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Showing posts from 2013

50 States of Pray, End of ROW80 Round 4, Eagles vs Mount Doom, and Holiday Photos

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ifty States of Pray is here! Mark Koopmans thought up this wonderful scheme to get at least one person from all fifty states, plus others from different countries, to each share a prayer, a thought, a memory, a hope, a regret about the past and/or a wish for the future. My wish for the future is for health for everyone. Many of us have struggled this year and in previous years with all sorts of health related issues and either long term or short term debilitations and setbacks. It sounds like a cliche but I guess it's a cliche for a reason: your health is everything. If your body or that of a loved one is letting you down, then all other matters fall by the wayside. Often the struggle is made worse by the fact that nothing you do can change certain outcomes. So here's a toast to everyone who's working on research, in healthcare, and generally helping those who struggle with vital problems. A happy and healthy new year to all! Check out all the other participan

A Visit from Author and Archaeologist Jordan Jacobs! Also: New Releases, Desolation of Smaug Review, and a Man Booker Round-up

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elcome, Jordan Jacobs! Globetrotting archaeologist and author Jordan Jacobs is back with another exciting adventure for his title heroine in Samantha Sutton and the Winter of the Warrior Queen , out in January 2014. Jordan's first novel, Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth of Lies , had critics raving: "Passionate Sam is a rewarding heroine to follow." -- Publishers Weekly "Middle-grade readers will be focused on the mystery, pulled on by gripping suspense..." -- Kirkus Reviews "Dig this book! ... If you're looking for a suspenseful story, then pick up this book and follow Samantha through hidden tunnels and haunted ruins." -- Time for Kids Jordan is a real-life archaeologist and travel enthusiast who infuses his firsthand experiences and knowledge of exotic settings into the Samantha Sutton adventure novels. Didn't catch the first book? Don't worry! Each Samantha Sutton novel stands on its own as a thrilling archaeological mystery

The Final Sacrament by Forrester Giveaway, IWSG Contest, and Book Posters

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t's giveaway day! A short while ago I reviewed James Forrester's The Final Sacrament . Now you can enter to win a copy of the book -- just leave a comment below! The Final Sacrament Spotlight and Giveaway "A royal scandal, a secret code, a Tudor mystery, non-stop action and vivid historical detail – it's no wonder historical novelist James Forrester's Elizabethan trilogy has received international acclaim: "For twists and turns, codes and clues, Mr. Forrester beats Dan Brown, and when it comes to social detail, he is up there with Patricia Finney" -- The Wall Street Journal "A winner for any reader who loves historical, action-packed novels." -- Kirkus Reviews (Starred) "James Forrester captures the sights, smells, and dangers of Tudor England and tells a gripping story." -- Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl To celebrate the last chapter in the series, look for opportunities to win a print copy of The

Masked Love by Nicole Zoltack, Doctor Who for IWSG, ROW80, and 50 States of Pray

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asked Love by Nicole Zoltack is here! Title: Masked Love Author: Nicole Zoltack Genre: Holiday/Christmas Regency Novella Publisher: Swoon Romance , on Twitter and Facebook Publication date and formats: November 1, 2013; eBook (mobi and ePub) Isabelle is content being a maid, and will do anything for her lady, even accompany her to a masquerade ball. Lady Theodosia needs extra support and encouragement on this night, for tomorrow she will meet the man her parents have pledged her to. Isabelle has never had occasion to attend such an event, and is at first ill at ease. But meeting an enchanting young man during the course of the evening makes her wish for a life she can never have. Thinking she will never see him again, she returns his flirtation and even reveals her face. Imagine her shock when he shows up the next morning, announcing his claim on Lady Thedosia. Isabelle does all she can to avoid Lord Adrian Wingave, but then he not only sees her, he recognizes her. To

Kait Nolan's Riven, CC Humphreys' Jack Absolute, Whisky Trench Riders on CBC Songquest, and Blogging Buddy Links

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uite hectic in daily life lately, and I've fallen rather far behind in blog comments. I visit everyone, but hardly seem to have the extra few minutes to log in and leave a reply. So I thought I'd share a few interesting posts from recent days right here: Zan Marie has a lovely Thanksgiving post and a set of links to some helpful tips for authors Sara has a great idea for a Thanksgiving tradition and also shared the hilarious Pearls Before Swine cartoon about refreshing Amazon feeds... Pam 's got an adorable dog, great photos of Montreal's history, and a link to a new book about  Laura Bradbury 's adventures owning a vineyard and guest houses in France Lara 's got snuggly kitties, fun photos, a contest, and a gorgeous award from Al/Father Dragon Lynne 's got some great book quotes. My wishlist keeps growing! Susan has a new book coming! Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian: "A teenage boy who has a power he calls tunneling -- he can sense whe

Miranda Kenneally Promo!, ROW80, Writing Wrap-up by Decade, Wishlists and Research, and Joe Hill in Pyjamas

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early goals! A long long time ago, I came across a year-by-year wrap up of writing and other events written by an author some of you might recognise (she said cheekily). I was inspired to do the same and hinted that I might post it , but never did. So now, four years late, here is a brief wrap up by year of all my writing (some of the years and stories overlap a bit here and there). I originally meant to have school and travels and family and reading lists as well, but that'll have to wait. Also the list doesn't mention every writers' houseparty we've had to date. 2000: Some poetry. Some book and music reviews and essays in university newspapers. Probably some short stories. Nothing to sneeze at, unfortunately. 2001: Year-long travel column in Bizim Anadolu 2002: Started my YA novel An Arnavutkoy Spring , which takes place in Istanbul c. 1910 2003: Continuing work on the first draft of An Arnavutkoy Spring 2004: Year-long book review column in Bizim Ana