tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15790076948224870562024-03-13T20:46:32.817-07:00Heidi Nicole Bird, AuthorHeidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-70726942618664183132013-11-22T18:18:00.001-08:002013-11-22T18:18:02.938-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Serena Akeroyd<br />
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Please welcome a fellow wrimo, Serena Akeroyd!</div>
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Have you participated in NaNaNoWriMo before? If so, how many years? Have you won? This is your chance to tell us a bit about your Nano experience. Are you new and nervous? Are you wanting to be published, or just playing for fun? Seasoned and ready? Tell us! <div>
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<b>I've participated twice. Once a few years back, when I wasn't really sure if writing was my thing. Safe to say, I didn't win! Then, last year, when I started to take writing seriously, I took part.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>It was hard keeping up with the pace, because while I'm a fast writer, having to write some every day to keep within schedule was tough. This NaNoWriMo will be even harder. Last month, I wrote a 58 thousand word novel so, to do another 50k, back to back, is going to be extremely tiring! </b></div>
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How did you find out about NaNo and why did you decide to do it? What type of story do you plan on writing this year, and what have you done in the past? </div>
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<b>I can't even remember how I discovered NaNo; it was just something I fell into, because I needed to be pushed into writing and putting that over everything else in my life. NaNo gives you an excuse to do just that and it's helpful to know everyone is suffering and that everyone is trying. </b></div>
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<b>Early this year, I started to write a crime novel but because primarily, I write romance, I gave it up. I'm actually in the throes of a romance series titled Naughty Nookie and I'm publishing a story a month! So, my crime story for NaNo will be written alongside another tale. I'm going to have a headache this November! </b></div>
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For seasoned participants: what advice would you give? </div>
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<b>Every one approaches things like this in a different manner, you just have to give it your best. </b><b>The only thing I would say is to pace yourself. I don't agree that you should just write for the sake of writing. Some of it has to make sense otherwise it isn't a story and you're just torturing yourself for nothing. So have an outline and work within the parameters of your story. </b></div>
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Where are you from and what is your age/age group? </div>
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<b>I'm originally from the UK and I'm 25.</b></div>
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What makes you different? Do you collect My Little Pony figures? Stalk famous people? Secretly raise cats for the lady next door? Be creative. I know there is something unique you can share! </div>
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<b>I have a dog named Trever. </b></div>
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<b>My pen name is an amalgamation of two old family names. A surname and the Christian name of a great-great aunty! Not sure what she'd have said about that; considering some of my stories can be risqué! </b></div>
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What is something you’ve learned about writing from your favorite author? </div>
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<b>This sounds horrible, but more than anything, NOT to repeat the dialogue tag 'said'. I said, she said, they said. Yuck! Plus, not to go overkill on adverbs. She said quickly. They said briskly. He said roughly. It grates on the nerves!</b></div>
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<b>Thanks for having me on your blog, Heidi! Good luck with NaNoWriMo!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.serenaakeroyd.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Serena Akeroyd - website</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Serena-Akeroyd/e/B00EC76REA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Serena Akeroyd on Amazon.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.serenaakeroyd.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Serena Akeroyd - blog</a></div>
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@SerenaAkeroyd</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SerenaAkeroyd" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/111970585148202764442/posts" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Google +</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/serenaakeroyd" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-32457574871164821182013-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:002013-11-19T00:00:11.320-08:00Book Release: "Beast Within," by Caitlin Hensley<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Today I am very happy to have a good friend of mine here to celebrate the release of her newest book! Miss Caitlin Hensley, writer of YA paranormal, and many other things, has appeared on my blog several times, and as always I am thrilled to have her here. Make sure to read all the way to the end and enter the drawing for a free e-copy of Caitlin's first book <i>Paranormal Legacy</i>!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hi Caitlin! When did you
first start writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">To
be honest, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. My dream has always
been to see my name on the spine of a book, and now it’s come true! :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do you
outline your books, or write as you go?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
usually type out a rough outline, then spend some time composing character
backstories and searching for reference pictures on the Internet. After that,
the actual writing begins, and I fill in details and expand the plot as I go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do you
listen to music while you write? If so, what?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
love listening to movie soundtracks, especially the ones from <i>Pirates of the Caribbean </i>and <i>Star Trek</i>. The more epic the music, the
easier the words tend to flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For you,
what’s the hardest part of writing?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When
I’m editing one of my books for the last time, after editing it about a
bazillion times before that, I have a hard time focusing. As I’m sure you can
imagine, reading a book that much can get pretty tiresome…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What’s your
favorite genre to read?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’ll
read just about anything, really. Paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, dystopia,
you name it! Right now, I’m reading <i>The
Book Thief</i> by Markus Zusak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">November is
National Novel Writing Month. Are you participating this year?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
love NaNo! And yes, I’m participating. I wasn’t sure if I would, but in the
end, I couldn’t resist the urge. I’m working on a YA contemporary romance, and
though this is the first time I’ve written in that genre, I’m having a blast!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What’s the
title of your latest release? What genre does it fit into?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It’s
called Beast Within, and it’s the third book in The Inhuman Chronicles. It’s YA
paranormal-fantasy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Can you
share an excerpt with us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sure!
Here’s a bit from chapter one:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1450275_540563549365903_24336262_n.jpg?oh=91e40c280ff9a84de6fb2fbfef800e4d&oe=5280BDA8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1450275_540563549365903_24336262_n.jpg?oh=91e40c280ff9a84de6fb2fbfef800e4d&oe=5280BDA8" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Tell me about your dream,”
Luke says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Well . . . I was in the
woods,” I say. “Only there was snow on the ground, everywhere, really deep. And
. . . and I was holding Todd’s body in my arms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">At this, Luke stiffens and
sets down his glass. I drop my gaze to the tile and keep going. It’s too late
for me to stop now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“There was a huge hole in
Todd’s chest, like he’d been stabbed, probably with the sword that was on the
ground beside us. Because it had, you know, blood all over it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Oh my.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I glance at him again. His
face has turned gray. “D-does that mean anything to you?” I ask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He swallows. “No,” he says,
the word catching in his throat. “It means nothing at all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Disappointment crashes over
me. I was counting so much on Luke having the answers, but he’s as clueless as
I am. Now what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He jumps up from his
barstool, so suddenly that my heart stutters in my chest. “Like I said, I don’t
know a thing about it. Now why don’t you let me see you to the door? I’d like
to return to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I stand up and ball my
hands into fists. “Did you hear a word I just said? This is <i>serious</i>, Luke.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Oh yes, I’m sure it seems
that way to you. Everyone believes their dreams are important.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“That dream wasn’t just my
imagination,” I say tightly. “It was real.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He gives a funny little
smile. “Was it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The urge to whine at him is
strong, but I suppress it. I study Luke. He’s staring at a clock mounted on the
far wall instead of at my face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He’s not an idiot, I
realize</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">—</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">he’s <i>pretending</i> not to
believe me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“What are you hiding?” I
ask, folding my arms. “You should know, it’s really obvious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I haven’t the faintest
idea what you’re talking about,” he says. “Now come along, and I’ll show you to
the door.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Any advice for other writers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Write
for yourself. If you worry too much about what other people will think of your
book, you’ll never get the first draft written. Just concentrate on reaching
the end of your story, and THEN you can consider other people’s opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Where can
people go to find information about your books?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caitlin-Hensley/e/B00AVLV0HU"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/caitlinhensleyauthor"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6877264.Caitlin_Hensley"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> | </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.authorcaitlinhensley.blogspot.com/">Blog</a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a id="rc-ccfa5a1" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ccfa5a1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-58641901835699814052013-11-18T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-18T03:00:01.005-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Lyndsi Watson<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am particularly excited for you to meet today's guest, because she is a good friend and coworker of mine, miss Lyndsi Watson!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Have you participated in NaNaNoWriMo before? </b>
I've known about NaNaNoWriMo for a couple years but I've never tried it. 50,000 words in one month? Only crazy people attempt that! And this year, I want to be one of those crazy, insane writers. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1372965_10151628616112455_1572455316_n.jpg?oh=7824f6f3aad5d67456eb07fe45b831c1&oe=5280993D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1372965_10151628616112455_1572455316_n.jpg?oh=7824f6f3aad5d67456eb07fe45b831c1&oe=5280993D" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How did you find out about NaNo and why did you decide to do it?</b>
A certain coworker (cough, cough, Heidi) persuaded me to give it a shot. She mentioned t-shirts and I signed up. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What type of story do you plan on writing this year, and what have you done in the past? </b>
I'm thinking about attempting a YA fantasy. I've never tried writing fantasy before, but I'm excited to see what happens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What are you expecting?</b>
Oh, some bad hair days, sleepless nights from staying up writing or brainstorming. Maybe some bursts of inspiration which result in random dancing. I mostly just want to have fun because somewhere along the way, I forgot that writing and creating worlds and characters is fun. I've been stuck thinking that I can't write anything, not even a single sentence, unless it's perfect. So I'm using NaNaNoWriMo to cut loose. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tell us one thing that is totally unique to you. What makes you different? </b>
Oh geez. I can never think of anything for this question! Um...when I was in first grade, I ran into a metal pole on the playground and cracked my cheekbone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is something you’ve learned about writing from your favorite author? </b>
Lots of authors say to write, write, write and read. One of my favorite authors reminds me to also live. You gotta go on crazy adventures and embrace life, no matter how ridiculous or fantastical it might seem. Sitting in your room with a pen or laptop won't give you ideas or experiences to draw off of. Go on an adventure and call it research for your next writing project.</span></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-27427224522825700192013-11-15T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-15T03:00:09.037-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Tameka Armstrong<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi everybody! Get to know my friend and fellow writer Tameka Armstrong!</span></b><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">NaNo 2013 will be my 9th year participating!
I've won every year I've participated! So far of those past 8 novels, 3 of them are completed. At first, I did it for fun, but now I'm seriously considering getting published, and am thus polishing my 2012 NaNo novel for agents!
I am seasoned and more ready than I can handle!
My Imaginative Writing teacher told my class about it waaaay back in my pre-freshman courses at my future high school. My friends and I decided it'd be a fun challenge, and I've been hooked ever since!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've done everything from Urban Fantasy to Chick Lit to Mystery Thriller.
This year, I plan of going the UF route again, simply because it's my favorite genre to both read and write. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My advice is . . . Daily: 1-6-6-7 gets you to NaNo heaven! Seriously guys, 1667 words a day is all you need to make it to the big 5-0 by November 30th! You can do it! Don't give up! Even when you eyes are itchy, your butt is numb, and the plot bunnies are eating you alive, you will succeed if you keep striving for 1667 (and beyond!) a day!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SdA_Agwfg4/Ukuk-unC5zI/AAAAAAAAD18/8Sl9qID0PyY/s1600/tameka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SdA_Agwfg4/Ukuk-unC5zI/AAAAAAAAD18/8Sl9qID0PyY/s320/tameka.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I currently live in Tennessee, and I am 21 years old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the longest time, I thought "uvula" was a naughty word, and to this day, I still get those "I just said a bad word" butterflies in my tummy whenever I say it out loud. Silly, I know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I've learned from my favorite author (if we're mentioning names, it's Kelley Armstrong [pay no attention to the last name resemblance between me and her]), is that no matter what you write, write it for yourself. Write something that you would read over and over again, because when it comes right down to it, you deserve to enjoy yourself. You're writing, doing what YOU love! Have some fun and LOVE YOUR WORK!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a blog (<a class="_553k" href="http://www.pandareadingabook.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.pandareadingabook.wordpress.com/</a>), but it's quite inactive. I'll be working on it more in the coming weeks though, so feel free to add it <span class="emoticon emoticon_grin" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yc/r/ERwAtiRKR7Q.png); background-position: -94px -697px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;" title=":D"></span></span></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-60012342327540802662013-11-13T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-13T03:00:12.609-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Jennifer Don<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For today's NaNoWriMo author I have Jennifer Don here, introducing herself!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year marks my third consecutive year of participating in NaNoWriMo. I found out about it three weeks before it happened, way back in 2011 and decided ‘why the heck not.’ I wasn’t a seasoned writer then, I don’t think I’m that now, but at least now I know what to expect. I’ve won both times in my past attempts and I’m looking for this to be my third win out of three. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvBWA93Rbk/Un6qlC-06iI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/RXuognK3Ewk/s1600/jeniffer+don.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvBWA93Rbk/Un6qlC-06iI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/RXuognK3Ewk/s200/jeniffer+don.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
When I found out about it, I jumped straight into the deep end, with no plan in mind as to what I was going to write. I had a simple image that seemed to stand out and I ran with it. Of course, I wasn’t alone having managed to persuade my friend, Dominique, into joining me, knowing she had a book sitting that needed working on. Together we bounced off each other and kept each other going. I think that turned out to be one of the more important aspects of that first year – having someone to buddy up with, to keep you writing, to keep you going when you felt you couldn’t go any further. That first year, I was rather foolish, and crazy. I mean I would have had to have been if I managed to pull 50,000 words out of a hat within the first five days of the month without even knowing what I was writing at the time. Who does that?
Being published isn’t everything for me. It’s not the end all or be all aspect of writing, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t write to be published. There is a difference. I write more because I have a story to tell, and because I give me a greater sense of freedom than I could possibly ever have in this world. It allows me to create my own worlds, and it allows me to have them run as I’d see fit. Basically it makes you feel like playing god, without all the hassle that goes along with it.
NaNoWriMo, I encountered by chance. I can’t remember where I saw from, or why I even jumped at the chance to participate and truly challenge myself. I must have been looking a query letters on an agent’s blog, or something like that when it came up. But I knew when I looked at it, that I wanted to see if I could amount to the challenge and to see if I could really do it for myself more than anything. I wasn’t doing it to prove a point to others; I was doing it to prove a point to myself. That point being that if we believe we can do it, and put everything into it, then there’s nothing to say we can’t achieve it.
And this year, I am continuing on with a series of books that I’ve started. I wrote the first half of book one during NaNo ’12 and having finished that completely only 5 weeks before the start of this year, I knew that continuing that series onwards would be the best thing. The chosen genre seems to have fallen into Young Adult Fantasy, and seems to be more of a coming of age type series of books in a Dystopian world setting. – All of which is new to my own style, but the challenge is what is needed.
My advice to fellow participants would be to always write for fun and pleasure. If you see those word targets as being something you must achieve, then you only put more pressure on yourself. If you reach them, then fine fair enough, but when you write for the love of writing and not for the words, then you may just find the stress vanishes and you slip into the story far easier than you would have thought possible.
Facebook Author page- </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferDon" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferDon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Goodreads Author page- </span><a class="_553k" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6155054.Jennifer_Don" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6155054.Jennifer_Don</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Amazon Author page – </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jennifer-Don/e/B00EV2ER5W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1383678604&sr=1-2-ent" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jennifer-Don/e/B00EV2ER5W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1383678604&sr=1-2-ent</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Wordpress blog page – </span><a class="_553k" href="http://wolvenheart.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://wolvenheart.wordpress.com/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Twitter page - </span><a class="_553k" href="https://twitter.com/Voice_Of_Spirit" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Voice_Of_Spirit</a></span>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-59196198606788403442013-11-11T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-11T03:00:04.549-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Rebekah Wolveire<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">And...here's today's author!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Author’s name: Rebekah Wolveire
Location: North Ridgeville—Elyria Ohio
Age: 31
<b>Have you participated in NaNaNoWriMo before? Yes</b>
If so, how many years? Have you won? I have participated for three years and won all three.
<b>This is your chance to tell us a bit about your Nano experience. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not new, but I am nervous as this year I am living with more people, and I am not sure if I would have en</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ough time to come up with 50K. (more people means more distractions, at least with me.)</span><br />
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<b>Are you wanting to be published, or just playing for fun?</b> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0rn_qgxqUE/UkNukR2Pr6I/AAAAAAAAD1M/o7skRwbIUp0/s1600/1291677_560716720644888_1270886385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0rn_qgxqUE/UkNukR2Pr6I/AAAAAAAAD1M/o7skRwbIUp0/s200/1291677_560716720644888_1270886385_n.jpg" width="178" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I write version A (draft 1) for myself, but I eventually want to be published.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b>Seasoned and ready?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am rebelling and working on a project I already started, so in a sense I am ready. (I have been working on every other project lately so I haven’t touched my NaNo project for almost a year, so in that I am not ready yet.)
<b>How did you find out about NaNo and why did you decide to do it?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to be into counting pages, but I </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">did some research and found out that editors and publishers counted words. I googled writing sites to improved my writing and I discovered NaNoWriMo.</span><br />
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<b>What type of story do you plan on writing this year, and what have you done in the past?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year I am finishing my mystery novel. I normally write horror: paranormal/occult. The first two years I started from a scratch, but last year and this year I am rebelling by focusing on a project that I have already started. (My projects are usually 100,000 words or more, and I typed over 100K last year with two different projects so 50k can be done.
<b>What advice would you give?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have noticed there are two main groups one that write so much (1.5k to 5k) every day and those who write once or twice a week (10K to 20K). I have pulled both, but I think 2k to 4k a day is easier than trying to pulling a 10k (It can really burn you out.) </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can keep an idea that really sparks your attention. Some people even stop in the middle of a sentence or a scene just so they are fired up the next time that they write. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not a competition. Do not be afraid to lose. Make time to write. Take a notebook when you can’t get to a computer, and write whenever you can. (I don’t have kids, but I have relatives and cats that need and take my time. However I have chatted with mothers and fathers who write two hours after their kids go to bed. I knew this one mom had her kids writing with her.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b>Tell us one thing that is totally unique to you. </b>
I wanted to be a pop singer before I wanted to write.
I hardly write about music, because it is a very emotional subject to me.
I also want to bring a seductive horror back to vampires. (I feel that Meyers took the horror away from vampires by making them sparkle. I also think she made them creepy by having them stalk teenagers. If any adult stalks a teenager now they are legally and morally wrong.)
<b>Do you stalk famous people?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I don’t stalk, but I do have celeb crushes and I use them in my head when creating a character.
Secretly raise cats for the lady next door? I live with three cats, but none of them are just mine. (I had two cats within the last six years and they both died, because I think my neighbor is poisoning the mice.)
<b>What is something you’ve learned about writing from your favorite author?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a different twist. I learned that you cannot look at yourself at the same levels as a main-streamed published author until you become one. Example Stephen King had said that no rough draft should take more than six weeks. (However he doesn’t live with the people that I do. There are many times where my family would rather have my cooking and baking than my writing.)
My Facebook page </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.facebook.com/RebekahWolveire" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/RebekahWolveire</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
My writing blog (I have a lot of tips for writing and NaNoWriMo on this site.) </span><a class="_553k" href="http://rebekahwolveire.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://RebekahWolveire.wordpress.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Twitter: </span><a class="_553k" href="http://rebekah1213.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://Rebekah1213.tumblr.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
The Whispering Path E-copy </span><a class="_553k" href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/207547" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/207547</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
The Whispering Path Paperback </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Whispering-Path-Rebekah-Wolveire/dp/1463674309/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347202676&sr=8-1&keywords=rebekah+wolveire" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/The-Whispering-Path-Rebekah-Wolveire/dp/1463674309/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347202676&sr=8-1&keywords=rebekah+wolveire</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-63561136210140494652013-11-08T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-08T03:00:02.629-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Nadia Kilrick<div class="Standard">
Today I'd like to introduce you to Nadia Kilrick!<br />
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Hi Nadia! Have you participated in NaNaNoWriMo before? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>I have taken part in NaNoWriMo four years. I think. Even
so, I've never acquired one of those fancy little badges that screams out to
the world that I won. Strangely enough, I wrote a 65,000 word novel in less
than three weeks in 2012 but it wasn't my NaNo novel. I missed it by a few
months, or I finished ahead of the crowd - guess it depends on how you look at
it. *snicker*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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How did you find out about NaNo and why did you decide to do
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<i>You know, I cannot remember how I first heard about it.
Although, I have a faint memory of reading about it and thinking something
like, "Pfft, silliness!" and moving on. I'm not sure what brought me
to the site the first time I participated, and even though I didn't finish, I'm
glad I took part.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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What type of story do you plan on writing this year, and what
have you done in the past?</div>
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<i>It depends. I'm working on the third novel in a contracted
trilogy right now and if it isn't finished by then, I'll finish it.
Additionally, I have an inspirational romance in the works (presently, under
20,000 words) that I plan to finish this year. I expect NaNo will be the
perfect opportunity to finish that one and to wrap up another psychological
thriller that is partially done. We'll see...<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n15jXUL6pYE/UnWkg4Aw9xI/AAAAAAAAD4s/nOfFkJIY7A8/s1600/Me+at+4-5-ish+black+n+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n15jXUL6pYE/UnWkg4Aw9xI/AAAAAAAAD4s/nOfFkJIY7A8/s320/Me+at+4-5-ish+black+n+white.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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For seasoned participants: what advice would you give?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Even though I haven't actually 'won' NaNo, I'd have to say
the best way to finish is to set a time each day to write and stick to it. Find
friends to sprint with every day. You'll be amazed how much you can write when
you are writing against the clock with friends. There are groups on Facebook
and Twitter sprinting every day and night - connect with some of them. Finally,
do not back up and edit! Leave that for later. Any mistakes you've made or
scenes that need tweaking will still be there after you proudly download your
"I WON" badge.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Where are you from and what is your age/age group?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>I'm from the Emerald Coast of Florida. I'm old enough to
have ten grandchildren. *wink*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Tell us one thing that is totally unique to you. What makes
you different? Do you collect My Little Pony figures? Stalk famous people?
Secretly raise cats for the lady next door? Be creative. I know there is
something unique you can share!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Unique. Hmmm. I'm certain I'm not the only person that
does this but I collect roosters - glass, wood, metal and live ones. Too, I
can't seem to pass up a stack of vintage linens, lace or afghans in thrift
stores. I've just got to have them all! So, if you ever see me sifting through
bins in thrift/junk stores around the Southeast, just know that I'm in the
zone, searching for the perfect...<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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What is something you’ve learned about writing from your
favorite author?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Naming my favorite author is always tough for me. I think
because it depends on my mood for the day. Some days, it's Margaret Mitchell
and Harper Lee, equally. I love their easy way with words. In my opinion, they
wrote as if they were telling a story to friends while sipping tea on the
porch. And, Jane Austen, quite brave for her time. Other days, it's Dean
Koontz. Him, because his stories make me uncomfortable. Always, the writings of
the Apostle Paul. Notably, the Corinthians. Like them, we have to make our
stories easy to read, take chances, give readers something to think about, step
out of our comfort zone and do it all with honesty and love – love of the work,
as well as, love of the world around us and those who inhabit it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Nadia is a published author! You can get her books and more info about her by following these links:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Ziggy Returns: A Short Tale<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE8SJWU/?tag=kb1-20">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE8SJWU/?tag=kb1-20</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>People of Kilmservy Village<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F02DTXS/?tag=kb1-20">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F02DTXS/?tag=kb1-20</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Twitter:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.twitter.com/NadiaKilrick">https://www.twitter.com/NadiaKilrick</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Facebook:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NadiaKilrick">https://www.facebook.com/NadiaKilrick</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Google+:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>https://plus.google.com/117807822265096920051/posts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Pinterest:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>http://pinterest.com/NadiaKilrick/<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Website:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>http://nadiakilrick.com<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Blog:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>http://www.nadiakilrick.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7265004.Nadia_Kilrick<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-18699403792732795572013-11-06T03:00:00.000-08:002013-11-06T03:00:10.218-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Dominique Goodall<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I'd like to introduce you to a writer who is a good friend of mine: Dominique Goodall!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DWAZnzUMrw/UkD-XS9DaVI/AAAAAAAADzU/nD5kQ3bPJ9Q/s1600/1371789_10153265129780576_1098621681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DWAZnzUMrw/UkD-XS9DaVI/AAAAAAAADzU/nD5kQ3bPJ9Q/s200/1371789_10153265129780576_1098621681_n.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dominique has participated and won NaNoWriMo since 2011, including Camp NaNoWriMo sessions in 2012 and 2013! She writes to be published, not just to get words down. She says "it's a good way for me to get disciplined and work to a schedule." Dominique found out about NaNo from her friend Jen, who I will be introducing below! Good old Jen nagged and nagged until Dominique agreed to come along for the ride. Way to go Jen! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this year's NaNoWriMo Dominique is working on the second book in a series, "so it's something that's got a backstory, but will let me grow as a writer still." When asked for NaNo advice she says "Make sure you build up writing when you can - go over the minimum when you can. If you miss a day, you don't need to worry then." Great advice! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dominique is from the UK and is 24 years old. She is "absolutely, entirely, completely OBSESSED with wolves. Not just interested in them...OBSESSED." From studying her favorite author she has learned that "it's not always about finishing a manuscript. It's about learning your process while you do it." </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To purchase Dominique's book <i>Echoes of Winter</i> or join her on her social media sites, check out these links:</span><br />
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<a class="_553k" href="https://www.facebook.com/EchoesofWinter?ref=ts&fref=ts" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/EchoesofWinter?ref=ts&fref=ts</span></a></div>
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<a class="_553k" href="http://dominiquegoodall.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://dominiquegoodall.wordpress.com/</span></a></div>
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<a class="_553k" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5756927.Dominique_Goodall" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5756927.Dominique_Goodall</span></a></div>
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<a class="_553k" href="https://twitter.com/DomGoodall" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://twitter.com/DomGoodall</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><a class="_553k" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Echoes-Winter-Seasons-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00AMR9W1Y" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Echoes-Winter-Seasons-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00AMR9W1Y</a></span></div>
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<a class="_553k" href="http://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Winter-Seasons-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00AMR9W1Y" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Winter-Seasons-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00AMR9W1Y</span></a></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-78208394581045593852013-11-04T07:00:00.000-08:002013-11-04T07:00:09.316-08:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Sara Devaney<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bITx-OmvcQ/UkEAE1dHFdI/AAAAAAAADzg/LVN4U3wVnok/s1600/1006343_10151580187152461_407239768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bITx-OmvcQ/UkEAE1dHFdI/AAAAAAAADzg/LVN4U3wVnok/s200/1006343_10151580187152461_407239768_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Today I'd like to welcome Sara Devaney to my blog! Thanks for visiting Sara! Tell us about your NaNoWriMo experience. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My name is Sara, I am 28 years old, and I have been participating in NaNoWriMo for about 4 years. I have completed one novel and am hoping to get my last year's novel published soon. I found out about NaNoWriMo through my friend Jeannie. She was doing it and thought it would be fun if she and I, along with her friend Christina, would have fun writing and giving each other tips and advice. This year's novel is pretty awesome. Half of it takes place in 2013 and the other half takes place during the Renaissance period. It also takes place at a Renaissance Faire. The best advice I can give is to have fun and do a ton of research. Google and Ask are your best friends - trust me. I collect giraffes (I have about 15 of them), horses (I have 25 of them), candles (got about 26 of them) and books (no idea how many I have, lol)! I've learned that it's okay to be yourself and submerge yourself in your story.
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Awesome, Sara! Good luck with your work this month, it sounds like a great story! To learn more about this writer visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaraEDeVaneyAuthor?ref=hl" target="_blank">Sara's Author Page</a>.</b></span></span>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-57196386825621220922013-11-02T10:34:00.001-07:002013-11-02T10:34:12.481-07:00NaNoWriMo Spotlight: Nicole Wells<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">November! My favorite month of every year! Actually, I like to cross out the word "November" on my calendar and replace it with "NaNoWriMo!" Because that's really what it is to me. So, while I'm writing away this month, I thought I'd spotlight a bunch of other authors who have joined me for this thirty-day trek of awesome craziness! People from all over the world participate in NaNoWriMo, and one of my favorite things about it is meeting authors from all different places and backgrounds, so follow my blog throughout November to meet some fantastic writers!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For today's author, please welcome Nicole Wells! I first met Nicole during last year's NaNoWriMo and we had a blast! We've become good friends, and she even beta read my first published book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-the-Paper-Wall-ebook/dp/B00BF1MNT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383413447&sr=8-1&keywords=through+the+paper+wall" target="_blank">Through the Paper Wall</a></i>. </span></span><br />
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</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRF_PNjCp_M/UkyZMMUdruI/AAAAAAAAD2c/h2Dx-LB0Y0s/s1600/nicole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRF_PNjCp_M/UkyZMMUdruI/AAAAAAAAD2c/h2Dx-LB0Y0s/s200/nicole.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Have you participated in NaNaNoWriMo before?
If so, how many years? Have you won? </b></span><br />
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2013 will be my second year in Nano and I won last year!
<b>This is your chance to tell us a bit about your Nano experience. Are you new and nervous? Are you wanting to be published, or just playing for fun? Seasoned and ready? Tell us! </b></span><br />
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I am a bit nervous about this year as I am now working and am enrolled in school for the month of November. I am already looking forward to Thanksgiving break so I can get a good chunk of writing done. This novel is one I would love to get published. Last years was a very long fanfiction. I have begun planning out what I would like to happen in the novel, and getting to know my main characters. Though, knowing my writing style, I will probably divert from the plan into the second chapter.
<b>How did you find out about NaNo and why did you decide to do it?
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I found out about NaNo through a friend who also writes, and said I should at least try it. It took me two years after she said that for me to actually do it. I decided to participate to try my hand at writing and see if I was any good at the writing thing.
<b>What type of story do you plan on writing this year, and what have you done in the past? </b></span><br />
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This year will be a mystery/ adventure novel in which the mystery dates back to the Civil War era. In the past I have written fanfictions mostly.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>For seasoned participants: what advice would you give?</b></span><br />
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Advice would be to have as much fun as you can. Go to write ins, participate in the Facebook group, stock up on your snack cupboard before it starts, and just go with the flow. You can always edit the novel after the month is over.
<b>Where are you from and what is your age/age group?</b></span><br />
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From Charleston, SC and am 22.
<b>Tell us one thing that is totally unique to you. What makes you different?</b></span><br />
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One unique thing? Only one? I am a huge fangirl of what would be characterized as nerdy things. Currently most in love with the Marvel universe and all it has to offer. Also, I tend to write a character that is basically me, into each story that I write. They are never a main character, but usually appear in a scene or two. It is like my own personal cameo.
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What is something you’ve learned about writing from your favorite author?</b>
One of my favourite writing tips is from F. Scott Fitzgerald:
"You must begin by making notes. You may have to make notes for years…. When you think of something, when you recall something, put it where it belongs. Put it down when you think of it. You may never recapture it quite as vividly the second time."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>It's been great to get to know you Nicole! Good luck with your novel, it sounds great!</b></span>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-83414755687596573272013-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:002013-10-29T21:45:00.315-07:00Just in Time For HalloweenAround this time of year we tend to enjoy the spookier aspects of life more than we normally would, so this book is perfect for right now! Not only does it tell a wonderful and suspenseful story, but it also explores the frighting power that governing bodies can obtain and hold over other people. To say I wasn't at least a little freaked out by what goes on in this story would be a lie, so I'm sharing it with you, just in time for Halloween!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">K.D.
Emerson has this to say to her readers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMhz835b_wU/UnCOQNl0CoI/AAAAAAAAD4U/Tb0u-6T1NNk/s1600/Kim+Emerson+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMhz835b_wU/UnCOQNl0CoI/AAAAAAAAD4U/Tb0u-6T1NNk/s1600/Kim+Emerson+pic.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to all the
readers of my work and for your precious input. I don’t think you realize how
much it means to me. Each one of you has given me a gift with your kind words.
May God bless you in every step you take and may your life be filled with that
glorious peace that passes all understanding.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~What
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<!--[endif]-->This book has a fascinating storyline and great
characters with hidden talents. When I got to the end, I kept trying to flip to
the next page before I realized it was a cliffhanger. No! I MUST know what
happens next! ~ Laurie Boris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->Looking for fantastic characters and a
breath-holding, heart-pounding, hair-raising edge of your seat good time? Then
look no further, Digitus 233 has it all ~ Maria<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->This knocked The Hunger Games right out of the
running for me (and that's one of my favorites!) ~ Dominique<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->This sort of tale-spinning takes TALENT! All I've
gotta say is this: KD - you'd better get the sequel written pretty darn
quickly...!! ~ Liberty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->Digitus 233 is an excellent example of an author
whose characters look and sound real, and whose behaviour - while not always
exemplary - rings true to me ~ Lynette<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->If you're a teacher, this is a book that is sure
to capture the interest of your entire class! If you're a parent with a
reluctant reader, I'd definitely suggest downloading this book to get him/her
interested in reading! ~ Anne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Head on over and grab your own $.99 copy by clicking the picture below! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Digitus-233-Series-K-D-Emerson-ebook/dp/B00AQJ7NKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383108232&sr=8-1&keywords=Digitus+233" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db3KTBk7tmw/UnCOVUnbLpI/AAAAAAAAD4c/Oy5GMH2oKHk/s320/Digitus+Cover+Dec+3.jpg" width="242" /></a><span id="goog_625399632"></span><span id="goog_625399633"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-84211466534972012422013-10-22T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-22T03:00:04.440-07:00Book Spotlight: "The Warrior," by Ty Patterson<div style="background-color: white;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you enjoy reading thrillers from the likes of Lee Child,James Patterson, David Baldacci, Harlan Coben, and Robert Crais, you will enjoy The Warrior.</span></b><div class="im">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />When Private Military Contractor Zeb Carter witnesses gruesome crimes in the Congo, he can’t just walk away.<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plagued by the scale of the crimes and the helplessness of the victims, he is bent on his own private justice. With Broker by his side, a maverick intelligence analyst, Zeb soon realizes that this time he has come up against an adversary who is utterly ruthless...and perhaps more than a match for him.</span><div class="im">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYwGdFp0D1k/UmVEbMsBQyI/AAAAAAAAD30/_mJKbolu9Hk/s1600/WARRIOR5-thumbnail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYwGdFp0D1k/UmVEbMsBQyI/AAAAAAAAD30/_mJKbolu9Hk/s320/WARRIOR5-thumbnail2.jpg" width="220" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />What transpires is a fast pace gripping journey that stretches from the Congo to New York, into the world of corrupt politics, influential politicians who want him dead, and government agencies who are against him.<br /><br />This breakneck paced read is an edge-of-your-seat,exothermic thrill machine, with a plot so full of surprises it will carry your imagination long beyond the final word.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't read this book if you have deadlines to meet. It melts time and will make you miss them!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Check out these stunning reviews:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"What a great book! It has been a long time since I have had a book keep me on the edge! I found I couldn't put it down. If you are a Jack Reacher fan then this book is for you. It's good to know there are still authors out there who appeal to the Warrior in all of us! Ty is a great author and I look forward to the sequel!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Love this book!! It had me hooked the second I started reading it! gripping and intense action!! I hope Ty Patterson has more books on the way!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Gripping from the very beginning. Fast paced and will draw you in. A true action and suspense novel! Would love to see a spin off of any of the colorful characters in this book. Broker for one, or see Rory later in life! Loved it, and the opening to The Reluctant Warrior looks to be equally thrilling!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will start off by saying I grew up in a law enforcement family; I now also work in the field and as horrible as it sounds and in reality is it, it takes a lot to get to me; Mr. Patterson manages to do just that. The Warrior "had me on the edge of my seat. This fast paced thriller left me hoping there was more but still satisfied with the end. I have already recommended it to everyone in my family and those I work with; anyone who enjoys a good gripping book should get this, clear some time to sit, and be fully immersed in the world of Major Zeb Carter."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Get your copy by following one of these links!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://amzn.to/14TGB5m" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/14TGB5m</a><br style="color: #500050;" /><a href="http://amzn.to/YdAftk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/YdAftk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty discovered reading at an early age and the backs of cereal cartons were frequently part of his reading diet. And so were the labels on toilet paper rolls... but let's not dwell there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">His journey to being a writer took him to selling tea to street side stalls, selling exotic leather goods, living by <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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the side of railway tracks, and living on a couple of continents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He took to writing at an early age - writing pieces of humor and fiction, some of which are yet to see the light of day and others that got published in journals that are now deader than the T-Rex.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty started writing The Warrior on a challenge by his better half and son. Ty set a bigger challenge for himself - to write a thriller that would stay in readers' minds long beyond the last word - fueled by just the power of the black word on a white page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty feels blessed that readers have taken to the The Warrior and is now writing a sequel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty is privileged that his wife and son shape their lives to accommodate his writing. They also humor his ridiculous belief that he is in charge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty plays most racquet sports with a great deal of enthusiasm and a lot less ability. If you're looking for a playing partner whose ass you want to whup, Ty is your man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To learn more visit Ty's social media sites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/pattersonty67" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>pattersonty67</a><br style="color: #500050;" /><span style="color: #500050;">Blog: </span><a href="http://pattersonty.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://pattersonty.wordpress.<wbr></wbr>com</a><br style="color: #500050;" /><span style="color: #500050;">Facebook: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTyPatterson" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>AuthorTyPatterson</a></span></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-57337289060085497142013-10-21T07:58:00.003-07:002013-10-21T08:02:44.476-07:00Read Something Great This Halloween!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Halloween is right around the corner, which means many of us are filling as many minutes as possible with the freaky, the strange, and the haunted. Here's a story that's perfect for this spooky time of year, and it is only $.99!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">In
early July 2013, the following news article made headlines: "</span><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262948.php">Possibility of First
Head Transplant</a> </span></i><i style="line-height: 12.75pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262948.php">Fraught with Ethical and Medical Dilemmas</a><span style="color: #333333;">." Are head transplants really in our near future,
and what will that mean for mankind? Dante Marando understands that the human
body is fragile. With recent medical advances, he's certain scientists will
soon be able to keep healthy people alive for longer stretches of time, and he
is determined to be a part of history in the making. Is Dante interested in
helping mankind thrive, or is he only looking out for himself?</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get your own copy of this great short story <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FYCP48W/ref=cm_sw_su_dp" target="_blank">here</a>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 12.75pt;">S.L. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;">Wallace is an upper elementary Montessori teacher and life long writer who is a
descendant of the famous William Wallace. Like him, she believes in freedom and
independence. Unlike him, she fights her battles with the pen. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;">When asked what her favorite genre is for a rainy day, Wallace says "</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;">It's a
tie between historical fiction and science fiction because I enjoy learning
about the past as well as imagining the future." To learn more about the author and her work head to </span><a href="http://slwallace.com/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;">http://slwallace.com/</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.75pt;">.</span></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-58685752221159150222013-10-08T05:00:00.000-07:002013-10-08T05:00:01.103-07:00What I Learned from Maggie Stiefvater Last week I had the great pleasure to hear from a best selling author that many of you may know: Maggie Stiefvater, author of <i>The Scorpio Races</i>, among many other books. My coworker and friend Lyndsi and I joined with a bunch of other starstruck ladies in the cutest little courtyard I'd ever seen. Actually, there was one guy there. That's right, one. He was surrounded by middle aged women, teenage girls, ladies with small children, and even a woman who was crocheting away at something that looked like a dish scrubber. The courtyard was hidden behind the most wonderful adorable little bookshop.<br />
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Before letting you in on some of Maggie's great thoughts on writing, here are some fun things I learned about her while I was there: She has fainting goats (if you don't know what these are you absolutely need to look them up), she used to be a portrait artist, and she was a competitive bagpipe player in college. Cool!<br />
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The whole program ran so nicely. The author spoke to us for a while, feeding us with fabulous stories, then she read part of her newest book, using audience members as characters in the story to voice some of the characters. It was brilliant! Then she allowed for questions. That's where I heard a lot of things that I love. Here's what I wrote down for you all:<br />
<ul>
<li>Critique partners. Maggie highly suggests having these. It's hard to exchange ideas in baby form (less than 10K words). You can "support your thesis" by 10K. At that point, send it to your critique partner to get their thoughts. Don't use just any old person. Use other writers who like to read. </li>
<li>Don't ever give up on your dreams. When Maggie was young she wanted to be an author more than anything. It was a long and bumpy road. The first story she ever wrote started with the line "It like, hugs the road!" and it was about two Scottish terriers who were test driving a red Porsche! Haha. As you continue to write, you get better. Thirty finished and unfinished books had been written before Maggie ever had her first book published, a number which she says is typical. It is very common to be rejected about 30 times. Something she said that I REALLY loved: When she wrote the book that would be her first published novel it felt palpably different. It was something she knew that only she could write. It was uniquely hers. </li>
<li>On the topic of research: She only researches connections. The ideas she explores, like the water horses in <i>The Scorpio Races</i>, came from mythology and folklore that she had loved and studied as a child. </li>
<li>Characters: Instead of creating characters out of nowhere Maggie bases hers on real people. </li>
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Great stuff! I wish I could have written down everything she said. Hopefully you've gained some new insight, as I did. To finish up, here are some pictures of the amazing bookstore and the event! </div>
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<a href="http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d6194676k5926582o2/maggie"><b>Maggie</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/">slideshow</a></i></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-76245292605607483872013-10-07T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-07T03:00:06.239-07:00Book Spotlight: "The Circus," by Bob Joswick<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I would like to let you know about a book that I haven't actually read, but I felt like many of you would be interested in: <i>The Circus</i>, by Bob Joswick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story begins in a small, Western Pennsylvania coal
mining town in the mid 1950’s, seemingly far removed from where it concludes in
a raging firestorm in Southern California. A constant flow of action and quirky
individuals such as a ruthless circus clown and a beguiling, dwarf detective
complicate the story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV9Q7iA31mA/Uk-Vo9FWu9I/AAAAAAAAD3M/kSI_xmjvvM8/s1600/The+Circus+5+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV9Q7iA31mA/Uk-Vo9FWu9I/AAAAAAAAD3M/kSI_xmjvvM8/s320/The+Circus+5+copy.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sam Simon, a retired mine geologist, and his friend, Doc
Martin, are targeted for revenge by a coldblooded former cop and past nemesis. It
starts with the surprise arrival of Doc’s long missing car and the discovery of
a body in its trunk. To unravel the clues, they enlist the aid of a wealthy zoo
veterinarian, Lenora Jaminson, who provides advice and the use of her private
airplane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The search for answers takes them to a misplaced, out of
season circus where they are nearly eaten by a trio of caged tigers. Their
rescue, by the dwarf Japanese American private eye, Jake Ozaki, leads them on an
adventure, discovering illegal gold and the stolen lives of a California Japanese
family after they are forced into an internment camp by unscrupulous soldiers
at one onset of World War II.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">In Southern California, Sam, Doc and Lenora encounter a
mysterious and emotionally scarred Uno Koba, a near recluse who raises
earthworms. He quickly becomes the center of their search. The powerful forces
of raging fires, fueled by Santa Ana winds complicate the story and help expose
the secrets of a greedy business man behind the deception.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sounds fantastic, right? Need more convincing? Check out this great review:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">The Circus is a wonderful, fast-paced action/thriller. The way Joswick weaved the story around a sensitive subject like the treatment of the Japanese during and after WWII was done masterfully. It was obvious from the outset that he'd done a great deal of research on the subject.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The characters were well-developed and interesting, like the wealthy, female veterinarian with a prosthetic leg and a dwarf Japanese-American private detective. I really liked the good guys and greatly disliked the bad guys, but there were also a few that were struggling internally - they were perhaps acting as bad guys but still had some good in them that clashed with the bad, and vice versa.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The plot took many twists and turns, and the characters and events were related and intertwined in surprising and unexpected ways. Once I started it, it only took a few days to consume the story.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I look forward to more novels from Bob Joswick! - </span><span style="background-color: white;">Steven C. Roth</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>The Circus</i> is available from Solstice Publishers, Amazon, Nook, and all e-book sellers.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can find Bob Joswick on Facebook, and on Twitter as @bobjoswick.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-----</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__XV3sorg58/Uk-VfNFqHuI/AAAAAAAAD3I/u-5kabmvFWU/s1600/photo%255B2%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__XV3sorg58/Uk-VfNFqHuI/AAAAAAAAD3I/u-5kabmvFWU/s200/photo%255B2%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bob Joswick grew up in the shadows of a Western
Pennsylvania coal mine, and was raised in a coal mining family. Graduated from
The University of Tulsa and later earned a Masters of Business Administration. Went
on to become a college and NFL football player, after that a salesman and
manager for a Fortune 50 company. He has
published a number of articles for a regional, Southern California magazine as
well as a National Publication. Along with his wife, Janie, a retired teacher,
they enjoy motorcycles and have ridden every canyon and mountain road in
Southern California. Bob like to spend time on the football field working as a
referee for high school games. He and his wife Janie live in Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma where he studies English literature at The University of Tulsa. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-40626056735798405842013-10-04T16:37:00.001-07:002013-10-04T16:37:33.034-07:00Review: "Green Kitty," by Alexandra BryanI was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZccyL-MpN4/Uk9O7PQJZfI/AAAAAAAAD2s/Nzc9kjYrzos/s1600/2940016403687_p0_v2_s600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZccyL-MpN4/Uk9O7PQJZfI/AAAAAAAAD2s/Nzc9kjYrzos/s320/2940016403687_p0_v2_s600.JPG" width="320" /></a><i>Green Kitty</i> by Alexandra Bryan follows a child as she repeatedly visits and spends time with her grandmother who is experiencing dementia. From the beginning the child is hesitant about visiting her grandmother, but her father suggests that she ask about the green kitty. The request is made for grandma to spill the beans about this strange cat, which results in all sorts of tales from her life.<br />
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Not only does the main character learn a lot about her grandmother, but she also comes to learn about how loved ones sometimes don't remember everything when they age. I was not particularly drawn into the story, but in the story and author's defense, this book is aimed for a much younger audience, around 8-12 years old. Throughout the book, grandma tells all sorts of stories, and I did find them entertaining. As I read I tried to imagine how my younger self would react, and I believe that children will enjoy it. The stories are funny and sometimes surprising, and some of them thrilling.<br />
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Overall I'd give this book 4 stars, for being good, unique, and entertaining.<br />
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To learn more and get yourself a copy click <a href="http://www.greenkittybook.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-64058960373690899902013-10-02T23:32:00.000-07:002013-10-02T23:32:47.187-07:00Cover Reveal: Home Wrecker II, by Brenda Perlin<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today I am pleased to participate in the cover reveal for <i>Home Wrecker II: The Brooklyn Chronicles</i>, by Brenda Perlin! And...here it is!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">***Unlike most books I have on this site, this one may not be considered family friendly***</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join the online Facebook party October 11th at 1:00 pm (PST) where there will be #fun #games and #prizes. There will be random #Ebook giveaways leading up to the event!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="_553k" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/207641289413064/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/207641289413064/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven’t read Home Wrecker I it is a great time to pick up a copy!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<a class="_553k" href="http://amzn.com/B00CKBWWIU" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://amzn.com/B00CKBWWIU</a></div>
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“Brooklyn and Bo, each unhappily married to others, must decide whether to stay with their spouses or give up everything for their love.”
HOME WRECKER IS BACK!
A Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Struggle to Keep New-found Happiness.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">October 11, 2013. Ladera Ranch, California: Brenda Perlin is back with Home Wrecker II: The Brooklyn Chronicles, published by Master Koda Select Publishing. This Contemporary Romance is set to continue the story of Home Wrecker I: Home Wrecker Chronicles in September of 2013. The reader will experience an emotional roller-coaster ride as the writer divulges the sad and dark times of Brooklyn, all the while provoking deep thought while re-living her memories through the reading experience.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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"Home Wrecker: The Brooklyn Chronicles provides a look into the heart and mind of a woman who cheated on her marriage and the reasons why it happened. It is honest. It is real. It is the story of what made Brooklyn the woman she is today, the decisions made that put her on the path she walks today, and it does it with an openness and honesty not found in many such stories. The book is well written and grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention until the very end.” – Crystal Schall, The Book Rack
Home Wrecker II: The Brooklyn Chronicles puts the reader on a journey through the eyes of the main character, Brooklyn Rosen. Her story, at times, is excruciatingly honest and evokes one’s own self-reflection throughout the reading experience. However, through the devastation and tribulations, the reader will also gain an insight to the inspiring strength of the heroine as she struggles toward personal happiness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">
Master Koda Select Publishing is a small, but high quality, publisher of ebooks and paperbacks. The company takes pride in its authors by implementing aggressive marketing initiatives. Master Koda Select Publishing selects only a few authors per year to ensure they are receiving the attention they deserve.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
For further inquiries and additional information, please contact:
Kim Mutch Emerson
</span><a class="_553k" href="http://masterkodaselectpublishing.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://masterkodaselectpublishing.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Facebook </span><a class="_553k" href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckertheBook" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckertheBook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Twitter </span><a class="_553k" href="https://twitter.com/HomeWreckerbook" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/HomeWreckerbook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Website </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.homewreckerthebook.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.homewreckerthebook.com/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Blog </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.homewreckertheblog.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 14px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.homewreckertheblog.com</a></span></div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-70586698801149805632013-10-01T22:10:00.000-07:002013-10-01T22:10:04.494-07:00Book Review: "Darkest Day," by K.R. Hughes and T.L. BurnsToday I'd like to give you my two cents on the newest release from K.R. Hughes and T.L. Burns. <i>Darkest Day</i> is the second book in the What She Knew Trilogy, the sequel to <i>Fateful Night</i>, <a href="http://www.heidinicolebird.com/2013/09/review-fateful-night.html" target="_blank">which I also reviewed</a>.<br />
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***Unlike most books I review on this site, this one is not family friendly***</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3EI3CSQ2PE/UkuoGBN9q9I/AAAAAAAAD2I/wFRixMqQz8w/s1600/1187050_584122771647263_216571882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3EI3CSQ2PE/UkuoGBN9q9I/AAAAAAAAD2I/wFRixMqQz8w/s320/1187050_584122771647263_216571882_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><i>Darkest Day</i> delivered in every way I wanted it to, and I was thrilled from the very beginning. Book one in the trilogy left me wanting more with every word, and this book is not one bit behind. From the first page I found myself drawn right back into the action, the possibilities, and the mystery. I am legitimately impressed with the authors' ability to keep track of so many characters and plot lines! There is so much going on, and yet they beautifully weave each plot line and idea into an intricate and well-put-together story that will have you at the edge of your seat. I was extremely satisfied with the adventure and quality of this book, and the only disappointment was realizing I was at the end! </div>
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In this second installment, the authors continue to explore the "what ifs" that were encountered in the first book, and take them even farther, the biggest question being "what if Marilyn Monroe hadn't died, and what if she knew something that could have prevented the assassination of President Kennedy?" If you love adventure, intrigue, historical fiction, Marilyn Monroe, and being hooked by a good story, you'll love this book. </div>
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If you are looking for a clean, family friendly book, this isn't it, as it contains a lot of strong language, some violence, and some scenes with adult content. If this isn't something you are worried about, then I highly recommend that you check out this book, as it will not disappoint! 5 stars, all the way! </div>
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To get a copy of the book click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Darkest-What-Knew-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00F7SJ3R6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380690253&sr=8-1&keywords=Darkest+day+what+she+knew" target="_blank">here</a>. Currently on sale for only $.99!</div>
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To connect with the authors visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whatsheknew.krhughestlburns?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://krhughestlburns.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank">blog</a>. </div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-58032155030930815862013-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T05:00:10.791-07:00Tips From Some of the Greats <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently I had the great pleasure to meet and hear some words of wisdom from best-selling author Brandon Mull. I also had the great opportunity of learning from guest author Shannon Hale! To make it even better, I went with a bunch of my co-workers, a.k.a. some of my best friends. Needless to say it was one big night of awesomeness! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza buffet before the event, om nom nom!</td></tr>
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Much of the night was about the new release of a series that both Mull and Hale are participating in (Spirit Animals), but along the way they gave some great advice, and I couldn't help but think of you guys. I knew I had to share what they said. So, here are the notes I wrote down:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2DQ6gFpoE4/UkEBXm8jJ6I/AAAAAAAADz0/pCEudFNZ5iE/s1600/1277489_10201293722918825_482745474_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2DQ6gFpoE4/UkEBXm8jJ6I/AAAAAAAADz0/pCEudFNZ5iE/s320/1277489_10201293722918825_482745474_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>Brandon Mull:<br />
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<li>Observe, then imagine.</li>
<li>Ask yourself: What is your defining image as a writer?</li>
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Shannon Hale:<br />
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<li>Your character needs to want something.</li>
<li>Have an interesting character who is about to get in an interesting situation.</li>
<li>Get your character <i>doing</i> something immediately, and get them talking. </li>
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Both:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Pay close attention to how your favorite authors build their scenes.</li>
<li>Buy the current Writers Market book.</li>
<li>Go to conferences. </li>
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I hope you'll really put some thought into these ideas, because they are GREAT! I definitely will be keeping these things in mind as I keep writing, especially as I get ready for and head into NaNoWriMo 2013!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuluaHxkUkg/UkEBXEQhKUI/AAAAAAAADzw/gDnD4V0yWVc/s1600/1270486_10201293722638818_2131561418_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuluaHxkUkg/UkEBXEQhKUI/AAAAAAAADzw/gDnD4V0yWVc/s320/1270486_10201293722638818_2131561418_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Brandon Mull!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Brandon Mull, booya! I got bonus points for being an author, and he <br />declared us "fellow nerds" because I write Fantasy! Saweet! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp0iU83znt0/UkGvepEhKxI/AAAAAAAAD0k/VTOG_Yk52F0/s1600/2013-09-10+20.09.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp0iU83znt0/UkGvepEhKxI/AAAAAAAAD0k/VTOG_Yk52F0/s320/2013-09-10+20.09.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The books I bought because I have money now, haha. The Brandon Mull <br />book I have read, and his newest one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmczDNPXKsU/UkGvevhKvhI/AAAAAAAAD0o/soRV4X1utas/s1600/2013-09-10+21.47.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmczDNPXKsU/UkGvevhKvhI/AAAAAAAAD0o/soRV4X1utas/s320/2013-09-10+21.47.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, got them signed. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7Y3vywVNEs/UkGvek9KowI/AAAAAAAAD0g/cZvj-SyDTp4/s1600/2013-09-10+21.48.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7Y3vywVNEs/UkGvek9KowI/AAAAAAAAD0g/cZvj-SyDTp4/s320/2013-09-10+21.48.03.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely awesome.</td></tr>
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<br />Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-28992717301252011942013-09-24T06:55:00.000-07:002013-09-24T06:57:08.915-07:00Spotlight: Narrator Andy Mack<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I want to introduce you to one very talented guy: Mr. Andy Mack! Mack is a very talented voice artist, bringing to life many different stories as a narrator for audio books. You can check out his work by clicking <a href="http://andymackvoice.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. From his site you can contact him about numerous types of projects, including:</span><br />
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<h7 style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">· Radio Station Imaging <br style="clear: left;" />· Animation and Video Games <br style="clear: left;" />· Radio and Television Commercials/Promos</span></h7></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A while back I became acquanted with Andy Mack while searching for a narrator for my book <i>Through the Paper Wall</i>. Mack auditioned for me, and I was definitely satisfied, so we went full speed ahead! Through the entire process I was impressed with Mack's professional attitude and his desire to do a great job and stay in contact with me. I couldn't be happier with the end result! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are just a few of the reviews he has received:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;">"Andy's turn-around time is impeccable; wasting no time to get to work. His vocals pushed the stories </em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;">he worked on to the next level." </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"> - Kayla O'Brien, Director, Bandknight.com </span><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;">"Andy Mack breathed life into a character undergoing significant changes." </em><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"> - Robert Parson, CEO at Audioblaze Productions and <br style="clear: left;" /> Director, "Red Rover" </span><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;">"Andy Mack is a wonder! He nailed all of my impossible demands!"</em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"></em><br style="background-color: white; clear: left; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"> - Patti Cassidy, Director, "The Ballad of Baby Roger" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Audio Creation Exchange is where I pursued my audio project, and you can find Mack there, as well as his site, linked above. I am extremely happy with how our project turned out, and I highly recommend Mack's talents, as well as his work ethic. Check out the work he did for me by clicking here (also available from </span>iTunes<span style="font-family: inherit;">): </span><br />
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</b>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-61234421980420193162013-09-23T07:52:00.001-07:002013-09-23T07:53:35.617-07:00Review: The Dream Keeper, by Mikey Brooks<span style="font-family: inherit;">Few stories strike me as being unique like this book did. <i>The Dream Keeper,</i> by Mikey Brooks, is a stunning piece of work that will keep you reading until you are on the last page, and even then you won't want to stop! This middle-grade fantasy isn't your cookie-cutter sort of fantasy story. Check it out:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dreams: Dorothy called it Oz, Alice called it Wonderland, but Nightmares call it HOME.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6o1eXhp5_Q/UkBVq-AgyjI/AAAAAAAADy0/Yoogsrx6Oes/s1600/Dreams+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6o1eXhp5_Q/UkBVq-AgyjI/AAAAAAAADy0/Yoogsrx6Oes/s320/Dreams+Cover.jpg" width="193" /></a></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">When an evil shifter takes over the gateway to the realm of Dreams, it falls to 14-year-olds Parker and Kaelyn to stop him. Their only hope lies with Gladamyr, the Dream Keeper, but can they trust a Nightmare to save their world?</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I think sometimes a reader gambles a bit when they enter into such an agreement, but in this case I couldn't have been more pleased. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The book follows the story of two young people, how they become friends, and how they are linked through dreams. Together they fight for both the dream world, and the real world in a fight against darkness and time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Dream Keeper</i> delivers in every way a story should: great characters, well-placed conflict, interesting plot lines, and twists and turns that keep you turning page after page. Long after I finished this book I found myself thinking about it, and believing that Brooks's dream world really is the world we enter when we dream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall I give this book a huge 5 stars! One of the easiest ratings I've given. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, a good adventure, and good, clean fun. Look for <i>The Dream Keeper</i> in your local bookstore, or grab your copy here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1379946805&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=The+Dreamkeeper+mikey+brooks">http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1379946805&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=The+Dreamkeeper+mikey+brooks</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-Volume/dp/1939993032/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379946805&sr=8-3-fkmr0">http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-Volume/dp/1939993032/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379946805&sr=8-3-fkmr0</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hardcover: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Keeper-Mikey-Brooks/dp/1939993016/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-3-fkmr0&qid=1379946805">http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Keeper-Mikey-Brooks/dp/1939993016/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-3-fkmr0&qid=1379946805</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kobo: <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-dream-keeper">http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-dream-keeper</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nook: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dream-keeper-mikey-brooks/1115262781?ean=2940016761121">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dream-keeper-mikey-brooks/1115262781?ean=2940016761121</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only does Mikey Brooks write fantastic stories, but he also illustrates for other authors. Check out his work by visiting his website: <a href="http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/">http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/</a></span>Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-87422319989288875162013-09-21T14:36:00.002-07:002013-09-21T14:56:35.708-07:00Through the Paper Wall, Middle Grade Fantasy<div style="line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV_JHKKI9Os/Uj4RHQDyPII/AAAAAAAADw0/MREFXF7-3wE/s1600/through-the-paper-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV_JHKKI9Os/Uj4RHQDyPII/AAAAAAAADw0/MREFXF7-3wE/s400/through-the-paper-wall.jpg" width="272" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">Things haven’t been the same between Jesse and Dad since Mom died, and now Jesse’s worst fears are coming true. Not only has he been forced to move across the country, but Dad is also flirting like crazy with his new girlfriend. In an attempt to get away from the two lovebirds, Jesse starts to explore his new house and what he finds changes everything. Hidden in Jesse’s basement is a room the adults can’t see, and leading from the room is a massive tunnel. That’s not the only weird thing about Jesse’s new house, though. It’s also tagged with all sorts of rumors. Could the house actually be haunted like some people think? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><br />With the help of his new friend Jake, Jesse soon discovers the truth, and they find themselves in a situation that is way out of their control. Ambyth, an eternal city of teenagers, is anything but a safe place for Jesse and Jake to be. Together they must overcome the evil that Jesse’s house has been hiding for decades, and they have to do it before time runs out.</span></div>
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<i>"Absolutely pulled me in from the start. I loved the book and even cried at the end. This book is definitely one I will be recommending." - ShoshysCandy</i><br />
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<i>"Heidi has a great imagination, and great talent!" - Jane G. </i><br />
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<i>"This story is a young adult fantasy but is perfect for all ages and it has definitely not been done before! It was so well-rounded and interesting that it kept me reading long into the ours of the night. I would describe Ms. Bird's style as whimsical and fresh, yet she gets down and dirty in the depths of the human soul and puts in some hard-core real life lessons. Bird's style can almost be related to that of M. Night Shyamalan, in that it is mysteriously engaging and so true to heart in its mesh between fantasy and reality. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, as it will not disappoint!" - Jade M. Phillips, author of MER</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-the-Paper-Wall-ebook/dp/B00BF1MNT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379794008&sr=8-1&keywords=Through+the+Paper+Wall" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>Through-the-Paper-Wall-ebook/<wbr></wbr>dp/B00BF1MNT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=<wbr></wbr>UTF8&qid=1379794008&sr=8-1&<wbr></wbr>keywords=Through+the+Paper+<wbr></wbr>Wall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon Paperback: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-Paper-Wall-Heidi-Nicole/dp/1481093819/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379794008&sr=8-1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.<wbr></wbr>com/Through-Paper-Wall-Heidi-<wbr></wbr>Nicole/dp/1481093819/ref=tmm_<wbr></wbr>pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=<wbr></wbr>1379794008&sr=8-1</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Audible: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-the-Paper-Wall/dp/B00DYXTE98/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1379794008" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.<wbr></wbr>com/Through-the-Paper-Wall/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00DYXTE98/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_<wbr></wbr>0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=<wbr></wbr>1379794008</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UK Paperback: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Paper-Wall-Heidi-Nicole/dp/1481093819/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379691744&sr=1-2" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.<wbr></wbr>co.uk/Through-Paper-Wall-<wbr></wbr>Heidi-Nicole/dp/1481093819/<wbr></wbr>ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&<wbr></wbr>qid=1379691744&sr=1-2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UK Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-the-Paper-Wall-ebook/dp/B00BF1MNT4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379691744&sr=1-2" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.<wbr></wbr>uk/Through-the-Paper-Wall-<wbr></wbr>ebook/dp/B00BF1MNT4/ref=tmm_<wbr></wbr>kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=<wbr></wbr>1379691744&sr=1-2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UK Audible: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-the-Paper-Wall-Unabridged/dp/B00DYXFQ9A/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379691744&sr=1-2" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.<wbr></wbr>uk/Through-the-Paper-Wall-<wbr></wbr>Unabridged/dp/B00DYXFQ9A/ref=<wbr></wbr>tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=<wbr></wbr>1379691744&sr=1-2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smashwords: <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285576" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>smashwords.com/books/view/<wbr></wbr>285576</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Indiebound: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781481093811" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>indiebound.org/book/<wbr></wbr>9781481093811</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sony: <a href="https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/heidi-nicole-bird/through-the-paper-wall/_/R-400000000000000988139" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://ebookstore.sony.<wbr></wbr>com/ebook/heidi-nicole-bird/<wbr></wbr>through-the-paper-wall/_/R-<wbr></wbr>400000000000000988139</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Barnes and Noble Paperback: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/through-the-paper-wall-heidi-nicole-bird/1114573007?ean=9781481093811&itm=1&usri=9781481093811" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>barnesandnoble.com/w/through-<wbr></wbr>the-paper-wall-heidi-nicole-<wbr></wbr>bird/1114573007?ean=<wbr></wbr>9781481093811&itm=1&usri=<wbr></wbr>9781481093811</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Barnes and Noble Nook: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/through-the-paper-wall-heidi-nicole-bird/1114573007?ean=2940044365230" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>barnesandnoble.com/w/through-<wbr></wbr>the-paper-wall-heidi-nicole-<wbr></wbr>bird/1114573007?ean=<wbr></wbr>2940044365230</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kobo: <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/through-the-paper-wall" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://store.kobobooks.<wbr></wbr>com/en-US/ebook/through-the-<wbr></wbr>paper-wall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Itunes ebook: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/through-the-paper-wall/id619423758?mt=11" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.<wbr></wbr>com/us/book/through-the-paper-<wbr></wbr>wall/id619423758?mt=11</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Itunes audio book: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/through-paper-wall-unabridged/id674652420" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.<wbr></wbr>com/us/audiobook/through-<wbr></wbr>paper-wall-unabridged/<wbr></wbr>id674652420</a></span></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-77762032589838291592013-09-21T14:23:00.002-07:002013-09-23T21:21:55.332-07:00Ontario, Young Adult Romance<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULyJ51Z7Cms/Uj4N7dm4iKI/AAAAAAAADwc/_vg_uj07r9g/s1600/ontario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULyJ51Z7Cms/Uj4N7dm4iKI/AAAAAAAADwc/_vg_uj07r9g/s400/ontario.jpg" width="265" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>Voted #1 Indie Young Adult New Release for May 2013 on Goodreads.com!</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">“Don’t worry, Ontario, I’ll never leave you. You will always have me here to protect you and your brother.” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Those words from a childhood memory would haunt Ontario Stratton for the rest of her life. Losing her father had been difficult enough, but her life would change even more drastically at the beginning of her senior year of high school. Only weeks into the school year Mrs. Stratton abandons her two children for a more carefree way of living. Suddenly thrown into a very different life, Ontario clings to her brother Eddy, her new legal guardian, and to no one else. Could she trust anyone anymore? Even her best friend isn’t there for her. . .</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">In order to feel like less of a burden on her brother, Ontario gets a job at the local fifties-style diner. It is there that she meets her new “family,” including the oh-so-intriguing Austin, the only one who can help her truly heal. In time, Ontario discovers that Austin has his own demons, and that he needs her just as much as she needs him. Some things in Ontario’s life begin to come together again, but others continue to fall apart. Though her world seems to be breaking, she is introduced to a kind of happiness she has never known before, and her new found friends show her that maybe, just maybe, she can learn to love again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Reviews:</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">"I found this story to be filled with true-life raw emotion and felt relatable to me. I found the main character to be very relatable. This was a very touching story." - Stephanie Boggs</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">"Ontario is a heart-warming saga with real depth even though it is a YA novel. I think readers will identify with the subject matter and connect to the characters in a special way. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">I am not sure where Miss Bird found her inspiration but this book was filled with true-life raw emotion and felt relatable to me. I was drawn into the main character, Ontario from the very first pages. This is a painful story in some ways but not without real optimism and something I admire more than anything, ZEST FOR LIFE!!! This sweet story touched my heart!" - Brenda Perlin, author of Home Wrecker</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">"I loved the story line. If you have ever been hurt by someone you love this book will give you hope and happiness." - ShoshysCandy</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">AUDIO BOOK COMING SOON!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paperback link: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Heidi-Nicole-Bird/dp/1470003082/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379690412&sr=1-1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-<wbr></wbr>Heidi-Nicole-Bird/dp/<wbr></wbr>1470003082/ref=tmm_pap_title_<wbr></wbr>0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379690412&sr=1-<wbr></wbr>1</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindle Link: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-ebook/dp/B00CF6IZWM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1379690412" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>Ontario-ebook/dp/B00CF6IZWM/<wbr></wbr>ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_<wbr></wbr>encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=<wbr></wbr>1379690412</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UK Paperback: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ontario-Heidi-Nicole-Bird/dp/1470003082/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379691569&sr=8-1&keywords=Heidi+Nicole+Bird" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.<wbr></wbr>co.uk/Ontario-Heidi-Nicole-<wbr></wbr>Bird/dp/1470003082/ref=sr_1_1?<wbr></wbr>ie=UTF8&qid=1379691569&sr=8-1&<wbr></wbr>keywords=Heidi+Nicole+Bird</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UK Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ontario-ebook/dp/B00CF6IZWM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379691569&sr=8-1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.<wbr></wbr>uk/Ontario-ebook/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00CF6IZWM/ref=tmm_kin_title_<wbr></wbr>0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379691569&sr=8-<wbr></wbr>1</a></span></div>
Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-6772329832760242692013-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:002013-09-18T15:24:08.563-07:00My Home Away From Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a fun little post today I thought I'd show you around my current number one writing spot - the awesome little area just outside the room I work in. I spend at least about three hours here every work day. It's a great little work area, plus there's free cereal, fruit, and hot chocolate every day! A bunch of people in the company think I live here, and it's practically true, haha! And yes, it is usually this empty after work. During lunch hour . . . well, that's another story :)</div>
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<br />Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1579007694822487056.post-53278875467963025792013-09-17T08:34:00.003-07:002013-09-17T08:34:28.754-07:00Oh, the Places You'll Read!There is a lady in my neighborhood who has recently attracted my attention. I don't know her. I've never met her. But, I <i>do</i> know something about her: She loves to read. Not only does she like to read, but she seems to really enjoy reading while sitting our on her front porch. Time after time, at varying times during the day, I've seen her there, sitting on her front porch, leaning on the door, and lost in some fabulous work of literary art. Sometimes it's a physical book, sometimes electronic. Either way, I think she is pretty darn awesome. The last time I saw her it got me thinking about the places people read, and I figured it would be fun to share some of my favorite places to read, and for you to tell me yours!<br />
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So, for me, there are TONS of places I have read, do read, and want to read. Here's a few:<br />
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In bed, of course! </div>
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In the library</div>
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In a book store</div>
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Sitting by a fountain</div>
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In a tree house</div>
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Lying on the floor</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjMYyaQEoU4/Ujh1B5tt4RI/AAAAAAAADtI/Y58Xnzcv9hQ/s1600/kid-reading-on-floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjMYyaQEoU4/Ujh1B5tt4RI/AAAAAAAADtI/Y58Xnzcv9hQ/s1600/kid-reading-on-floor.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the car</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y1ItaIm7X4/Ujh1A3Y8WbI/AAAAAAAADtM/tEmXotwik78/s1600/Reading-in-the-car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y1ItaIm7X4/Ujh1A3Y8WbI/AAAAAAAADtM/tEmXotwik78/s320/Reading-in-the-car.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Flying through the air</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtSQxYJOxI/Ujh1A8nn1JI/AAAAAAAADs4/yYatlNW03zs/s1600/draft_lens18440123module153438464photo_1316471339electronic_book_readers.j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtSQxYJOxI/Ujh1A8nn1JI/AAAAAAAADs4/yYatlNW03zs/s320/draft_lens18440123module153438464photo_1316471339electronic_book_readers.j.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And one of my very favorites - in a café</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTyU9dHykco/Ujh1CXWQDNI/AAAAAAAADtE/TdMqkt1kS14/s1600/readers-retreat-man-in-cafe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTyU9dHykco/Ujh1CXWQDNI/AAAAAAAADtE/TdMqkt1kS14/s320/readers-retreat-man-in-cafe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So yeah, there's some fun little pics for you. Hopefully you were at least mildly amused. Of all these places though, I think I'd have to say that my favorite place to read would have to be either in my bed, on the couch, or in my big round chair . . . don't really know what to call it. It looks like this:</div>
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Now that I've mentioned some places I like to read, what about you? Where do you read? Where's the strangest place you've ever read? Where would you love to read? I want to hear about it!</div>
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Heidi Nicole Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088235327257917896noreply@blogger.com0