Featured Author: Raani York

10/17/2013 / Lori / 22 Comments

Featured Author: Raani York

Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about the person behind the pen.

I’m an author with a “normal daytime job”. Uhm… something needs to actually get food on the table. I wish I could live off writing, but I’m not far enough yet for that.

I work, I get back, I do some writing, I blog, and once in a while I get an idea and fulfill one of my dreams and goals. Whatever is in my mind. I as well am into Martial Arts and usually work out once a week.

And of course I take care of my little “furry family”, means my three Maine Coon cats, Jake, Charlet and Esme. (who do actually play quite a role in my blog.)

What made you decide to write (the genre of your book), were there any influencing factors, or were any of the stories based on true events.

I am writing for quite some time now, started out with articles for little magazines, later for newspaper columns, even continuation love stories for women magazines. But I soon felt, this was not the writing I wanted to do.

I wanted more… a book… I couldn’t even tell when exactly the idea came into my head but I did feel the need to write down this story and when I was “done” I felt I hadn’t told all there is. So I just continued to the next book… and the next.

I do write fantasy books and besides a few of my family members and friends inspiring me to “form” my characters, the only one who didn’t inspire me, was myself. (Even though I have to admit a couple of my friends and my editor tell me, the main protagonist strongly reminds them of me)

My Trilogy has gotten its copyright and is truly mine, but has not been published yet. The first book “Dragonbride” is ready, but I think it really deserves a special publication and I work on it. There’s no exact date yet. For some reason there was always something coming up that delayed it and I start believing that has some reason I do not yet know about.

My second book of the Trilogy is nearly done editing and the third book is written, but hadn’t had editing yet.

After years of work on this Trilogy the characters grew on me and I had to finally say good bye to them. It was a little like “losing friends”.

In the meantime I have started another two manuscripts of another, entirely new Trilogy and I’m really surprised how easy they are to write.

How do you promote your book, and do you find that difficult or just par for the course.

At this time I am still Networking. I can hardly really promote a book that doesn’t yet “exist”. It WILL be published, yes, and by then I think it will get the best possible promotion I can give it, but right now, I’m still in the “start-up” phase.

Do you remember your first review and how it made you feel? (If it was a bad one, also tell about your good one too).

I gave the Manuscript to a wonderful book expert, Kristen Lamb who allowed me to send it in since I won her monthly contest on her blog. She gave me a great review and comments on the parts of the manuscript she read and I was quite proud of it and still am.

I do figure by the time my first book really is published the reviews will come in – and even though I hope all of them will be great, I already am afraid they won’t be. And it scares me.

Tell us about your book and if it’s a series and how the public is reacting to this book.

Dragonbride is the first book of the “Dragon Chronicles” Trilogy. It tells about a baby, growing up to be the only Magician on Earth. She’s taken care of by her Aunts and is taught Magic from a very young age. Her entire life she’s prepared to become the “Golden Dragon’s” wife. Of course she doesn’t believe it at first, she thinks it’s only her Aunt’s threat to make her behave – and then she is quite surprised when it turns out to be the truth. She does become the Golden Dragon’s wife. Her marriage isn’t quite the horror she fears – it’s more the opposite. She’s very happy. But then she and her husband find out that the Earth is in grave danger by the most evil creature appearing. And they go on a mission to save the Earth.

I don’t want to get the entire book told her within a few words. There are a few surprising things happening – and at the end, it will be like a “new beginning.

Can you share any and all links that are important to you as a person and the book? (You can relate more to a book if you know more about the author).

My Website: http://www.raaniyork.com/

My blog: http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/

My email: raaniyorkca@aol.com

Different Platforms:

https://myspace.com/raaniyork

https://www.facebook.com/raaniyork

http://www.pinterest.com/raaniyorkca/boards/

https://plus.google.com/115854197563561201228/posts

https://twitter.com/RaaniYork

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raani-york/5/922/b37

http://microcerpt.com/raaniyork/

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12628426-raani

I’ll wrap it up with this question since “7” is a lucky numberJ. Can you share an excerpt from your book, and I’d like to thank you so much for taking time to share your book with me. Please share as much as you’d like.

*****

Finally, we lay next to each other again, and I nestled against him. We both knew that it was time for the final part of the ritual.

Dragan sighed worriedly, and I looked into his eyes. His voice barely a whisper, he said, “I see fear in your eyes… but I see love as well. I hope from the bottom of my heart that this won’t destroy things before we’ve had a chance to start.”
I knew that nothing I said would help right now, so I just slipped out of his arms and let him get out of bed. It was torturous for both of us, and I could tell by his expression that he did not want to leave my side. He hated the idea that we had to be apart while he shapeshifted. I could almost feel his unhappiness physically. “Please, give me an hour.” I nodded silently.

(free translation of the Dragon’s diary…)

He hoped that he would not lose her, that she would not fear him for the rest of her life. Even his mother, Lea-Angela, had been so shocked that it took her a year to become used to her husband’s dragon form.

However, he knew that if it went badly he would do anything he could to help his wife through this – anything. He disappeared behind the tapestry that covered the passage leading to his own suite, which was much bigger than his wife’s to accommodate his true form. He needed a lot of space to be able to spread out and move around, especially when he bathed.

Dragons were very clean creatures, and he liked to spread his wings out after grooming himself, something he loved to do. Naturally, this room was covered in rare and expensive carpets, along with the other rooms in his quarters. He liked their warmth, and only the bathroom was uncarpeted for practical reason. It was tiled and there was a large drain in the tub. He felt quite comfortable after cleaning up and was ready to face his wife….

Within the hour I had bathed and changed my clothes. Three of my servants were there to help me; they gave me a gentle massage and applied a perfumed lotion to keep my skin moisturized.
“This is necessary,” Nemesis explained, “because the air-conditioning system down here can dry your skin out, Your Highness, and I’m sure that you want to appear as young and as beautiful as you can.” I nodded, but my thoughts were in the next room.
Standing now in my dark red night-gown, I realized that the moment of truth had come. Surprisingly, I felt not more than anticipation and curiosity.

I considered it a great privilege to see the Golden Dragon with my own eyes. I waved my hand to dismiss my servants and moved slowly towards the door.

Knocking politely on the door, I called in the dragons’ favored tongue, Latin. “Are you ready, milord?” A deep growl answered me. I interpreted this as a yes and entered his chambers.

The very first thing I saw was an immense claw, directly in front of me. Looking up, I followed the curve of his enormous shoulder. To the right was his coiled tail, its muscles twitching slightly.

I looked into his yellow reptilian eyes, the pupils narrow and slitted. His huge head was beautifully formed and not at all scary since I already knew my husband as a ‘human’; even his snout was perfectly formed. As our eyes met, we almost became lost in each other’s eyes.

I saw the folded wings and the razor-sharp claws, but what impressed me the most was his magnificent armor-plated body. Dragan’s shimmering golden scales were a mixture of shades from a yellow as rich as the summer sun and the darkest ochre, and everything in between.

When I had decided that I had seen enough, I bowed before him and said, “Milord Draco Beziehn’leliehv, I shall always be at your disposal no matter what form you take.”

A single tear slid down the scales covering his cheek, vanishing into a crevice. He seemed so emotional that he couldn’t speak; I was afraid that he’d croak like a frog if he tried to right now. I smiled at him and asked “Am I permitted to touch you, milord?”
The Golden Dragon nodded, answering in melodic voice that I found hypnotic. “Yes, milady, but be careful. My claws are as sharp as knives – don’t hurt yourself.”

Minding his words, I approached him and took care around his claws. I placed a hand on his golden scales. Even though he felt cool to the touch, I could feel the life-force within and the slow rhythm of his heart. But more importantly than that, I could feel his love for me.

I smiled as I stood before him. “You’re magnificent, my husband.”
In his thoughts I could sense his relief and pleasure at those words….

*****

Thank you very much for giving me the chance to be your guest. It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity. I really appreciate it!

Raani

***Thank you so much Raani for allowing me to interview you. You have such BEAUTIFUL CATS, I have two and love them so much that their considered my “Babies” rather than my “pets”. You are quite the accomplished author and I only wish you the best.

Featured Author: Delinda McCann

10/15/2013 / Lori / 2 Comments

Featured Author: Delinda McCann

Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about the person behind the pen.

I am a social psychologist with many years of experience working with people who are poor, disabled, at-risk, and have mental health problems. I’ve served as an advocate on state boards and been a board member for several Non-Government Organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our society.

I am basically a country girl. Over the years we’ve owned three horses, some goats, three sheep, many dogs and cats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, geese and the usual round of pet birds and rodents. Currently, I own a small flower farm on Vashon Island. I grow cut flowers and sell them at a slightly crooked farm stand that I built all by myself.

In addition to the above interests, I am an amateur musician. I play the piano poorly and sing with my church choir. I mention the music because it has been one of my more lucrative hobbies. I put myself through graduate school with money from my piano teaching. All the heroine’s in my novels can play and sing.

2. What made you decide to write fiction? Were there any influencing factors, or were any of the stories based on true events.

I’d just gotten the diagnosis for my second cancer. I wasn’t even close to recovered from my first cancer or my stroke. I decided reality sucked. I was way too sick to do anything else so I started writing Lies That Bind based loosely on my experience as the first person to have a web site on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. My web site brought me into contact with other foreign governments and I learned more than I taught. I wove that experience into a love story. Note: I never had an affair with a foreign head of state. I have been married for forty-seven years so maybe I know a thing or two about sex though.

3. How do you promote your book, and do you find that difficult or just par for the course.

Lies That Bind was picked up by a literacy program and was shipped off to remote places on the globe. Other than the literacy program, my promotional efforts include mostly internet activities. I have a blog. I tweet. I promote on Facebook. I have a large extended family and lots of friends who buy my books.

4. Do you remember your first review and how it made you feel? (If it was a bad one, also tell about your good one too).

My first review was a five star and very enthusiastic. Most people with a sense for social justice give my books five star ratings. I remember being so thankful for those first couple reviews. I am still extremely thankful for anybody who takes the time to write a review. I know someday I may get a bad review and I have no idea how I will take that.

5. Tell us about your book and if it’s a series and how the public is reacting to this book.

My first book Lies That Bind was huge—eight hundred pages, which is almost a series between two covers. I’ve had people buy it because it was thick and others avoid it because it looks to be too long. It did cause my readers to ask questions about my hero, Jake Jaconovich. By this time Jake was firmly lodged in my head so he told me the story of his childhood and the events that catapulted him into the presidency of his country so I wrote M’TK Sewer Rat: End of and Empire and M’TK Sewer Rat: Birth of a Nation. Meanwhile, Maudy asked me to tell her story. Maudy also lives in my head. She wanted me to write about brain damage and the grace of God. Her story, Something About Maudy came out in July. I’m not certain The Public has read any of my books, but the few people who’ve read them and contacted me about them love them, saying that I’ve describe a portion of their lives or the life of a loved one with a disability so accurately. One cousin just hugged me for a long time and thanked me for my words. I think the hug from a family member was the best reward ever.

6 Can you share any and all links that are important to you as a person and the book? (You can relate more to a book if you know more about the author).

Links:

All Delinda’s books are on her website. http://delindalmccann.weebly.com/index.html

7. I’ll wrap it up with this question since “7” is a lucky numberJ. Can you share an excerpt from your book, and I’d like to thank you so much for taking time to share your book with me. Please share as much as you’d like.

Excerpt

This is from M’TK Sewer Rat: End of an Empire

*****

I wondered what this old drunk could have seen that made him fear for his life.

“I figure you’s an hones man. I heerd how your papa saved all dose people when M’TK burned. I heerd how you got dat Fortenac. I remember da M’TK Sewer Rat.”

I smiled.

“I figure I cin trust you.”

I nodded.

“I seen some men. Da night da laundry caught fire, I seen dem and I heerd dem.”

I looked around to see if anybody noticed us or could overhear us. I didn’t ask him why he had not come forward sooner. I knew the city. I understood why he hadn’t said anything sooner. I pulled out a legal pad. I wrote the case number for the fire on the top of the page and labeled it Source: Q. “Mr. S’PnG this is very important. It will help me a great deal.”

“Well, I seen dat cop.”

*** I’ve known Delinda for quite a while, we are friends and colleagues. She is a WONDERFUL, TALENTED and KINDHEARTED woman that is an excellent writer!

Featured Author: Brian Bigelow

10/14/2013 / Lori / 3 Comments

Featured Author: Brian Bigelow

Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about
the person behind the pen.

I’m an author living in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my wife Brandy and our fuzzy children Beeper and Bear. Beeper, our Chihuahua, does a good job of protecting us from shadows and such, Bear, our cat, tells me when to go to bed.

2. What made you decide to write (the genre of your book), were there any influencing factors, or were any of the stories based on true events.

I bought a house a couple of years ago that we’re living in now. What’s the worst thing that could of happened?

3. How do you promote your book, and do you find that difficult or just par for the course.

I personally like networking. You know, meeting with the readers.
Presently, I have a couple of publishers that are waiting on books and stories
so I’ve been mostly working on writing. Too much of the time I think promoting
relies on advertising which doesn’t make a direct connection.

4. Do you remember your first review and how it made you feel? (If it was a bad one, also tell about your good one too).

I can’t remember the first review for one of my books. Not that I’m not entirely interested, but I don’t usually look at them except for very rarely.

5. Tell us about your book and if it’s a series and how the public is reacting to this book.

I’ve never released a series though I began working on one sequel to a fantasy novella. My more recent releases in general have been very well received. I’m amazed at some of the wonderful things that have been said about things I’ve written. It’s really overwhelming and I’m really touched.

6. Can you share any and all links that are important to you as a person and the book? (You can relate more to a book if you know more about the author).

http://brian-bigelow.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Brian-Bigelow/e/B00667745A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

http://www.amazon.com/An-Ill-Wind-Cometh-ebook/dp/B00DGDFZNK

7. I’ll wrap it up with this question since “7” is a lucky number 🙂 . Can you
share an excerpt from your book, and I’d like to thank you so much for taking
time to share your book with me. Please share as much as you’d like.

As she reached the porch deck she felt a chill surge through her. It caused her to look around to see what was causing it. The goose bumps raised on her arms were unmistakable but it was too hot out to feel chilly. A dark shadow on the wall passed by quickly which she wasn’t quite sure she was seeing. What in the hell was that? Her inquisitive eyes did a double take. Shaking her head she told herself it was only her imagination playing tricks on her. She was positive that nothing actually happened so she was able to safely disregard it. Sharon took a deep breath as she stepped over to the door to look in the window with her husband.

***I know Brian, he has been a good friend and colleague for quite sometime. I had a chance to read his book and found it GREAT. It was suspenseful, edge of your seat excitement. I encourage all of you who like this type of genre…and those that don’t to definitely give it a read. 🙂

Featured Author: James DiBenedetto

10/09/2013 / Lori / 3 Comments

Featured Author: James DiBenedetto

Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about the person behind the pen.

I’m a pretty average guy (at least, I think so). I’m originally from Yonkers, NY (literally on the street that bordered New York City – walk 10 feet and I’m in the Bronx), and I’ve lived in the Washington, DC area for 17 years or so. I came here for graduate school and just stayed afterwards.

I work in fundraising/marketing during the day (someone has to do it!), and I write my novels by night.

I’m married to a wonderful woman who’s also working on a novel of her own, and we’re both well-trained by our tortoise-shell cat who runs the household.

2. What made you decide to write a paranormal romance? Were there any influencing factors, or were any of the stories based on true events.

That’s just the story that came to me. I had an idea about someone with the ability to step into other people’s dreams, and the book grew from that.

The stories in the Dream Series are in no way whatsoever based on real events, but some of the incidental characters are modeled on real people to fill out the world. And the books are set in the “real world” so real-life events are mentioned (the book I’m working on now, #6 in the series, takes place in October, 2001, so the events of 9/11 come up in the course of the book, for example).

3. How do you promote your book, and do you find that difficult or just par for the course.

Incredibly difficult! I’m not a natural self-promoter, and there’s just so much to learn. And, on top of that, it seems as though the world of indie publishing and marketing changes daily. Techniques and websites that were effective even a couple of months ago stop working, and you have to find new approaches constantly. And NOBODY really knows the rules, as far as I can tell.

I’ve been doing everything I can think of – blog tours, FB, word of mouth, paid advertising, recording the books as audiobooks, etc.

4 Do you remember your first review and how it made you feel? (If it was a bad one, also tell about your good one too).

Oh, yes. Nearly all the reviews for the series have been very positive. The review from the Paranormal Romance Guild, as a professional-type organization with “real” reviewers, was especially exciting. It wasn’t a complete rave, but just the fact that the book compared favorably to other works, and that I could put it next to anybody else’s books and not be ashamed, was a huge lift for me.

5. Tell us about your book and if it’s a series and how the public is reacting to this book.

There are five books so far in the Dream Series. They all follow Sara, who we first meet in college in the winter of 1989/90. She’s pretty ordinary, until she starts having dreams that aren’t hers. She realizes pretty quickly what’s going on, that she actually is stepping into the dreams of other people, and that causes major problems for her, because one of the dreamers she’s seeing might be a serial killer.

As the series goes on, she has to try and figure out who wants to poison the least popular teacher in her medical school; she discovers that her daughter has inherited her “gift” and she needs to figure out how to help a 4-year-old girl cope with these strange dreams, and she finally meets someone outside her family who can do what she does, but who’s using their talent for evil rather than good.

I’ve gotten excellent response from the public; I’ve sold nearly 1,400 copies of the five books, and gotten almost uniformly positive reviews.

6. Can you share any and all links that are important to you as a person and the book? (You can relate more to a book if you know more about the author).

Well, the first book is set where I went to college – www.case.edu

I’m a huge opera lover, and I go regularly to the Kennedy Center here in DC – www.kennedy-center.org

My favorite author is Stephen r. Donaldson – www.stephenrdonaldson.com

My website is www.writingdreams.net, and my books are on my Amazon author page – www.amazon.com/author/jjdibenedetto

The narrator for my audiobooks is just amazing. Her site is http://www.heatherjanehogan.com

OK, here’s an excerpt from the first book, “Dream Student”. Sara has just told her best brined and her boyfriend about a series of dreams she’s had, and they’re discussing things over dinner:

Another thought goes through my mind just now, and it throws me off track. “If I’ve got a power, right? I’m psychic, or whatever you want to call this, right? Well, where’s my wise mentor? In every story I can think of, people who suddenly find they have a special power or something always have one. King Arthur had Merlin. Luke Skywalker had Obi-Wan. The Scottish guy in that stupid movie Ron likes, where they’re all cutting each other’s heads off…”

“Connor MacLeod,” Brian pipes in. “And the movie is ‘Highlander.’”

Beth snorts. “All you guys like that movie. I’ll never understand it.”

“Anyway,” I say, trying to get back on track. “Connor whatever, he had Sean Connery to mentor him, right? So where’s the old wise master to tell me how to deal with all this?” Brian’s amused by the thought, but Beth has a different reaction.

“I’d let Sean Connery tell me what to do,” she sighs. “Anytime.”

So would I, although not that way. He’s old enough to be my grandfather, after all. Besides, I’m taken! And I will definitely have to tell Brian that that was my first thought, once we’re alone of course. But I definitely wouldn’t say no to Sean Connery’s advice. I bet he’d know exactly what to do about the nightmares.

Featured Author: Anna Othitis (ONE)

10/07/2013 / Lori / 4 Comments

Featured Author:

“Anna Othitis”

Anna Othitis – “My First Travel Book”

Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about the person behind the pen.

Living most of my life in Zimbabwe, now settled in Wanaque New Jersey, we immigrated to the U.S. from Zimbabwe about 12 years ago. Born in Greece, we moved to Zimbabwe with my family as an infant, where a few years ago left for the U.S.A. due to political turmoil, and fortunate to give out three sons more educational opportunities in lands of opportunities.

2. What made you decide to write (the genre of your book), were there any influencing factors, or were any of the stories based on true events.

I was inspired by my vast experiences in Africa and by the many beautiful places that I and my family have visited over our life time in Zimbabwe.

An amazing creation, which stands in the Military Museum in Gweru, Zimbabwe, was one of my inspirations to write my cute children’s book this sculptured by a fellow rural man from sticks and small tree trunks, an image of a aero plane which he saw flying in the skies, not often seen in Zimbabwe’s remote areas, like a huge bird in the skies.

3. How do you promote your book, and do you find that difficult or just par for the course.

Through friends, family, and various author web sites on Face Book, Good reads.

4. Do you remember your first review and how it made you feel? (If it was a bad one, also tell about your good one too).

It was a fun and exciting experience, especially my interview with the “Suburban Trend” newspaper

5. Tell us about your book and if it’s a series and how the public is reacting to this book.

Our children’s book recently launched, “flies” children around the world and at the same time teaching them about some of its most famous destinations in the world. Educational, fun and an inspiring book “My First Travel Book” for children between the ages of 3 and 10 also featuring my home country and land with Victoria Falls of my native Rhodesian/Zimbabwean heritage. Our book is written in a fun rhyming format featuring beautiful and very real illustrations of our destinations with educational experience for the young readers, with lessons in history and geography on these famous destinations

6. Can you share any and all links that are important to you as a person and the book? (You can relate more to a book if you know more about the author). http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-62510-945-3

https://www.facebook.com/AnnaFrankieOthitis?ref=hl

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17991046-my-first-travel-book

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-first-travel-book-anna-othitis/1115454747?ean=9781625109453

http://www.amazon.com/First-Travel-Book-Anna-Othitis/dp/1625109458

http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/books/224816302_Wanaque_author_is_inspired_to_pen_children_s_travel_book_series.html

Anna has posted a picture of her excerpt that she’d like to share…BELOW!

Thank you so much Anna. I know firsthand what an awesome writer you are since my grandson LOVED your book. I only wish you the best and thanks for sharing with us!

READERS ROCK-new magazine.

06/24/201306/24/2013 / Lori / 1 Comment

Readers Rock is the new magazine for READERS and Authors alike. This is Tammie Gibbs first digital magazine. This month there is an interview with Actor/Author Peter Arpesella. Their are book excerpts and tips on what reviewers look for.

http://www.joomag.com/magazine/reader-s-rock-volume-1-issue-1-june-july-2013/0449353001371943152

It’s truly for those who LOVE TO READ. Tammie is a friend of mine, she has a virtual book fair every week-end starting on Friday nights. Authors post excerpts from their books, and are on hand to answer readers questions. So please join us on Friday through Sundays https://www.facebook.com/groups/169126186575183/203217993166002/?notif_t=group_comment_reply

I hope you all enjoy this book and send Tammie some feedback on her magazine *tell her where you heard about it:) tammiegibbs@yahoo.com

Thanks all, and if anyone wants to review my book within 30days I will furnish them with an autographed copy. Salut

Blogging 2012

12/26/201201/07/2013 / Lori / 6 Comments

SO TRUE!!!!

This has been the first truly active, successful blogging that I’ve ever done. I have met some pretty extrordinary people, matter of fact they all are extrordinary! Not only have the people I’ve met had their own downfalls and disasters in life, they have survived, and have made their life better despite it.

Sometimes in life we have to be slapped in the face before we realize just how lucky we are in life. Materialism is the way of society today as is technological toys that take our minds off of reality. But along with that passage of reality we fail to meet people that could influence or change our lives in a more “REAL” fashion.

While I begrudge the technology that is forcing us into “BOT reality, where communication is no longer face to face, and we never have to deal with rejection due to just tapping a button if we don’t want to continue reading what we think is “bad news”.

I believe insecurity is what feeds this type of communication. We no longer have to fear the thought that someone might not want to talk to us, or like us so we just delete them from a list and put them on another “LIST”. We become so absorbed with this cyber world that it is turning our lives into one anti-social desert of lonliness. Sure we can maintain our confidence that we are popular by keeping those like us and that LIKE US on a networking site, but we are failing at human interaction. Even bullying has become a cyber sport.

I really feel sorry for the kids that won’t be able to go to school football games and “INTERACT, or go on hayrides during Halloween, or sledding during winter. We DONT do that anymore, instead we are running into telephone polls and falling into manholes because were not watching where we are going, all the while texting our friend who is walking behind us. Growing up is no longer the same, and being a kid is no longer the same. Sad but true so we have to deal with it.

BUTTTTT the one thing I can say for sure that is positive out of all of this is meeting my fellow bloggers and AUTHORS. To be allowed to talk to people from different points in the country and be able to share with each other lifes ups and downs all the while trying to tell stories that we hope will inspire, teach and touch others emotions is a WONDERFUL thing.

I get confused with all these blogging awards and their stipulations about posting this sentence and sharing this link while answering this question to accept it. I’m not saying thats a bad thing because everyone involved should get recognition. But please don’t fault me if I don’t respond appropriately or thank the wrong person, or even moreso don’t thank the right person. Therefor I would just like to award one big

THANK YOU FELLOW BLOGGERS AND AUTHORS for a great year 2012!!!!

I hope everyone gets a chance to visit and interact with the women I’ve met since blogging. They are truly INSPIRATIONAL, KIND and PATIENT women. Sadly you won’t be able to meet one of them, for she passed away in a house fire with her husband in 2012. But she does deserve recognition Sandra McLeod Humphrey who was very prolific in writing childrens books. She will be sadly missed in the literary world and amongst her friends and colleagues. As for the rest of these fine women I will list their sites below and be sure to visit these site, I’m sure you will laugh, cry and recognize why these women are so special. But always remember……