Z is for Zone

It's day twenty-six of the A-Z Blogging Challenge. It's the end of April. The end of the challenge. The end of a lot of fun.

Z is for zone...

Zigzagging from zero to zilch, like a zany zombie I hit the zone.

I played a zither in my zoot suit. I zoomed through the A-Z Blogging Challenge and did it with zeal.

Now that I’ve hit the zenith and reached my Zen, I’m off to the zoo. You?

I hope you've enjoyed my 'Z' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The more times you comment, the more chances to win! Double your reading pleasure.

I'll announce the winner (selected at random) here on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

Click HERE for the final posts from the more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who took this fun and inspiring challenge. Happy reading! And thank you to everyone for dropping by.

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Y is for Yeoman

It's day twenty-five of the A-Z Blogging Challenge. It's also almost the end of April. Yes. YES, YES, YES!! 

Y is for Yeoman...

Yesterday’s yarn of yodeling yesman with yoga yawning yogis has been replaced by yammering yeoman on yellow yachts.

Yikes.

Me? I prefer Owain Yeoman.

You, too? Yippee!

I hope you've enjoyed my 'Y' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more posts from the more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also so very close to the end of this challenge. Happy reading!

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X is for Xyst

It's day 24 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge. As you might imagine, some days pose more problems that others. Take X for example. What does one do for X?

I'm serious! Okay, here goes:

X is for xyst...

X marks the spot. It also crosses out, deletes and cancels. It’s the signature of an illiterate person. But xyst, ah, yes, a lovely xyst, is a tree-lined garden walk. Oh, and sometimes a kiss...xo xo xo!

I hope you've enjoyed my 'X' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are so very close to the end of this challenge. Happy reading!

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Angela Breidenbach

I’m so pleased to feature speaker, author, and busy, busy lady, Angela Breidenbach today.

Angela is a speaker and author of Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life, Gems of Wisdom Companion Guide both from Sheaf House's Journey Press imprint, and Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance from Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers.

Angela serves as an assisting minister in her congregation in Missoula, MT. She connects missions to her work with Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one. She's certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and CTA Life Coach. She also volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writers publicity officer from 2009-2010. Not only did she walk the hard line of donating her mom's brain, but Angela is on the donation list for the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital.

Angela is married, has a combined family of six grown children, and 2 grand children.

Anne - What one or two lines best sums you up as an author?

Angela - God uses broken vessels. His wisdom shines in all our experiences.

Anne - What activity consumes your time when you’re away from the keyboard?

Angela - Away? I’m supposed to get away? No, seriously, I do a lot of volunteerism for the Jadyn Fred Foundation, my church, and jewelry sales for Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries. I attach the charities to my work as a part of my purpose and tithing. I love to speak professionally also.

Anne – Like I said in the intro, busy, busy lady! Tell us about your most recent release.

Angela - In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for small group Bible study and book clubs as well as individual study.

Anne - Is there a message in Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life you want readers to grasp?

Angela - Oh yes! I hope that readers will understand all our negative experiences (including negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors) are actually beautiful opportunities to learn the gems of wisdom we can use to pour out onto others. God uses broken vessels to complete His work, not perfect people. What we think of as shameful, God will use to shimmer and shine in our lives. We can change the world if we are willing to face our pirates and earn our gems of wisdom.

Anne - How long does it take you to write a book?

Angela - If I’m focused on that one book, three months. But often there are articles, other books, marketing, events that have to fit into the schedule so it’s expanded to six months.

Anne - Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!

Angela - It’s always a bit tumbled. But I love it. It’s very colorful to enhance creativity. I have an idea for better organization, but I haven’t had the time to do it yet. My desk is an “L” shaped counter top built into the wall. It’s completely covered. But I don’t have desk drawers. So I’m going to find some cute bamboo system from a discount store, paint them purple, pink, and blue to match the designs on my focus wall. Then I’ll tuck them under my counter top desk. I’m excited about this idea, but I really can’t tell you when it will happen. Sometime this summer, I hope. Maybe, lol.

Anne - Do you belong to any writer’s organizations, critique groups, and/or depend on beta readers?

Angela - I actually belong to several writer organizations and use about 30 beta readers. My memberships include: ACFW (www.acfw.com), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), RWA-FHL (Romance Writers of America’s Faith Hope and Love chapter), and RWA MT Romance Writers. I think there are several others, but these are my most active. I have a critique group of three in my area, too. We meet in person and by email. It’s crucial to me to be involved heavily with other writers on the journey.

Anne - How long did your journey from wannabe writer to published author take?

Angela - I began freelance writing about 10 years ago and started getting articles published pretty quickly. But for book length, it took about 5 years from the time I decided I wanted to actually write books in addition to articles and devotionals.

Anne - How many rejections did you acquire along the way?

Angela - 13 rejections.

Anne - What kept you going?

Angela - The message of Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life is my testimony. It is a burning message I believe God placed inside of me to help other with what I’ve been through.

Anne - If you could just snap your fingers and go, where would you visit, return to, or move?

Angela - Oh I so want to spend a month in Scotland and another in Sweden. Why? I want to dig in and discover my roots, the people that came before me, and then I want to write novels about their stories. That’s my actual dream that I want to accomplish before I go to heaven.

Anne - Of all the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart?

Angela - Right now it’s Cookie Smythe. Why? So often we get lost in our shame and don’t see how God can bring the good out of any situation. I love how Cookie is surprised when he gets a different result than he expects. He’s so ashamed of his failings and it’s exactly those shameful failings that end up shimmering for him.

Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Angela - Waiting for it to sell! J

Anne - What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself from your writing?

Angela - That I could, lol. It always surprises me when something I wrote touches the heart of someone else. That’s why I write, but it still surprises me that anyone likes what I write.

Anne - Are you a glass half-empty or half-full kind of person?

Angela - I love to smile and look for the happy moments, so over flowing. I’ve been learning that just because I see a glass half-full doesn’t mean I have my glasses on. God keeps faithfully showing me He’s constantly filling my cup even when I don’t see Him standing right there behind me with the pitcher. J

Anne - What makes you cry? Laugh? Lose your temper?

Angela - People who believe in me. I received an amazing gift from some friends that was way out of my comfort zone. They did it because they believe in me. I couldn’t stop crying for half an hour.

Laugh? Almost anything. I love life and humor. I find little comments, funny animal antics, and wonderful unexpected moments hilarious.

Lose your temper? Injustice, mean-hearted people, cruelty.

Anne - Any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Angela - Listen, listen, listen at the feet of the writers you love to read. Go to writers conferences. Build your online platform so it’s there when you do “pop” onto the scene. Help others by promoting the work you love before it’s your turn because by building the industry, we continue to promote excellence.

Anne - Quick. Your favorite quote.

Angela - My favorite quote is from George Bernard Shaw, “You see things and you say, why. I dream things that never were and say, why not?”

Anne – Where can readers reach you?

Angela - Links and information: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com, http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com, http://www.GodUsesBrokenVessels.com (my blog), http://www.theFaithGirls.com (group blog)

Interested in having Angela speak? Contact Christian Speaker Services 800.871.9012 x40250 Karen@ChristianSpeakerServices.com

Anne – Thank you so very much for taking time from your busy schedule to spend time with us today, Angela. I wish you every success, now and in the future.

* * *

Are you an author? Do you have a recent release?

I'd love to interview you and talk about your book(s).

Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com

& mention “AKA blog feature” in the heading.

* * *



W is for Write

It's day 23 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

Since April 1 I've posted each day (with Sundays exempt). Beginning at A, I've almost reached the end of the alphabet. 

W is for write...

Want to write about who, what, where, when and why?

Be wary of words such as waist/waste, week/weak, weigh and way. What about which versus witch? Or ware, wear and where?

Whistling while you write may work, but so does wine and whiskey. Whatever.

Whatever...What a word!

I hope you've enjoyed my 'W' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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V is for Vision

It's day 22 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

I began on April 1st, posting each day (with Sundays exempt). Beginning at A, I am slowly but surely working my way to the end of the alphabet. Victory!!

V is for Vision...

A vested interest in villains, voice, vivid vocabulary, and verbs will add value and valor to your vocation.

Venture vertically and virally.

Be a vanguard and visionary. Be a Van Gogh! 

I hope you've enjoyed my 'V' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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U is for Umpire

It's day 21 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

I post each day in April (with Sundays exempt). Beginning at A, I'm working my way to the end of the alphabet.

U is for Umpire...

Unconventional update: Ugly unicorns and urbane underdogs are unique in Utopia.

Useless or useful? Unreadable?

U be the umpire. J

I hope you've enjoyed my 'U' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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Suspenseful Seven Sentence Sunday

This month I'm participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

As a result, I'll be resting on Sundays...well, sort of!

I've posted my Suspenseful Seven Sentence Sunday excerpts on my other two blogs.

To read an excerpt from DEFENDING GLORY, the first book of my Piedmont Island Trilogy series, click HERE.

To read an excerpt from FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL, first of the Muriel Reeves Mysteries, click HERE.

Happy Sunday and happy reading!

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Featuring Chelle Cordero

My guest today is fellow Vanilla Heart Publishing author,

CHELLE CORDERO.

Chelle grew up in the Bronx, NYC, studied Theatre Arts/Drama at the High School of Art and Design and Fordham University at Lincoln Center. She is married and has two grown children.

Anne - Thanks for dropping by today, Chelle, to talk about your latest release. Before we do that, however, I’d like to ask what one or two lines best sums you up as an author?

Chelle - She’s got a vivid imagination and sometimes loses touch with reality.

Anne - What activity consumes your time when you’re away from the keyboard?

Chelle - I am up to my eyeballs volunteering with my local ambulance corps. I am a proud NYS EMT and respond on 911 calls; and I am currently President of the Board of Directors. My entire family volunteers with the ambulance corps and I am amazingly proud of all of them.

Anne – Wow. I am impressed, not just because of your service to the community, but your entire family’s as well. Kudos to you and yours! Okay, let’s get back to writing. Tell us about your most recent release.

Chelle - My newest release is HYPHEMA.

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…

Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors.

Before long, Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare which they may never wake from.

Anne - Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!

Chelle - Oy! It is a mess, scratch that, a mess would be an improvement. Aside from the condition of the room, I have a 10 by 10 foot room with a beautiful corner desk, file cabinet, futon and a window that overlooks my back yard.

Anne – My home office is about the same, minus the file cabinet and futon, but it too is a mess! How many books have you written to date? Are you most proud of one in particular? If so, why?

Chelle - Hyphema makes 9 novels; I also have one writing book that is based on the Amazon Kindle Blog that I author.

I would have to say I am most proud of Hyphema, it is quite different than my usual writing. I really had to stretch and do a lot of research. Even though I have been in EMS (emergency medical services) for a number of years and I can ask my daughter for information about being a paramedic (higher training than an EMT), I had to find out a lot about being a flight medic (thanks to Bill S, a local paramedic who spent time in the service as a flight medic), and I had to research about Pakistani culture and Islam tradition (thanks to Ahsan who shared stories of his own family).

One last thing, I normally write romantic suspense, Hyphema is a mystery thriller, the book that Matt Garratti, the hero, was created in, Final Sin, was also a departure from romantic suspense, it was a murder mystery.

Anne - Of all the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart? Why?

Chelle - That’s a tough one – I like all of my character but I tend to literally fall in love with my heroes. If I had to pick just one, I guess it would be Tom Hughes. Tom first appeared in His Lucky Charm (previously titled Forgotten) as the heroine’s cousin. He had a tragic past and I wanted him to have his own happy-ever-after, so I wrote Within the Law.

Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Chelle - Saying good-bye to my characters.

Anne – I just realized maybe that’s why I write series…I can’t say goodbye! Are you a glass half-empty or half-full kind of person?

Chelle - Definitely half full. I much prefer seeing all the things I have in my life rather than what I don’t. I also try to see how every obstacle also provides an opportunity.

Anne - Any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Chelle - Never give up, never stop trying.

Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?

Chelle - The “kids” I raised. My son and daughter, both in their late 20’s, are remarkable people, very caring, brave and capable. Both have careers in emergency services; she is a paramedic, he is an EMT. Both volunteer with our local ambulance corps. My son is our corps’s Captain, my daughter is the Youth Squad leader and also volunteers in her local fire department.

Anne – Chelle has kindly offered to give away not only one pdf copy of Hypema to a reader today, but also a pdf copy of Final Sin to a second winner. To be entered in the draw, answer the question posed by Chelle below, leave a comment and include your email. What’s your question, Chelle?

Chelle - Matt Garratti is a Paramedic, a paramedic is the highest trained emergency medical professional outside of a hospital setting. I am an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). Imagine that an ambulance is a rolling emergency room. Tell me what a paramedic can do that an EMT cannot and I will send one lucky responder a .pdf copy of Hyphema, and a second lucky responder will win a pdf copy of Final Sin.

Thanks Anne for the opportunity to be here today.

Anne - My pleasure, Chelle. I’m so glad you dropped by, and I wish you every success with HYPHEMA. I's also like to remind readers to visit Chelle online at her website or blog.

* * * 

Are you an author? Do you have a recent release?

I'd love to interview you and talk about your book(s).

Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com

& mention “AKA blog feature” in the heading. 

* * *

T is for Talk

It's day twenty of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

My quest is to post each day during April. (With Sundays exempt.) Beginning with the letter A, I'm working my way to the end of the alphabet. Thank goodness today is T!

T is for talk...

Today’s task is to target taglines, transitions, turning points, and twists.

Treasure the thesaurus.

Talk tough, but be tactful and truthful. Through trial and error and thick and thin understand that Thing 1 is as different from Thing 2 as are their, they’re and there.

Be tenacious. Tomorrows tapestries take time.

I hope you've enjoyed my 'T' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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U.K. Author Rachel Brimble

My guest today is Rachel Brimble. She lives in a small market town near the famous Georgian City of Bath in the U.K. Having always ‘played’ with writing, she didn’t seriously sit down and write toward publication until she became pregnant with her second daughter – then told herself to get her butt in the chair and 'get on with it' before daughter grows up and she’s forced to get a real job!

Rachel took a few distance learning courses, joined some online writers groups and basically, learned her craft. Finally, deciding short stories weren’t working for her, she decided to embark on her first novel and “Searching For Sophie” was born. Although she works part time for at her husband’s financial adviser’s firm, she writes at every opportunity…and she does mean EVERY opportunity!!

And when she’s not writing? You’ll find her with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused.

Anne – It’s wonderful to have you here today, Rachel. When did you first realize you were destined to be an author?

Rachel - Very young – well, maybe not an author but definitely some sort of writer. I wanted to be a journalist when I was eleven but ended up working in a bank even though I was always writing short stories and articles. When I became pregnant I decided I would pursue my dream of being a writer properly and submitted stories to magazines. A few successes followed…and a lot of rejections!

My mission to be a novelist started in earnest when my youngest daughter started school full-time and my first novel was published by The Wild Rose Press in 2007.

Anne - Tell us about your most recent release.

Rachel - My latest release is a contemporary romance set in the UK, entitled “Getting It Right This Time”, here’s the blurb:

She's back, but this time she’s a mother…intent on protecting her young.

Two years after her husband’s death, Kate Marshall returns home seeking security and stability for her three-year-old daughter. But when her path crosses with ‘the one who got away’…her husband’s best friend, she has to fight the desire to be with him for the sake of further heartbreak for her and her daughter.

A tough, straight talking theatrical agent, Mark Johnston is dangerously handsome, exceedingly rich, irresistibly charming – and branded by the tabloids as one of the UK’s most eligible bachelors. So even though Mark lost the girl of his dreams to his best friend, he finds no hardship in being single. Or so he thought.

Determined not to lose her a second time, Mark has to find a way to convince her they can work.  But can Kate cope with the media interest and ruthless, money-hungry clients surrounding him, being anywhere near her daughter?  Or accept that Mark Johnston is really the family man he claims to be?

Anne – Sounds like a great book! It’s now on my TBR list. What one how-to write book is a must on your bookshelf? Why?

Rachel - Stephen King’s “On Writing” – because he is such a huge success you would be a fool to ignore anything the man has to say, lol! Seriously though, the book is informative, inspiring and necessary for every writer. Go buy it now!

Anne - How long does it take you to write a book?

Rachel - Each one has taken a different amount of time, but from idea to final draft I would say anything between four and six months depending if my characters cooperate. I write every available minute around my part-time job and my family…the housework tends to come in at the bottom of my priority list unfortunately!

Anne - Do you belong to any writer’s organizations, critique groups, and/or depend on beta readers?

Rachel - Yes, I belong to Romance Writers of America and the Romantic Novelists Association with which I recently founded a new Bath & Wiltshire chapter. We are growing in number each time we get together so I am very happy about that!

I also have a critique partner that I started working with only a couple of months ago (my first ever) and she has been great. An extra pair of eyes and another creative mind looking at your work improves it SO much.

Anne - How many books have you written to date? Are you most proud of one in particular? If so, why?

Rachel - I have written and published six books, number seven is with my agent and I am writing number eight.

The one I am most proud of is “The Arrival of Lily Curtis” because it is my first historical and the one I enjoyed writing the most. I didn’t think I would ever be able to write an historical that I could be proud of, but I love this book and it has received some great reviews, yay!

Anne – Yay, indeed! Any words of advice for struggling, unpublished writers?

Rachel - Simple – keep writing and never give up. That is how you will make your dream come true.

Anne - Quick. Your five favorites – author, actor, movie, song, quote.

Rachel - Author: Nora Roberts, Actor: Robert De Niro, Movie: When a Man Loves A Woman, Song: She by Elvis Costello, and Quote: Set it up the way you want it to be – Iyanla Vansant

Thanks for having me here today, Anne! Readers can find me at:

www.rachelbrimble.com
www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

Anne – It was my pleasure, Rachel. Thanks so much for dropping by!

* * *

Are you an author? Do you have a recent release?

I'd love to interview you and talk about your book(s).

Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com

& mention “AKA blog feature” in the heading.

* * *



S is for Success

It's day 19 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

My quest is to post every day during April. (Sundays are exempt.) Beginning with the letter A, I'm working through the alphabet to Z.

S is for Success...

Secret to success? Strive to show off your strengths and skills.

Be specific. Study spelling. Splurge and subscribe with sympathetic scenes to sway suspension of disbelief.

Show don’t tell.

Strike the slush pile steadily rather than sporadically. Slacking off, straddling slumps or being slapdash is self-sabotage. Savor and smile in your solitude.

Study Swain. Seriously! He's a sage. :)

I hope you've enjoyed my 'S' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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Earth Day 2011

In celebration of Earth Day 2011, Vanilla Heart Publishing authors share short stories, recipes, puzzles, crafts, poetry and more in this free anthology celebrating nature.

To receive your complimentary copy please leave a comment along with your email address. I will forward it to you ASAP.

Happy Earth Day!

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R is for Rainbow

It's day # eighteen of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

My quest is to post every day during April. (Sundays are exempt.) Beginning with the letter A, I'm working through the alphabet to Z.

R is for Rainbow...

Recognize that rainbows require rain.

Revel in the recipe for resounding rewards and results. What is the recipe? I regret, I don’t know. Rather than give you the runaround, I'll revise and recant my rant.

Realize reputations and reviews on recent releases are like rumors and red herrings...there, but not necessarily true. Remain resilient, run from ruts, and read to be rich.

I hope you've enjoyed my 'R' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

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Romance Author Blog Party - Apr.29.2011

Author Joanne Troppello is hosting a blog party on Friday, April 29 in celebration of the Royal Wedding of  Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Drop by Joanne's blog that day where romance authors Delia Latham, Penny Zeller, Cara Marsi, LoRee Peery, Elaine Cantrell and myself will be hanging out that day.

We'll answer questions, plus if you comment on the blog you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of the fabulous romance books being given away for free by the authors. 

(I'm giving away a copy of DEFENDING GLORY, first book of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series.) See you there!

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Q is for Quill

Welcome to week number three and day seventeen of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

My quest is to post every day during April. (Sundays are exempt.) Beginning with the letter A, I'll work my way through the alphabet to Z.

Q is for Quill...

Query to attain your quest. Quote your qualifications. Note that you are not a quitter, quean, or quibbler.

Ask questions. Be quick-witted.

Quarantine quarrelsome quacks for they are quagmires, quakes and quicksand in disQuise.

Quench your quota with quality not quantity. Exercise quarterly quality control. And if you feel quaint, use a quill!

I hope you've enjoyed my 'Q' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who are also taking the challenge. Happy reading!

* * *

A Win/Win Situation!

Two winners were selected at random for the

150 Blog Followers Giveaway.

Congrats to Bish & Darlene!

They'll receive a pdf copy of their choice of either 

DEFENDING GLORY,

first book of my Piedmont Island Trilogy series, or

FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL,

the first book of the Muriel Reeves Mysteries.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest, and thanks for the following.

It's SOOOOO very much appreciated!

* * *

P is for Passion

Welcome to day sixteen of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

The challenge is to post every day during the month of April (except Sundays), began with the letter A and work my way through the alphabet to Z.

P is for Passion...

Whether plotter or pantser, be passionate.

Persist and persevere. Plunge into each plot, paragraph and page. Provide personalities, phobias, plights and potholes. Pamper the pace and ponder point-of-view. Pounce on poetic license. Practice with purpose. Proofread. Prevail. Protect with painful precision.

Be professional to peers and publishers. Be prolific. Everything is possible when you do it with panache!

I hope you've enjoyed my 'P' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who have also taken the challenge. Enjoy and Happy reading!

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O is for Outlier

Welcome to day fifteen and week number three of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

The challenge is to post every day during the month of April (except Sundays), began with the letter A and work my way through the alphabet to Z....OH!

O is for Outlier

One can be an overachiever, obsessive and online! Optional? Yes. An obligation? More like an opportunity.

Oxymoron...no real reason for me to use that word…I just like the sound of it!

Oh, and ownership of one's opinion makes you an original. Make your occupational output outstanding. Overlook the odds.

Be an Outlier. (As described in Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell)


I hope you've enjoyed my 'O' post. As always comments are welcome and encouraged.

Btw, if you do leave a comment your name will be entered in a draw to win e-book copies of both my books, Defending Glory and Frank, Incense and Muriel. The winner will be announced in early May. The more times you comment, the more chances to win!

Click HERE for more than 1100 A-Z Bloggers who have also taken the challenge. Enjoy and Happy reading!

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