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A Writer's Journey & other fun stuff :)
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1. Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway!

It's time for the Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway. 

This hop is being hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews.

One question that I get asked is: Why do you write middle-grade fiction?

My answer: I LOVE middle-schoolers! The age group is just all sorts of fun! Leaving elementary school but not ready for high school, right smack in the middle.

GRAPE BUBBLEGUM - School is almost back in session! new clothes, new hair styles, cute boys, jealous girls, and drama, drama & more DRAMA!!  13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

SINCLAIR SUMMER -  Katrina Hollister, her twin sister Kiara, and their quirky group of pre-teen friends find themselves playing spy during their summer vacation in the prestigious gated community of Sinclair Estates.
Not only does Katrina and her crew investigate why ginormous mushrooms are randomly appearing then disappearing when their strange new neighbor is about, but she must also deal with the up-and-coming teen sensation who moved in across the street and stole her crush. To make things worse, her mother starts dating her crush’s gorgeous father—all of which she must stop.
 
SEVEN SHADES OF LUMINOSITY - When 13-year-old Ralph and his two friends enter a magical world called Norwaeja, they find themselves on an unexpected quest for seven keys, each of which leads them closer to a dark and dangerous kingdom. Ralph thought he was an ordinary kid, just trying to become the junior fencing champion in his state. Shortly after being chased into Norwaeja he learns of the prophecy declaring him the warrior that will lead the Great Army into battle against Apep, the evil one. Epic battles against Trolls, dangerous treks through kingdoms, and one pesky, egotistical meerkat will pit friend against friend while Ralph discovers just who he really is and what he is capable of achieving in a world that he is not a part of. Or is he?




I am giving away one ecopy or paperback copy of my books: Grape Bubblegum, Sinclair Summer, Seven Shades of Luminosity!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Be sure to visit the below blogs  & enter to win more prizes!

35 Comments on Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway!, last added: 9/12/2013
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2. Author Interview--Cher Green


Hello All, Today, I'd like to introduce to you--Author Cher Green!

About:
Cher Green writes in many genres, spanning from horror to romance. Her work has appeared in various magazines and anthologies. She has also authored two paranormal romance novellas, Escape to Love and Seduced by Darkness, and a children’s book, The Sacrifice.


What are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on a paranormal novel. A woman discovers she has the ability to communicate with spirits, an ability she's had since childhood, but has pushed to the darkest corners of her mind. Her newly discovered ability comes with a task, one which could save the world, or destroy it if she fails.

What process in writing is hardest for you?
Honestly, the hardest part is getting the time into the project. I have a full-time day job and many other interests other than writing. I do my best to allow time for every aspect but sometimes it can be overwhelming.

What process in writing is the most enjoyable for you? 
I really enjoy the whole process, but if I had to choose one it would be the first draft. Watching the creation grow is the most exciting thing about writing for me.


Are you panster or a plotter?
I'm a little of both, but the first draft is usually in panster mode. After that's complete, I usually turn to plotting to work out any bugs.

How did you come up with your storyline, or what inspired you to write The Sacrifice?
I was in a writing group, and we worked on a new prompt each month. For this story, the prompt was a fairy tale. During these type of exercises, I don't worry about the results, I focus mainly on letting go and allowing my muse to take the lead. Some of my best stories have come from little exercises such as prompts, whether it's within a group or a personal writing session. I didn't  think much about this little tale, but eventually I went back and expanded on it. It took quite a while to find a home for it. I originally sent it out as a short story to numerous magazines. A children's book hadn't crossed my mind until it was suggest by one of the editors at eTreasures. 

When is your favorite time to write?
I don't have a certain time I write, although I'm sure it would be helpful, if it were possible. My days are never the same, so it's hard to set up a working schedule. I write whenever I can fit it in. My only condition is it has to be quiet. I'm able to block out distractions if necessary with classical music, but I still find it slightly distracting. Perfect silence is my best time to write.

What is your favorite snack while writing?
Peanut M&Ms
Buy Links:

Contact:

Thanks for visiting, Cher!!!


15 Comments on Author Interview--Cher Green, last added: 9/6/2013
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3. Author Interview--J.D. Pooker

Today, I would like to introduce to you--Author J.D. Pooker

A fellow author with eTreasures Publishing :)

About:

J.D. Pooker lives in wonderful Wyoming with her husband and two sons, along with a black lab named Ryder and a sweet kitty named Alia. J.D. likes to spend time with her family and go camping, fishing, and snowmobiling.

My sons are the inspiration for writing children's stories. I want to encourage them to be readers and show them how powerful and exciting the imagination can be.  I want them to see that countless worlds exist, and all it takes to get there is a good book.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a nonfiction project about zombies.  I have always been fascinated with the creatures, and I’ve been wanting to write about them for a while, but I could never figure out what I wanted to say.  After watching World War Z, I figured it out. 

What process in writing is hardest for you?
Promotion.  I don’t have any time.  Between working a full-time job and taking care of a family, I have very little time to talk about my books like I want to

What process in writing is the most enjoyable for you?
I know a lot of people hate editing, but I really enjoy it.  Partly because I freelance edit, but also because when you get to that stage, the hard part is over.  The story is on the page, it just needs to be tweaked.  It’s a great feeling to know it’s one step closer to being finished.

Are you pantser or a plotter?            
Pantser, although some plotting takes place in my head before I sit down at the computer to type.  The most exciting part, though, it seeing where my characters take me.  After all, it’s their story, I’m just typing it for them.

How did you come up with your storyline, or what inspired you to write The Ifs?
I had a dream about catching a small man in a jar and feeding it spaghetti.  When I woke up, the idea stuck with me.  My boys were pretty young at the time, but I wanted to write an adventure story for them, so I expanded the dream and imagined how my kids would react to the situation.

When is your favorite time to write?
Again, I have very limited time to write, so I squeeze it in whenever I can.  My favorite time to write would be all day every day, but that doesn’t happen.

What is your favorite snack while writing?
I don’t usually snack while I’m writing.  I have to keep my hands free to type.  But I usually have a glass of ice water near me.

Buy Links:

4 Comments on Author Interview--J.D. Pooker, last added: 9/5/2013
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4. 2013 Summer Author Blitz - Author Melissa Studdard + Giveaway...


Today, I'm participating in the 2013 Summer Author Blitz! I'm interviewing the fabulous Melissa Studdard, and she's giving away a couple of gems. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to enter the giveaway!

Also, there are several other giveaways going on. Visit Books & Broomsticks for more information.
  
Introducing Melissa Studdard

Melissa Stud­dard is the author of the best­selling novel Six Weeks to Yehi­dah, and its companion journal, My Yehidah (both on All Things That Matter Press). Since its August 2011 release, Six Weeks to Yehidah has been the recipient of many accolades, including the Forward National Literature Award, the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, the International Book Award, and January Magazine's best children's books of 2011. It was also named a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards and the Readers Favorite Awards. Melissa is also the author of The Tiferet Talk Interviews and the forthcoming poetry collection, “I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast.” Along with Scott Lutz, Melissa is co-author of For the Love of All (Trestle Press), which is the fifth story in the Mark Miller’s One series and debuted in the number one spot for Hot New Releases in Literary Criticism and Theory in the Amazon Kindle store. As well, her poetry, fiction, essays, reviews, and arti­cles have appeared in numer­ous magazines, jour­nals, and antholo­gies.                                                     
Melissa cur­rently serves as a Reviewer-at-Large for The National Poetry Review, an editorial advisor for The Criterion, and an edi­tor for Tiferet Journal, where she hosts the journal's radio interview program, Tiferet Talk. Melissa received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is a professor for the Lone Star College System and a teaching artist for The Rooster Moans Poetry Cooperative. She loves anything related to writing and reading, whether it's sitting alone with a book and a cup of hot tea, or attending a large poetry reading or literary festival. She also loves travelling, meditating, going for walks, bicycling, practicing yoga, and spending time with family. She currently resides in Texas with her wonderful daughter and their four sweet but mischievous cats. To learn more, please visit www.melissastuddard.com.
 
Interview
 
1) What are you working on now?

I’m currently trying to pull a poetry collection called I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast from my literary hat. A friend of mine, Ron Starbuck, recently started a press (Saint Julian Press) that publishes spiritual writings. He knew my poetry was a perfect fit for Saint Julian, so he asked me for a manuscript. It’s a frightening and exciting process to re-examine poems I’ve written over many, many years—to try to see how they fit together and how they should be arranged. So many stages of my life and my ideas and feelings and beliefs are represented. It’s almost like reading through old diaries. It’s really making me think about who I am and have been as a person and a writer and who I want to continue to become.

 Here’s a poem from the collection. It was originally published in Open Road Review.


Subterranean


I’m not talking about the underside of a kitten’s


belly, or the layers of dress on a modest woman’s


 

corpse. I don’t mean that beneath the skin there’s


a world of vein, meat and bone. No, I’m talking about


mantle and core – the viscous, shifting substrata

beneath the camel’s hoof, beneath the sand,
 

beneath the crust beneath the sand. I think there are

birds in there, flying around inside the earth’s body,
 

birds flying over oceans, streams and lakes, children

laughing beside rivers, mothers calling them home
 

to supper by beating wooden spoons on the sides

of aluminum pots. It doesn’t matter that we can’t see


them, or even that my theory has been disproven.

I go where the laughter is, pure and simple, and I say
 

this ball of clay is really an onion, a snake coiled

around a bouncing ball, a swirl of petals exploding
 

from bud. It’s simple, really: love is the pack on a

hitchhiker’s back, everything he owns, everywhere
 

he goes, the only article that can’t be left behind.

And we’ve all got our thumbs out, pointed towards
 

that other realm, the one beneath the skin, beneath

the bone and marrow and veiny streams of blood, where gods
 

await us like lovers, like dense smoke, like cracked
 
and forgotten mirrors, reflecting the singular route home


 
2) What process in writing is hardest for you?

 Without question, not writing. When I’m between projects or ideas, I’m in agony. It’s like being in a long distance relationship and not knowing when you’ll get to see your lover again.

 3) What process in writing is the most enjoyable for you?

I like that part when I’m just starting to realize that what I’m working on is viable.  At that point I’m still charged with beginner’s energy, but I can see the finish line through the fog.
 
4) Are you pantser or a plotter?     

I’m so intuitive and spontaneous I don’t even wear pants.  Most everything that happens on my page is a delightful, mysterious, wondrous surprise to me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
 

5) What inspired you to write Six Weeks to Yehidah?

 After reading volumes and volumes of non-fiction books about spirituality and benefitting from them immensely, I wanted to share wisdom traditions with younger people—to share some things I wish I’d been introduced to at an earlier age. However, I also knew that kids wouldn’t want to sit down and read the same kinds of books I was reading as an adult, so I decided to do it in a fun, entertaining way, through narrative, vivid description, and humor.

 6) When is your favorite time to write?

I’m obsessed with writing the way teenage girls are obsessed with make-up and teenage boys are obsessed with teenage girls. I always want to write.
 
7) What is your favorite snack while writing?

 I don’t like to eat while writing. It’s distracting. When I feel like taking a break, I usually dance. Dancing energizes my fingertips and feeds my imagination more than food ever could. And my cats love it because they like to play fetch, and they know when I turn up the music and step away from the computer they can bring their toys to me to throw. It’s a big writing break party.
 

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5. Cedar Hill Nature Preserve & Creativity...

I switch up exercises quit a bit :) The beginning of July, I went back to a favorite exercise--Power Walking!

I enjoy power walking and previously wrote a blog about it, which can be found here.

But I've taken it up notch. Through the week, I still power walk on a bike trail that weaves through several neighborhoods near my house. But on the weekends, I meet up with a wonderful group of ladies and hike through the Cedar Hill Nature Preserve. 

It's a very wild place and there are signs everywhere reminding you that you are in nature and may see everything that goes along with it. ie snakes....Ack!!!

The funny thing is I've not yet seen a snake while out at the nature preserve, BUT I did see one while walking through the neighborhood trail. I'm usually up and out on the bike trail around 6:15am, and I see pretty much the same group of folks walking or jogging.

This particular morning, one of my morning jogging buddies came towards me in the opposite direction & stopped. When he noticed me he waved for me to stop, I did and asked what was going on. He pointed ahead of me about 15'. There was a snake, about 3 foot long?!?!? OMG!!! It was slithering across the path, minding his own little business.  Needless to say I ran the rest of the way LOL!


Now, back to the nature preserve. What an experience! First, it's a GREAT workout. These trails go up and down some crazy hills. My lower body screamed during some of the climbs.

But, it's also very serene. A great place to go to clear your mind.
Which brings me to my next point.

My creativity has been off the charts! I think it from the power walking, which relieves stress and really gets the oxygen flowing through your body.

Also, being out at the nature preserve, it's just very calming. I've met some great women out there, had great conversation, and some good laughs!


My writing is going very well, no complaints! I've had lots of blocked moments with this book and now I'm finally on the final chapters. Yay!

My goal is to have it completed by the end of July.

 Blessings!

 

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6. What Would You Do?

 
 What Would You Do?
 
By Beth Bowland
 
What would you do if you saw a crying child
sitting on the curb, as if all alone in the wild.
 
What would you do if you were approached by someone in need
would you ignore them like others, glare at them, leave them be.
 
What would you do if you saw a stranger crying
the pain so great, say to yourself what's the use of trying.
 
What would you do if there was no sun
how would you relate to the days to come.
 
What would you do if you only had a week to live
would you learn to love more, learn to give?
 
If love is giving and love is kind
why are so many ignorant and blind.
 
If life is but a whisper
we have a big task at hand
to give love unconditionally
to our fellow man.
 
 
 
 
 


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7. Meet Sharon Ledwith - Author

Meet Author Sharon Ledwith

I'd like to introduce you to author Sharon Ledwith-- friendly, funny & feisty just like her characters :)

I enjoyed her book Last Timekeepers and the Arch ofAtlantis and would like to encourage you to purchase a copy for your middle-grade or YA readers.

Below are a few questions to learn a little more about this awesome writer.



What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished the second round of edits for the prequel to The Last Timekeepers series entitled, Legend of the Timekeepers which will be out sometime this year (hopefully late spring), but I don’t have a release date yet. I also have a completed manuscript of the second book in the series entitled, The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, but there’s the fun job of revising it into Jordan Jensen’s point of view. I’ve also signed on with literary agency, Walden House (Books & Stuff) this past December to take on another young adult series I’ve created about teens with psychic abilities with the first book called, Lost and Found: Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, so I’ll be one busy gal!

What process in writing is hardest for you?

Getting back into a work-in-progress after leaving it for awhile. I know that sounds odd, but I honestly have a hard time getting the momentum going again after I’ve been pulled away from writing a new story in order to do edits on an upcoming release, or a blog tour, or marketing and promoting the book I already have out. So to answer your question, I guess I have a hard time juggling projects back and forth, and know I must learn this skill if I want to survive in this new publishing paradigm. 
 
What process in writing is the most enjoyable for you?

The first draft—hands down! It’s the most creative part of writing, a chance to get down and dirty with all your characters, throw them against the wall a few times, see what they can take, then rinse them off  until they’re all clean and shiny at the end of the book.

Are you pantser or a plotter?

Sometimes I’m a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants), sometimes a plotter (outline entire storyline)—it all depends on the tone of the book and where my imagination directs me. I have many notebooks and pads and sticky notes at my disposal. I also have a file full of ideas. I guess I start with the characters and build the story around them. The characters, my characters, must carry the story to completion, give readers closure. It’s a must. In order to do this, I begin writing out character tracking sheets (stats on characters’ appearances, clothing, likes and dislikes, etc.) which have served me well throughout the writing process. Then the fun begins. Research, research, and more research. When you’re writing time travel, you’ve got to know your facts to create the fiction. I love this part of the journey too. Only when I have enough facts, and I feel my characters are fleshed out sufficiently, then I begin to start the novel.

How do you come up with your character names?

Sometimes I take names from my environment, sometimes names from my old National Geographic magazines (it’s a great resource for names, trust me!), but most times I go by the character’s personality, their likes and dislikes, and use The Writer’s Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon as my go-to bible for names. I have also named certain characters after real people I’ve known. For example, my character Amanda Sault in The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis was named after my Native American elder and teacher Bill Sault. 

When is your favorite time to write?

Early and late mornings, and all afternoon are best times to write for me. Evenings have never been kind to me. That’s my down-time, when I read, check emails, do some social media stuff, or watch television with hubby.

What is your favorite snack while writing?

Hmmm, I usually snack in the afternoon, so I’m going with herbal tea and a piece (or three) of Cadbury Fruit & Nut Dark chocolate bar. It just seems to soothe the savage author. Unless hubby has made a batch of his famous butter tarts, then I’ll indulge in one of those!

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, available through Musa Publishing. Her debut novel, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, is the first in the series. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.

Blurb for The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis:
When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

Connect with Sharon Ledwith:

Buy Links:

 

13 Comments on Meet Sharon Ledwith - Author, last added: 3/13/2013
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8. Letter Writing & An Interview...

Guess what? .....I had my first blog interview!
My interviewer is a smart, driven, sweet 11 year old angel named Gaea. To read, click on the below link.. Maybe you'll learn a little something new about me :)

-->Writer Interview Link<--
Also, keep an eye on her blog. She will have lots more author interviews in the future.

A couple of days ago, I sat down and wrote one my dearest long time friends a letter. I would've loved to have handwritten it, but uh, she probably couldn't read it. (Yes, I have the worst penmanship ever!) But as I was typing my letter. It made me think about the art of letter writing and has letter writing gone by the wayside? Is it considered old-fashioned.

Do you still hand write letters, on fancy papers and actually send through the postal service?

I don't for some reason. But I felt the letter for my friend was very personal and no way could've been an email.

These days, the majority of communication is done through email, or text messaging. Even when applying for jobs, everything is online. I'm not sure cover letters even exist anymore. 

Did you know that there was an official letter writing week? Yep!

National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week - March 1st - 7th, 2013 - The first week in March is dedicated to that delicate art form of the letter of appreciation. Handwrite a note on your stationery and let someone know how much you appreciate their gift, their advice, or their friendship

Here is your chance to revive the art of letter writing. Dust off that address book, pull out that pretty stationary with matching envelopes and write. It could be a family member, friend or you could write to that very special someone and  finish the letter with a dash of cologne, or leave kiss print. (Remember those type of letters, so romantic LOL!!)

I'm sure the the recipient of the letter will be extremely surprised and happy.

Blessings!

Beth



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9. Facebook, Twitter & TMI...

Facebook is one of the greatest creations ever. However, people have taken this social media site to a whole nother level.

Facebook is a great tool for keeping up with friends, re-connecting with old friends and networking.

But I've seen people posting entirely too much personal information. Getting into fights with friends and family members. Gossiping about your co-workers. Hellooooooo...did you forget that 3 of your other co-workers are on your friends list?

Making gossipy posts on friends (A) page about a mutual acquaintance (B). Not realizing that friend (A) is on mutual acquaintance (B) friends list and can see what you said about them. Awkward.
You've been to the Macy's, Nail Spa, Starbucks and now at your dentists' office. Do you really want stalkers everyone knowing everywhere you are by using that lovely 'check-in' feature.  I'm just sayin'...

Do we really need 1000 inspirational/motivational/funny pictures everyday? (Okay, well, I'm going to say 'yes' cause I'm guilty of posting these as well LOL!)

Ah, Twitter. This is another interesting social site. Who knew that so much drama could be started with only 140 characters?

Twitter feuds? Seriously? You're fighting with your family members, friends and complete strangers in 140 character increments?

You are a low life bum. No one in the family likes you and everyone was against you marrying @CheeseWizzyBiz. Everyone knows that CheezeWizzyBiz's 5th wife was everyones favorite. Everyone hates your meatloaf and said it was dry & flaky. 

Dang it. Ran out of characters and forgot to add #hashtag.

    You are a low life bum. No one in the family likes you and everyone was against you marrying @CheeseWizzyBiz. #familyfeud (con't below)

   Everyone knows that CheezeWizzyBiz's 5th wife was everyones favorite. Everyone hates your meatloaf  #dryandflaky pls retweet.

C'mon people! Stop the madness. LOL! hmm or maybe not. It's actually very entertaining :)

Blessings!!

2 Comments on Facebook, Twitter & TMI..., last added: 2/11/2013
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10. INSANITY workout & Crazy TV Shows part deux

Happy February! Long time no see. I've been missing for a minute. Let's see..I started the new year out with a bang, then I was knocked out by that nasty flu bug that went around.

I'm now feeling better and I'm back in action!  Decided to start the INSANITY workout program (yes, again LOL) I tried it before and only made it through the first 5 weeks.

This time I'm determined to do the entire 60 days. At least try :)

So, I've made it through the first week of INSANITY. It went as well as expected. It kicked by butt the first couple of days, could barely walk, but felt great. Tomorrow I start week 2.  I will keep you posted :)

While bedridden with the flu, I did a lot of channel surfing and found more crazy TV shows.

HERE COMES HONEY BOO BOO - What an interesting family from rural Georgia. The star of this show started out on Toddlers & Tiara's and drinking her infamous Go Go Juice (Red Bull & Mountain Dew) This kid is like 6 years old?!?! and drinking that combo. Wow! She's a funny little kid and may grow up to become a famous comedic actress.

AMISH MAFIA - I just had to watch this after seeing the title! Yes, an Amish Mafia does exist. Who knew? Levi and his crew protect their Amish community by any means necessary. *shivers* Levi, is like the Marlon Brando in the movie The Godfather, minus the chubby cheeks.

BEST FUNERAL EVER - This show based in Dallas Texas follows a funeral home. This funeral director puts together over the top funerals for the families. One funeral had a Santa sleigh going down the church aisle and real live reindeer?!?!


 

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11. Green Juice & The New Year...

Hello 2013!!!  Happy Belated New Year!!

So happy it's a brand spankin' shiny new year! I'm excited & expecting BIG THINGS to come my way.

Time to put all the old junk, drama, problems, perhaps even some so-called "friends" into the 2012 trash can and take it out to the curb. Douse those contents with gasoline, strike match and toss! Go back inside, open the curtains, windows & feel the breeze of promise!
I did it and it felt great!!


I'm also just coming off of a week long green juice detox.  For those of you that do not know what this is. It's when you you take fresh veggies and run them through your juicer & drink. It's your breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack! ;)

I used:

Kale, Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Apples, Ginger Root, Cucumber & Lemon. (Sometimes a chunk of red cabbage or beet) and juiced them with this..


...and got this...


Mmm Tasty...

It wasn't too bad. The first day I had a small headache and only minor hunger pains. I only felt hunger pains one other time and that was while my husband was cooking pork chops LOL!  Other than that the rest of the week went fine. One thing that surprised me was the lack of caffeine headaches. I drink a cup of coffee pretty much every morning. But I went a week without any, and no headaches.

Overall I'm feeling great! Here's to a fabulous 2013...Spiritually, Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Financially, Creatively and all the other 'ly's! 

EXPECT GREAT THINGS! 
Blessings!


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12. Happy book release day!!


It's here!!
SINCLAIR SUMMER
middle-grade fiction ebook
Available for purchase:
Barnes & Noble

Behind the gates of the exclusive Sinclair Estates, twin sisters encounter secrets, lunatics, and preteen madness.

Excerpt

Later that evening, I thought back to the new neighbor. What if he really was an escapee? The thought creeped me out, so I hurried back to look out the front window to make sure he wasn’t trying to break into our house or something weird like that. I scanned the front yard area. The new neighbor was not out there, but there was another pickup truck parked directly behind the rusted black truck from earlier. Several men stood around talking, then walked to the side of the house.

I went into the dining room, peered out the side window, and watched as the men stooped down in front of the basement windows, quietly and quickly applying a black substance onto each window. The setting sun caused eerie shadows to dance against the siding. I noticed the new neighbor standing near the corner of his house, arms crossed against his chest and staring at nothing. He had a smile on his face that matched the green Grinch before he stole Christmas from the little Whos of Whoville.

Sinclair Lane just got interesting.



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13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

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13. Merry Christmas 2012!


Joy is here on Christmas morn,
because the infant Christ was born




My daughter recited that poem when she was three years old for our church’s Christmas pageant. Twenty-four years later, her reasons for joy and simple truth still hold true and resonate in my heart. 

I love the spirit of the Season. To notice someone watching Christmas lights, their face lit up with awe and wonder. The taste of peppermint mocha and smell of pumpkin spice always brighten a smile. It’s truly a time for sharing and caring with the reflections of seasons past and the start of new traditions.

A special time for friends and families to come together, adorn themselves in kooky, colorful, Christmas sweaters, and not so perfect pictures are taken. It’s a time when great cooks cook and not so great cooks receive cookbooks as gifts.

I wish you joy, peace, and happiness this holiday season. May love and laughter fill your house and the homes of those you love.

Merry Christmas!


Beth Bowland
www.bethbowland.com

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14. Roger Rabbit is back!!

My Publisher, Musa Publishing will release the next Roger Rabbit book! YAYY!! 

 

**tosses confetti**

 

Until then, click here to view all the other fabulous books Musa has published...

 including mine ;)

 

Here is the official press release:


Musa Publishing, an independent digital-first publisher, has announced today that they will publish Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? by author Gary K. Wolf, the third book featuring Wolf's iconic character, Roger Rabbit, and the denizens of Toontown.

"When I first got a submission in the inbox from Gary K. Wolf, creator of Roger Rabbit, I must admit that I didn't take it seriously. After all, why would such a well-known author be coming to Musa?" confesses Musa Editorial Director, Celina Summers. "But after I read his submission, all my doubts were erased. No other author in the world has that distinct narrative voice. Rather quickly, we accepted two novels from Gary—The Late Great Show! and Typical Day—and Gary became part of the Musa family. But even then, I never expected he'd bring us a Roger Rabbit novel. "

Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? is the culmination of a twenty year wait for fans of the world that Wolf first created in his 1981 Hugo-winning Who Censored Roger Rabbit? The third installment in the series has been promised to fans for a long time but never released. Now, with the 25th anniversary of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? on the horizon in 2013 and  and confirmation of a completed Roger Rabbit 2 script by director Robert Zemeckis last week stirring up excitement among Roger Rabbit fans, the collaboration between Wolf and Musa is coming at a significant time.

"I could easily have published Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? through a major print publishing house. Instead, I choose to make this the first book of the Roger Rabbit series to be published digitally," Wolf states. "That decision evolves directly from the way I work, from the core philosophy of what I write and why I write it. I always push the boundaries in my writing. I invent worlds that nobody else ever thought about. I create unique characters and situations. I try to always be at the forefront of my craft. That includes the way my writing is presented to my readers. Digital publishing is clearly the future. It’s the way books are headed, so I’m heading that way, too."

With his first book at Musa, The Late Great Show!, released in October and his second novel, Typical Day, coming out on December 7, Wolf is no stranger to the Musa system. "I especially like the way Musa has taken digital publishing into areas that I never thought of. Using proprietary software, I’m able to interact with them electronically in real time. My editor, the publicity department, the art department, and everybody else involved with my work all have instant access to everything I submit. And vice versa."

Wolf isn't the only well-known author bringing his works to Musa. USA Today bestselling author Sharon De Vita has a multi-book deal with the publisher, and her romantic mystery The Estrogen Posse has been increasing in sales since its release in October, 2011. Science fiction up-and-comer Gini Koch's serial—The Martian Alliance—is being published by Musa, along with new and backlisted works from well-known authors like Cindi Myers, Vella Munn, Helen Hardt, and Julia Parks. In addition, Musa is responsible for the Homer Eon Flint project, where the entire body of work of this lost American science fiction author is being saved from crumbling 1920s pulp magazines and disintegrating newspaper copy and published as e-books.

"Even two or three years ago, it would have been thought impossible to lure these writers to a small, young publisher," Summers explains. "But because of our author-friendly policies and transparent business model, small publishers like Musa are able to release books like Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? digitally, with both a better product and prices far below what traditional publishers set for their e-books."

Both Summers and Wolf are optimistic about the prospects for Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? The novel reunites all the old fan favorites—Eddie Valiant, his fuzzy sidekick Roger Rabbit, Baby Herman, and Roger’s va-va-voom mate Jessica, who continue their madcap human and Toonian adventures. This time, Eddie is hired to bodyguard for Gary Cooper and Roger Rabbit, the stars of a new movie that's been receiving dire threats—shut down the film or else.

"Musa is thrilled to publish the next installment in the Roger Rabbit world," Summers says. "Toontown and e-publishing are destined to work well together. Gary has such an innovative mind. He takes risks daily with his fiction—he enjoys taking creative risks. He can do that comfortably at Musa because we encourage all our authors to reach further, to attempt things they normally wouldn't. E-publishing is all about trying things that traditional publishers might be uncertain about."

With the release of Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? set for November of 2013, Musa and Wolf are poised to gratify millions of Roger Rabbit fans across the world. The entertainment franchise is worth over $500,000,000 and the fandom is as eager as ever to follow their beloved Roger Rabbit and Eddie Valiant into new adventures—including e-publishing.

"Digital publishing is the wave of the future, and I’ve always been a wave of the future kind of guy," Wolf states matter-of-factly. "For me, going digital wasn’t in any way a last resort. It was a necessity."

Gary Wolf is the NYT Bestselling author of numerous book, articles, and short stories including Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, Who P-P-P-Plugged Roger Rabbit?, Space Vulture, and The Late Great Show! His movie credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, the three Roger Rabbit cartoons Tummy Trouble, Rollercoaster Rabbit, and Trail Mix-up, and—coming in 2014—screen adaptations of his science fiction novels The Resurrectionist and Killerball. Awards for Wolf’s work include the Hugo Award, British Science Fiction Award, SF Chronicle Award, and 4 Academy Awards. Wolf is an avid Yoga enthusiast and lives in Boston where he is a full-time author, screenwriter, lecturer, entertainment consultant, and consummate “grown-up kid.” Look for his next Roger Rabbit installment to be released November, 2013 by Musa Publishing.



The Late Great Show! and Typical Day are available through Musa Publishing, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and e-tailers worldwide.

More information available from Musa Publishing at www.musapublishing.com and www.musapublishing.blogspot.com 

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15. New middle-grade ebook--cover reveal!!


Presenting my shiny new cover for my upcoming middle-grade ebook:

Behind the gates of the exclusive Sinclair Estates, twin sisters encounter secrets, lunatics, and preteen madness.


 I LOVE IT!!! 

 Katrina Hollister, her twin sister Kiara, and their quirky group of pre-teen friends find themselves playing spy during their summer vacation in the prestigious gated community of Sinclair Estates.
Not only does Katrina and her crew investigate why ginormous mushrooms are randomly appearing then disappearing when their strange new neighbor is about, but she must also deal with the up-and-coming teen sensation who moved in across the street and stole her crush. To make things worse, her mother starts dating her crush’s gorgeous father—all of which she must stop.
 
COMING DECEMBER 28, 2012

Until then, check out my middle-grade book 

GRAPE BUBBLEGUM

Available now on...

 


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16. Thanksgiving & Black Friday shopping...

 Well, we've survived Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping day of the year--Black Friday! I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and didn't over eat. We don't serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Instead, we have a seafood feast consisting of: Crab legs, lobster tails & shrimp. Let me tell you it was delicious! :)

I did not go shopping on Black Friday. I've never gone shopping on that day and probably never will. I already hate shopping as it is. I can spend about an hour in a store before I get antsy. I can't imagine getting out in those crazy crowds. I prefer to shop online. On the news it showed people camped out in tents in front of some of the stores since Monday morning?!?!

How in the world can you  put your life on hold all week and spend days camped out in front of a store. I could understand if they were giving away stuff for free, but standing in the cold for hours for a discount? That musta been some discount! :) I have friends that do it every year, and they enjoy themselves and say it's fun. Uh...hmm..I don't know about that LOL! If I have to shop it will be during the after Christmas sales :)

Now, it's time to prepare for Christmas! The constant Christmas music on the radio, more sales commercials, flyers in the mail. I love Christmas, it's my favorite holiday but it seems like they start celebrating too. I'm actually tired of listening to Christmas music by Christmas LOL! I went into a store during the last week of October  and it already had Christmas decorations up?!!? Slow down, people!

It's also Christmas wish list time! Have you made up your list?







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17. Teen Books...

Do you know any young readers ages 10 - 14 looking for a fun read?

How about purchasing a copy of GRAPE BUBBLEGUM for them.

It's also available in the following countries via Amazon: France, Italy, Japan, UK, Germany, Spain & India

From other countries you can purchase it from the Musa Publishing website 




When hair dye goes wrong, falsies escape during pep rallies, and friends turn to the dark side, Beatrice's 8th-grade year can only be saved by grape bubblegum kisses.

13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.








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18. Veteran's Day...

THANK YOU!!!


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19. Election Time..



It's that time of year. Time to VOTE!!!
It is your duty/responsibility to get out and vote for the candidate of your choice.
Let your voice be heard. 
Not your hatred!
 I honestly cannot believe the level of hatred spreading around.
Vote for who you want to vote for and leave it at that.
Please stop the name calling, racist statements, threats.
If someone doesn't look like you, believe like you, 
live like you, etc.
not a reason to hate that person.
 Yes, I know that in your mind you are not in need of grace, 
you're perfect, living a sin free life, 
never gossiped, lied or stolen a ink pen. 
Your heart is 100% pure 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Never ever an impure thought about anyone.
You are perfect
However,
You can still passionately promote your candidate
talk about your beliefs
discuss your family values
without the hatred
Agree to disagree
Not a reason to hate.

Blessings!

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20. Fascination with sunrises...


 
Not sure when or how it started but I have a fascination with sunrises.  

Not only are they beautiful, but there is something about capturing that first glimpse of it when driving to work that somehow brightens your outlook for the day.

 
Another word to describe a sunrise would be majestic. Definitely causes an awe inspiring moment.


A sunrise a symbol of hope. Each morning I have a feeling of hope.  
A special smile from God saying His grace is sufficient for me. 

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
 (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Blessings!


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21. And the winners are......

1st prize - $20 Amazon gift card -  Sharon Ledwith

2nd prize - copy of Grape Bubblegum - Candace Norris

Yayyy!!! *tosses confetti*

Thanks so much for participating!!! :)


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22. Book Launch Celebration & Giveaway!! YIPEEE!!!

Today is the day that I've been waiting for since June 2005. **tosses confetti into the air** That was the month I started writing my first book GRAPE BUBBLEGUM!

My daughter convinced me to just sit down and write and that's what I did. That day while eating a sandwich in my car, at Schlotzky's Deli I grabbed a napkin and a red pen (it was the only one available in my car) I saw a young teen in my mind, crying in front of a mirror.  I started scribbling...
 
It's been through several revisions and at one point, even placed in the 'never-to-see-the-light-of-day-folder' But it's been stretching its wings and she's now ready to get kicked out the nest! Time to go see the world!

I'm so excited to share GRAPE  BUBBLEGUM with you! See below for giveaway details!!!

When hair dye goes wrong, falsies escape during pep rallies, and friends turn to the dark side, Beatrice's 8th-grade year can only be saved by grape bubblegum kisses.




 

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23. How Am I Driving 1-800-WhoCares...

I think there is a connection between your personality type and the way you drive.

I'm not absolutely positive about this nor have I read scientific data to prove this. But I'm going to share my thoughts.

Some of you may recognize Mr. Magoo, he's from an old cartoon that aired years ago. Mr. Magoo was the absolute worst driver. He had horrible eyesight, drove on the wrong side of the road, cursed at slow moving drivers and often ran off the road. Hmm, he's gotta be from Texas :)

The Daredevil: This past weekend, while driving home I blared my horn at a crazy driver. He crossed in front of me while trying to make a right hand turn from the left hand lane?!?! It was a 3 lane road. He was in the far left lane. I guess he realized he needed to make a right turn at the next street, but instead of putting on his blinker and getting over, he speeds up and made the broad turn from his lane, crossing over the other two. I saw him, but the driver to my right, just barely missed running into him. Then he had the audacity to get mad at us for blowing at him?

Personality Type: Serious risk taker, acts before thinking, probably climbs ladders before checking to make sure they're balanced and secure and then wonders why they fell.

The Zipper: You see this person a lot. While driving he weaves in and out of traffic, passing you at breakneck speed trying to get ahead of you and everyone else, only to find himself sitting next to you at the next red light.

Personality Type:  Has zero patience, only eats microwavable food--no time to cook anything. Only watches TV shows that he has pre-recorded so he can zip through it. Can't understand why you're unable to commit to them after the first date. Never reads the instructions/directions before starting anything.

The SlowPoke:  Ah, the slowpoke driver. Very seldom goes over the speed limit, regardless of what the current flow of traffic may be going. Stays in the fast lane going at least 10-15mph slower than everyone else and refuses to move over, despite being flashed repeatedly with high beams by the drivers stuck behind him.

Personality Type:  Takes a very long time for this person to tell you anything because he speaks slllowwwlyyyy, while taking frequent pauses to think more about what he's going to say to you slowly. Takes forever to finish a job assignment or complete tasks. This person takes forever to commit to anything including relationships.

The Tailgater: This is the worst of all! This person rides your bumper while driving, even in the slow lane. Instead of passing you he just stays on your bumper. If you're in traffic this person never allows more than a few inches between his front bumper and your rear bumper. At a traffic light, if you move up an inch, they will move up an inch. Must always be very close to you in all types of traffic.

Personality Type: The person is definitely a cling-on, very clingy, unable to give you any personal space. This person must be around you at all times. They will call you and leave a voice mail message and before you have a chance to retrieve it they will call again, and again, and again! They must be near you. If standing in line at the check out lane, they're directly behind. If you're sitting on bench, they're sitting very close to you. If in an office with several open chairs, they will pick the one right next to you.

So, there you have it. The next time you want to get involved with someone or want to know more about them. Just go for a ride!!

Blessings!

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24. Winners...



WINNERS!!
UPDATE!
Congratulations to blog hop participants Catherine lee: KINDLE FIRE
Duckysblue: SWAG BAG #1
Cassandra: SWAG BAG #2

The winner of the ebook from my blog is........ Jean MP!  Yayy!!  I will contact you by email with further details.

Thanks everyone for stopping by  & participating!!


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25. Musa Publishing Blog Hop & Pre-order info

Today begins the 7 day Musa Publishing blog hop, celebrating their 1 year anniversary! *applause*

If you've never participated in a blog hop, give it a try. You just hop from blog to blog (Listed below) and leave comments on each. Every time you comment on a blog you will be entered to win a Kindle Fire (US and Canada only.)  *applause*


There are some really talented writers published by Musa. Visit their site www.musapublishing.com and check out the different imprints. I'm sure you will find something for the entire family.

 
I have two books with Musa Publishing. The first one Grape Bubblegum will be released October 19, 2012 *applause*

When hair dye goes wrong, falsies escape during pep rallies, and friends turn to the dark side, Beatrice's 8th-grade year can only be saved by grape bubblegum kisses.

It is available now for pre-order only. Click here  >>Grape Bubblegum Pre-order link<<

 13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

Contest

Every time you comment on any blogin the Musa Blog Hop, you’ll be entered to win a Kindle Fire (US and Canada only), compliments of Musa Publishing. International winners will receive a $50 Musa Publishing gift card. 

The prize from my blog will be 1 ebook of your choice from the Musa Publishing website www.musapublishing.com (Make sure that your comment has a link to your contact information )





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