Book Appreciation Month

I love books! Books have taken me to some of the most amazing places. Books have let me take part in so many adventures and live lives totally different than mine. Books have entertained, educated, challenged my thinking, and sometimes just let me escape from reality for a while.

Books have also gotten me in trouble. Like the time I in 5th grade. I had a book hidden in my textbook and got so involved in the story I didn't hear my name being called by the teacher. Not good. :-)  And of course, there were the many nights Mom found me reading with a flashlight under the covers.

As an author, I have a love/hate relationship with books. Unless the story is awesome, I tend to see typos, logic errors, and such. It's one of the issues with being an editor too. It's hard to read for pleasure...at least for me. I tend to look at the writing more than the story sometimes.

That said, I just read an amazing historical novel. And honestly, I don't like historical fiction. But I loved this one.  It was for an edit so isn't available yet but you can find the first in the series (I loved it too.) and get ready for the one coming soon. I'll add a link so you can just click over. If Amazon says this isn't available, you can get it from the publisher's website.

On a side note,  I've decided to start blogging here again. I'll be featuring authors, books, publishers, editors, along anything else dealing with books and writing.  If you would like to be featured, let me know.  It's been a while since this blog was active though I've still been getting visitors on a regular basis. Check out the archives for some great reading suggestions.

Also...comment on a post during the month and you'll be entered to win a book. I'm not sure which one but it will be a good one.

Letting Hope Enter - Charity Anthology

Suicide, why is it so difficult to talk about, write about or even handle in a private forum?

Answers are still being searched for in the mental health communities of the hows and whys. Until then, we are trying to bring light to this issue. We want to assist with the truth, lies, prejudice, secrets, and misunderstanding of mental health.

Every 40 seconds someone commits suicide.

This makes it the 10th leading cause of death in America today. It is breaking news when it happens to the famous, but not enough exposure has come into the light to help everyday people. It still has a stigma and many experience shame in their issues.

Letting Hope Enter is a collection of stories about the tragedy, pain and even despair of suicide. Also, it is an attempt to bring hope and awareness to this illness without the need to hide or consider it some dirty little secret.

** All proceeds from the sales will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. **

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-825, if you or someone you know, love, care about or want to share needs this information.

Please let Hope Enter, help those suffering and start talking about these issues without prejudice, misinformation or judgment.


BUY NOW: https://www.books2read.com/LettingHopeEnter

AUTHORS: Featuring Authors Supporting Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Airian Eastman
Maggie Jane Schuler
J. M. Butler
Angie Gonser Brocker
Jenniefer Andersson
Renee Lee Fisher
Author Linnea Valle
Jaime Russell
Kathia Iblis
ChaSiree M.
D.j. Shaw
Lenore Cheairs
Morgan G. Farris

Liv Arnold

Thr3e by Ted Dekker

One of the great things about having a daughter who writes is the opportunity to talk about writing. Whether it's plot, character development, story structure, or POV, I really enjoy the discussion.

This evening we went to our favorite "sitting out, chillin', and chatting" place and spent over an hour talking mostly book stuff. As we discussed writing mysteries, Thr3e came up and we decided it's one of our top 3 books.

Thr3e is a book from Ted Dekker. I found it years ago during a Thanksgiving trip to my mom's and totally loved it. In fact, I read the whole thing in just one evening, in one sitting. Not only does it start with a bang, it ends with one. I had no idea who the "bad guy" was, and Dekker knocked the end out of the ballpark. Neither Beth or I saw it coming. Every time we thought we had it figured out, nope.

If you like mystery/thrillers, then we both recommend you run to the store and get Thr3e.  Then let me know what you think.

And while I'm recommending books - Hit and Run by Beth Lauzier is an awesome middle-grade fantasy your young reader will love.  You can get a copy here or message me for a signed one.

So Much for Challenge...

Yep, I missed a couple days.

But, honestly, it really wasn't all my fault.  Seems my computer decided the hotel internet wasn't secure and that someone might steal my info and wouldn't let me get online.  I totally intended to blog Saturday evening but just couldn't. But, here's a picture of the view from my hotel balcony.

Here is one of the bridge at night.

And finally, one from the balcony on our last morning.

I think the thing to learn from this is...sometimes things happen. And when they do, we sometimes need to change our plans and not get so stressed out.

It was a five-hour drive home yesterday, so I was tired and just didn't have the will to get on the puter and blog so didn't.  I might catch up, I might not...I'm not going to worry about it.

No Excuses Blog Challenge Post 1

I'm terrible with blogging. I really enjoy it, when I get going but sometimes I have a hard time getting started. So, I've decided to take part in a 21 day, no excuses blog challenge. I'll post links later. One thing I like, they are giving suggested topics for each day. Which really helps.  Today's topic is "hooks". I'm not going with their suggested discussion about hooks, but that's okay.

As a writer, hooks are hard. There is so much a hook has to accomplish. I mean, it has to get the reader to continue reading, and in this fast paced, go-go-go world, that's harder than ever to do.  As I thought about how I wanted to go with this topic, I pondered some ideas. For example...

She leaned over the balcony, staring at the ground only 4 floors below, and wondered if she'd survive the fall.

Is that a good hook? I'm not so sure. Would someone read on to see why she was pondering this? Maybe, if they didn't have anything else to do.

She leaned over the balcony, staring at the ground only 4 floors below, and wondered if he'd survive the fall.

Al little better. Who is she? Who is he? What did he do that would make her want to push him? Did he deserve it? Or, is she a victim?

Hooks must cause the reader to ask questions. And those questions must drive the reader to continue to the next line, the next paragraph, the next page, the next chapter.

So, as a writer, how do you handle hooks?  And, as a reader, what are some of your favorite hooks?

Share in the comments for a chance to win some free stuff. I'll give away a couple books along with a critique.



Check out these great blogs participating in the blog challenge.

San Gabriel's Secret by David Ciambrone

Nestled on the San Gabriel River in Central Texas’ Hill Country, Georgetown is a small town where things are normally pretty quiet. That is, until Adam Thomas, a retired scientist and now writer of a newspaper column for women under the name Aunt Kay, inherits a Confederate solder’s journal and a new murder. Adam and his girlfriend Kathy find themselves the center of dark doings, strange people and racing headlong into a fast paced, high stakes adventure to untangle a murderous puzzle, a series of macabre organizations and locate the centuries old and highly unusual, San Gabriel Secret.

*****

I really enjoyed this one. If you are a fan of David Ciambrone's, you'll love it too.

Get your copy here.

The Ruins of Shandor by C. R. Myers

Follow Waldo on the desert planet as he discovers an abandoned underground city, and meets Hamel from Shandor Frenna along with Ms. Ziimar, who claims to be over five-thousand years old. The trio journey to Middle-Land, and in the Valley of Xar D’Kee, Waldo talks with his missing father through the Well of Wisdom and discovers more about his true identity. His father agrees to meet him at the Arch of Worlds located on the island of Scotaden Wel.

When Waldo disappears from the ghostly staircase, Jeremy and Shauna begin a search, which takes them to a color world and through the depths of the planet to Down-World and the Temple of Eron where they find the forbidden Tablets of Jesreel. By studying the tablets, Jeremy learns the history of Pelayaces and the planet’s true relationship to his own planet, the Earth. Now, he understands the Elam Nostra’s ultimate mission, and why the creature wants to destroy the Earth above all else.

Will Waldo find his father and the answers he so desperately seeks on Scotaden Wel? Will Jeremy and Waldo be able to find their way home and save the Earth from the Elam Nostra or is the universe destined to be swallowed into a void of black nothingness?

*****

This is the sequel to The Dawn of Pelayaces.

Preorder your copy here.

Alphabet Tales, an award-winning children's book, is a collection of 30 short stories to delight readers of all ages.

Full of humor and fun, this book is a marvelous way to teach phonics to young readers. Great for home schoolers!

Donna  has a charming and unique way of telling each story using repetitious sounds utilizing each letter of  the alphabet.

This book includes tongue-twisting tales using other sounds as well, such as the ch, sh, and th combinations.

*****

Really good one to read to the kids.

Get your copy here.

Down Magic's Path by Kathleen Wolak

Len Bouchard is a twelve-year-old boy dealing with the death of his mother in the Louisiana summer of 1925. Among the changes the death of his mother brings, his father’s new wife is the hardest to take. Magique is a mysterious woman who is the polar opposite of Len’smother. Magique is what Len’s friends maliciously call a gypsy, a dark woman with a supposedly checkered past.

Len tries to figure out his new step-mother’s secrets as his father announces a sudden move to New Orleans. Against the backdrop of the jazz filled French Quarter, Len learns much more than he bargained for.

*****

This is a really nice, coming of age story for younger readers.

Preorder your copy here.

Pierre's Picky Palate by Beth Lauzier

A Pine Beetle who hates trees? How can that be? 

And what do Pierre's parents think of his love of veggies? 

Will Pierre give wood another try, and if he does, will he like it?

*****

For all those picky eaters out there. 

Preorder your copy here.

Busy Girls Guide To Getting Things Done by Jean Lauzier

Are you overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to get accomplished?

Does it seem like you have 900 things to do but don't know where to start? Then you'll love this Busy Girls Guide to Getting Things Done.

In this 30-day journal, Jean shares a simple system for getting things done that anyone can use. Even the busiest busy girl.

Preorder your copy here.

*****

Okay, I have to saw, this is my latest work and I really like it. If you need to get stuff done, then you'll love it.  Want an autographed copy? Email or message me.

Thirteen - A Baker's Dozen by Vivra Beene

Do you like your scalp tingled, your spine chilled, and goose bumps along your arms? If you do, you will enjoy this collection of stories showing that perpetrators of perceived perfect crimes don't always go unpunished.

Get your copy here.

Wandering in the Wilderness by Karen Snead Partee

“Mommy, how do I get the madness out of me?” It was a question my seven-year-old son posed to me one dark evening after coming off a manic rage that took him through intense range of emotions. I have not decided for myself if the heartbreak of that question came from the sheer innocence of it or the sobering maturity behind it. How perceptive he was because he was so right - IT was madness, a madness captured in a catchall diagnosis that filled every crevice of our lives. It was a sickness that robbed us daily of peace and comfort. Attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is not merely a behavioral issue; it is not a question of adequate parenting skills; it is not the effects of too much sugar, not enough exercise, or even a learning disability. IT is a mental illness; and, yes, it is an incorrigible madness that has left an indelible mark on the most incredible little boy.

Get your copy here.here

Rebound by Michael Goodell

As a Private Detective, James “Don’t Call Me Corky” Corcoran has a lot in common with his adoptive hometown of Detroit. The past is brighter than the present; he’s going nowhere fast, and he’s running out of money. But things change when he starts to investigate Jonathan Wade’s death. A childhood friend and longtime rival, Wade was the black sheep son of one of the oldest and wealthiest families who called the exclusive suburb of Grosse Pointe home. Each clue in the case dredges up yet another memory Corcoran has spent the past decade trying to drink into oblivion. It takes him back to Grosse Pointe, where he hasn’t set foot for the past ten years, ever since Sara Jensen’s death sent his career into a tailspin.

Grosse Pointe looks the same, its quiet streets still lined with majestic homes, but behind those facades things aren’t as they seem. Some of the best and the brightest families are hiding some secrets so dark, so destructive, that they are willing to do anything to keep them hidden. They try to buy him off, scare him off, and even try to kill him to keep Corcoran from discovering the truth, but as time goes by he realizes he can’t quit because this case has become his road to justice, redemption, and even love.

He’ll solve this case, or die trying.

Get your copy here.here

*****

Just have to say, I loved this one. Reminds of of the old fashioned noir thrillers.

King Tut & the Plagues of Egypt by Douglas Derrer

The mysterious death of King Tut eluded archeologists for centuries until the Plancks, a time-traveling family from the 25th Century, flew four millennia into the past to 18th Dynasty Egypt to investigate. Encountering a vast volcanic eruption upon their arrival plunged them into the Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Exodus as two co-regent Pharaohs, Tut’s father and grandfather, battled over the fates of their Hebrew slaves. Will they make it back to their century alive, and without bringing some deadly disease that has been eradicated for centuries?

Get your copy here.

*****

Returning to the reign of King Tut in 18th Dynasty Egypt, the 25th Century, time-traveling Planck family discover that sinister palace intrigues surround the young pharaoh and his lovely queen. Although unable to prevent Tut’s eventual death, they learn its mysterious cause. But can they forestall the fate of the queen by unscrupulous plotters? Finally, the Planck’s travel to the Valley of the Kings in the 1920s to oversee archeologist Howard Carter’s discovery and opening of Tut’s fabulously wealthy tomb. Can they prevent Carter from destroying the invaluable mummy?

Get your copy here.here

They Call Me Avenged by Cyndi Lord

When a number of people go missing in a small Northeast Texas town, Sandra Derringer becomes involved to solve the case of missing twelve-year-old twin boys. She soon learns that two common denominators exist between the people who have gone missing; abused animals, and a local animal rescue owner, Loretta Bentley. Her deep devotion to animals is overshadowed by mental illness and her belief she is getting messages from God to deliver an-eye-for-an-eye justice to anyone who neglects or abuses animals. Many have thought this penalty deserved, but Loretta is insane enough to carry it out in her isolated, large ranch where no one can hear her victims’ screams.

*****

Not for the faint of heart. Order your copy here.

New In The Woods - by Beth Lauzier

All Zippy wanted to do was be like Super Squirrel. 

But who knew being a hero was sometimes so dangerous. 

Not just for Zippy but his new friend Ren too. How will Zippy get out of danger this time?

Preorder your copy here.

*****

Okay, I have to admit it, I love this. I mean, my daughter wrote it.  It's really nice. The illustrations are great too.  Your kids will love it.  

Hit & Run by Beth Lauzier

Catherin’s day started like any other, but it sure didn’t end that way. What was to be a sleepover and pizza ends with bad guys and running for her life. And just what’s that thing under her bed?

Her friend Madison shows up, but Madison knows more than she’s telling. Catherin is about to see a different side of her friend. In fact, Catherin’s about to see a whole world she never knew existed.

Order your copy here.

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*****

Okay, this book gets a double amount of love. Written by my oldest daughter, cover and illustrations by my youngest daughter. 

It's a great story too.  Target age is 8 and up to about 13, but I loved it too and can't wait to see what happens next.

Dating Death by Randy Rawls

The Chief of Police of Coral Lakes, FL has the goods on Roger Adamson, a dirty politician. However, the chief knows Adamson has additional information that could bring down a drug lord and disembowel his organization. Chief Elston asks Beth Bowman, a South Florida PI, to assist by becoming Adamson's consort/bodyguard while Adamson parses out data. Beth agrees, not realizing multiple homicides, a kidnapping, a tight frame for murder, and the loss of the man she loves await her. If not for Beth's homeless friends, all might be lost.

Get your copy here.

*****

A really nice read for the summer.

Flight of Fantasy - Jean Lauzier

Let your imagination take flight...

Ride the Night Wind, converse with a dragon, join "Woof" as he stalks his prey. Will the mirror's revelation come true, and just what does one do with a chamber full of pumpkins?

Flight of Fantasy also includes a preview of Dragons of Blue Water, the award-winning sequel to Dragons of Jade. 

Order your copy here.

This is a collection of short fantasy stories, not a novel.