Do not buy this book!

Do not buy Hot Dogs are Diet Food...

if you think it's a text book...

or a cook book...

or a diet book...

I've been told it's inspiring, and I've read reviews that praise the humor and coming-of-age storyline of an adult woman... but no one should consider this book a lifestyle guide. 

Even though Amazon does... 

Silly Amazon. It categorized the novel as a humanities text book. Imagine that. Maybe I can get a college or university to add it to their curriculum. Maybe I should add a disclaimer so people don't try the diets found between the covers. 

Roxanne isn't a real-life character, but she has real-life feelings. When I originally wrote the book, I tried the diets she did to see how the character might act or feel. Mostly, I felt hungry, tired, and irritable. I gained weight, fell in love with hot yoga, and learned to hate apples. I discovered the importance of a workout buddy and realized that "diet" is a dirty word. 

So - go ahead and buy Hot Dogs are Diet Food if you're looking for an interesting read of one woman's journey to reclaim her life. But don't try the diets! As one reader said, they're liable to kill you. 

*Note: Hot Dogs are Diet Food was originally published as Reflections. 

13 Reasons Why you should watch with your kids.

I haven't read the book, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, but I'll be purchasing a copy at our local, independent bookstore, "Let's Talk Books", this week. The Netflix series is haunting, raw, and painful to watch. To say I'm glad I watched it would be inaccurate because it was uncomfortable and heartbreaking, but it was absolutely a worthwhile experience.

I have four kids - two still live at home and are about the same ages of the characters involved. They talk to me about their lives, their struggles, their friends, their dreams... but they don't like to share the grittier parts of wading through high school. The parts we "got through" and expect our kids to "get through", too. The parts that involve alcohol, lying, cheating, drugs, gaming, risk-taking, sex, rape, love, need, depression, anxiety... suicide. The parts I know I've tucked into the dark recesses of my mind, hoping my kids will never know any of these horrifying aspects of life. The parts I don't talk about because, until recently, I didn't think my kids needed to know the details of my high school experiences, whether they were first-hand or not.

But they do.

Not because they need examples of what or what not to do--they've already sorted most of that out on their own, no thanks to the adults who think they're helping when it's possible they aren't. They need to know because even though we remind them regularly we were once teens, we forget how specific examples and detailed stories lend credibility. Maybe they would trust us a bit more if we stopped sugar-coating our teenaged experiences and started telling the raw truth. Maybe they would talk to us more if we weren't so all-knowing and simply admitted we don't have the answers, leaving off the "but together we can figure it out" because they're so far ahead of us on that.

Together, we can figure it out but not necessarily in the perfect-world-kind-of-way and not so blatantly as to make our kids go running in the opposite direction.

I watched the series with my kids. We talked about the actions and reactions of the characters and the events that transpired, but we didn't give input into what we might have done differently because I don't think we could have. They gave me insight into what I have forgotten between the layers of redesigning myself into this thing called adulthood. I gave them insight into how adults think and admitted I don't always know, or even want to know, how teens manage their intricate lives, their stresses, their social circles, their own development into adulthood. That was probably one of the most difficult things I've ever admitted, both to them and myself.

And let's be honest - it's not because I don't want to know; it's because I'm afraid to know.

I used to think we had solid relationships. The tell-me-anything kind of rapport that only happens in the most open-minded, communicative, non-judgemental kinds of families. I never dreamed that my kids kept secrets to protect me because they inherently know adults are fragile, too, even though we're supposed to be their safe spot to land. And while the series, and I'm sure the book, emphasizes that you can't go back--you can only move forward--you can certainly look back to see where you've been and how you got to where you are so you can figure out if you need to change directions.

We're doing okay--so far. My kids are pretty amazing, incredibly resilient, just as I was in my teen years. This show didn't change our lives, exactly, but it did. It opened a different, darker, more honest kind of communication.

It's hard to revisit where I've been and how I got to this moment because it's uncomfortable and heartbreaking, but it's absolutely a worthwhile experience.

Here are my 13 Reasons Why to watch this series with your kids and read the book, if you haven't already:

1. It's difficult, and we should do difficult things together so we aren't facing our struggles alone
2. It provides an opportunity to talk about things that really matter
3. It addresses rape culture
4. It addresses social stigma
5. It shows how painful a small, seemingly benign action can be 
6. It illustrates the distance between teens and their parents and other adults who are supposed to provide support and be positive role-models
7. It deals with bullying when it doesn't look like bullying
8. It touches on the damaging effects of social media
9. It shows how we're all connected, even when we think we aren't
10. It tells us that any action is better than no action, regardless of how imperfect it might be
11. It tells a universal teen story, and that's terrifying
12. It forces you to look at yourself, your kids, and your interactions with them and their friends
13. It's absolutely worthwhile, even if it hurts or brings up painful memories so you can do better

On Alligators and Paris

You know you really need a vacation when your dreams include everything from alligators to Paris.

This week, I've had two dreams that have stuck with me. The first involved alligators, court hearings, and selfies. The second involved good friends, Paris, and shopping. Usually, my dreams are a mixed-up collage of all that's happened in the day as my mind tries to work through the weirdness to make sense of it all. These dreams were nothing like that.

The first one, the one with the court hearings and alligators, left me feeling both uneasy and accomplished. I'd been to some kind of hearing and despite having rehearsed my lines, I had opted to the tell the truth - which didn't make anyone happy but eased my conscience, so it must have been the right choice. As I walked home, following a sidewalk that bordered a river, I noticed a couple reptile-like heads bobbing in the water. My logical brain dismissed them as an over-active imagination, and I continued on. After all, I live in Canada, and alligators don't exactly thrive in this region of the world.

It must have been raining because the water started lapping at the edges of the sidewalk. As I got closer to the first lump in the water, several more appeared. By now, it was obvious they were, indeed, alligators.

Did I run? No. Did I back away? No.

I dug my phone out of my pocket, presented my back to the impending threat, and took a selfie that I immediately uploaded to Instagram and Facebook. Yup. I was that person.

And then, of course, I woke up. In real life, I'd like to think I'm not an idiot, but this dream proves otherwise.

The second dream is much more delightful. It was so fantastic, I hit snooze on my alarm twice in an attempt to recapture it, but we all know how that part of the story ends.

I was in Paris with a few of my oldest and closest friends from high school, and we were staying in a modern, luxury hotel. Our suite had a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower along with the rest of the city. We shopped, we chatted, we ate, we laughed, and not once did any of us pull out a cell phone or snap a photo. We were very much living in the moment, savouring every detail, and enjoying our longtime friendship...

Until the obnoxious chime of my alarm disturbed the peace.

I'm not going to search the web or crack open a book on dream interpretations - mostly because I'm pretty sure I won't like what I'll find, but I will take a moment to think about what these two dreams mean to me. For the past few weeks, I've been thinking about living life with purpose - really paying attention to the who, what, and where of it all. I'm not about to give up social media or my cell phone addiction, but I do think I need to spend a little more time focusing on the real world around me. I need to budget my time because it isn't infinite, but it is valuable. Every so often, my dreams speak to me, and this time, I think I got the message loud and clear.

Love you forever, sweet Panda Pooch.

Last week, we had to say goodbye to our precious pooch. She came into our lives 10 years ago, a rescue who undoubtedly rescued us. I told people she was my fit of rebellion. I wanted a dog, and my husband agreed, but I didn't bring home the creature he had envisioned. Instead of a small to mid-sized spaniel mix, Panda was a purebred mutt of gigantic proportions. She was my mid-life crisis Ferrari, only she turned out to be the most dependable Toyota.

The shelter told me she was about a year old and fully grown, but within a few months of her joining our family, she grew a couple inches taller and gained ten pounds... possibly the result of too much love and spoiling. Her nose easily crested the top of the kitchen table, where she happily snagged anything within her reach... birthday cakes, entire hams, and apples... she really loved apples.

The shelter volunteers had named her Dot, but my older kids were going through a Yu-Gi-Oh phase and decided she needed a Japanese name, so they tossed around a number of unpronounceable options from their favourite Manga shows. In the end, the youngest suggested "Panda" because she looked like one, and pandas are from Japan. It was cute, different, and appropriate - so who were we to correct a five-year-old on the origins of pandas?

Over the years, she was my constant companion. I said we got her for the kids, but she always was my girl. After getting the kids safely to school, we settled into a cozy routine. I'd write, edit or format, and she'd snore softly at my feet. She rarely barked to announce visitors, occasionally howled if she was feeling vocal, and she groaned like an old man when forced to move or do something she didn't want to. If we had unexpected company, usually of the animal type, she'd growl low and menacing, ready to protect her people, but we never knew her to be aggressive.

When my husband took work in another province, spending weeks at a time away, she promptly filled his space on the bed, keeping me warm, letting me know we were safe. Stoic, dependable, and sensitive, she supported us all through some pretty rocky times.

She'll always be part of our family, her soul is embedded in my heart, and her energy continues to filter into every corner of our lives. It's only been a week, and I know time will soften the sharp edges of grief, but today, with the kids back at school, my husband at work, and the silence of the day surrounding me... I miss her.

"Victoria" by Daisy Goodwin - Review

As a fictionalized history, "Victoria", by Daisy Goodwin, touches on everything from Victoria’s precarious relationship with her mother, to her childish infatuation with Lord Melbourne, to her love for Prince Albert. Her immaturity shines through in her continued dependence on Lehzen who was once her governess, but continues to care for her charge by taking on the role of lady-in-waiting. Victoria is often described as flighty, inconsistent, and emotional, which is expected of a teenager, but not of a queen. Her lack of socialization as a young child has left her friendless and suspicious, so it’s only natural she bonds with the dynamic Lord Melbourne, the current Prime Minister. Not only does she rely on his advice in matters of state, but she also depends on him for guidance in her personal life and relationships. This reliance quickly turns into infatuation, which, of course, cannot be publicly acknowledged. When Prince Albert, her Coburg cousin, is introduced, he comes across as being awkward, formal, and unyielding. Despite his faults, Victoria sets aside her disapproval of him and falls in love.

Overall, this is an easy and engaging read that combines historical fact with speculative prose to bring to life the Victorian era. Small details such as the red boxes, Victoria’s love and care of Dash, and fashion and hair styles create a realistic setting, illustrating what life might have been like for these fictionalized personalities who lived in the 1800’s. I would have liked to see more of the relationship between Prince Albert and Victoria, as her change of heart from Lord Melbourne felt abrupt. Even though this wasn’t a love story as much as a coming of age story, there’s a jump from flighty, infatuated child to confident engaged woman that feels incomplete.

I received a pre-release copy of "Victoria" by Daisy Goodwin via Netgalley for an honest review. 

"The Whole Town's Talking" by Fannie Flagg - Review

Written with simplicity, "The Whole Town's Talking" by Fannie Flagg chronicles the birth, life, and death of a small town in Missouri. Flagg introduces an extensive cast of characters through a series of vignettes that highlight the development of the town while providing snippets of the inhabitants' lives.

Based on the title and description, I expected something of a mystery with an element of the supernatural, but this book is a straightforward social commentary on the growth and development of mid-western life in the US. Nothing strange or unusual happens, as promised in the book blurb, however, Flagg takes the lives of ordinary people and writes them into something extraordinary.

The opening remarks about the crow and the closing epilogue feel forced--dropped into the text like an afterthought to allow the book to come full-circle. Halfway through the novel, Flagg births a character who becomes a central figure in Elmwood Springs. Although her life touches most of the other characters, much of it is exposed via gossip and speculation. Her death, while not a mystery to the reader, causes a stir when her will upsets the entire ebb and flow of the town's life. In effect, her demise results on the death of the town. The epilogue provides an explanation for all that occurred, but it feels more like a gimmick, and I believe no direct explanation was necessary. With the revelation of what happens to the disappearing residents of Still Meadows, the reader could have figured out the rest.

Additionally, after forging a book steeped in history and tradition, with believable characters and events, and carefully crafted to retain interest, the revelation of the crow detracts from the excellent realism and story-telling that comes before. Crows are smart, but there are some things they can't physically do, regardless of knowledge and intelligence.

Overall, this is a pleasant book that's easy to read with engaging characters. I enjoyed the relaxed cadence of the story, reading about the townspeople of Elmwood Springs, and following their histories.

I received a pre-release copy of "The Whole Town's Talking" via Netgalley for an honest review.

New NaNoWriMo Adventure for 2016

I've participated in NaNoWriMo every year since 2009. I don't always "win" the 50 000 words in 30 days challenge, but I believe it has helped me grow as a writer and a person.

NaNo isn't about writing a publishable project. It's about pulling together a community of writers who live around the world. We cheer each other on in real life and online. We encourage, we share, and we write about anything we want.

This year, I'm taking things a step further and am a Municipal Liaison for the "Ontario: Elsewhere" region. This group encompasses all the smaller areas throughout Ontario who don't yet have enough participants to be declared their own region.

I fully believe everyone has a story in them. You don't have to call yourself "a writer" to write. During NaNo, anything goes. Keep a journal. Write your memoirs. Write the kind of story you'd like to read. Try nonfiction or creative-nonfiction. Finish a project you already started or challenge yourself with something new. In the end, it doesn't matter if you reach the 50 000 word goal. What matters is that you tried, you challenged yourself, you exercised your brain, and you met a lot of amazing people along the way.

If you're located in or near Northumberland County (Ontario, Canada), check out our in-person meet-ups. We'll have writing prompts, snacks, friendly ears, and limitless encouragement.

Alice-Angel of Time by E. Graziani: Editor's Review

Everyone loves a happy ending—especially when it comes to young adult romance. Unfortunately, Alice of the Rocks by E. Graziani didn’t give us what we expected. The love story was sweet, the characters memorable, but there was only one ending Ms. Graziani could have written to maintain the integrity of the novel, and that’s what she gave us.

Lucky for us, a sequel was in the works, ensuring that readers wouldn’t be left disappointed, especially since they had been left wanting more after the first book. In Alice–Angel of Time, Ms. Graziani brings the Tuscan countryside of Italy back to life, along with her memorable cast of characters, including Alice, Claudio, and Leonardo da Vinci, to bring the story to its true conclusion.

Written with warmth and elegance, detailing a landscape lush in beauty, Alice–Angel of Time is everything a sequel needs to be and possibly more. While the characters remained the same, their dilemmas changed, forcing them to think beyond their immediate needs and resources. When Alice couldn’t conceive of a viable way to safely return to the past, the intervention of plausible future science propelled both her and the plot forward. When Claudio needed to find a way to escape Renaissance Italy… well, I won’t give away spoilers, but suffice to say, it happened in the least expected way.

Ms. Graziani has a knack for creating perfectly imperfect characters who take up space and make themselves at home in your mind. Alice is smart, determined, and resourceful, yet stubborn and selfish enough to be believable. Claudio, who on the surface is the perfect book boyfriend, also carries his flaws alongside his strengths, making him all the more desirable.

This two-part series is what Disney movies are made of: feisty characters, troubled villains, and unexpected heroes set against a scenic background of beauty and elegance. Suitable for most ages, this series will captivate any reader who is a fan of romance, history, and strong female characters.

Below, you'll find the book blurbs and covers for both books, but first, don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour stops; they're a virtual tour of Alice and Claudio's adventures in Italy. The complete list of stops can be found on the Writerly Yours website. The next, and last, stop on the tour is a return to E. Graziani's blog for a recap of this amazing journey. 

Alice of the Rocks by E. Graziani

Born in 1495 and raised in 2012, Alice Ferro’s life has been anything but normal. The only problem is, she doesn’t know it. As a 17-year-old in 2029, she has an ideal life, complete with loving parents, the latest technical gadgets, and a summer vacation in Italy. Upon arriving in Florence, sensations of surreal memories begin to surface, leaving her puzzled and confused.

Knowing that reconnecting with his lost love could be dangerous for both of them, but willing to take the risk, Claudio Moro seeks out Alice in her new world. His very existence in 1512 is at stake! Having been accused of both treason and murder, he needs Alice to help clear his name and redeem his family’s honour. The question is, will Alice remember their love and care enough to leave her perfect future to redirect his doomed past?

*Available for Kindle, Kobo, and in print.

Alice-Angel of Time by E. Graziani

The dramatic conclusion to Alice of the Rocks!

Their love transcends time, space, and conflict.

Alice Ferro did not travel 500 years into the past to save her soulmate from persecution only to discover her journey had been in vain! Forced to return from 1512 Italy to 2029 Canada without him, she cannot focus on family, school, or friends as thoughts of Claudio constantly flood her mind. When she discovers her love’s future is dire, Alice decides she must return to the past to save him once and for all.

With some help, a bit of deceit, and a lot of determination, Alice sets off to rescue Claudio. Unfortunately, she hadn’t planned on things going so terribly wrong, and she soon finds her own life in peril.

Written with charm and intelligence, the sequel to Alice of the Rocks encompasses everything you could want in a young adult, time-travel romance. Adventure, true love, intrigue, and dynamic characters fill the pages alongside the elegant landscape of Renaissance Italy.

*Available for Kindle, Kobo, and in print.

The Spawning Grounds by Gail Anderson-Dargatz - Reader Review

We're all connected. As biological, emotional, and spiritual organisms living on this planet, everything we do creates ripples that reach beyond our perceived borders. The Spawning Grounds, by Gail Anderson-Dargatz, does more than highlight the connection between cultures, legends, and nature: it weaves together all the nuances and struggles of being human within the complicated framework of spirituality.

Raised by their grandfather on land settled by his English ancestors, Hannah and Brandon haven't had the easiest family life. With an absent father, mental illness, and a troublesome history shadowing their childhoods, they strive to find their places in the world, even if it means forging their own paths. Unfortunately, Brandon's life is threatened after nearly drowning in the river. Physically, his body heals, but mentally, he isn't the same boy who fell into the water. Determined to save both her brother and the river, Hannah delves deeper into the past so she can change the outcome of the future.

Anderson-Dargatz delicately entwines First Nations' beliefs with white settler skepticism using her unique brand of story-telling. As the histories of the Shuswap and white settlers unfold through stories told to Hannah, more than "the mystery" of the river is unveiled. We're introduced to the possibilities of a world that can only filter into the consciousness if you're willing to suspend disbelief and simply believe.

I entered a Goodreads Giveaway and was fortunate enough to be gifted with a pre-release copy of The Spawning Grounds by Gail Anderson-Dargatz.

Shadow Shifts Blog Tour Wrap-Up

Blog tours are tricky little things. There's so much organization that goes into them before and during the event, and that's not including interviews and guest posts that need to be written up. Scheduling posts, creating new content, keeping things consistent, and promoting the tour make for a full-time job. Luckily, I had Priya from Writerly Yours PR to help keep things under control.

I've had a lot of fun travelling the virtual globe and sharing tidbits about writing and Shadow Shifts (Liminal Series, Book Two). Meeting new bloggers and reconnecting with familiar friends makes the tour that much better. On Chantel DaCosta's blog, I  talked about the importance of community, and blog tours help to create that in the virtual writing world.

If I had to choose a favourite post, I'd be stumped. The interview questions from both Jorie Loves a Story and the Bemused Bookworm really made me think about my craft, the Liminal Series, and the message I send to readers. Talking about creating Urban Fantasy on L. Lombard's blog and writing for young adults on Chantel DaCosta's blog had me considering what readers need in comparison to what I want to write. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I did a little research on fairies around the world for The Big To Do List and was surprised by both the similarities and differences to be found. The Crafty Angels showcased the adorable fairy lanterns I created for the Shadow Shifts launch in April, and even Tissa, a Liminal creature, had a chance to have her say on the Late Night Reveries blog. The posts were rounded off by a stunning review from MADD World that reminded me of why I write.

All in all, I'd say it was a successful tour that reached around the world from Canada to the US to Jamaica to India... maybe someday, I'll get to do a real tour of the world and meet these fabulous bloggers in person!

In case you missed it, here is the blog tour schedule. The giveaway has ended, but the books are always in stock via Amazon and Kobo. If you're looking for print books, Liminal Lights and Shadow Shifts are available through Amazon and various other online outlets.

May 15: Official Tour Launch—Writerly Yours: http://writerlyyoursauthorpr.blogspot.ca

May 16: Writing Urban Fantasy—Lisette Lombard: http://llombard.weebly.com

May 17: Interview/Excerpt—Jorie Loves a Story: https://jorielovesastory.com

May 18: The Difference Between Writing for Middle Grade and Adults—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 19: Interview—Bemused Bookworm—http://www.bemusedbookworm.com

May 21: Book Review—MADD World—https://maddworld.ca

May 22: Fairies around the world—The Big To Do List: http://thebigtodolist.com

May 23: Community is vital for writing—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 24: Fairy Lantern Tutorial—The Crafty Angels: www.thecraftyangels.com

May 25: Tissa Has Her Say—Amrita—https://latenightreveries.wordpress.com

May 26: Closing blog—Jennifer Bogart: http://jenniferbogart-author.blogspot.ca

Thanks for stopping by... and remember... beware of things that go bump in the night... 

Let's make a little Thunder!

Last week, I set up a Thunderclap promotion to celebrate the release of Shadow Shifts, Book Two in the Liminal Series. It's free, easy, and automated... but it's also difficult to get support.

The problem, I think, is that people don't trust it. It asks supporters to give Thunderclap permission to post on their behalf. You have to log in using Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr - and you can have Thunderclap post to all or one of these outlets. At a specific time and day, everyone who agreed to support the campaign sends out a predetermined message, creating a lot of noise all at once. After that, Thundeclap won't bother you again, unless you sign up for another campaign or create one for yourself.

For me, this is another experiment in marketing, but it won't work if I can't reach the 100 supporters necessary - unless I pay for it. So far, I've discovered that a lot of paid social marketing advertising doesn't yield enough results to pay for the initial investment. Selling a bunch of books that leave me in the negative for an ad campaign is worse than selling only one or two via word of mouth promotion. At least with a free promotion, any results are pure profit.

So... if you'd like to help me out, with no purchase necessary on your part, I really need the support for my Thunderclap promotion. There's no catch, there's no fee, and it's perfectly safe. The bonus is you'll have done something super-fantastic to help out a writer.

The Shadows are coming!

Somewhere, between imagination and reality, lurk shadows and magic and things that go bump in the night. They're waiting for the perfect moment to leach energy and essence from unsuspecting humans. Luckily, the Liminals have protected humans since the beginning of time.

Until now...

Changes are in the wind, magic isn't so plentiful, and the shadows are shifting--gaining strength while Liminals fade from the light. Time is running out, and everyone is at risk as the Shadow-monsters gain strength in their bid for domination.

Shadow Shifts is the long awaited second book in the Liminal Series. Book One, Liminal Lights, is available on Amazon, Kobo, and in print through Morning Rain Publishing. Book Two will be available on April 14, 2016 on Amazon and Kobo, with the print coming shortly after.

Shadow Shifts

When Bean fails to secure Nadia’s human magic, she puts her entire race at risk. Liminals fade as fast as Shadow-monsters emerge, creating a disturbing imbalance between light and dark.

Liminals aren’t the only creatures affected by things that go bump in the night—humans are equally at risk. Knowing the ravenous appetites of the Shadow-monsters will grow out of control, Bean, Tissa, Pritt, and Ping are forced to deal directly with the dire situation. Armed with the ancient secrets of their people, they band together to destroy their enemies and return balance to their magical realm.

The existence of all things Liminal depends on their success.

The Ticket - Editor's Review

A few months ago I had the pleasure and privilege of editing The Ticket for Heather Grace Stewart. Every time I open a book by her, I know I'm in for a hilarious adventure with engaging characters. The Ticket delivered this and more.

On the first read-through, I could hardly put the book down. During the actual edit, there were true laugh-out-loud moments.

The idea of the novel is loosely based on a broadly televised social media event: The Ticket follows the story of a man who has two tickets for a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. Unfortunately, he splits with his girlfriend before the trip. Rather than letting the second ticket go to waste, he advertises his need to find a woman who shares his ex's name. After a expedited interview process, he selects a lucky "winner", and they take the trip together. 

This is where Heather's story begins and all similarities to the original one ends. 

The Ticket is the perfect romantic romp for anyone looking for an escape from their everyday lives. There's humour, adventure, travel, emotion, and a definite coming-of-age of two characters who are well-past the age of needing to grow up. 

I think that's what I enjoyed most about this book. The characters are perfectly imperfect. Both have flaws, and both have a lot of growing up to do, but their personalities are so engaging that I couldn't help but cheer them on throughout their journey. They aren't just-out-college hopefuls, nor is one rich while the other poor. They are equals in every sense of the word, established in their careers, and a little bit damaged from previous relationships. Mostly, they are so believable and realistic, I felt like I was making life-long friends. 

Interested in knowing more? The Ticket is available through Amazon, in both digital and print. 

You know. That one drawer.: Reflections of a Piece of Stardust

I'm reblogging this with permission from my writer friend, Shelley. The death of David Bowie hit me hard... harder than I expected, but I couldn't figure out why. His music has been the soundtrack to my writing, and more often than not, my life.

Follow the link below... read her words... Shelley knows what she's talking about.


You know. That one drawer.: Reflections of a Piece of Stardust: Ok, so a good writer friend of mine and I were discussing how we can't quite put our finger on why David Bowie's passing is affectin...

Do-cember... can that be a thing?

With Newvember over... and me behind on blog posts, I need to get my act together and get to work! I spent most of last month working on "Snakes & Snails & Alien Tales" for NaNoWriMo, and that meant a lot of other things fell by the wayside. The story isn't finished; I probably have another 5000 words or so to write, but life can't remain on pause forever. If you're interested in the raw, unedited, messy manuscript, go ahead and follow the link. It's posted on Wattpad for all the world to read for free.

In more important news - the blog tour for Newvember came to an end... and I have rafflecopter winners to announce! I've emailed all winners, and I'm just waiting to hear back from the recipients so I can send out their loot. It would be a good idea to check your email, including your junk mail, to see if you won one of the three prizes.

The Indiegogo campaign for Newvember has also come to a close, and because I didn't reach the fundraising goal, books cannot be ordered through that venue. Print books will still be available, but I'll have to figure out another way to allow orders for signed copies - or, you'll just have to come find me when I set up events at various bookstores. In the meantime, you can order Newvember directly from the CreateSpace eStore, but it won't be signed. I've already received and approved the print proof - and it's gorgeous!

I've decided to embark on a little experiment regarding printing and distribution... as the details become available, I'll be sharing them here. In a nutshell, I'm trying to make it easy for independent bookstores to stock copies of my books, while keeping them easily available on Amazon (US, UK, and Canada). Once the book is live on the Amazon sites, I'll share the links. 

I'm going to need December to catch up on all the things that didn't happen during November, but that's okay, because being busy is far better than being bored. So, in the spirit of Newvember, I'm turning December into Do-cember and am going to focus on getting stuff done!

The Newevember Virtual Tour!

Over the next few weeks, Newvember will be on tour in the virtual world. Thanks to some pretty wonderful bloggers, readers everywhere will get to learn more about my writing habits and why this novel is so great. 

Below, you'll find the detailed schedule, so please be sure to stop by the various blogs, say hello, comment if you'd like, and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win one of three pretty amazing prizes ($25 Amazon gift card, Newvember notebook, or a Newvember book bag). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to everyone in advance for your support and encouragement!

Virtual Tour Schedule: 

November 8: Official Tour Launch – JenniferBogart 

November 10: Book & author Intro – PriyaPrithviraj 

November 12: Guest Post – Someday When I’m Famous 

November 14: NaNo Q & A – PriyaPrithviraj

November 16: Guest Post – Mommies Drink 

November 18: Book excerpt and review – Storiesof Chantel DaCosta: 

November 20: Book Excerpt – To Read, Readand Reviewed…  

November 22: NaNo Follow-up & guest post – Priya Prithviraj 

November 24: Book Review – L.J. Ivers 

November 26: Guest post – Heather GraceStewart

November 28: TBA  – Priya Prithviraj 

November 30: Closing blog – Jennifer Bogart 

1 dare, 30 days, 30 new things... The dare was simple, but it turned into a life-altering journey. This is inspirational thinking in disguise.

When Willow decides to take the stairs, instead of the elevator, she runs into Sawyer, who knocks her off her feet, and something in her psyche shifts. She is propelled into the adventure that is her own life. Filled with twists and turns that can only come from losing her inhibitions, she makes risky decisions, bares her soul, and discovers the chaotic emotions that lurk beneath the surface. Each new event becomes a catalyst in the development of Willow’s relationships with her friends, co-workers, siblings, and love interests.

Willow's life will never be the same after Newvember.

(Originally published in 2011 as Remember Newvember this revised version contains new and expanded scenes.)

Newvember Links:

Indiegogo link for print books: http://igg.me/at/newvember

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27384349-newvember  

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/newvember 

Universal Amazon Link: getBook.at/Newvember

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CAN: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

Here we go-go-go-go!

Publishing books is expensive, if you want to do it right. Aside from the investment of time - in some cases, it takes years to write and rewrite a novel - cover art, formatting, editing, and marketing have to happen. The people who do these things deserve to be paid because "exposure", "gratitude", and "acknowledgements" don't pay the bills. Just ask Wil Wheaton - he's created quite the buzz, and rightfully so, over not giving away intellectual property for free.

With that in mind, I've created an Indiegogo project to help fund the print expenses for the re-release of Newvember. In the past, I've relied on favours from friends to get books to print. This time, I want to pay what I owe, and the only way I can do that is by raising the money in advance of printing.

I probably won't earn anything from the campaign for myself, but with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, it will help pay for the physical print books and put money into the pockets of the contributors who have already invested so much time, energy, and creativity. The primary goal is to not be out of pocket, which is what usually happens when I move books into print.

So - the details are on the Indiegogo project page. I'm grateful for any and all contributions. If you'd like to help, but aren't in a position to do so financially, sharing the campaign and leaving a review (if you've read the original book) will go a long way in helping me reach my goal.

Newvember's Cover

It's gorgeous! 

I love it, and there's nothing more to say... except to ask for compliments in the comments, because that'd make me (and Jo the designer) happy. 

The Little Book of Inspiration - editor's review

I wouldn't call this a review, since it's more of a reflection. The last two weeks have been busy. Really, really, really busy. Aside from editing and formatting and marketing and scheduling blog tours, there was Thanksgiving and hockey and teens' needs and any number of minor non-emergencies that needed attention. At the centre of it all was The Little Book of Inspiration by Danny Brown. 

I read the reviews, followed the interviews, and watched blabs in which this book, and its author, received praise, and a part of me smiled and carried on with the crazy-busy routine that is my life. Because, at its core, that's what Brown's book is about. He writes about recognizing moments, sharing thoughts, being honest, embracing differences, and living life. 

I could tell you all the bits and pieces that stuck in my mind as the days progressed, blended into each other, and birthed new ones... but I'll leave those gems for you to discover. The book might be small, some chapters only a sentence long, but the message is clear and the content inspiring. 

"Inspiration is all around us. All we have to do is look."

The Little Book of Inspiration by Danny Brown

Yesterday, mortality may have caught up with me. Today, I welcomed it as a future friend who will simply help me remember the present…

 

Life moves pretty fast and, in this always-on-the-go world that we find ourselves in, it’s becoming ever-harder to pause and reflect on what we see.

Yet, if we don’t, we miss the opportunity to experience the things that could truly change our lives.

The Little Book of Inspiration aims to be that opportunity to stop and savour not only the events around us, but the people, the experiences, the sights and sounds.

Through these inspiring stories and poems of love, redemption, and change, take a moment to really see all the inspirational treasures that are present.

"Inspiration is all around us. All we have to do is look."

About Danny Brown

Danny Brown is an award-winning marketer and blogger. His blog has been recognized as the number one marketing blog in the world by HubSpot.

Other recognitions include Social Media Examiner’s Top 10 Social Media Blog in 2011 and 2013, voted one of Canada’s Top 50 Marketing Blogs, and the Hive Award for Best Social Media Blog at the 2010 South by Southwest festival.

His publishing credentials include Influence Marketing: How to Create, Manage, and Measure Brand Influencers in Social Media Marketing and The Parables of Business. The Little Book of Inspiration is his first non-business book.

Currently, he lives in Ontario with his awesome wife, very funny son, adorable little girl, and two small Chinese Crested dogs. You can read more from Danny on his blog, or connect with him on Twitter and Google+.

It's time to choose!

The time has come to make a decision. Jo Clendening has sent me several cover concepts, and as usual, I'm having a difficult time choosing. I like them all for different reasons. Since I'm not the one selecting the book from a sea of novels on the virtual shelf, my opinion probably isn't as important as the reader's.

So...

Let me know - which is your favourite?

To help with your choice, here is the book blurb:

One dare. 30 days. 30 new experiences. Newvember is deep, investigative thinking disguised as chick lit.

When Willow decides to take the stairs, instead of the elevator, she runs into Sawyer, who knocks her off her feet, and something in her psyche shifts. She is propelled into the adventure that is her own life. Filled with twists and turns that can only come from losing her inhibitions, she makes risky decisions, bares her soul, and discovers the chaotic emotions that lurk beneath the surface. Each new event becomes a catalyst in the development of Willow's relationships with her friends, co-workers, siblings, and love interests.

Willow's life will never be the same after Newvember.