Joylene Nowell Butler, author

Book Review: TOMORROW by Merilyn Ruth Liddell

2018-08-20T06:14:00.002-07:00

Often while I'm working on a difficult WIP, (one that's takes forever to finish) I'll grab a novel for inspiration. In July, I read an advance copy of Tomorrow by Canadian author Merilyn Ruth Liddel, and enjoyed it so much, I chose to write a review. The plot, the writing, and the characters motivated to me to the extent that I added six thousand words to my manuscript and am now within reach of the ending. Yay!

Tomorrow tells the story of three strangers in a small mountain community years after a virus almost wipes out the human race. It addresses racism and the danger of absolute power, and is beautifully written in clear and concise language. Its subtle message stayed with me long after I had read the novel. Tomorrow exemplifies the resolve of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. They are not super-heroes.

Jake, a cab driver, seeks to learn the identity of his biological mother so as to better understood where he comes from and who he is. He doesn't think twice about risking his life for the safety of others.

Martha, a geneticist, suspects her father is the creator of the virus that killed millions, and jeopardies her mental and physical health to reverse the damage.

Sophie, abused and pregnant, with a history of neglect, is braver than men twice her size and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her unborn child.

These three uniquely courageous characters, coveting their secrets, come together with all their flaws, fears, and misconceptions to forge an alliance that will either destroy them or save them. While failing to trust people they can actually trust, their resiliency embodies what it means to rise above the horrors man can inflict upon man.

Liddell’s Tomorrow takes place in a dystopian world that is frightfully realistic. Her setting is dark and oppressive; her antagonists are ruthless and sinister. But the inhabitants of Tomorrow never lose their compassion.

I was drawn into the story immediately and compelled to read on because I wanted these characters to prevail. They could easily be my neighbours and friends. I wanted them to succeed, but I understood why they might not. If you’re looking for a story of depth and intelligence, where the characters surprise you, I highly recommend Tomorrow by Merilyn Ruth Liddell. I gave it five-stars on Amazon.

SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC

2018-05-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to do a shoutout for friend and fellow author C. Lee McKenzie. Her latest middle-grade novel, SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, is full of imagination and humour. A great read for any reader, young or old.

SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC

By C. Lee McKenzie

Pete’s stuck in medieval England!

Pete and his friend Weasel thought they’d closed the Time Lock. But a young page from medieval times, Peter of Bramwell, goes missing. His absence during a critical moment will forever alter history unless he’s found.

There’s only one solution - fledgling wizard Pete must take the page’s place. Accompanied by Weasel and Fanon, Pete’s alligator familiar, they travel to 1173 England.

But what if the page remains lost - will Pete know what to do when the critical moment arrives? Toss in a grumpy Fanon, the duke’s curious niece, a talking horse, and the Circle of Stones and Pete realizes he’s in over his young wizard head yet again...

Release date – May 15, 2018

Juvenile Fiction - Fantasy & Magic/Boys & Men

$13.95 Print ISBN 9781939844460

$3.99 EBook ISBN 9781939844477

C. Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers. When she’s not writing she’s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things she still doesn’t understand. http://cleemckenziebooks.com

Links:
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/some-very-messy-medieval-magic-c-lee-mckenzie/1127622061?ean=2940154648575
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some-very-messy-medieval-magic
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/some-very-messy-medieval-magic/id1324257652?mt=11

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Some-Very-Messy-Medieval-Magic/dp/1939844460/

Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079V72G8R

Foyles - http://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/childrens/some-very-messy-medieval-magic,c-lee-mckenzie-9781939844460

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37537343-some-very-messy-medieval-magic

Available now - Some Very Messy Medieval Magic by @cleemckenzie Barnes & Noble https://tinyurl.com/y8lessr9 iTunes https://tinyurl.com/yaz4sqb6 Amazon https://tinyurl.com/y92g67q5 #middlegrade #magic

Cover Reveal - BLUE SLUDGE BLUES

2018-03-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy to do a shoutout for fellow author Shannon Lawrence. Her collection of short stories comes out today. Hope you'll check out her new book. And be sure to enter the raffle at the bottom of this post. Good luck.

Title: Blue Sludge Blues & Other Abominations

Author: Shannon Lawrence

Book Description: A collection of frights, from the psychological to the monstrous. These tales are a reminder of how much we have to fear: a creature lurking in the blue, sludgy depths of a rest area toilet; a friendly neighbor with a dark secret hidden in his basement; a woman with nothing more to lose hellbent on vengeance; a hike gone terribly wrong for three friends; a man cursed to clean up the bodies left behind by an inhuman force. These and other stories prowl the pages of this short story collection.

Release Date: March 15, 2018

Excerpt from The Tourist: "When the first light died, he pulled his leather briefcase closer to his leg. As he often found happening, almost without his will, his right hand slid inside, pressing deeper into its depths to feel the materials the bag hid. The leather of his gloves slid smoothly over the metal of the blades, the polished surface of the hilts."

Available for sale at the following locations:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079WKB7PW

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079WKB7PW

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079WKB7PW

Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079WKB7PW

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/792576

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-sludge-blues-other-abominations-shannon-lawrence/1128000342?ean=2940155139850

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/blue-sludge-blues-other-abominations

Also available from Apple and other countries through Amazon.

Bio: A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her stories can be found in magazines and anthologies, including Space and Time Magazine, Dark Moon Digest, and Spinetingler. Though she often misses the ocean, the majestic and rugged Rockies are a sight she could never part with. Besides, in Colorado there's always a place to hide a body or birth a monster. What more could she ask for?

Social Media Links:

Website/Blog: http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuse/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewarriormuse

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/shannondkl

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Lawrence/e/B00TDKPOAO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1519445371&sr=8-2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/thewarriormuse

Rafflecopter Link (HTML) :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-->

IWSG: February, 2018

2018-02-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join, click on the tab above and sign up. Post the first Wednesday of every month and visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Every month, a question is offered that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. Remember, the question is optional.

February 7 question - What do you love about the genre you write in most often?

Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

Aex's awesome co-hosts for the Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

What I Love About Writing Suspense Thrillers

The need to overcome hardships drives the themes in my suspense novels. I believe life throws obstacles at you for specific reasons that aren't meant to be clear at the time. Writing stories centred around certain fears drives me to weaken their influences in my life.
Most of the people who know me are perplexed by my dark plots. By nature I'm a happy-go-lucky person who is quick to smile. I look for the good in everything, sometimes foolishly. Not because I'm naive, but because I've learned that if things aren't going well, it's better to fake it and pretend they are.
In 2017 I faced struggle after struggle, and for the first time in my life I couldn't bounce back. So, for an entire year, I faked it. Situations don't change on a certain date, yet, sometimes, in order to survive, we set time limits. Such is the reason so many of us were happy to see 2017 end. A New Year meant hope.
I'm pleased to say 2018 has started off well. I'm not free of pain, but each morning I wake feeling blessed. And while this year may or may not be perfect, I'll continue to write suspense thrillers about characters facing tragedy, overcoming fears, and finding hope in the end.
Please, no matter how bad your life is, never give up believing it'll be better tomorrow. Show the universe you believe in your right to be happy. And if the day throws you a curve ball -- swing hard!

Hank Quense's QUEEN MOXIE - Giveaway!

2018-01-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today it's my great pleasure to introduce Hank Quense's latest novel QUEEN MOXIE. Hank has been a guest host on this blog many times, so I hope you're aware of his ticklish humour. Hank's stories make me laugh, and as far as I'm concerned, there's not enough laughter in the world. We need writers like Hank.

Please check out his book and his blog, and know that you will be treated to a delightful and crazy take on all sorts of life's adventures. Be sure to enter the raffle for a free copy.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/019b32f8334/?

UPDATE:

The giveaway will consist of 5 eBook copies of QUEEN MOXIE, 2 eBook copies of PRINCESS MOXIE, a 2-book boxed set.

Come join in the fun and enter to win one of the wonderful prizes being given away by Hank Quense.

File Size: 4861 KB
Print Length: 85 pages
Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing (February 1, 2018)
Publication Date: February 1, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0775W1NWP

In this humorous tale, it is now ten years since Moxie became Queen of Usca in south-west Britain. A tribe of Picts shatters her peaceful reign by migrating from the north and occupying territory just outside her border.

Moxie decides to build a fort to help control the wild Picts. To her surprise, she discovers that the fort has been built on land claimed by the forest fairies. Oberon, the King of the fairies, destroys the fort using magic.

Moxie threatens Oberon with military might. Oberon threatens Moxie with magic. To counter Oberon, Moxie asks Camelot to send Merlin to help her out and Arthur agrees.

Once Merlin arrives, Moxie demands that he confront Oberon and use magic spells to defeat the Fairy King. Merlin isn’t thrilled by the request. Moxie wants him to cast field magic spells, a type of spell casting that Merlin has never been able to master.

The Picts hear about the fort and decide Moxie has become hostile. They determine to attack rather than wait for Moxie to attack them.

Meanwhile, Moxie’s only child, the ten-year-old daughter, Aethelwine, decides she won’t be the next queen, leaving Moxie without an heir.

Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table, has been exiled by Arthur for insulting all the nobles with his songs and is staying in Moxie’s castle. He is working on a play to be staged in Stonehenge. Tristan hopes the play will end his exile since it praises King Arthur and Camelot

Faced with threats from the fairies and the Picts, Moxie decides to take on the fairies. Merlin tells Moxie and Oberon they are both idiots for fighting each other when the real threat comes from the Picts who will be able to conquer both after they fight a battle and are weakened by casualties.

Moxie and Oberon agree to a treaty and combine forces to confront the Picts who have been reinforced by boatloads of warriors.

Can Moxie and Oberon convince the Picts to back down?
And what about Aethelwine?
Is Tristan’s play any good?

For those who aren’t familiar with Hank, here’s some background:

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories. He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of articles.

He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a third Moxie novel that takes place in the Camelot era.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

For more on Hank and his writing, visit his Amazon Author Page.

Now for the giveaway.

The giveaway will consist of 5 eBook copies of QUEEN MOXIE, 3 eBook copies of PRINCESS MOXIE, and a 2-book boxed set of the previous MOXIEnovels in eBook format. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below to enter or click here.

Thanks for stopping by during Hank’s visit. Would you want to be the next heir to a kingdom?

-->

Have you checked out Hank's writer's guide yet?

IWSG - January 2018

2018-01-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

January 3 question - What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

Aex's awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Tyrean Martinson, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Jennifer Lane, and Rachna Chhabria!

Can you believe it's 2018! Seems surreal for some reason. I almost didn't post today because I couldn't think of anything to say. Feels as if I've been invited to a party and I've just arrived at the front gate. I've no idea what's waiting for me on the other side of the door. I'm excited and speechless.

I wish you all the very best in 2018. I know it wasn't an easy year for many people. I think 2018 is going to be much better. As my friend and fellow writer, Marie Anne Beswick wrote, "I've been waiting my whole life for 2018."

May you know joy, peace and fulfilment throughout the year.

If you're in the Banderas Bay, Nayarit area Friday, January 5th, come by the VIP Lounge at the Marina Rivera Yacht Club in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It's the annual Meet the Author event from 5 to 7pm. Besides myself, authors Susan Appleyard and Wanda St. Hilaire will be there. I would love to see you. What better way to spend the evening than talking shop.

IWSG - December 2017

2017-12-06T05:00:00.001-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

December 6 question - As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

IWSG's awesome co-hosts for the December 6 posting of the IWSG are Julie Flanders,Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!

Be sure to stop by and thank them for their time.

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!

I admitted to a friend a few days ago that over the course of the year I had lost my confidence. So much had happened safety and health-wise that I found myself waiting for the next bomb to drop. This dear friend looked at me and nodded. She said it was natural for me to feel this way. The problems I'd faced had come out of nowhere and continue as such for almost the entire year. One thing happened after another.

She helped me realize that I'm not the only one out there who feels this way. We sit here waiting for the year to end in hopes that all our fears will end with it.

What is confidence? The ability to have faith and to believe everything will be alright. And don't we generally feel that way? Until stuff happens. And more stuff. Life isn't always compliant. Nor should it be. But while we're in the thick of things, it is very nice to have IWSG to go to. Thank you, Alex.

I recently signed up with promotion site called CarterNovels for a very reasonable price. They're placing the cover of my books and audiobook everywhere. For more info click on https://carternovels.com/indie-author-promotions.html

IWSG: October 2017

2017-10-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

IWSG's awesome co-hosts for October 4 are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!

Please stop by and thank them for their time.

After 5 months, I'm so glad to be back at IWSG. It's been a whirlwind year. For the last three days I've sat staring at this screen, though, wondering, now that I'm back what I could possible say to encourage anyone. The 90s and first 8 years of the new millennium were challenging, so I assume when life changed for the better at the end of 2008, I had survived because I was meant to help others by sharing what I'd learned. It was the reason I joined IWSG. Not once did I see that life wasn't finished teaching me difficult lessons.

On a positive note: the sense of hopelessness that's hung around my neck all these months is finally gone. What took its place, I've yet to determine.

Question: Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?

I've gone to great lengths to never reveal anything personal into my characters. To do so would feel like a betrayal. Betrayal to whom, beats me; thoughts for another post, I suppose. I do know I'm incapable of not influencing my characters. After all, my stories come from me, and I'm a product of my existential judgements.

While I purposely avoid using personal data from my life, I did write a Vietnam War thriller after studying for months with a Crew Chief who served on a Huey during the war. He helped me understand exactly what the day in the life of a grunt was like, right down to the rotten crotch, bed bugs and the razor-sharp elephant leaves. I'll never be able to thank him enough for taking the time to help me, a young mother from small town Canada, write such authentic scenes. Little did either of us know that one day, many years later, my youngest son would serve in Afghanistan. I can still see the relief on his face when he understood that I was never going to ask him to explain what his days were like.

PROMOTIONS, NEWS & UPDATES

2017-09-25T17:08:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it's been 3 months since my last post. Much has happened that I won't go into now. 2017 has been a stressful year. While I am healing nicely from hip replacement surgery, ten days ago I fell backwards from the entrance to our RV and caught my ankle in the step. I torn three ligaments in my foot. And I was so close to walking without a limp!

No sense crying over spilt milk. Focussing on what has been or hasn't been is never productive. Instead I'm reading your posts and learning all about your joys and accomplishments. Inspiring, yes.

At IWSG, James Newcomb reveals his techniques for recording audiobooks. He has some great secrets to share.

Alex Cavannaugh has a upbeat post about news, films and interesting sites.

Your awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting of the IWSG are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan! Please stop by on that date and thank them for their time.

HallowCon is a horror convention in Chattanooga, TN, taking place Oct. 27-29. Novels by Dancing Lemur Press are being offered as giveaways.

Horror writer Keith Pyeatt celebrates 8 years with a $1.99 sale.

Canadian writer, Careann's Musings, A Strange Start to September. Carol writes spiritual posts about the beauty of British Columbia's lower mainland. Her photography is outstanding.

Crystal Ra Laksmi, Touched by the Mauna Kea. Crystal's posts are grounded in the wonders of being alive.

Lynda Young, W.I.P. The Annual IWSG Anthology. You have until November 4 to enter.

Yvette Carol, How to Throw Your Own Book Launch.

Long-time blogger, Hillary Melton Butcher shares a trip from Greenwich to Westminister in Positive Letters.

Alexandra Sokoloff writes about one of my favourite subjects: The Unreliable Narrator.

Standing Into Danger, The Lansdowne Letters: The Unfairness, Unjustness, and Inhumanity of It All I've been following Louise's blog for a long time and her letters are very moving.

Giveaway at Mason Canyon's: Christmas At The Lake.

I have a new website in the works, being created by professional web designer Sara Fraser. Can't wait to share it with you.

Congratulations to everyone who has a new novel out. A huge congrats to Chrys Fey's mother. Her children books look wonderful, Chrys. Please pass along my regards.

I'm also running a giveaway. When you purchase the audiobook version of my suspense thriller Matowak, send me proof of purchase minus the payment information and I'll send you my ebook Maski. Be sure to state which format you'd like. Offer ends midnight September 3oth.

While I was composing this post, I had three visitors. Apologies for taking the photo through a screened window. If I'd gone outside for a better shot, they would have bolted.

The Twins' ears are huge!

Happy Writing and Reading, Everyone.

MASKI and MATOWAK giveaway

2017-06-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Mason Canyon is presenting a book tour for my audiobook Matowak: Woman Who Cries, and my ebook for Maski: Broken But Not Dead. I hope you'll take advantage of the free giveaways and visit the bloggers below. Have a wonderful Fourth of July and Canada Day, everyone. Stay safe.

We finally sold our house, so please wish me luck. My family and I are hosting an estate sale at Cluculz Lake June 30th - July 3rd.

◊ Maski: Broken But Not Dead
◊ By Joylene Nowell Butler
◊ Psychological Thriller

◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC
◊ eBook ISBN 9781939844385

To the Breaking Point…

When Brendell Meshango resigns from her university professor position and retreats to her isolated cabin to repair her psyche, she is confronted by a masked intruder. His racial comments lead her to believe she is the solitary victim of a hate crime.

However, is all as it appears? After two bizarre days, the intruder mysteriously disappears but continues to play mind games with her. Taught by her mother to distrust the mainstream-based power structures, and with her stalker possibly linked to a high level of government, Brendell conceals the incident from the police. But will her silence keep her safe? Then her beloved daughter, Zoë, is threatened and Brendell takes matters into her own hands. To save Zoë, Brendell searches for the stalker and confronts not just a depraved madman but her own fears and prejudices.

◊ Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries
◊ By Joylene Nowell Butler
◊ Psychological Thriller
◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC

A murder enveloped in pain and mystery…

When Canada’s retired Minister of National Defense, Leland Warner, is murdered in his home, the case is handed to Corporal Danny Killian, an aboriginal man tortured by his wife’s unsolved murder. The suspect, 60-year-old Sally Warner, still grieves for the loss of her two sons, dead in a suicide/murder eighteen months earlier. Confused and damaged, she sees in Corporal Killian a friend sympathetic to her grief and suffering and wants more than anything to trust him.Danny finds himself with a difficult choice-indict his prime suspect, the dead minister’s horribly abused wife or find a way to protect her and risk demotion. Or worse, transfer away from the scene of his wife’s murder and the guilt that haunts him…

The audio version of Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries is available through Audible and Amazon. Click on the links to hear an audio sample of the book.

June 26 – Random Thoughts – Excerpt
Dreams, Goals and Adventure – Feature
Thoughts in Progress – Feature

June 27 – Mythical Books – Guest Post

June 28 – Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit – Excerpt & Feature
JBronder Book Reviews – Feature

June 29 – Hank’s Blog – Excerpt

June 30 – Reviews by Crystal – Excerpt
Pat Garcia Book Reviews – Review of Maski
Deal Sharing Aunt – Guest Post

Moxie's Decision by Hank Quense!

2017-06-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to be part of author Hank Quense's MOXIE’S DECISIONBlog Tour with MC Book Tours today. A blogging friend (and a delight to know), Hank has been a guest on this blog many times, adding satire and hilarity to my day. Hank has proven time again that laughter is the medicine for everything.

Entertaining from beginning to end, MOXIE'S DECISIONis uproariously funny and satire at its best. Selected as one of 2016's best YA novels: Huffington Post. It’s also a top pick! Indie Reader: 5 stars

You can enter to win a copy of MOXIE’S DECISION today. Be sure to check out the giveaway details below.

◊ Series:Princess Moxie (Book 2)

◊ Paperback:306 pages

◊ Publisher:Strange Worlds Publishing (October 15, 2015)

◊ Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure,

◊ Language:English

◊ ISBN-10:0985779195

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985779191

Moxie has a plan; she’s determined to rule as queen after her father, King Smedley, dies.

But Smedley refuses to acknowledge her as his heir. Her uncle also wants the throne and he’s already tried once to eliminate Moxie as competition.

Moxie recognizes she hasn't been trained to rule and she needs lessons about the real world. Moxie goes on a quest to learn how to rule and to learn about life outside the castle.

Moxie faces unexpected obstacles as she struggles with adventures in a brutal reality that tests her mettle and determination.

This is a fantasy coming-of-age story that is decidedly different than the usual ones. The book is filled with satire and humor. What more can a reader wish for?

It takes place against the backdrop of Camelot, but this isn’t the Camelot of legends. It’s Camelot in a parallel universe where the Knights of the Round Table play football and Guinevere coaches the team’s cheer leaders. The wizard Merlin struggles to understand the Magic of the Mind using primitive ink stained diagrams and Stonehenge is a theater-in-the-round.

Moxie’s rollicking adventures are the stuff of comedy. Enjoy!

Add MOXIE'S DECISION to you Goodreads shelf!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories.

He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of

articles. He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a third Moxie novel that takes place in the Camelot era.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

Be sure to visit Hank’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM76IE

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway (prizes courtesy of the author) is for five (5) eBooks copies (worldwide) of MOXIE’S DECISION and three (3) print copies of MOXIE’S DECISION (U.S. entries only). The giveaway ends at 12 a.m. (EST) on Monday, July 3.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. If the widget doesn’t appear, just CLICK HERE for a chance to win a copy of this fun book.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories with bits of fun blended in?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-->

Featuring: Dreams, Goals and Adventures by Michael D. Ditton

2017-05-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't been around much since I fell and broke my femur. Hip replacement surgery was successful, but immediately following that we sold our home of 25 years and need to be out before August 1, 2017. Yes, my world is spinning. I'm healing slowly, feeling a bit overwhelmed--BUT--I'm blogging today because today is special.

I'm honoured to be included in my dear friend Michael D. Ditton's book tour for his book titled Dreams, Goals, and Adventure through MC Book Tours. I read Michael's book two years ago after meeting him at a La Cruz writer's group meeting in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico. I was so impressed with his story that I wrote a review.

Michael is one of those rare people who comes into your life and brightens it immediately. He's known adversity, heartache, and pain, but he's risen above it. And now he wants to help others do the same. I hope you'll take time to check out this wonderful book full of inspiration, hope, and encouragement. I promise it'll lift you up.

My Review: A Simple Guide to Obtaining Your Goals.

Dreams, Goals, and Adventure is a small book filled with wonderful insights into creating the life of your dreams, no matter the circumstances. Michael Ditton's shows, through examples from his own life choices, that anyone can obtain their dreams. It's not magic. It's not about money. It's not about fate or luck. Goals and dreams are obtainable through planning and determination. Adventure is the icing on the cake. It's about believing in yourself. Creating doable goals and taking a chance on life. It's about faith.

I loved how as a young boy Michael Ditton knew instinctively that if he wanted to make something of himself, he had to dream, plan, and do. Yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people, but with strength of mind, by removing "can't" from your vocabulary, you can overcome anything. Life won't give up on you, so why would you give up on life? I applaud Mr. Ditton for using excerpts from his own experience to help me understand that if I'm not where I want to be, it's me holding me back, nobody else.

Dreams, Goals, and Adventure is a wonderful book that ended far too soon. I read it in one afternoon. I was right there with him when he got the dream job of running a hamburger stand while still too young to have a driver's licence. I was there when he saw Alaska for the first time, along with its endless possibilities of adventure. I was there when his buddy yelled at him in Costa Rica that they had to go because their boat's anchor hadn't secured, and their boat was travelling backwards through the harbour without them.

The best thing I got from this book ... I reached the last page knowing that life is about embracing happiness over defeat, that never surrendering means being too stubborn to giving up. There is no end to where I'm capable of going. Thank you, Michael.

Michael and Crystal in Hawaii living the Dream

◊ DREAMS, GOALS AND ADVENTURE by Michael D. Ditton

◊ Paperback: 148 pages

◊ Genre: Self-Help, Motivational

◊ Publisher: BalboaPress (October 19, 2015)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1504335880

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1504335881

From broke to retired in ten years . . .

Returning home from Desert Storm, I found myself mentally and financially bankrupt. Newly divorced, I had no job, no help, and no hope. My reasons to live were gone. At the lowest point in my life, I fell back on simple truths from my childhood: hard work gets results, and it's okay to dream. And dream I did, setting goals that launched me from poverty to a life I could not have imagined. And you can do it, too.

Dreams, Goals, and Adventure will inspire you to dream big, work toward your goals, and live your life as an adventure every day.

* Don't be afraid to dream.

* Don't accept “no” as an answer.

* Remove “can't” from your vocabulary.

* Small goals are stepping stones to much larger goals.

* Learn how to spring forward from failure.

* Know you will have to adjust.

-->

* Live life as an adventure.

"Your experiences are so extra-ordinary and you're fascinating
to listen to. Your speaking style is humble and respectful of both your role as a speaker and of your audience, as one would expect after hearing of what you were trained to do. If others would open their lives to adventure as you have they would love their life even more." ~Jim Cathcart, author of the bestsellers: The Acorn Principle and Relationship Selling. CEO of Cathcart.com

Michael Ditton is an entrepreneur, personal development coach, and student of life. In addition to helping others realize their dreams, he can be found sailing or traveling in search of new adventures.

“When met by unexpected challenges, embrace them wholeheartedly as opportunities for adventure and education.”

I developed Goal-Setting Basics to help others interested in learning how to set goals. In my twenties, I had to gather these valuable bits of information a piece at a time. This site offers you an array of information, tools, and resources to help you in identifying, setting, and accomplishing your goals, whatever they might be. In these tools are free worksheets and examples to help you succeed. You will find Goal-Setting Basics is your single source for all of your goal-setting needs.

“Financial Independence means having control over your time

without worrying about the ability to pay your bills” … So many think they have to be as wealthy as Bill Gates to live a rich life, that is so far from the truth … Let me show you how.

Meet The Author Event, La Cruz

I was a dreamer from an early age. To this day I believe anyone can do whatever they choose to put their mind to.

I didn’t go from eight years old to semi-retired in the length of one sentence. Nor was it easy. But I did follow a simple, time-honored process.

I was in my twenties before I fully understood the true importance of goal setting. After that, I was able to be more focused, see where I wanted to be, how I was going to get there, notice when I needed to make adjustments, and had the satisfaction of reaching goals. I enjoyed the benefits of reaching a goal and putting a big, fat check mark on my list.

Here’s how those goals paid off:

At 8, sold vegetables door to door from my little red wagon

Age 13, supervisor, World’s Fare Hamburgers

Age 15, assistant manager trainee, Pizza Hut

Age 16, assistant manager, Round Table Pizza

Age 18, began a 20-year commitment with the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, retiring in 2005 as a staff sergeant and Desert Storm veteran. Over my service career I became a leader and was recognized and awarded for my achievements and outstanding service.

Age 20, found my true calling as a sales professional

Age 31, began a successful career in real estate and real estate investments

Age 36, semi-retired

Age 37, owned and operated several companies

Age 41, semi-retired, sold everything and sailed south on his 45’ sailboat

Although I found success at a very early age, I became painfully aware of how quickly it can all be taken away. In 1991, after I returned from Desert Storm, I found myself bankrupt, mentally, physically and financially and divorced.

It was the lowest point in my life. Four years later, I had clawed my way back to even, and started to build from there. Two years after that, following my roadmap of goals, I reached my first level of financial independence. The rest is history.

For more on Michael, you can connect with him at the following sites:

www.dreamsgoalsandadventure.com

www.goalsettingbasics.com

www.michaelditton.com

For those following his tour, Michael is offering a special price on the Kindle eBook format of DREAMS, GOALS, AND ADVENTURE at a reduced cost of just 99 cents! Readers can also get a FREE copy of Michael’s GOAL SETTING BASICS in the eBook format. For one or both of these special offers just CLICK HERE!

Thanks for visiting during Michael’s tour stop. Are you following your dreams?

-->

IWSG: Bittersweet

2017-05-03T07:36:00.003-07:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

May 3 Question: What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?

The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG will be Nancy Gideon, Tamara Narayan, Liesbet @ Roaming About, Michelle Wallace, and Feather Stone!

Please stop by and thank them for their time.

Whenever I'm ill, which isn't often, I feel vulnerable. Especially when I don't understand the why. I can't believe I would attract a horrible experience into my life. Nor would I purposely scare my husband. He's a fixer, and when he can't fix things, he suffers.

The hives I contacted last month in Bucerias were so bad that dear husband tried to switch flights with me and have me sent home in his place. His flight was April 8th and mine was April 21st.

Fortunately, the hives cleared up in three days and dear husband left assuming I'd be fine. We do this a lot, take separate flights.

Four days later, at 10:45 in the morning, a pigeon caught its wing in the rod iron fixture holding up the A/C unit at our front door. I stood on a stool, reached through the re-bar wall, and after several stressful minutes, freed him.

That was my goal, to free him. So when he died, stunned--I jerked, which in turn toppled the stool. The front door was open and I fell onto my right side just inside the apartment.

We live on the top floor of a walkup apartment. When I realized I was in trouble, I decided to "fix" the problem. I crawled 7 metres believing I could reach the dining room chair and pull myself upright. Halfway, I reached the small alcove bed and after two more hours, pulled the pillows and comforter to the floor. I knew if I didn't warm up I'd likely get pneumonia.

People have asked since then how I managed to cope. Truth is I didn't manage. So many horrendous thoughts ran through my mind. I yelled at the top of my lungs, yet nobody heard me. I prayed, cried, begged. Talked to my dead parents. I tried to stay strong. I sang Rolling Stones' songs, recited aloud all the blessings in my life. I later learned that two friends (at different times during the day) were on their way to see me, only to have their plans changed at the last moment.

When Mary, the apartment manager found me at 7:30 in the evening, I cried like a little girl. She called 911 and summed friends. Soon, my little apartment filled with neighbours who each tried in their own way to comfort me. Luis' eight year old little girl, patted my shoulder and told me I'd be okay. Luis' mother rubbed my leg and reminded me that God was with me. Luis rushed about the apartment, gathering everything he thought I'd need in the hospital. Later, I found toothpaste and my toothbrush in my purse.

Mary called my dear friend, Lulu (Lourdes), who went with me in the ambulance and stayed on the sofa beside my hospital bed until my husband finally found a flight from Canada two days later.

The fall broke the top of my right femur. Because of the severity of the break, I had a full hip replacement on April 14th. I can't emphasize enough how wonderful the doctors and nurses were. I was treated with care, respect and kindness for 6 days. During the day, friends stayed by my side while dear husband packed up our apartment, cleaned floors, and scrubbed the fridge. In the evening he slept on the sofa beside my bed.

It wasn't until a dear lady from my La Cruz Writer's group offered a rental house across from her place, rent free, that I realized there was no way I'd be able to climb the 54 steps to our apartment once I was released from the hospital. She is just one of the many wonderful people that stepped forward to help us during this difficult time. One friend lent us a walker, another did research for physiotherapy, another called their orthopaedic surgeon for a second opinion, and another drove us to the airport from Nayarit to Jalisco.

I know accidents are never timely. But this happened when I was supposed to be finishing my current WIP, a manuscript I've been struggling with for several years. This happened when I should have been marketing a new ebook.

My publisher put out a request, and a some terrific bloggers came to my rescue, which shouldn't surprise me considering we belong to an awesome blogging community.

Still, I cry when I think about it. And I'm sad because I still haven't visited their sites.

Today is the first time I've been at the computer since the accident. Not just because it hurts to sit for too long, but because I'm depressed. I need to understand why this happened. And not just the accident, but the 8 hours while I waited for someone to find me. I need to replace the doubt that has taken over. Before the accident I was of the mindset that everything will always work out. Now I'm not so sure.

My doctor says it's the result of a concussion that has me feeling vulnerable and emotional. He says that though I may feel as if I'm standing still, I will recover, grow strong again, and in time understand the good that came from this.

I hope he's right. I like that other joylene better, the one who believes everything always works out. It's what this blog has been about from the beginning.

After 5 years of having our house on the market, someone is interested in buying our home. No, I have no idea how I'm going to manage packing up 25 years worth of stuff while using a walker.

I have a lot to be grateful for. I know that. One day this will make sense. And when it does, I'll share that too. Meanwhile, I won't be around for awhile. I've turned off comments for your benefit. To those of you who have taken the time to email me privately, I will answer each of you soon. First I need to succeed at pain management and get a good night's sleep.

Thank you for the wonderful birthday wishes and all the get well messages. You really are a treasure that I give thanks for every single day.

IWSG - April - Ebook News

2017-04-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

April 5 Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?

The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG will be Christopher D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Fundy Blue, and Chrys Fey!

This post will be brief as I am currently under the weather with a severe case of hives. From the top of my head to the bottom of my feet, can you believe it? I can't. It's a long time since I've experienced anything so painful. But this doesn't mean I won't be visiting your blogs; it's just going to take me longer than normal. Before I go I wanted to mention I have a new ebook coming out with Dancing Lemur.

Life is good and my body will most certainly heal soon. My doctor(s) live in the apartment directly below us. Two of the sweetest girls you'll ever meet. Thank you Cinthia and Jackie for all your tender care. Oh, and Happy Anniversary to my dear husband.

Featuring Hank Quense - Creating Stories

2017-03-27T06:20:00.001-07:00

CREATING STORIES
BY HANK QUENSE

Published by Strange World Publishing
AVAILABLE April 1, 2017
$8.99, 9947 KB, 105 Pages
Genre: Fiction Writing
ASIN: B01MZ6E3EM

Do you have a story in you?

Do you know how to write it or how to tell it?

Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design, and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two.

The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character’s biography.
Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot.

A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs.
Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Setting & Characters
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Setting
Chapter 3: Characters-1
Chapter 4: Characters-2
Chapter 5: More Character Stuff
Part 2: Plotting
Chapter 6: Plotting
Chapter 7: Subplots
Chapter 8: Scene Design
Chapter 9: Plot and Emotional Arcs
Part 3: Story-telling
Chapter 10: Basic Stuff
Chapter 11: Point-of-View
Chapter 12: Writing Voice
Part 4: More Stuff
Chapter 13: Parody, Humor, and Satire
Chapter 14: Odds & Ends
Chapter 15: Other Stuff
Chapter 16: Appendices
Chapter 17: About the Author

* * * *

I'm thrilled to be participating in Hank Quense's book tour today; he's been a featured guest on this blog many times and for good reason. Although we've never met in person, I'd like to think I know how just how talented Hank is. This book is a true treasure and needs to be in the library of every writer worldwide.

From chapter 4 of Creating Stories

Nothing tells the reader the author is an amateur quicker than reading about a make-believe cardboard character, one that isn't a “real” person. As you develop this part of your character you will, once again, run into the limitation factor. The more defined your character becomes, the more limitations you'll place on the character and yourself.

In this section we'll cover the mental or inner workings of characters. There are a number of areas involved in this undertaking and it will require creativity and hard work to finish the development. These areas include the character's personality, his dreams, his aspirations and mirages that affect him. The character's philosophy is also an important element here and that will be covered separately.

Personality: Let's start with personality. Here is a definition from the American Heritage Dictionary: The pattern of feelings, thoughts, and activities that distinguishes one person from another. If you scan the web, you'll find a bewildering array of web sites about personality including some heavy-duty stuff from doctors. Basically, it seems to break down into two areas: personality types and personality traits.

According to one theory, there are sixteen types of personality. There are four types in each of four categories: analysts, diplomats, sentinels and explorers. Your character has to be one of sixteen. For more information see http://www.16personalities.com/personality-types.

Within these categories, there are many personality traits. You need to define your character by giving him or her a personality trait or two. Is your character affable, charming, pompous, unfriendly? There are many personality traits that can be used. Once you select one or two, do a web search on that trait to ensure you can write convincingly about that type of personality. There is more information about personality traits here: http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-personality-traits.html

Dreams (aspirations): What does your character want out of life? What does he want to do when he grows up? What does she want to achieve? This attribute can influence how the character acts and can provide a measure of conflict. What if she wants to become an engineer, but has to decide whether to stay in college or drop out to help her sick mother? This situation will provide inner conflict.

Memories: These are influencers that characters have. Memories can also be used for foreshadowing and to build up internal conflict. How? Consider this example: as a five-year-old, the character almost drowned. Ever since, she has had a healthy fear of open water. At some point in the story, she sees a man drowning in the middle of a lake. What does your character do? Does her fear of water cause her to ignore the man and walk away? Does she search for a boat to use in the rescue? Does she suppress her fear and dive into the lake?

This inner conflict can provide a memorable scene in the story. Remember though, a heroine has to do heroic stuff. It would be acceptable for a villainess to let the guy drown, but a heroine will have to try to save him, or she won't be believable. If she lets the guy drown without trying to save him, the character will be seen as a phony and the reader will lose interest in her.

Another example will concern a man who was punished as a child by being locked in a dark closet. Now he fears dark basements, caves, alleys and any unlit place. You can see how this memory and foreshadowing can lead to exciting scenes and gripping internal conflict.

Mirages: These are fantasies the character tricks herself into believing. Want an example? Most politicians thinking they have the slightest chance of getting elected President.

Descriptor (or voice): This item isn't the same as the way the character speaks, it's a brief description or summary of the character and the way he thinks and acts. This isn't easy to develop but I believe it's essential to have one for the major and main characters. Once you have the descriptor, it will help you write accurately about the character and his thoughts, his actions, his reactions.

Examples may be the best way to explain the descriptor. A banker can be the voice of greed and will endlessly talk about money and financial concerns. This character will always be trying to get more money, possibly through fraud. A psychopath is the voice of rage, always ready for an argument or fight. A warrior could be described as the voice of chaos. An accountant can be the voice of precision.

~~ ~

-->

If you have any questions or comments on this material, leave a note and I'll respond.

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories.

He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of articles. He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a third Moxie novel that takes place in the Camelot era.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

Amazon Author Page * Website * Twitter

You can check out the schedule and follow Hank’s tour by clicking HERE.

There is a tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) eBooks of CREATING STORIES and three (3) print copies of the author’s MOXIE'S PROBLEM (U.S. entries only). The prizes are courtesy of the publisher. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, April 18. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) eBooks of CREATING STORIES and three (3) print copies of the author’s MOXIE'S PROBLEM (U.S. entries only). The prizes are courtesy of the publisher. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, April 18.

To enter, click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to check out Hank’s book.

Featuring: HE GAVE ME BARN CATS

2017-03-07T06:46:00.001-08:00

Author Maria Santomasso-Hyde is visiting today as part of her HE GAVE ME BARN CATS Blog Tour with MC Book Tours. Her book is scheduled to be released March 14 by Dancing Lemur Press.

If you’re looking for a story that will touch your heart, you’ve found it in this tender story of love, loss, and inspiration. You could win your own copy, just check out the giveaway details.

◊ He Gave Me BARN CATS
◊ by Maria Santomass0-Hyde

◊ Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

◊ Available March 14, 2017

◊ $10.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 134 pages

◊ Genres: Christian Fiction / Christian Life-Death, Grief, Bereavement

◊ Print ISBN 978-1-939844-21-7 eBook ISBN 978-1-939844-22-4

◊ Order through Ingram, Follett Library Resources, or from the publisher

◊ $3.99 eBook available in all formats

Inspired by true events...

Maria has cared for her very ill mother for many years. Her burdens are heavy, causing a sadness bordering on darkness. When she discovers her historic barn is now home to a mother cat and kittens, she feels lighter than she has in years. As the kittens grow, they teach her as only animals can do.

Then tragedy strikes. As Maria loses her family, the darkness envelopes her like the heavy fog that blankets her Blue Ridge Mountain home each morning. She creates a scorecard: God: 9, Maria: 0. Her questions turn into anger at God. She searches to find answers as to why her loving God would take away so much in such a short time.

How will she learn to trust again? Can the kittens in her barn help her heal?

HE GAVE ME BARN CATS is available for pre-order in print format at following sites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, Everything Cats, Foyles, and Chapters-Indigo.

HE GAVE ME BARN CATS is available for order in eBook format at the following sites: Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Amazon.

Be sure to add HE GAVE ME BARN CATS to your shelf on Goodreads.

Maria's Facebook Page.

Formerly a newspaper reporter, Maria Santomasso-Hyde now owns Alta Vista Fine Art Gallery.

She lives in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, with her husband, Lee, and The Queen of the Universe (Roma, their Black Cat) … and other Black Cats who decide to move in.

Come join the blog tour and learn more about Maria and HE GAVE ME BARN CATS by visiting the following blog:

March 7 - Joylene Nowell Butler, Suspense Author - Feature

March 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews - Guest Post

March 9 - Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Feature

March 10 - Defending The Pen - Excerpt

March 13 - Reviews by Crystal - Q&A
Alex J. Cavanaugh - Guest Post

March 14 - Thoughts in Progress - Review

March 15 - Open

March 16 - A Bluestocking's Place - Excerpt
deal sharing aunt - Review

March 17 - Juneta @ Writer's Gambit - Q&A

March 20 - Reviews From the Heart - Review
The Story of a Writer - Feature
CBY Book Club - Excerpt

March 21 - bookworm1102 - Excerpt
Storey Book Reviews - Excerpt
Celticlady's Reviews - Feature

Giveaway Details:

This is a tour-wide giveaway for two (2) print copies (U.S only) and two (2) eBooks (international). To enter just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hiatus in Bucerias

2017-03-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

Due to some technical difficulties, I'm going off line for March unless I find myself near wifi. I will be posting for the release of HE GAVE ME BARN CATS by Maria Santomasso-Hyde on March 7th. I won't be available for comments. Please do take the opportunity to enter to win a copy of Maria's book.

IWSG March 27 I there to introduce Luis Carlos Fuentes Avila, screenwriter, editor, friend. Luis has a film coming out in June.

Meanwhile, I hope you all stay healthy and happy. Talk to you on Facebook when I'm near wifi. I've turned off comments because I can't comment back.

For your viewing pleasure, the sights and sounds of Mexico.

Wandering the beach of Banderas Bay on a warm evening.

If you haven't visited the botanical gardens south of Puerto Vallarta, it's well worth the trip. They finished the church this year. A walk back in history.

Another worthwhile is adventure is the San Blas Estuary in Nayarit.

View from our terrace

PV Botanical Garden

Crocodile nesting

San Blas

La Cruz Marina

PV Botanical Garden

Bucerias restaurant

Tepic Highway northeast through Bucerias

Banderas Bay

Mexican Beach Bar in Bucerias

Someone's front steps

Bookstore in PV

Bucerias apartments

Marina at PV

pigeon chicks on our terrace

Videos:

Fireworks on the beach

Part of the boat ride through the estuary at San Blas

Route 66 Restaurant and Bar at PV Marina

The flightpath of bats past our terrace every evening

THE REMNANT on Tour + Giveaway

2017-02-14T04:53:00.000-08:00

Author William Michael Davidson is on tour with MC Book Tours featuring his new novel, THE REMNANT, being released Feb. 7 by Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C.

February 7, 2017 (Pikeville, NC) William Michael Davidson’s book poses the question - what if religious beliefs were eradicated? Set in the not too distant future, The Remnant proposes that a single gene is responsible for spiritual beliefs and its destruction eliminates the threat of religious wars and terrorism. What would a world be like without faith? And what would happen if those beliefs began to reemerge? Tapping into the fears of today’s religious and political unrest and acts of violence, Davidson’s story of a world without God is timely and thought-provoking.

About the book:

One Nation without God:

Colton Pierce apprehends Abberants—those who display symptoms of faith—and quarantines them on a remote island to ensure public safety. Years prior, the government released a genetically-engineered super flu that destroyed the genes believed to be the biological source of spiritual experience in an effort to rid the world of terrorism. As an extractor with the Center for Theological Control, Colton is dedicated to the cause.

But Colton's steadfast commitment is challenged when he learns his own son has been targeted for extraction. An underground militia, the Remnant, agrees to help Colton save his son in exchange for his assistance with their plan to free the Aberrants on the island.

Colton is faced with the most important decision of his life. Remain faithful to the CTC? Or give up everything to save his son?

◊Release date: February 7, 2017

◊$15.95, 6×9 Trade paperback, 242 pages

◊Science Fiction (FIC028000) / Christian Futuristic Fiction (FIC0402020)

◊Print ISBN 978-1-939844-29-3 eBook ISBN 978-1-939844-30-9

◊Order through Ingram, Follett, or from the publisher

◊$4.99 eBook available in all formats

An intriguing take on faith, religion, and conflict in a world attempting to abolish all three. The far-fetched becomes imaginable in this near-future cautionary tale. Left Behind meets Philip K. Dick. -- Milo James Fowler, author of Captain Bartholomew Quasar and the Space-Time Displacement Conundrum

About the Author:

William Michael Davidson lives in Long Beach, California with his wife and two daughters. A believer that "good living produces good writing," Davidson writes early in the morning so he can get outside, exercise, spend time with people, and experience as much as possible.

A writer of speculative fiction, he enjoys stories that deal with humanity's inherent need for redemption.

For more on Davidson and his writing, connect with him on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon Author’s Page.

This is a tour-wide giveaway for two (2) print copies that are available to those living in the U.S. only and one (1) eBook copy available international. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Feb. 26. You can enter to win at each stop of the tour.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour for more chances to win. The schedule is located below...

THE REMNANT is available to order in eBook form at the following sites:

The print format of the book is available at these sites:

Be sure to add THE REMNANT to your bookshelf on Goodreads.

To enter the Giveaway, click here.

Thanks to MC Book Tours for the opportunity to spotlight William Michael Davidson. For more on Davidson and his writing, you can connect with him on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and his Amazon Author’s Page.

You can purchase your own copies of The Remnant at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters-Indigo, Book Depository, Foyles, Mediander and Fiction DB. Make sure you add The Remnantto your Goodreads list as well.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour for more chances to win. The schedule is located below...

Jan. 23 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Excerpt

Tamara Naraya – Q&A and Review

Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews – Q&A

Jan. 24 – EmmyMom Taking One Day At A Time – Excerpt and Review

Writers and Authors – Q & A

Jan. 25 – Book Dreaming – Excerpt and Review

The Five Year Project – Guest Post

Jan. 26 – Patricia Stoltey, Author – Interview

Jan. 27 – Inside the Inkwell – Feature

Mythical Books – Guest Post

Jan. 30 – Christine Rains – Writer – Review

The Story of a Writer – Excerpt

Jan. 31 – Reviews From The Heart – Review

Carole’s Book Corner – Excerpt

Literature and Lamp Posts – Excerpt, Feature, Review

Feb. 1 – Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf – Review, Guest Post

Feb. 2 – Reveries Reviews – Review

Feb. 3 – Deal Sharing Aunt – Review

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Excerpt

Feb. 6 – Murees Dupé – Q&A

Alex J. Cavanaugh – Guest Post

Feb. 7 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – Review

Feb. 8 – Literary Time Out – Dual Reviews

Mary’s Cup of Tea – Review

Feb. 9 – Live to Read ~Krystal – Review

Feb. 10 – Bookworm1102 – Excerpt

Feb. 13 – 2 Kids and Tired Books – Excerpt

Haddie’s Haven – Review

Feb 14 – Tyrean’s Writing Spot – Guest Post and Review

Feb 15 – Book Giveaways – Feature

Feb. 16 – Joylene Nowell Butler, Suspense Author – Feature

Feb. 17 – Year of the Book – Interview

Feb. 20 – Thoughts in Progress – Review

Feb. 21 – Just Us Book Blog – Excerpt

Feb. 22 – Reviews by Crystal – Excerpt

IWSG: 5 Steps to Create a Book They Can't Put Down

2017-02-01T04:40:00.002-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our hashtag is @IWSG

You may have already heard that we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!!!

The co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are the awesome Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and ... work-in-progress yours truly, me!

Before we get started, I'd like to share with you the blurb for our exciting new anthology:

Hero Lost

Mysteries of Death and Life

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

Can a lost hero find redemption?

What if Death himself wanted to die? Can deliverance be found on a bloody battlefield? Could the gift of silvering become a prison for those who possessed it? Will an ancient warrior be forever the caretaker of a house of mystery?

Delving into the depths of the tortured hero, twelve authors explore the realms of fantasy in this enthralling and thought-provoking collection. Featuring the talents of Jen Chandler, L. Nahay, Renee Cheung, Roland Yeomans, Elizabeth Seckman, Olga Godim, Yvonne Ventresca, Ellen Jacobson, Sean McLachlan, Erika Beebe, Tyrean Martinson, and Sarah Foster.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these twelve tales will take you into the heart of heroes who have fallen from grace. Join the journey and discover a hero’s redemption!

Release date: May 2, 2017

6x9 Trade paperback, Fantasy (FIC009000)

Print ISBN 9781939844361 eBook ISBN 9781939844378

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook group, and a monthly newsletter. http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Freedom Fox Press

A division of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

P.O. Box 383, Pikeville, NC 27863-0383

inquiries@dancinglemurpressllc.com

www.dancinglemurpress.com

February 1 Question: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

Being a writer has made me a hard-to-please reader. If the book hasn't been edited properly, if the POV is unfocussed and obtrusive, if the book is full of grammar mistakes, or the dialogue is disjointed and unnatural, I never finish the novel. I want to, but my eyes wander and next thing I know I'm playing hide and seek with my cat. Having said that, I know too well that mistakes do slip by. But typos and comma errors can be forgiven if the characters and the plot move me. As a less than perfect writer, I don't expect anyone else to be perfect.

5 steps to create a book they can't put down:

1. Don't rush to self-publish or send out queries.
2. Edit, revise, and edit some more.
3. Critique and be critiqued.
4. When your manuscript is ready, set it aside for a minimum of two weeks.
5. Read through again, and if you can afford the services of an editor, by all means.

Whatever hurdles you face in your writing career, whether it's your first novel or your sixth, know that I'm cheering for you. The sky's the limit, baby.

ps. good writing makes me want to be a better writer.

IWSG Merchandise

Show your support and let the world know you are insecure and proud! IWSG Pens $10.99 for two (Price includes S and H) IWSG 3x5” Magnet $5.99 each (Price includes S and H)

We have a new administrator at IWSG. Hope you'll stop by and give Heather M. Gardner a warm welcome. Thanks!

C. Lee McKenzie has just joined our team on Monday as our Media Relations Specialist. Welcome, C. Lee!

IWSG: Tiempo, Temps, Mekwâc: Time

2017-01-04T05:27:00.001-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Be sure to link to IWSG and display the badge in your post.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our hashtag is @IWSG

And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. Remember, the question is optional!!!

January 4 Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?

Our wonderful co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Eva @ Lillicasplace,Crystal Collier, Sheena-kay Graham, Chemist Ken, LG Keltner, and Heather Gardner!

Please stop by and thank them for their time.

T I M E

It's IWSG Wednesday and that means you have many blogs to visit; so I'll keep this brief. But know I could go on for pages. Why? Because too many writers believe there isn’t enough success to go around or enough readers. That couldn’t be furthest from the truth. There are enough readers for us all. Your triumph does not deter from mine. And vice versa. Please heed the following words, however sparse.

When I was a young writer, I found time cruel and unforgiving.

"Slow down, Time," I'd cry. "Have mercy on me!" As if that would ensure I'd find a publisher.

The more I begged, the more Time dragged. I'd send out queries and wait months for a response. I'd check our mailbox with bated breath. (Sound familiar?) I did this every day until the millennium when publishers finally allowed email attachments. After that, I'd hound my inbox. In total I spent 27 years begging to be published.

When I'd receive multiply rejections, I'd cry, mop, and wallow in self-pity, sometimes for up to two days.

Twenty-seven years.

T W E N T Y - S E V E N !

That's a long Time.

You may have already heard I self-published in 2008 after my good friend and critique partner Keith Pyeatt did. I don't think Keith would mind if I shared that we were ~~terrible~~inexperienced writers back then. Through sheer determination we carried on, never wavering in our support for each other.

Shortly after Keith found his first publisher, I found mine.

In 2016, I found my 4th.

You might assume that time had put me through the ringer. But honestly time never failed me. While there were moments I felt defeated, the feelings never lasted long. Okay, that's not true. I once quit writing for an entire year.

Then I discovered the truth.

Would you like to know the three steps to becoming an author who actually sells copies?

Attitude.

Mindset.

Thoughts.

Three steps.

First: Care about how you feel.

Second: Believe in your success.

Third: Give thanks as if it's already happened.

Quantum Physics.

As corny as this may sound--and I'm sure a few of you are shaking your head--the only way to get what you want is to believe you already have it. Sure, it helps if you write everyday and you have critique partners you trust. (Thank you, Vicki, Chris, Merilyn, Alan, Keith, etc..)

Before you rise tomorrow morning, concentrate on thoughts that leave you smiling. Give thanks for what you have and for what you've yet to receive. Then do it again the next morning and the next.

If you do this every day and you believe with all your heart that you're already successful, I promise... your life will change forever. Time will become what it's always been: irrelevant.

-->

If you think I’m nuts, prove me wrong!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 The Insecure Writer's Support Group Anthology!

It was an honour helping to choose the finalist again this year. I salute:

Lesleigh Nahay – Breath Between Seconds

Roland Yeomans - Sometimes They Come Back

Elizabeth Seckman - Mind Body Soul

Olga Godim - Captain Bulat

Ellen Jacobson - The Silvering

Erika Beebe - The Wheat Witch

Yvonne Ventresca – The Art of Remaining Bitter

Sean McLachlan - The Witch Bottle

Sarah Foster - The Last Dragon

Renee Cheung - Memoirs of a Forgotten Knight

Tyrean Martinson - Of Words and Swords

And the grand prize winner:

Jen Stanton Chandler - The Mysteries of Death and Life

IWSG: December 2016

2016-12-07T07:14:00.001-08:00

It’s time for another group posting of the IWSG: Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

IWSG is the brainchild of our noble Ninja Captain and leader Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our hashtag is @IWSG

The awesome co-hosts today are:

Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford,Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!

December Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

This is going to be short so I can spend time on more important things like visiting your blog. We're living in Bucerias now, have been here since Saturday, and my internet connection isn't hooked up yet. That isn't abnormal as things in Mexico are much slower than Canada. I'm sitting at an internet cafe with the morning sun beating straight at us. Lovely spot, but not great for working on a laptop. So as for today's question: my thought on where I'll be five years from now. ...

I have no idea. I'm not sure I want to know either. I've always felt that life should be an adventure. Of course I plan for many sensible things, but my career has been all over the place--a reality for most of us, I wonder. I'm happy at this precise moment and I wouldn't change anything. The only thing I can think of on the subject is I hope IWSG is still going strong in five year and I'm still here visiting you.
Have a happy IWSG day!

Today I'm Guest Blogging At ...

2016-11-21T07:13:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the MC Book Tours Virtual Blog Tour for my third novel Mâtowak Woman Who Cries. The month long tour was a good reminder of just how wonderful our blogosphere is. Those who stepped forward to help me spread word of my newest baby, I am forever in your debt. When your novel is due to be released or you need a shoutout for a friend, please call on me. I would love to help. I can be reached at cluculzwriter at yahoo dot ca .

Today I'm at IWSG talking about the immeasurable value of my literary publicist at Mason Canyon Tour. Hope you can stop by and join in on the conversation.

Before you go, the winners of the Rafflecopter for three free hardcopies of Mâtowak Woman Who Cries and one free ebook copy will be drawn on November 22, 2016. Shortly afterwards, I will announce the winners here.

Thanks agains.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and family.

IWSG: Book Release

2016-11-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Our hashtag is @IWSG

The awesome co-hosts today are:

Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, Christine Rains, and me!

Please stop by and thank my other co-hosts for their time and effort. Thanks.

I'm feeling very insecure and have been for over a month. Why? It's not as if I'm suffering from one more rejection letter. I'm not! I have a new novel out, and I'm thrilled; yet, here I sit feeling insecure.

I know you understand why. I'm presenting my newest baby to the world, and I'm worried that you won't like her. I fear that those of you who like me won't admit that you find her a bad read. Honestly, that's even worse than some stranger leaving a negative review. I can live with that. But can I live with my friends lying to protect my feelings?

What am I saying?! My publisher likes my new baby. My publicist likes her. I LIKE HER! What is wrong with me!?

To those who find the synopsis interesting and the cover fascinating and maybe are thinking, "I should buy this book" --in the words of author Roland Yeoman, don't buy this book! You'll like it, then you'll have to read the prequel, and then my first novel, and before you know it, you'll leave an awesome review, and I'll end up thinking you don't mean it; you're just being kind! Heck--I already feel sick!

I could rant on, but you have blogs to visit, so I won't keep you. Before you go, let me announce publicly how happy I am that my novel has a home and is released on my granddaughter's 3rd birthday; which is obviously a good thing.

Thank you to my husband, my best friend, and my family for loving me despite my writer's psychosis.
Thank you to Dancing Lemur Press for producing a beautiful Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries novel.
Thank you to Mason Canyon for creating an amazing virtual book tour.
Thank you to the following hosts for helping me spread the word of my new release:

Oct 17 – Mojito With a Twist – Review & Interview

A Creative Mind – Excerpt

La Vita On The Sea – Review, Excerpt, Feature

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

Oct. 18 – Rockin Book Reviews – Review

Mello and June, It’s a Book Thang! – Feature

Oct. 19 – Medeia Sharif – Social Media Post

Just Reviews – Review

Oct. 20 – Patricia Stoltey, Author – Guest Post

Que Sara Sera Book Blog – Review

Just Us Books – Excerpt

Oct. 21 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Review, Excerpt

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Julie Flanders – Excerpt

Careann’s Musings – Review

Oct. 24 – Thoughts in Progress – Review

Oct. 25 – Hank Quense’s Blog – Excerpt

Sandra’s Blog – Excerpt

Oct. 26 – Books and Spoons – Review, Excerpt

JoJo The Bookaholic – Feature

Oct. 27 – Mel’s Shelves – Excerpt

Oct. 28 – Careann’s Musings – Excerpt

Oct. 31 – All the Doodles ‘n Scribbles – Interview

Nov. 1 – Ali – The Dragon Slayer – Excerpt

Writer’s Gambit – Interview

Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews - Interview

Nov. 2 – A Bluestocking’s Place – Excerpt

Nov. 3 – Deal Sharing Aunt – Review

Nov. 4 – Writing in Wonderland – Feature, Excerpt

Nov, 7 – Murees Dupé – Feature, Excerpt

Storybook Reviews – Excerpt

Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams – Review

Nov. 8 – A Holland Reads – Feature

FrumiousReads – Interview

Nov. 9 – Author Annette Drake – Interview

The Five Year Project – Interview

Crystal Collier, Author – Feature

Nov. 10 – Bookworm 1102 – Excerpt

Nov. 11 – The Book’s The Thing – Guest Post

Nov. 14 – Christine Rains – Writer– Excerpt

Bish Denham – Excerpt

Nov. 15 – Rosie Amber – Review

Nov. 16 – Bookjunkie’s Book Blog – Excerpt

Nov. 17 – The Girl With Book Lungs – Excerpt

Nov. 18 – Celtic Lady’s Reviews – Review

Nov. 19 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Excerpt

Extra Reviews – Stuart Aken

Reviewing the Evidence

You can check out the giveaway HERE. It will begin Oct. 17 and end Nov. 22.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A murder enveloped in pain and mystery…

When Canada’s retired Minister of National Defense, Leland Warner, is murdered in his home, the case is handed to Corporal Danny Killian, an aboriginal man tortured by his wife’s unsolved murder.

The suspect, 60-year-old Sally Warner, still grieves for the loss of her two sons, dead in a suicide/murder eighteen months earlier. Confused and damaged, she sees in Corporal Killian a friend sympathetic to her grief and suffering and wants more than anything to trust him.

Danny finds himself with a difficult choice—indict his prime suspect, the dead minister’s horribly abused wife or find a way to protect her and risk demotion. Or worse, transfer away from the scene of his wife’s murder and the guilt that haunts him…

Mâtowak Woman Who Cries is available in eBook at the following sites:

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C

The print copy is available at:

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

*ps. I have to add that while I felt this way on yesterday, already I'm feeling more confident. My insecurities come and go. Go figure.*

Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries Virtual Book Tour begins.

2016-10-17T06:53:00.003-07:00

My virtual book tour for Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries begins today. I'm listing the dates and links below in hopes that you'll stop by, say hi, and wish me luck. That would mean a lot. Plus I'd like you to meet my hosts; they've volunteered to give a shoutout about my latest novel, and I am more grateful than I can say. Another reason why blogland is such an incredible place to hang out.

As many of you know, I've been having issues with my dear ole Mac and internet connection problems, which have created a mild case of panic. Feeling a little overwhelmed going into this tour. Seems like a terrible time to be tooting my own horn and introducing you to my latest baby. But I am doing just that, and I hope you like my baby.

Did I mention there are Tour-wide giveaways (US and INTL)? This giveaway is for three (3) print copies that are available to those living in U.S. only and one (1) eBook copy available international.

Here's the link to the giveaway, which ends November 22, 2016

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/019b32f8272

My hosts and their links: (I'll be updating daily)

Oct 17 – Mojito With a Twist – Review & Interview

A Creative Mind – Excerpt

La Vita On The Sea – Review, Excerpt, Feature

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

Oct. 18 – Rockin Book Reviews – Review

Mello and June, It’s a Book Thang! – Feature

Oct. 19 – Medeia Sharif – Social Media Post

The Owlery – Interview

Just Reviews – Review

Oct. 20 – Patricia Stoltey, Author – Guest Post

Quesarasera Book Blog – Review

Just Us Books – Excerpt

Oct. 21 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Review, Excerpt

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Julie Flanders – Excerpt

Oct. 24 – Thoughts in Progress – Review

Oct. 25 – Hank Quense’s Blog – Excerpt

Sandra’s Blog – Excerpt

Oct. 26 – Books and Spoons – Review, Excerpt

JoJo The Bookaholic – Feature

Oct. 27 – Mel’s Shelves – Excerpt

Oct. 28 – Careann’s Musings – Excerpt

Oct. 31 – All the Doodles ‘n Scribbles – Interview

Nov. 1 – Ali – The Dragon Slayer – Excerpt

Writer’s Gambit – Interview

Nov. 2 – A Bluestocking’s Place – Excerpt

Nov. 3 – Deal Sharing Aunt – Review

Nov. 4 – Writing in Wonderland – Feature, Excerpt

Nov, 7 – Murees Dupé – Feature, Excerpt

Storybook Reviews – Excerpt

Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams – Review

Nov. 8 – A Holland Reads – Feature

Nov. 9 – Author Annette Drake – Interview

The Five Year Project – Interview

Crystal Collier, Author – Feature

Nov. 10 – Bookworm 1102 – Excerpt

Nov. 11 – The Book’s The Thing – Guest Post

Nov. 14 – Christine Rains – Writer– Excerpt

Bish Denham – Excerpt

Nov. 15 – Rosie Amber – Review

Nov. 16 – Bookjunkie’s Book Blog – Excerpt

Nov. 17 – The Girl With Book Lungs – Excerpt

Nov. 18 – Celtic Lady’s Reviews – Review

Nov. 19 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Excerpt

Early Reviews – Stuart Aken

You can check out the giveaway HERE. It will begin Oct. 17 and end Nov. 22.

A murder enveloped in pain and mystery... When Canada's retired Minister of National Defence, Leland Warner, is murdered in his home, the case is handed to Corporal Danny Killian, an aboriginal man tortured by his wife's unsolved murder. The suspect, 60-year-old Sally Warner, still grieves for the loss of her two sons, dead in a suicide/murder eighteen months earlier. Confused and damaged, she sees in Corporal Killian a friend sympathetic to her grief and suffering and wants more than anything to trust him. Danny finds himself with a difficult choice-indict his prime suspect, the dead minister's horribly abused wife or find a way to protect her and risk demotion. Or worse, transfer away from the scene of his wife's murder and the guilt that haunts him...

Publish Links for Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/m-towak-joylene-nowell-butler/1123805625?ean=2940153020365

Amazon US

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K017650#navbar

Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01K017650

ITunes

https://fnd.io/#/us/book/1114332315-matowak-woman-who-cries-by-joylene-nowel

Amazon CA

https://www.amazon.ca/Matowak-Woman-Joylene-Nowell-Butler/dp/1939844231/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476640018&sr=8-2&keywords=matowak

Ask PZM: Oct 2016 - UPPING OUR GAME AS WRITERS

2016-10-10T07:35:00.001-07:00

Q. Do you think continued learning is necessary for writers throughout their writing lives?

To answer this question, let me begin with a true story.

Several years ago a fiction writer I knew had several of her books traditionally published. Then somehow her new book proposals were not getting the traction her previous book proposals had gotten.

I suggested that she consider taking a writing class or two to help her go to the next level of writing. The writer did not like my advice and I am not sure she got subsequent traditional publishing contracts.

My personal viewpoint is that writers – just as people in all different fields – should never stop learning. And we should definitely have an open mindset to tackling new things – see a favorite nonfiction book of mine titled MINDSET: THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS by Carol Dweck for the concept of an open mindset to being willing to fail at new tasks.

What does this have to do with book marketing?

Improving our writing has a great deal to do with book marketing. As authors marketing our books we have to compete with an enormous number of other books in our same genre, writing style, historical or contemporary period, etc. This means we need our books to be the best they can in order to stand out in the sea of other books. And in my opinion being the best means continuing to improve our writing as well as exposing ourselves to new ideas.

(I recently joined a book club that meets twice a month because I wanted to be required to read books outside my comfort zone. Who knows how this exposure to new ideas may impact my writing?)

When I first started learning how to go from newspaper writing to fiction writing, besides taking writing courses I bought several Writer’s Digest books, which were tremendously helpful. Such nonfiction writing books as these can often be borrowed from public libraries in physical or ebook formats.

In researching for this post I discovered that Writer’s Digest now has a subscription platform for writing video tutorials – see https://tutorials.writersdigest.com – and I plan to soon check out this opportunity. (First I have to complete watching the https://www.masterclass.com online fiction writing course taught by James Patterson as well as complete the eight-week screenwriting class with http://coreymandell.net/ , which requires reading the book MINDSET before the first class.)

Sometimes even the smallest nugget of an idea can improve our overall writing. For example, Corey Mandell talks about creating stakes that matter, and I am now engaged in doing the homework for his class to work on this aspect of writing.

And remember the free dialogue “tutorial” that is available for all writers – eavesdropping in restaurants and other public places. While this eavesdropping is NOT for us to copy the dialogue exactly, the purpose is to stimulate our minds to think of new ideas and ways to express those ideas.

In the comments below, add your best tips and techniques for continuing education for writers throughout their writing lives.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller (@ZimblerMiller on Twitter) blogs on book-related topics at www.PhyllisZimblerMiller.comand her fiction ebooks on Amazon can be read for free via a Kindle Unlimited monthly subscription at www.amazon.com/author/phylliszimblermillerand her nonfiction ebooks on Amazon can be read for free via Kindle Unlimited monthly subscription at www.amazon.com/author/phylliszmiller

Joylene Nowell Butler, author

Book Review: TOMORROW by Merilyn Ruth Liddell

SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Cover Reveal - BLUE SLUDGE BLUES

IWSG: February, 2018

What I Love About Writing Suspense Thrillers

Hank Quense's QUEEN MOXIE - Giveaway!

IWSG - January 2018

IWSG - December 2017

IWSG: October 2017

PROMOTIONS, NEWS & UPDATES

MASKI and MATOWAK giveaway

Moxie's Decision by Hank Quense!

Featuring: Dreams, Goals and Adventures by Michael D. Ditton

IWSG: Bittersweet

IWSG - April - Ebook News

Featuring Hank Quense - Creating Stories

CREATING STORIESBY HANK QUENSE

Do you have a story in you?

Amazon Author Page * Website * Twitter

Featuring: HE GAVE ME BARN CATS

Hiatus in Bucerias

THE REMNANT on Tour + Giveaway

IWSG: 5 Steps to Create a Book They Can't Put Down

IWSG: Tiempo, Temps, Mekwâc: Time

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 The Insecure Writer's Support Group Anthology!

IWSG: December 2016

Today I'm Guest Blogging At ...

IWSG: Book Release

Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries Virtual Book Tour begins.

Ask PZM: Oct 2016 - UPPING OUR GAME AS WRITERS

CREATING STORIES
BY HANK QUENSE