I was planning to blog about free/bargain eBook mailing lists today, but I found out last night (shortly before writing this post), that a friend's father had passed away. He'd been recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and was undergoing treatment and therapy to get his strength up before starting chemo. I wasn't expecting to receive this news so soon, and it makes the mailing lists seem trivial. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet my friend's father, but I've known several friends and relatives who have had cancer. To honor them, I'd like to share this link:
http://cps3il.wordpress.com/
The American Cancer Society is conducting a large-scale Cancer Prevention Study. They intend to follow 300,000 people over at least twenty years to gather data on what factors cause or prevent cancer. If you're between 30 to 65 years of age and have never been diagnosed with cancer, please consider joining this study. You'll be contributing not just to science, but to your friends and family.
I'll be back on Friday with a regular Science of the Week post.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Blog Ring of Power Interview--Tracy Lane
Today I'm talking with author Tracy Lance about her current work, Paranormal Properties. You can find the other parts of her interview here:Part One (About You) --Terri--7/24
Part Two (The Writing Life)--Theresa--7/25
Part Three (The Creative Process)--Emily--7/26
Part Five (Words of Wisdom)--Vicki--7/30
Tell us about your new book—what is it about—and when it is out? Where can people purchase it?
Paranormal Properties is out now and you can purchase it on Amazon.com or Barnes and Nobles. It is also available wherever fine books are sold.
Is there anything new, unusual, or interesting about your book? How is it different from other books on the same subject?
My book is not scary for younger readers. It has a ghost that needs help like many other books, but my ghost is more “human” than most. He has his personality that he had in life. He seems like just another adult to Jake except he is in the spirit realm.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The hardest part was staying at it. It took me almost 6 years before I actually sat and committed to doing it right. I took 5 to 10 minutes a day to write at least one page and polish it off. That way I did not feel overwhelmed and as time went on the pages came faster and easier.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
Chapter 4 is my favorite. I made the live world seem dead and the dead world very much alive. And Jake is standing in the middle of both, he looks one way and sees an old rundown empty building, but when he looks the other way he sees the ghosts partying and having a great time!
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
I learned that I could actually write a great story. I had doubts for years and trying to get this one down on paper was not easy for me in the beginning. But finding who to tap into my creative side and getting my book done one page at a time actually worked well.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want them to know that not every bump in the night is scary and not all ghosts are to be feared. They want us to acknowledge them and help them, or maybe just be there for them. Jake is all three to Frank.
Tracy was fascinated with the paranormal when she was very young. She always felt like someone was around her even when she was alone. Those experiences inspired her to write a paranormal book where a teenager can see and hear ghosts and actually makes friends with one.
Tracy loved to write short stories in school and had always wanted to be a writer. But raising children and working jobs got in the way of indulging her passion of writing. Then she realized her children had grown up into teenagers and they didn't need her as much. She started toying with the idea of writing once again. So setting aside 5 to 10 minutes per day to write at least one page she thought she could end up with a book a year. Now Paranormal Properties is published and she still has a list of at least 8 more books to write. She doesn't think she'll be slowing down anytime soon.
Please let us know where your readers can stalk you:
Website:http://www.tracylane.us
Blog: http://tossysbooks.blogspot.com/
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6549273.Tracy_Lane
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TossysBooks
Amazon book http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982727178/?tag=wwwpantsonfir-20
Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMHF6X6/?tag=wwwpantsonfir-20
Smashwords:
Other: http://www.paranormalproperties.us
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tracylane
Friday, July 26, 2013
Blogger Book Fair--Last Call!
Today I'm over at Nicole Zoltack's blog talking about how I brought "Letters to Psyche" out of the trunk and into eBook form. One commenter on Nicole's blog will win a free copy of this short story, so head on over there!
If you missed it yesterday, I shared an excerpt of Twinned Universes on Jeff W. Horton's blog.
Finally, don't forget there's still time to enter the Rafflecopter to enter a free eBook of Twinned Universes, but hurry, it's ending tonight!
Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you on Monday with another BRoP interview.
x
If you missed it yesterday, I shared an excerpt of Twinned Universes on Jeff W. Horton's blog.
Finally, don't forget there's still time to enter the Rafflecopter to enter a free eBook of Twinned Universes, but hurry, it's ending tonight!
Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you on Monday with another BRoP interview.
x
Science of the Week--7/26/13
Here are some of the most interesting posts I read on Science Blog this week:
The love hormone oxytocin is two-faced (it makes bad memories stronger)
30-year study finds no link between mercury exposure and autism-like behaviors
Computer chips that mimic the brain in real time
Harvard-MIT team controls genes with light
Evolution not driven by single beneficial mutation, but by group that includes "genetic hitchhikers"
Seeing snow in space: Caltech helps capture the first image of a frosty planetary disk ring
New evidence for warm-blooded dinosaurs
Paper-thin e-skin responds to touch by lighting up
Scientists confirm neutrinos shift between three interchangeable types
Epilepsy in a dish: clues to disease's origins, possible treatment
What if quantum physics worked on a macroscopic level?
First human tests of new biosensor that warns when athletes are about to "hit the wall"
New stem cell gene therapy gives hope to prevent inherited neurological disease
New app puts idle smartphones to work for science
The love hormone oxytocin is two-faced (it makes bad memories stronger)
30-year study finds no link between mercury exposure and autism-like behaviors
Computer chips that mimic the brain in real time
Harvard-MIT team controls genes with light
Evolution not driven by single beneficial mutation, but by group that includes "genetic hitchhikers"
Seeing snow in space: Caltech helps capture the first image of a frosty planetary disk ring
New evidence for warm-blooded dinosaurs
Paper-thin e-skin responds to touch by lighting up
Scientists confirm neutrinos shift between three interchangeable types
Epilepsy in a dish: clues to disease's origins, possible treatment
What if quantum physics worked on a macroscopic level?
First human tests of new biosensor that warns when athletes are about to "hit the wall"
New stem cell gene therapy gives hope to prevent inherited neurological disease
New app puts idle smartphones to work for science
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Blogger Book Fair: Nicole Zoltack
Bio:
Nicole Zoltack
loves to write fantasy/paranormal, romances, horror, historical, for adults and
young adults, novels, short stories, and flash pieces. She doesn't want to get
boxed in by genre -- she might be claustrophobic! She's also an
editor for MuseItUp Publishing and works as a freelance editor.
When
she isn't writing about girls wanting to be knights, talking unicorns, and
zombies, she spends time with her loving family. She loves to ride horses
(pretending they're unicorns, of course!) and going to the Pennsylvania
Renaissance Faire, dressed in period garb.
To
learn more about Nicole and her work, visit her website at www.NicoleZoltack.com
or her blog at http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com.
Author Information:
Author
website: http://www.nicolezoltack.com
Twitter
@nicolezoltack: https://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack
Linkedin:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolezoltack
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/nicolezoltack
Book Information:
Woman
of Honor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book
1)
Available
formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher:
Desert Breeze Publishing
Blurb:
Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor
the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants
Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.
The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.
The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.
Purchase links for Woman of Honor:
Barnes
& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-one-nicole-zoltack/1111374792?ean=9781612529905
Knight
of Glory (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book
2)
Available
formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher:
Desert Breeze Publishing
Blurb:
Ranulf, the Speican lord, is dead, and Arnhem is safe, or so the
Arnhemians believe.
Sir Geoffrey and his companions have just completed a mission for Queen Aislinn when he receives word of the Speicans attacking Arnhem. Geoffrey and his party, which now includes exile Jenanna, split up and rush to different kingdoms to ask for aid. Even as he fights for his kingdom and his life, Geoffrey finds himself torn between his new friend Jenanna and the mysterious lady Celestia he left behind in Arnhem.
Enlisting help is infinitely more difficult than they anticipated and to make matters worse, rumors abound that the Speicans have enlisted a mage to work unspeakable, forbidden magic. The war between Speica and Arnhem has just begun. Will Geoffrey survive the battle to live another day and discover which woman he truly loves?
Purchase links for Knight of Glory:
Barnes
& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-two-nicole-zoltack/1111929175?ean=9781612529745
Champion
of Valor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book
3)
Available
formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher:
Desert Breeze Publishing
Blurb:
The war between Specia and Arnhem now reaches the sea after
the selkies discover the Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen.
Selliki the selkie sets out to find it, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. No
union between a selkie and a human has ever had a happy ending, but neither can
ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that
show how doomed their love is. Add the war, and their love is impossible. Only
one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.
Purchase links for Champion of Valor:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-three-nicole-zoltack/1103130624?ean=2940012459756
Coming Soon:
Black Hellebore, first in a new superhero romance trilogy - Heroes of
Falledge
Expected
release: October 2013
Available
formats: ebook & possibly paperback
Publisher:
Desert Breeze Publishing
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Blogger Book Fair: So, A Scientist and a Knight Walk Into a Lab...
Today as part of the Blogger Book Fair, I'm hosting L. Blankenship. Actually, that's not quite right: Joanna Lyon, the heroine of my novella Lyon's Legacy, is hosting Anders, a knight in Blankenship's Disciple books, in the organ cloning lab where she works. Can two people from such different backgrounds understand each other, let alone keep the lab in one piece? Keep reading to find out; sample links and a Rafflecopter giveaway are at the end.
As we eavesdrop on them, Joanna (or Jo) has just asked Anders what it means to be Blessed by Saint Woden:
Anders: Saint Woden saw the makings of a knight in me, on my Blessing-day, and gave me a knight's gifts: anticipation, to know where the enemy's sword will go, and speed to beat him there. As I'm of Woden's bloodline, there was little surprise that he took me for a disciple. (tips his head, considering Joanna) You know what it means for your blood to be the bridle they fit you with, it would seem? How have you fought the bit?
Joanna (looks up "bridle" and "bit" on her handheld before responding):I refused to become a musician the way my uncle wanted me
to. Instead, I studied science. If you weren't a knight, what
would you rather be?Anders: What else is there to be, aside from what the saints ask? They defend their disciples, and in turn we defend them. It's true I've wished I could ride to some small barony and take post as a simple garrison knight -- (drifts a bit closer, curious about the vat-grown kidney on the workbench beside her.) You're a physician? Of some sort. (a smile) What does that require of you?
Joanna (sighs) It requires more education and credits than I have. But I will get my doctorate, no matter how long it takes. What kind of training did you need to become a knight?
Anders: (with a shrug) Swords and shields, lances and horses. Child's play at first and then the honest work. (draws his sword, twirls it over one hand and it's back in the sheath in a blink) I meant to ask what is expected of you, as a scientist, what duties? You have no saints, but none escape duty.
Joanna: (mutters under her breath) We don't have saints, but we do have devils. (to Anders) Be careful with that sword; you might break something. My job at Golden Helix is to make sure the organs we grow for transplant are healthy and suitable for use. What I want to do once I get my Ph.D. is to study genetics. (checks an organ and adds more nutrients to the solution) So, do you ride from place to place, or are you stationed at a castle?
Anders: I'm a sergeant of the Prince's Guard, and Master of Horse -- and you tend to your... (eyes the disembodied kidney) pets. Which would be a quiet life to lead, perhaps, so where do you find your... pleasures? Or do these 'devils' keep you alert?
Joanna: (Puzzled) Pets? What pets? I don't have any pets. These organs are for other people who need them. Work and study keep me too busy for hobbies. But I take it you have some of your own?
Anders: (puzzled) You do nothing but work? Truly? Even the saints don't expect so much duty from us. Surely you have time for a drink with a friend or two, now and then. (sidling a little closer, arms folded across his chest)
Joanna: (pointedly trying to ignore this man encroaching on her personal space):
What's your biggest accomplishment so far, and what do you want to do with your life?
Anders: (adding a twist to his smile) I'm the first to win the jousting tournament for three years running, and then... (his smile fades down to a pinched mouth) No, not that. I married. Better than I had any business to. It made my mother happy, and it (a determined frown)
proved her husband wrong about me. I mean to prove them all wrong. I'll
do right by Kate, and be a good father to her baby. What would you
prove yours wrong about?
Joanna: My uncle thinks I'm meant to be
a great musician because my great-grandfather was one, but I hate
performing. Why would people think you can't be a good husband and
father?
Anders: They see only what they wish -- the king's bastard, whose
existence torments the poor queen, who fucks every girl to cross his
path -- (turns away, angry, but offers Joanna a polite bow) Your pardon,
m'lady. It's little to do with you. Or me, in truth. (he pauses for a
moment) You've no love of music, then? This quiet life is what you wish?
(he looks around the lab, the softly whirring machines.) Where do you
find your... pleasures?
Joanna: I don't care about f-bombs; I
drop them all the time myself. But pleasures? Fun? (returns to
work for a few minutes) I visit my sick mother every two weeks,
but that's hardly a barrel of laughs. And my last boyfriend--how
long ago was that?--he only wanted me for one thing....
Anders: (leans against the bench again, within arm's reach of Joanna,
and gives her a moment to finish but she doesn't) Whereas you would be
wanted for your wisdom, for your skills. What manner of drink would you
meet a friend for? If your... (with a glance at the organs in their
vats) odd pets give you leave to go.
Joanna: Well, Anders, it's not every day I get to chat with a knight in
shining armor, but my handheld's telling me my supervisor is headed this
way, and I don't think she'd appreciate having you here. Take care of
that family of yours. (sigh) And maybe someday I'll meet my knight in a
nice white lab coat.
Anders: (with a polite nod before he leaves) Good day to you, fräulein.
Disciple, Part III back cover
Kate fought for her place as a healer in the war’s front lines. Serving her homeland has been her goal since her magical gifts earned her a coveted apprenticeship with the kingdom’s greatest healer. She believes she’s prepared.
But nothing’s simple when defending a besieged capital city — or her heart.
She loves the prince, who means to protect her even though his duties as a knight keep him on the battlements, fighting the enemy’s monstrous army.
Kate’s husband is the one who checks on her, lingers over dinner, and slowly but surely charms her. She’s all too aware that her beloved prince threatened to kill him if he touches her.
As the enemy thunders against the city walls, the kingdom needs more from Kate than just her healing magic. All disciples must put aside their tangled feelings and stand in the homeland’s defense.
Kate believed she's ready for a war. She isn't.
DISCIPLE, PART III will be available on September 1, 2013!
DISCIPLE, PART I and PART II are available now.
There are samples and goodies at L. Blankenship's book blog.
Sample PART I • Sample PART II
To buy the books, click here.
General book blog.
Kate fought for her place as a healer in the war’s front lines. Serving her homeland has been her goal since her magical gifts earned her a coveted apprenticeship with the kingdom’s greatest healer. She believes she’s prepared.
But nothing’s simple when defending a besieged capital city — or her heart.
She loves the prince, who means to protect her even though his duties as a knight keep him on the battlements, fighting the enemy’s monstrous army.
Kate’s husband is the one who checks on her, lingers over dinner, and slowly but surely charms her. She’s all too aware that her beloved prince threatened to kill him if he touches her.
As the enemy thunders against the city walls, the kingdom needs more from Kate than just her healing magic. All disciples must put aside their tangled feelings and stand in the homeland’s defense.
Kate believed she's ready for a war. She isn't.
DISCIPLE, PART III will be available on September 1, 2013!
DISCIPLE, PART I and PART II are available now.
There are samples and goodies at L. Blankenship's book blog.
Sample PART I • Sample PART II
To buy the books, click here.
General book blog.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Blogger Book Fair--Jeff W. Horton
Jeff Horton was born in North Dakota, the youngest son of a career
Air Force master sergeant. A voracious reader growing up, he read the Bible,
and stories by many popular authors including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G.
Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy, C.S.
Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Jeff Horton's novel,
THE GREAT COLLAPSE-SURVIVORS OF THE PULSE, a story about the coming of the
pulse and the end of civilization, was published in 2010. THE DARK
AGE-SURVIVORS OF THE PULSE, the sequel to The Great Collapse, was published in
2011, as was THE LAST PROPHET, a fictitious story about the life of John March,
one of the witnesses sent by God to warn humanity about the antichrist, and the
end of days. Released on September 1, 2012, THE WAY OF NACOR:TALES OF EDEN is a
tale about four children, who find themselves lost and stranded on a strange
alien planet and struggle to find a way home. Jeff Horton's fifth novel,
entitled CYBERSP@CE, is a techno-thriller, in which the world is brought to the
brink of nuclear war after a string of deadly cyber warfare attacks against the
United States.
When he's not penning
his next novel, he enjoys reading, going to church, and spending time with his
family. Jeff Horton is a member of the North Carolina Writers Network.
For more information
visit www.hortonlibrary.com or his Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/Author.Jeff.Horton.
After years of state-sponsored cyber attacks originating
from outside the United
States, cyber warfare analyst Nick Reynolds
is appointed to lead a new U.S. Cyber Command task force. His team is charged
with protecting the country's military and civilian infrastructure, and
restoring the United States
to a position of technological leadership in cyber warfare.
When a cyber attack results in the deaths of over 100,000
Americans, Nick has to find who is responsible, protect the United States from an even more
destructive cyber warfare attack.
Cybersp@ce is an intense, techno-thriller with Sci-Fi
action, and a lesson about the relationship between trust, and fear.
Find Cybersp@ce on Goodreads:
Find Cybersp@ce on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cybersp-ce-Jeff-W-Horton/dp/1938961579/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361692228&sr=1-1&keywords=Cybersp%40ce The Way of Nacor: Tales of Eden
The journey begins!
The journey begins just after the father of four children,
Christian Seekers, is killed in a violent storm, leaving the children and their
mother all alone.,
One day while visiting their grandfather, the children
stumble across a mysterious portal, which transports the children to a strange,
alien world called Zantura. In order to get home, the children will have to
face and overcome seven deadly trials, find a mystical object called the Relic
of Nacor, and face off against a powerful, evil being named Sarin, who has
enslaved or murdered most of the inhabitants of Zantura.
Find The Way of Nacor: Tales of Eden on Goodreads:
Find The Way of Nacor: Tales of Eden on Amazon:
The Last Prophet
Imagine learning that you had been ordained by God to become
one of the last two witnesses mentioned in the book of Revelation at the end of
days. Suppose it was you that would stand face to face with the antichrist,
call down plagues, and warn humanity to turn from following the beast, and to
announce the approaching return of Jesus Christ.
The Last Prophet, written in the first person from the point
of view of John March, tells the story of an ordinary man who discovers that he
is about to lead an extraordinary life.
He will face supernatural enemies and his own inherent fears and weaknesses
on his journey to becoming, The Last Prophet.
Find The Last Prophet on Goodreads:
Find The Last Prophet on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Prophet-Jeff-W-Horton/dp/1937085031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318051078&sr=1-1 The Dark Age
In the year 2025, the greatest civilizations to ever exist
on Planet Earth were wiped out in a moment by the unlikely combination of a
powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and massive solar flare, which permanently
renders advanced technology across the planet useless.
Now fast forward five-hundred years and you'll find yourself
in The Dark Age, which is set in a world where humanity survives by the sword,
the bow, and the arrow, while secretly hoping that a legend about the Great
Oracle is true and that civilization will one day return to the Earth. The Dark
Age is a story about good versus evil, about self-discovery, perseverance, and
self-sacrifice, all in an effort to save the world from a fate worse than
death.
Find The Dark Age on Goodreads:
Find The Dark Age on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Age-Survivors-Pulse/dp/193708504X/ref=pd_sim_b1The Great Collapse-Description
The Great Collapse is an apocalyptic novel set in the
not-too-distant future. When a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and a
massive solar flare bathe the Earth in energy, the result is the permanent loss
of modern technology across the planet. Survivors learn how to survive and then
to thrive in their new reality.
As I did research for my first novel, The Great Collapse,
and my second novel, The Dark Age, I was astonished to learn how vulnerable our
national infrastructure and our civilization itself are to powerful
electromagnetic pulses and solar flares. In 2008 a report requested by Congress
and was completed by the EMP Commission. It confirmed that the threat of a
single nuclear warhead detonated high in the atmosphere somewhere around Kansas was real, and that it could potentially take out
the United States'
national power grid.
Find The Great Collapse on Goodreads:
Find The Great Collapse on Amazon: