Lena Sledge's Blog

Wordless Wednesday w/ Linky

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:16:00 +0000

I attended the Art'N Soul White Linen poetry event last weekend. These are photos of my friends and I. They each gave a wonderful performance.

Poets Kimeko Farrar, Joneia P. Brown, Marc Lacy and Lena Sledge

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Don't forget to add your post to the linky list below.

Watch Episodes 4, 5 and 6 of Unplanned Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Fri, 09 May 2014 05:01:00 +0000

Yay! The entire first season of Unplanned Motherhood is available for viewing on Youtube. You can go watch the last three episodes of Season 1 right now. I hope you love it as much as we enjoyed making it. The talented child actors did a superb job. Please make sure you leave a comment on each video encouraging them to continue doing what they love. And to help support us, please share the videos on your social media networks and email. By getting enough exposure, we can hopefully make season 2. We sure want to make more episodes for you, so please help us spread the word.

Thank so much for all your continued support. We've had a ball! Below are the first three episodes in case you missed them. Once you're done watching those, head over to Youtube and watch Episodes 4: House on Fire, Episode 5: Growing Pains and Episode 6: Babysitter Blues.

Thanks so much for all your support!

~ Love,
Lena

Episode 1: Happy Dance

Episode 2: Gravy Legs

Episode 3: Don't Touch the Spoon

Kindle Fire Giveaway for Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Thu, 08 May 2014 23:04:00 +0000

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Giveaway Sponsors

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 6/1/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watch Unplanned Motherhood on WHNT News Channel 19

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:30:00 +0000

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Beth Jett about my web series, Unplanned Motherhood on WHNT News Channel 19. It was a rewarding experience.

I would like to think I did a decent job. The cast truly enjoyed seeing themselves on the news. As you can imagine, the kids were super excited.

Take a moment and watch the interview on WHNT.

Unplanned Motherhood Red Carpet Premiere!

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Only a few days until the red carpet premiere of Unplanned Motherhood. I'm excited. The cast and I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success. If you're in the area, please come share this extraordinary day with us. It is this Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 6 PM at Chan Auditorium on the campus of The University of Alabama Huntsville.

This is a family event so bring your entire family. We will have free popcorn and face painters. You can walk the red carpet and have your photo taken. Then join us as we watch the entire first season of Unplanned Motherhood. I know many of you may have already seen episodes 1-3, but at the premiere we are going to watch all six episodes. Yep, all six! And afterwards, there will be a Q&A with the cast and crew. Now, if you can't make the premiere, make sure to watch episodes 4-6 on Youtube, this Monday, March 5, 2014.

If you're in town, come join us. We would love to share our special day with you.

A Special Thank You From Unplanned Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:50:00 +0000

I've been quite busy planning a red carpet event for the first season premiere of Unplanned Motherhood. And although I'm the creator, director and producer of the web series, I've had a lot of help behind the scenes. So a thank you is in order.

I'd like to first thank the cast and crew of Unplanned Motherhood. They did an exceptional job. And a very special thank you to the parents of the cast that play my kids; Krista Colvin, Sherry Kilpatrick, Charles Kilpatrick, Nicki Heuer and Shaquila Willie. And a special thank you to my co-star Ashley Coughlin and my director of photography, Jay Burleson. They have been extremely supportive in getting this web series promoted and helping me plan the red carpet. I don't know what I would've done without them.

A big thank you to my family and friends who have continually supported me by sending encouraging words, running errands and doing labor behind the scenes. Love you to pieces to my sisters, my best friend, aunties, cousins and my own kids.

And a huge thank you to our sponsors of the red carpet event. We have two wonderful generous sponsors who helped us; Marc Lacy and Joneia Brown. We also have lots of family, friends and businesses that gave us love offerings just to make sure we could get our red carpet up and going. So a very special thank you to A's Accounting and Booking, A-1 Tax and Accounting Services, Athens Auto Tire and Wrecker Service, Edibile Arrangements, Neema International Performing Arts Cener, Out Front Tutoring, Sew Couture and Ty Horton Photography.

And the biggest thank you goes to my husband. He is the one person that motivates me when I'm tired, nervous and scared. He encourages me and loves me unconditionally and when you're pursing your dreams, being love is like fuel for your soul. So I'm glad he is my husband, because with him, I'm never on empty.

~ Love,
Lena

Unplanned Motherhood Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:30:00 +0000

Hi all,

Hopefully, by now you've heard about the new web series I created called Unplanned Motherhood starring myself, and a wonderful cast of actors and actresses. If you haven't check out my cast introduction post. I wrote, directed, and produced the series based on my life as a mother of five. It's a comedy web series and I've already released episodes 1, 2 and 3. So, if you haven't watched them, take a moment and watch them now.

Also, we are having a giveaway for the web series. At the end of the post you can fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. It's free and easy to enter.

Don't forget to tell me what you think about the web series and please let me know you watched by leaving a comment on my Youtube channel. And subscribe to my channel as well so you'll be one of the first to know when the next three episodes are released next month. Also, you can like our Facebook page to keep up with news, updates and casting calls.

Enjoy the episodes and good luck in winning the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday w/ Linky

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:14:00 +0000

Here's a few photos I took a couple of months ago. I've been trying to explore using my new camera, Canon 5D Mark III. The theme was old hollywood glamour from the 1930's and 40's.
Whatchathink? Did I capture the era?

Don't forget to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday post on the link list below!

The Cast from the Web Series, "Unplanned Motherhood"

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 15:10:00 +0000

I want to introduce to you the cast of Unplanned Motherhood. I started this web series with an idea to write a book. My friends kept telling me to write a book based on my family because my five children are hilarious. I must admit they are pretty darn funny. So instead of writing a book, I decided to create a web series based on my life. Each episode is derived from an actual event. Each child in the web series is in some way a version of my own child.

So I want to introduce to you, my children. Well, my "fake" children. And the talented actress that plays my best friend. They are unique and funny and the actors that play them are extremely talented. So welcome them with a hello or stop by one of their social site and wish them luck! They truly deserve it. And don't forget to tune in on March 28th on Youtube!!! You catch a sneak peek now at the bottom of the post. :-)

Stefani Colvin aka Brooke
Stefani Colvin plays Brooke, a twelve year old with a teenage attitude. She wants the protection of her mom, yet wants to assert her own independence. She's trying to find her way as a big sister and a pre-teen, and in doing so, struggles with finding her identity. She wants her privacy, but doesn't understand the concept of giving the same to her mother. Brooke is a funny character because she is the antitheses of what she doesn't want to be.

Stefani Colvin is a smart, creative fourteen year old that loves to sing and act. She is a member of the junior national honor society and a self defined fashionista. She is a child model for Alabama Fashion Alliance and has experience in print and runway. She has been in three music videos and local theater. She loves horse back riding, shopping, photography, outdoor activities and hanging out with her friends.

Aidan Heuer plays Spoon
A ten year old boy with special needs. He is sweet kind hearted soul that only wants to what is fair. What keeps Spoon grounded is the constant need to carry around a spoon that he repeatedly taps on the palm of his hand. He's carried the spoon since he was a toddler, hence the name Spoon. You will love Spoon because what he cares about most is his family and his spoon, and you don't want to mess with either of them. And he has some really great dance moves too.

Aidan Heuer is 11 and likes to remind his mom that he is "almost 12, which is almost a teenager." He will be in the 7th grade next year. Aidan is making his first on screen debut as "Spoon". He has been dancing for numerous local audiences for the last 4 years, as well as modeling for Alabama Fashion Alliance. He enjoys performing on any stage. In his free time he likes playing football (his team went 8-0 and played in the National Championship in Orlando, FL) basketball. He is also a huge Xbox fan. Aidan is a natural comedian and has been entertaining his family and friends since he was a toddler.

Grayson aka Deacon
Deacon is a fast-talking eight year old who thinks he can get the one up on his mom at all times. He also believes he's a lady magnet and seizes every opportunity to drop a pick up line on a cute girl. He is very protective of his siblings. He and Spoon often get into trouble together, with Deacon being the mastermind. Grayson is a funny mischievous character with a charming personality.

Grayson Thorne Kilpatrick became interested in acting after meeting a fellow actor Grayson Russell from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Grayson was extra on Space Warriors that was filmed Space and Rocket Center. Since then Grayson had been taking Acting Classes at Hollywood Huntsville under Bill and Ayoka Billions. Grayson loves playing Mindcraft, playing football, riding his bike and taking Karate classes under Master Jay at Alexander Martial art. Grayson loves watching Disney XD and Nickelodon, in the fall he love watching SEC College football and a huge fan of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ari plays Ari
Ari is a percocious five year old who loves playing the role of big sister to her baby sister Sonny. Ari has a bubbly personality and adorable smile. She takes pride in helping her baby sister and her mom. She has a unique style as most five years old do. She insists on dressing herself and often doesn't match her clothes. This five year old is destined to be a fashionista someday. You'll love her bubbly spirit and her stylish choices.

Ari Heuer is 6 years old and will be a second grader next year. This is Ari's first on screen debut and she is very excited to be part of the cast. Ari enjoys dancing, singing playing with her American Girl Dolls and Build a Bear stuffed animals. She also enjoys modeling with Alabama Fashion Alliance. She loves watching movies and spending time with her family and friends. Ari is certainly a spunky out going little sweetheart.

Morgan aka Sonny
Sonny is the baby of the family. She is four years old and has a peculiar way of deciding if she likes someone. She often trails behind Ari and tries to be a big girl. Wherever Ari goes, Sonny is not far behind. The two sisters are inseparable and together can create an adorable mess for their mom to clean up.

Morgan Hamilton is 4 years old. She enjoys dance, singing, school, helping mommy cook, and playing dress up. She has danced since the age of 2. She's funny, loves to talk with a bubbly personality. Also, she loves eating chicken. Lol!! This is Morgan's first time acting and she says, "she loves it!"

Ashley as Sarah
Sarah is Layla's best friend and sister-in-law. She is Layla's rational side when Layla gets a crazy idea. Sarah is a genetic scientist that teaches online classes in order to stay home with her kids. She is married to Marcel, Layla's brother, which often resorts in Layla giving Sarah advice on how to deal with Marcel. The two best friends come up with the craziest theories and often play them out to see who is right. Sarah is smart and intelligent but usually over analyzes most every situation. When Layla wants best friend advice, Sarah often gives medical explanations instead. And when Layla gives Sarah advice, it often backfires on Sarah, resulting in Sarah having to step out of her comfort zone. Sarah's character is the best friend we all have, the one that gets us out of trouble or gets in trouble with you.

Ashley Coughlin grew up in theater and enjoys writing. She studied acting with Ed Crick (Knight Rider) and Regina Moore. She published three books: one softcover under Ashley Hargrove called Beneath the Water's Calm and two Kindle editions under Ashley Coughlin: In the Hands of a Vampire and Just a Bit of a Christmas Miracle. She recently completed an reenactment project for the 700 Club, a couple of short films and continue to improve her craft of acting and writing.

Video Unplanned Motherhood Web Series "Sneak Peek"

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:35:00 +0000

Hi all,

Here's a sneak peak at my new web series, Unplanned Motherhood. It features myself as a wife and mother of five named Layla. As well as Stefani Colvin as my twelve year old daughter Brooke, Grayson Kilpatrick as my nine year old son Deacon, Aidan Heuer as ten year old Spoon, Ari Heuer as five year old daughter Ari and Morgan Hamilton as my four year old daughter, Sonny. It was truly an amazing blessing to work with these talented young actors. They did an awesome job. We plan to start working on Season 2 this summer. But we must get Season 1 out there for everyone to see. Please support us by watching the sneak peak below, by liking us on Youtube and by leaving a comment on our Youtube channel.

The debut of Unplanned Motherhood is March 28th. It takes more than one person to create a web series worth watching. This web series is like my baby. And I need you my supporters, my village, to help me raise my baby.

Please support us. And hope you enjoy! Share this post, share the video, share the Facebook fan page. Stop by and tell us what you thought or just leave an encouraging word for these talented young stars.

Morgan Hamilton, Stefani Colvin, Grayson Kilpatrick, Aidan Heuer and Ari Heuer

What I've Been Up To

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 20:06:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

I've been quite busy and I sorta kinda neglected my blog. But for good reason. I've been transitioning into film. I made a short film in December of 2013, titled Grandma's Hands. It was accepted into the River City Film festival. Woohoo! Wish me luck in winning.

Just recently, I finished my first comedy web series called Unplanned Motherhood. We officially wrapped this past Monday. It's a six episode web series, it's for the perfectly imperfect parents in the world. It stars myself, as Layla, a wife and mother of five that gives professional parenting advice on her real life mommy blog. Her unique parenting style contradicts the perfect parenting advice she gives on her blog, which lends to a distinct brand of humor. With each episode, Layla tries to teach her kids important life lessons, only to discover more about herself and her parenting advice.

What is truly unique about this web series is Layla has a real life blog where she will actually give parenting advice. And after most of her posts, the readers get to see an episode of the web series where her real/fake life is shown. As we all do sometimes in life, we can give others the perfect advice, but it can be quite difficult to take our own advice. So for the perfectly imperfect, this web series is for you.

Stay tune to see it's debut on March 28, 2013 on my Youtube channel. Layla's blog goes up on March 25th. To stay informed, go to my Facebook fan page. Or to the Unplanned Motherhood Fan page.

I hope you'll watch. Wish us luck!

Seeking Submissions for Anthology on Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 15:18:00 +0000

Seeking storytellers for an anthology titled Unplanned Motherhood (Perfectly Imperfect Parenting Advice) to compliment a dramedy web series Being released in April 2014. If you'd like to contribute your literary talents, send 2,000 words or less of your best parenting advice. However, it must be funny or compelling. It can be something you didn't expect on your journey as a mother, or some lesson your kids actually taught you, a funny story about your kids and the wisdom gained from it, a lesson learned from your own mother, etc. It should read like a story and not a to-do list. It should inspire, enlighten or brighten the reader's day.

If interested, send your submission to sonnybrookfilms@yahoo.com
Subject: Anthology. Include contact info.

Deadline: March 1, 2014.

Wordless Wednesday with Cee-Lo

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 00:02:00 +0000

Singer and Voice coach, Cee-Lo, at the aTVFest in Atlanta. I wish I had smiled. :( He is a really sweet guy. Very funny. He has a new show coming out called The Good Life on TBS. I had a chance to preview an episode and I must say it is very entertaining. Check it out soon!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!
Don't forget to post a link to your WW post on Linky list below!

Casting Call for New Web Series

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 01:12:00 +0000

Happy Wordless Wednesday!!!
Don't forget to add your Wordless Wednesday post to the kinky list below.

February Kindle Fire Giveaway 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 08:00:00 +0000

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

February Sponsors

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7".

Ends 2/28/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Time for NaNoWriMo!

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 09:40:00 +0000

November has arrived and it's that time of the year we've all been waiting on. Nope, not Thanksgiving, it's time for NaNoWriMo! First, let me give you some background info on NanoWriMo. It was started in 1999 by freelance writer Chris Baty with 21 participants. NaNoWriMo challenges participants to write 50,000 words of a new novel between November 1 and 30. Entries are accepted from around the world. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to get people writing, no matter how bad their writing is, and complete their first draft. I met Chris Baty recently and we talked about NaNoWriMo and its purpose. I'll post parts of the interview throughout the month. So to get you started, here's what you need to know.

Who: Any aspiring writer, published author or writer, screenwriter, blogger or anyone that wants to take on the NaNoWriMo challenge.

What: A literary work in which your goal is to write a 50,000-word novel and complete the first draft.

Where: Anywhere. It's open to anyone, anywhere in the world. You can write from your home at your desk, in groups, at the library, at a cafe, or anywhere you can find the time.

When: Starts TODAY, November 1, and ending at 11:59 pm on November 30.

Why: Because you love a challenge. Because you want to stop talking about writing and actually do it. Because no one ever has to read it if you don't want them to. Because you have a story to tell and you're ready to tell it.

How: Sign up at NaNoWriMo.org. There are great resources available to help you plan and track the progression of your novel. You can track your word count and receive badges for your progress as well. You can visit the Official Store, which is a licensed charity that supports both the website and November effort, and programs for young writers. You can purchase founder Chris Baty’s how-to guide, No Plot, No Problem, for $1.99 on Kindle through Amazon. And most helpful is the message boards/forums, where you can interact with other participants, get feedback and motivation, as well as attend local events such as launch parties, writing sessions and social events. Check to see if anything is available in your local area.

So now you're armed with all the info you need to get started. Are you up for the challenge? I am. Check back for my progress and don't forget to check back for my interview with the founder of NaNoWriMo, Chris Baty, next week.

Good Luck!

Preschooler Dances to Her Own Tune

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:21:00 +0000

I have fallen in love with this adorable video. This beautiful little girl has got spunk, charisma and a great spirit. This video put a smile on my face. I chuckled and I hope you do too. Enjoy!

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Don't forget to add the link to your Wordless Wednesday post on the Linky list below.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 00:32:00 +0000

Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and international participants. Giveaway runs October 15-31, 2013. Thanks to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this hop. There are nearly 400 blogs participating in this hop. Stop by as many as you can for a chance to win some great gifts and prizes. The list of the other participating blogs is at the bottom of the post. Good luck and have a Spooktacular day!

What's up for grabs?

(1) $15 Amazon gift card or up to $15 in purchases from the Book Depository

How to enter:

Fill out the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top 12 Books for Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 13:51:00 +0000

Today I'm giving a short seminar for the Marc Lacy and Friends SWAGPPAC. I'll be discussing writing and how to go from talking about becoming a writer to owning up to your destiny and being a writer. One of the most valuable resources when writing is reading. So here are my top twelve book selections for writers on honing your craft and what to do with your manuscript once you've finished. I own and have read every book on this list. I highly recommend each and every one for your library.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

Stein on Writing by Sol Stein

Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella

Characters, Emotions and Viewpoint by Nancy Kress

Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood

The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot by Charles Baxter

Description and Setting by Ron Rozelle

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter

The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published by Eckstut and Sterry

The Author Indie Guide by April L. Hamilton

Guide to Query Letters by Wendy Burt-Thomas

Happy Birthday to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 22:19:00 +0000

Hubby took me to my favorite restaurant, Monell's, in Nashville, Tennessee for my birthday this past weekend. They have the most delicious food. The hostess sat us at an oval table that seats 12 persons maximum. Then the servers bring out large bowls of food, one after another. You take as much food as you want from the bowl and then pass the bowl to the person on the left. There are no cellphones allowed at the table. The no cellphone rule fosters fellowship amongst everyone at the table. I used my cellphone to take photos. (Shhh, don't tell anybody) My table had 12 people and each person or couple was from a different state visiting Nashville. After we finished eating, everyone at my table sang happy birthday to me. I was so full afterwards, spiritually and physically. It was a memorable birthday.

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Don't forget to add your Wordless Wednesday post to the Linky list below.

Location:Happy Birthday to me!

Riddles of Hillgate by Zoey and Claire Kane

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 21:39:00 +0000

Tour Schedule

The Riddles of Hillgate

Zoey Kane is known around Riverside for making risky purchases. When her daughter Claire learns a most recent investment is eighty acres on the haunted side of town, she is simply flabbergasted. Amazement takes over the whole community, however, when an old mansion is discovered deep within trees. After the estate is turned into a popular hotel, no one could have expected just how risky this purchase would be.

Riddles of Hillgate is currently FREE!

Download a copy

Amazon *Kobo * Barnes & Noble

The Z&C Mysteries are a fresh, unique series, where the mother and daughter can kick butt in heels if they have to. The situations can get very scary, but nothing is ever too gory. The reading is clean, while also vibrant. It's just plain fast-paced fun.

About the Authors

Molly Snow, award-winning author of YA fiction, writes mysteries under the pseudonym Claire Kane with her mother who writes under Zoey Kane. Together, they have lots of fun writing Z&C Mysteries.

Website * Blog * Facebook

Tour Giveaway

Excerpt

The 1980’s Datsun bucked and sputtered as Zo slowed and then parked the car. “It’s not the greatest, but neither was my van.”

Claire gave a sympathetic smile. “That Max guy is so nice letting you borrow it today. I just hope it doesn’t keel over while we’re using it.”

“True that.”

In the distance to their left, was an old and rusty industrial location. To their right were acres of overgrown wilderness. There was a tall, black iron gate sitting a few feet away, guarding the overgrowth. They walked to the gate along a cracked and uneven sidewalk, watching their step along the way.

Claire craned her neck to look up to the top of the rust-speckled barrier. Nothing else was in sight but the monstrous gate and chaotic green growth. She was not feeling optimistic, but decided to try to look like whatever her mom wanted to show her was wonderful in some sort of way.

“Surprise!” Zo smiled with great energy.

“You bought Stephen King’s fence?”

“Well, and a bit of land.”

“How much land was that again?”

“Approximately eighty acres. It is described as a hill.”

Claire couldn’t hold back the look of feeling further disappointment, as her eyebrows raised and her lips stayed zipped tightly.

“Oh, now settle down. This is exciting. I haven’t even tromped through this land yet. You and I together will be the very first time. That is why I told you to wear long pants and sturdy shoes.”

“You don’t even know what it all looks like? Mother? This is on the east side of the river: the downtrodden, worse than ghetto, poor and unkempt area. Nobody ever has reason to travel to this side of town. It’s a ‘no no.’ There are even horrible urban ghost stories about this area.” So much for the “wonderful” pretense. She immediately felt guilt wash over her, knowing that Penny and the others already did a thorough job of making her mother feel miserable.

“Yes, I admit, I have heard those stories, too. And I do believe in ghosts, but I thought you didn’t, my dear.”

Claire cocked her head. “You’re right. I don’t, but—” She stopped herself, not wanting any more regrets.

Zo unzipped a compartment to her faux-snakeskin purse to reveal an old, large key. “This is it, Claire. Let’s have some fun.”

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/11/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ripple Effect Romance Series Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:18:00 +0000

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series

Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Book 6: Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she lose her mother, but she had to drop out of nursing school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Nursing home. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father's been in an accident and needs help, and Cambr has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.

Lost and Found by Karey White

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she's done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it's time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he's been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he's on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he's going home, and that's that. But that's before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.

Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.

Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.

Until… Erik.

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/31/13

Bloggers who put up a spotlight post about these books on their blog can enter to win an additional $25 gift card or paypal cash. See details in the Rafflecopter.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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15 Motivational Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 22:18:00 +0000

Happy Wordless Wednesday!
Don't forget to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday post on the Linky list below.

My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 05:01:00 +0000

After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.

Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

Interview with Janessa (Lizzie's best friend)

Q: Hi Janessa. So glad you could stop by.

A: It's great to be here. I'm always happy to talk about Lizzie. We've been friends most of our lives, you know.

Q: Then you knew her before her obsession began?

A: Oh yeah. Before we went and saw THE MOVIE (Pride and Prejudice), she was like any other girl. She'd had a huge crush on Jake, a kid from the soccer team. And then, bam! No more high school crushes for Lizzie!

Q: Did you notice the change right away?

A: I noticed she never talked about the boys at our school anymore, but it wasn't until about a year later that I found out why. At first I thought, sure, who doesn't like Mr. Darcy? But over the years it just got out of hand. I tried to set her up a few times. I even tried to set her up with Ben's brother, but she wasn't interested.

Q: Why wasn't she interested?

A: Because he had blond hair. (sigh) Oh Lizzie.

Q: Tell us some of Lizzie's good qualities.

A: She's funny. She's loyal. She sticks up for people. She doesn't like to see anyone bullied or anyone's feelings hurt. Once when we were in college, we were driving by an junior high school and she saw some boys picking on another boy. Even though most of them were bigger than Lizzie, she stopped the car, hopped out and told the boys to leave him alone. She said, "If I have to, I'll follow you home and talk to your mothers." The boys took off.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: She's pretty, but she doesn't know it. She has great style. And she's seriously the best friend a girl could ask for.

Q: Tell us about Lizzie's faults.

A: She's super stubborn, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when you're obsessed with a movie... Well, you know. Sometimes she's way too hard on herself. And sometimes her expectations are completely unrealistic. Oh, and she's a food snob.

Q: Have you met Matt and Chad?

A: Yes, I've met them both.

Q: Give us three words to describe Matt.

A: Rich. Smart. Handsome. He really is handsome and he's a dead ringer for Mr. Darcy. It's crazy.

Q: Give us three words about Chad.

A: Cute, gentleman, super nice. I guess that's four, huh?

Q: Do you think readers will like Lizzie?

A: I sure hope so. She's a pretty awesome person and even though she has this silly obsession, she's smart and so nice. I love her.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Amazon Kindle

Author Karey White

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/4/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Banned Books Week Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lenasledgeblog.com) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 05:23:00 +0000

Welcome to my blog and welcome to Banned Books Week! For my giveaway, I'll be giving away (1) $25 Amazon Gift card or up to $25 in purchases from the Book Depository. To enter fill out the rafflecopter form at the end of this post. Giveaway runs from September 22-28, 2013. There are over 100 blogs participating in this hop. Stop by as many blogs as you like and enter their giveaways as well, you could win some great prizes. The list of participating blogs is at the very end of this post. Thanks to Bookhounds and I Am a Reader for hosting this hop.

What is Banned Books Week? According to Bannedbooksweek.org, Banned Books Week is the national book community's annual celebration of the freedom to read. Hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events. The 2013 celebration of Banned Books Week will be held from September 22-28. Banned Books Week 2014 will be held September 21-27, 2013.

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982. According to the American Library Association, there were 464 challenges reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2012, and many more go unreported. The 10 most challenged titles of 2012 were:

Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group
Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited for age group
Fifty Shades of Grey, by E. L. James
Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit
And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: Homosexuality, unsuited for age group
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Reasons: Homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit
Looking for Alaska, by John Green
Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group
Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
Reasons: Unsuited for age group, violence
The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls
Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit
Beloved, by Toni Morrison

Reasons: Sexually explicit, religious viewpoint, violence

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