tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338272982024-03-12T20:44:13.488-07:00Writing YA and Other Things I LoveA place to talk about your writing process, books you've read, or anything else that pleases you.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-23520449806646865082014-07-21T21:59:00.001-07:002014-07-21T21:59:48.673-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, here I am sitting at the computer with fingers flying over the keys. I've got to get book #4 written and ready for revision. I haven't begun to think about the cover yet, I just need to write the story.<br />
<br />
It's nice to be back in the halls of the great palace at Nubia, steeped in culture. Sometimes I get so focused that when I come up for air I am often put off by people not behaving as they would be expected to in that ancient kingdom. The place and the characters are so real while I write. I can see everything so vividly.<br />
<br />
It would be cool if I could really step backward in time and truly see the people I write about. But then again, maybe not. What I write is fiction and if I were to visit these people their differences from what I make up would be quite disappointing. So for now I'll just satisfy myself with the stories that live within my imagination.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-52020134803500422442014-07-04T09:22:00.000-07:002014-07-04T09:22:38.528-07:00Happy Independence Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Independence Day! Today is the day our nation celebrates our independence from England. The need for our separation from that kingdom was not so much that we believed that England was evil. On the contrary, we share a great relationship with that nation to this day. Rather it was more that we felt the relationship was uneven, unfair. We were asked to share in the costs and support of that kingdom without adequate advocacy for our part, and so began the conflict.<br />
<br />
It is much the same for traditional publishing today. This is the reason many writers, myself included, have chosen to go the independent route. It is not that traditional publishing houses are evil. It is more that they are extremely one-sided with little to no support for the writers that create the work that keeps their business afloat, particularly the newbies and mid-listers.<br />
<br />
So, today while I celebrate the birth of a great nation, I also celebrate one of my better decisions.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;">VIVA LA INDEPENDENCIA</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/LqG5LyyVbe4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
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<br />
<br />
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/_LpMB1OZ53g?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/_LpMB1OZ53g?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-30294796638104303672014-05-14T14:32:00.001-07:002014-05-14T14:32:02.602-07:00Writers are Among Us<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">It is always a pleasure whenever I get an opportunity to make a school visit. In April I was extended the invitation to sit on a panel of experts at a local middle school, Glassford Hill MS. I was so excited!</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">I was greeted by the school librarian, Ann Carey, and her two awesome assistants.</span> <span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">They immediately made me feel welcome and treated me like a celebrity. These ladies made sure I had everything I could possibly need, and then some.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">I proceeded to give my presentation about the advantages and difficulties of being a writer. I asked if there were any in the group that had considered writing. Almost every hand reached toward the ceiling. Then I asked if any had </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">put pen to paper or finger-tips to keyboard. Again, hands flew up like rockets from bottles. So I ended the presentation with throwing out a challenge. I told them that if any were willing to write an original piece of fiction or nonfiction, have it looked at by their English teachers, and then present it to me, I would give them a prize. </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">Mind you, I never told them what the prize would be.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: large;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: medium;">Within two weeks one of the students took me up on my offer and presented me with a story! Here is the prize: to showcase the story on my </span><a data-mce-href="http://stephaniejefferson.com" data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" href="http://stephaniejefferson.com/" style="color: #d21600; font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="StephanieJefferson.com">website</a><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: large;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: medium;"> and here it is! </span><strong data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;"><a data-mce-href="http://stephaniejefferson.com/writers-of-the-future/hunters-orders-by-s-k-james" href="http://stephaniejefferson.com/writers-of-the-future/hunters-orders-by-s-k-james" style="color: #d21600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Hunter's Orders by S. K. James"><em style="font-weight: normal;">Hunter's Orders</em><em style="font-weight: normal;"> </em>by S. K. James</a>. </strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: large;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: medium;">I've created a new webpage on my site for young writers to introduce their work to the reading world and the work of S. K. James is the first!</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18px;">Take a look at an example of the awesome talent that lurks within our reach and awaits us in our very near future. </span></div>
Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-23357692021900572752014-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:002014-04-16T06:00:01.586-07:00New Ideas Have No Manners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently the idea for a new series has invaded my mind. It's there when I wake up in the morning with scenes and dialog trampling through every thought I have. It's there in the evening when I'm trying to settle in for a good night's sleep. The ideas are even there when I'm trying to have a conversation with those around me. While this is wonderfully exciting, it is also most inconvenient.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm in the middle of writing two books: the 4th book of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series and a new contemporary science fiction piece. How can I possibly start something else? There are only so many hours in a day and only so much space in my brain.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, this new idea comes barging right in and taking over. I see the main character in every daydream. I hear snippets of conversation between the characters and I don't even know their names, yet. Today the entire beginning of the story unfolded while I was in the middle of my morning ablutions. The dang thing is relentless!<br />
<br />
Because I have no choice I cry, 'uncle.' I surrender! I must begin to write some of it down before it all disappears into the ethers. So, when I should be working on the other two pieces, here I sit at my computer banging out the first few pages. Sheesh! Such rude behavior.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-80753479630327671082014-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:002014-04-09T06:00:04.829-07:00The Chronicler's Safari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">What happens when a writer feels empty? I’m not talking about
writer’s block, or the times I can’t think of what a character should say or do
next. I mean empty…like when there are no stories left in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This happens on occasions when I've been pushing really hard and
have just completed a project, attended a book event, and participated in a
panel for young writers all within a very short time frame. In short I’m spent
and</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I feel as if I've been wrung dry of every story idea. </span><span style="font-size: small;">If I were to sit in front of the computer nothing
would happen, except maybe a game of solitaire or two.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s during times like these I am presented with a couple of
choices: I can either sit in front of the television and become a vegetable or I
can go on a story safari. It is often tempting to plant myself before the
‘one-eyed monster’ (as my mother called it), but the better, more exciting
choice is to go on the hunt. </span><span style="font-size: small;">So I pack my gear and head out
into the story wilderness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">You might as where that would be and what gear I need. I’ll
start by listing the vital pieces of equipment needed on such a quest. My
rucksack is filled with a digital camera for still photos and video and a
digital recorder (a smartphone can substitute for both of these items). I also
carry a writing tablet, sketch pad, a couple of pencils (soft lead, of course),
a bottle of water, and a protein bar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The territory I cover is vast: the mall, the park, the movie
theater, fast food restaurants, and these are just a few of the places I
explore. When I get there I observe the denizen in their natural habitat. I make
note of how they talk, the way they interact, and what they wear. I pay close
attention to how they address or ignore their elders, especially how they whine
and wheedle to get what they want. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Without fail I come home
with new story ideas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Do I only go on safari when I’m empty? Absolutely not! I go out
often because you never know when a new idea will strike. Have my fans ever
spotted me on one of my treks? As a matter of fact they have. They will often
ask if I saw what just happened and will be in one of my books. My answer is
always: You never know what lurks in the heart and mind of a writer…the pages
will tell the tale.</span>Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-8390315445091102742014-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:002014-04-01T06:00:12.597-07:00Meet MIKEY BROOKS: Author of The Stone of Valhalla<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4RaQMNh8njHrdmzs4bw6uTbHewdRe-qbb7PEV63FAIkjbO8DLEoogG41lqY2ubPASTXVy0hULmsVMft2uOIcKdPBSx06DMC5HmIif6GGW7MIs1WvcDRSZMaRcm6q0li6ppKq/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4RaQMNh8njHrdmzs4bw6uTbHewdRe-qbb7PEV63FAIkjbO8DLEoogG41lqY2ubPASTXVy0hULmsVMft2uOIcKdPBSx06DMC5HmIif6GGW7MIs1WvcDRSZMaRcm6q0li6ppKq/s1600/Banner.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome to <i>The
Stone of Valhalla</i> Blog Tour!</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A middle-grade fantasy-adventure by Mikey Brooks.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Don’t
forget to check out the </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">GIVEAWAY</span><span style="color: red;"> at the bottom this post</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">for a
chance to </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WIN a $25 <span style="font-size: large;">Amazon
Gift card</span> </span><span style="color: red;">and other great prizes!</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Synopsis:</span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of
losing his own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
Breaking
into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward 13-year-old Aaron with new
friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another
world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft
and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad
enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town...literally. The good news:
Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They
want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way
home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it’s his fate to
destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his
own?</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Check out what these talented authors
are saying about it:</span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> is one of those
books that only comes along once in a great while. Brooks doesn't just create a
world, he puts you inside of it, allowing you to experience the wonder in a way
that only he can. His characters are likable and fun. His twists leave you
asking ‘Why?’ Treat yourself to an exciting adventure through a beautiful new
land. Make new friends and be a part of the magic. This is a book that you will
not be able to put down!” </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—J.R. Simmons,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ragesong: Awakening</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i> drew me in from the get-go. Aaron’s journey is
reminiscent of Dorothy’s trek in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Wizard of Oz</i>. Magic, sword fights, danger, and more danger, sprinkled with
humor and unexpected twists. This is one of the ‘best’ fantasy adventures I’ve
ever experienced!” </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—BBH
McChiller, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Monster Moon
Series</i>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> is a riveting
mystery revealing true friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. Brooks engages the
curiosity of middle graders and older sleuths alike, until the very end.
Fantastic!”</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—L.R.W. Lee,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Andy Smithson series</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Excerpt From: <i>Chapter Two: The Penalty of Witchcraft</i></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cinzel Decorative"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">aron thought he’d been transported
to some kind of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">renaissance</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fair. People milled about in the street, all dressed like
they belonged on the set of some medieval movie. Most of their faces were stained
with dirt, and they wore soiled clothing. Large, wooden buildings, held
together by plaster, loomed overhead and all around him. Some had signs
announcing specific trades and goods. The sweet smell of bread came from one
shop, clearly a bakery. A rotund man stood out front, arguing with an old man
who had a silvery- white beard and a long, purple cloak. He was telling the
baker that the rolls he had purchased tasted ‘day-old’ and he required a
reimbursement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several passersby gave Aaron odd glances. One little girl
with a group of women dressed like nuns pointed at him and giggled. He thought
he heard her call him a buffoon, but she was quickly shushed by one of the
women and pulled into a shop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is so unreal</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aaron couldn’t figure out what had happened. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How did I get
here? Who are these people?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aaron waited for someone to jump out and yell, “Surprise,
you’re on camera!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It never happened. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The seconds drew on like hours, and Aaron stood unmoving
like a statue in the middle of the dirt road. The sweet smell from the bakery
was drowned by the stench of a sweaty mule pulling a cart packed full with what
had to be manure. The wind blew and the wafting smell of poo filled Aaron’s nose.
He coughed and tried to cover the reek with his shirt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Witchcraft! Witchcraft, I say!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aaron turned around to see a middle-aged woman with only
three teeth shouting hysterically. She pointed directly at him. He looked over
his shoulder to ensure no green-skinned, broom-commandeering, warty-faced lady
in black stood beside him. There wasn’t anyone there. The noise on the street
stopped dead except for the woman. She grabbed a small wooden crate from a cart
filled with fresh flowers and stood on it. “Fetch the constable! Don’t let him
get away, or he’ll set a curse on our town.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Five large men formed a group behind the woman and advanced
toward Aaron. He didn’t know what to do. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Where to Find <i>The Stone of Valhalla</i>:</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssikNndVVcE9CK1Y8dqL4mz87lQr_ziiyjJ6djgO2Y_5Cbk_7BobAS72SFvSw_eTL2tu-ykt5Yynr0bhGJaUmdjydfpW1LQCZR6MfK_JfiR2u43zgHK58tepzjGyZO0w8tcCc/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssikNndVVcE9CK1Y8dqL4mz87lQr_ziiyjJ6djgO2Y_5Cbk_7BobAS72SFvSw_eTL2tu-ykt5Yynr0bhGJaUmdjydfpW1LQCZR6MfK_JfiR2u43zgHK58tepzjGyZO0w8tcCc/s1600/Cover.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exclusive price</i> for the eBook
release is just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">$2.99! </span></b>(List Price: $4.99)</div>
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And only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">$9.99 for the paperback!</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>(List Price: $12.99)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On April 12<sup>th</sup>
2014 the price will return to the List Price</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Stone-Valhalla-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00J42QMSE"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kindle</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> | </span></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Stone-Valhalla-Mikey-Brooks/dp/1939993288"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paperback</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Another special offer:</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrzAF7OqlYAlxSQTNLzLtAvdjv0vZjyBeSeN-oPJK4R8qfbVW5B2iMhN8J4Wb8Clb-O0XB83_H3EocZbLICiv9ZjGqtHtVYkoGOYh_waKuxeQaxUDaHtM6VxA_ouuqTsRTinJ/s1600/Dream+Keepr+Promo+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrzAF7OqlYAlxSQTNLzLtAvdjv0vZjyBeSeN-oPJK4R8qfbVW5B2iMhN8J4Wb8Clb-O0XB83_H3EocZbLICiv9ZjGqtHtVYkoGOYh_waKuxeQaxUDaHtM6VxA_ouuqTsRTinJ/s1600/Dream+Keepr+Promo+banner.jpg" height="128" width="400" /></a></div>
During <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> Blog
Tour</div>
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Mikey’s other great middle-grade eBooks will also be set to the low
price of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">just $0.99!</b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dream Keeper</i>:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kindle</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dream-keeper-mikey-brooks/1115262781?ean=2940016761121"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nook</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> | </span></b><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Dream-Keeper/book-HNZTMBHSwEmQvFtnDTAvbQ/page1.html?s=PgMlaS-n_kWtXFq9rPCQMg&r=2"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kobo</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Dreamstone</span></i></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreamstone-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00GP33YZO" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kindle</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dreamstone-mikey-brooks/1117435078" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nook</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> | </span></b><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-dreamstone" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kobo</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #365f91;">You’re Invited to PARTY!!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lfJphq3Wc1ltSl8TATgzemQir3g_RAEqBgBEGJvpbe-7CWtP3vBgg_qK2_1fULk8AyIvdRNqF-2U7xOVQGE-m6pcSsqej1gv4SRgHGOyorZMpd3AfOqZ1F8kE1v1iBfcrDCJ/s1600/Onlione+Party+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lfJphq3Wc1ltSl8TATgzemQir3g_RAEqBgBEGJvpbe-7CWtP3vBgg_qK2_1fULk8AyIvdRNqF-2U7xOVQGE-m6pcSsqej1gv4SRgHGOyorZMpd3AfOqZ1F8kE1v1iBfcrDCJ/s1600/Onlione+Party+Banner.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
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The
online launch party will take place on Thursday, April 10<sup>th</sup> at 4pm
(MST). The party will run for 2 hours and you’re invited to drop by anytime.
The longer you stay the more chances you have of winning prizes! We have slew
of eBooks to giveaway, as well as a Stone of Valhalla necklace AND a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$25 Amazon gift card!</b> It is hosted by
LovingtheBookLaunchParty on Facebook. Just follow this link to join the event: <a href="http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r">http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #365f91;">What’s that? Another Party!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3SnR33xCuB2OqYi4LJGqd4ZsZjMmU7C6j1W2wdld5IS7kA5f1KmNrxh20IXWNL5I5oZmvxIQ4N560-SDzc-Khz-55q0c82Po4b56Yk9e1htEQmYQ59aPcbLBRdcS7_lBzum0/s1600/Launch+Party+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3SnR33xCuB2OqYi4LJGqd4ZsZjMmU7C6j1W2wdld5IS7kA5f1KmNrxh20IXWNL5I5oZmvxIQ4N560-SDzc-Khz-55q0c82Po4b56Yk9e1htEQmYQ59aPcbLBRdcS7_lBzum0/s1600/Launch+Party+banner.jpg" height="128" width="400" /></a></div>
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That’s
right! If you’re local to Utah you don’t want to miss this kickin’ party. We
are having a launch party to celebrate the release of this awesome new book. Of
course there will be plenty of giveaways there too, but what’s even better are
the guest authors! Just check out these fabulous names: J. Scott Savage, Chad
Morris, Lisa Mangum, Jenni James, Ali Cross, and many more. The Launch Party
is: <span style="font-size: large;">Friday, April 11<sup>th</sup> <span style="font-size: small;">from </span>6-9pm <span style="font-size: small;">at </span>The Viridian Center <span style="font-size: small;">in West
Jordan</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">,</span> Utah. Follow this link for a map: <a href="http://goo.gl/dqVc0u">http://goo.gl/dqVc0u</a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">About Mikey Brooks:</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1NbXx9zKdzuuw4uXUPCachluBxK822AiJ8D9mYzT32FmTHr7hUHqD46dxqDoVz1q4B2YpxqIzg_TDNRpR3Hg66G-Z1peV5_KTiLUayyT4H4QMFxgMTj6DgNR5RXUEOqjlhpM/s1600/Mikey+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1NbXx9zKdzuuw4uXUPCachluBxK822AiJ8D9mYzT32FmTHr7hUHqD46dxqDoVz1q4B2YpxqIzg_TDNRpR3Hg66G-Z1peV5_KTiLUayyT4H4QMFxgMTj6DgNR5RXUEOqjlhpM/s1600/Mikey+Pic+1.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></div>
Mikey
is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing
the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown
up. He is the author/illustrator of several books including the best-selling <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ABC-Adventures-Creatures-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00AU7ZVOI"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures</i></a>
and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beans-Dragons-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00AUMKJGI"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bean’s Dragons</i></a> as well as the
middle-grade fantasy-adventure series <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dream Keeper Chronicles</i></a>. His art
can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to
daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the
imagination of children can create. Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah
State University and works fulltime as a freelance illustrator, cover designer,
and author. As a member of the <a href="http://emblazoners.com/">Emblazoners</a>,
he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of
children’. He is also one of the hosts of the <a href="http://www.foreverwriters.com/category/podcast/">Authors’ Think Tank
Podcast</a>. You can find more about him and his books at: <a href="http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/">http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/</a>.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">The Giveaways!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sMTcjdeIW_zxqRlbkdjneLwrYQvH9GC4Htue2fEBpBYIWYI1AlgnzxcKjTxkiPV3JJTTthdzVuPgzBe89XMndPrq1f-3TuwENhWniLWFxZbmRnaeoCtegimrrRfaifkHud9v/s1600/giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sMTcjdeIW_zxqRlbkdjneLwrYQvH9GC4Htue2fEBpBYIWYI1AlgnzxcKjTxkiPV3JJTTthdzVuPgzBe89XMndPrq1f-3TuwENhWniLWFxZbmRnaeoCtegimrrRfaifkHud9v/s1600/giveaways.jpg" height="128" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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Enter the giveaway below to be entered to win one of the following
prizes:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$25 Amazon Gift Card</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i>
Necklace</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Autographed Paperback of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Autographed 11x17 Poster</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21172e3/" id="rc-21172e3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-21506997565417543042014-03-13T12:21:00.000-07:002014-03-13T12:23:42.691-07:00Finding time to Do It All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKB8CQwNrhhmZhGA6jYYFwbO07pa0sGgeoddHnmuBA8YDOCd_YyBubKjOshJaqS7IQObnCJMAeUzy9IXZEz1BI2Jouq1mtUnyxYSs4_znq-YCZjUi8ymDQmLHEqxQ82RiKdl55Q/s1600/melting+clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKB8CQwNrhhmZhGA6jYYFwbO07pa0sGgeoddHnmuBA8YDOCd_YyBubKjOshJaqS7IQObnCJMAeUzy9IXZEz1BI2Jouq1mtUnyxYSs4_znq-YCZjUi8ymDQmLHEqxQ82RiKdl55Q/s1600/melting+clock.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm finding that I have less and less time to do all of the things I need to do as a writer. The list is insurmountable. I do the obvious: write, edit, revise, publish, and market. Then I do the not so obvious: participate in a marketing group, participate in a critique group, learn new technology, maintain blogs, website, and social media. And after that there's more: research for books, research for markets, make appearances, read, and on and on. And that's just the writer portion of my life.<br />
<br />
I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, small group leader, neighbor and each of these things requires a significant part of my day. I even have hobbies that I try to keep up with. I try to cut back on some of it, but every time I attempt to cut something out I come up with multiple reasons of why I need to keep it. I'm drowning, but on good days I love it!<br />
<br />
The list of things I need to get done this week is overwhelming and I have no idea how I'll do it, but I know that I will. I research time-management tools but those are so time-intensive to maintain I'm much better off without them. So I've come to a decision. I will get done what I can and when I'm running behind on something that should have been done sooner I will be gracious to me and be glad I got it done.<br />
<br />
So the byword for today is GRACE!Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-54519460585376058882014-03-03T13:07:00.000-07:002014-03-03T13:07:53.130-07:00Between the Lines: a different kind of newsletter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndINeYLIOMsJalvE7vJGxOHnp_HQiwRlf34NUucUJ6Hbzb40u0Pjs83x1Pl5UHc_zw8TRdeiwSNQ83i_vOUeex4DhseJ8TOabIHnnn8-EOU9tOO0e6a5T4Ga3iYCjRo5fVGPL2Q/s1600/BTL+Banner+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndINeYLIOMsJalvE7vJGxOHnp_HQiwRlf34NUucUJ6Hbzb40u0Pjs83x1Pl5UHc_zw8TRdeiwSNQ83i_vOUeex4DhseJ8TOabIHnnn8-EOU9tOO0e6a5T4Ga3iYCjRo5fVGPL2Q/s1600/BTL+Banner+2.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I wanted to share the first installment of<i> Between the Lines. </i>I am having so much fun creating this. I hope you enjoy reading it. To follow along on a regular basis, you can subscribe to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHjR4uRm4LmR_FvnF9TNq3w" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> or you can subscribe to <a href="http://eepurl.com/OqAHL" target="_blank">my newsletter, Between the Lines</a>. Either way you'll be kept up to date on all of the stuff I'm involved in.<br />
<br />
Enough chatter. I'll get on with it. Here's the first installment of <i>Between the Lines</i>!<br />
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<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/EN_11djxKu8?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
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Isn't Soji awesome? Send her a Tweet @SojiBTL, drop her a message on WeChat: SojiBetweentheLines, or leave her a comment here or on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHjR4uRm4LmR_FvnF9TNq3w" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a>Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-78572977318010091752014-02-14T10:32:00.000-07:002014-02-14T10:32:47.059-07:00Introducing...Between the Lines! A different kind of newsletter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUL5M2sVeTjva3gQ8djV1n9hrITcrpHiSa2wrKxWBn5FDVkQrvnSnKZXG46Xwgl9gLJ7coBhUCjuOwzTC0PAapk-ETivR__dBvRyzJJPtC8FwX9bUC5-7SN8MSDUIvSJUmyUGRQ/s1600/BTL+Banner+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUL5M2sVeTjva3gQ8djV1n9hrITcrpHiSa2wrKxWBn5FDVkQrvnSnKZXG46Xwgl9gLJ7coBhUCjuOwzTC0PAapk-ETivR__dBvRyzJJPtC8FwX9bUC5-7SN8MSDUIvSJUmyUGRQ/s1600/BTL+Banner+2.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what we've all been waiting for...my newsletter. It's a different kind of newsletter. One that's fun and very friendly to my readers.<br />
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Every month a new installment will be available for viewing on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5-_eV_XiKAzPQQiUa_hxHtvlO_lxLDjZ" target="_blank">YouTube</a> or in your email inbox. And here's the cool part. You can interact with Soji. Ask her anything you want to know about my books, the characters in them, my writing process, or me. All you have to do is leave your questions in the comments, send her a tweet @SojiBTL or text her on WeChat:SojiBetweentheLines. Or, you could drop Soji a line on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Jefferson-Author/111146985571699" target="_blank">author page</a> on Facebook.<br />
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So here's your chance to find out how it all gets started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmdXsh1eERK3ib9EEkdNQDtSpTjiK_ANoTSj0qoEKolnSfwzIgl_QXKgsMkzFZS6Ocowj4raC7m2-rXcP2TrwTh3qazZIZ8241AZxqU7AtMPNi7T52Ga2ywNA2IaEOhu1yA7CpQ/s1600/Pixton_Comic_Meet_Soji_by_Nana54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmdXsh1eERK3ib9EEkdNQDtSpTjiK_ANoTSj0qoEKolnSfwzIgl_QXKgsMkzFZS6Ocowj4raC7m2-rXcP2TrwTh3qazZIZ8241AZxqU7AtMPNi7T52Ga2ywNA2IaEOhu1yA7CpQ/s1600/Pixton_Comic_Meet_Soji_by_Nana54.png" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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To receive this great new newsletter, just sign up <a href="http://eepurl.com/OqAHL" target="_blank">here</a>, on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Jefferson-Author/111146985571699" target="_blank">author page</a>, or subscribe to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5-_eV_XiKAzPQQiUa_hxHtvlO_lxLDjZ" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a>. Let's have great fun together.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="384" src="http://www.pixton.com/embed/64pgwlbl" width="100%"></iframe>Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-87767544045472092132014-02-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-02-11T06:00:00.084-07:00Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom is LIVEYes! The newest installment of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series, <i>Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom,</i> is LIVE! You can <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4576818" target="_blank">purchase</a> your very own copy of book #3 <i>NOW!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhD-XBH6VVE99jIdRmUAT5D34HWXIW6r4AHTgbU76sComXWwLR01NMBp98sJNq8vnr8ClP6I13OpE3kM_-0T_916_OaFojNT-n7XHx5CXI8VVQgLdXbhL0DRiIku_789az6kEkA/s1600/WarriorEgyptianKingdomFINAL+200X300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhD-XBH6VVE99jIdRmUAT5D34HWXIW6r4AHTgbU76sComXWwLR01NMBp98sJNq8vnr8ClP6I13OpE3kM_-0T_916_OaFojNT-n7XHx5CXI8VVQgLdXbhL0DRiIku_789az6kEkA/s1600/WarriorEgyptianKingdomFINAL+200X300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">Warrior
of the Egyptian Kingdom</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
Princess Kandake, youngest child of King Amani and heir
to the throne of Nubia, has determined to continue her warrior training, but
that is not the only thing that complicates her 14 year old life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
When the king receives a dispatch from Pharaoh
Nakhtnebef of Egypt, Kandake is sent to find out why the pharaoh would need
Nubia’s warriors to remain in Egypt any longer and why he has included a secret
symbol within his message—help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
In Egypt, Kandake discovers treachery and a poisoned pharaoh, the
identity of the bandits that attacked Nubia’s caravans, a Nubian orphan, and
that Kandake may be Sakhmet—the Egyptian goddess of war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.createspace.com/4576818" target="_blank">Get your print edition today!</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-32202272801118042452014-01-28T14:27:00.000-07:002014-01-28T14:27:17.765-07:00An Awesome Read!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">People are always complaining that there are no good books for boys. Well folks stop the complaints. Here's a great series. It's clean, action packed, and definitely boy-friendly! Grab two copies...one for yourself and one to giveaway!</span></h3>
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Taylor Davis would get stuck with an archenemy that won't stay dead.</h3>
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<a href="http://michelleisenhoff.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/taylordavisbook2_cover_600x900.jpg" style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.714285714;"><img alt="TaylorDavisBook2_cover_600x900" class="alignleft wp-image-8472" src="http://michelleisenhoff.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/taylordavisbook2_cover_600x900.jpg?w=200" height="210" width="140" /></a></h3>
Taylor Davis is back, and he just can’t catch a break. Most of his friends only concern themselves with girls and grades, but he has to worry about retaliation from hellish warlords.
When three of his classmates succumb to a strange malady, Taylor becomes the target of irrational violence. Is it a coincidence, as Elena so firmly believes? Or could there be a more dangerous explanation?
The epidemic soon spreads to national leaders. Taylor and his team are called on to uncover the root of the problem before violence breaks out on a worldwide stage. Their quest leads them to the heart of Africa, to the underworld, and to a second encounter with an enemy who just won’t stay dead.
<em><strong>Book two of the Taylor Davis series is now available for <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HMHJJ9W/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Kindle</span></a></span>, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taylor-davis-and-the-clash-of-kingdoms-michelle-isenhoff/1117914880?ean=9781494803780" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Nook</span></a></span>, and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/149480378X/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">paperback</span></a></span> formats. </strong>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong style="font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"><span style="color: red;">And book one is now FREE! </span></strong></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://michelleisenhoff.com/2013/05/03/taylor-davis-flame-of-findul/" style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.714285714;"><img alt="TaylorDavis_FlameOfFindul_cover nook" class="alignleft wp-image-7875" src="http://michelleisenhoff.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/taylordavis_flameoffindul_cover-nook.jpg?w=200" height="210" width="140" /></a></h2>
<em>Sometimes life gooses you when you’re not looking. You might be happily coasting through days in a little New Jersey suburb, dreaming about Jennifer Williams and making plans to see the new movie showing uptown when—bam!—everything changes in an instant. Your family moves overseas and suddenly you’re hacking at water demons with a four-foot blade.</em>
Taylor Davis didn't want to move to the Caribbean, and he certainly doesn't want save the world. But when he's sucked into a supernatural world of angels and their adversaries, that's exactly what he must do.
The Flame of Findul--the sword that guards the Tree of Life--has been allowed to burn out. Taylor and his new teammates must relight it in the forge of Findul the firesmith before the tree falls into the wrong hands. But Findul hasn't been seen for several centuries. And a formidable enemy, one who has eaten of the tree, stands in their way.
<em><strong>Free on <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMA97XC/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a></span> and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312355" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smashwords</span></a></span>!</strong></em>
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Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-67062719644998137232014-01-21T06:00:00.000-07:002014-01-21T06:00:07.720-07:00It's Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's right, it's here! I just received the new cover of book #3 of the PRINCESS KANDAKE series, <i>Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom</i>. Oh. My. Gosh. Don't you love it? It's absolutely beautiful! I know, I say that with every cover, but it is the truth! <a href="http://www.digitaldonna.com/" target="_blank">Donna Casey</a> hits another home run. She does it every time. this cover is another great work of art. Don't you agree?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n7GD6WhnwtZYQqYdh1kbqCBw-07aPoD53Y4x_tu6Gj78zQQ4PSfz5R7IGvwm42GALyfcBySvM2OY1QC69jzvH4t2a_HbLom6MwqIRChb8SuKondu5Y7NJvb3G_-K1Bep-XK-0w/s1600/WarriorEgyptianKingdomFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n7GD6WhnwtZYQqYdh1kbqCBw-07aPoD53Y4x_tu6Gj78zQQ4PSfz5R7IGvwm42GALyfcBySvM2OY1QC69jzvH4t2a_HbLom6MwqIRChb8SuKondu5Y7NJvb3G_-K1Bep-XK-0w/s1600/WarriorEgyptianKingdomFINAL.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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This cover whets the appetite for what's inside.<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Princess Kandake, youngest child of King Amani and heir
to the throne of Nubia, has determined to continue her warrior training, but
that is not the only thing that complicates her 14 year old life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the king receives a dispatch from Pharaoh
Nakhtnebef of Egypt, Kandake is sent to find out why the pharaoh would need
Nubia’s warriors to remain in Egypt any longer and why he has included a secret
symbol within his message—help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In Egypt, Kandake discovers treachery and a poisoned pharaoh, the
identity of the bandits that attacked Nubia’s caravans, a Nubian orphan, and
that Kandake may be Sakhmet—the Egyptian goddess of war.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So now your next question, when will it be available? Your wait is almost over. <i>Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom</i> will be available new month. Yes...February, 2014. You will be able to purchase it in print or as an ebook.<br />
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Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-87442944328059536562014-01-14T06:00:00.000-07:002014-01-14T06:00:00.873-07:00Silent but Working<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnE2Y9fEI13aWhyZ83zxyfu3Npsmkik4Go8MtgRLmQtk74_vSbwASuil_DfXWnuVG6IlttmhFgJAWeWZuG3KWsgcQKV4zfVfIfXG8grPTauzkowTSKCOKoxbBMhuXBsrbDEBjSw/s1600/seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnE2Y9fEI13aWhyZ83zxyfu3Npsmkik4Go8MtgRLmQtk74_vSbwASuil_DfXWnuVG6IlttmhFgJAWeWZuG3KWsgcQKV4zfVfIfXG8grPTauzkowTSKCOKoxbBMhuXBsrbDEBjSw/s1600/seedlings.jpg" /></a></div>
I know I've been pretty silent over the holidays, but I've been working really hard. I've recently decided to publish a newsletter. I know, there are so many out there, but I want mine to be different. Really different. So I'm focusing on its construction and plan for the future.<br />
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These are a few of the things that it must include:<br />
1. It must be flexible so that it addresses my total readership - Tweens and adults.<br />
2. It must be entertaining and informative.<br />
3. It has to keep everyone up to date on what I'm doing (as much or as little as folks would want to know)<br />
4. It will announce the dawning of new books and new book series by me.<br />
5. It will give the inside scoop on the characters of my books.<br />
6. Most importantly, it will provide a way for my readers to interact with me.<br />
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What a big bill to fill, but if I do it right it's totally doable. I'm completely stoked and ready to dive in. I'll keep you posted. As soon as it's ready to launch, you'll be among the first to know!Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-42595943415676461772013-12-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-25T06:00:05.866-07:00From Me to You...MERRY CHRISTMAS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSL3yL6uhyf_1FCJo7Ir3h_wu2iqtXK74NPbc9tFp5WZrHJ9QtctLoumx6exb8FwXuFwOAVBXKGhyfS2RGxXtTqon8n2VR0eNm9jMG9IQlgwjOGiMOhSeEWjgZJTO05BtMiymsg/s1600/Merry+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSL3yL6uhyf_1FCJo7Ir3h_wu2iqtXK74NPbc9tFp5WZrHJ9QtctLoumx6exb8FwXuFwOAVBXKGhyfS2RGxXtTqon8n2VR0eNm9jMG9IQlgwjOGiMOhSeEWjgZJTO05BtMiymsg/s1600/Merry+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love flash mobs! I'm always wondering how I can create one or participate in one. I discovered them about four years ago and have been in love with them ever since. this is one of my favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha449ANTwAzhvRfKvUULWvD8bMJfZH5OfANj48VTIrUuyq4Yb5ljnuHYDcvfz86j3ekOJzo60CJhD7T7gzCpUn0fhw79iX618d77teyBcT2yTT1ijh1togSo2o3zgbZc4_s-kqQQ/s1600/merry+christmas+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SXh7JR9oKVE" width="560"></iframe>
Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-48509029175167948072013-12-20T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-20T06:00:09.798-07:00Fridays R 4 FunOh. My. Gosh. I just had to share this with you. Listening to the music and watching Takeshi Sato work is magical! You can find more of his work at this website. http://livepaint.jp You will not be disappointed!<br />
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But for now, watch this one:<br />
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<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/APc3C8pv2WE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/APc3C8pv2WE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
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What do you think? Amazing!Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-85699452174044393692013-12-17T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-17T06:00:07.132-07:00Decision Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H4Z6flzKhhiG_ssbFKYHo87-DOB7x3Nc6pDIwIsuv9oXQkR7CcBsBN_rpAsvloQ0fvYNc1LDkpliZmDUGpWeYvoV5kSZyG40jk6RDY8CdaCV1VCvLDHcJzRKfOc6s59wyVV-Ng/s1600/Decision+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H4Z6flzKhhiG_ssbFKYHo87-DOB7x3Nc6pDIwIsuv9oXQkR7CcBsBN_rpAsvloQ0fvYNc1LDkpliZmDUGpWeYvoV5kSZyG40jk6RDY8CdaCV1VCvLDHcJzRKfOc6s59wyVV-Ng/s1600/Decision+Tree.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></div>
Things are moving along, the text of <i>Warrior of the Egyptian Kingdom</i> has been uploaded, looking at a new short story to upload onto my website, and working through the benefits of starting a newsletter.<br />
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This whole newsletter thing has got my mind lost in a flurry of activity. I realize the benefits of creating and maintaining a newsletter, but I'm not sure what to put into it. I get one idea then my brain leaps to a series of others. I've been doing a bit of research, reading different ones and sorting out what I love about what these authors are doing. Each one is personal and at the same time keeps the readers abreast of what is happening in the authors' writing world.<br />
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I really want start one and I want it to be good. But I have so many different ideas about what I want this thing to do that I can't seem to focus on any one aspect. My brain keeps jumping from one thing to another. What I want most is to create a conversation with my readers. That is so much easier said than done.<br />
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I think I need to go back to making decisions the old fashioned way, writing a list of pros and cons and putting them into a decision tree. At least if I do that, it would give my brain something to focus on and allow it to calm down.<br />
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So here we go:<br />
1. Get a sheet of paper and a pen.<br />
2. What is the point of the newsletter<br />
3. Who is it written to<br />
4. How often is it published<br />
5. <br />
6. <br />
7.<br />
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Okay that's as far as I can get before my brain starts squirting thoughts in 20 different directions.<br />
<br />Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-34240532048030939212013-12-13T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-13T06:00:06.309-07:00Fridays R 4 FunI'm heading to visit my grandkids and was looking for a craft I could do with them. I thought it would be cool to make something that we could use to decorate with. So I looked online for wreath ideas. Some of these are really cool. Not just for the holidays, but for all occasions.<div>
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This one is kind of cute, but I think I'd like it better with the bells in different color. The cool thing is,it could be used if your doorbell stops working.<br />
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I thought this one is really cute. I like that you don't have to destroy one of the kid's toys to get the parts to use. Aren't the glove antlers cute...in a scary sort of way.</div>
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I really like this one. You use all different sizes and colors of ornaments. I'd probably shove in a candy cane or two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OrC_XQQa7Zskq6yQKQuV_iTdjhQH2ONIxOZMHvZlDmirxCOiM0fO4NOMoqYepeWou6hImgFUB04WZziv7d2fvwZxXlWU2i5yvsNC-Z704iWKLjYbKZiwnQ4ddhR6RU3mO6Cvwg/s1600/gumdrop+wreath.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now this is a lot of spiced gum drops. I don't know if I could buy them just for the use in a craft. This is way too much temptation for me</span></td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4dQUayK5ODetDNPUSGC6U25mshikAchwY9iZpmV_lvdLK7B2SNX1ft0DFEnEEeUakmCwqfXz94BSrsJf5uf9fyl-I8tAV_CHqhX_KxV3M06BcrbkFvwXYlHk-Q7GLaJ1bpy8RQ/s1600/button+wreath.jpg" height="200" width="180" /> I think this one is my favorite. I really love those buttons.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this would be cool to have any time of year. what a great way to display your address.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_myMOP7grBn2Et-i9BHUTkCM4po3NVpVT8qoPcKt-78qdRwBvB4Zv8wQZZxOeZSWAdxPp44iU6jzYF_iyufhd9ezz4mahGWUL3AKMIFqHuBP9e6seQfrGsHUg2dUlC6Kj1BS2zw/s1600/knitter's+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_myMOP7grBn2Et-i9BHUTkCM4po3NVpVT8qoPcKt-78qdRwBvB4Zv8wQZZxOeZSWAdxPp44iU6jzYF_iyufhd9ezz4mahGWUL3AKMIFqHuBP9e6seQfrGsHUg2dUlC6Kj1BS2zw/s1600/knitter's+wreath.jpg" /></a></div>
And this one is just plain fun, making a wreath out of whatever your hobby or interest is. I wonder if I could find a small typewriter and mount it on a wreath...or maybe I could find some small books to make one with. Hmm...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-wHIMAsOqp4O38j5fuPMY-ZYokqSkXNW6RzVAPTGRdm7SA56TRp8Fgabh-z-jF1m5lKy4b6yi1qQH8iFMvsPHMPZnwIMgeKzDRRLMYWjiuVd0VI3VP6wbDzpC54QAp4s9U4kzA/s1600/butterfly+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-wHIMAsOqp4O38j5fuPMY-ZYokqSkXNW6RzVAPTGRdm7SA56TRp8Fgabh-z-jF1m5lKy4b6yi1qQH8iFMvsPHMPZnwIMgeKzDRRLMYWjiuVd0VI3VP6wbDzpC54QAp4s9U4kzA/s1600/butterfly+wreath.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added this one for my friend, Maria Toth. Hey Maria, maybe you could add a picture of you novel, Butterfly Hollow, to it!</td></tr>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-R07UdhJ5mJQ%2FUqn6DBQNWNI%2FAAAAAAAABZc%2FD7wF1j7uz0A%2Fs1600%2Fbutterfly%2Bwreath.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-wHIMAsOqp4O38j5fuPMY-ZYokqSkXNW6RzVAPTGRdm7SA56TRp8Fgabh-z-jF1m5lKy4b6yi1qQH8iFMvsPHMPZnwIMgeKzDRRLMYWjiuVd0VI3VP6wbDzpC54QAp4s9U4kzA/s1600/butterfly+wreath.jpg" -->Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-4407571780952062192013-12-10T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-10T06:00:06.985-07:00Sorting Through Ideas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gFG11FZChRG_apw0cLHVarBtzgXGNwXolQ_tqqcX_zV5DNqtImBl19SDi1AxfbUDJEff2wD9EAU7Krccld8oGWbyI2otH2p2-d95viXhwY7297T83LMxogFiAvw0KTlFT2wPCQ/s1600/question+mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gFG11FZChRG_apw0cLHVarBtzgXGNwXolQ_tqqcX_zV5DNqtImBl19SDi1AxfbUDJEff2wD9EAU7Krccld8oGWbyI2otH2p2-d95viXhwY7297T83LMxogFiAvw0KTlFT2wPCQ/s1600/question+mark.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></a>Most of the time I'm trying to figure out which story line to work on next. Lately, though, my mind has been circling around some unique things to do with my books. I have this crazy idea that blends audio books with ebooks. I really think it could work.<br />
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These are the days I wish I had majored in information technology in college instead of psychology. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed my career working with and treating children and teens. They are the ones who helped me understand the importance of story and how it plays an integral part of our everyday lives. So I guess I should give them credit for my becoming a writer.<br />
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But today, understanding and knowing how to write computer code to create the different applications that I have floating around in my head would really be helpful. And if I can't write the code, it would be helpful if I had tons of money to hire someone else to do it for me.<br />
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So here I am without skill or funds. I know I can't be the only one in this position. I'm sure there are others with the same lack who figure out how to get it done. So I will keep sorting through how to accomplish what I want until I get to my goal.<br />
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By the way...are there any application builders willing to work for royalties? Just thought I'd ask.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-36131064134468151312013-12-06T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-06T06:00:01.226-07:00Fridays R 4 Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_m_AOnFR45FTRdJYGarGCN5wADynCP5zaf1lvLdSXog93GTz5ODavkGmV846Ubzs1v6GLIyYWsxuAyquA-NqNuahWwf6yk-LV0jNCx5zgwA2q21x7kd0MMFDyuKx1zYqjyI8g/s1600/Warning_Will_Robinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_m_AOnFR45FTRdJYGarGCN5wADynCP5zaf1lvLdSXog93GTz5ODavkGmV846Ubzs1v6GLIyYWsxuAyquA-NqNuahWwf6yk-LV0jNCx5zgwA2q21x7kd0MMFDyuKx1zYqjyI8g/s1600/Warning_Will_Robinson.jpg" height="200" width="124" /></a></div>
Hello my names is Stephanie and I'm a gadget-aholic. Seriously folks, I'm addicted to gadgets. I can't help myself. As soon as I buy one thing I see something else I'm just dying to have.<br />
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For instance, I told my husband that my laptop was too heavy to carry around and bought a new one that had a bigger screen. In my defense, it was a lot lighter than the other one. Then I told him that my iPad was dying and I just had to have a new tablet. So...he bought me Samsung's new Tab 3. Now I've decided my new laptop is too big to carry around and I have to have something smaller. Really!?!?<br />
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Well, here's the truth. It's Christmastime and all of the new gadgets are being splashed all over the TV screen and the internet and I'm suffering a serious case of gadget envy. Here are just a few of the things I've been drooling over. Just knowing these hybrids are out there and available is killing me.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oOag4qXTss/Up-sIA7zXyI/AAAAAAAABYg/0-J6ge_faK4/s1600/sony-vaio-flip-13_673433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oOag4qXTss/Up-sIA7zXyI/AAAAAAAABYg/0-J6ge_faK4/s1600/sony-vaio-flip-13_673433.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF88eVMY8eDb5ipjbvd5s0dhGkA_bUm-NJemYrflzMa-6Kx24vQO7Y70hd5zyh6b1gt8BXgDZGO5uhanXe5JG3WMu-rBAPUSRspy91yq1nMut1u1QSs8FCcuSMR0QQUmarcHS7w/s1600/Acer-Iconia-W4-with-Crunch-Keyboard-front-view_673433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF88eVMY8eDb5ipjbvd5s0dhGkA_bUm-NJemYrflzMa-6Kx24vQO7Y70hd5zyh6b1gt8BXgDZGO5uhanXe5JG3WMu-rBAPUSRspy91yq1nMut1u1QSs8FCcuSMR0QQUmarcHS7w/s1600/Acer-Iconia-W4-with-Crunch-Keyboard-front-view_673433.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfBT25zXNk8pJBEeYaQgAGQLbgL6jfbG_a2K97NTcB7oy46tVz0DLnxqZNH9iKr5-ZdqbcinzIx1C8zTItRN68D98yhJTq3RPoi3Bi4whXeaeuvBJ06LL-DcC5xAZjVPHJw1wpw/s1600/asus-transformer-book-t100_673433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfBT25zXNk8pJBEeYaQgAGQLbgL6jfbG_a2K97NTcB7oy46tVz0DLnxqZNH9iKr5-ZdqbcinzIx1C8zTItRN68D98yhJTq3RPoi3Bi4whXeaeuvBJ06LL-DcC5xAZjVPHJw1wpw/s1600/asus-transformer-book-t100_673433.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a>Who can choose? Not to mention justifying the purchase to my husband.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_IvrRepIzMVO2RhpdEVUj5OyMwPnzoB1a3Ssjatc4p3ruRHXvl03QWg6cyo2q9HjjbJYw-0GVyikUF94ddtDmOctrgnBlPvFcngKXd6pR7GXiQ1UyUEyTjnJFl8KEPhhVC3eRg/s1600/RoboMe+iphone+app+enabled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_IvrRepIzMVO2RhpdEVUj5OyMwPnzoB1a3Ssjatc4p3ruRHXvl03QWg6cyo2q9HjjbJYw-0GVyikUF94ddtDmOctrgnBlPvFcngKXd6pR7GXiQ1UyUEyTjnJFl8KEPhhVC3eRg/s1600/RoboMe+iphone+app+enabled.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a> Then there's this little robot guy you control with an iPhone app. I don't even have an iPhone!</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rl0y4cVzlC0%2FUp-sCFAsIEI%2FAAAAAAAABYY%2FnW-G10Y9OF8%2Fs1600%2Fasus-transformer-book-t100_673433.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfBT25zXNk8pJBEeYaQgAGQLbgL6jfbG_a2K97NTcB7oy46tVz0DLnxqZNH9iKr5-ZdqbcinzIx1C8zTItRN68D98yhJTq3RPoi3Bi4whXeaeuvBJ06LL-DcC5xAZjVPHJw1wpw/s1600/asus-transformer-book-t100_673433.jpg" -->Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-32056812514887963322013-12-03T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-03T06:00:04.958-07:00What Makes Me Happy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes people ask me what I would do with the money if I won a lottery. The usual things come to mind: pay off all my bills, buy my dream car, take a trip. But honestly, none of these are the things that make me happy. So if it'snot money, what makes me truly happy? Here's the list.<br />
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Enjoying my marriage with my husband of 38 years<br />
Spending an afternoon with our daughter<br />
Laughing and talking with friends<br />
Chattering on and on with our grandchildren<br />
Allowing the grandkids to teach me new things<br />
Reading an engaging/exciting book<br />
Writing a scene that makes me laugh or cry<br />
Reading the Bible and praying<br />
Relaxing in a tub of warm bubbles with a really good book<br />
Drawing<br />
Listening to my husband's laughter<br />
Watching a beautiful sunset<br />
Listening to the wind rustling through the leaves on a warm evening<br />
Watching puffy clouds move across the sky and naming the shapes they make<br />
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These are the things that fill my hear with joy. Not one of them costs a dime, but each is priceless. Just making this list brings a smile to my face. Have you ever thought of the things that fill your heart? Try listing them and see if it makes you smile, too. Would you mind adding a few of them here in the comments? I would love to see what they are.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-18679940510594819392013-11-29T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-29T06:00:06.768-07:00Fridays R 4 Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnSVcjECTJoxYmfj04UOTTAWttOcRDFuo-N_MZaeS6ynRL-RXFqQPslsuSRYJNwOiD8ohCzCyRVHoiRThcmZ1iIsBxeTTBzao8LOUJzZkvAlAFVupoTIUJlmzFRSrVR9sCzvkQ/s1600/door+knocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWnSVcjECTJoxYmfj04UOTTAWttOcRDFuo-N_MZaeS6ynRL-RXFqQPslsuSRYJNwOiD8ohCzCyRVHoiRThcmZ1iIsBxeTTBzao8LOUJzZkvAlAFVupoTIUJlmzFRSrVR9sCzvkQ/s1600/door+knocker.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
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The silliest thing I ever heard was a knock, knock joke. I remember sitting in the backyard with friends on warm summer nights making up one jock after another. We laughed harder at the ones that weren't even remotely funny. Those were the days. </div>
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Today it's cold outside and winter is setting in, so I though I'd bring you some of summer's warmth and giggles with a few knock, knock jokes. Enjoy!</div>
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Knock knock. <br />Who's there? <br />Cash. <br />Cash who? <br />No thanks, but I would like a peanut instead!<b style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.09375px;"><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs74bnpqSJ4-ryDVLXKZzS6vQid6wFgwNG-_gNeM9ufSeiUIVOy9rDBaqAYo7unFoWBqGVzduJUFWHfkxBIQayvUi_CfM9plHJ627iHElkft9Bhyphenhyphen2FMTBpOlM0jM3c6bYe_V7Yqw/s1600/door+knocker+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs74bnpqSJ4-ryDVLXKZzS6vQid6wFgwNG-_gNeM9ufSeiUIVOy9rDBaqAYo7unFoWBqGVzduJUFWHfkxBIQayvUi_CfM9plHJ627iHElkft9Bhyphenhyphen2FMTBpOlM0jM3c6bYe_V7Yqw/s1600/door+knocker+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Knock knock.</div>
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Who's there?</div>
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Doris.</div>
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Doris who?</div>
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Doris locked, that's why I'm knocking!</div>
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Knock knock.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Who's there? </span></div>
Honey bee. <br />Honey bee who? <br />Honey bee a dear and get me a soda!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA7zkNsYzS3z8g2aCbHLmEEPNCsCsUfjyzdzMMePlb4oEP1o8NG6u7NPWVW2Ibjd3SkEYf-U7g0XzM75saI0BBvKnOqgXNBUxjjV5uh2PyZUAMH-Ca6plkIp0XS1kECm16C3vUg/s1600/door+knocker+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA7zkNsYzS3z8g2aCbHLmEEPNCsCsUfjyzdzMMePlb4oEP1o8NG6u7NPWVW2Ibjd3SkEYf-U7g0XzM75saI0BBvKnOqgXNBUxjjV5uh2PyZUAMH-Ca6plkIp0XS1kECm16C3vUg/s1600/door+knocker+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Knock Knock</span>Who's there?<br />Acid!<br />Acid who?<br />Acid down and be quiet!</blockquote>
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<br />Knock Knock<br />Who's there?<br />Adair!<br />Adair who?<br />Adair once but I'm bald now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG5G0rLOFGmltZrqUj-QRK0R-6VAc9CiWfNZ9qi2gvdhmNxNFX1lTN5O5JP45wko5STVit8llbAGOgaoZ_Z8xm46psjL2SrH9m2_d0-4e6kxqXgipHC78K4v7lQq4dQ2omJ7e7w/s1600/door+knocker+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG5G0rLOFGmltZrqUj-QRK0R-6VAc9CiWfNZ9qi2gvdhmNxNFX1lTN5O5JP45wko5STVit8llbAGOgaoZ_Z8xm46psjL2SrH9m2_d0-4e6kxqXgipHC78K4v7lQq4dQ2omJ7e7w/s1600/door+knocker+2.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
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Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-83949793911387496812013-11-26T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-26T06:00:08.932-07:00The List Grows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjuPOy3_z1Ae7mOOs4pH0V5tS2LTicfxGACLtgsxbgCqepmrfa-N-FQAFy_Tz79VlDheEXjbyhguFWGfbkzQ328zf-6UEL62qIF1QaiX3MM5FZ5PmfXjA13lez2tQCZJPUQc_bA/s1600/books+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjuPOy3_z1Ae7mOOs4pH0V5tS2LTicfxGACLtgsxbgCqepmrfa-N-FQAFy_Tz79VlDheEXjbyhguFWGfbkzQ328zf-6UEL62qIF1QaiX3MM5FZ5PmfXjA13lez2tQCZJPUQc_bA/s1600/books+red.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
Saturday I was blessed by the company of two young ladies from the small group I led last year. Together we reorganized my office. They did most of the work and you should see it. Gorgeous! They are working machines. You should have seen them, shredding old manuscript copies, organizing shelves, sorting, and filing.<br />
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They came across several stacks of research or pages of story notes. With each collections of pages they'd ask me what it was. I'd say, "That's for a series I want to write." Then I'd tell them a little about it, to which they'd promptly reply, "That sounds cool." Or, "Write that one, soon." After having gone through quite a few of these collections one finally asked, "Do you plan to be writing books forever?"<br />
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My answer is, "Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, YES!" I plan to be late to my own funeral because I'm trying to finish that last manuscript. I was born a storyteller and I'll die a storyteller. I plan to spend all of the years in between writing and telling stories. And yes everyone of them will be for the 'Tween audience.<br />
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I guess you could say that story is my passion...only because I don't know a stronger word.Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-48195266976583938922013-11-22T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-22T06:00:04.903-07:00Fridays R 4 Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioD1lQSCY-xL6HYWoVHp_k-9i0DTgJoe0VCSaw2f30zzxQoMHLYIjnMNb9RtM-fcKjvLi3fpdnhgOIJEAwte2f-xpUyIIpd95kwCmBTQTgv2iswR7Thz5BHkk-XZkyYjO0BTlhYQ/s1600/my+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioD1lQSCY-xL6HYWoVHp_k-9i0DTgJoe0VCSaw2f30zzxQoMHLYIjnMNb9RtM-fcKjvLi3fpdnhgOIJEAwte2f-xpUyIIpd95kwCmBTQTgv2iswR7Thz5BHkk-XZkyYjO0BTlhYQ/s1600/my+cups.jpg" height="121" width="200" /></a></div>
Do you remember the special or favorite cup you had as a kid? In my family we all had our favorite cups and if somebody else drank out of it...there was no peace in the land. If my brother or sister used my cup my wrath would pour out upon them. They would have to suffer through my constant sniping about anything they said or did for the remainder of that day. That is until Mom or Dad called an end to my barrage or corrections and complaints.<br />
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At long last my mother grew tired of such occurrences and bought us cups with our names printed on them. There could be no confusion about which cup belonged to whom. I still have favorite cups. I keep them on the top shelf so they aren't the first mug someone grabs.<br />
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Apparently, I'm not the only person who has a preference for certain cups. Here's what I found on the internet. I must say that there are a few I would never use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67e892LFYTQVlZICxr_pKO9B7wjUrHIC5cQqyPo2yK0VSPse5c4YWkwXuLy9KSAlVU5x1pDQjS6xKKc_deom85wyB5UcJwDcOZoTWMxP6Pg5DEMp1kxIvvwQCvkVm7084qwsT-Q/s1600/plug+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67e892LFYTQVlZICxr_pKO9B7wjUrHIC5cQqyPo2yK0VSPse5c4YWkwXuLy9KSAlVU5x1pDQjS6xKKc_deom85wyB5UcJwDcOZoTWMxP6Pg5DEMp1kxIvvwQCvkVm7084qwsT-Q/s1600/plug+mug.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you haven't seen one before, this is called a plug mug. You remove the plug and no one can use the cup without it leaking. I would have loved to have this growing up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4qlcgpIBZlV6T0fo4fGvUbh0sGe7NaJpbwRVPXfYdn2kNIoN7Diqt-nSZZPdq1aqMJhKCrRqMQ1x6Diqp3rr8wzg-yZwxhJnwz28sr1Jx_ntAxDW1pHhb2B3poG4M2Dl3L_yw/s1600/toxic+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4qlcgpIBZlV6T0fo4fGvUbh0sGe7NaJpbwRVPXfYdn2kNIoN7Diqt-nSZZPdq1aqMJhKCrRqMQ1x6Diqp3rr8wzg-yZwxhJnwz28sr1Jx_ntAxDW1pHhb2B3poG4M2Dl3L_yw/s1600/toxic+coffee.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a></div>
Of course you can always try the toxic warning label, but I don't think it will scare anyone enough to get them to leave your cup alone.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjry12r61mJFsbxBsX5qJz0gUxkzJWfPzwTTZs_uY5lds7yg9Jk7pSek_UHjCpERjOdmWNFNtSg8aQLeFjooti9WfLdLEge3rvZ3OX9Pi3rgDbbfsD2NHzI30rS8XCpji6vtwATbg/s1600/cookie+cup.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">But if you're not trying to frighten people away and just want to enjoy a good hot beverage with a few cookies, how about this one. It's a good-sized mug with a handy nook for your treats.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhKP-vY2gz0Nbmk9PAHtZEnPsaCRPy6uNsYugJQsiuft0NZ7hDQpx_pf-dftVgTGS8CUb56DbIi0Ak2fxIge3zCIscDpQCfK7hdSYGnZ985Z4M2ImuJMfy3xR-u76aMLFh_vc5w/s1600/better+cookie+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhKP-vY2gz0Nbmk9PAHtZEnPsaCRPy6uNsYugJQsiuft0NZ7hDQpx_pf-dftVgTGS8CUb56DbIi0Ak2fxIge3zCIscDpQCfK7hdSYGnZ985Z4M2ImuJMfy3xR-u76aMLFh_vc5w/s1600/better+cookie+cup.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
Then again, you might like having your treat match your beverage sip for bite...then the cookie cup is for you.<br />
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This cup is for those folks it would be wise not to engage in conversation until they've have their morning cup of whatever. It gives us a bit of warning.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawNT5YyRO-G2OIAZe-SVPAIMlkJF4hY8WK45vWiRiALuGGUB5tb0a64_iz9CQh7pYaoSAnCYJpdPQoJ2DHg8H_s5gszush3Pu823Ul2q7avPHquJhcXUsTI41zDiq0kUPB6fNCg/s1600/wake+up+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawNT5YyRO-G2OIAZe-SVPAIMlkJF4hY8WK45vWiRiALuGGUB5tb0a64_iz9CQh7pYaoSAnCYJpdPQoJ2DHg8H_s5gszush3Pu823Ul2q7avPHquJhcXUsTI41zDiq0kUPB6fNCg/s1600/wake+up+cups.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40COCoANKWCJwpBL81YVZUpR0Uj5xyeZFEJcYHE3TnTTb8V2LXgymrFMccHlGLEosjKAt31MMy_ZehHW-0kxph-89HJpxGjxUw48QfSqqwXtskwNbp8RQQVf-hns4xkUZVZiuQ/s1600/self+stirring+cup.jpg" height="150" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This mug is for the overworked with little to no time for incidentals. It stirs the drink for you.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40COCoANKWCJwpBL81YVZUpR0Uj5xyeZFEJcYHE3TnTTb8V2LXgymrFMccHlGLEosjKAt31MMy_ZehHW-0kxph-89HJpxGjxUw48QfSqqwXtskwNbp8RQQVf-hns4xkUZVZiuQ/s1600/self+stirring+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_t7R2_G2K9ppOxH3QRYA7TnN_APHlx3Oh-jZgzQOJ2wnpS0K6Cjn6XyIDGxAGRFU8hvYSVMZ1Uu8HQAdzI5mEadFIE-4FeQfTlYS2xPplZ_YGq4n26a_oip5D51QHM86DxWWHQ/s1600/surpriseinside+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_t7R2_G2K9ppOxH3QRYA7TnN_APHlx3Oh-jZgzQOJ2wnpS0K6Cjn6XyIDGxAGRFU8hvYSVMZ1Uu8HQAdzI5mEadFIE-4FeQfTlYS2xPplZ_YGq4n26a_oip5D51QHM86DxWWHQ/s1600/surpriseinside+cup.jpg" height="83" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOFr3ItIhT-ob7Q0nG3j2og10W9nJ9FtBvFz_wLbGCAeBjLi7GkaDG04gfTcMhvH29QhdbqTqJsNwFbV7yLTLWCD96dB-loUwwc41ibg-dtesZk_OxjFoBd-KOlH8sKMP39ACRg/s1600/leggo+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOFr3ItIhT-ob7Q0nG3j2og10W9nJ9FtBvFz_wLbGCAeBjLi7GkaDG04gfTcMhvH29QhdbqTqJsNwFbV7yLTLWCD96dB-loUwwc41ibg-dtesZk_OxjFoBd-KOlH8sKMP39ACRg/s1600/leggo+cup.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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These are for the more playful spirited drinkers. You can choose one with a surprise inside or one that comes with a building project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdypPNPa2dgA-QIoVNqYLnn0ScAkp7cKFvsZBz-tAs_InCH6rVetxal_oNcDcl66BsHNAdKNk6oK-9kMGUduKnuKsKlYIbYqcdKa1aTE7tL_EADzMi5508Jj4VBepNddW1qyaew/s1600/loo+brew+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdypPNPa2dgA-QIoVNqYLnn0ScAkp7cKFvsZBz-tAs_InCH6rVetxal_oNcDcl66BsHNAdKNk6oK-9kMGUduKnuKsKlYIbYqcdKa1aTE7tL_EADzMi5508Jj4VBepNddW1qyaew/s1600/loo+brew+cup.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would never drink from this cup and certainly not for a brown liquid!</span></td></tr>
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Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33827298.post-38841192315992697492013-11-19T07:00:00.000-07:002013-11-19T07:00:10.530-07:00I've Been Wondering...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDCVxjrYbCWh8IojWc6lplb1bSWW1idAKLBsNFqHN63_ZkKGXHgV3X3YAZCOrxPP1niCj2JHsrrQd0P0WAUw2Sh0C2_dMNrhVU0zitYYuUBu9lqJPXiPI6KgUsolIBElvgK-jCg/s1600/Space+Tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDCVxjrYbCWh8IojWc6lplb1bSWW1idAKLBsNFqHN63_ZkKGXHgV3X3YAZCOrxPP1niCj2JHsrrQd0P0WAUw2Sh0C2_dMNrhVU0zitYYuUBu9lqJPXiPI6KgUsolIBElvgK-jCg/s200/Space+Tunnel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've been wondering about a lot of thing lately. Things like: are there really such things as wormholes in space and can we travel through them? Does the space-time continuum exist? Other things that takes up a lot of mental real estate are marketing (thinking about it always), new book ideas, the kinds of things that interest people, and things that are just plain fun.<br />
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Working on new books is really fun, but a lot of work. It's really difficult for me to stay on point with completing daily word-counts, discovering new markets and marketing ideas, and keeping my blogs and website up to date. In short, I've not been keeping up with things and that's no good. So I'm going to try something new that I hope will help me.<br />
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I know, I know, I've said that before and I'm still in the same boat...falling behind. it leaves me wondering if my problem is a point of discipline or that maybe it's not interesting enough. Wow, that's something to think about. I really don't lack discipline, when I set my mind on a goal, there's nothing that keeps me from accomplishing it. After all, I earned a doctorate in psychology, so I must be pretty disciplined.<br />
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That leaves the problem in the interest area. I wouldn't say that I'm bored, everything I write about is pretty interesting to me. So then what's the problem? Hmm...I think the issue lies in (oops, the psychologist in me is showing) my internal rules around what I blog about. So reason I came to the conclusion that I could only blog about writing and whatever that is must be new and fresh to the writing scene. I think that limits me and I end up not having much to blog about.<br />
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So here's what I'm going to do. I am officially reinstating Fun Fridays. There were some fun and cool things I found to blog about, not to mention the crazy pictures I ran across. So I'm going back to blogging about the strange things I discover on the internet and elsewhere. But I won't stop there. This time I might even include the more fun things of writing or a silly tale or two.<br />
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So what do you think?Stephanie, PQWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07829560196963801967noreply@blogger.com0