tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161509670256144362024-02-06T22:38:57.302-08:00Writers Mirror
BOOK REVIEWS * INTERVIEWS * WRITING NEWS * BLOG BOOK TOURS . . . Writers Mirror believes each writer has a unique journey and interviews both published and non-published writers. Writers Mirror is a member of the Book Buzzing Babes, SCBWI, ANWA, Authors Attic & Authors Ingognito.Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-35724161919373323252016-04-16T11:30:00.000-07:002016-04-16T22:55:03.894-07:00The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Review by Cindy R. Williams</div>
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<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Shy Adelle Hansen hears demons, but she’s determined to make friends at her new high school by keeping her ability secret.</i></div>
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<i>When she overhears supernatural voices celebrating the impending death of the school quarterback, Levi Anderson, she knows she has to do something to prevent it. However, the demons aren’t the ones plotting; they’re just celebrating the chaos, and Adelle must contend with earthly forces as well if she wants to preserve Levi’s life.</i></div>
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<i>Handsome, popular Levi doesn't appreciate Adelle’s self-appointed role of guardian angel. As Adelle battles to keep him safe, she’ll have to protect her heart, too. Can she do both?</i></div>
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Okay, who wouldn't want to read this? Girl wants to fit into her new school. Hottest guy on the planet is in danger, and only she knows it, since she has this strange ability to hear demons. Somehow she must save him, but alas, her attempts annoy him. What a great struggle. Helping someone who doesn't even know he needs help, and plus she has made a nuisance of herself. Love it!</div>
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If you are a Rallison fan, then you know she has a great, sometimes quirky sense of humor. She also knows how to spin a good yarn, and romance. No one does clean romance better. This book, THE GIRL WHO HEARD DEMONS won Amazon's Kindle Scout competition against billions of other books. Okay a bit of an exaggeration, but to win Amazon's Kindle Scout contest is a BIG deal!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let me tell you more about Janette. I actually know her, and find her to be a regular person--you know, nice, funny, and all around great mother, and recently a grandmother--but she is not old, and doesn't sit in a rocker, although she does have lots of cats, so could be considered a cat lady. I don't think Janette has an enemy in the world. You meet her, she makes you laugh and feel at home. She never puts on airs and is willing to help out new writers. You would never know she has sold over a million books and is usually published by Penguin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here is more of the official bio type stuff that is on hand about Janette:</span></div>
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<i>Janette Rallison, also known as CJ Hill, writes books because writing is much more fun than cleaning bathrooms.</i></div>
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<i>Her avoidance of housework has led her to writing 24 novels that have sold over 1,000,000 print copies and have been on many reading and state lists.</i></div>
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<i>Her books are fantasy, sci-fi, and romantic comedy because hey, there is enough angst in real life, but there’s a drastic shortage of humor, romance and hot guys who fight dragons.</i></div>
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<i>She lives in Arizona with her husband, kids, and enough cats to classify her as eccentric</i>.</div>
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Get the book. You will be glad you did!</div>
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Writers Mirror gives THE GIRL WHO TALKED TO DEMONS ten stars. It is that good!</div>
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Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-74683083819150455662014-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:002014-08-26T11:09:01.955-07:00FINDING SHEBA - An Omar Zagouri Thriller by H.B. Mooreby Cindy R. Williams<br />
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FINDING SHEBA - An Omar Zagouri Thriller by H.B. Moore</div>
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"Fast-paced, intriguing, fantastic characters, and full of surprises. Highly recommended." --James Dashner, NY Times bestselling author of THE MAZE RUNNER.<br />
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Back blurb says:<br />
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AN ANCIENT LEGEND IS REBORN . . . ONE THAT MIGHT PROVE THE BIBLE FALSE.<br />
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For centuries, historians have theorized the Queen of Sheba as only a seductive legend, and scholars have debated over the legitimacy of the King of David or King Solomon. When undercover Israeli agent, Omar Zagouri, stumblers onto a tomb in Northern Jerusalem he unknowingly finds the final clue that threatens to overthrow government claims to the Holy Land, pits wealthy collectors against one another, and sends ruthless archaeologists scrambling to find the queen's secret burial place.<br />
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An assassination attempt on the Coptic Pope, His Holiness, Patriarch Stephanus II, is only the first in the chain of lethal cremes. Omar must find a way to prevent the greatest discovery of the century from becoming the most deadly.<br />
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H.B. Moore is the pen name for the award winning author, Heather B. Moore. She is the author of ten historical novels which are set in Ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She is the author of two non-fiction books and several women's novel --these are written under her real so that women will buy her books. She says using different names can be confusing so her kids just call her Mom.Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-12995402311010861692013-10-03T21:11:00.001-07:002013-10-13T04:15:48.724-07:00LDS Blog Hop Giveaway!!!!<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm a part of the LDS Blog Hop brought to you by <span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog.</span></div>
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"What is the LDS Blog Hop?" you ask?</div>
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Well, I'll tell you. It's where you can enter the contest to win a copy of a book by one of the many, many LDS writers in the land. </div>
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Available here is my very own children's picture book, CHASE MCKAY DIDN'T GET UP TODAY!</div>
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CHASE MCKAY DIDN'T GET UP TODAY is a snuggle, giggle book to read to little ones. It has an underlying message of choice and consequences. Great gift too, just in time for Christmas. More info available on <a href="http://cindyrwilliams.com/">www.cindyRwilliams.com</a></div>
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If you would like to enter the free giveaway, please leave your name and email in the comments section and a drawing will be held at the end of the month. </div>
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Check out <span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog. </span><span style="color: #0000ee;"> for all the other LDS authors and their books being given away this month. </span></div>
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Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-91663506492685239912013-09-29T18:21:00.002-07:002013-09-29T18:24:21.018-07:00Use Puzzle Pieces To Make PuddingBy Cindy R. Williams<br />
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I get a kick out of "talk radio." While driving the other day to play the piano for the baptism of a dear little 8 year-old friend, I heard a boxer talk about his upcoming bout. He mixed two different analogies, but it made total sense. While in the Church, I pondered what he said. I realized it totally works for writing.<br />
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Let me paraphrase the interview with the boxer.<br />
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<i>Talk Host: Usually you have at least three months to prepare for a bout. This one, you only have 30 days. What are you going to do?</i><br />
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<i>Boxer: I have been boxing for a long time. I'm in good shape and ready. </i><br />
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<i>Talk Host: Yes, but how will you train specifically for this bout. You don't really have the time to hone your skills to take advantage of your opponent. </i><br />
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<i>Boxer: Yes, each opponent has different strengths, and it does help to prepare for each fight, but, no worries. The things I do well are like puzzle pieces. I take all the things I know how to do and then I make a pudding out of them. I have a good pudding. I will be ready. </i><br />
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Hummmmm . . . . the boxer takes his best skills and makes the best pudding that he can. Can't we do this with our writing. We may not know everything about grammar and writing, but we each have some writing skills and strengths. These are our ingredients/puzzle pieces.<br />
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How about if we don't worry that we aren't as great a writer as ____ or ____. Let's not think, "Surely this or that agent or publisher wouldn't want my meager story." <br />
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How about if we take all that we know and do and then make our best pudding? How about if we take the leap and believe in ourselves enough to submit our puddings?<br />
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If not now . . . when?<br />
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I love a good pudding. I can do this. Can you? Will you?<br />
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<br />Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-26631106737088001082013-06-05T22:24:00.001-07:002013-06-05T22:24:30.625-07:00Re-inventing Timeby Cindy R. Williams<br />
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Writers are inventors. As we write, we invent something new. A book or story that never existed before for others to read. We are also re-inventors of ourselves. We cycle with the seasons of life. By the time you have lived for a half a century--an eerie shiver at the reality of this benchmark just ran through me--you will have lived many rolls in your life.<br />
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Walking down memory lane of my first half century I found that I began life as a mermaid, and am now a fairy. Weird but quite true none the less. Follow me here . . . my dad was a P.E. Coach and also managed our local swimming pool. We grew up in the water and often played mermaids.<br />
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My childhood home and both my grandparents homes were magical. I lived a life surrounded by lilac bushes and huge peach, pear and apple orchards with a meandering brook and fairy paths over bridges. There was even a Victorian home with goblins living in the cellars. I was an avid reader of fairy tales, including; Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm and L. Wizard of Oz series by Frank Baum. I found myself inside the books like Madeleine L'Engle's "Wrinkle in Time" and Amanda Cockrell's "Shadow Castle". Each of these stories became a real part of my conscious world by day and my dreams by night. By the time I grew up and was ready to have children of my own, I was officially a fairy.<br />
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I'm now beginning my second century, and as such, all my experiences are coming full circle and combining with my gifts and talents in my many rolls as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, new grandmother, friend, teacher, writer, musician, mermaid, fairy.<br />
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Three months ago, I woke up with a new idea of who I am and how it is time to combine all these things I love and do into one great purpose. I am reinventing myself once again. I can't share with you what it is yet until much of the writing, scripts and production has begun, but I can tell you that I have been inspired to take this next step, this leap of faith, and I will soon be flying on the back of a dragon.Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-91640547263777505722013-05-13T08:23:00.000-07:002013-05-13T08:30:17.486-07:00Eat up the EVERTASTER book series by Adam Sidwell<br />
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">THE BUTTERSMITH’S GOLD</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES.
BOVINES.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S
HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking
Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed
just a whiff, you'd want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you'd want a batch;
if you snatched a batch, you'd stop at nothing short of going to war just to
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<span lang="EN">Young Torbjorn
Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He's a Viking through and through
– he's thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of
all, a Buttersmith. That's what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant
makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. When Torbjorn lets
the secret of his clan's muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down
upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to
do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">About <i>The Buttersmiths' Gold</i></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Buttersmiths' Gold is a spin off novella in the
Evertaster series that tells the story of two Viking brothers and their
adventurous past. The Evertaster series (Book #1 released June 14, 2012) is
about Guster Johnsonville, who goes searching for a legendary taste rumored to
be the most delicious in all of history. Along the way he meets a slew of
mysterious characters, including two Viking brothers Torbjorn and Storfjell.
The Buttersmiths' Gold is their story. 124 pages. By Adam Glendon Sidwell.
Published by Future House Publishing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIxOm7Kyga0iRDwt8LujJePkEUEeUFUeupe89a2HkY9pm7iv6iHnqWuu4aOIumO4YyhMT0ilBFddngEaYFZ5gbpyFRO-UoOvpONN7l7iPMBd15XoCtsnsngI6EiATiyvmiv3hsZGDHTY/s1600/Front-page-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIxOm7Kyga0iRDwt8LujJePkEUEeUFUeupe89a2HkY9pm7iv6iHnqWuu4aOIumO4YyhMT0ilBFddngEaYFZ5gbpyFRO-UoOvpONN7l7iPMBd15XoCtsnsngI6EiATiyvmiv3hsZGDHTY/s200/Front-page-cover.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 16px;">Here's the book Trailer. Eat up some more! </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRX1gJr72Oc&feature=youtu.be&hd=1" style="line-height: 115%;">EVERTASTER Book Trailer</a></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here's the link to get your own copy for an enjoying feast: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615654495/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615654495&linkCode=as2&tag=evertaster-blogger-20">Amazon Link:</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">EVERTASTER, BOOK # 1</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded
in secrecy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his
mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> to find him
something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a
dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an
ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a
taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the
Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles
and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an
Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will
save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the
chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary
taste before it’s too late.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-37405717279507036012013-03-14T17:40:00.000-07:002013-03-14T17:44:28.427-07:00Writer Britney Gullbrandsen<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMY5dHuFYrUIIGuF_SgaDbOV5UBIvcTcqIgjGerRYjZJnDCFRifBER4O4Xswi_WVMvxzC6n_mRHukpIrqrOWNP0olE7fUEiYOZpGiGG5DrMvSzyZu43a5JHNOvZv1Jq1ZQkCiK6rIqQg/s1600/Britney+Gullbrandsen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMY5dHuFYrUIIGuF_SgaDbOV5UBIvcTcqIgjGerRYjZJnDCFRifBER4O4Xswi_WVMvxzC6n_mRHukpIrqrOWNP0olE7fUEiYOZpGiGG5DrMvSzyZu43a5JHNOvZv1Jq1ZQkCiK6rIqQg/s320/Britney+Gullbrandsen.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britney Gullbrandsen</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writers Mirror:
Welcome to Writers Mirror Britney Gullbrandsen!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: Thanks for
having me! This is so fun!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Please tell us a
little about Britney.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: Hmmm…this
question always trips me up. What do I share?! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m 23 years old.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I have a two-and-a-half year old son.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m obsessed with Golden Spoon’s peanut
butter cup fro yo (frozen yogurt.)</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m a list maker. I have stacks and stacks of
notebooks filled with all kinds of lists. To-do lists. Goals. Grocery lists.
Lists of things I love. It’s kind of a problem.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m an only child.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m terrified of elevators. And I’ve been
stuck in three of them.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">·</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I LOVE bright colors! They make me so happy!
My last house had apple green walls, lime green walls, red walls, turquoise
walls, bright orange walls, and a wall with bubblegum pink rectangles with
orange in the middle. I know it sounds weird, but I promise it looked good!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Please tell us
what you write.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: As a little
girl, I wrote picture books. I’d write out the story (each line to a page),
print them out, and illustrate them. In the fifth grade, I attempted a novel
and got about halfway through before it was lost. I’m still devastated about
that. When I got to junior high and high school, I started writing poetry and a
few personal essays that I loved. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then came college. I
majored in creative writing and spent time with poetry, short stories, creative
nonfiction, travel writing, and even took a course on writing the modern day
fairy tale. I had so much fun!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But somewhere along
the way I learned that my passion was to write for children and young adults. I
absolutely loved reading as a child and I want to help instill that love of
reading in other children. My husband and I write picture books and middle
grade together and I just started my first young adult novel on my own.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Where do you do
most of your writing?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: On the couch
or at the kitchen table. Boring, but it gets the job done!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Do you write on a
lap top, a desk top, a tablet or long hand on notebook?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: A lap top! I
can’t write longhand—my hand cramps up way too easily! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: What inspires you
to write?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I gather most
my inspiration from other art forms. In fact, most of my story ideas have
stemmed from photographs, songs, and dances. A few years ago, a couple on <i>So
You Think You Can Dance </i>performed the most powerful dance I think I’ve ever
seen. I’m not even kidding. It made me cry. Immediately after the show I wrote
a poem based on that dance. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: What is your
biggest distraction?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: My son. And
my lists.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: How do you handle
it?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I just make a
schedule and try to stick to it. Some weeks are better than others, and
obviously sometimes the distraction is necessary. If my son is sick, I’m not
going to write that day. I’m going to cuddle with him on the couch. I do most
of my writing once he’s in bed at night to try and limit the distractions.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: What is your
favorite writing food? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I actually
don’t eat while I write. Go ahead—call me crazy.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Why are you a
writer?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I’m a writer
because I can’t stop writing. It’s a piece of me that I have to keep. It’s my
way of trying to inspire others!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Where do you get
your names for your characters?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I love this
question! I think a lot about my characters names. I brainstorm lists of names
and narrow them down based on the personality of the character.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For instance, in one
of the books I wrote with my husband, we have four third grade boys. One is the
super smart nerdy kid—Winston. Our big, strong kid is named Brock. Frankie is
the smooth talker who always gets his way. And Loco is the crazy one. His name
is actually Lawrence, but nobody calls him that. We just thought these names
shared a piece of their personalities. Each name helps us picture the
character.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m also writing a
young adult set in Denmark during World War II, so I did lots of research on
common names in that time period and place. Then I chose the ones that seemed
to fit my characters best.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Is there anything
else you would like to share about your writing journey?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: I’ve been
trying to immerse myself more in the writing community. I joined ANWA (American
Night Writers Association) about a year-and-a-half ago and SCBWI (Society of
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) about six months ago. I’ve attended
three writing conferences in the past year-and-a-half and plan to attend one or
two more this year. I think it’s so important to make connections and continue
your writing education and I’m trying to do both these things.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Do you have a
website? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Britney: Yes! Come
visit me! I took a hiatus, and I’m just coming back. My blog is combined with
my website. <a href="http://www.britneygulbrandsen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.britneygulbrandsen.com</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WM: Thank you sharing
some of your writing journey with us Britney. Keep writing!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Britney: Thank YOU!
What fun questions!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-62788747381968084722013-02-28T05:42:00.000-08:002013-02-28T05:42:00.922-08:00New Book: Tide Ever Rising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4mt-gjEbYNfcWbUq7U8VK8fWEXbA2Pw8Tt2uLQS28j0353wFePabV79UCDH5Vaeg_v13Ja0G3oV9ZnEfKADb8-g_kTJ18Pslr9beBVZnwnbZxkyC4uLteV3q2Vqg6u13nRYnUWcMPjk/s1600/Mandi+Tucker+Slack+tour+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4mt-gjEbYNfcWbUq7U8VK8fWEXbA2Pw8Tt2uLQS28j0353wFePabV79UCDH5Vaeg_v13Ja0G3oV9ZnEfKADb8-g_kTJ18Pslr9beBVZnwnbZxkyC4uLteV3q2Vqg6u13nRYnUWcMPjk/s320/Mandi+Tucker+Slack+tour+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Tide Ever Rising</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by </span><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MandiTucker Slack </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span>Author of Romantic Suspense</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHqh36NCaCGAaoUxT8kxAT6w1TLnCzQoI1YNmSzdF74syR6Rzp-_pt0LTuzhLNXr_5xidQqpuzgTX1riBOyoN3yM8j6cB720TtTa6c5596arQCkODjWUtbXWkEuHT0OoVjIjuwIEyFhc/s1600/Tide+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHqh36NCaCGAaoUxT8kxAT6w1TLnCzQoI1YNmSzdF74syR6Rzp-_pt0LTuzhLNXr_5xidQqpuzgTX1riBOyoN3yM8j6cB720TtTa6c5596arQCkODjWUtbXWkEuHT0OoVjIjuwIEyFhc/s320/Tide+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="background-color: transparent;">Kadence Reynold’s favorite pastime is exploring old ghost towns, but when she and her sister, Maysha, stumble across an old journal and cheap pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling foundation near Eureka, Utah, their world is suddenly turned upside down. Immediately, strange dreams and premonitions begin to haunt “Kadie” as she learns more about the author of the journal, Charlotte Clark. Kadie sets out on a journey to learn more about Charlotte and her family, and she and Maysha travel to Bremerton, Washington, where they discover Charlotte's still living twin sister, Adelaide and her family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Kadie and Maysha, upon arriving in Washington, are immediately immersed in Adelaide and Charlotte’s story. Kadie soon learns that Charlotte disappeared the night of a tragic fire that took the lives of Adelaide’s entire family. With the help of Logan Mathews, Adelaide’s handsome grandson, and Charlotte’s ever disconcerting presence, Kadie delves into the past. Hoping to solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance, Kadie immediately discovers the secrets contained in the journal will toss her and Adelaide’s family into a world filled with mystery, past regrets, and dark unknowns.</span></div>
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Mandi also has another romantic suspense novel, The Alias. See Writers Mirror Review dated 1/31/13.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tide-Rising-Mandi-Tucker-Slack/dp/1462111076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357920881&sr=1-1&keywords=Tide+Ever+Rising+Mandi">Tide Ever Rising Purchase Link </a> </span></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack at her Website and Blog</span></strong></div>
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Web: <a href="http://www.mandituckerslack.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv439060345yshortcuts" id="yiv439060345lw_1359041917_1"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.mandituckerslack.com/</span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blog: </span><a href="http://mudrockandpinknailpolish.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">http://mudrockandpinknailpolish.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MandiTucker Slack</b></span></span></div>
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Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-83655569669822696952013-02-09T08:52:00.000-08:002013-02-09T08:52:04.085-08:00Character Recipe
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Cindy R. Williams</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My son did a “People Recipe” project in his 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
grade Creative Writing Class. What a fun way to hone the features of your
characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instructions:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take information learned from interviewing your character.
(Yes, sit back and talk to your character.) Create a fresh, fun recipe about
him/her. Remember to use recipe-type words, but make your ingredients original
and have them differ from the examples listed below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Questions to ask:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Character’s
name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Three
physical qualities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Include
three other facts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
ask about likes and dislikes, fears and ambitions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>End
recipe with a two sentence set of directions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chase Spaghetti<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serves
4 people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">INGREDIENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two
green eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add
some glasses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
bushel of blond hair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An
ounce of hair gel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several
yards of light colored skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add
a pinch of a shy personality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
spoonful of knowledge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
nightlight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
basketball<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And
a pair of running shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix
all but hair gel in large bowl and heat over stove. Stir constantly with a large
spoon for eight minutes. Pour hair gel in the pot and mix well. Sump into
strainer until liquid is drained. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caitlin Cake<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
head of shoulder length light brown hair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
pair of expressive blue eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One
small gum-chewing metal mouth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
generous love of traveling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
dash of interest in the ocean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3
cups of books to read<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine
evenly and sprinkle with family and friends. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees
and serve with mint-chocolate chip ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-69206184389692942272013-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:002013-02-09T08:57:34.153-08:00THE ALIAS - A new book by Mandi Tucker Slackby Cindy R. Williams<br />
<br />
I found The Alias fascinating. Not only did the plot take you on a roller coater ride with some pretty high loops but you really came to know the characters. Most of them were extremely likable and those that were meant to be the bad guys were very bad. The kind that you really want them to get what is coming to them. <br />
<br />
The lead character, Jacey was pleasant, hard working, kind, trusting, and as decent as could possibly be, which made her perfect as the target for a no-good, bad mob guy with narcissistic tendencies with a propensity to abuse. Readers will applaud her strength and her deep searching inner resolve as she faces her life head on and takes matters in her own hands in order to create a world that is safe for she and her innocent son. <br />
<br />
The book is well written. The descriptions, settings and scenes seem real. One can picture being in the room as the action unfolds.<br />
<br />
The mother, Jacey, often called her nine year old son, and her friend good friend, Melissa, "babe." This seemed a bit odd. If I called any of my sons "babe," especially in front of any other human being, they would be mortified. I'm not too sure that many girls that are friends refer to each other as "babe." <br />
<br />
Now, "babe" aside, the book was a page turner. The topic of wife abuse is serious, and yes, it was treated as such throughout the book. I appreciate how the main character realized she needed time to tackle much of what she had been through before she began a new relationship. This makes her a good, strong example of healing and growing and learning that each of us has the right to respect and even love.<br />
<br />
This is one book that you will definitely cheer for the good guys and wish you could get your two cents in where the bad guys are concerned.<br />
<br />
I look forward to reading more novels by Mandi Tucker Slack. In fact, her next book, TIDE EVER RISING, is on my reading list right now.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Links to everything Mandi Tucker Slack and her books:</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;">
<a href="http://www.mandituckerslack.com/">Mandi's website</a></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-MIUrDCqM4">The Alias - You Tube Link</a></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Alias-Mandi-Slack/dp/1599555093/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357920833&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Alias+Mandi">To get your own copy of THE ALIAS, click here.</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a preview of Mandi Tucker Slacks next book, </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">TIDE EVER RISING.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tide-Rising-Mandi-Tucker-Slack/dp/1462111076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357920881&sr=1-1&keywords=Tide+Ever+Rising+Mandi">Be one of the first to get your copy of TIDE EVER RISING - click here</a></div>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Kadence Reynold’s favorite pastime is
exploring old ghost towns, but when she and her sister, Maysha, stumble across
an old journal and cheap pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling foundation
near Eureka, Utah, their world is suddenly turned upside down. Immediately,
strange dreams and premonitions begin to haunt “Kadie” as she learns more about
the author of the journal, Charlotte Clark. Kadie sets out on a journey to learn
more about Charlotte and her family, and she and Maysha travel to Bremerton,
Washington, where they discover Charlotte's still living twin sister, Adelaide
and her family. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
Kadie and Maysha, upon arriving in
Washington, are immediately immersed in Adelaide and Charlotte’s story. Kadie
soon learns that Charlotte disappeared the night of a tragic fire that took the
lives of Adelaide’s entire family. With the help of Logan Mathews, Adelaide’s
handsome grandson, and Charlotte’s ever disconcerting presence, Kadie delves
into the past. Hoping to solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance, Kadie
immediately discovers the secrets contained in the journal will toss her and
Adelaide’s family into a world filled with mystery, past regrets, and dark
unknowns.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MandiTucker Slack - </b></span></span>Author
of Romantic Suspense: The Alias, Tide Ever Rising<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<a href="http://www.mandituckerslack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mandituckerslack.com</a></div>
<a href="http://mudrockandpinknailpolish.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mudrockandpinknailpolish.blogspot.com/</a> Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-24268372339738279352012-12-17T10:18:00.001-08:002013-02-09T08:58:07.827-08:00In God's Hands You Go - Original Song by 13 year-old Lacee Jenkins<br />
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By Cindy R. Williams<br />
<br />
This blog is all about writers. This includes music writing as well.<br />
<br />
This is incredible. The young lady in this video is one of my guitar students. In her lesson last week I asked her to write a Christmas song, and then the horrible tragedy happened at the Elementary School Friday, December 14, 2012. Lacee wrote this. She is just that amazing.<br />
<br />
Her mother told me Lacee's heart was aching for the children and their families. Her little brother is in kindergarten so it hit home. This song can bring great comfort. I hope it reaches those left behind with broken hearts.<br />
<br />
This is really worth three minutes to have your heart strings played.<br />
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May we all be a little more kind and hold our loved ones close this Season.<br />
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Merry Christmas to all and peace to your hearts.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ibl6GKCcIVs?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-59029888734251669682012-11-07T16:15:00.002-08:002012-11-07T21:53:21.809-08:00SPINSTER'S FOLLY, Marsha Ward's Long Awaited 4th Book of the Owen Family Saga Is Finally Here!<div id="FB_HiddenContainer" style="height: 0px; position: absolute; top: -10000px; width: 0px;">
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Author and friend, Marsha Ward, <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">is hosting a celebration for her fourth book </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Owen Family Saga. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SPINSTER'S FOLLY</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ready to venture out into the wide world on </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">November 10, 2012.*</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">You can join the fun by clicking here</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/333393153425853/336142156484286/" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">https://www.facebook.com/events/333393153425853/336142156484286/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Here is some
information directly from Marsha.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Are you excited?<o:p></o:p></em></span></h1>
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<em><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ready to dive into another world?<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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<em><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Eager to stay up all night to read a suspenseful
tale peopled by the Owen Family and their neighbors, and perhaps a few vecinos,
too? (For those among us who speak only English, vecinos are also neighbors,
but they mostly speak Spanish.)<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here's a little description to whet your appetite
even more:<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Marie
Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough
characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more
likely than wedded bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Her
best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her
class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her
father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he
arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would
be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen
family.<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Marie's
mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage
drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in
unimaginable dangers."<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whew!<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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<em><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prizes
available at the Release will include several print books from other authors,
and yes, ebook and print copies of Spinster's Folly! <o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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<em><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can hardly wait!<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">* (Foul Weather Contingency Plan: If I get knocked
off the grid on Saturday due to a heavy storm due to arrive here on Saturday,
we'll have the party on November 17. In that case, go search on <strong><u>Amazon and
smashwords.com under my name, Marsha Ward, for ebook copies of Spinster's
Folly.</u></strong> I won't hold off on releasing the book if it storms. I'll just do the
celebrating a tad bit later.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-32194309274675459872012-11-04T14:33:00.001-08:002012-11-04T14:33:22.447-08:00American Night Writers Association Writers Conference 2013- TIME OUT FOR WRITERS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTbsVoBchfvs_axBhj7nh1k9uNupRjsBGJNFZKHaKkQXq0rlMGhv9IggRYO1t-ITD3_BFtVdMjoct-Q6J6W9a_boyJkRq87nWYvDurnr4xN4pelgWoenRLTWw6QKz00jU72oGQ5oDZGs/s1600/ANWA+LOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTbsVoBchfvs_axBhj7nh1k9uNupRjsBGJNFZKHaKkQXq0rlMGhv9IggRYO1t-ITD3_BFtVdMjoct-Q6J6W9a_boyJkRq87nWYvDurnr4xN4pelgWoenRLTWw6QKz00jU72oGQ5oDZGs/s1600/ANWA+LOGO.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Announcing the Premier Writing Conference of the year</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ANWA Writers Conference February 21 - 23, 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the Hilton Hotel in Mesa, Arizona</div>
<br />
Faculty two full days with industry professionals including: agents, editors and many authors, local and national.<br />
<br />
This writers conference caters to beginning writers as well as advanced, men, women, youth, all nationalities and faiths.<br />
<br />
There are opportunities offered to pitch your work to well known literary agencies.<br />
<br />
Author book signings and sales.<br />
<br />
Enter the BOB contest (Beginning of Book)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://anwa-lds.com/index.php?option=com_dtregister&view=event&layout=categorylist&controller=event&task=category&list1=8&list2=&list3=&list4=&list5=&list6=&list7=&list8=&list9=&list10=&list11=&list12=&Itemid=304">REGISTER HERE</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Brought to you by ANWA - American Night Writers Association. For more information and to sign up see <a href="http://www.anwa-lds.com/">www.anwa-lds.com</a></div>
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Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-39391402643968962012-10-29T06:30:00.000-07:002012-10-29T06:30:03.582-07:00No Holly For Christmas by Julie N. Ford<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi Writers Mirror Readers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is the blogging info received for a new release titled "No Holly for Christmas."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr3-QWCokPflTZ9Mzj-LpE_ujtSyCqbsEcTk5Jxt-8hnwUPxKfmar-ydxtkdEbUT35ul1e1WJ1IMef1fg8SboNl2T1SLVRmYzKD1eka58IPjtbgzKt0Xpgdoh7jRZPuQIb2KQmOkwSHE/s1600/NoHollyforChristmas-by-Julie-N-Ford_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr3-QWCokPflTZ9Mzj-LpE_ujtSyCqbsEcTk5Jxt-8hnwUPxKfmar-ydxtkdEbUT35ul1e1WJ1IMef1fg8SboNl2T1SLVRmYzKD1eka58IPjtbgzKt0Xpgdoh7jRZPuQIb2KQmOkwSHE/s1600/NoHollyforChristmas-by-Julie-N-Ford_lg.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">No Holly for Christmas</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> is a women’s fiction/romance with elements of suspense. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">It’s the second novel by fiction author Julie N. Ford, a talented new writer who had three novels released in 2011, including <i>No Holly for Christmas</i> and the Whitney Award nominated, <i>Count Down to Love</i>. Visit her website at JulieNFord.com. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Synopsis:<i>No Holly for Christmas</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn’t due to her husband’s untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he’s ever loved, he’s all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA’s office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter—and romance blossoms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for ADA, Brian McAlister, and social worker, Holly Winter, when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, <i>No Holly for Christmas</i> is the perfect addition to everyone’s holiday reading list.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a book bash and give-away. Send email to: </span><a href="mailto:bloggers@vbooktours.com"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">bloggers@vbooktours.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few comments about "No Holly for Christmas" from Writers Mirror."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is evident that Ms. Ford knows how to write characters that are supposed to likable inspite of their flaws. She also knows how to write the bad guys, bad enough to scare you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bridget, Holly's little girl, was particularly adorable. She jumped off the page with her endearing banter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although Holly began as quite a snob, her character arch brought her the understanding of what is really important in life. Brian, the other protagonist, seemed like quite a hunk, although his views of life in general were on a different plane. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There were a few uncomfortable swings taken at conservative Bible believing people for not accepting the morality views of world. A character with an alternate life style voiced her opinion that her sister, with higher standards than the general populous, was self-righteous. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ms. Ford takes the reader on a journey where characters do some serious soul searching in order to make a better life for themselves and those around them.</span></div>
</span>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-18599966304674591182012-09-15T21:54:00.001-07:002013-02-09T08:58:39.562-08:00A Few Great Quotes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Masterpieces are not written, they are edited.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">James Owen - Author</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't cry because it's is over. Smile because it happened.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dr. Seuss</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All your dreams can come true if </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have the courage to pursue them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Walt Disney</span></div>
Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-29622734536203378512012-08-31T09:59:00.004-07:002012-08-31T10:04:19.125-07:00What a Ride!by Cindy R. Williams<br />
<br />
My last blog two weeks ago was a detailed walk through what I consider one of the greatest horrors to a writer . . . the crash of your hard drive on your the most critical writing tool, the revered lap top.<br />
<br />
If you read that post, you know that after several long days of panic as I worked to capture all my files and emails, it all came together. Note after all my many hours of working with Sony, my talented 22 year old nephew showed up at my house. He just happens to be a computer genius and was able to pull things out of my hard drive that other companies bid at $900 - $3,500. Thanks to Yuri Burkinshaw, said nephew, I have recovered EVERYTHING! Everyone needs a Yuri Burkinshaw. What an amazing young man.<br />
<br />
This week brought another challenge, as life will right? On Monday afternoon, my husband came home early from work. That's not the challenge, although, it is quite unusual. He said he felt he needed to be home. Then at 3:55 pm, just like flipping a switch, the right side of my abdomen and back started screaming --it might have been me doing the screaming. I know the exact time because I teach guitar, piano and harp, and my next student was due to arrive at 4. Two of my sons were home from school and while my husband rushed me to the ER my sons contacted the rest of my students to cancel music lessons for the rest of the week.<br />
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I won't go into detail about my enforced hospital vacation and surgery over the next four days. Suffice it to say that I am the proud mother of a kidney stone named Isaac, after the hurricane.<br />
<br />
As I lived every slow motion painful minute this week, I prayed and often. I received more peace and comfort from prayer than I did from any medicine. Feeding my spirit became more important than feeding my body.<br />
<br />
My lament over my computer hard drive crashing two weeks ago paled compared to this new adventure. I wonder what the next two weeks will bring before I post again. Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-15558855241986666432012-08-18T05:02:00.001-07:002012-08-31T10:03:26.530-07:00A Writers Nightmareby Cindy R. Williams<br />
<br />
The tools of a writer used to be pencil or pen and paper. Simpler times, yes, but I find hand writing messy and disorganized since you can't delete, copy, cut and paste with just a touch of your finger tip. On paper you have to shuffle papers, cross out, circle and draw arrows, or cut the paper and tape paragraphs here and there. I like order too much, so this makes me crazy, although I do keep notebooks everywhere to jot ideas down as the pop into my head.<br />
<br />
The most current tool of a writer today is, of course, the computer. We not only use computers to type our stories on, but as Internet research along with email others for information. Then we use the computer as our storage facility for our working stories and our completed babies. We won't even venture into the marketing ability of computers. That's another blog.<br />
<br />
However, these wonderful, convenient and ingenious computers have a HUGE black whole.<br />
<br />
The hard drive crashes. <br />
<br />
If you've been a victim of a hard drive crash, you know exactly what chaos this causes. If you're not prepared, you could lose your entire book, years and years of work.<br />
<br />
This week was my THIRD crash of my hard drive in five years --three different lap tops, three crashes. <br />
<br />
I could have kept the computers and purchased a new hard drive to the tune of $430, along with a $50 replacement disc plus a $200 battery (the old battery has worn out and only holds a 10 minute charge.) But, now I'm up to $780 to repair my computer.<br />
<br />
Or . . . I can purchase a new computer for around $600 with all the bells and whistles and the new technology and most current *Word System.<br />
<br />
I did my research, and ordered a . . . drum roll please ############ <br />
<br />
sea shell pink *- - - - , - - - - E 15.5" screen E Series. It weighs five pounds and is amazing. I think the pretty pink color will inspire my muse. Plus, I'm the only girl left in the house--three sons at home, my darling dear, two gigantic boy gold fishies, and two goofy boy doggies. None of them will try to steal my PINK computer. <br />
<br />
I now give an EXTREMELY DIRE WARNING: <span style="color: red;">PLEASE USE AN OFF-SITE BACK-UP SYSTEM!</span><br />
<br />
Sure, go ahead and use flash drives, but remember, flash drives are easily damaged and sometimes fail. What if there's a house fire? One of my good friends copied her novel to a flash drive then put it in a safe place . . . so safe, she can't find it. <br />
<br />
You can also email your stories as attachments to a friend. But, now you have to rely on them to create a file and guard your WIP's, and you have to do this often because if your computer crashes, you will have to back to what you last sent them. Also consider that their computer can crash.<br />
<br />
You can email your stories and novels to yourself. Again, you must do this on a weekly schedule if you write often so that you will have your recent work to fall back on.<br />
<br />
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR COMPUTER IS CRASHING?<br />
Sometimes you hear grinding of the mysterious innards, not me though. I was forewarned in each of my three computer crashes by the dreaded "blue screen of death." Your computer shuts down on its own and then when it restarts, a blue screen appears with white text that tells about checking this and that. You can still work for awhile, but the shut downs and blue screen appearances get more frequent.<br />
<br />
My first computer crash, I had adhered to the practice of emailing stories often to my husband on his office computer so I had a back up. <br />
<br />
Before my second crash, I had become complacent, feeling that hard drives crashing were much like lighting strikes, I had been hit once, so I was now safe. Not so. It cost $500 to have a professional service pull my files out of the dead hard drive plus the cost of a new lap top.<br />
<br />
This third time, the blue screen of death warned me and I acted. First I contacted my lap top technical service and we tried an online patch. It not only didn't work, but gave the error code 332 - which translated means "hard drive failure." So I contacted a company that extracts files from dead hard drives. The rates have gone up. They wanted from $900 to $3,500, depending on how many pictures and files I needed rescuing. After I picked my mouth and stomach off the floor, I chose to spend the day trying to salvage what I could. I emailed all my files to my hotmail.com, live.com and my husband's office computer once again. I also purchased a 64 GB flash drive for $40 and downloaded all my files and 4,000 pictures. I could have downloaded all of these things in about an hour and half if my computer had been functioning properly. I was actually very lucky that I could get my computer to work for two or three minutes at a time, because it was just enough time to email a group of files before crashing again. This went on for a solid 12 hours, much like labor pains, when my computer finally TOTALLY DIED. I'm lucky once again. I have ALL my files. <br />
<br />
Not so lucky about my emails though. I had all my son's two years of mission emails saved in one of my emails. They are GONE as are all the pictures he emailed me. I'll call *email company and see if they can hook me up with their back-up system to retrieve them. If not, my son has the pictures on disc, and I have three binders with all of his emails I printed out each week. <br />
<br />
I will now be without a computer for TWO WEEKS. Thank goodness my two college sons have computers along with my husband so I can at least get my three articles written and turned in for the * newpaper I write for, but my writing will be on hold. <br />
<br />
This is killing me. I write everyday. I am more of a "pantser" than a plotter (Scottsdale writer, Larry Brooks, would scold me for sure.) However for this next two weeks, I will be a model student and plot. I have several story not written for my Seven Scary Stories book - you know, scary campfire like stories. I'll plot the other three out. I'll plot my latest MG fantasy adventure.<br />
<br />
I'm putting this in writing . . . I WILL NEVER LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN. I have researched and am going to set up a back up plan with *- - - - -.<br />
<br />
PLEASE, MY WRITER FRIENDS, BACK UP YOUR FILES AND PICTURES. Don't let this happen to you.<br />
<br />
*I was just warned not include commercial messages, so I can't write company names here. Email me if you would like to know. Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-21873559579777316152012-07-07T04:59:00.005-07:002012-07-07T04:59:00.600-07:00Ray Bradbury - A Great Inspiration!By Cindy R. Williams<br />
(Also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends Blog)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLyQCYKJYTRactDJmnXtOY4TdvQ0vRth49PYF_3oyshCZezzELX0DFDsYNrYNehfK0qNx5Gx263tMJsztTDpdsTRBBW1ENklGOpMdo0S7jJ4r4D6eAewCh-eRENnFgJdaQV6RXrnOo3C4/s1600/author-Ray+Bradbury+with+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLyQCYKJYTRactDJmnXtOY4TdvQ0vRth49PYF_3oyshCZezzELX0DFDsYNrYNehfK0qNx5Gx263tMJsztTDpdsTRBBW1ENklGOpMdo0S7jJ4r4D6eAewCh-eRENnFgJdaQV6RXrnOo3C4/s1600/author-Ray+Bradbury+with+quote.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury passed away on June 5, at the transit of Venus. He was 91 years old.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you are Ray Bradbuy fan, that will make sense to you. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
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If you don't know his books, you probably know the hit TV series based on his works - Star Trek. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACynoR9JK9s0K2lY_E75zGKtnzfXUvbu-cQpEW4k19XXz2yTamYOV4WD_zzhAaw63gvkNVFz9OXGj1Vs8djR-WdYxriPHAP4iHrQNNsf-DQ2uBpS1Fakd3eynx6gK6OumsjA6Az2RLt8C/s1600/star_trek-tos-07-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACynoR9JK9s0K2lY_E75zGKtnzfXUvbu-cQpEW4k19XXz2yTamYOV4WD_zzhAaw63gvkNVFz9OXGj1Vs8djR-WdYxriPHAP4iHrQNNsf-DQ2uBpS1Fakd3eynx6gK6OumsjA6Az2RLt8C/s200/star_trek-tos-07-02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many I know are "Trekies" including myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't know too many facts about the man's personal life other than the only person he ever dated became his wife and they had four daughters. He won a Pulitzer. He wrote many, many books and seemed to be nice fellow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I do know he said some inspiring things about writing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are a few: </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 3.45pt;"><span style="color: #2c404b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="color: black;"> </span></span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8.65pt;"><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“I don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously.”<br />
"If you don't like what your doing, then don't do it."</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8.65pt;"><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"My stories run up and bite me on the leg- I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off."</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8.65pt;"><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">" I spent three days a week for 10 years educating myself in the public library, and it's better than college. People should educate themselves - you can get a compolete ecucations for no money. At the end of 10 years, I had read every book in the library and I'd written a thoughsand stories."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8.65pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I don't need an alarm clock. My ideas wake me."</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #443f38; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times;">"Remember: Plot is more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> My favorite line of all time from Star Trek is said with two fingers, pointer and tall man, split in a "V" . . . "Live long and prosper." </span>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-6885974119864890902012-07-04T04:44:00.013-07:002012-07-04T04:44:00.293-07:00Open letter from FIREFLY- A Hot New Musical Group With Incredible Talent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bbRyIYTFTMfEj0bTcgiqFq6Vx3nFl7WkhqiVK_lZe_NpziN3P4gZlFfXTqZS_LD5P9naICEkbM2uimNpYHtdVLZAGN2OMqQJPo12nat29oHCWFoUU0OjWobjbk3h_Ot8xwLKbHEwG5g/s1600/FireflyDoorway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bbRyIYTFTMfEj0bTcgiqFq6Vx3nFl7WkhqiVK_lZe_NpziN3P4gZlFfXTqZS_LD5P9naICEkbM2uimNpYHtdVLZAGN2OMqQJPo12nat29oHCWFoUU0OjWobjbk3h_Ot8xwLKbHEwG5g/s320/FireflyDoorway2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Family and Friends, <br />
<br />
We are seriously so excited about the opportunity to write and record with Grammy Award winning producer Chad Carlson and engineer Mills Logan in Nashville this summer! <br />
<br />
To fund the project we have launched Kickstarter campaign..we have just 30 days to meet our goal... SO, if you have a moment today please...</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visit Kickstarter (see the link below) and watch our video (not pro, but with clips and pictures from our journey) </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pre buy your cds and other fun stuff </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Post on Facebook and email your friends--inviting them to light up their summer too with Firefly!! </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visit the Kickstarter site often to see how close we to reaching our goal!!</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
We have learned so much over the past 4 years—and feel so incredibly thankful for YOU!! We could not have come this far without your support. <br />
<br />
Love and gratitude,<br />
<br />
Melanie, McKenzie, and Madelyn<br />
Firefly<br />
<br />
Here's the link to the Kickstart project:<br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album</span></a></span></u> <<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115403863/firefly-debut-album</span></a></span></u>> <br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://iheartfirefly.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://iheartfirefly.com</span></a><br />
</span></u><br />
Firefly<br />
PO Box 9158<br />
Chandler Heights, AZ 85127<br />
<br />
Management and Booking<br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="mailto:gaylene@iheartfirefly.com"><span style="color: blue;">gaylene@iheartfirefly.com</span></a><br />
</span></u>602-570-5727<br />
480-455-7503</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Note from Writers Mirror</o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>The staff of Writers Mirror has spent time with the three Marchant sisters and their family. Several hours were spent watching them rehease and create a new song. A word Cindy suggested was actually used in one of their new songs. Not a big deal, but fun anyway. These three sisters are amazing. Their voices blend as only siblings voices can. Their harmonies are tight. They are lovely with gifted voices and incredible talent on many different musical instruments. Follow them to the stars!</o:p></span>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-9954646798485785632012-07-02T14:03:00.000-07:002012-07-02T14:03:58.231-07:00Writing Contest - Deadline: Midnight August 15, 2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><a href="" name="1a"></a><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BookBuzzingBabes/message/1530;_ylc=X3oDMTJybmt2ZHN0BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzMyMTA3NTI1BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTIwODY4NQRtc2dJZAMxNTMwBHNlYwNkbXNnBHNsawN2bXNnBHN0aW1lAzEzNDEyMTQ2Nzk-"><span style="mso-bookmark: 1a;"><span style="color: #3353f3; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Writers Unite to Fight Cancer</span></strong></span></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-bookmark: 1a;"><span style="color: #3353f3; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1st Annual Charity Writing Contest </span></span></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bookmark: 1a;"><span style="color: #3353f3; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> "Courage to Thrive" </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: 1a;"></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><<a href="http://writersunitetofightcancer.com/events/wufc-1st-annual-writing-con/test"><span style="color: blue;">http://writersunite<wbr></wbr>tofightcancer.<wbr></wbr>com/events/<wbr></wbr>wufc-1st-<wbr></wbr>annual-writing-<wbr></wbr>con\test</span></a>> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Submission Guidelines:</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<wbr></wbr>) A Separate Cover Sheet for each entry<br />
should include:</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a) Full Name and Date of Birth</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> b) Email address and Phone Number</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> c) TITLE (IN ALL CAPS PLEASE) </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> d</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) Indicate the category you are submitting to </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Accepting all topics including cancer:</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Women'<wbr></wbr>s Fiction/Chic Lit / Romance*General Fiction / Mystery / Westerns / Suspense /<br />
Thriller*Science Fiction / Fantasy / Paranormal *Young<br />
Adult General / Speculative / Dystopian *Non-Fiction /<br />
Inspirational / How to / Editorials *Memoirs / Essays / Biographies<br />
*Poetry / Lyrics*Non-Fiction Children's Picture Books – Middle Grade<br />
*Children's Literature - Fiction (Picture Books - Middle Grade)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.)Manuscript to be submitted separate as a Word or RTF document either<br />
via e-mail at <a href="mailto:writersunitetofightcancer%40gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">writersunitetofight<wbr></wbr>cancer@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a><br />
<<a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ANWABulletin/writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">http://groups.<wbr></wbr>yahoo.com/<wbr></wbr>group/ANWABullet<wbr></wbr>in/writersunitet<wbr></wbr>ofightcancer@<wbr></wbr>gm\<br />
ail.com</span></a>> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">or </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">snail-mail to: </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writers Unite to Fight Cancer Charity<br />
Writing Contest<br />
1146 N. Mesa Dr. #102-233<br />
Mesa, AZ 85201.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.)All contestants must be eighteen (18) years of age.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.) All Entries must be received by midnight August 15 th, 2012.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.) Do not mention your name on the manuscript portion. Use double space<br />
formatting with 1 inch margins and number the pages. Place Title on the<br />
left side of header and page # on the right side of every page.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.) Submit only 4000 words. Entries exceeding this limit will be<br />
disqualified.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><wbr></wbr>7.) Sponsor reserves the right to combine categories due to<br />
insufficient numbers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.) Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry with lewd, obscene or other inappropriate content. We will not read / judge erotica or horror.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.) Pay the $30.00 entry fee on-line using PayPal on the web page OR send in your check with your manuscript<br />
via snail-mail. Returned checks automatically disqualify the entry.ï‚· Winning contestants must be willing to work with WUFC editors to prepare their project for publication in the WUFC Writing Contest Anthology.ï‚· </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Contestants may submit as many entries in any or all categories.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each entry is $30.00 which will be donated to the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.ï‚·</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Contact for Questions:<br />
Margaret L. Turley</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WUFC Administrator</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 480-586-7902 cell /480-773-7087 phone </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="mailto:writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">writersunitetofig<wbr></wbr>htcancer@<wbr></wbr>gmail.com</span></a><br />
<<a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ANWABulletin/writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">http://groups.<wbr></wbr>yahoo.com/<wbr></wbr>group/ANWABullet<wbr></wbr>in/writersunitet<wbr></wbr>ofightcancer@<wbr></wbr>gm\<br />
ail.com</span></a>> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Writers Unite to Fight Cancer <<a href="http://writersunitetofightcancer.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://writersunite<wbr></wbr>tofightcancer.<wbr></wbr>com/</span></a>><br />
<br />
Donate to Cancer Research<br />
<<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T8K58BVWKV7DG"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.<wbr></wbr>paypal.com/<wbr></wbr>cgi-bin/webscr?<wbr></wbr>cmd=_s-xclick&<wbr></wbr>hosted_button_<wbr></wbr>id=T8\<br />
K58BVWKV7DG</span></a>><br />
<br />
Twitter: @ WritersCanFight <<a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="color: blue;">https://twitter.<wbr></wbr>com/#</span></a>!/WritersCanFight><br />
<br />
FB page for Writers Unite <br />
<<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writers-Unite-to-Fight-Cancer/108878272532346"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook<wbr></wbr>.com/pages/<wbr></wbr>Writers-Unite-<wbr></wbr>to-Fight-<wbr></wbr>Cancer/108878272<wbr></wbr>53\<br />
2346</span></a>><br />
<br />
Linked-In Group: Writers Unite <br />
<<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Writers-Unite-Fight-Cancer-3102952?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.linkedin<wbr></wbr>.com/groups/<wbr></wbr>Writers-Unite-<wbr></wbr>Fight-Cancer-<wbr></wbr>3102952?trk=<wbr></wbr>m\<br />
yg_ugrp_ovr</span></a>><br />
<br />
w<a href="mailto:writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">ritersunitetofight<wbr></wbr>cancer@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com">mailto:</a><a href="mailto:writersunitetofightcancer%40gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">writersunitetofight<wbr></wbr>cancer@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-47768853561917567752012-06-27T04:01:00.000-07:002012-06-27T04:01:00.698-07:00A House Divided Against Itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdgr5yvRNKykKasfCYzp-2kQK2mdBAGVlxyW2yJq8nCKbItxqHWmsMFc8QrWRezzewdxw1o-Wcu2-jpB1JFZH05gdPW8aihSrycbVDpp3i1tJFsIRPwyd3EHui7tOYUMy1Wk_aHEeZP8/s1600/Author-Bob+O'Conner-housedividedtourgraphic1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdgr5yvRNKykKasfCYzp-2kQK2mdBAGVlxyW2yJq8nCKbItxqHWmsMFc8QrWRezzewdxw1o-Wcu2-jpB1JFZH05gdPW8aihSrycbVDpp3i1tJFsIRPwyd3EHui7tOYUMy1Wk_aHEeZP8/s320/Author-Bob+O'Conner-housedividedtourgraphic1_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Review by Cindy R. Williams</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">Today's Book Review is <em>A House Divided Against Itself.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
Book Blurb: <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<em>It was often said that during the American Civil War, brothers fought against brothers. Mostly they fought on opposite sides but they didn't see each other at the same battle.</em><br />
<br />
<em>This book tells of a rare exception and follows two brothers, one in the 2nd Virginia, Stonewall Brigade, CSA and the other form the 87th Pennsylvania, USA as they fought against each other in two battles in the Shenandoah Valley during1861-1863.</em><br />
<br />
<em>The story is based on over 90 letters from the participants and other members of their regiments, the regimental records, and official records of the conflict</em><br />
<br />
<em>The story is not new, but it has never been told in this manner, starting from their enlistments, and ending back in their home town. It is about Wesley and William Culp, both originally of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, of their friend, Jack Skelly, and of Jack's girlfriend, Mary Virginia Wade.</em><br />
<br />
<em>It is historical fiction, but it is also mostly true.</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwxmHf9GT8XxwvsrlHBiCWgDk5RorSzYCY45Ewv5oJRcjyn8xMhlWtVpWMnKtK4qVGdGuoPr7gKkGJlqrH2K8TnVrMSXnb1l4AfR_rkVkib9DoWo6KPX5H1ZG9etIMuQyeU2d2X6gLxY/s1600/Author+-+Bob+O'Conner+-+Cover+-+A+House+Divided+Against+Itself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwxmHf9GT8XxwvsrlHBiCWgDk5RorSzYCY45Ewv5oJRcjyn8xMhlWtVpWMnKtK4qVGdGuoPr7gKkGJlqrH2K8TnVrMSXnb1l4AfR_rkVkib9DoWo6KPX5H1ZG9etIMuQyeU2d2X6gLxY/s1600/Author+-+Bob+O'Conner+-+Cover+-+A+House+Divided+Against+Itself.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Praise for <em>A House Divided Against Itself</em>.</strong></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">“Period historians who have read about the Culp family and have knowledge of some of Bob O’Connor’s characters will find this book intriguing and exciting. O’Connor shows us how a family’s inner struggle resembled our national conflict in a very readable fashion.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">James C. Price, Historian Laureate Town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt;">The official author bio Writers Mirror was given follows:</span> </strong></span><br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bob O’Connor, a native of Illinois who now lives near Harpers Ferry, WV, has been a life-long student of both the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. As a 7<sup>th</sup>grader he attended the Centennial of the Lincoln Douglas debates at Galesburg, Illinois. One year later he portrayed Lincoln in his school play. Today he is the author of six Civil War era books. His subjects are Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard, John Brown the abolitionist, the U.S. Colored Troops and brothers fighting against brothers.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">O’Connor’s books (two non-fiction and four historical fiction) depict real people and real events. His research has uncovered a never before published drawing of the hanging of John Brown and a complete 500 page unpublished manuscript written by Lincoln’s bodyguard. He has made over 500 appearances in 18 states and the District of Columbia in the last six years to talk about his books.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Writers Mirror Review</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">First off, let me tell you that I am not a Civil War buff. However, people fascinate me, family dynamics are intriguing and this story is chalk full of interesting people making their way in life doing the best that they can. O'Connor does a great job getting into the four main characters heads. He tells a story of what it was like to live through one of the most difficult times and situations a family could face. I</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">It is evident that O'Connor has done his research. This book taught me more about the Civil War than any of my AP Honors American Heritage classes did in three years. O'Connor knows his stuff. He makes history fascinating. Too bad this book isn't recommended reading for students. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"></div><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">Free Preview available at </span></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-House-Divided-Against-Itself/dp/0741469375/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336004603&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amazon</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>A House Divided Against Itself</em> is published by Infinity Publishing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information on Virtual book tours: </span></span><a href="http://www.walkerauthortours.com/"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.walkerauthortours.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 9pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></div>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-30530711668357319492012-06-11T06:01:00.095-07:002012-06-11T23:20:13.986-07:00The Opium Equation - A Cat Enright Mystery by Lisa Wysocky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3SrUrjsGf5PZSOEChOf6H_NSbf2AyjhX7oOToSOgP_2Z0wd02YtGZsjWLqCB5yhaYrYCnamKGkcj1D-JcteWqH1aGh9q3j4TaDU24P91RMVM-iGCqc5BbF4IKXzHgRLIW7B8TGAHDJw/s1600/Author-Lisa+Wysocky-Walker+Book+Tours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3SrUrjsGf5PZSOEChOf6H_NSbf2AyjhX7oOToSOgP_2Z0wd02YtGZsjWLqCB5yhaYrYCnamKGkcj1D-JcteWqH1aGh9q3j4TaDU24P91RMVM-iGCqc5BbF4IKXzHgRLIW7B8TGAHDJw/s320/Author-Lisa+Wysocky-Walker+Book+Tours.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://services.authorjennwalker.com/2012/05/04/the-opium-equation-book-tour/">Walker Author Tours</a> (click for more info)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Review by Cindy R. Williams</div><br />
Before I review <em>The Opium Equation - A Cat Enright Mystery </em>by Lisa Wysocky, let me give you the blurb and some shout outs from the back of the book.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>A horse trainer, retired move star, juvenile delinquent, song-writer, eccentric client of a certain age with electric blue hair, and a (possibly) psychic horse lead this Southern equestrian mystery into a fast paced, lightly comic read. Lisa Wysocky is an exciting new voice in mystery fiction. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise for T<em>he Opium Equation</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><em>"From the first page to the last, The Opium Equation will keep you engaged and wanting more, horse lover or not." </em><em>Glenn the Geek, founder, Horse Radio Network.</em></div></li>
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><li><div style="text-align: left;"><em>"Great edge-of-your-seat story! Who's a friend? Who's and enemy? Only the river knows." </em></div></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Chuck Dauphin, The Dauphin Files</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><em>"The Opium Equation engaged me at every turn of the page. I highly recommend it as a classic mystery based in a realistic horse world." </em><em>Geoff Tucker DVM</em></li>
</ul></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><em>"As usual, Lisa Wysocky writes with skill and nearly unparalleled knowledge of the equines she dearly loves. Here, she kicks it u a notch in a page-turning mystery that keeps you riveted." </em><em>Tess Vanattia, publisher, Horse South</em></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16WyEz6zH2r9uYpzJ5v78vDOpLj9dNRgjyk3Fpfd5T5KJZh4HBvawZaxRv10lnny0kI2TQOP0SqcS9nSCEMyw4z_3pzjlKHk5-J7aKGnuEgT741BjQze_BVh0NhMhq23y375dYqmm2t4/s1600/Author-Lisa+Wysocky-The+Opium+Equation-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16WyEz6zH2r9uYpzJ5v78vDOpLj9dNRgjyk3Fpfd5T5KJZh4HBvawZaxRv10lnny0kI2TQOP0SqcS9nSCEMyw4z_3pzjlKHk5-J7aKGnuEgT741BjQze_BVh0NhMhq23y375dYqmm2t4/s200/Author-Lisa+Wysocky-The+Opium+Equation-cover.jpg" width="129" /></a>Although I'm named after his favorite horse, Cindy, I don't consider myself an equestrian. There was allot of info about horses, most interesting throughout the book. Many chapters end with a horse tip from Cat, the lead character. Example: </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Cat's Horse Tip #3 "Horses hear and smell things that humans physically can't." </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Cat's Horse Tip #5 "The safest way to lead a horse through a gate is to push the gate the same direction you are going." </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Cat's Horse Tip #13 "A bad attitude is the first sign a horse is sore or hurting."</div></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good common sense right? Pretty much for horse or human, and life is general. Lots of good insight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
The main character, Cat, is a likable single lady making her way as a horse trainer at her own stables she purchased with a small inheritance. She has a big heart and the local ten year old riff-raff, Bubba, often finds his way into her neck of the woods. When a murder of a famous Hollywood star upsets business or . . . trotting as usual, mystery and intrigue set in. Soon Bubba is missing, presumed either kidnapped or dead and things continue to spiral with many twists and turns. <br />
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Cat is one tough lady, yet a marshmallow inside. Her understanding of horses relates to the world around her. My favorite character is Agnes Temple. She is a kook. She thinks that one of her horses is physic, and by the end of the story, I agree. <br />
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<em>The Opium Equation</em> was Honored with a Mom's Choice Awards. Because of this, I was a bit surprised by the sprinkling of cuss words. I know tweens and teens hear foul language at school and become accustomed to it. The taking of the Lord's name in vain is uncomfortable for many.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpt1mGKWxIa0aZNszY8y8A-ZZvYRkTzr3PQf1nGvMUAJnP6Qsp00o9vLmQSq8e6zqNX6QEzRKlbplPVdCHDCVK7kK9Q8cLUWPaoCMRhw9Kk7BozsCvltNbzAKPaPFLQd8XvjJWDzYo6U/s1600/Author-Lisa+Wysocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpt1mGKWxIa0aZNszY8y8A-ZZvYRkTzr3PQf1nGvMUAJnP6Qsp00o9vLmQSq8e6zqNX6QEzRKlbplPVdCHDCVK7kK9Q8cLUWPaoCMRhw9Kk7BozsCvltNbzAKPaPFLQd8XvjJWDzYo6U/s200/Author-Lisa+Wysocky.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><br />
Lisa Wysocky is an award winning author, editor, clinician, riding instructor, and a horsewoman who helps humans grow through horses. She is also a PAT International instructor who trains horses for therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities and therapies. Lisa is available for book signings, speaking engagements, and equestrian clinics. For more information see <a href="http://www.lisawysocky.com/">www.LisaWysocky.com</a> or contact <a href="mailto:cooltitles@comcast.net">cooltitles@comcast.net</a>.<br />
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</div>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-78825929282665438772012-06-04T06:01:00.010-07:002012-06-04T06:01:00.115-07:00Shinar 54 by D. Corey Sandersby Cindy R. Williams<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV5Nizo_UG0_3TYlvg4okikUUqHY3RfwQGGufnzz_GRFqEMUDz4AD27wbboxgEZQHDx2IKQUaKZPOyyaCfYCpZz6NahbuVkh3YGsjxBaWecPt2VOM5L30ouZsJXdD9qTpwXpNIM0NNvA/s1600/Author-D.+Corey+Sanders-Shinar+54+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV5Nizo_UG0_3TYlvg4okikUUqHY3RfwQGGufnzz_GRFqEMUDz4AD27wbboxgEZQHDx2IKQUaKZPOyyaCfYCpZz6NahbuVkh3YGsjxBaWecPt2VOM5L30ouZsJXdD9qTpwXpNIM0NNvA/s1600/Author-D.+Corey+Sanders-Shinar+54+cover.jpg" /></a></div>I met Corey Sanders, the author of Shinar 54, at a book signing in Thatcher, AZ this past Spring. Sitting across from him, I saw a quiet and thoughtful man with a ready smile. Sanders wears many hats. He serves as a Judge and a Stake President. As I asked him about his book, he became animated as he described the Shinar society. Our visit was fascinating. I expected the book to be full of surprises, much like the man. I was not disapointed. Shinar 54 has many story strings, each intertwining and bringing intrigue to the fabric of the book.<br />
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Here's the back of the book blurb:<br />
Jona MaCracken is a broken ex-Marine with PTSD and a host of other personal issues. He stumbles upon a website promising relief from all his ills. The only catch is that he must immigrate to Shinar 54, a Utopian city in the Nevada desert to obtain the wonder cure and to meet Lisa, his enchanting recruiter.<br />
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Shinar is the enclosed haven for millions of people who have overcome sickness and pain. The outside world believes Shinar is a powerful and dangerous doomsday cult. Shinar prepares its people for the next life with a singularity of purpose that impoverishes the United States and sets the two nations on a collision course. As the political and economic tensions ratchet up, the world spirals down into an epidemic of fear, bigotry, and propaganda. World war is imminent. Jona and Lisa find themselves in the middle of it.<br />
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Marco Frano, Jona's friend and confidant is on his own mission to rescue his younger sister,(Keniesha) from certain death. Can he do it through intrigue and alliances?<br />
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Set in the not-too-distant future, Shinar 54 is a story of conflict between good and evil, truth and lies, and the clash of opposing values. Ultimately, it is a tale of renewal, redemption and reconciliation. <br />
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How to categorize this book? A book review of Shinar 54 on Smashwords labeled it: mystical, fantasy, apocalypse, cult, dystopia, allegorical, truth, utopia, allegory, apocalyptic, end of the world, good vs evil, escape, conservatism, liberalism, moderate, yin yang, political ideology. Like I said, the book is many things. <br />
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Shinar 54 is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-83295439664976914212012-05-26T06:01:00.020-07:002012-05-26T06:01:00.033-07:00The Most Important Catch by Jaclyn M. Hawkes<div style="text-align: center;">by Cindy R. Williams</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKOHY6NcUeX__-0s66ZaUpIl84rtC4o19LJK3QIa1J4fQJXsyDe-WffQN0aBPZoOguE-26uJgWQ4wY9eMeOWHNekvgPRTXSxAQnJYgPMEm2i_IJjLT673hhshMdvhRCITpoM6Nf6GaCg/s1600/MostImportantCatch-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKOHY6NcUeX__-0s66ZaUpIl84rtC4o19LJK3QIa1J4fQJXsyDe-WffQN0aBPZoOguE-26uJgWQ4wY9eMeOWHNekvgPRTXSxAQnJYgPMEm2i_IJjLT673hhshMdvhRCITpoM6Nf6GaCg/s200/MostImportantCatch-Cover.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The back blurb:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Run or die!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">She knew too much, and she'd seen too much. And the police refused to help. Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the weather turned cold, she turned south. She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn't know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe from him. Or was she?</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn't nearly as lethal as his attractions. He kept her safe and protected. All except for her heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you like a good adventure with high stakes including a clean romance, this is your book. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Ever sense I read "The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham, I have toyed with stories where the hero was innocent, but thought guilty, or maybe the hero knew too much so had no choice but to run. It is a fun challenge to figure out how to be prepared --how to hide a stash of cash, clothes, food, scissors and hair dye, a couple of different cell phones and some wasp spray. Wasp spray? Yes wasp spray. You get it at any hardware store. It shoots about 15 feet and burns the eyes. It's better than pepper spray. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
However, the lead character, Kelly, in THE MOST IMPORTANT CATCH, doesn't doesn't do any preparation. She could have put a few things together when she first suspected there was something fishy going on, but she didn't. Instead, when caught looking at a file with too much damaging information, she knows the jig is up and she only has about two hours to get out of town. She takes nothing with her. She shows moments of brilliance when she stages her own kidnapping, blood and all, then takes off on a motorcycle. Fun twist.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
The story is intriguing. It is a "lose sleep" fun read. It also has a fun romance, and stays clean. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Writers Mirror recommends THE MOST IMPORTANT CATCH as a good summer read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Available on Amazon, Kindle edition. See more about Jaclyn and her books on JaclynMHawkes.com</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116150967025614436.post-2486584540687004402012-05-23T12:44:00.003-07:002012-05-24T09:43:05.218-07:00SURVIVING DENMARK on a bag of peach rings by Tina Scott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">by Cindy R. Williams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1QHJFLu_4OEruZhebbEPq0gouYHNw9e2z0a4G0vVKY9faLHbRiWjng2SLycb6pngREqLUMitCZJk1chhsqNaPU2RO08OTVAWQnsv4yyROq4QF_yNvomMn5ZBMgv_Ihk_HXu544mUEU8/s1600/Author-Tina+Scott+-DANISH-COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1QHJFLu_4OEruZhebbEPq0gouYHNw9e2z0a4G0vVKY9faLHbRiWjng2SLycb6pngREqLUMitCZJk1chhsqNaPU2RO08OTVAWQnsv4yyROq4QF_yNvomMn5ZBMgv_Ihk_HXu544mUEU8/s200/Author-Tina+Scott+-DANISH-COVER.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get this book free with the coupon Code ZC64M, available until May 28, 2012. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today's author interview is Tina Scott</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WM: Hi Tina why did you write a travel book?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Tina: </strong>My book has two purposes. I wanted to entertain readers with some of my experiences, and I wanted to share things that I learned about being prepared when traveling. I also rate the places we stayed at and the sites we visited, so I guess that’s three purposes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WM: Why should a person buy your book instead of a more popular travel guide?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Tina: </strong>Surviving Denmark isn’t intended to replace books like, The Rough Guide to Denmark. I wrote it as a personal accompaniment. The Rough Guide is full of useful information, but there are hundreds of places listed, and all un-objectively. It’s like reading a textbook, and because none of the places are rated, it’s hard for a novice to know which sites to choose for a vacation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WM: What if I’m going on vacation somewhere other than Denmark?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Tina: </strong>I believe that many of the travel tips in my book can be used for any vacation. Some, of course are specific to Europe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WM: The economy is pretty tight right now. What if readers can’t go on an expensive vacation?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Tina: </strong>Because of the travel experiences and the pictures included, I think readers will enjoy my book even if they aren’t traveling to Denmark or Europe. Plus, I’ve heard that cyber-vacations are becoming more popular these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Here’s the link: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Surviving+Denmark+on+a+bag+of+peach+rings"><span style="color: blue;">Surviving Denmark by Tina Scott</span></a></strong><br />
<strong></strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If this doesn't open, here is the long chain to the link:</div></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Surviving+Denmark+on+a+bag+of+peach+rings"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Surviving+Denmark+on+a+bag+of+peach+rings</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0XWhVobft1gVFrBxmtJxzTgtZHRunnGZd3fGdpmEjv33cclIUmDB5BoGgNpbCIEMcdBKc70QUYXUcmZXjTz1yeZ8c5P-ZzvkEz5nc058t3kDLPjDpqUjOpTt5fIJrDLSSpxIui-Gkxo/s1600/Author-Tina-Scott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0XWhVobft1gVFrBxmtJxzTgtZHRunnGZd3fGdpmEjv33cclIUmDB5BoGgNpbCIEMcdBKc70QUYXUcmZXjTz1yeZ8c5P-ZzvkEz5nc058t3kDLPjDpqUjOpTt5fIJrDLSSpxIui-Gkxo/s200/Author-Tina-Scott.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Author: Tina Scott</div>Cindy R. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04514658355740025380noreply@blogger.com2