TRANSITIONS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT ... WHAT WILL THEY REVEAL?...

As ALL HALLOWS EVE approaches, I can't help but think about the spirits that still walk our earth. Sometimes present, but mostly lurking in folds between two worlds.

Through the misted veils on the New England shores, the tower of an historic landmark ignites. Please take my hand and remember to breathe ...



A brilliant flash of light transcends through time.

Another freezes a cloaked figure within a frame of salty mist as waves crash against a rocky shore. Her harrowing expression shadows the beacon to a pinprick. 

By the next blaze, she is gone. Only the lighthouse remains.

Hannah’s eyes blink in step with each heart beat. Images of her deceased parents and Martha’s Vineyard explode like firecrackers inside her mind.

She shakes her head. 

For weeks this eerie woman dressed in nineteenth century garb has been haunting my webcam, but tonight she stared into my soul. 

Why? ...

Who is she? ...

Casting aside months of research on historic lighthouses, Hannah drives to the coast and boards a ferry. 

What is the strange connection she has to this mysterious woman suspended in time?

Hannah finds out. 

But, it’s not at all what she expects ...

Hannah unravels a century old murder.

Ghosts plague our life in many ways, whether they be from our past or spirits from another world. Julie Flanders has expertly woven these two concepts into a unique and spellbinding tale.


I had the great honor of creating the visual and blurb for this truly gifted writer. Thank you, Julie for sharing your newest novel with us.

The Ghosts of Aquinnah will be released by Ink Smith Publishing on December 5, 2013

Author Bio:

Julie Flanders is a novelist and freelance writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a life-long love affair with the ocean and has spent more summer vacations than she can count on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. When not writing, Julie can be found reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and watching too much television. She is an animal lover and shares her home with her dog and cat.

Find Julie at: 

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

Thank you everyone for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed the intro and LOVE the cover as much as Julie and I do. I had such a wonderful experience in creating this for Julie and I look forward to working with her in the future.

I hope you all will keep me in mind for your next project. Covers and blurbs are a very personal and important for the success of any book.

On a more playful note, today I am interviewed by the insanely funny, Tammy Theriault. So if you need a laugh, I hope you can pop over to her blog .... And remember She is ALWAYS looking for her next victim. LOL. I had a blast with Tammy and I know you will too ...

And please drop by and congratulate Julie on her newest success.

I hope this week brings you lots of joy! I know mine is starting out AMAZING....

THE TIME IS NOW .... A TWISTED REVELATION .... ARE YOU READY? ...

Sunlight filters through a lush, green forest. A subtle breeze catches blonde, flowing locks off guard. 

A twig snaps.

“So, it’s a chase you want. I’m game.” Liesel flings her panties and races through the mighty oaks at record speed.

A massive shadow slowly approaches and bathes the delicate lace in darkness. “Ha! Not on your life, sister,” he grumbles. If it wasn’t for my father ...

An hour passes, the light shifts west and disappears behind the horizon.  A deep voice calls out “Liesel. Darling, where are you?”

A spiked heel punctures his forehead. “Catch me, Hans.”

He rubs his head and glances to the top of a tree. “Are you mad?! You’re no little kitty.”

“My hero. Some hunky fiancé’ you are ... Are those muscles of yours just for show?” The branch snaps, and she drops onto Hans like a piano from a second story window.

Flattened, Liesel laughs and kisses him on the nose. “Enough fun for the night. Time to take me home.” 

Hans extricates the dead weight, stands and peers into the dark night. “Without the sun, I haven’t a clue where we are. Your playful antics got me all twisted around.”

“You’re not suggesting we sleep here?” Her sultry lips contort into a scowl.

“Any better idea?”

She picks up her shoes. “Let’s head back the way we came.” 

Liesel steps into the direction Hans is sure is the wrong way ...

*     *     *

As dawn breaks the parting trees reveal a hilly carpet of emerald. Butterflies and bumblebees flutter and buzz around colorful wild flowers. An enchanting, thatch-roofed cottage welcomed them.

“Hans. Isn’t it perfect? I swear it’s made of gingerbread.”

Hans pulls Liesel back. “We don’t know what kind of people live here.” 

“Don’t be silly. We need to find out where we are and perhaps get a bite to eat.”

Hans furrows his brow. “True, we don’t know where we are, and I am starving, but we can be near the Undead Thicket, smack in the middle of that zombie infestation.”

“That happened years ago. Don’t be so paranoid.” She yanks her hand free and heads toward the house. 

Birds chirping and the babble of water stop Liesel in her tracks. Hans joins her. 

“Listen.” She grabs his hand and drags Hans to the others side of a small hill. “A brook! I knew it! My friends’ would give their eye teeth to have a brook on their property.

“Someone else’s property, Liesel.”

“Our property, darling. Everyone has their price ...”

Is this the cottage of Liesel’s dreams? 

Or is Hans’ paranoia justified?

Who’s lurking behind that gingerbread? 

A sweet old lady. 

Perhaps.

I know I can’t wait to find out.

Hans & Greta

A wickedly fun twisted Fairy tale

by

Nicki Elson

Are you ready? On October 8th, All will be REVEALED...

BLURB: 

Hans and Greta is a sexy zombie fairy tale that asks the question: what’s in your basement? Hans and his contentious and spoiled fiancé, Liesel, are just two warm bodies who wander too far into a forest that was once the site of a zombie infestation. When they stumble upon a romantic cottage, Hans is completely unaware that the woman who will capture his heart—as well as his meaty flesh—is hidden away inside the charming home. Liesel’s plans for a classic fairy tale romance gradually turn to the stuff of horror stories and dark fantasy, and she’s the last one to see it coming.

In order to claim true love, Hans must endure captivity, unraveling mystery, and a brawl with zombies. You may have read romance books and adult fairy tales, and you may have read zombie books and horror books, but you’ve never read a zombie romance quite like the sassy and quirky Hans & Greta.

Visit Nicki and enter here for a chance to win a copy of HANS and Greta!

Why not at Hans and Greta to your Goodreads TBR list. You don't want to miss out on all the Halloween fun!

Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you all enjoyed Nicki's cover reveal and the intro. Please drop by Nicki's a wish her well.

AND... if you have a free moment, I have a ONE-WORD-Interview with Tyrean Martison @ Tyrean's Writing spot.... 

HAVE and AWESOME weekend everyone!!!!

TIME ... SO FLEETING ... WHY NOT BOOK YOUR TIME TRIP TODAY! ...

Hey, Everyone!

I have som exciting news for you on this very special HUMP DAY....

My pal, PK Hrezo is reaving her Time Travel engine for the reveal of her new book, BUTTERMAN (TIME) TRAVEL, INC.! She decided to do it in the form of a blog hop. HOW COOL is that?



SO here are the deets ...

BOOK YOUR TIME TRIP TODAY!

What we all want to know is Where and When you'd book your trip and Why...

I am Co-hosting with PK and the wild and crazy gal, Tammy Theriault, who I just so happen to be getting interviewed by on September 30th. SO please drop by.... it will be a GAS...

Here's the blurb for some guidance if you need it ...

Welcome to Butterman Travel, Incorporated

We are a full service agency designed to meet all your exclusive time travel needs. Family-owned and operated, we offer clients one hundred years of time travel experience. A place where you can rest assured, safety and reliability always come first. 

Anxious to attend a special event from the past? Or for a glimpse of what the future holds? 

You’ve come to the right place. We’re a fully accredited operation, offering an array of services; including, but not limited to: customized travel plans, professionally piloted operations, and personal trip guides. *Terms and conditions do apply

Contact us via phone or Web conferencing directly from our site. Our frontline reservation specialist, Bianca Butterman, will handle all your inquiries in a professional and efficient manner, offering a tentative itinerary and free fare quote, so you can make the most of your time trip.

We look forward to serving you at Butterman Travel, Inc., where time is always in your hands.   

SO.... How fun is THiS... All you have to do is add your name to the linky below to join in on all the fun!

Let's make this one of the most interesting reveals yet ... SO set your time machine for October 16th, 2013...


PK Hrezo

BLOG  ~ WEB ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK

MOVING ON ... LIFE'S FULL OF THE UNEXPECTED ....

Hi, All,

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far. I am happy to say that I dove back into writing... YAY! It's been over a month since I wrote a single word on my current WIP... Thanks to my good friend, Denise Covery, I never would have even considered writing a 1940's film noir novella. I had written a flash fiction piece for an entry for the Romantic Friday Writers. It was this piece that started me the ball rolling and six entries later, I have a good start for a full novella.

Denise has now revamped the RFW and the Write ... Edit ... Publish ...  blog was born. Each month Denise chooses a prompt. This month it's "MOVING ON"... How appropriate. Especially after my demise of last month. I am certainly moving on from my accident and feel more like myself each day.

If you haven't visited Denise's new blog. PLEASE DO. I'm sure you'll enjoy the other entries and perhaps you'd like to join in the fun and hop along with us! You can post anything from poetry, photos, flash fiction or whatever strikes your fancy.

Here is my September entry. Many of you are familiar with the story. If you'd like a bit more back story click here for last month's entry. I hope you enjoy it... Tell me what you think.

The Palace Grill’s marquis barely penetrates the dim, charcoal sky, as the northwest winds sweep the downtown streets with the debris of once colorful autumn leaves.

All but one booth is empty. A flamingo pink polished hand raises a steaming cup of joe. Rosebud lips pucker and blow, sending vapor curls into an unsuspecting jukebox. A tinny click resonates and another selection begins to play. Rosemary glances at the shimmering, Lady Gruen curvex watch positioned strategically on her wrist.

The bell tinkles at the door and her eyes shift to a dumpy figure hidden under a policeman’s cap. With his head down and eyes averted , he trudges toward her. Leather soles squeak to the beat of Francis Craig crooning Near You. Each step quickens Rosemary’s heartbeat.

A gloved hand reaches inside his coat and pulls out a crumpled envelope. Rosemary extends her hand and grasps the letter. Silence louder than a sonic boom deafens her. 

“Thank you, officer.”

He tips his hat, turns, and leaves.

Rosemary stares at the envelope in her trembling fingers. Why didn’t he come? Breathing deeply, she frees the note and drops it onto the table, smoothing out the wrinkles.

Only seven words ink the plain stationary. 

In a flash, Rosemary slides out of the booth. She crams the paper into her pocket book, gathers her coat and suit case, and bolts to the door.

Dozens of headlights reflect off chrome bumpers streaking uptown. Rosemary flags a bright yellow, checkered taxi. The brakes grind to a stop. A moment later, a rumpled driver steps onto the sidewalk. Cigar ashes drop inches from Rosemary’s feet as he snatches the luggage and loads it into the trunk. He pulls the door open and stomps around to the driver’s side.

Rosemary slips into the peeling vinyl seat and gasps. A thick haze of cigar smoke suffocates whatever oxygen is present. She winds down the window and her lungs seer from the crisp outside air.

The cabby turns his head and another ash drifts close to her feet. “Where will it be, lady?” His eyes wander to her exposed calves and slowly work their way up to her face.

Heat radiates through her cheeks, tinting them with a hint of ruby. She clears her throat. “Chicago Air Park.” She is thrusted back into the seat as the taxi peels away from the curb.

*     *     *

Thick fingers drum the weathered desk as smoke rings curl into a caterpillar-like state. Haunting, bloodshot eyes read the same letter for the hundredth time. What can she possibly say to me? She’s a murderess. She’s lucky I don’t arrest her on the spot for Marty’s death.

He tosses the note into the gunmetal trash can. “I should go. Hear her side of it.” He slouches back into his desk chair and tears at his thick, raven hair. It had to be self defense. Marty was no alter boy.

The smoldering cigarette invites him to take another drag. Inhaling, his lungs fill. Slowly, like steam engine exhaust, the smoke escapes his throat. The minute hand on the clock continues to tick. Each click magnifying the urgency. He snuffs out the butt. As the smoke clears, the hour hand sweeps into the Ninth position.

By the next tock, he is gone.

A black and white pulls in front of the Palace Grill. The fedora hat nearly lifts off his head by an unanticipated gust of wind. He slams the door, takes a step, and nearly falls. He loosens the tail of his coat, rushes inside, and surveys the scene. A family of six sit a circular booth in the back corner. A young, teenage couple share a malted in the smallest booth. And other couples and families fill most of the remaining tables, but no Rosemary. 

He steps to the counter. 

“What’s buzzin cousin?” the waitress asks.

“Have you seen a blonde, young girl alone, earlier?” he asks in a gruff voice.

She eyes the detective like a hawk ready to devour its next meal. “She’s long gone, honey. But I get off in fifteen minutes.” She snaps her gum and winks at him.

“Did she say where she was going?”

The waitress didn’t answer.

“This is police business. You better tell me everything you know or I’ll run you in for questioning.”

Her face flushed. “All right, honey. Don’t flip your wig.” She snapped her gum again. “All I knows is, she had luggage with her and she was dressed pretty spiffy. I’d try the airport if I was you. That gussied up dame wasn’t goin on no bus or train.”

“Fine. I’ll check the airport first.” He turns on his scuffed wing tips and heads out the door.

A hazy moon beams through starched clouds on this All Hallows evening. Each one filled with icy flakes anxiously waiting to dust the streets of Chicago with its crystalized beauty. No longer do the winds rend. Only a quiet chill permeates the air, as two automobiles streak southwest toward the same destination.

Polished chrome wings reflect bright, incandescent rays on a single cinder runway. Frost lives in the brown-black vesicles, glinting fragments of starry light. Two figures appear and position a staircase in front of the aircraft door. 

Scantly dressed passengers cloaked in furs and overcoats wait inside the lobby. Only one more passenger is expected. A checkered taxi parallels the curb. The door opens. Rosemary steps out onto the sidewalk and rushes inside. The cabby drops her luggage at the curb and is gone in a flash.

The porter joins Rosemary a moment later. She hands him a bill and smiles. The young man pales. His freckles more noticeable than ever. “T-Thank you, miss.” His voice cracks.

Rosemary nods. 

An enormous stack of Louis Vuitton suitcases and trunks roll into sight. Rosemary glances at the tragic valise next to her and pulls the veil from the hat over her eyes. The porter lifts her bag and adds it to the top of the tram.

“Ten minutes to Boarding for flight 223 to Miami,” blasts from an overhead speaker. 

The elegant group of seasoned travelers gather and stroll merrily to the the gate. Chills run down Rosemary’s back. It’s time. My life will never be the same. She inhales and checks the seams in her silk stockings. She squares her shoulders and takes her first step.

“Rosemary.”

CAST"S OFF! ... SMALL THINGS WITH BIG IMPACT....

Happy Friday, everyone!

As many of you know there is the Friday Small things are worth celebrating.... Thanks to Viclit....

For me, it was getting my cast off yesterday and NOT having to have surgery. Although my wrist is very stiff and painful, after a month of physical therapy and the splint, I should be back to normal. I am VERY THANKFUL this accident wasn't worse.

Our Angels not only guide us, they protect us from major harm. Yes, this was a major set back in my life, but like all of life's ups and downs we must persevere.

Thank you ALL for you prayers and kind thoughts. They've meant the world to me at a time I was crushed physically and mentally. A special thanks to my good friend, Morgan Shamy, for checking on me. There were times when I needed to vent my anger and needed a kind heart to hear my frustration and she was there for me. So, THANK YOU MORG! YOU'RE THE BEST!

This is what our community is all about. Support for ALL of life's difficulties and also for the HAPPY TIMES. Like today. This is the first time in a month I've felt like the energizer bunny... I am at the computer ... not in front of the TV watching mindless drivel. CELEBRATE my friends .... we are all truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing community.

HAVE A SPECIAL AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND ALL!

A STORM'S A BREWIN ........

Another Tuesday ....


An usual storm rolls over the bright azure skies to a gun-metal gray. Winds kick to unregistered mph as thunder cracks. "Damn. Why does it ALWAYS happen? I'm always lulled into a false sense of security. Chicago weather is so frickin' unpredictable."

I continue my journey, skirting the lakefront. Ferocious winds rip through my face and my fingertips freeze and numb. As I reposition my scarf that unraveled and took flight, a flash sparked out of the corner of my eye.

My head snaps. "What the ...." With bulging eyes, my jaw drops and a massive shiny metal monster floats toward the shore. Fire kicks from the rear of the object, catapulting the vessel to eye level. My lids blink feverishly, not fully comprehending the situation.

A clear voice calls out "Hey, Michael. Need a lift?"

Thunderstruck, I see a flash of a smile. As my vision clears the face smiles again and a hand waves.

"It's me .... Come on board, I need your help."

I shake my head, and the letters etched into the side of the vessel register through my memory. "It can't be?" I muttered. I shout over the roaring jets, "ALEX?"

He nods, beaming brighter than the lights on the aircraft. "Let's go. We're needed elsewhere. I'll fill you in on all the details as we streak to our next destination."

A side door opens and a bridge floats towards me. "Yes, Ninja Captain Alex." The smile already carved into my face broadens. I leap onto the bridge and race inside  ...


The JOURNEY continues ...

We'll all be able to take a voyage with our Ninja Captain Alex on Sept. 17th! It should be quite the JOURNEY!

ALL THE BEST, ALEX!!!!

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” 
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera

Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019

$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002

Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm

Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh  

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh

BLURBS ... HOW IMPORTANT ARE THEY? ... REALLY? ...

Hi, Everyone,

I hope you all had a great weekend. With the autumn season upon us, it's time to shake things up and move forward.

As most of you know, I have set up a new service creating blurbs. But do we realize how important these few paragraphs are to the overall sales of our books? Extremely. The cover draws the reader in, but it's the blurb that seduces the reader into wanting to read the story. Once hooked, speedy fingers click purchase.

Is your blurb strong enough? Even a published novel can be reborn again with an exciting new blurb. Fellow blogger and published author, Julie Flanders hired me to create a new blurb for her next book, The Ghosts of Aquinnah, a soon to be released novel. After I sent the final draft, she contacted me again to write a new spin on her current novel, Polar Night ...

Just by changing the focus to a different character and adding a bit of tone and atmosphere, a new blurb will appeal to even more potential readers.

Here is the original blurb ... which focuses on the main character. Although the Detective's story is interesting, he's not "the story" he's a player in the story... So Julie decided she wanted to bring the paranormal aspect of the story front and center, therefore changing the focus. 

When Detective Danny Fitzpatrick leaves his hometown of Chicago and moves to Fairbanks, Alaska he wants nothing more than to escape the violence and heartbreak that left his life in pieces. Numbed by alcohol and the frozen temperatures of an Alaskan winter, Danny is content with a dead-end job investigating Fairbanks' cold cases. That all changes when a pretty blond woman goes missing on the Winter Solstice, and Danny stumbles upon some surprising connections between her disappearance and one of his own cold cases. Forced out of his lethargy, Danny sets out to both find the missing woman and solve his old case. 

The investigation points Danny towards Aleksei Nechayev, the handsome and charming proprietor of an old asylum turned haunted tourist attraction in the Arctic town of Coldfoot. While Danny has no evidence to prove Nechayev is involved with the missing women, his instinct tells him that Nechayev is much more than what he seems. 

Danny has no idea that Nechayev is hiding a secret that is much more horrifying than he could ever have imagined. And when his determination to find the missing women sends Danny on a collision course with Nechayev, Danny's life and the world as he knows it will never be the same. 

Here is the new blurb ... I added my atmospheric spin to "the story" and created a more intriguing blurb by just focusing on one main scene. I hope you like it as much as we do ...

At noon the sun awakens as rural Dalton highway is painted on the arctic, Alaskan horizon. Silhouetted against the burning haze, a haunted asylum pierces the never-ending sky.

A woman screams.

A silken voice and a powerful grip to the throat persuades her silence. His classic, Russian features, not unlike the minted image of Czar Nicolas II, remains frozen in time. “Please do not disappoint me like the others, my darling.”

The doorbell chimes. He releases his hold and caresses her cheek. “Natasha,” escapes his lips as he ascends the creaky wooden stairs. A calm hand opens the door. The glistening snow on the front porch pales against Aleksei’s skin and charming smile. 

The callused hand of detective, Danny Fitzpatrick, flashes a search warrant. His puffy, bloodshot eyes lock onto Aleksei’s ...

The young woman cries out, but only Aleksei hears. They will never find you my dear. This beaten and hung over man does not have a clue.

Hours later, the detective crosses the threshold and shudders as if encased in a block of ice. The sun drops to sleep and an eerie shadow creeps along side him. He shakes his head.

Aleksei watches from the peephole. You feel my immortal essence ... do you not.  A forceful hand bolts the door. Aleksei probes his elongating eye teeth. 

It is time for a new plan ...

See how changing the focus draws you in more personally. You are part of the scene, not just looking in. This is how we hook our newest reader. Let them FEEL the story as if part of it. This introduction MUST grab them like icy fingers clutching their arm.

So take a look at your blurb ... would you buy your book?

Take time writing your blurbs ... it is SO important for the success of you book!

And remember I'm here if you need some atmosphere and a change of focus.

Julie Flanders is also hosting an exciting giveaway, so PLEASE drop by her bog to enter ... AND... Polar Night will be available at a special price for a limited time! So hop on over to Julie's blog.

Have a wonderful day everyone ...

A SPLIT SECOND COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE ...

Hi, All,


Welcome to another post for the IWSG! Can you believe it's TWO years already?! Alex J. Cavanaughs' brainchild certainly has given us so much blogger love and support.

How wonderful is this monthly meeting? We can actually express our fears without judgement ... only support. Thank you, Alex.

Anyone can sign up! Just click here.... -http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html -

This month's co-hosts are:

Chemist Ken http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/

SL Hennessey http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/

Michelle Wallace http://www.writer-in-transit.co.za/

Joylene Nowell Butler http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com/

As many of you already know, I was mowed down by a cyclist exactly two weeks ago. With the head injury I sustained, it created the kind of terror and anxiety no person should have to endure. I let few people know, keeping positive and praying. Not just to heal, but not to lose my magic ... my writing, my artistic talent... Yes, I worried ... BIG TIME. 

The concussion had left me with difficulty focusing... dizziness, and sadly lack of interest. I had watched countless hours of TV... more than I had watched in three years! I rarely watch TV. Typing one handed had frustrated me ... keeping me away from all of you ....     

Now here's the BUT....

But, each day I managed a bit more... My stubborn, bullheaded self would not give in to this. Yes, I was knocked down and broken, but persevered AS every true writer/artist MUST do... Life is full of obstacles .... some we put there ourselves, but others hit us when we least expect it.

Don't give up my dear friends. Our journey together must keep moving forward no matter what stands in our way.

I feel blessed knowing how your prayers and good wishes HAS HELPED me heal at incredible speed. I hardly believe it myself... I thought I'd be disfigured and not even recognize myself. The first week I jumped from the mirror, hating the image I saw... Now, the bright smile has returned to a ever-so-slightly scared face... even the chip in my tooth doesn't freak me anymore. And the main reason for this...  it's because my mind hasn't been scared. God and my guardian angels had protected their gifts to me. 

I am truly blessed to walk away from this with just a broken wrist and a few tiny facial scars. The six inch Frankenstein scar at the top of my forehead will take a year or so to fade. But with a new scar cream the ER nurse suggested I use, it may perform some magic... it did on her.

Thanks again everyone for your warm wishes and prayers. I hope they continue to help. I find out tomorrow whether I'll need surgery on my wrist... I will certainly keep you posted.

Don't forget to visit the other posts for inspiration. I plan to do the best I can. I know you understand if I can't get to most of you. One handed typing is very tiring.

Have a Great day everyone!

NEWS ... NEWS ... NEWS ... ATTN. Y/A AUTHORS ... ALL GENRES! ...

HAPPY LABOR DAY, EVERYONE!

I am finally back from my rehab... although still in recovery, I am doing so much better. I'm still typing with one hand, but hopefully on Thursday my splint will become a shorter cast and I'll be able to straighten my arm to attempt typing... although my wrist is broken, my fingers still work.

I'm also sending out hugs to all of you! I know your prayers and good thoughts have aided me at a very traumatic time in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all mean the world to me.


Now for THE EXCITING NEWS ....

As you all know I had illustrated a logo for a new publisher created by two authors... Well, their official site airs Today! And submissions will be open on September 9th! All genres in Y/A will be welcomed ... CONGRATULATIONS BookFishBooks!!!!! Drop by their site for submission details...

I am really excited about this new publisher, and I will be submitting my second novel, The Blinded Gardener, as soon as I tweak my synopsis.

Now Heeeeeere's Simon .... the mascot and my creation for BookFish Books ... Let me know what you think!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. See you all back here on Wednesday for the Insecure Writer;s Support Group!