tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57500620371069052182024-02-19T00:07:39.832-05:00Krystal WadeJust a girl with a voice who'd like to be heard.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-74093570284736622772014-02-03T15:51:00.001-05:002014-02-03T15:51:18.761-05:00I've MOVEDHey Everyone,<br />
<br />
If you're still coming here to visit me, thank you. BUT I'VE MOVED. You can now stay up to date with all things CREEPY BOOKS and KRYSTAL WADE over at www.krystal-wade.com. I still blog, and if you want to subscribe to my feed, you still can.<br />
<br />
Sign up to receive posts by email: http://www.krystal-wade.com/blog<br />
<br />
Or, if you want to add my feed to your favorite reading device, you can do that too!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">http://krystal-wade.com/blog?format=rss</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Hope to see you over there soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><3 Krystal</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-33642909754889676012014-01-07T12:30:00.000-05:002014-01-07T12:34:20.253-05:00BIG News for Shattered Secrets!You guys read all of Shattered Secrets's little teasers.<br />
<br />
You commented on them and made me feel special.<br />
<br />
The book has been edited, critiqued, beta-read, torn apart, through the ringer, edited and critiqued again.<br />
<br />
And NOW . . . now, after all of that, Shattered Secrets is going to be PUBLISHED by the wonderful folks over at Curiosity Quills.<br />
<br />
Yep, you will finally be able to read the book in its entirety.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* and the crowd goes wild ... HOOORAYYY! *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, just bear with me until March, and then you can buy a copy for your shelves. If you're in the Sarasota Florida area, you can come meet up with me the first week of March for book signings, chats, etc. I'll post my full schedule of events once all the plans are finalized with my publicist.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looking forward to release day with all of you, my fans, friends, family, and just random-passer-throughers!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<3 Krystal</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRkqLtu-yffMhqvzZIWik87wpNUBKzeKAig5spPjbel6GSFHeBg6VAHB5Dn_HWgdD-fqW4FgWPZ3eHvndjMiIb5GiOP8ulnfMUgIrV5cXI4psjT8IWGKhza6HKzL9Z-RcoR0npeaVvM8I/s1600/Shattered-Secrets.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/AVvXsEgbRkqLtu-yffMhqvzZIWik87wpNUBKzeKAig5spPjbel6GSFHeBg6VAHB5Dn_HWgdD-fqW4FgWPZ3eHvndjMiIb5GiOP8ulnfMUgIrV5cXI4psjT8IWGKhza6HKzL9Z-RcoR0npeaVvM8I/s1600/Shattered-Secrets.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
After being kidnapped, hogtied,
and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy
problems seem unimportant.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><br />
She couldn't be
more wrong.<br />
<br />
The boy who saves
her holds her heart.<br />
<br />
But Derick Crawford
also holds secrets.<span class="apple-converted-space"><br />
<br />
Magical beings who
guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of
time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less
she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about
their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can
be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.<br />
<br />
Her history book is
in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.<br />
<br />
But has she put her
trust in the wrong place?<br />
<br />
And will the world
survive if she has?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-24611167683128341912013-11-13T09:07:00.000-05:002013-11-13T09:07:31.798-05:00CHARMING, I'm Sure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03C-rA9gHv8Q0H9il6IcScppuhSQ6eJQH_aNeR0mwMWsCSacC4I0FKqrTSaCTXV_1E_MmwY0FlASjcPPcY7FEGuj6awBo_M0owJc6K0wyYPI60qj6sRWW9dAama8CrtGVAUChjQQhDUNo/s1600/Charming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03C-rA9gHv8Q0H9il6IcScppuhSQ6eJQH_aNeR0mwMWsCSacC4I0FKqrTSaCTXV_1E_MmwY0FlASjcPPcY7FEGuj6awBo_M0owJc6K0wyYPI60qj6sRWW9dAama8CrtGVAUChjQQhDUNo/s320/Charming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow. I haven't written a blog for a while.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I've been writing up a storm, but it's all taken place in the background, and I haven't found much time to break away to chat over here. It's difficult for writers to blog all the time, write books, edit books, market books--whatever. I didn't come here to complain.<br />
<br />
What I came here for was to tell you that I JUST FINISHED WRITING ANOTHER BOOK! Woot. It's called CHARMING, if you couldn't tell by the ridiculously, and quickly, made logo at the top of this post. Yes, I made the logo. No, I didn't take much time or put a lot of thought into it. But when I said CHARMING, I didn't want you to think sunshine and roses. I wanted you to think BLOOD.<br />
<br />
Because I am crazy!<br />
<br />
You all knew that, however.<br />
<br />
Now that I've finished this edge-of-your-seat, coming-of-age thriller (yep, THRILLER!), I realize I should probably write a synopsis, maybe a back of the book blurb, possibly even put some information about the book on this website. And I will, eventually. My agent is foaming at the mouth to get CHARMING in her hands, and I promised to email it by the 20th of this month, so I know I need to hurry.<br />
<br />
But yet another story is knocking on my brain, begging me to write it. So, I guess I'll have to keep two notebooks handy: one for story-building, and the other for dreaming up the horrid synopsis.<br />
<br />
And for those of you keeping tabs, SHATTERED SECRETS has been revamped and given a whole new vibe. I'm hoping to have that one on shelves for you soon!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, if you all wouldn't mind throwing out some female and male character names for me, that would be great (this would be for the new story coming to my mind). The female lead is HORRIBLE, probably more like a villain than a good girl, teenager, has no friends, thinks of herself as invisible. There are two guys: one's an all-around good guy, football player, popular; the other guy is a football player but not popular and a lot darker in terms of his attitude, but he is a good guy.<br />
<br />
So . . . names! Toss 'em at me!<br />
<br />
<3 KrystalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-72900703244201771392013-10-06T09:35:00.000-04:002013-10-06T09:35:00.422-04:00FALL by A.K. Morgen, and More Random Babbling<span style="font-family: inherit;">More random babbling. Just kidding. I think I'm coherent enough to write something. What's that? Oh, Chris Charming, you're so adorably annoying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crap! Once again caught up in my head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I better be quick about this. So, I asked AK Morgen (a very awesome friend of mine) about Character Continuity within a series, and below you'll find her answer. Make sure to grab a copy of FALL asap!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Character Continuity: What the Heck
was I Thinking?!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXzU5a-VNxsWfu1SsWiYscqfPuu-cb6NB6azVXy9T6YSFQQg5Dho7RpPHg6DCy2PvqeWBReNo1tNDDR2-TB5-31w2I6AFkGiqjQLuUup6uD97daf9gtGXTcwcWuIV_ZzcK8StMoetSQCE/s1600/Fall_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXzU5a-VNxsWfu1SsWiYscqfPuu-cb6NB6azVXy9T6YSFQQg5Dho7RpPHg6DCy2PvqeWBReNo1tNDDR2-TB5-31w2I6AFkGiqjQLuUup6uD97daf9gtGXTcwcWuIV_ZzcK8StMoetSQCE/s320/Fall_Large.jpg" width="221" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my biggest pet
peeves is a lack of character continuity in a series. Nothing throws me out of
a story as fast as a character who acts completely at odds with who he or she
is supposed to be, and for no real reason. A character who is set up to act one
way in Book One shouldn't act a completely different way in Book Two unless
there's a good reason. Character growth should be gradual. In a good story,
it's also reasonable and generally provoked by the internal and external
conflicts that particular character is required to deal with. If there's not a
valid reason for a character to flip a behavioral switch, the integrity of the
story becomes eroded, leaving readers wondering what the heck happened and why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But ensuring character
continuity is not always so easily done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I began writing FADE, the
first book the Ragnarök Prophesies series, seven years ago. I didn't really
start working on book two, FALL, until 2012. I grew during the six years in
between, and so did our main characters, Arionna Jacobs and Dace Matthews. That
meant we all had to strip away so much of that growth and go back to the
beginning. I had to relearn who these characters are and what motivates them. I
also had to make sure they grew from FADE, but not quite so far as they had in
my head in the last seven years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As my beta team can
attest, that was a nightmare for all of us at times. I wrote, rewrote, and then
tore it up and started over so many times, they were ready to mutiny. I'm
serious! They were one email away from killing me in my sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On top of that, Arionna
and Dace are in a unique position in that they share their souls with these
mythic wolves, Geri and Freki, who have their own personalities, their own
experiences, and their own way of dealing with all the sad and scary things
happening in their world. Their motivations sometimes bleed over for Ari and
Dace, meaning I had to find a way to make that work while still ensuring they
were their own separate entities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To do so, I'd spend a
little time writing short pieces from different perspectives. How would the
wolves cope with X if they were in charge? How would Ari deal with Y if she was
forced into the back seat for a while? What would Dace do if Geri wasn't there?
This exercise allowed me to get to know all my characters better, which helped
me stay true to them while still letting those necessary bits bleed through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Granted, that was
frequently harder said than done, but I have to confess I'm pretty pleased with
the outcome. Despite the six year gap in writing and the extraordinary
situation they find themselves in, FALL sees Ari and Dace grow in a way that's true
to who they were when FADE ended. And I now get to dive into the third book,
FLAME, feeling as if no time at all has passed since I began writing their
story so long ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just love that because
I have <i>no</i> idea what I was thinking
waiting so long between stories! :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BLURB</b>: How do you save someone who doesn't want to be
saved?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those called to stand
guard against the end are broken, and Sköll and Hati run free. Now Arionna
Jacobs and Dace Matthews face a threat unlike any before. Ragnarök is coming
and they aren't strong enough to stop it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arionna thought she understood
sacrifice, but she never counted on her destiny tearing Dace apart. Ever since
she nearly died, he has been consumed with guilt. Now it threatens to turn him
into the monster he always feared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's up to Arionna to
stop him before it's too late, but the path to hell is paved with good
intentions, and Dace is hurtling toward self destruction. This time, Arionna
isn't sure she can save him from himself. Can she convince him to let the past
go, or is her true destiny to sacrifice her heart in exchange for the lives of
the people she loves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can read the official
prologue to FALL <a href="http://www.akmorgen.com/p/fall-ragnarok-prophesies-book-two.html">here</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>FALL</b>
– <b>The Ragnarök Prophesies: Book Two</b>
will be available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble on October 5, 2013 from
Curiosity Quills Press. <b>FADE – The Ragnarök Prophesies: Book One </b>is
available now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00971L17Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=curioquill-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00971L17Y">Amazon
US</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fade-ak-morgen/1112775833?ean=2940015046397">Barnes
and Noble</a>, and <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Fade/book-ifW4pIqRCUOiL-gzMhTsdA/page1.html">Kobo</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blog Tour Giveaway:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6709044/" id="rc-6709044" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Author: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A.K. Morgen lives in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Little Rock</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Arkansas</st1:state></st1:place>
with her husband, three dogs, and demonic cat. She has a graduate degree in
Criminal Justice and Law, and plans to save the world some day. When she’s not
writing, she spends her time teaching her niece and nephews how to cause
mischief. You can also find her dancing in the grocery store, building a spork
army, and fundraising for nonprofits close to her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can learn
more about Ayden at <a href="http://akmorgen.com/">http://akmorgen.com</a> or
by following her on <a href="http://twitter.com/akmorgen">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470511.A_K_Morgen">Goodreads</a>,
or <a href="http://facebook.com/akmorgen1">Facebook</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-43200955704208908432013-10-04T09:29:00.002-04:002013-10-04T09:29:43.701-04:00Best Laid Plans, and Random BabblingOkay, so there are lots of new booksies coming out, and I am only one girl. I shall try, but I don't particularly think I can remember to post all these posts on certain days because I am more concerned with the book I am writing than with the world outside my head.<br />
<br />
Yep. It's true. Hate me if you wish. Point your finger and call me a lunatic, but I'll just ignore that and keep writing.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I've agreed to host a dangerously long list of new and upcoming releases by friends of mine. (Hey you, in the corner, snickering about my imaginary friends, take a hike!)<br />
<br />
The first is by . . . Tamara Mataya! I've heard rumors about this book, and, um, that cover tells me they're true. So, if you're one of my younger fans, avert your eyes. If you're one of my older fans . . . keep reading.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHwHwu8e2ghKEYPXBIQhTJccJywnhnw_nGqVshjS5wAfb5PimR4KQiE7Ktq36ORSfDUHE202evWROFJxwrEdCPst2NaQ9vxnTEC5GJUz8uFkcm-Ite5uUTaUpq8xoPvUEJG6Edg3GWxFf/s1600/TBLPFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHwHwu8e2ghKEYPXBIQhTJccJywnhnw_nGqVshjS5wAfb5PimR4KQiE7Ktq36ORSfDUHE202evWROFJxwrEdCPst2NaQ9vxnTEC5GJUz8uFkcm-Ite5uUTaUpq8xoPvUEJG6Edg3GWxFf/s320/TBLPFINAL.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
Jayne Griffin isn’t looking for Mr. Right. She’s looking for Mr. RTFN and a toe-curling good time. She’s got the brains, the powerful job as a futures broker, and thanks to a makeover and a thin book of dating advice, the confidence to turn any man’s head.<br />
<br />
Malcolm Black notices his high school crush, Jayne, from the stage of her company’s work party. His adolescent feelings for her died beneath months of abuse at the hands of bullies. Abuse that was Jayne’s fault. Though this scorching hot studio musician is unrecognizable as the band geek he used to be, the hurt still lives inside him, and he hatches a plan: Seduce Jayne into falling in love with him, and then shatter her heart.<br />
<br />
The white-hot chemistry between them is a pleasant surprise. It all goes so smoothly until feelings start to develop... and that invitation to their ten year high school reunion lands in their inboxes.<br />
<br />
Jayne wants the perfect lover. Malcolm wants revenge. But you know what they say about The Best Laid Plans...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Coming November 12th 2013 from Swoon Romance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18519674-the-best-laid-plans">Goodreads </a>- <a href="http://feakysnucker.blogspot.ca/">Tamara's Blog</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/TamaraMataya">Twitter</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamara.mataya">Facebook</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Should have a cover reveal for Ayden Morgen coming on Sunday! Check back soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<3 Krystal</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-21581458849619519822013-10-02T00:00:00.001-04:002013-10-03T10:08:27.158-04:00EVADE's Book Birthday!Well, today is the day, folks. My amazing friend, critique partner, beta reader, last-minute-do-what-I-need-girl, Jessa Russo's second book in the EVER trilogy released yesterday, and today is my day to rave about it!<br />
<br />
Take a deep breath . . .<br />
<br />
Now SCREAM YAY!<br />
<br />
You know you want to because, OMG, she made us wait a year--a <i>YEAR</i>--before releasing this book after leaving us with that god-awfully wonderful cliffhanger. Who am I kidding? You're probably not even reading this because you've already meandered over to Amazon to buy your copy. Am I right?<br />
<br />
For those of you still here, shut up and don't answer that.
<br />
<br />
I won't take up any more of your time, just buy it, read it, love it. I did. I gave this baby 5 out of 5 twinkling stars, because my goodness this book is a roller coaster!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWb9PXyUa7cWgKmHE9gxi4FluZSf4y-QQEmLXAe_zMKgovYvfgzslcRlQXnbyW04lCFW-Coi6t00aOoEa-0QjOy9GvgulR-myiMGnbNm-LtKKmkGhVSX5fGsHjQvr75DAkOF13wh5jVlm/s1600/EvadeFront-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWb9PXyUa7cWgKmHE9gxi4FluZSf4y-QQEmLXAe_zMKgovYvfgzslcRlQXnbyW04lCFW-Coi6t00aOoEa-0QjOy9GvgulR-myiMGnbNm-LtKKmkGhVSX5fGsHjQvr75DAkOF13wh5jVlm/s320/EvadeFront-Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><b>EVADE's Links:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/p/evade-blog-tour.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Blog Tour Schedule</a> | </span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17227470-evade" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Evade-The-Ever-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00FI1W9J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380809272&sr=8-2&keywords=jessa+russo">AMAZON</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>EVER's Links:</b> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EV1DEES" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> | </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13625388-ever" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GoodReads</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ever-jessa-russo/1112924163?ean=2940148466963" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ever-2" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kobo</a> | <a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/p/ever-trilogy-media-kit.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Media Kit</a></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></b></div>
<div>
<b>Jessa's Links:</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a> | </span><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://twitter.com/JessaRusso" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jessarussowrites?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook (Friend)</a> | </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessaRusso" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook (Follow/Like)</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-33182208181199858412013-09-13T03:00:00.000-04:002013-09-13T03:00:07.837-04:00EVADE<span style="font-family: inherit;">This may be one of my favorite series and one of my favorite authors. I love Toby and Frankie and Ever and all their problems. I can't WAIT for this to come out. And HA HA! I get to read it before you do. :-P</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIhsoudmA9kidrO9tU1IdNRypAjabvH1TnKsTRGI1MF0H5cGzvUnrHKT_7gJykudeUg-Re3v-cRgndYve2vbSqOhZKAqHbC9dF5k50Oepb0yC_gn6JZBvPlOMguslg7HqnVg4DaZDuYLg/s1600/EvadeFront-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIhsoudmA9kidrO9tU1IdNRypAjabvH1TnKsTRGI1MF0H5cGzvUnrHKT_7gJykudeUg-Re3v-cRgndYve2vbSqOhZKAqHbC9dF5k50Oepb0yC_gn6JZBvPlOMguslg7HqnVg4DaZDuYLg/s320/EvadeFront-Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this thrilling sequel, Ever Van Ruysdael's race to beat the odds—and the clock—begins with the introduction of an integral part of her past. As secrets are revealed, and truths uncovered, she learns her imminent death is the least of her problems: Ariadne did more than just put an expiration date on her life; she marked Ever's soul by upping its value for greedy collectors looking to buy their freedom.</span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Condemned by the countdown on her life, and hunted by hired Seekers, Ever’s journey leads her to question everything she’s known and everyone she’s trusted, while growing closer to the one person from her past she was determined to avoid—and the one guy she never could—Toby James.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With her ex-boyfriend by her side, and the countdown clock rapidly ticking away, Ever tries thwarting fate’s plans. But as her nineteenth birthday approaches, and desperate Seekers follow her every move, she may be too late.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A marked soul is hard to come by … and even harder to escape</i></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIhsoudmA9kidrO9tU1IdNRypAjabvH1TnKsTRGI1MF0H5cGzvUnrHKT_7gJykudeUg-Re3v-cRgndYve2vbSqOhZKAqHbC9dF5k50Oepb0yC_gn6JZBvPlOMguslg7HqnVg4DaZDuYLg/s1600/EvadeFront-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;">EVADE'S LINKS:</b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EverTrilogy" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17227470-evade" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">EVADE on Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b style="font-family: inherit;">JESSA RUSSO'S LINKS:</b></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Website</a> | </span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://twitter.com/JessaRusso" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jessarussowrites?fref=ts" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook (Friend)</a> | </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessaRusso" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook (Follow/Like)</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b style="font-family: inherit;">GRAB A COPY OF EVER: Book One of The EVER Trilogy!</b></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #1155cc; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ever-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00EV1DEES/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ever-2" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ever-jessa-russo/1112924163?ean=2940148466963" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13625388-ever" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Goodreads </a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b style="font-family: inherit;">COVER CREDIT: </b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover Photo: Face On By Tamara </span><a href="http://www.faceonbytamara.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/FACE-ON-BY-TAMARA/107893956215" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/FaceOnByTamara" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-10856487288644601382013-09-10T09:41:00.001-04:002013-09-10T09:43:17.339-04:00In Which I Rant: PoliticsUPDATE: Literally seconds after posting this, I read that Syria is turning its weapons over to the UN. So...yay, World.<br />
<br />
I don't usually post political things. I don't post because I don't think I'm the smartest person in the world, the most informed, nor do I think I understand everything.<br />
<br />
I realize I am just one person with strong opinions. I know I operate quite often out of a place of emotions combined with logical thinking.<br />
<br />
What I'm saying is: I know that I'm quite often wrong.<br />
<br />
So, just keep that in mind as you read my rant about the US and Syria. But what I would encourage you to do after reading this is take a moment and evaluate this situation for yourself, read as many articles as you can, ask yourself WHY after every statement made by a politician. I urge you to research those whys.<br />
<br />
Then, when you've made YOUR OWN decision about what the US should do there (and how it will impact our WORLD forever), I want you to compare what's happening in Syria to other similar (or even not so similar) LIFE-IMPACTING things. Such as "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwandan_Genocide">Genocide in Rwanda</a>", "<a href="http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/the-state-of-homelessness-2013">Homelessness in America</a>", "<a href="http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/">Cancer in America</a>". Do a tally of the amount of people those things impacted or currently impact. I also want you to take note of how many <a href="http://www.census.gov/popclock/">people there are in the world</a>. Then, ask yourself if striking on behalf of Syrians, as sad as innocent lives being lost is, and ask yourself this question: Is every single life on the planet worth stopping their civil war?<br />
<br />
Now, I promised a rant, and here it is. I almost posted this on Facebook but thought...nah. Let me blog about it. Let me make this permanent. Because even though I realize I will receive some backlash for my OPINION and my EMOTIONS, I stand by what I've said.<br />
<br />
<i>It really saddens me that we as human beings have progressed so far yet we still believe blowing each other up is acceptable. It saddens me that politicians who apparently have zero concept of reality wish to strike a country that DID NOT STRIKE US FIRST. I'm sad that DC is even considering what they're considering, and I'm sad that some voters even support what politicians are considering.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad that Washington thinks our military (our SONS and our DAUGHTERS) can even handle more fighting, more pain and suffering and time away from their families. For what purpose? We are not the police of the world.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad for the innocent lives lost in Syria. I'm sad that our government feels responsible for those innocent lives, and I'm certainly sad that our government is willing to engage in WWIII and risk AMERICAN INNOCENT LIVES.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad that this country has become so engaged with the international community that it forgot to be what made it great.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad that so many people will probably argue with me, or blame Bush, or say Bush did something similar in Iraq, or blame Republicans, or Democrats, or Liberals, or whatever. This is NOT the same as Iraq, Afghanistan, or simply any war of the past.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is a situation in which members of the ridiculous international committees have <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/10/politics/us-syria-obama-solutions/">THREATENED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IF WE TAKE ACTION</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad that our government feels the need to make threats and engage in this anyway, to so callously say, "Ha ha. You can't threaten us."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm sad they think themselves indestructible, because frankly that's what makes us the most vulnerable. I'm sad that there are millions of people suffering all over the world of starvation, disease, homelessness and yet we are willing to let them suffer of starvation, disease, homelessness while we strike a country who needs to figure their own war out.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is not about politics, or whether you're a Republican or Democrat or other such party affiliation. Your conscience should not be clear because you chose to agree with a party line. You need to question EVERYTHING Congress does, because you voted for them. You need to question EVERYTHING our country engages in, because YOU PUT THOSE PEOPLE INTO POWER who decide YOUR FATE.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Think, people. Think long and hard about what we're positioning ourselves to do here. Think beyond a strike by our government (which is FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE and you better believe that everyone outside this country sees our government AS US. They will seek revenge on US ALL.) tomorrow, or the next day. Think about what that strike will mean to others, how they'll get back at us. Think about your neighbor, the active duty military member. Think about what this will mean for them. Think about your lifestyle, our economy. Think beyond one <b>simple</b> strike. Because nothing is simple.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And, please, for what it's worth THINK FOR YOURSELF.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-64943439897539729722013-09-03T09:33:00.000-04:002013-09-03T09:36:13.692-04:00POP TRAVEL #newrelease #books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNlhXJT5tFXSO9XEmRtK0EZBi_huYP02_b_WyRYwhhp4Is6PgrUE14ND7A2VgX0vlgGGBystP2XOKuYtd9T-zol4UZ4uRcotcB9OzSA0KaWgz10E2bpDFlm3NVAlN43GWwFGey38YFg0M/s914/PT+blog+tour+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNlhXJT5tFXSO9XEmRtK0EZBi_huYP02_b_WyRYwhhp4Is6PgrUE14ND7A2VgX0vlgGGBystP2XOKuYtd9T-zol4UZ4uRcotcB9OzSA0KaWgz10E2bpDFlm3NVAlN43GWwFGey38YFg0M/s320/PT+blog+tour+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's great to be visiting Krystal! Thanks for having me! Krystal gave me a great question to ponder for this post "What part of me is in my main character?" I love it!<br />
<br />
When I named the MC of Pop Travel, it had to involve my three sons - J.L. Cooper (Jace, Logan, & Cooper!) They are my boys! Love them to pieces! Even when they're at each other's throats. It's all good! The MC, Cooper is also a pilot, like my dad, is from Michigan, like my hub, and lives near Atlanta, my favorite city.<br />
<br />
As for character traits, his sarcastic, dry humor is all me. Though I love to help and encourage others, I'm also a doubter. Don't want to be taken for a fool. I'm suspicious of every strange phone number that pops up on my caller ID. I also like to do things my way and be in charge. All of the above qualities make me a great teacher - ha! And make Cooper a perfect private eye. But Cooper has lots of qualities I don't have, as well. He has guts, for one, and other guy traits, like not wanting to talk about his feelings, inconsiderate sometimes, you know how guys are! ha!<br />
<br />
Well, that's J.L. Cooper. He's fun to write, but his supporting characters are hilarious. I'm having a ball editing the next one, Simulation!<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for this opportunity, Krystal! I really enjoyed thinking about this question!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-GlZumYTVH5sHjXZX0PAHQnw0z-ldNSu4jO3XOSNthrvD2P-OHrpNTu8Ts8WbgAqQwR3cHIGWgFCAUb4vUn5_X3niR7VMu6hvvZ8NxKzwr18jPwLT0tG9zPFoO5wX7rrV0H82v26uWjG/s320/pop+travel+official+cover.jpg" width="211" /></div>
</div>
<i>Pop Travel</i> <span style="text-align: center;">by </span><a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: center;">Tara Tyler</a><br />
A tale of deception and teleportation.<br />
<br />
When a distraught client enters J.L. Cooper's small town detective agency ranting about a pop travel teleportation cover up, Cooper takes the case. He blames pop travel indirectly for his wife's death and would love to expose a glitch in it.<br />
<br />
But the glitch turns out to be disintegrating travelers. And now, his client is dead, his secretary is missing, and a hitman is stalking him. Plus there's all the webcams watching his every move. So, Cooper has to find a way to expose the deadly flaw, while using pop travel to escape the maniacs covering it up, not to mention save a couple of tag-alongs he's not sure he can trust. No problem.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Available now on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pop-Travel-ebook/dp/B00DTB96IY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1373193957&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pop-travel-tara-tyler/1115943054?ean=2940148311249">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18108433-pop-travel">Goodreads</a> <==> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAXq8M9Gzc8">Trailer</a> <==> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraTylerAuthor">FB Author Page</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepaIwCDsrGh8JDMlL6uoeCh_9049vb6n5Po33MpckONkptf_u0qhUrnzKYBsMTb4VU4a4sUYdk3Tnt97bakQTFELA0I7rcTZmIS7bbqEtkGH8xfG0TMJDqxMxMIScb_v3-i2tsjhzcGTR/s1600/blue+bkgd+prof+pic.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/AVvXsEgepaIwCDsrGh8JDMlL6uoeCh_9049vb6n5Po33MpckONkptf_u0qhUrnzKYBsMTb4VU4a4sUYdk3Tnt97bakQTFELA0I7rcTZmIS7bbqEtkGH8xfG0TMJDqxMxMIScb_v3-i2tsjhzcGTR/s200/blue+bkgd+prof+pic.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After having a hand in everything from waitressing to teaching math to rocket engineering Tara Tyler now writes and teaches in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. In addition to her novels, she has published short stories and poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Humor. So many stories to tell!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-27970990041623752962013-09-01T15:01:00.001-04:002013-09-01T15:01:38.795-04:00For EVER and EVER and EVER and EVER!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Release Day, EVER! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT3I_I1IwTwjQaiWgiiecwpHUnS357Lw0DOtfB3GFlzgMfnNIOUTZRKblRbCxcBMVoeTwNtXYkm0TxQ7BgzMFpDxpvz0K0egWYIoNHgcmXX6vgkgM1bMDMypeG0x1XGlJOKy0ltYX_XaN/s1600/Ever-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT3I_I1IwTwjQaiWgiiecwpHUnS357Lw0DOtfB3GFlzgMfnNIOUTZRKblRbCxcBMVoeTwNtXYkm0TxQ7BgzMFpDxpvz0K0egWYIoNHgcmXX6vgkgM1bMDMypeG0x1XGlJOKy0ltYX_XaN/s320/Ever-front-cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To celebrate EVER's<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><i>rebirth</i>, and Jessa
Russo’s first step into the indie self-publishing world, she is giving you the
first chapter of EVER for FREE! Yup! FREE! You can read along, decide if you
want more, then click on one of the buy links below to grab a copy for
yourself! *Paperbacks available soon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Check out the FREE first chapter<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/p/ever-free-first-chapter.html"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We're also having some fun on Twitter
(details below), and Jessa has also compiled TWO<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><b>prize packs of super awesome
stuff!</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>There will be one (1)
lucky winner in the US, and one (1) lucky winner Internationally! Want to
know what we’re giving away? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>***GIVEAWAY FUN!***</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The winner(s) will receive the following items:</b></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"></span>US ONLY Prize Pack (ONE winner):</span></b><br />
Set of 4: custom Frankie4Ever / Toby4Ever Coasters (2 of each) + Signed EVER bookmarks +<br />
Signed paperback copy of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13625388-ever">EVER</a> by Jessa Russo (YA)<br />
Complete set* of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/series/79998-darkness-falls">The Darkness Falls Trilogy</a> e-books from Krystal Wade (YA)<br />
<i>*Includes WILDE'S FIRE, WILDE'S ARMY and WILDE'S MEADOW</i><br />
Signed paperback copy of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17694883-eyre-house?ac=1">EYRE HOUSE </a>by Cait Greer (NA, <u>adult content</u>)<br />
Paperback copy of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239442-the-charge?ac=1">THE CHARGE</a> by Sharon Bayliss (YA)<br />
Paperback copy of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14910823-sealed-with-a-curse?ac=1">SEALED WITH A CURSE</a> by Cecy Robson (A, <u>mature content</u>)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>INTERNATIONAL Prize Pack (ONE winner):</b></span><br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13625388-ever">EVER</a> by Jessa Russo (YA)<br />
Complete set* of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/series/79998-darkness-falls">The Darkness Falls Trilogy</a> e-books from Krystal Wade (YA)<br />
<i>*Includes WILDE'S FIRE, WILDE'S ARMY and WILDE'S MEADOW</i><br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239442-the-charge?ac=1">THE CHARGE</a> by Sharon Bayliss (YA)<br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17797999-broken-forest?ac=1">BROKEN FOREST</a> by Eliza Tilton (YA)<br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17372989-the-valentine-challenge?ac=1">THE VALENTINE CHALLENGE</a> by Marisa Cleveland (A, <u>mature content</u>)<br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16004807-the-gathering-darkness?ac=1">THE GATHERING DARKNESS</a> by Lisa Collicutt (YA)<br />
E-book of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18187408-1000-sleepless-nights">1,000 SLEEPLESS NIGHTS</a> by Connie Michael<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ENTER HERE:</span></b><br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/25c29115/" id="rc-25c29115" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> | <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/25c29116/" id="rc-25c29116" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>***TWITTER FUN!***</b></span><br />
<br />
<b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're also going to be tweeting a bit today, to celebrate not just EVER's re-release (hashtag: #EVERTrilogy), but also playing up a major theme of the book--Ever's love for her deceased best friend. We'll be tweeting the theme with the hashtag #IfICouldBringBack and then sharing who we would bring back and why, or what we'd do with them, etc.<br />
<br />
So, sticking with EVER as my example, the main female character of the series may tweet something like this:<br />
<br />
<b>#IfICouldBringBack Frankie, I'd finally tell him the truth. That I've loved him since we were in diapers. #EVERTrilogy </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Who would you want to bring back? An old flame? A relative? Maybe a famous author or dignitary? Think about it and join in the fun on Sunday, 9/1/13! We'll see you on Twitter!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<div style="color: #2a2a2a;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">***BOOK DETAILS!***</span></span></b><br />
<div style="color: #2a2a2a;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #2a2a2a;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">EVER</span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The EVER Trilogy, Book One </i></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">By Jessa Russo</span></div>
<div style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>September 1, 2013</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBg1v0MlfJ4UPO6vHU4rZjCzZZ70PXY6SfriXM-CdR5tp4bXrI141Zg1UG12ybU0GFx2hA_LXNX1kxr7EroNB3tR54ftYl_v4DeRAWK8enwzxiwndPFKo4dBckxmiOMGO2zyrIMy7Sjmo/s1600/Ever-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #888888; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHiy7etkvEwAIssCfVAn3pQoBG8jcV_zajb7i_OWokSiIRcLsOIzVKsJduzh5g99_ZUHHuO-1x8QNxp8yiWXQoMOxv93baIrH8AWPTG22n5Owt2HXeq-V1pJueO_pkSegGpCaWUeePNA/s400/Ever-front-cover.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Seventeen-year-old Ever’s love life has been on hold for the past two years. She’s secretly in love with her best friend Frankie, and he’s completely oblivious.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Of course, it doesn't help that he’s dead, and waking up to his ghost every day has made moving on nearly impossible. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Frustrated and desperate for something real, Ever finds herself falling for her hot new neighbor Toby. His relaxed confidence is irresistible, and not just Ever knows it. But falling for Toby comes with a price that throws Ever’s life into a whirlwind of chaos and drama. More than hearts are on the line, and more than Ever will suffer.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Some girls lose their hearts to love.</span></i><i><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Some girls lose their minds.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Ever Van Ruysdael could lose her soul.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="color: #2a2a2a; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Purchase Links:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EV1DEES" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Amazon</a> | </i></b></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ever-2" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Kobo</a> | </i></b></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ever-jessa-russo/1112924163?ean=2940148466963" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Barnes & Noble</a> | </i></b></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13625388-ever" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">GoodReads</a> | </i></b></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EverTrilogy" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Facebook (The EVER Trilogy)</a></i></b></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jessa Russo's Links:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="display: inline !important; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.jessarusso.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Website</a> | </span></i></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/JessaRusso" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Twitter</a> | </span></i></b></b><b style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jessarussowrites?fref=ts" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Facebook (Friend)</a> | </span></i></b></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessaRusso" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Facebook (Follow/Like)</span></a></i></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<div style="line-height: 22.390625px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for the second book in the trilogy, <span style="color: #0b5394;">EVADE</span>, <i>set</i> to release on October 1st, 2013! </span></b></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>You can now add EVADE on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17227470-evade">Goodreads</a>!</i></span></b></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i>
</i></b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Remember to follow EVER's 9/1/13 re-release day FUN on Twitter with these hashtags: </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">#EVERTrilogy</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">and </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#IfICouldBring</span></b></span><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back</span></b></span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-45624504061480258712013-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-30T00:00:03.987-04:00Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I'm a total slacker and can only focus on revisions and writing (YAY), I'm going to let Dawna say whatever she wants here. :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm happy to announce that Colour Wielders is back on the market with a pretty new face and updated content. It thrills me to be able to share it with you today. Thank you Jade Hart at Black Firefly for all her work, Michelle Johnson for my amazing cover, and Danielle Blanchard for all your hard work and help. If you have time, please stop by Facebook tonight and party with us at 4:00 central <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/314183782060128/">https://www.facebook.com/events/314183782060128</a> hosted by the wonderful Leslie Whitaker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZPOQXGyL7CiBd2GPnEj27uffg3-D6GPG2_t5pLJVD2j3YnJ3q9hwH1X_9G5UBz7XtS5xXL7kd8CqOVQPXSwnfMZyUpR-xICCthP0atquGMLzKfN8LUhD4i3FmF3PhtZYoT26timtqezt/s1600/Colour-Wielders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZPOQXGyL7CiBd2GPnEj27uffg3-D6GPG2_t5pLJVD2j3YnJ3q9hwH1X_9G5UBz7XtS5xXL7kd8CqOVQPXSwnfMZyUpR-xICCthP0atquGMLzKfN8LUhD4i3FmF3PhtZYoT26timtqezt/s320/Colour-Wielders.jpg" width="223" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess is hidden away.
Quinn Sinclair lives an ordinary life with her less-than-loving mother in Conifer, Colorado, clueless of her true nature. On the night of her birthday, a staggering betrayal sends her life spinning out-of-control. As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she is transported into a Magykal battle-forever changing her life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers.
Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<em><strong>New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.</strong></em>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: inherit;"> click to add to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="GoodReads-add" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1065" height="31" src="http://dawnaraver.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/GoodReads-add.png" width="130" /></span></a></div>
<h3>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">About the Author:</span></strong></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, Book One, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.
</span><br />
<h3>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Contact Dawna at:</span></strong></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver">https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DawnaRaver">https://twitter.com/DawnaRaver</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://dawnaraver.com/">https://dawnaraver.com</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders</a></span></span></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-81996676046508886182013-08-15T10:00:00.000-04:002013-08-15T10:00:02.268-04:00We're Chicken PeopleWhen I was a little girl, going out to check the chickens in the morning used to make me angry (well, maybe during my teenage little girl years). I had to slog through the mud and muck, endure frigid mornings with a thin coat, a pail of food, and one of water. I had to endure heat that would melt ice cream in seconds.<br />
<br />
I don't know why my parents felt the need to buy chickens instead of picking up their eggs at the store for 99 cents or a pound of their meat for a buck or two, but they did. I didn't understand it, then.<br />
<br />
Now.<br />
<br />
Now, <i><b>I </b></i>proudly own six chickens. Why? Because they're FUN. Yep, the squawking, cackling, and/or crowing--and somehow I ended up with two that crow--birds are an exciting addition to the <a href="http://www.krystalwade.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-re-introduce-myself-blogfest.html">Dehaba household</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6n2GfNjyFSwieSbALO39wJOlrbZw2lcEFzHfLqvVrL1bPny13E-lDNrHE7dR6lvd-SItXpG-CKIIjHlpC5WgHWQ_e_z7kS4q4SEVXSwPuI8r7e80RogdAph0BlfG4tpwiRuQBdODZvOe/s1600/photo+(5).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/AVvXsEjb6n2GfNjyFSwieSbALO39wJOlrbZw2lcEFzHfLqvVrL1bPny13E-lDNrHE7dR6lvd-SItXpG-CKIIjHlpC5WgHWQ_e_z7kS4q4SEVXSwPuI8r7e80RogdAph0BlfG4tpwiRuQBdODZvOe/s200/photo+(5).JPG" width="150" /></a>They started out as tiny, foul-smelling things that lived in our basement and grabbed our hearts with their peep-peeping.<br />
<br />
We spent countless hours sitting with them, petting them, holding them, yelling at the girls not to kiss them and to wash their hands!<br />
<br />
Everyone was itching to start naming our new flock, but they were difficult to tell apart. We knew we had one Rhode Island Red and that she'd grow larger than all the other "girls" because they were various breeds of Bantams.<br />
<br />
So, she instantly earned the name "Big Red". She's not so big here yet, but she's a growing girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp6_9ledWq6G924hlwhUviVpC9tl8IsKCI2nQyfs-mj4dyCrL1iWTZcB_Wzku5Pyp5JU69BiLaITgbQjB6-I-CmZY29hhQ5wXg0lQ-it1IjqD7mflKlT7L5IMEA5LAb4hn0HpE-AoJMp6/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp6_9ledWq6G924hlwhUviVpC9tl8IsKCI2nQyfs-mj4dyCrL1iWTZcB_Wzku5Pyp5JU69BiLaITgbQjB6-I-CmZY29hhQ5wXg0lQ-it1IjqD7mflKlT7L5IMEA5LAb4hn0HpE-AoJMp6/s200/photo+(6).JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
The Man and I hated the smell. We have good sniffers, and when something stinks, it's annoying. So we moved the girls out to the garage with their heat lamps (our garage is insulated and drywalled, before you get all judgy). That helped the house out, but then my car smelled.<br />
<br />
Oh well.<br />
<br />
We searched high and low for the perfect coop and were disappointed at almost every turn. All the houses were either too small, oddly shaped, or very expensive. After stumbling across a local farm store, we discovered a home builder provided the store with coops as a side business. We snatched one up for an excellent price, bought a trailer--yep, we bought a trailer just for our girls, sort of--hauled the thing home while watching the rearview mirror, then set it up. The Man ran electricity to the coop, we put their pine bedding in it--which I will <i>never </i>use again; smells awful when it gets wet--then moved the little girls out there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RRbnvv75UgJBdJ_pmj3NDvfAniV55rSygrpJNLrpZpeq4gmZVsqC93qnszx1qzQwV81pte6A_LiZDf50i8LZBUeQSayXPC5T6hjk7EANT1SteG4yS59FPdj-p8w7-OCDW7zFlMzJfPId/s1600/photo+(7).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/AVvXsEi1RRbnvv75UgJBdJ_pmj3NDvfAniV55rSygrpJNLrpZpeq4gmZVsqC93qnszx1qzQwV81pte6A_LiZDf50i8LZBUeQSayXPC5T6hjk7EANT1SteG4yS59FPdj-p8w7-OCDW7zFlMzJfPId/s200/photo+(7).JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
My daughters loved it. They could sit outside in an enclosed area and play with their "babies". Afterward, we'd scoop the birds up and put them back in the warm coop.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I've ever seen Kid #3 (gray sweatshirt) sit still so long or be so gentle with anything. She has a heart of gold, that child.<br />
<br />
So, the chickens grew and grew and grew. I changed pine bedding more frequently than our cat's litter and wondered constantly if there was a better way.<br />
<br />
Eventually, the chicks could spend their days in the run. Little "Blondie" is our most social Bantam. She always comes when we call "chickie, chickie" and now she's learned so well that means meal worms that she'll run to us even if we don't indicate we have a treat for her. Smart bird (ironic that her name is Blondie). Surprised the heck out of me!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGtcxiV2kLchJVYN4j-JgSFoRfFOSYVCk-FFn-TqkqoLyV3trOpdVG6n-vD61QAi-vQNp94bqTV9klTTQaqVtGHASARnVeqVRTfS_jCOraq_Nmg8vUTUC0BebEYKkwPi0R-KKIaPZiOP9/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGtcxiV2kLchJVYN4j-JgSFoRfFOSYVCk-FFn-TqkqoLyV3trOpdVG6n-vD61QAi-vQNp94bqTV9klTTQaqVtGHASARnVeqVRTfS_jCOraq_Nmg8vUTUC0BebEYKkwPi0R-KKIaPZiOP9/s200/photo+(10).JPG" width="200" /></a>She also doesn't mind people holding her. Which is a good thing because my daughters always want to hold the chickens, even if it means a mad dash and grab session with lots of misses.<br />
<br />
We've taught Bailey, our Australian Shepherd, how to herd them into their coop at night. The first time he got a little overzealous and one of the birds flew into the backyard. He's calmer now, and they are too. I think they know the sight of him means, "RUN! GET IN THE HOUSE. NOW. ALL HELL'S BREAKING LOOSE."<br />
<br />
Bailey just thinks, "WEEE. A JOB. DID I DO GOOD, MOM, DAD?"<br />
<br />
We came home a couple days ago and found our first eggs. The girls are right at four months old, so we weren't sure, exactly, when they'd lay. Kid #2 found the brown surprise, and surprisingly Snowflake (who we're assuming laid it, who's all black--I'm thinking we like irony) chose not to use a nesting box.<br />
<br />
Harumph.<br />
<br />
She squatted right in the run.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuIoZK7ULaTsSHSfX8ZIc6a61zVBx1qdh740UpIUZVpvvGCrijDunZNwQSaCHtULPRCHgFwB-5wi-vnx5PAdcFANXvVZ7FL2e1UHXAua72aGZL4E1FTSFXCIDPyib1Iq4cKstz0t-r6Zd/s1600/photo+2+(2).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/AVvXsEhQuIoZK7ULaTsSHSfX8ZIc6a61zVBx1qdh740UpIUZVpvvGCrijDunZNwQSaCHtULPRCHgFwB-5wi-vnx5PAdcFANXvVZ7FL2e1UHXAua72aGZL4E1FTSFXCIDPyib1Iq4cKstz0t-r6Zd/s200/photo+2+(2).JPG" width="150" /></a>Twice now. (Yep, we boiled them both last night, too!)<br />
<br />
A bit of research has led me to believe I might have to use artificial eggs to trick her into laying in the nesting box. It's also led me to believe sand makes the <i>best </i>chicken litter (rather than straw, pine bedding, or anything else).<br />
<br />
So last night, The Man, Kid #2 and #3, and I ran to Lowes and bought some All Natural Construction sand, scooped out everything in the coop and run, and made the girls a beach. I already love it. Let's hope I come home to find them sunning on it. ;-)<br />
<br />
If you have the land, and it's permitted where you live, you should think about investing in chickens. (And I do mean think. They are living creatures. They need love, care, and your time. If you can't commit, don't.)<br />
<br />
Next up: Goats? Cows? Ducks?<br />
<br />
Time will tell.<br />
<br />
<3 Krystal<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Fire-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B0082RBAXE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355236886&sr=8-2&keywords=wilde%27s+fire">Wilde's Fire</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Army-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B008HGPPH2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2">Wilde's Army</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Meadow-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B00A1VXA5A/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Wilde's Meadow</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.krystalwade.blogspot.com/p/coming-soon.html">Shattered Secrets</a> - LOST (Blurb Coming Soon)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-50708081597302225692013-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:002013-07-09T09:00:58.284-04:00Adventures in Rainland<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone who lives on the East Coast of the United States
knows how wet and soggy this summer has been. Mosquitoes are flourishing while
crops are dying and people are getting grumpy (you know, light
sadness/depression/whatever-it's-called-that-I'm-sure-is-making-me-miserable).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, then vacation came along. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
YAY! Sunny Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzpGP-CCcmXB2KE8r-mt4gyob7nLfDAIAipSAOYn8Drv2ysdr_bkLvedOWgWMi5tcYm2bHT6PeS1wPF2dEXE9admtMDfKeZyDAG3F36SUBruczt8lJOKbBcGxZyS_uCN6trQWX6MpVDcF/s1600/photo+2.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/AVvXsEhDzpGP-CCcmXB2KE8r-mt4gyob7nLfDAIAipSAOYn8Drv2ysdr_bkLvedOWgWMi5tcYm2bHT6PeS1wPF2dEXE9admtMDfKeZyDAG3F36SUBruczt8lJOKbBcGxZyS_uCN6trQWX6MpVDcF/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="150" /></a>However, the rain followed us in our big Ford F-150. It
rained in North Carolina on the way down, South Carolina, and even Georgia
where we stopped for the night. Luckily, the wind swept away the clouds and we
were able to enjoy the natural beaches undisturbed by development . . . just
the way I like it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I, along with our kids, found crabs scuttling
along the packed sand, marveled at the trees standing on the beach even though
their roots were above ground, and genuinely enjoyed the fact that the sun was
shining. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday morning, we loaded the kids up again and
ventured the remaining way to Florida (which isn't far from Georgia, but given
how far in the state we had to go . . . .)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And guess what?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You ever see Snoopy carrying an umbrella with the raincloud
following him around? Yep, that seemed to be our story. Rained on us the whole
way, which must have been why my daughters had to pee like <i>every</i> <i>five</i> <i>minutes</i> on Saturday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, again, we endured and arrived at Longboat Key, Florida
to sunshine, blue skies, and the smell of ocean. Also: too early in the day to
check into our condo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MkHz3FAppxHShNnSEQxjroWKdQyyTUlb-nrpkKM7ckfbWDiGV3TbazU2MC7V6OpwUSqZYpRTUuOUzfcqr58vAmDwD0H40mc88F1KBAb7lXg6JZshbOMR1qaExEqy2JPAMnTRuL8DiIHy/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MkHz3FAppxHShNnSEQxjroWKdQyyTUlb-nrpkKM7ckfbWDiGV3TbazU2MC7V6OpwUSqZYpRTUuOUzfcqr58vAmDwD0H40mc88F1KBAb7lXg6JZshbOMR1qaExEqy2JPAMnTRuL8DiIHy/s200/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a>We drove over to St. Armand's Key, which is a great shopping/eating
island, and found an awesome little restaurant called The Crab and Fin. So, we
sat—and ate. Our server informed us that we were in for a week of good weather.
The sun was supposed to shine every day, the beach conditions were supposed to
improve—all would be well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boy was he wrong!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shortly after checking in and dumping off our truckload of
crap (seriously, who needs ALL that stuff?), we drove to Publix to purchase our
groceries and it RAINED.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAeHbiyGI9Kbu2JFs6LffFO3uLpKxY1-uxmPK8eU9_6Xw4YU8uvkquVtP2D9qwE5tYUISI2KNO_QOCgfPPrQr_LvMqIJF7lHLIZoQEHtzgR7Adnt_Ya6OqfVGxcXcepwZ_OAvLbTabsCk/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAeHbiyGI9Kbu2JFs6LffFO3uLpKxY1-uxmPK8eU9_6Xw4YU8uvkquVtP2D9qwE5tYUISI2KNO_QOCgfPPrQr_LvMqIJF7lHLIZoQEHtzgR7Adnt_Ya6OqfVGxcXcepwZ_OAvLbTabsCk/s200/photo+(4).JPG" width="200" /></a>I can't remember what we did on Sunday, but I think it
involved beach-hopping and avoiding rain. <br />
<br />
*Edit: Yes, I do remember what we did on Sunday. After all that beach hopping, I met with my Agent Marisa Cleveland and one of my favorite authors Jamie Ayres. Gah! We did so much on vacation that my brain can't process it all!*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday it rained ALL DAY, non-stop, heavy, soaking rain!
Although the beach was out of the question, we piled in our cars (my brother
and his family came to Florida, too) and drove to Tampa to visit the zoo. There
is no better time to visit a zoo than when it's raining. Here are my reasons
why:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Crowds are down</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Animal poo does not smell nearly as bad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TuMEmAuygEI1bGlXl5JIgLFhi1BASmoIlQju7fwjYocROigVu6oTYR_6sOjtJwNtJr9NfhFj4cV_HfzvgnIizTlm_4lo23KIVg8MYuPpyAQa6kVDdbwR6L8Iy0f27njsVQKGd0aafbZ7/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TuMEmAuygEI1bGlXl5JIgLFhi1BASmoIlQju7fwjYocROigVu6oTYR_6sOjtJwNtJr9NfhFj4cV_HfzvgnIizTlm_4lo23KIVg8MYuPpyAQa6kVDdbwR6L8Iy0f27njsVQKGd0aafbZ7/s200/photo+4.JPG" width="200" /></a>3. Do you REALLY need a third reason?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day was awesome! Seriously. We even found this
"little" guy hopping around. *Note: Not a zoo exhibit*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday the sun peeked through the clouds and we found an
awesome little place to hang out at the North Shore of the island. We collected
shells and saw sting-rays and then visited with my sister who drove up from
another Florida island, and then we got rained on. Of course. We did see
dolphins while having lunch on a dry dock!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday we visited the Mote Aquarium and took their Sea
Life boat cruise (awesome, by the way). What happened? It RAINED. We were
soaked. Abby freaked out, thought lightning was going to strike us (I worried
about this too). But, when the crew cast their net and brought lots of fish and
sea creatures for my kids to HOLD and TOUCH, they couldn't care less about the
rain after that. If you ever visit the area, make sure you stop by this aquarium
and take one of their cruises.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qZ-myC3ULxe_hkzKSKKOwbeDDTW4QXqdTAHUiU7mjP_z4EMzfXuEemobTHUSkTZO2x5CWKTjEzHbIMuMha_umLVaAP_wbgzxQr05M19fGEl-R5oSf1jFpe8kahrltHxj9OBDar3_Y0JL/s1600/photo+3.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/AVvXsEj0qZ-myC3ULxe_hkzKSKKOwbeDDTW4QXqdTAHUiU7mjP_z4EMzfXuEemobTHUSkTZO2x5CWKTjEzHbIMuMha_umLVaAP_wbgzxQr05M19fGEl-R5oSf1jFpe8kahrltHxj9OBDar3_Y0JL/s200/photo+3.JPG" width="150" /></a>Thursday was another rainy day. When a surprise storm chased
us off the beach, we waited in the car, had dinner in our folding chairs in a
parking lot (when the rain stopped briefly), then waited in the car some more,
then rushed out to the beach at the last minute and caught an amazing fireworks
display. Honestly, the best finale I've ever seen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday the day started out beautifully, so my hubby,
brother, and all the boys went out on a fishing trip while the girls and I all
stayed pool/beachside. The guys didn't catch a thing—correction: my hubby
caught ONE fish. The girls and I had a relaxing day. Then it rained. A lot. We
sat outside on the balcony to watch the sheets of water blow across the waves,
and then a lightning bolt hit the ocean about 200 yards out from us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scary!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The afternoon cleared up, and so did the ocean. We were
FINALLY able to enjoy the Gulf Coast the way it should be enjoyed: wading in
shallow, clear waters. Amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A soggy dinner out (yep, rainy dinner), and that was the end
of our beach vacation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDwY6ij6CM6HLEpv4Fgmm8hLq5xIgaF-OhBMIP_cOLtiuFF9VaJIBUicm188zZEikEdvUGnym7OlRBKzhsDgZcdDdUKqentsKbrJOzhaFEyAYOjJ-ltM-8QWfgaZymsAzPeH1ee2ZfzSw/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDwY6ij6CM6HLEpv4Fgmm8hLq5xIgaF-OhBMIP_cOLtiuFF9VaJIBUicm188zZEikEdvUGnym7OlRBKzhsDgZcdDdUKqentsKbrJOzhaFEyAYOjJ-ltM-8QWfgaZymsAzPeH1ee2ZfzSw/s200/photo+(3).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I celebrated my 28<sup>th</sup> birthday (5 times over) on
the road with my family. We stopped in Charlotte, NC to visit the NASCAR Hall
of Fame (check out the rain clouds in the picture), and ducked into a restaurant about 20 miles from home to avoid . . .
you guessed it: RAIN!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Effing East Coast weather pattern.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I apologize for not posting more often or visiting
with everyone on Twitter and Facebook, but every now and then I have to take a
step back and appreciate what's important: Life Off the Computer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love you all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<3 Krystal<br />
<br />
Don't forget to download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Fire-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B0082RBAXE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Wilde's Fire for FREE</a> while you still can. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Army-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B008HGPPH2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Wilde's Army is just 99 cents</a> this week.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-87447933263285641422013-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-08T00:00:04.969-04:00Happy Birthday and Anniversary To Me!I'm a giver.<br />
<br />
Sometimes.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I am a sleeper, which has been quite frequent lately. Thank you, VACATION! :-)<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, in honor of my birthday (July 7), in which I am yet again 28 years old, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Fire-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B0082RBAXE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Wilde's Fire</a> is FREE!<br />
<br />
*throws confetti*<br />
<br />
But wait! There's more!<br />
<br />
In honor of the one-year anniversary of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Army-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B008HGPPH2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Wilde's Army</a>, you can download the e-book for just 99 cents!<br />
<br />
*lights fireworks*<br />
<br />
Now, back to making it through the workday. I swear, returning from vacation is SOOOOOO tiring!<br />
<br />
<3 Krystal<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Fire-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B0082RBAXE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Wilde's Fire</a> is free for three days ONLY (8,9,10). <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Fire-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B0082RBAXE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Download</a> it while you still can!*<br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Army-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B008HGPPH2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Wilde's Army</a> is 99 cents through 7/15*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-6273543025426056652013-06-21T12:04:00.000-04:002013-06-21T12:04:25.944-04:00What Am I Trying to Convey?! #horridart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQZpfI39MD0a7YLsPZE1TPCf8kSr3srJASmahhVirHdfVPLfEoQmRFGWLFBx3DYEVGjVTdKGJe9nq3wMi7uYtNafZ17YaIbTYUYwWhcUb4Bq-6HO62QRwcOfyxAJnxgB45OgEKgqGt4uz/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQZpfI39MD0a7YLsPZE1TPCf8kSr3srJASmahhVirHdfVPLfEoQmRFGWLFBx3DYEVGjVTdKGJe9nq3wMi7uYtNafZ17YaIbTYUYwWhcUb4Bq-6HO62QRwcOfyxAJnxgB45OgEKgqGt4uz/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Some of you may have seen my horrid attempt at drawing a scene in my newest book, <span style="color: red;"><b>LOST</b></span>. (Scifi, in case you're wondering, and really, really awesome!)<br />
<br />
I draw these scenes every now and then so that when I'm writing, I keep locations, people, creature counts, and everything else straight.<br />
<br />
As you can see, I'm no artist. Not by any means. Sure, I can sit down and stare at something or someone and attempt to mimic their lines. But drawing something from my head? Pssh! It's all stick figures and squiggly lines.<br />
<br />
Now, let me give you a little bit of information on <span style="color: red;"><b>LOST</b></span>. 16 year-old Clarissa Anderson believes she is the second oldest human alive, thanks to an alien cat intent on creating a new species.<br />
<br />
They don't live on Earth. I won't tell you why or how or any of that.<br />
<br />
<h3>
With all that said, I want YOU to tell me what I'm trying to convey here. Come up with WHATEVER you want based on my picture. Then, when I feel we have enough entries, I'll post a teaser from LOST (including this scene, unedited) and send a present to whoever comes up with the most creative interpretation!</h3>
<h3>
So, get to work. Tell me what I'm trying to convey! There are <b><span style="color: red;">PRIZES</span></b>!!!</h3>
<br />
<3 KrystalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-49383252899806144182013-06-20T14:25:00.000-04:002013-06-20T14:25:04.612-04:00How Would You Like a Hot Guy?I'm not sure anyone has ever looked at me and said: Man, she's so reserved and refined and mature. In fact, if someone has ever uttered those words about me, please let me know so that I may ask you why.<br />
<br />
I work with a group of adultren (this is adult and children merged into one). We're all pretty goofy and love having fun.<br />
<br />
So, when a few of us caught wind that a male model was interviewing for a temp position within our office, we decided to head off to the lobby and check out said model. On our break time, of course.<br />
<br />
We stepped off the elevator and immediately launched into fits of giggles, faces red and probably all trying to cover the same embarrassment spawning from our immature behavior. We're all grown women, after all. But the "applicant" was hot. Tall, dark, muscular. His only downside was a baby face that made us all feel like cougars, which brought his 10 rating down to an 8.5--at least for me.<br />
<br />
To get a better look at him, we decided to grab water from the snack bar, walk around the front of the building, then enter the glass doors, but when we returned to the lobby, he was on his way up the elevators with his potentially new boss . . . so we said, "Wait!" and snagged a ride with them.<br />
<br />
Giggling.<br />
<br />
Non-stop.<br />
<br />
The "potentially new boss" made a couple comments about the peanut gallery, even suggested he got onto the wrong elevator . . . .<br />
<br />
Fast-forward to today.<br />
<br />
"So and so (yes, I'm hiding names to protect the innocent) said to tell you sorry for not being able to hire the model, but he asked me to give you this," my boss said, tossing a <i>Men of the Islands 2013</i> <i>Calendar </i>at me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLdnNLxtN2t057g3K-qc0wx8gLqYIpVoB6lpUMjt_4PdYG92COrkKHQ9ACZu_TMCnG65Do3YSxhwc1YTK90BWSohZyHGHsdMaAIfiEthUf_UKtffqMMK7WOW8H1gIMTF4zDpZhDeecdHr/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLdnNLxtN2t057g3K-qc0wx8gLqYIpVoB6lpUMjt_4PdYG92COrkKHQ9ACZu_TMCnG65Do3YSxhwc1YTK90BWSohZyHGHsdMaAIfiEthUf_UKtffqMMK7WOW8H1gIMTF4zDpZhDeecdHr/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Gasp</i>!! I could never hang this at my desk. I need to keep up my <i>reserved</i>, <i>refined</i>, <i><u>mature </u></i>reputation!<br />
<br />
<h4>
So, dear fans, if you'd like this calendar, let me know. I'll send it to you . . . signed. With maybe some other things, as well. You know, pens, new book teasers, a surprise of some sort!</h4>
You know you want to take this thing off my hands.<br />
<br />
You know it!<br />
<br />
Just tell me you want it in the comments (tell me what you want what you really really want).<br />
<br />
<3 Krystal<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-18687235728452331982013-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-18T08:57:10.793-04:00Surprise Cover RevealWell, I figure all my fans are probably wondering where I'm at. I assure you, I'm not dead. But I have been taking some time for me. Who knew three years of juggling kids, work, writing, promotions, and LIFE would finally weigh on me?!<br />
<br />
So, though I've still been writing, I've taken a step away from social media. Why? Well, I've even scaled down on as much writing, too. I'm tired, folks. The stories are punching me from the inside, but my eyes can't stay open long enough to write them. I figured a few weeks would help me get back on track.<br />
<br />
Anyway, to celebrate my step back into the "real" world, I'm here to present fellow Curiosity Quills Author Brandice Snowden's cover! This is a surprise post. She has no idea her fellow authors banded together to put this BEAUTIFUL cover out into the world. Yeah, Dawna Raver (who set this all up) rocks.<br />
<br />
So, anyway, check out that cover. And make sure you add this book to your TBR pile on Goodreads!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTY4TgWOClcpGlaEy-K7erHP0guIw6gUFwh6eqbsWnXW_eAXPE0LdIM4DKki5xmkLR18KtLVT0gL-V00C_1lefbi9Xj-V_GAaJtRquezTZ22wEvg20fW7nzBJEpVMe5CxpZdQLCIHvteo/s1600/DemonsVeil.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTY4TgWOClcpGlaEy-K7erHP0guIw6gUFwh6eqbsWnXW_eAXPE0LdIM4DKki5xmkLR18KtLVT0gL-V00C_1lefbi9Xj-V_GAaJtRquezTZ22wEvg20fW7nzBJEpVMe5CxpZdQLCIHvteo/s320/DemonsVeil.png" width="214" /></a><b>BLURB</b>: Powerful veils hold Earth apart from realms mortals believe are merely tales of myth and legend. They are opening again, leaving humans vulnerable, and the monsters ready to strike.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Marie Leveau prefers to remain alone and anonymous, for she knows what goes bump in the night, and sacrificing others isn't part of her personality. But life isn’t always about getting what you want.
</div>
<div>
Contracted by The Organization, a shadow government agency, Marie is assigned a new Special Ops team, one she must introduce via Paranormal 101 to the very monsters they didn’t believe existed. Marie and her team are sent to Asia in search of an ancient relic, leading them into the jungle and tests of a fragile new bond. Despite the initial distrust, and an unholy battle with a demon-god, the team survives, their lives forever changed and woven into an unbreakable tapestry.
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Returning home, the new friends sense the very people responsible for their safety are willing to sacrifice them all in the name of power.
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
They learn of a prophecy, and The Paladin, the one person able to close the veils and keep the mortals safe.
</div>
<div>
With few clues, the team must unravel the prophecy and figure out how to close the veils. Or the monsters will use Earth as ground zero, innocents be damned.</div>
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<em>Adult Urban Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.</em></h4>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit Brandice on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrandiceSnowdenWriter?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/brandicesnowden" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-2038055309174637132013-05-26T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-26T00:00:07.867-04:00I Am Who I Am #indielicious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRY40Cm_GAwD5h1EbAdv3bzcrZY84gfqrdSifNrtNBMLCTVUH3u8gaVooyk6pGB5c0giSEiO9oHcDZFeA_7FhUueEGf5p_93Rn3YKxbH4AAklAZucOFcyWVVB6Rr18EyJ7gQSjXLwauK-/s1600/8409194780_37bc1b248b_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRY40Cm_GAwD5h1EbAdv3bzcrZY84gfqrdSifNrtNBMLCTVUH3u8gaVooyk6pGB5c0giSEiO9oHcDZFeA_7FhUueEGf5p_93Rn3YKxbH4AAklAZucOFcyWVVB6Rr18EyJ7gQSjXLwauK-/s320/8409194780_37bc1b248b_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Wow. It's been awhile since I've posted a teaser from Shattered Secrets. But, don't worry, I still love you. I've just been busy with life.<br />
<br />
As many of you know, this book is sitting in the hands of a few NY editors. Woot. I love my agent Marisa Cleveland. She's super supportive, and I know we're taking each other places.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the last time we spent time together on a Sunday, Derick decided he'd rather drive his car <i>over </i>Mark than take him home. You all know that didn't happen. And, to recap, Abby is our main POV, and she was kidnapped by a couple RPG playing freaks--or at least that's what she thinks.<br />
<br />
This scene is in Abby's POV. She's finished her meeting with the counselor and is waiting for Derick to get home from school so they can go hang out in their favorite spot in the woods (and, if you read this blog regularly, you'll know the trail that takes them to this "spot" looks like this: <a href="http://krystalwade.blogspot.com/2013/05/yell-at-trees-advice.html">pretty path</a>.).<br />
<br />
~I changed my clothes six times before settling on a pair of blue jeans and a cream-colored crew-neck sweater. Mom had to help. She didn't like the idea of me going into the woods—I'm not sure I did either—but I doubted anyone would show up again so
soon.<br />
<br />
Chills coursed through me . . . <i>soon</i>. I felt like a target, like someone was definitely coming for me, like my next abduction was just a matter of time. I shook my head, staring into the mirror at my hideous face. A black and yellow bruise insulted my left cheekbone. Reaching up, I pressed the tips of my fingers against the swollen flesh. I shouldn't have looked in the mirror. My chin quivered.<br />
<br />
Maybe I already needed Dr. Pavarti after all.<br />
<br />
"Abby?" Mom stood in the doorway, palm resting on her cheek.<br />
<br />
I tore my gaze from the mirror and looked at her.<br />
<br />
"Would you like me to help you cover it?"<br />
<br />
Staring at my reflection again, I took in the new me. The bruise didn't change who I was. The sling on my arm didn't, either. Through all these things, I was Abby. There was nothing to cover. "No, Mom. Thanks."~<br />
<br />
Abby is one tough cookie! Thanks for visiting, and I promise not to make you wait so long between teasers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=197661" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-31709529282973982502013-05-22T10:02:00.000-04:002013-05-22T10:02:27.405-04:00Yell At The Trees #adviceOn the ride home from work yesterday, I gave a piece of advice to one of my slugs when he mentioned he had a bad day at work and punched his desk.<br />
<br />
Smiling, I stared at the traffic-filled highway and almost giggled when I said, "Don't punch your desk. Go home and yell at the trees."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYaPOc2RowX9trDWHXvob_jijY42huVfGM9lTCUWm6PYQGIZfnlnY3EsrQsbVUwavj2dsMVaiPBMjpMYA1UP8QoCtj2Vb6mLNmeKCTaI3G6ccMIn2bXUnZq7ttvbaQq-EtaYOFPjKR935/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYaPOc2RowX9trDWHXvob_jijY42huVfGM9lTCUWm6PYQGIZfnlnY3EsrQsbVUwavj2dsMVaiPBMjpMYA1UP8QoCtj2Vb6mLNmeKCTaI3G6ccMIn2bXUnZq7ttvbaQq-EtaYOFPjKR935/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a>He laughed, but I meant it. Work is the last place you want to show your anger. Well, really anger gets you nowhere, but that's a different story.<br />
<br />
So, when a friend called me and shared an experience that had me upset for her, I decided to take my advice and "Go yell at the trees."<br />
<br />
But when I stepped into the woods beside my house, I couldn't scream. I couldn't vent my frustrations. All I could do was listen. So that's what I did. I listened to the trees, the bugs, the leaves shifting in the breeze. Cicadas vibrated and made their little buggy noises so loudly it sounded like a car alarm going off.<br />
<br />
Squirrels scampered through underbrush, rushing from tree to tree as they took their prizes home.<br />
<br />
Fence lizards ran in circles around the gnarly tree trunks.<br />
<br />
Floral smells filled the warm, humid air, mixing in with the musty smell of damp leaves and dirt.<br />
<br />
This path is featured in Shattered Secrets. This path is what Abigail walks down in the summers with Derick. Though the story starts out in the winter. This path is what sparks my creativity. My imagination runs endlessly when I'm out there.<br />
<br />
I picture sword fights. I picture butterflies and fairies. I'm inspired by nature. I love nature.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGO4OHsFiKj1UCRtkOaFiWTjTsVYyBNv1kyd4AfmNaPN5GRsk2aw73PUI4pnW5F_Oc5QGkTiveDnYFHVnFloGN4ymzXX7lkcN1CzVuV0HBE0ieqTPbdIePdwrtPf2bplXiyMV0V_QCwNQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGO4OHsFiKj1UCRtkOaFiWTjTsVYyBNv1kyd4AfmNaPN5GRsk2aw73PUI4pnW5F_Oc5QGkTiveDnYFHVnFloGN4ymzXX7lkcN1CzVuV0HBE0ieqTPbdIePdwrtPf2bplXiyMV0V_QCwNQ/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a>I definitely don't want to yell at it, but at the same time, I feel as though the trees wouldn't mind. They would listen. They'd shift and try reaching out to me to tell me everything's going to be okay. They'd whisper encouragement. Maybe sprinkle a little pollen (yes, there was sneezing yesterday).<br />
<br />
Nature is forgiving, kind, gentle. Ironically, nature is also harsh, brutal, and holds endless power. Exactly the kind of friend I like having.<br />
<br />
So, the point of all this? When you're having a bad day, when you need someone to yell at, when you need a friend and no one else is around, go listen to the trees.<br />
<br />
See what nature sparks in you. For me, it's definitely not anger.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What do you do when you have a bad day?</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-41611036671703765962013-05-21T10:00:00.000-04:002013-05-21T10:00:02.832-04:00New Reads! New Reads! #reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWgAHecGLBmQ0OTxcKVFVRkTY0OpBGUFoqM-rWa2At8m-tb2QSkBpmwSmlHyCGr61vU287GmgFuv2xfWsYh13JTS6Gk0YMwnULXr6Er5WBR7gDjWkT_O3allH2YbCJMj7A-tp7dkSwZvz/s1600/bkd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWgAHecGLBmQ0OTxcKVFVRkTY0OpBGUFoqM-rWa2At8m-tb2QSkBpmwSmlHyCGr61vU287GmgFuv2xfWsYh13JTS6Gk0YMwnULXr6Er5WBR7gDjWkT_O3allH2YbCJMj7A-tp7dkSwZvz/s320/bkd.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Every now and then, a book comes along and wallops me upside the head with happiness. This was one of them!<br />
<br />
Can you imagine my dazed look of happiness? Yeah. It's kind of odd. I'll admit that.<br />
<br />
But this was just so cool. A girl who dreams her entire next day. How exciting, scary, intimidating, and . . . boring--but that last part is only for her.<br />
<br />
Poor Nara needs a surprise. And she gets one. In the form of a bomb at school. How could she <i>not </i>call this in to police and prevent her friends from being killed?<br />
<br />
You guessed right. She couldn't.<br />
<br />
But that phone call changes everything. The mysterious boy at school who never talks or touches anyone suddenly takes interest in her, helping her learn how to actually play soccer instead of predicting people's moves, befriending her when her best friend starts dating the school hottie and leaves Nara in the dark, slowly revealing there's more to Ethan than the bad reputation that follows him around. Which is a good thing, because now that she's a secret heroine, everything in her life starts falling apart. Her dreams are hazy. Accidents at school are hurting her friends. The bombers want to find the snitch, and somehow discover she's it.<br />
<br />
Together, Nara and Ethan discover there are darker, more powerful forces attacking, and she's pissed them off with her heroic ways.<br />
<br />
I do not want to give any of the juicy stuff in this book away. Yes, it has a paranormal story line that I fell in love with, something I haven't read before. A few times I thought, oh, no, please don't do be that book. And it wasn't!<br />
<br />
Yes, it has romance. Sweet, tender romance. I thought for sure I'd yell STALKER at Ethan once or twice, but I didn't have to. It all made sense. Awesome.<br />
<br />
I loved this book. I'd say it's appropriate for ages 14+. Minor swearing. Definite violence. Definite heart-pumping romance. <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">5 stars!</span></b><br />
<h3>
And not to leave out its sequel!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIpjwvQNNR_WafQ89q-uthIe7xbYiGcHU87hP6CYoZQ8PsRzdzT6F0QfY-MfTdOBk2yOWonVYwUcE3K6xyEBvJSPh-BBsiGIiinjRzQLxnEqCQKJILs4_ffaZEjQbCWjYdOW5qxw-l0wN/s1600/lucid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIpjwvQNNR_WafQ89q-uthIe7xbYiGcHU87hP6CYoZQ8PsRzdzT6F0QfY-MfTdOBk2yOWonVYwUcE3K6xyEBvJSPh-BBsiGIiinjRzQLxnEqCQKJILs4_ffaZEjQbCWjYdOW5qxw-l0wN/s320/lucid.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div>
Ethan is GONE! I had to start out saying that because I felt that way through almost the entire book. Ethan is gone. Good God, bring him back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that Ethan has Inara and some of his darkness is behind him, he goes home to settle things with his parents. (Because right now he lives with his older awesome brother Samson.) Inara makes a decision to research Ravens while he's gone. She wants to compile a book that might explain the mysterious tattoo that magically appeared on his shoulder. (You MUST read Brightest Kind of Darkness before reading this or you will be missing out...and lost.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But someone is onto her. Someone dark. Someone deadly. Every stroke of her computer key puts her in more danger. Every trip to the Library puts her in harm's way. Even a simple trip to meet a man who's researched Ravens all his life leads to disaster--and also a really amazing scene between Ethan and Inara...even though they're several states apart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But thanks to Drystan, a foreign exchange student who's into Parkour--and Inara, she's kept relatively safe. Drystan packs some supernatural powers of his own, and I cannot wait to see how these unfold in the next book. Ethan and Inara's relationship is strained to the point of almost snapping when he finally returns, and oh boy does he return with a bang...and some deeper darkness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lucid is an action-packed sequel to Brightest Kind of Darkness. Betrayals, new friendships, new relationships, new villains, and missing loved ones makes this book almost impossible to put down. I think I devoured it in two days. The romance is spicy. The wit is fun!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Solid 5 stars</b></span>. (<i>By the way, as a Washingtonian by day and a Virginian by night, I must admit that the author's facts about Washington DC were slightly skewered. She mentioned being able to see planes take off from Dulles airport though she was walking around the Tidal Basin of the Potomac, or somewhere close as they watched a plane crash into the Potomac, which, strangely, has happened before. The author should have stated Reagan National Airport. There may have been another error, but I can't remember it. The story was amazing, and these facts should not deter you from reading. I just had to point them out for any of my friends/family who might read and wonder if I missed that and I was stupid. Don't worry, guys. I still know where I live. Haven't been sucked that far out of reality...yet.</i>)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-71992660742767907482013-05-17T12:00:00.000-04:002013-05-17T12:00:12.461-04:00Music & Souls #deepthoughts<div style="text-align: center;">
Are eyes the only windows to your soul?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do other entries not exist?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other fissures,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cracks,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small openings that reveal who we are at our core?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you not get nervous when you love a song and share it with friends?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you not worry that they'll think it's too emo?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too mushy?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too not for them?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But you love that song.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It speaks to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It reaches into your soul and makes you say yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes you cry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes you smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes you connect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With something.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe our souls aren't hidden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe we bare them for all to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To crush.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To take advantage of.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Should we hide them?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Should we take away the ability for others to sense our core?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our passions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our desires.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our past.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or should we reveal who we really are for all to see?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Should we show our love?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our fears?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our hurt?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe if we did, the world wouldn't be so callous.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So full of hate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe if we take down those walls,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Share our soul,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reveal the human inside,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe we'd be happier.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-19225650512052008452013-05-16T12:00:00.000-04:002013-05-16T12:00:01.993-04:00Shut Up, You #loudphonesSo, before I get started on my rant about people and their loud phones and their obnoxious ringtones and email notifications, I'd like to apologize for all the complaining. Really, you'd think NOTHING good is happening in my life. But that's not true.<br />
<br />
Kid #1 has been running track, keeping me, my mother-in-law, and everyone else busy as we rush around to get to his meets and cheer him on. He's doing great. But he would not appreciate me posting pics of him in his hideously green track uniform . . . so just imagine him. :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHf3qFD39cI-cve7KOHuAxsg1h6aG2i1y15Nir-ZgcCIGeScV6lMDA1qdfyAxNIdbPhPvZ0DsOy5IftVmD2jOA0STUKuhnR9SDbkErsMw3Qym0Ptk2aKNc3jONCNHKgeGH2FpHDoAjbdl/s1600/photo+(1).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/AVvXsEjuHf3qFD39cI-cve7KOHuAxsg1h6aG2i1y15Nir-ZgcCIGeScV6lMDA1qdfyAxNIdbPhPvZ0DsOy5IftVmD2jOA0STUKuhnR9SDbkErsMw3Qym0Ptk2aKNc3jONCNHKgeGH2FpHDoAjbdl/s200/photo+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a>Kid #2 is into everything: soccer, dance, gymnastics. Quite frankly, I almost wish she'd drop out of something just so I could have a break. Is school over yet? Please. Please say it is!<br />
<br />
Kid #3 . . . well, she's into gymnastics--and causing us all sorts of problems. But she's mostly happy. I think. A run to the hospital and many doctor's appointments later . . . and she's all smiles. Her last day of school is next Wednesday. THANK GOD!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Bko6FLpnpz-Qe01IcxWKlCvEYRd5bTFQcreTfE5RbanAa3GcRoIMSvp8GyynQFf9w78eVO5erb4nPlUPn-VnG0MOJGvaMNoVjk2lJ99Cja-L7pJ7sjx9zdcXujDXuBe-ybyEdYmRwwB/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Bko6FLpnpz-Qe01IcxWKlCvEYRd5bTFQcreTfE5RbanAa3GcRoIMSvp8GyynQFf9w78eVO5erb4nPlUPn-VnG0MOJGvaMNoVjk2lJ99Cja-L7pJ7sjx9zdcXujDXuBe-ybyEdYmRwwB/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a>And, I can't forget to mention the chickies. We bought six little chickies and set them up in a beautiful little coop in the "backyard". When you have three acres, I'm not really sure what to consider back, front, side. It's all just land. Aren't they cute???<br />
<br />
Then, there's the wonderful news that Shattered Secrets is signed with an agent and spending some time with NY editors. WOOT! You will see that book on shelves very soon. I know it! No doubt at all.<br />
<br />
And vacation is coming up soon! YAY. We've got tickets to see the Nationals play early June. We've got a condo booked in Longboat Key Florida for the end of June.<br />
<br />
Okay, there's the good stuff....<br />
<br />
And now I've decided I no longer want to rant. I'm happy. Life is good.<br />
<br />
Happy Thursday.<br />
<br />
<3 KrystalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-32695793067148617142013-05-15T12:00:00.000-04:002013-05-15T12:00:08.478-04:00Dead Ever After #ugh #ohmygod #dnf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HrGGe6ELn-Sh7UCIu9_Cvq0H9LEoIsB7jfvF8yX6d5S2U6k_Ntgu-585BCPIrqbhSax4TtHoXFlPDYFYq4sjb_qYovwX1zCiSU0K2e8ZkS4pEqX87ac-ypIY7rpxZQr3Uq-suaPNlM5A/s1600/15985348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HrGGe6ELn-Sh7UCIu9_Cvq0H9LEoIsB7jfvF8yX6d5S2U6k_Ntgu-585BCPIrqbhSax4TtHoXFlPDYFYq4sjb_qYovwX1zCiSU0K2e8ZkS4pEqX87ac-ypIY7rpxZQr3Uq-suaPNlM5A/s320/15985348.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Well, it's happened. I've met a book that I absolutely couldn't finish. And it's not that I couldn't finish it because it was the first in a series and I couldn't get into the book. I couldn't finish it because it was the last in the series and I refused to let the author massacre a world I loved so much.<br />
<br />
Charlaine Harris is an amazing writer. Let's just get that straight. She's brought legions of fans from all over the world who enjoy romance, mystery, crime, etc and said, "I've got a book for all of you."<br />
<br />
And holy hell was she right. I devoured her books so quickly, my husband thought he'd never get to talk to me again. He may have hated the name Sookie. Maybe he still does.<br />
<br />
Then a very sad thing happened: True Blood.<br />
<br />
When the show came out, I thought <i>Yay, these characters get to come to life</i>!<br />
<br />
What could be better? Eric (I drool, fawn, love, and die every time he's on the page), Bill (Can he just say my name that way? KRYSTAL. No, I guess it doesn't work as well.), and Sookie all on TV together. But the show's writers, director, producers, <i>whoever</i>, ruined the hell out of the connection to the books. They made it smutty--more smutty than the light, comedic Southern Vampire series. They made it trashy. They shredded the story lines.<br />
<br />
As a writer, I thought to myself <i>If these were my characters, I wouldn't be able to watch this.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Then I read Charlaine's next book. Something had changed. I sensed a path that didn't flow well with the story she'd written so well and beautifully for so long. I couldn't put my finger on it. But I put that aside and rode a new excitement: the author gave the main character something that could give her a life she loves with someone who loves and adores her, and the main character's grandfather said something that made women all over the world swoon.<br />
<br />
Okay. I'll put that initial worry aside and keep reading.<br />
<br />
So, the twelfth book came out. Yep, TWELVE, 1-2, and I felt like the author's heart wasn't in it. I felt like Charlaine reached inside the pages of her work and performed an AUTHOR INTERVENTION. I had an editor once who warned me about AUTHOR INTERVENTION. She described it as a moment in the story where the characters said or did things, well, out of character that felt intentional in order to guide the story in a new direction. So, I sensed this in book 12. I hated it. It didn't feel natural, right, real, or good.<br />
<br />
As readers, we LIVE the words on those pages. We FEEL the characters' feelings. We EXPERIENCE their lives. We WANT things to end well, especially for HEA Romance readers.<br />
<br />
So, when a book takes a twist or turn and a new path blooms, we shouldn't feel like OH NO. NO. What is the author doing? Why is she making this decision? Why? That's not how the cluviel dor was supposed to be used. That's not how things were supposed to go down!<br />
<br />
If the reader puts on the brakes, it's a BAD SIGN.<br />
<br />
By the end of book 12, I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read book 13. But I did. I actually pre-ordered it. $15 for the KINDLE version. Can you believe that? FIFTEEN dollars.<br />
<br />
So, anyway, I put off reading it for days. I knew. I just KNEW things would not end the way I wanted. I knew, and the idea made me sick. Sookie's loved one was promised away for 200 years of SEXUAL SLAVERY. And the author changed Sookie's character SO MUCH that Sookie didn't do anything to stop it. Like, eh, he said he loves me and that what he has to do doesn't mean anything, but it does. Oh, how it does. Umm, honey, you should have saved his ass.<br />
<br />
Frankly, none of it made sense. Why Eric would give up so easily. He's been in love with and protecting Sookie since BEFORE THEY EVEN MET! Charlaine wrote this amazing story between them. She brought redemption to a man who initially didn't appear to possess one redeeming quality. She made me fall in love with a new fictional character when I had thought I loved Bill. She painted Eric in this beautiful light. God, he LOVED her. He loved her so much that he cried (Eric, beautiful, strong, stubborn Eric CRIED) when the fairies hurt her.<br />
<br />
But something changed in Charlaine's life. She swears that the ending of Dead Ever After is what she envisioned two books into the series. Well, then, why the hell didn't you give clues and hints earlier on? Oh, sure, Sookie wanted babies. My God did we hear about them often enough. But two words: cluviel dor. You could have saved Eric, dumbass. That's who you should have saved. That's who you loved. That's who loved you. That's who you deserved and who deserved you.<br />
<br />
Not your boss (at least, that's how I think it ends due to some of the reviews I've read...but I'm still pretending book 4 is the end of the series). Not your boss who's mind you could read. How you always looked at as a brother. A family member. Who you never showed an interest in. Sure, he's a great guy. He's always been there for you.<br />
<br />
So why put the readers through the ringer with Eric? Why show us that he NEEDED--no, he DESERVED redemption only to give him a MEA (miserable ever after) ending?<br />
<br />
Why assassinate your characters with intentional AUTHOR INTERVENTION to guide your story a different way than the path it naturally flowed on?<br />
<br />
My guess? True Blood.<br />
<br />
My guess is that show ruined how she felt about her books and characters.<br />
<br />
Or something.<br />
<br />
I don't think I'll ever pick up another book by Charlaine Harris. Not because she's a terrible writer, but because I can't trust her. She broke the contract between reader and writer of romance, the type of romance where the main relationship lasts forever.<br />
<br />
I'll probably rant about this again in the future, should I ever decide to finish the book, but right now...I just can't.<br />
<br />
There are too many other things out there with a happy ending, with an ending where the redeeming character doesn't end up a sex slave, miserable, and away from the one he loves and has protected for years.<br />
<br />
The End, Charlaine Harris.<br />
<br />
The, horrible, sad, broken-hearted, End!<br />
<br />
Oh, and in case you're wondering.... 1 Star for me. I recommend reading the series, but stop around Book 10 and make up your own ending.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-63061237598966685802013-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-13T00:00:06.506-04:00Wilde's Fire Hangman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlzorqG_WFANAnSuHH2EGrHz8Pz4j49eGOHmHehQm49uDPjpFK1yh3-iWBhK69-mOHOyFlDNmH8wO_XXXur6dpfrgs6I4IPmRgKMSMdtOZ0FHcGpunALeZy-0XOL1N4M8WVNa6Ph11axN/s1600/cover.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/AVvXsEhBlzorqG_WFANAnSuHH2EGrHz8Pz4j49eGOHmHehQm49uDPjpFK1yh3-iWBhK69-mOHOyFlDNmH8wO_XXXur6dpfrgs6I4IPmRgKMSMdtOZ0FHcGpunALeZy-0XOL1N4M8WVNa6Ph11axN/s200/cover.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
Well, it's official. Wilde's Fire has been out for a year. Wow. What an amazing, awesome, spectacular year it's been. Well over 30,000 copies are out there in the world, floating around on e-readers or sitting on people's shelves.<br />
<br />
I think that's so awesome.<br />
<br />
So, to celebrate, we're going to play another little game to test your knowledge of Wilde's Fire. Hangman.<br />
<br />
And maybe tomorrow I'll even give something away. We'll see. :-)<br />
<br />
Thanks for making my year so wonderful!<br />
<br />
<3 Krystal<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe height="530" id="frmHangman" name="frmHangman" scrolling="auto" src="http://www.freado.com/hangman/game/1672/characters-from-wildes-fire" style="background-color: #f9f8f0; border: 3px solid #FD9500;" width="490">This message is displayed if your browser does not support iframes. <a href="http://www.freado.com/hangman/1672/characters-from-wildes-fire" target="_blank">Click here to continue.</a></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750062037106905218.post-37143698036873463532013-05-10T09:45:00.002-04:002013-05-10T09:45:59.231-04:00Friday Fun! #games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlzorqG_WFANAnSuHH2EGrHz8Pz4j49eGOHmHehQm49uDPjpFK1yh3-iWBhK69-mOHOyFlDNmH8wO_XXXur6dpfrgs6I4IPmRgKMSMdtOZ0FHcGpunALeZy-0XOL1N4M8WVNa6Ph11axN/s1600/cover.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/AVvXsEhBlzorqG_WFANAnSuHH2EGrHz8Pz4j49eGOHmHehQm49uDPjpFK1yh3-iWBhK69-mOHOyFlDNmH8wO_XXXur6dpfrgs6I4IPmRgKMSMdtOZ0FHcGpunALeZy-0XOL1N4M8WVNa6Ph11axN/s200/cover.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
It's been too long since we've celebrated Wilde's Fire. With the novel's one year anniversary quickly approaching, I thought we'd play a little game and test your memory!<br />
<br />
So, I created Are You Wild for Wilde's Fire?!<br />
<br />
Go ahead, take the quiz, test that knowledge! I dare ya!<br />
<br />
Happy Friday, everyone.<br />
<br />
<3 Krystal<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe height="400" id="frmNanoq" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="frmNanoq" scrolling="no" src="http://www.freado.com/QuickQuiz/game/859/are-you-wild-for-wildes-fire" style="border: 0px solid;" width="500">Sorry, your browser does not support iframes. <a href="http://www.freado.com/QuickQuiz/game/859/are-you-wild-for-wildes-fire" target="_blank">Click here to continue</a></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com2