written on the art of writing, and here—at last—is a guide that will teach you the essential techniques of editing your own book. This will help you turn a promising manuscript into a published novel. And, it does this without the jargon. You don’t need to know all the grammatical terms in order to make use of this book. You don’t need to know the definition of a split infinitive, a comma splice, or a ‘to be’ verb, as this manual explains these in detail in easy to understand terms, and a lively and engaging style. <br />
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Chapters on Passive Writing, Tense, Point of View, Dialogue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an editor would go through to polish and perfect your manuscript. Good writing is nothing without good editing. Learn the secrets of good editing and writing with this essential author reference, which offers so much more for so much less. <br />
Harmony Kent is an award winning author, and accomplished editor and proofreader. Her passion is helping Indie Authors to successfully achieve their goals and dreams.<br />
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The Glade See the <a href="https://youtu.be/pgujIWZlxJE">trailer</a>!<br />
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ou are being arrested for the murder of your husband…You have a secret you can’t tell…The evil is gathering…<br />
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The Wenstrops have it all: health, wealth and happiness. But then it all begins to fall apart. Helen is arrested for murder, yet is either unable or unwilling to give a defence. During her detention, vital evidence goes mysteriously missing and tensions are running high. Helen finds herself surrounded and yet alone: not knowing who she can trust or how she can tell her enemies from her friends. Helen has to work through her self-doubts and fears, in order to know whether her suspicions and misgivings are valid or simply products of an overwrought mind. There are those who would like to encourage her confusion, and those who would help her – but how to know one from the other? And then there are those who actively mean her harm. Meanwhile, malignant forces in the forest are gathering power, ready for a final assault. Helen finds herself in a battle of life and death, and faces having to lose everything in her attempts to thwart the evil that has insinuated itself into her very existence – but is she ready to make the ultimate sacrifice? <br />
This sensational second novel by acclaimed author Harmony Kent will have you alternately laughing, crying and gripping the edge of your seat as this roller coaster ride of a plot unfolds. It will keep you guessing through its many twists and turns, and hijack your attention right up until you turn the final page. This book has it all: murder, intrigue, the supernatural, a broken marriage, a love affair, courage against impossible odds, suspense, and high drama.<br />
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Elemental Earth<br />
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“You turned the god of gnomes into a garden ornament?” <br />
Sarah looked closely, but couldn’t tell if her dad was annoyed or amused—perhaps he was both … <br />
Whilst 15 year old Sarah may be struggling to regain her feet, after being ripped from her everyday mundane life and ending up in a whole new dimension, she still knows how to have a bit of fun along the way. The Earth Elemental isn’t the only one whose feathers she manages to ruffle, and it’s only been four days. Meanwhile, her best friend is missing, and big trouble is brewing. She soon has a lot more to worry about than what happened to her phone or iPod, or even how much of an idiot Caleb obviously thinks she is. <br />
Elemental Earth is the first book in The Mysteries series, and is aimed at Young Adults. Even if you’ve already reached an age where the young ones might call you ‘old enough’, if you’re still young at heart then you’re bound to enjoy these books just as much as the next—err—younger adult. <br />
Age aside, perhaps we should be more worried about what further havoc Sarah’s antics might be about to wreak on the universe as we know it? We’d probably all be sleeping a lot more soundly if she’d only stuck to applied maths and the odd pillow fight. But no, sadly the lure of the proverbial rabbit hole proved just a tad too much. And now she’s taken the plunge, there’s no turning back.<br />
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You’ll have to wait until you’re 16 to read Harmony’s other two books: The Battle for Brisingamen and The Glade. In the meantime, you can occupy yourself with the second book in this series: Air-Born (The Mysteries: Book 2). Coming soon.<br />
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The Battle For Brisingamen<br />
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here is a World not too Far Away …<br />
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Beneath the north sea a land of magic lies undetected. The lives of many are drawn inexorably closer together in a race against time, as both energy companies and evil beings attempt to destroy the magic which is protecting not just this land but all worlds. The unwitting protagonists have no idea of how suddenly and irrevocably their lives are about to change.<br />
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It is a race against time to try and recover the lost necklace, Brisingamen, which holds the ancient power of the Goddess Freya, and to prevent the undersea drilling from taking place. Are Aart, Matthias, Gemma and Dirck up to the challenges they now must face?<br />
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Here there be Dragons, and all manner of Creatures …<br />
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You can find Harmony on her <a href="http://harmonykent.co.uk">website</a>, on <a href="http://facebook.com/harmonykentonline">Facebook</a> and follow her on Twitter @harmony_kent<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-67340123676700928752015-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-24T00:00:04.585-07:00RRBC June Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week with my guest Carl Stevens by Nancy M Bell<br />
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Welcome to Come Walk With Me, Carl. It's very nice to have you come and visit. Please tell us a bit about yourself.<br />
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Jack London lamented that he had spent his life as a working class intellectual rubbing shoulders with the underprivileged on tramp steamers, in gold mining camps, on wharves and in warehouses while reading extensively and writing books of serious social and philosophical merit only to be renowned for writing about dogs. It irked him yet inspired me decades later. Eighteen-wheelers, psych wards, factory floors and the halls of academia and corporate America may not be perfect matches to London’s, but they have all been part of my own working class adventures. I have lived in numerous careers the fiction that each was intrinsically important while in fact each was merely research for the role of Carl Stevens, Writer. <br />
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Professor-in-training (in three fields so far, philosophy, history and psychology), nurse in a psychiatric facility, long-haul truck driver, security guard, waiter, bartender, clerical worker, manual laborer, engineer - they were all facades I presented while my true life’s work went on behind the scenes, reading and writing and incorporating life experience with the scholarly to create the self-identity that is now creating novels.<br />
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Four novels speak for the success of this creative self-identity. If a hundred years from now people neglect the layers of substance and only praise my exciting tales of humor and adventure and if I am still alive, then I will be proud to have failed like Jack.<br />
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Speaking of his work, Carl says:<br />
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I wanted to write a classic regular folks would actually read. I wanted to write an adventure academics would find resonant with meaning. You tell me how well I did.<br />
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Below is some information about Carl's books. You can find them on Amazon.com<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Fool-Carl-Stevens-ebook/dp/B00AAW9YG4/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">The Time Travelers Fool</a><br />
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In a dialogue over six days between a psychiatrist and a man claiming to be a time traveler you decide if he is a lunatic, a time traveler, a murderer, a victim, all of the above or none. Start reading convinced that he is insane and end satisfied that you were right all along. Start reading convinced that he travels through time and end satisfied that you were right all along. Then begin the endless discussion with yourself or others about how both readings can be right or must be wrong.<br />
Whoever he may be he is an articulate weaver of tales hilarious and horrible which include writing love poetry in the body of a shepherd boy wooing his first love, leading a small group of would-be legionaries in the body of a commander who has gotten them into a royal mess in the desert, fleeing a lynch mob in the body of a slave who may have been better off before a helping hand (or mind) and much more.<br />
The Time Traveler's Fool is a rollicking good read but the reader who cares to dig deeper will also find serious literary themes of reality, perception, identity and the unintended consequences of good deeds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charging-Bull-Terry-County-ebook/dp/B00DPJNNE8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">The Charging Bull of Terry County<br />
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Bicentennial Day for America is going to be a long one for LarryTreegarden. There’s a fifth of Southern Comfort to kill before noon. There’s all the memory other people won’t let the fifth kill off. The woman who’s divorced him three times wants to talk. His older son wants to publish Granddad’s Civil War Journal. Everyone wants to talk war history with a World War II vet. The mayor wants Larry’s crane to lift the statue of a fictional hero into place in time for the fireworks. The only person not bothering him is his younger son shipped home from Viet Nam and resting for five years under a plain flat stone on the edge of town. This day will resonate with history – of one person, of one family, of one nation shaped by war– and all Larry wants is a little peace.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Merlin-Sherlock-Merry-Mysteries-Thaddeus-ebook/dp/B00JLRNLKO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">The Call Me Merlin Sherlock</a><br />
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Everything you thought you knew about sex, society and family is wrong and once you’ve stopped laughing at the 182 year old wizard who looks like a 26 year old kid, you might just realize you’ve learned something -- something more than whodunnit in the latest merry mystery of Thaddeus and Melda. <br />
They Call Me Merlin Sherlock is Thaddeus’ lament and an attempt to convert his fellow wizards from mockery of to admiration for his application of wizard’s lore to such mundane endeavors as the recovery of an English baronet’s stolen tea pot valued at half a million pounds. Along the way he acquires a skeptical American assistant and they meet enough English eccentrics to fill a loony bin or a conference of wizard’s, if anyone can tell the difference.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canterbury-Tales-Neverland-Carl-Stevens-ebook/dp/B009NGPF9I/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">The Canterbury Tales In Neverland</a><br />
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THE CANTERBURY TALES IN NEVERLAND makes a post-apocalyptic detective thriller resonate with literary history and ask what it means to be well-read . . .and to get the joke. This is a post-apocalyptic mystery wherein the detective's need for hard facts clashes with a culture's need to reinvent itself on the ever shifting sands of story telling. There are two main stories. In one, Jackson Thomas, a former mayor of a small town known as The Ville, is trying to avoid being stoned to death on false charges of conspiracy to incite riot and murder. He is hampered by being under arrest and dependent on a friend to wear out shoe leather poking into what really happened. Meanwhile Jackson's son and several of the son's friends have all talked themselves into believing that the wisest solution to Jackson's dilemma is to trek across a hostile landscape in search of angels and a miracle. Both stories work on multiple levels. They are each an adventure on their own, a detective thriller in town, a road trip through chaos in the wilds. They are also each a metaphor for the epistemological quandries of story telling. Jackson is trying to find his way through a dark woods of conflicting witness accounts. His son and fellow travellers are finding their way through a physical wilderness while sharing with each other the stories which make up their culture . . .and enough puns to choke The Bard.<br />
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You can find Carl on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carl.stevens.1069">Facebook</a> and visit his <a href="http://www.carlstevenswriter.com">webpage/blog</a>. Follow Carl on Twitter @carlstevenswrit<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-91988175768237647102015-06-22T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-22T00:00:01.971-07:00RRBC June Bethany Turner Play It Forward Week with my guest Rhani D'Chae by Nancy M Bell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s640/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
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Rhani D'Chae lives in Tacoma, Washington, and has set the majority of her writing projects in the Pacific Northwest. Rhani D'Chae has always been an avid reader and began writing in her early teens. Her first 'novel' was a Star Trek adventure that she freely admits was a disaster but she learned from it and never stopped writing. Shadow of the Drill is her first published novel, and is the first in a series that revolves around an unrepentant enforcer and the violent life that he leads. <br />
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She enjoys chatting with readers and fellow writers via Social Networking sites, and loves getting comments and other input from those who have read her work. She is on Facebook, and also on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/rhanidchae">@rhanidchae</a>. Ms. D'Chae is currently working on Winter of the Drill and hopes to have it completed by early 2015.<br />
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Rhani's latest novel, Shadow of the Drill is receiving rave reviews on Amazon. Here's a bit about Shadow of the Drill.<br />
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A brutal experience transforms an unproven young tough into a ruthless killing machine. For fifteen years he waited, building his body into an unstoppable weapon so that vengeance would be had through the strength of his will and the power of his hands. <br />
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On the bloodstained streets of a northwestern city the enforcer known as the Drill stalks his prey. Judge, jury, and executioner; he seeks out those who target the weak and the vulnerable, condemning them to the kind of justice that has made him a legend.<br />
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Here are a few snippets from the reviews to whet your whistle:<br />
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There’s only one word I can use to describe Rhani D’Chae’s writing of SHADOW OF THE DRILL and that word is… WOW!!! There was a time when I could honestly say that the majority of the reads I was picking up, were just poorly written pieces of junk. Based on the masterpieces that I now have listed on my page here, I am feeling my luck turn around in the Indie Read department, and it seems, each book gets better and better and better. TruthBTold Amazon.com<br />
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Shadow of the Drill had me hooked from the first page, right through to the very last. I hated when I had to put it down.<br />
M Abbott Amazon.com<br />
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You can find Rhani D'Chae on <a href="https://m.facebook.com/rhani.dchae">Facebook</a> and on her <a href="https://rhanidchae.wordpress.com/">blog</a>.<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com6Calgary, AB, Canada51.0486151 -114.070845950.7289356 -114.7162929 51.3682946 -113.42539889999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-81714788875621412172015-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:002015-05-29T00:00:02.384-07:00Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Author Traci Saunders <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLDadKsfkzdvMeXUcxTGFxsTuPW2p5fyCZy7X8n5jNkYb0abLGqNid1oN0u3pYcZP-K2AS8QB-oNZCPRPXcYlywf6tt0iEMwZjh3An_Xk0gpVrQAxc-xhfYH7GsBraPRUDguzq7CciT4/s400/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
A big welcome to Traci Saunders, today's Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Author.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcQ2Y8LyE4z2r3isvNuC6_SdyGGJFtlMCtpjeXBOvAirKv_Qa46MTv3DHh3zl4hCi2VL0M33etS1Em9XT7QHExd-KmzNXRPV93gxUvEJnDX4SJfFAKQ6Xb445X4Wt_KezQo0chswh6aY/s1600/headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcQ2Y8LyE4z2r3isvNuC6_SdyGGJFtlMCtpjeXBOvAirKv_Qa46MTv3DHh3zl4hCi2VL0M33etS1Em9XT7QHExd-KmzNXRPV93gxUvEJnDX4SJfFAKQ6Xb445X4Wt_KezQo0chswh6aY/s400/headshot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Let's find out a bit about Traci - in her own words:<br />
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Author and mother of three, Traci Sanders has been composing poetry, songs, and children’s stories since the young age of ten. In 2003, she opened her home to young children in her community offering “beyond the basics” teachings. In 2008, she was recognized by the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency as Family Childcare Provider of the Year and was featured in two local newspapers.<br />
In 2010, she furthered her education by earning her Child Development Associates degree and was a recipient of the FIRST (First Incentive for Raising Standards among Teachers) Award presented by the Child Care Commissioner of her state. She continues to shape the young minds of the future through her home-based childcare program. Her daily interactions with these children provide constant inspiration for her writing and she plans to continue on this path until her story has reached “The End.”<br />
Her first book was published in January 2013 titled ‘Welcome to “Poop Camp”: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth about Potty Training’. She released her first children’s book about family child care in May 2013.<br />
To date, Traci has published five books, including her latest foray into adult fiction titled, ‘When Darkness Breaks’. She is an avid reader and writer, and finds inspiration all around her.<br />
Currently Traci is writing her second adult novel, a light paranormal romance, titled ‘UNSEVERED’.<br />
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Let's check out Traci's work, shall we?<br />
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Little Sponges<br />
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Whether you are a stay-home parent striving to prepare your child for preschool, or an early childhood professional who needs a boost in creativity; you will find a multitude of ideas and resources in this book to ensure your child receives the right start before entering the school environment.<br />
In this book, Sanders provides a host of ideas for hands-on activities to enjoy with your child in teaching them all of the basic concepts – shapes, colors, letters, and numbers.<br />
Your child will master these concepts very quickly through the songs/fingerplays, art/craft ideas, and the step-by-step instructions that Sanders offers.<br />
Children’s brains are like little sponges. There is no limit to how much knowledge they can soak in, but it is the job of caring adults around them to ensure that no important information falls through the holes.<br />
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Right At Home<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AN08Zi9e-CnK9lsjVq9mTSkwHpdcjqd-H0VUpwBu0hJViZ4iJb_9cNYrCOh7vOLuoLq8kFad3T1j4J-x_7Zt4sx-CtBRZ1ODbqc-rjpXEnxkTzFDgCgv3RnQI4bbeYW9vfHxsjOT1Q/s1600/RightAtHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AN08Zi9e-CnK9lsjVq9mTSkwHpdcjqd-H0VUpwBu0hJViZ4iJb_9cNYrCOh7vOLuoLq8kFad3T1j4J-x_7Zt4sx-CtBRZ1ODbqc-rjpXEnxkTzFDgCgv3RnQI4bbeYW9vfHxsjOT1Q/s320/RightAtHome.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Every parent, at some point, is faced with the need for some type of child care. Whether it’s hiring a nanny, leaving your child in the care of a family member or friend, or enrolling them in a child care setting.<br />
With more than twenty years of experience in various arenas of child care, Traci Sanders shares her knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of environment to allow parents to make an informed decision about where to place their child for care.<br />
In this book she reveals:<br />
*All the options for child care explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each one.<br />
*The three most important S’s in choosing a child care setting.<br />
*What type of daily schedule a parent should expect their child to have from birth to twelve years and includes suggestions for age-appropriate toys, materials, and activities.<br />
*The top twenty questions a parent should ask ANY caregiver when interviewing.<br />
*The top twenty things child care providers wish parents knew.<br />
*Strategies to make the right decision for the location and price of your child care setting.<br />
*Ways to build a relationship with your child care provider to ensure your child’s needs are met and your concerns are addressed.<br />
*How to ease the transition for you and your child into a new care setting.<br />
Making the decision to leave your child in someone else’s care is never an easy one but with the strategies and tips found in this book, you can at least make an informed decision.<br />
Take back your power as a parent and make the RIGHT choice for your child.<br />
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When Darkness Breaks<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq1_OSUpPi0DQ5eQT2iRvsn65MSAfLUcQCzM4CsPHf3I99vHlnQYufgcaUMKZlASF2OB0Qof0p7OwhzWvfPfKNvqFNJ2AcCeSCEEZJnxN3zeKvbG4A1NPMT6BVqk9dHB4ElE-pARpFWw/s1600/cover-Darkness-3D-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq1_OSUpPi0DQ5eQT2iRvsn65MSAfLUcQCzM4CsPHf3I99vHlnQYufgcaUMKZlASF2OB0Qof0p7OwhzWvfPfKNvqFNJ2AcCeSCEEZJnxN3zeKvbG4A1NPMT6BVqk9dHB4ElE-pARpFWw/s320/cover-Darkness-3D-225x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Local news anchor, Amber Woods, seemed to have it all – a thriving career, two beautiful children, and a doting husband named Drake. Life was perfect…until her world was turned upside down in one fateful night. While the incident causes Amber to renew her priorities; unable to deal with what happened, Drake begins sinking into a deep depression laced with infidelity and alcohol.<br />
Hoping a change of scenery will salvage her quickly deteriorating marriage, Amber agrees that a move to New York may be just what they need. Unfortunately, she quickly discovers that you can’t outrun your problems and the past is not always left in the past.<br />
Can Amber save her marriage without losing herself along the way? What will she do when darkness breaks her will to keep trying?<br />
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Welcome to Poop Camp<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhKzjmVCU3x8N2ZqpCKFb0iF0lDQVfOtOjYvL2e0Ihfj_JEJd_H5LT1R3VOC03mWAzu9zlhLEx8J2eIohnWbhP3OnNi_yqDnLoS4aOPIGapO3CGG_8WuMrqNEQwcmY6cZFhlpkvYdpm8/s1600/PoopCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhKzjmVCU3x8N2ZqpCKFb0iF0lDQVfOtOjYvL2e0Ihfj_JEJd_H5LT1R3VOC03mWAzu9zlhLEx8J2eIohnWbhP3OnNi_yqDnLoS4aOPIGapO3CGG_8WuMrqNEQwcmY6cZFhlpkvYdpm8/s320/PoopCamp.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, there are hundreds of books on potty training available on Amazon and you feel as though you have read them all. So why should you spend your valuable time and money on one more? Here are a few reasons:<br />
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*Most potty training guides on the market are either written by a child psychologist, a stay-home parent, or a pediatrician who has physically had a hand in potty training their own children and maybe a couple more at best.<br />
This book is written by a seasoned family child care professional who has successfully potty trained MORE THAN THIRTY children in her career, encountering practically every scenario that can arise during the process – training boys, girls, and even twins; training older and resistant children, and even dealing with issues such as a child with-holding urine or BM.<br />
*The author has excellent parental testimonials to back up her stated results and offers a direct email address to allow readers to contact her with specific questions or concerns about the process.<br />
*The author offers one particular potty training secret that will most likely not be found in any other potty training manual on the market. This one simple trick makes the process less messy and produces rapid results.<br />
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Potty training really can feel like boot camp, but if you follow the steps laid out in this book, you will begin to see results almost immediately. Some of these answers can be found practically anywhere you search on the internet, but why waste all that time and energy when you have a proven method to follow here in this short, easy-to-read guide?<br />
“Here’s wishing you much success and many less diapers!”<br />
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Just Like Home<br />
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Whether she is baking cupcakes with her child care provider, Ms. Christy, or playing in the dirt with her best friend; three year old Abby is always having fun and learning something new at her family child care home. What adventure will she have today?<br />
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Traci also writes poetry. Take a peek <a href="http://awordwithtraci.com/category/my-poetry/">here</a>.<br />
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To find out more about this talented author, please visit Traci's website, <a href="http://awordwithtraci.com/">A Word With Traci</a>.<br />
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Follow her on twitter @tmsanders2014 and @tlckids4915<br />
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If you like what you're seeing, please consider joining us at <a href="https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/">Rave Reviews Book Club</a>. Authors supporting authors.<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-38570199285506185352015-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002015-05-27T00:00:00.905-07:00Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Author Robin Chambers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJwVE3h-e6mRBdN2UGGGTPSWuev9riJBsIAYUUSXiHAgplO-fwkKGwNycGaw4V234ZamtJa4fNSNq-ePOp0HfpUL9W4MMjjCy2Rkd7-KrY8gKd3-yjuSILcZ4UJ1gCfXWeI_s6FaRVI4/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJwVE3h-e6mRBdN2UGGGTPSWuev9riJBsIAYUUSXiHAgplO-fwkKGwNycGaw4V234ZamtJa4fNSNq-ePOp0HfpUL9W4MMjjCy2Rkd7-KrY8gKd3-yjuSILcZ4UJ1gCfXWeI_s6FaRVI4/s400/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Please welcome Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Special Author Robin Chambers. <br />
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My guest is a bit shy, but I did manage to find this picture of him!<br />
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Let's get to know Robin a bit better. In his own words:<br />
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I was born a long time ago, in the middle of the Second World War, a few hundred yards from Gladstone Dock - then the biggest dry dock in the world, and a prime target for the German bombers. The Liverpool Overhead Railway started from there, and ran all the way to the Pier Head.<br />
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My mum and I lived at 126 Knowsley Rd. For two years we must have had each other for close company most of the time. My dad lived there too, but not until he came home from the war. My brother lived there as well, of course, but he didn't come along until 1945...<br />
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I mention these facts because they have had a major bearing on my life.<br />
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My final year at Bootle Grammar School for Boys provided me with another formative memory. There was some joint occasion held at the Girls' Grammar School one evening that required me to stride around importantly in my little gown keeping my troop of prefects and (knowing me) everyone else in order. A girl I'd never seen before walked up to me and asked me my name. I probably arched my eyebrows as I told her and watched a look of profound disappointment cross her face. "Oh," she said. "You're not a bit like I imagined."<br />
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I hadn't known before that that I had been "imagined" by anyone.<br />
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I plodded on through University as well - as far as I know the first person in my family ever to do so: getting a good Honours degree in English at London University (plodding into the top 20 of 400 or so English graduates in 1964) and then spending another three years on a Ph.D. ploddingly entitled "Chaucer's Poetic Uses of his Native Vocabulary".<br />
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The grant ran out in 1967, and my Ph.D. was so massive I needed another year to finish it. What to do?<br />
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In those days you could walk straight into secondary school teaching without having a teaching qualification. Comprehensive schools had just come about, and Dunraven School in Streatham needed a suitably (i.e. academically) qualified "teacher" to take their new 'A' level English class (and of course a whole heap of other classes as well. I needed a part-time job, and they needed a .9 teacher (i.e. 4½ days out of the 5 day week). "I can do that," I thought, with the blissful naivety of total ignorance. "I'll have the evenings, and the weekends..." It's embarrassing to think of that summer in 1967 and wonder how I could have had the gall. Even more than that, how could they have let me do it?!<br />
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For a brief period in the early seventies, while I was Head of English at Hackney Downs School, I had tried my hand at writing stories. I won't say too much here about how that came about; but if you'd like to know, click on My Blogs at the top of the Homepage and read the one entitled "Was that True?" I had been successful enough at it to make me think that I should give it a serious go sometime, once I had retired from my all-consuming profession.<br />
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I did the sums and discovered that I could retire on a full pension in the summer of 1993 at the age of 51. I had been in the profession just 25 years, but with that ten year enhancement I had 40 years and 19 days of pensionable service to my credit. It was an offer I couldn't refuse.<br />
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So why didn't I start writing for children again, when I got my life back in the 1990s? Because, as so often happens, other events intervened. I won't go into detail here and now; but if you'd like to know a little more about what happened between 1993 and 2011, click on My Blogs at the top of the Homepage and read the one entitled "Finally Getting Round to it."<br />
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I finally got round to writing again for children 17½ years after retiring from teaching in order to be able to do so. Between January 2011 and October 2012, I wrote pretty much eight hours a day, seven days a week. The first four books in the Myrddin's Heir series emerged...<br />
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Okay, let's take a look at some of Robin's wonderful books, shall we?<br />
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Myrddin's Heir<br />
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Blurb for Myrddin's Heir<br />
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“Gordon Bennett was born on 7th August 1999 with extraordinary powers. Where have those powers come from? Who – or what - is “Zack”...? His mother begins to notice that Gordon is different when he speaks his first words at just 5 months old and that's before the really strange things begin to happen! <br />
Fun, refreshing and certainly different, A Wizard Of Dreams is Book 1 in The Myrddin’s Heir series by author Robin Chambers. Written at a quick, entertaining pace it’s a potent blend of magical intrigue and adventure and whilst the theme is familiar, Chambers has a unique style of writing that sets his work apart. Much more than a trite fantasy plotline his young protagonist is defined in a realistic and empathetic way that pulls the reader through the story with him, and when Gordon interacts with Zack there is always much to be taken from these well observed exchanges. With well-defined characters, Chambers demonstrates a meticulous eye for detail that makes them instantly identifiable and whilst some are more endearing than others they are all very memorable. Each captured with a distinctive tenor that adds greatly to the thematic undertones of his tale. A tale that not only entertains, but encourages thought and timely reflection. <br />
Original and highly engrossing, A Wizard Of Dreams is a wonderful read throughout and sets the tone for a series that undoubtedly deserves your attention. It is highly recommended.” <br />
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Amazing Grace<br />
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“Amazing Grace” chronicles the way in which a girl born on 25th December 1998 plays an increasingly important part in Gordon’s life (and he in hers). Grace can read minds, and she has healing hands... <br />
<br />
Could her father really have been a God? How can she have two mums? And what has the most powerful wizard our world has ever known to do with all this? <br />
<br />
The answer lies in the Land of the Forever Young (and of the Dead); but they can only get there by leaving their bodies behind... <br />
<br />
How will Gordon’s parents react when he tells them the whole truth? How important in the scheme of things are their best friends Nick and Miranda? And quite importantly: how can the four of them help YOU to write really good stories...? <br />
<br />
Can the clock be turned both backwards and forwards? And can their guardian angels help Gordon’s dad catch a serial killer...? <br />
<br />
Book 2 ends on 27th March 2011 (so they are still in year 7) in a “magical” dell in Wales: where Gordon and Grace aren’t - though their bodies are. And what has Nick just found at the end of a rainbow...? <br />
<br />
I hope that this story will make you laugh quite a lot, but I must be honest and tell you that in places it makes me cry... <br />
<br />
You will know from reading Book 1 that the Myrddin’s Heir series sets out to challenge you. One of my most important questions therefore remains: “Are YOU still up for the challenge?” <br />
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Quality of Mercy<br />
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“The Quality of Mercy” picks the story up precisely where Book 2 left off. Where were Gordon and Grace, while their bodies were in that dell in Wales...? <br />
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How do fairies cope with growing old...? And what has that to do with the wedding of William Wales and Catherine Myddleton...? <br />
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Can Gordon and Grace take on the combined might of wicked wizardry and witchcraft in Chester? And what very interesting discovery about Miranda and Nick does Gordon make along the way...? <br />
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Why is someone trying to kill them all? And what do Nick’s father and Miranda’s mother have in common...? <br />
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How do The Fantastic Four sidestep The Famous Five to become The Super Six? And who do Gordon and Grace find themselves rescuing...? <br />
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So much happens in Book 3 that it has taken 13,000 more words than Book 1 and 4,000 words more than Book 2 to tell you about. <br />
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This book will challenge you, perhaps even more than Books 1 & 2. It’s not an easy thing – to make the world a better place. With human rights go human responsibilities... <br />
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But if you’re anything like me, it will still make you smile a lot, laugh out loud here and there, and just once or twice feel the tug of tears. <br />
<br />
It’s called catharsis. <br />
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Gifts From the Gods<br />
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“Gifts from the Gods” will give you some idea of what can happen when “gods” decide to show themselves... <br />
<br />
How on earth can Gordon help hominids on a planet many light years away...? <br />
<br />
When is a pony not a pony? And what is Groc the Knocker up to now...? <br />
<br />
They need to team up; but how can they when the girls are in the grounds of a haunted stately home in Scotland and the boys are in the dungeons of a mediaeval Castle in Ireland? The answer has a lot to do with Lucifer’s rod... <br />
<br />
What has the evil Goddess Morrigan LaFaye kept screaming for centuries at the top of a tall tower, where the walls ooze oil and look eerily like skin? And why does the God of the Sea feel the need to get involved? <br />
<br />
And if that wasn’t enough, this is the part of the story where The Super Six become The Eight Team. What are Gordon’s sixteen greats grandmother and a lost soul from the sixth century doing getting in on the act? <br />
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What “gifts” might the gods be disposed to give: to help in the fight to make the world a better place...? <br />
<br />
The aliens are inching their way out of the closet... <br />
There is an explosion of happenings in Book 4. Gordon, Grace, Nick and Miranda are only 41 days older by the end of it. Of course, I can’t be that sure about time, where Zack, Zoë, Kate and Sweeney are concerned... <br />
Just HOW many more books is this story going to take to tell? I did ask Zoë, but she just smiled, and wasn’t telling. <br />
Remember to keep an eye on www.myrddinsheir.com. Other clues can turn up there, and there are quite a few things you can do to help...<br />
<br />
When The Cat's Away<br />
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Book 5 begins on the same evening that Book 3 ends. It tells you a lot more about the Council of Thirteen and how its members react to Octavius Mortlake’s death. <br />
What plans does Adolfo Aragon have to inherit Mortlake’s crown? And how much help might he get from the Capo dei Capi in London – the infamous Enzo Potenza? Just how evil ARE some of the other members of the ruling clique? <br />
Carmen, Goddess of The Damned, does not take the loss of her daughter lying down. How will she be revenged? And how next will she seek to destroy the children who were born to heal the world? <br />
Gordon and Grace return from holiday and find out their houses have been bugged while they were away. Soon after that they find out what happens when you don’t fight back. <br />
They are left with no choice. They have to go to war… <br />
<br />
<br />
You can find out more about Robin Chambers and his books by visiting him at his webpage <a href="http://www.myrddinsheir.com">Myrddin's Heir</a>, on Twitter @myrddinsheir, and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-Chambers/253873724757708?sk=timeline">Facebook</a>.<br />
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Don't wait, get every book in this amazing series. Join the journey!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyQF5eRrYenKDFFYhQDRBTQSAPjJKW_Cwd6hdScJxvL6LbM1hkene9lRSIkktWr1mKD3cQjYcb3-8-gJ4RujMcEbturz1G0CZUmyD5vM0-BTejH8Vz0EQlZ7XB5i6xPMEusMXK3VqD7A/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyQF5eRrYenKDFFYhQDRBTQSAPjJKW_Cwd6hdScJxvL6LbM1hkene9lRSIkktWr1mKD3cQjYcb3-8-gJ4RujMcEbturz1G0CZUmyD5vM0-BTejH8Vz0EQlZ7XB5i6xPMEusMXK3VqD7A/s320/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-89094067125387696252015-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:002015-05-25T00:00:01.991-07:00Rave Reviews Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Featuring Harmony Kent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelx_-13kQm29gGhrNNHpO_ioPk0MbpBJxHvYPDZWfDQg-OfA9jDlyQcfUQ9haNGXC2Kk6OVCP2vnjyq-jkR7qxFMmk0YDh5Bezl6F9o8DcklJUaKbf7Cqskthn9BcpWA66AWK8Adx6Bo/s1600/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelx_-13kQm29gGhrNNHpO_ioPk0MbpBJxHvYPDZWfDQg-OfA9jDlyQcfUQ9haNGXC2Kk6OVCP2vnjyq-jkR7qxFMmk0YDh5Bezl6F9o8DcklJUaKbf7Cqskthn9BcpWA66AWK8Adx6Bo/s400/RaveReviewsLogo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week special author Harmony Kent! <br />
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Let's get to know this talented author a bit better. In her own words:<br />
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Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She lives in rural Cornwall with her ever present sense of humour and quirky neighbours. She is single and not admitting to her age.<br />
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Here are ten things she thinks you ought to know about her …<br />
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Born in 2013 (at least the author was …)<br />
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Really boring<br />
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Has absolutely no sense of humour<br />
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Biographer is a compulsive liar<br />
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Reads … a lot<br />
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Writes … even more<br />
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Completely sane(in)<br />
<br />
Neighbours are nuts<br />
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If you’re feeling extra brave she’s around<br />
<br />
Online …<br />
<br />
And now...for the Official Biography - again in Harmony's own words:<br />
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Indie Author Harmony Kent has written a number of books. The Battle for Brisingamen, her first novel, is a work of fantasy fiction and was approved by Awesome Indies within weeks of its release. Her second book, The Glade shows her equally at home in the realms of mystery, suspense and thriller – with a dash of magical realism. This book has also been approved for the Awesome Indies List. The Glade was awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion in July 2014. Harmony’s third book (Elemental Earth) is Young Adult Fantasy Fiction, and was published 31st July 2014. With more books already in progress, she is well on her way to being a firmly established multi genre author. As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal and beta reading services. As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. <br />
<br />
Well, that’s the official biography … Harmony also has violent tendencies and forced me to add a not quite so official version <br />
<br />
I might mention this author has a wicked sense of humour. <br />
<br />
Harmony Kent is the author of a number of wonderful books. I am currently reading <i>Finding Katie</i> which is extremely well written and deals splendidly with a very difficult subject. I won't spoil it for you, but I strongly recommend you consider it for your next read.<br />
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Blurb for Finding Katie<br />
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I killed someone, you see. I killed the girl, who used to be me. <br />
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I’m Kate … Kate Charlesworth. I’m seventeen, and self-harming. This time I cut too deep, and I’m in hospital. I hadn’t meant for it to be so bad—it just sort of happened. I needed a lot of distraction that day. <br />
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You’ve had bad days, right? Days it hurts too much to think. Days you just wanna stay in bed. Days when the world needs to go away for a while. Right?<br />
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What do you do when you’ve hit rock bottom? When there’s nowhere left to turn? <br />
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This one little mistake lands me back on a psych unit—the last place I wanna be. Only this time, the nurse I end up with isn’t content to stick on a band-aid and send me home. She wants me to face my demons. But to do that, I’ll have to face who I am … who I used to be … I’ll have to find Katie.<br />
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See the fantastic trailer for Finding Katie <a href="https://youtu.be/gMgSD_R1Ggo">here</a><br />
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Other books by Harmony include:<br />
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Slices of Soul- Poetry by Harmony Kent<br />
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Slices of Soul is a collection of contemporary poetry from author Harmony Kent that will both delight and call for deeper reflection. ‘Phantoms’ gives a gritty account of pain that you can never catch. ‘Enough’ expresses the contentment of Zen. ‘Diamonds’ shows the beauty to be found on a drab and rainy day. While ‘The Alchemist’ shows you how a guitar can turn lead into gold. This wonderful arrangement of fifty poems takes you from the abstract of Zen to the melody of music, and will reach into your mind, your heart, and your soul.<br />
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Polish Your Prose - a help book for writers<br />
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Essential Editing Tips for Authors<br />
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Polish Your Prose is a powerful new guide that gives essential editing tips for authors. Lots of books have been written on the art of writing, and here—at last—is a guide that will teach you the essential techniques of editing your own book. This will help you turn a promising manuscript into a published novel. And, it does this without the jargon. You don’t need to know all the grammatical terms in order to make use of this book. You don’t need to know the definition of a split infinitive, a comma splice, or a ‘to be’ verb, as this manual explains these in detail in easy to understand terms, and a lively and engaging style. <br />
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Chapters on Passive Writing, Tense, Point of View, Dialogue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an editor would go through to polish and perfect your manuscript. Good writing is nothing without good editing. Learn the secrets of good editing and writing with this essential author reference, which offers so much more for so much less. <br />
Harmony Kent is an award winning author, and accomplished editor and proofreader. Her passion is helping Indie Authors to successfully achieve their goals and dreams.<br />
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The Glade - thriller/murder mystery<br />
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You are being arrested for the murder of your husband…You have a secret you can’t tell…The evil is gathering…<br />
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The Wenstrops have it all: health, wealth and happiness. But then it all begins to fall apart. Helen is arrested for murder, yet is either unable or unwilling to give a defence. During her detention, vital evidence goes mysteriously missing and tensions are running high. Helen finds herself surrounded and yet alone: not knowing who she can trust or how she can tell her enemies from her friends. Helen has to work through her self-doubts and fears, in order to know whether her suspicions and misgivings are valid or simply products of an overwrought mind. There are those who would like to encourage her confusion, and those who would help her – but how to know one from the other? And then there are those who actively mean her harm. Meanwhile, malignant forces in the forest are gathering power, ready for a final assault. Helen finds herself in a battle of life and death, and faces having to lose everything in her attempts to thwart the evil that has insinuated itself into her very existence – but is she ready to make the ultimate sacrifice? <br />
This sensational second novel by acclaimed author Harmony Kent will have you alternately laughing, crying and gripping the edge of your seat as this roller coaster ride of a plot unfolds. It will keep you guessing through its many twists and turns, and hijack your attention right up until you turn the final page. This book has it all: murder, intrigue, the supernatural, a broken marriage, a love affair, courage against impossible odds, suspense, and high drama.<br />
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The Glade is an IndieB.R.A.G.Medallion honoree!<br />
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Elemental Earth - Book One in the Mysteries Series<br />
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“You turned the god of gnomes into a garden ornament?” <br />
Sarah looked closely, but couldn’t tell if her dad was annoyed or amused—perhaps he was both … <br />
Whilst 15 year old Sarah may be struggling to regain her feet, after being ripped from her everyday mundane life and ending up in a whole new dimension, she still knows how to have a bit of fun along the way. The Earth Elemental isn’t the only one whose feathers she manages to ruffle, and it’s only been four days. Meanwhile, her best friend is missing, and big trouble is brewing. She soon has a lot more to worry about than what happened to her phone or iPod, or even how much of an idiot Caleb obviously thinks she is. <br />
Elemental Earth is the first book in The Mysteries series, and is aimed at Young Adults. Even if you’ve already reached an age where the young ones might call you ‘old enough’, if you’re still young at heart then you’re bound to enjoy these books just as much as the next—err—younger adult. <br />
Age aside, perhaps we should be more worried about what further havoc Sarah’s antics might be about to wreak on the universe as we know it? We’d probably all be sleeping a lot more soundly if she’d only stuck to applied maths and the odd pillow fight. But no, sadly the lure of the proverbial rabbit hole proved just a tad too much. And now she’s taken the plunge, there’s no turning back.<br />
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You’ll have to wait until you’re 16 to read Harmony’s other two books: The Battle for Brisingamen and The Glade. In the meantime, you can occupy yourself with the second book in this series: Air-Born (The Mysteries: Book 2). Coming soon.<br />
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The Battle for Brisingamon<br />
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There is a World not too Far Away …<br />
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Beneath the north sea a land of magic lies undetected. The lives of many are drawn inexorably closer together in a race against time, as both energy companies and evil beings attempt to destroy the magic which is protecting not just this land but all worlds. The unwitting protagonists have no idea of how suddenly and irrevocably their lives are about to change.<br />
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It is a race against time to try and recover the lost necklace, Brisingamen, which holds the ancient power of the Goddess Freya, and to prevent the undersea drilling from taking place. Are Aart, Matthias, Gemma and Dirck up to the challenges they now must face?<br />
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Here there be Dragons, and all manner of Creatures …<br />
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To learn more about Harmony and her books please visit her on the web.<br />
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Website: www.harmonykent.co.uk<br />
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Twitter: @harmony_kent <br />
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline<br />
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HarmonyK<br />
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Amazon US Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Kent/e/B00CO0AR7U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1<br />
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Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harmony-Kent/e/B00CO0AR7U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1<br />
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4Wills Publishing Author Page: http://4willspublishing.wordpress.com/our-authors/author-harmony-kent/<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me and this talented author. Run and get your Harmony Kent books now! Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-70844716820884968182015-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:002015-05-24T00:00:01.656-07:00Welcome Rave Reviews Book Club SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR Tim Hemlin! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBInl8YeTwkryLbkb0TmD06HG77E8fRsq2nmP64TaZTOKu4ZhLTO_3ode56xC1jtPKF0uEel9-Cmb23RWAO9f2iZIOgUnU3XNaiKgwz0sFfY8J5oOk-W0bOLh39qCbzlsCnZ3McRGlr6I/s1600/RaveReviewsSpotlightAuthor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBInl8YeTwkryLbkb0TmD06HG77E8fRsq2nmP64TaZTOKu4ZhLTO_3ode56xC1jtPKF0uEel9-Cmb23RWAO9f2iZIOgUnU3XNaiKgwz0sFfY8J5oOk-W0bOLh39qCbzlsCnZ3McRGlr6I/s640/RaveReviewsSpotlightAuthor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A huge welcome to Tim Hemlin, this week's Rave Reviews Book Club SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR!<br />
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Shall we delve a bit deeper and find out what Tim has been up to? Yes, let's.<br />
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Tim Hemlin is a marathoner, teacher, and has his master's degree in counseling, but his passion for the environment sparked him to write The Wastelanders, a dystopian-clifi published in both e-book and paperback by Reputation Books. He is represented by Kimberley Cameron of Kimberley Cameron & Associates Literary Agency. <br />
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He has also published a Wastelanders short story called Black Silence as a bridge between the first book and its sequel. He is currently in the notes and brainstorming stage for the Wastelanders sequel. <br />
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Recently the Muse has kindly allowed him to tap into that creative magic and pen a young adult urban fantasy. If all goes well with the edits and revision, the final draft should be completed by early summer. <br />
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Finally, in the late 90s Ballantine published the Neil Marshall series of culinary mysteries set in Houston, Texas. These include If Wishes Were Horses, A Whisper of Rage (nominated for a Shamus Award), People in Glass Houses, A Catered Christmas (the one I most enjoyed writing), and Dead Man's Broth. He has recently gotten the reversion rights and is planning on reissuing them under an elite publishing house out of New Orleans.<br />
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Hemingway liked running with the bulls. Tim enjoys running with dragons (that's what he calls his grandkids.)<br />
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When asked what he considered important about the stories we create, Tim had this to say:<br />
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Stories are what make life new. Each generation defines itself by the layer of tales it leaves for future generations to excavate. We read stories in fragments of cuneiform, in ancient pottery and on the walls of caves. Stories hold time captive, releasing it only when future readers choose to set it free. <br />
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I see stories in everything—a fleur-de-lis bottle opener, a scruffy old pair of cowboy boots, two wooden beach chairs facing each other on an abandoned shoreline. Stories are rooted in objects the imagination then takes to new heights. Stories can be simply told and yet so complex . . . <br />
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Have you heard the one about the guy who at the last minute decided to wear his cowboy boots when meeting a bunch of friends? Well, crowded around a table at the bar a certain young lady said, “I write westerns and I don’t even know how to two-step. Can anyone teach me how to two-step?” The guy in the scruffy old pair of cowboy boots jumped up and said, “Yes, ma’am, I can.”<br />
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And they’ve been dancing together ever since. <br />
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Stories are life.<br />
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Tims' novel The Wastelanders is a great read. Be sure to add it to your summer reading list.<br />
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America is controlled by a corporate oligarchy known as the Water Cartel and warrior-priest Joey Hawke finds himself trapped between a mysterious geneticist amassing a clone army and a group of political fanatics convinced that a dead president will rise from his tomb to lead them to salvation. Caught outside his spiritual haven when the Cartel moves against the Wastelanders, Joey is aided by Bear, an enigmatic weapons runner, Moon, a lovesick Scrapwoman, and Bernie Hawke, his estranged father. But against the Cartel's military strength, led by the power hungry Rex Fielder, Joey's only hope may be Si-Ting, a young woman with prescient abilities--a woman who not only holds the key to his heart but also to an American conspiracy to crown its future with the withered laurels of the past.<br />
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To find out more about this wonderful author you can click on the links below:<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/TimHemlin">Twitter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimHemlinAuthor">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://timhemlin.com/">TimHemlin.com</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/176672.Tim_Hemlin">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/112220155057888375133/posts">Google+</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tim-Hemlin/e/B001HPYQ66/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1431905236&sr=1-2">Amazon Author Page</a><br />
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The Wastelanders<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Wastelanders-Tim-Hemlin/dp/0991363574/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1431906067&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wastelanders-tim-hemlin/1108613068?ean=9780991363575">iTunes</a><br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-wastelanders/id874164149?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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<a href="http://reputationbooksonline.com/2014/05/22/wastelanders/">Reputation Books</a><br />
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Wishing Tim tremendous success and many sales. <br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-46744010255544098422015-05-02T10:22:00.001-07:002015-05-02T10:22:30.440-07:00Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week Featuring Jan Hawke! by Nancy M BellWelcome again to Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week. Hard to believe today is the last day for this month. Today the spotlight is on talented Rave Reviews Book Club member Jan Hawke. I am happy and privileged to host her.<br />
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About the Author<br />
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I live near Launceston in Cornwall UK with husband Peter and Toby and Benji the Springer Spaniels - it's a tie between the boys as to who's maddest, but as I outrank all of them in being weird anyway it's not open to debate really.<br />
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I'm physically lazy with things that don't hold much interest for me (so that's mostly housework and, increasingly, cooking...), but I love where we live, mainly because I chose it for being so quiet and off the beaten track, very close to the moors and quite near to the sea.<br />
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I also love books, both to write and to read, the latter of which can be very eclectic (I enjoy Julian Barnes, Kate Atkinson, Jeanette Winterson and will happily admit to Jilly Cooper too) but in the main I'm heavily into SF&F, particularly Tolkien, Terry Pratchett and Julian May, although I can pass on Zombie Apocalypses fairly easily......how I've chosen to write about Africa for my first novel may be something of a surprise to my friends, but if you read it you may find that all of the above information manifests in there somehow!<br />
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You'll want to check out Jan's book Milele Safari<br />
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A bit about Milele Safari:<br />
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Milele Safari - An Eternal Journey ...twines around a single day, in an unremarkable border village that snuffs out the lives of four people and shatters many others, only to draw the survivors back to a different time and, perhaps, a hope of atonement and peace. Step out on the journey and discover an Africa that could have been, is and might one day come to be.<br />
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What readers are saying about Milele Safari: There are many 5 Star Reviews on Amazon<br />
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MILELE SAFARI - the African word means eternal - follows Sophie Taylor from England. She revisits the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in today's calm setting. Memories of learning that her aid-worker fiancé Tom had been killed when he was in the wrong place during 1994's abrupt brutality return to haunt her. Sophie had been pregnant and the shock combined with malaria caused her to miscarry before she returned to England to open a therapy clinic. Today she still cannot come to terms with her trauma.<br />
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An Eternal Journey is obviously a heart-felt undertaking by the author about a topic that has touched her deeply. If she writes on other topics equally as well, she will become a force in the literary world. I for one hope she continues to exercise her insightful understanding through her keen writing skills.<br />
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This was an powerful book, very lyrical and intense, which affected me long after I finished it. Themes of courage, forgiveness, loss, love and healing play out through the story<br />
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To find out more about Jan visit her <a href="https://janhawke.wordpress.com">webpage</a> and follow her on Twitter @JanHawke<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me through RRBC Pay It Forward Week. I hope you've discovered some new and wonderful authors.<br />
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Til next time<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-56550165846382964142015-05-01T09:11:00.000-07:002015-05-01T09:11:32.754-07:00Spotlight on Adam Boustead for Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week by Nancy M Bell Welcome to Day Four of Rave Reviews Book Club Pay It Forward Week. Today the spotlight is on Adam Boustead. He is the author of Mist Palace Hall One, a lovely book of poetry, as well as Dragon Fireside Tales and Amber Dragon.<br />
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A bit about Adam Boustead: <br />
Adam Boustead is a blind author who lives in Hanley, Staffordshire. Mist Palace Hall One is his first collection of poems that he has published on his own. <br />
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Lovely ethereal Cover for Mist Palace Hall One<br />
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What readers are saying about Mist Palace Hall One:<br />
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This book is one of poetry. Adam does a very good job with his writings. Once you begin reading it you will not put it down. All of the poems are very good. It was hard for me to choose my favorites because I liked them all. The three that really stood out for me were: Biscuit & Honey, Autumn's Harbinger and World War II. This is a book worth more than 5 stars and I wish I could give it more. I highly recommend it to all. I look forward to many more books by Adam Boustead. <br />
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Fabulous Cover Art for Dragon Fireside Tales<br />
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What readers are saying about Dragon Fireside Tales:<br />
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Adam Boustead has done a great job in writing this book. It is not in my usual genre but I accepted it and read it. I found that I really enjoyed reading it. It is original and thought provoking. There are short stories in it and some poetry. I love the poetry a lot. The stories will make you think. I enjoyed this book and I wish I could give more that 5 stars to it. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it to all. I look forward to more from Adam Boustead in the future.<br />
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Amazing Cover Art for Amber Dragon<br />
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What readers are saying about Amber Dragon:<br />
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Amber Dragon by Adam Boustead is another you HAVE to read. This is the second book in The Dragon Chronicles and it doesn't disappoint at all. Once you open the book,it''ll grab you and you won't put it down until you finish reading it. Some of the readings you may find disturbing some you will find intriguing but all of it you will find amazing! I have been fortunate in the past to read other books by Adam Boustead and I have never been disappointed in any of his writings. They only get better and better. This book has both short story readings and poems. I always try to choose my favorite but never can do it, because they are all so good. But I do have two poems I like a lot. They are: Wanderer and Sea Song. There are also two short stories I like a lot. They are: Gifts and Caught. I know you will love all of them. When you read them don't try to interpret them, just read them. They will interpret themselves for you. I gave this book 5 stars but it really needs to have many, many more. This book would make a great gift. It would look good on your bookshelf or any library's bookshelf. I have my copy sitting in a special place on my bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, poetry and beautiful writings. I look for much more from Adam Boustead.<br />
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You can find Adam on Twitter @Apboustead<br />
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Please support this talented author by reading and reviewing his work.<br />
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Until tomorrow... Keep smiling!<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-36553718172034046612015-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:002015-04-30T11:33:04.288-07:00Come and Meet Beth Hale! Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week by Nancy M BellWelcome! Today the spotlight is on Beth Hale.<br />
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About Beth Hale<br />
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Beth Hale grew up on a small farm on the Tennessee / Mississippi line. While she no longer lives on the farm, she does live in a small Mississippi town with her real-life hero, Nathan, and their two amazing children, Clay and Lily. By night, Beth works as an E-911 dispatcher. She loves her job but writing is her real passion. When she's not planted in her dispatch chair, you can usually find her at home, putting her characters' lives down on paper. She enjoys coffee drinks, chocolate and root beer. You can email her at: beth@authorbethhale.com. She loves hearing from readers, and responds to all emails personally. <br />
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Trusting Jack and Magnolia Secrets are a sampling of Beth's work.<br />
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Trusting Jack<br />
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After a devastating divorce, Emma is picking up the pieces of her shattered heart and life. Her first step is reclaiming her old job as personal assistant to famous actress Norah Jackson. Work takes her to London, where she meets sexy fledgling actor Jack Brandon. The sizzling attraction is immediate and mutual. Little by little, Emma begins to open her heart again. But Jack has a past, too. And it's come back to haunt him, wreaking havoc on their budding romance. Can Emma let go of the hurt and learn to trust Jack completely? Or is their relationship doomed to be a one act play?<br />
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What readers are saying about Trusting Jack:<br />
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5 Star Review <br />
This was a great first book. The plot was interesting and the characters were well thought out. I kept wondering what would happen next. There was humor, too. I even laughed out loud a few times. I like the fact that it a light romance book, there's no extra graphic love scenes. She wrote those very well. It was an easy read. I really hope there is a follow up to this book.<br />
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4 Star Review<br />
This particular love story had twists and turns that I definitely did not expect, especially toward the end. The characters were easily pictured in my mind and their personalities were infectious. Without a doubt, you knew who to root for. At times it was a little slow-developing in the story line but definitely made up for it toward the end. The author did a great job on her first novel. I will be waiting for her subsequent titles to be released.<br />
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Magnolia Secrets<br />
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Walker and Lainey share one explosive night together, and he awakens to find her gone. Shrugging it off as just a glorious one-night stand, he accepts a new job in a new town, New Hope, Mississippi. That's where he finds Lainey again. She just happens to be married to the Chief of Police-and Walker's new boss. Lainey is terrified that Walker will divulge their secret. If he does, Lainey is a dead woman. But despite the danger, she can't forget the one passionate night she spent in Walker's arms. Walker demands answers from Lainey: What secret is she hiding? Why is she so afraid? And when people begin dying, he wants to get to the bottom of it. Why is the police chief trying to brush off the deaths? Why doesn't he want Walker to work the cases? What kind of secrets is he hiding? Drawn together, unable to deny their passion, they risk their lives. Lainey is trapped. Walker is determined to save her and uncover the truth. Can they expose the secrets before a ruthless man destroys any hope for a brighter future?<br />
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What readers are saying about Magnolia Secrets:<br />
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Five Star Review<br />
I couldn't put this book down!! I read it all at one time. Every time I attempted to peel myself away I just couldn't. If you are looking for a good read this is it!!! I simply can't wait to read the next book Beth Hale releases!!!<br />
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Four Star Review<br />
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Magnolia Secrets operates successfully on three fronts. It is a detective story, with real cops, good detectives and genuine criminals. It is also a romance story and again we have two very winsome and captivating lovers who steal our hearts. And finally, it is a battered wives tale and, in this respect, parts of it make for harrowing reading.<br />
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To get to know Beth better please visit her <a href="http://bethhaleblog.com/">website</a> or follow her on twitter @writes4coffee. You can also find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beth-Hale/458435490953994">Facebook</a>.<br />
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Pick up one of Beth Hale's books today, or better yet, get one of each! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment for Beth. Stay tuned for more great Rave Reviews Book Club members tomorrow and Saturday. Thanks for joining us in the Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week at RRBC. <br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-43423670361768253622015-04-29T12:03:00.003-07:002015-04-29T12:03:51.453-07:00Jonna Hawker ~ Bethany Turner Pay It Forward by Nancy M Bell Welcome Everyone. Today is April 29, 2015 and the second day of Rave Reviews Book Club Bethany Turner Pay It Forward Week. Please join me in supporting my fellow author.<br />
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Jonna Hawker<br />
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About the Author<br />
Raised in the northern end of the Sacramento Valley in California, Jonna Hawker Turek’s early life was framed by mountain ranges. While her physical vistas were bounded on almost every side, her imagination was free to soar without limits and she became an incurable storyteller. After more than twenty years serving small churches from Alaska to South Dakota as a pastor's wife, she returned to her California roots to start over in mid-life as a single business woman and author. Jonna has published many articles on faith and ministry. She is an award winning author of several works of fiction under her maiden name, J.B. Hawker. "Hollow" the first book in the Bunny Elder series and winner of the BRAG Medallion Award, was her first published fiction.<br />
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Jonna's most recent work is Power for Women's Ministry Leaders. You can find in on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Womens-Ministry-Leaders-Inspirational/dp/1508768420/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430159170&sr=8-1&keywords=Jonna+Hawker">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBgf7XZqYPLI0plAVPvi95CoDw13ZYXAPJzivkFUE7qVXdbIsQRfeOwkjMLyneuSoS9qxaoY3XoAf_F_68EeYH3oZf1Pqw9KdxXAXHzylqBHub-EXOC9SthU1TaSwL5ytN0MU9kxj_oA/s1600/JonnaHawkerCoverArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBgf7XZqYPLI0plAVPvi95CoDw13ZYXAPJzivkFUE7qVXdbIsQRfeOwkjMLyneuSoS9qxaoY3XoAf_F_68EeYH3oZf1Pqw9KdxXAXHzylqBHub-EXOC9SthU1TaSwL5ytN0MU9kxj_oA/s320/JonnaHawkerCoverArt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Writing as J.B. Hawker she has also published the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bunny-Elder-Adventure-Complete-Something-ebook/dp/B00OQT9WV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430333671&sr=8-3&keywords=JB+Hawker">Bunny Elder Adventures Series</a><br />
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What readers are saying about the Bunny Elder Series:<br />
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JL Sarff says:<br />
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JB Hawker writes the consummate cozy series for those who love sweet romance and humor with a religious bent. Bunny Elder's second book takes the accidental sleuth on a trip around romantic Italy. A book that will put a smile on your face. All four volumes for 4.99 is a steal.<br />
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C Martinelli says:<br />
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I discovered on of these books by accident, read it and loved it. Then I sought out the other books, and loved them too. They gave me a much needed break from a hectic world. I could slip into Bunny's world and follow her adventures, both personal and with some very scary criminals!<br />
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You can find out more about this wonderful author. Follow her on Twitter @HawkerJB<br />
Visit her webpage <a href="http://jonnaturek.wordpress.com">here</a> Visit Jonna on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/j.b.hawker2012">Facebook</a> as well.<br />
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Please join me in supporting Jonna Hawker today.<br />
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Stay tuned, more great authors lined up for the rest of the week as well! Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-71835766770860658592015-04-28T08:36:00.001-07:002015-04-28T08:36:57.063-07:00Paying It Forward with Rave Reviews Book Club by Nancy M BellIt's Bethany Turner Play It Forward Week at Rave Reviews Book Club. I'm very excited to participate in this event. My spotlight author for today (April 28) is Kam Carr! <br />
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About the Author<br />
This is what Kam has to say about herself:<br />
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I am 29 years old. I enjoy reading and writing. I love erotic/romantic novels. My favorite of course is Fifty Shades. My books are always compared to it, but really they are nothing like them. You can decide for yourself..?<br />
I started writing when I was 13 yrs old and its always been a passion of mine. I first self published last year with Kindle. After finding this site I wanted to extend my reading audience.<br />
I always wanted to be a film director and love making little trailers for my books; Which you can find on you tube..<br />
I love receiving feedback and prefer honesty.<br />
I hope you enjoy reading my books and I can't wait to hear what you think. My story plots are crazy, sexy and we all like fantasy :)<br />
Enjoy X<br />
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To find out more about Kam you can visit her on her <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/kamcarr">Smashwords</a> author page<br />
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To view all of her available books you can check out her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kam-Carr/e/B00A7U4ITM">Amazon</a> author page <br />
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Kam Carr's Books<br />
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The Closer Series:<br />
Closer - The Full Curse<br />
Closer - Part One<br />
Closer - Part Two<br />
Closer - Part Three <br />
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The Mercy of Devotion<br />
The Golden Collection<br />
Sexy Money<br />
Bad Student<br />
Without Care<br />
Sweet Immortal<br />
Wide Awake<br />
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You can tweet Ms Carr @kam_carr<br />
Check out her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkamcarr">Facebook</a> Page <br />
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Here's a peak at some of the cover art that adorns her books.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQKUrSsddWCftn8Tm_Ema3L8LTvY7DjY0t5gLN9xYRu8y9RGhQEfUzQmv5oAQ3D-jq0FPvrPmpxpdPyWCk0q0JWq01iUmfqrJTOWgMovEiIOk6KVLInLlL_ukXDz5VcKDodHPQ3vgrLg/s1600/SexyMoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQKUrSsddWCftn8Tm_Ema3L8LTvY7DjY0t5gLN9xYRu8y9RGhQEfUzQmv5oAQ3D-jq0FPvrPmpxpdPyWCk0q0JWq01iUmfqrJTOWgMovEiIOk6KVLInLlL_ukXDz5VcKDodHPQ3vgrLg/s320/SexyMoney.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG5XcBlgCzhYLbmVoK_gaT8SEefyd7LZOCHiEUj9AMuq77nGh1u6RryvEXSWtSeeWwOrxAQHYlYJ_JYIiFrcN7SbXqipaEmM_4Eip2qXxMzLRAxmNd1HssAJSlyBcJu4htgq3vW_Dz1c/s1600/Closer+Part+Two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG5XcBlgCzhYLbmVoK_gaT8SEefyd7LZOCHiEUj9AMuq77nGh1u6RryvEXSWtSeeWwOrxAQHYlYJ_JYIiFrcN7SbXqipaEmM_4Eip2qXxMzLRAxmNd1HssAJSlyBcJu4htgq3vW_Dz1c/s320/Closer+Part+Two.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28u6-fb9NL5Yi43n92zbJwCSqGGymCJHhuFW0hB-JfieMT1fQDNU6KCG-q2otaIZ3deBo6ecvSydnVoqHvNXbg0leyGOfbIdlD10A7M-m6h3k8c5YD1liwBDVfoVMwx3JMcH1LC6rQpU/s1600/Closer-+The+Full+Curse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28u6-fb9NL5Yi43n92zbJwCSqGGymCJHhuFW0hB-JfieMT1fQDNU6KCG-q2otaIZ3deBo6ecvSydnVoqHvNXbg0leyGOfbIdlD10A7M-m6h3k8c5YD1liwBDVfoVMwx3JMcH1LC6rQpU/s320/Closer-+The+Full+Curse.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsmamevgpr9MoGuFBgw71DnwWy0bHwoj5zYmIqVm_EbjO1eGgDZlHAFXOdk5KAv09CJHt0ejDbieWDFTaSMBBN_1rA9bRW-8e3nvt0o4Hez_w_6nwh7B6Hwz1NXyyicjtJWDOMNv2ESU/s1600/KamCarr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsmamevgpr9MoGuFBgw71DnwWy0bHwoj5zYmIqVm_EbjO1eGgDZlHAFXOdk5KAv09CJHt0ejDbieWDFTaSMBBN_1rA9bRW-8e3nvt0o4Hez_w_6nwh7B6Hwz1NXyyicjtJWDOMNv2ESU/s320/KamCarr.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-6740463014567949802014-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:002014-12-15T19:22:01.123-08:00A Brandy Hollow Christmas Memories from 1988 Nancy M Bell Come Walk With Me Again In 1988 I wrote about Christmas at my small farm in southern Ontario. A Brandy Hollow Christmas I'd like to share it with you here. Wow, just re-typing this here has brought back so many memories. <br />
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There is nothing quite like a country Christmas, in this fast paced world it is very few of us who have the chance to live with nature rather than against it. am lucky enough to live on a small farm and experience the joys of working with the land. Recently, we sold this farm and I began to say good-bye to all the little things that are so much a part of living here. Suddenly, I realized that this Christmas 1988 I wouldn't be in my little house in the hollow. Perhaps because I won't be in Brandy Hollow for Christmas I want to share the Christmases we did have here.<br />
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The times when the snow blossomed against the living room window and laced the cedar trees, bending the woods under its weight. In the new light of morning the children and dogs make tracks across the virgin blanket of the lawn. The horses when I turn them out blow the snow up in puffs with their snorts and then roll and roll again. I want to share the special stillness there is here after a snow fall and especially a Christmas snow. Last year it came on December 23rd, but it was still a Christmas Eve snow. The sun just catching the top of the cedar and birch in the barnyard and the blue jays and the chickadees already searching for seeds. The gentle hand of the morning air sending sparkles dancing from the delicate fingers of the snow dressed trees. The warm smell of the horses and hay when I step into the barn from the frosty stillness of early morning.<br />
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The warm glow of my little living room, the sun coming in the window, a fire in the woodstove and the Christmas tree taking over the room. Every year we re-arrange the furniture so we can fit the tree in and by Christmas morning there are presents under the tree, on the tree, around the tree, and presents spilling across the floor and in front of the hearth as well. The cats just waiting for all that lovely ribbon and paper to be theirs. The lovely peace of Christmas Eve when the children are asleep and us old folks are waiting for Santa and midnight too, to see if the animals will speak to me. Yes, I still believe! The smell of the fire and the flicker of the flames against the walls. Jessie and Josh, the dogs, sleeping on the mat my grandfather made in front of the stove, joined by most of our five house cats. There is that special thrill of anticipation that comes only on Christmas Eve. The warm feeling of the love that goes with the presents. The sharing of joy in giving that special gift. The dark quietness of the night, moonlight throwing blue and silver shadows on the snow as I go out to the barn to tuck the horses in on this most special of all nights. The music of the wind in the trees and the starfire crackling in the stillness as I take a Christmas walk by the pond and take the opportunity to say my own private 'Thank You' to the spirit that created all this wonder.<br />
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There is a peace in this farm and always a feeling of love. As though this house and this land have always been blessed. But never is the feeling so strong as at Christmas. Even people who aren't sensitive to their surroundings feel this too. The goodwill seems to pervade the very air. All things find refuge here. Strays find their way to my door, both wild and tame, and human as well as animal. This is a safe place and a healing place. There is that little bit of Christmas Love here all year round.<br />
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I think one of the best things about the season is the love, the sharing, the giving. It is the one time in the year we can hug someone without embarrassing them or ourselves. Or kiss someone and say the things we think all year but never find the words or opportunity to share.<br />
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This year I'm leaving my little farm and I will miss it terribly. But I will never lose the peace or the love it has given me. And always, I'll have that little bit of Brandy Hollow Christmas in my heart. My Christmas wish for you and yours is that you will know the peace and joy that Christmas brings. An that 'all things wise and wonderful' and 'all things bright and beautiful' will be yours.<br />
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I wish you a Brandy Hollow Christmas!<br />
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Christmas Moon<br />
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Cute rescue puppy from many years ago<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-39036161940510784482014-12-05T16:42:00.000-08:002014-12-05T16:42:09.071-08:00The Season to Be Thankful and GivingThis time of year is always so magical. And busy! :) I want to take just a moment to say thanks to all the animals who have graced my life with their presence and who have taught me invaluable lessons. They are truly the heroes we should all aspire to be.<br />
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Greatness<br />
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To all the animals who have graced my life<br />
With their love; with their presence<br />
I say thank you<br />
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You have taught me to live in the moment<br />
You have taught me forgiveness<br />
And that love can heal anything<br />
If we let it<br />
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The greatness of your heart and your courage<br />
Has made me weep and made me smile<br />
My Spirit within is humbled by<br />
The Spirit in you<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-39918942141701518352014-10-28T15:44:00.003-07:002014-10-28T15:44:57.799-07:00Hard to Believe Another SiWC has drawn to a closeAs promised, here is the latest from my Surrey International Writers Conference 2014 experiences. The weekend goes by so fast it brings me up short when I realize it's Sunday morning and time to get ready for the last few classes of the conference. Seems like only a few hours ago I was heading for Jack Whyte's master class clutching my three pages of manuscript for class discussion. This class is always a highlight for me, only 12 people in the class and 12 excerpts from their manuscripts to be discussed. So many wonderful learning experiences come out of this exercise. As always a lively discussion ensued. Jack is bluntly honest about whether he likes something or not, which is a great help, because you know where you stand.<br />
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Friday night is costume night. This year the theme was Secrets, Lies and Bad Guys. Black Jack Randall of Outlander fame showed up, as did Belatrix LeStrange complete with Dark Mark. Carol, the Betty White of the North, was hilarious as Madame Zamboni with her crystal ball. My character, Mata Hati (big red hat LOL) gifted Madame Zamboni with a jeweled bra (actually a belly dancing skirty thing, but it worked) Afterward, I am privileged to be part of small group who has a natter with Jack Whyte over some scotch and Dundee Cake. Saturday flies by, pitches, workshops, lunch, dinner, amazing keynote speakers. Saturday night is also book signing night. The presenters and other authors gather in the Fraser Ballroom and await the hoardes who come to see Diana, Jack, Michael Slade, Anne Perry and the other highly successful authors present. Those of us who have less high profiles smile at the crowd and visit with those who stop by our table. I was pleased to be beside Sara Durham with her wonderful witch hat prop and werewolf mask. It was a blast. By far the most people lined up to have Diana sign her Outlander books. Some fans had literally armfuls of the books in the series. Diana is unfailingly gracious with a smile for everyone. The darn woman looks great in every picture taken of her (and there were many) and from any angle. <br />
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The workshops were varied and there was something for everyone in every genre. A host of volunteers ensure the event runs smoothly every year. Saturday night was also launch night for Jack Whyte's new release The Guardian - the story of Andrew Murray. Jack presided over the event with his usual panache, reading a few passages from the book. While the official release date is November 4, attendees of SiWC 2014 got to purchase the book and celebrate early. The room was jam packed, spilling out into the hallway. Slainte! Here's wishing Jack much success and many more books to come!<br />
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Once I transfer some photos from my phone to the computer I'll upload some so you can see my magnificent red hat!<br />
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Till next time<br />
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Nancy Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927578662643170516.post-21178799847771512212014-10-08T14:05:00.001-07:002014-10-08T14:05:42.659-07:00It's October! Time for my fav conference SIWC2014Well, it's that time of year again. The nights are drawing in, Mabon is over and we're sliding down the darkening days toward Samhain. All Hallow's Eve or Hallowe'en. Just as an aside, I hate it that they've taken the apostrophe out of Hallowe'en. it should be there as the word is a contraction of All Hallow's Eve. But enough of my ranting. LOL Every year near the end of October Surrey School Board hosts the Surrey International Writer's Conference. It's a wonderful weekend full of excitement and positive energy. The conference is for writers, everyone there is an author, some published, some not, some just embarking on the journey. I just approved my ad for the program, it's quite lovely, if I do say so myself. <br />
I'm taking part in a Masters Class with Jack Whyte on the Thursday afternoon. It's a fun session, where each person submits 3 pages of a WIP. Jack reads it out loud and then everyone discusses it. I find it a great help to discover what works and what doesn't in a particular scene. I sent in the ending of my Jack The Ripper novel, No Absolution. I created my own Jack character, cobbled together from the profiles of different suspects and liberally spiced with my own interpretations.<br />
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SIWC 2010 with Jack Whyte for a Blue Pencil session<br />
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I'm not sure where this one will find a home as it is a departure from what I usually write. I have a Blue Pencil session with Michael Slade and I'm hoping he can tell me if what I've done is working or not. It's always a fantastic weekend and over before you know it. This year the theme for Friday Night Costume Dinner is Spies, Lies and Bad Guys. I'm going as a spy. Not quite sure how that's going to go, but hey, it's fun.<br />
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Well I am sad summer is over and my flower garden is a distant memory now, I have Surrey to look forward to and before I know it... it will be Alban Arthan and the light will begin gaining strength again. The Oak King gives up his rule to the Holly King on Mid Summer's Eve and takes it back again on the night of the Winter Solstice. This is the underlying theme of my WIP titles Oak King's Daughter, Holly King's Consort. I'm three quarters of the way through that one, but it's been on the back burner for awhile. Maybe time to dust it off and start adding some words LOL<br />
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If you are looking to connect with some great writers think about joining me in Surrey every October for the Surrey International Writers Conference.<br />
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My 2012 Flapper Costume<br />
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2013 Evil Editor Costume<br />
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Nancy Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03356478899930577271noreply@blogger.com0