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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Thursday, November 5, 2020

IWSG - Better Late Than Never

 

Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

A special thanks to this month's co-hosts: Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!


I'm late!!! But here...the story of my life this year.


Anyway, Happy November, everyone. Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner? I have seen turkeys running around in the pastures and fields. If I were them, I'd run, too.


This Month's Question

I'll start with today's question:  Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

My reason for writing isn't that deep. I write because I enjoy it. I write because it's something I've done since I learned my ABC's. If I don't write for publishing purposes, I'll still write stories for myself. It's simply something I enjoy doing. Some people like to cook, others like to rebuild cars, others like to run... it's a part of who I am. Sometimes, my writing reflects my concerns; sometimes, it's to share experiences or thoughts; sometimes, it's to release anger or frustration; sometimes, it's to explore ideas and broaden horizons; sometimes, it's to try something new; and sometimes, it's simply to have fun and hope others are simply entertained.

Now...

...if I could find time to write. This year, the farm has been keeping me on my toes much more than usual. I've been a bit stressed with ridiculous projects like finishing painting the house before the cold temperatures settle in, digging and trying to figure out how to renovate our many-year-neglected sewer system, replacing skylights on the barns, treating cows for pink-eye, switching to home schooling with my daughter, driving my son's truck to him to Virginia (an 18 hour run)... pfffffffff...

Yep, writing hasn't only taken a back seat, I've shoved it into the trunk, at the moment. My blogging and social media arenas aren't far behind. That's why I haven't been haunting any of you nearly as much as I'd like to and hope you can forgive me for being a little silent lately.

But I haven't forgotten anyone and can't wait to jump into the writing chair again.  

And now, off to easier and more organizational thoughts...


My publisher is running a holiday special:


Buy 1 print book, get 1 print book free
Buy 1 eBook, get 1 eBook free
Buy 1 audio book, get 1 audio book free

Print & eBooks – must be purchased directly from Dancing Lemur Press’ website; free book must be same price or lower; when paying, note your desired free book in the comments section; free swag provided with print orders

Audio books – purchase from Audible, iTunes, or Amazon and send us your receipt stating your desired free audio book and we will send you a code for a free audio book; free audio book must be same price or lower
Inquiries AT dancinglemurpressllc DOTcom

Offer good through December 10, 2020

Visit Dancing Lemur Press 



A Literary Benefit Reading Series!!!

I'm taking part in this fund raiser for authors around the world, who've especially been hard hit by COVID-19. I'll be joining two other children books authors, reading an excerpt from Music Boxes, and answering questions in a live meeting on November 16th at 5:00pm EST.   This was actually scheduled to be on November 2nd, but at the last minute, was changed. 

Tickets are on a 'what-you-want-to-donate' basis, and you can find more information here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/share-words-share-love-a-literary-benefit-reading-series-tickets-118383860313



Looking for ways to get reviews???

I ran across a wonderful author and her even more amazing idea several months ago, and really wanted to share this with you because getting reviews can be a really battle sometimes. I've tried this one out in so far that I've already read a few and reviewed them, and I know more than a couple authors who have been collecting reviews. It's free, easy and works.


One simply signs up, has three possibilities to join in on the book reviews, and tadah! That's it. This is simply a bunch of authors...created by an author...who need reviews and are willing to review.  https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/2015/02/submission-guidelines.html

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Why...hello there, IWSG!


Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!  Stop by and say hi to these wonderful bloggers because I know they are a great bunch!


Good morning, everyone! (Or noon or evening or night.)

I'm skipping over this month's question because I actually have quite a bit bumbling through my head right now.



On the writing front: 

Things are finally beginning to flow again. I've started my WIP and have the first 1000 words down (which is a mammoth amount compared to the big, fat zero I've been getting for months and months).  I'm struggling a bit in trying to figure out how to pace the first chapter: what to reveal, how much background to add, how to slip enough world building... that kind of stuff. But I'll get it figured out.

The funny thing is that the writing started to flow as life jerked into gear.



On the life front:

My oldest son suddenly and finally got word from the army that they're accepting his move from the National Guard into active duty (it took them 5 months to get back to him but that's the army). So in two weeks, he's shipping off for training as a helicopter mechanic (isn't that cool?), and then will be stationed who knows where.

So, what does he do with his new found news?  He decides to get married! Within one week.

Yep, my oldest got married yesterday!!! We're having a reception this coming Saturday because he decided to have it done in Colorado (it's all very confusing and hectic and no worries, I totally understand why he did it this way. And we're all very fine with it).

Oh, and school started...which is always a change of pace again.



On the blogging/marketing/whatnot front: 

I was going to shut Bookworm for Kids down as of the end of October for several reasons. It's outgrown my small blogger platform, and I feel like it's stagnated. And I wasn't sure it was worth my time anymore. It eats up SO many hours to do a review every single day, post, write emails, do scheduling! I just wasn't sure I should do it anymore.

Just as I made my decision to shut down and started spreading the news, I received an invitation to join a blogger panel as the children book blogger at the AWP this coming March. Bookworm for Kids might be small, but it has gotten quite a bit of attention over the years. And free marketing? Can't say no to that!

So after more thinking and consideration, Bookworm for Kids is going to be getting a new look, platform and purpose. I'm going to expand and offer several new aspects... interviews, children book publishing news, and who knows what. I'm going to let it grow as it wants. After all, there aren't many blogs which feature kidlit...and kids do need to read. Since time is always an issue, I'm hoping to get several other reviewers involved to help lighten the load, but we'll see what happens and where it all leads. Right now, I'm aiming for January 2nd as the 'opening' day, but there's a lot to do until then. And I have no clue what I'm doing. Absolutely, not a single clue.


So, that's it for me!

What's up on your front? Tons of writing to do? Is life keeping you hopping or bogging you down? Does this entire blogging thing make your head want to explode sometimes, too?


What's up in your world?

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

IWSG



Welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!


Question:

Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be."
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?


Yep. I have. I know the general genre in advance, but that's about it. And my stories can slide genres a little (small shifts). While I try to know my story fairly well before writing, the characters tend to do what they will, which can have all sorts of impact on the plot.

But isn't that the fun of writing?



Hope everyone's doing well! I'm keeping this month very short due to craziness on my end of things. BUT I should have some big announcements come September...

if everything runs as it seems it will. But how often does that happen????


Until then, have a great August!

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

IWSG - Searching for Calm


Welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!


I made it!!!! Although I was hoping to have this post up earlier today, I did hit my goal of getting it up and saying 'hi' to everyone! Ever since the COVID-19 shut-downs started, and also Spring hit, life has shifted into high-gear and seems to only be getting more and more hectic.

So, writing....ummm....what's that?

Actually, I have been working on the co-authored project as the chapters come back from him. And I've dibbled a few words here and there on my own project. But it's so hard to concentrate with so many other things going on!

Since this is IWSG and that means I have a chance to moan and groan...
Yep, I'm going to pour my heart out! Because I desperately want to write and am simply not finding the time.

Ready?


Not only do I have more than several dozen things to get done on the farm now that warm weather...without rain...has hit, but there are all of the house repairs, too—deck painting, house painting, several floors need to be re-done. (We'll just ignore the usual laundry, mowing, cooking, weeding, mopping and such right now). Then, my older kids have been popping in and out (Awesome! And I love every minute, but it does strip hours from the day). My 2nd son and biggest helper broke his tibia bone without us realizing it, and now, is on crutches for quite awhile (and will be). My oldest son graduated with his B.A., and we were going to celebrate this weekend, but he's National Guard and was just activated and sent to a more unsettled protest area. (Prayers appreciated.)  AND to help keep my daughter's youngest passion alive (she loves gymnastics), I'm volunteering every day over at the local gym-studio, since the COVID hit them hard, and they can't afford to hire back all of their help yet. So, I'm doing what I can to help keep their doors open.
Add that the transmission in my pick-up went out and the brake drums in my 2nd vehicle died at the same time (because yeah, everything happens at once) and....WHEW! Is it time for winter yet??????

And one more thing, I messed up something on my browser, so I'm having a ton of trouble leaving comments on other blogs. I'm hoping to finally get that figured out this morning, but please, bear with me if I don't hear from me right away.

Pfffff.

Things aren't really bad. I'll admit that, in general, all is wonderful, and we're very blessed.
If only things would slow down just a tiny bit.


What about you? How's life and the writing end of things treating you lately?



Anthology Contest now open!!!

Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our judges: Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Celebrating World Book Day, Promo Tips and Webinars


It's World Book Day!!! 


And nope, we're not going to let the COVID-19 get us down.  For authors...especially those who need to actively promote right now (don't we always need to promote?)... this means difficult times. PR by the Book's Author to Influencer Accelerator reached out to me with 5-Tips they have for authors during this time.

So, I thought I'd help them spread the word and share.


5 Tips for Authors to Promote during COVID-19 

  1. Pitch to media strategically
Despite the total saturation of the media, there are still ways that you can break through the noise with your pitches. People are looking for distractions from the scary hard news and many will spend extra time at home reading books, getting caught up on their wishlist of titles, so play to this need.
  1. Engage with your fans on social media
People are spending much more time on social media. This creates an opportunity for social media promotions with lots of “lives” since people at home will be scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
  1. Audit content that you have put out in the past
Most people have never heard of a social media audit. But, how can you know what content to post if you don’t know how your content is performing? Most social media platforms make it easy to look at metrics, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much time tracking down numbers. 
Once you know which types of content are performing the best, then you can tailor your future content and post more of what resonates with your audience. 
  1. Take time to develop new content
When you have extra time on your hands – like now, one of the best things you can do is create content that you can release in the future. Consider breaking down your book’s major points into bite size pieces. You shouldn’t give away all your book’s secrets, but you can share important bits of information to entice readers into wanting more and positioning yourself as an authority in those areas.
  1. Build out a content calendar
Once you have content ready to go, it’s best to organize it by using a content calendar. If you plan out what you are posting in advance, releasing content on a daily basis won’t be nearly as overwhelming.


 Are you in Texas? Ah, neither am I... BUT if you are...
You can join in celebrating Texas Writers Month this May. Texas Writer’s Month began in 1994 as an effort to get Texas bookstores and media outlets to feature their local authors more prominently and a way for the community at large to celebrate the craft of writing and the work that goes into publishing books. 


They've also launched the Author to Influencer Accelerator, a DIY membership community for authors who don’t have the budget to hire a professional to take them from preparation through promotion on their book journey. The Author to Influencer Accelerator offers an ideal way for authors to tap into what they need to do during this time of quarantine. These tips are based on lessons that our members are learning in the accelerator to promote their books. 

About the Author to Influencer Accelerator:  
Doing their part to promote a digital learning platform and community during this time of sheltering-in-place, PR by the Book has launched a DIY membership community for authors who don’t have the budget to hire a professional to take them from preparation through promotion on their book journey. Due to folks being at home, able to spend more time online, learning and applying those skills, PR by the Book cut the price in half for the month of April.  

********

AND THERE'S MORE...

My publisher, Dancing Lemur Press LLC's own Diane L. Wolfe, is offering a How To Publish Your Book Now Webinar!


You can find out more information about this one here!


So, how's this entire 'stay-at-home' period treating you and your writing? I hope you're getting more done that I am (I've written an entire 500 words in 3 weeks.) Are you trying to promote right now? Have you heard any great tips lately or had a few ideas yourself?


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

IWSG - Always Positive!


The first Wednesday of every month is when this group of awesome writers comes together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let  frustrations and woes flow. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.

Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group), then head on over here.

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG. They can also be found on Facebook or on the IWSG blog.


Special thanks to this month's co-hosts:



How is everyone hanging in there???

That's just happens to run along the theme of today's question too.




How are things in your world?

As many of you know, we live in our own little valley, with no other houses in sight. The tiny dirt road leading to our house is pretty rough...to put it lightly. So, we're isolated year around. (Well, if you count my chickens and cows, we do have quite the party going on here)

 The kids are home from school, but then, they had so many snow days this year, it felt like they were home most of the time anyway. And we're very blessed in so far that my husband's job is essential even when many others should still fall away or close their doors. 

Of course, when the virus hits our area, it will be harsh. The population hangs toward the older end, and medical facilities aren't exactly huge or plentiful. 

But then, the small town near us is suffering already. Unlike 'city folk', office jobs that can be done from home are far and few between in small towns. Most people live pay check to pay check, and few earn over minimum wage. (Even bank tellers earn only around $10-$12 an hour here.) So, the closures have hit super hard, and I'm not sure how many will survive holding out for another entire month. Luckily, people wear quite a tough skin and tend to keep a positive attitude. This isn't the first hard time they've weathered.



SALE!!!

On a happy note, my publisher informed me yesterday that Music Boxes is going on sale on Amazon!

The Kindle version is now available for....

*drum roll*

$2.99 !!!!

Here - Amazon!

Add the fact that Amazon's been keeping the paperback at a low price around $6 too (I just peeked in to make sure), and it's a great time to pick up a copy!  It's been getting lots of wonderful reviews and still is. So, if you know of some kids stuck at home, this might make a lovely treat.

Oh, and the audio book version is also available...nice and cheap when purchased along with the paperback. (So, I'm told)

There's a lovely, new image too! (Tons going on!)




Stay safe and healthy!!!

Friday, March 13, 2020

Friday the 13th....and celebrating a new release from Shannon Lawrence

A wonderful blogger friend, Shannon Lawrence, is celebrating the release of her new short story collection today!

On Friday the 13th????

But of course!

If you happen to know Shannon Lawrence, it's clear that today is perfect for her tales. She swims in all things spooky, dark, suspenseful, and tension-filled.

To help celebrate, we're to tell our own spooky tales, reveal our favorite urban myths or even gallop into the world of dark mythology. Every time, I think of spooky things I've run across during my life so far, I can't help but think of Dvigrad. I'm going to cheat a little here because there isn't really a ghost story surrounding this little-known place in Croatia. It's simply the town (or what remains of it) and it's history, which left a mark on me... in their own, chilling way.


DVIGRAD

This isn't a place usually found on most people's 'top tourist sights' lists. It's an abandoned, midieval town in central Istrian, Croatia, in the Draga Valley. Translated, Dvigrad means two towns. These settlements were around before the Romans moved in and lived in normal conditions until the Venetians took them over. Around 1345, war broke out between the Patriarchs, and it was besieged and conquered. In 1383, the Venetians won power again, took Dvigrad over, slaughtered the citizens, stole the riches from the church and remained in control. In 1616, it was devastated again during the war between Venice and Austria. The real downfall started in 1631 with the plague. By 1714, the last building occupied, the church, was abandoned. 

Now, none of this is really creepy in a ghostly way...or scary. But you have to picture the ruins of over 220 buildings, including a high, surrounding wall, all grown in by trees, bushes and vines. No one goes there. The supposed parking place to stop there and view it is a small, dirt area where weeds are somewhat kept at bay. We wandered the place for over two hours and not another soul was there the entire time.

It's so strange, walking down the streets of an ancient, abandoned town, while the buildings...although in ruins...still stand enough to be recognized with doors and windows and walls. The population wasn't small when the the town was occupied...it was a main trading place, thriving with life. And yet, all of it stands empty and forgotten. It's said almost all of them died of the plague.

And that abandoned, sad atmosphere rings with every step one takes.

No one has tried to keep back nature. No one has tried to put up signs or even make it friendly for anyone to walk through. Even walking through it is very dangerous. We followed a small path, which found itself more and more thickly grown on both sides. Suddenly, we realized the bushes had mutated to treetops and that we were walking along a path maybe 3 feet wide with over a 15 foot drop-off on both sides...and that on an ancient stone wall. (Noticing this while walking around with two young kids, who might have accidentally stepped off the side, was a real heart-stopper.)

So, is this a scary story? Maybe not. But walking down these streets left an odd feeling of strangeness I doubt I'll ever experience again. And it left a mark, I'll remember for life.

If you want to see some pictures (because I have no idea what pile my husband put ours into), head on over here.





Bruised Souls & Other Torments
 Short Stories

by  Shannon Lawrence










Fear resides in the soul.

A welcoming widow with a twisted appetite; a war-time evil lurking behind the face of a child; a father’s love gone horribly wrong; a deadly government solution; a new job with a demonic pay scale; a woman trapped in a mysterious house with no memory of who she is or how she got there. These are a mere glimpse of the terrors that lie in wait in this collection of horror short stories, sure to grip the psyche and torment the soul.  

Amazon pre-order link:



You can stalk Shannon Lawrence...










Wednesday, March 4, 2020

IWSG—Writing Healthy Into the Spring?


The first Wednesday of every month is when this group of awesome writers comes together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let  frustrations and woes flow. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.

Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group), then head on over here.

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG. They can also be found on Facebook or on the IWSG blog.

Super, special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!


(WARNING: I'm babbling this month!)

Happy March!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm not really ready for it. Not at all.

Here on my little farm, March means the beginning of all sorts of outside work. Now, don't get me wrong. I love to work outdoors (otherwise, what am I doing on a farm?). BUT that also means double the workload. I wasn't even keeping up with things this winter!

My list has gotten huge: firewood to split, fence line to clean, fence line to move (build), house to be painted, weeds to be pulled, seeds to be planted, brush hogging, re-setting the pool, rebuilding railing around the deck...and...and...and...

If I stop and let myself think about it, I get a little overwhelmed. You know that sense of panic which pulls at the chest and makes it hard to breathe, while you squeal through clenched teeth??? Yep, that's what happens. So, I don't think about. Nope.

But there's a bright side! (*cough*cough* Sure there is.)  The bright side? It's time to lose some weight, get fit, and suck in nature's pure air! (Yay???)

As a writer, spending way too many hours sitting behind a keyboard can be a problem, and I'm not just talking about that extra cushion around the hips and waist. A stiff neck, aching wrists and forearms...and let's not forget the back. I mean, who really sits with the perfect posture while typing away? (Okay, the work on the farm also makes me ache....BUT....)

I don't always sit when I write. That's a biggie for me. I tend to move around with my laptop. While my favorite spot is a chair at the dining room table, you'll find me standing at the kitchen island or in front of the living room windows at my small, rolling-standing desk. Seriously, that standing desk on wheels was the best Christmas present ever!

I also 'schedule' small tasks in between writing time as breaks...if I'm going to be writing for several hours at a time. (Which doesn't happen very often, but let's ignore that.) For example, I'll wash a window or two, or take out the garbage...something every half hour of writing or so. There are always small jobs to get done, and instead of doing them all before or after my writing hours, I sprinkle them in between.

Too bad the bigger farm work can't be sprinkled in between. (I wish I could build a fence line in five/ten minutes!) But I'll take what I can get.


What do you do to keep yourself from sitting too long? Or do you just give up and enjoy that chair?

Friday, February 28, 2020

About Us by Elizabeth Seckman

I'm so excited today to help out a fellow writer/author/blogger friend announce her new book to the world...
and it's one you won't want to miss out on.




Hayden Matthews isn’t looking for love—she’s trying to get as far from it as possible. She's already wasted eight years in a failed marriage and is ready for a good life. A peaceful life. One where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has loved Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart breaking, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Leaving a husband like Tag, who has a hot temper, a badge, and a gun is tricky. When Hayden calls Cam for help, she isn’t trying to lure him into any romantic webs. She needs someone she can trust and knowing her soon-to-be ex fears his former NFL cousin is a bonus.

When Cam comes to her rescue, he isn’t doing it to win her love. He does it because it’s the right thing to do. But if she starts to feel the same for him…couldn’t it be fate?



SNEAK PEEK

Was she a monster for wanting to be happy? Screw happy. She didn't start the divorce process so she could be happy.  She wasn't a child. She knew happy was an elusive, often selfish goal. Being happy was Tag's thing. He wanted every day of his life to be some sort of party. 
She hadn't asked for anything so impressive. She didn't ask for a big house or a new car. Hell, she didn't even expect vacations. All she wanted was a simple life, a peaceful life. A life where she knew when her husband said he had to work late that he truly was working late, not diddling the bartender or dropping the grocery money into a slot machine. 

She'd have been content with a marriage that simply wasn't miserable. 



Kobo: FREE

Amazon: 99 cents 

https://tinyurl.com/u6xcrob




And here's....Elizabeth!!!



Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach.

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Monday, February 17, 2020

A review today of Escape Galapagos by Ellen Prager

Usually, I place these reviews over on Bookworm for Kids but had a mix-up today. So, I'm double posting this one here and there. Just hit the tab up above or read this one. 
Think of it as twice the fun!!!




ESCAPE GALAPAGOS
The Wonder List Adventures, #1
by Ellen Prager
Tumblehome Inc.
Middle Grade Adventure
180 pages
ages 8 to 12








As Ezzy Skylar's mother lay dying, her father promised to take Ezzy and her younger brother, Luke, to all of the places on his wife's wonder-list, starting with the Galápagos Islands. There's just one problem: while Luke loves all living things, Ezzy freaks out around wild animals. For her family, Ezzy must face her fears and walk with iguanas, swim with sea lions and sharks, and pretend to dance among blue-footed boobies. Things take a dangerous turn when hijackers take over their cruise ship. Ezzy, Luke, and Aiden, a teen they meet on the ship, are stranded on remote and wild Isabela Island, where an erupting volcano adds to the action and adventure. Ezzy must find bravery she never knew she had and rely on her little brother's help to make their way across the island in an attempt to rescue a ship full of tourists and the animals of the Galápagos.



MY TIDBITS

This book packs kid-appropriate adventure on every page and mixes it with some interesting facts about animals and more along the way to create a fun read.

Following a last wish from her deceased mother, Ezzy's father take her and her brother on a trip to the Galapagos islands. Her brother is thrilled, but then he's and animal friend. Ezzy isn't so sure they're as neat as her brother believes. when a hike on Isabela Island ends with them stranded and their cruise ship in the hands of hijackers, Ezzy not only has to learn to conquer her fear of the animals but save them and an entire ship.

Any readers who love animals...especially more exotic ones...and adventure is sure to enjoy this tale. The first pages already dive right in as Ezzy faces her first 'mini-dragon' and is told there is so much more to come. Her fear is understandable, as is her irritation with her younger brother, who can't understand her reaction. But then, their entire, little family carries a nice atmosphere, and it's clear they care for each other quite a bit.

The adventure itself is quick-paced and packs enough tension to keep the reader hooked. At the same time, it stays with the realm of kid friendly and is even appropriate for more sensitive readers. This, along with the information about various animals and the islands, makes it a wonderful read for school groups or homeschoolers, too. Add the wonderful mix of sibling relationships, friendship, and learning to step beyond ones fears...and this makes a lovely read.



And here she is...

Dr. Prager is a marine scientist and author, widely recognized for her expertise and ability to make science entertaining and understandable for people of all ages. She currently works as a freelance writer, consultant, and science advisor to Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos Islands. She was previously the Chief Scientist for the Aquarius Reef Base program in Key Largo, FL, which includes the world’s only undersea research station, and at one time the Assistant Dean at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.



Read an article from Ellen in Children's Writer's Guild: http://www.childrenswritersguild.com/escape-galapagos-creating-a-family-adventure-in-reading/


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