tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10752091642140124892024-03-21T19:11:08.738-04:00Novel Idea ReviewsAn honest look at some of today's up and coming authors and their novels and short stories.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-43044169479705413662017-12-06T12:47:00.000-05:002017-12-06T12:47:23.046-05:00Cover Reveal and Excerpt from Battered Mind by Sylvia Stein <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Battered Mind</u> Cover Reveal:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGMgcV_0HW5aesNKrJgNWMyX26IspWLKlTPzlA-fr4ytY4rfav7UYoh6YJF83-wLNW4d6voOJJ_N6Ef-Z3HpLzjaTdz1xQI2nNt23_mHJzMl0bd93osre9WeVBt9RUqZHrv6l7BR7cN0l/s1600/Concept+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGMgcV_0HW5aesNKrJgNWMyX26IspWLKlTPzlA-fr4ytY4rfav7UYoh6YJF83-wLNW4d6voOJJ_N6Ef-Z3HpLzjaTdz1xQI2nNt23_mHJzMl0bd93osre9WeVBt9RUqZHrv6l7BR7cN0l/s400/Concept+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Synopsis: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sadie Martin Carlyle is on trial for the murder of her
husband Dante Caryle. She claims she killed him in self-defense and that he was
a monster. She was a battered woman and if she had not defended herself he
would of killed both their young daughter and her. In short, She
feared for their lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">However, there is more to this case than meets the eye.
Sadie Martin is not your typical woman. Her family consists of her Criminal
lawyer father Jackson Martin from Atlanta and her mother Barbara Reece Martin
is one of the main leaders of the Southern Belles of Atlanta. From the very
start, there are secrets that are hidden that no one will see coming. Sadie’s
story will take the reader through a very emotional journey throughout. Once
the case begins, everything you think you know about what happened between
Sadie and Dante Carlyle will have you asking many questions and is
everything being said the truth?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Excerpt from <u>Battered Mind</u>:</span></b></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As I lie here holding on
to my sanity. I have to say never in a million years would I have
thought all would turn out the way it did. You see for most of my life I
had been searching and hoping that one day I would find the one and be
able to finally lead “the normal life.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: , serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10pt;">However,
nothing could be farther from the truth. My name is Sadie Martin Carlyle
and on </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10pt;">May 27, 2010, I was
charged with the murder of my husband Dante Carlyle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The thing that makes this
so horrific is that I do not even remember committing the crime. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">All I
know is that when I awoke the next morning, My husband Dante was dead and
I was found next</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">to his body and the murder weapon. As of now all I can do
is await my trial which will not be for a few months. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sadly because of the
circumstance of the crime, I will have to sit in a jail cell until my trial.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You must be wondering why
I seem to know so much about the law in particular. One second, “Can
you please let me finish talking.” Sorry being locked away in this cell
has made me a bit paranoid. Well in any case as I was saying. The
reason I know so much was that my beloved husband was a lawyer and before I got
married. We both met in law school. Oh, it was so simple back
then. If only I could go back to the beginning. Things were easier.
At least I thought they were. However maybe if I can just go back
to the beginning I can try to salvage a bit of my dignity. Besides, I was
born and raised to be a good girl. But right now I am really placing a
damper on all the years my parents spent trying to make me something I never
wanted to be. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You see I was born and
raised in Atlanta Georgia. It’s too damn bad I was never able to lead a
normal life. Thanks to my dear parents! My mother was born to
parents of money and my father was no different. However, he was known
for being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in all of the state of
Georgia. <span style="background: white;">He was deeply admired for his
hardcore antics. My father was never one to give up on his client
and </span>he is both loved and hated throughout the community. On
the other hand, my dear mother Barbara Reece Martin has always been in the
public eye. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As a child, her parents
owned several wineries all over the state of Georgia and North Carolina and she
was left with a trust fund and decided to invest in stock and has done pretty
well. She is now the CEO of The Reece Winery and overlooks them
along with my father and she is also one of the main members of the Women of Atlanta
social club. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10pt;">All in all, she is always
busy and thinks that I am just spoiled. My mother and I are not
close. She was always gone when I needed her. The only person that
seemed to care and worry about me was my father Jackson. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">He
always made time to see me and for that, I am very grateful. My father
has always said I was his</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">everything. At the time I thought I was but then I
discovered it was all lies. I will get to that later. As I was
saying my mother was never around as a kid. She was always out and busy
with all her numerous work and charitable events. “I hated her, and I
still do!”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: , serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10pt;">As you can see I get a
bit angry being cooped up in here. I mean there are many criminals in
here and I know they are women like me. But I am not one of them. I am
different and I want to do is start over again. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Let me outta here.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>About the Author:</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7326RqgEdNTBSmZleBl7gIKYOI_XCakTeuCyzRYVERkj83YuQw3cjAvKjVZr66MV0Q3MiJuDEYQvDUUqFLjbWbOg91I4Oj7tzLvIhb_GGa1VFlxaxL2zCFWoKdR0Ji_EpGM2nhcUP5Tp/s1600/Photo+on+2010-11-06+at+15.52+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7326RqgEdNTBSmZleBl7gIKYOI_XCakTeuCyzRYVERkj83YuQw3cjAvKjVZr66MV0Q3MiJuDEYQvDUUqFLjbWbOg91I4Oj7tzLvIhb_GGa1VFlxaxL2zCFWoKdR0Ji_EpGM2nhcUP5Tp/s200/Photo+on+2010-11-06+at+15.52+%25233.jpg" width="200" /></a> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sylvia Stein is
a published author with several anthologies with her Writer’s group 750 on LinkedIn. Stein obtained a Master’s Degree in Creative
Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University this past July
2015. She is a mother of three
beautiful children Paul 10, Michael 9 and Consuelo 6. She resides in the city of Fuquay Varina
with her amazing husband Jeremy. Stein has
also published two solo books one was her first novella Closure which she worked
on while attending SNHU and published in July of 2014 and the other her first
YA <i>Chasing Clarity</i> was published this
past October 2015 and it was created during National Novel Month (Nano) in 2013. Her latest book is entitled, <i>The Diary of a Broken Father</i> that came Out
in February 2017. Her new thriller that
she has been working on since 2014 will be out late 2018 and is entitled, <i>Battered Mind</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-68875277719231559472017-10-01T10:30:00.001-04:002017-10-01T10:53:55.231-04:00Surviving New York Comic Con: 2017 Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><strong>Surviving New York Comic Con 2017!</strong></u></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/RNA/RNA_NewYorkComicCon_V2/2017/_img/nycc-2017-logo-dark-bg.png?v=636306403093178693" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/RNA/RNA_NewYorkComicCon_V2/2017/_img/nycc-2017-logo-dark-bg.png?v=636306403093178693" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="800" height="166" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/" target="_blank">New York Comic Con</a> is taking over the <a href="http://www.javitscenter.com/" target="_blank">Jacob K. Javits Center</a> in Manhattan from October 5th-8th, 2017. New York Comic Con (NYCC) can be an overwhelming experience for newcomers and veteran con-goers alike. The purpose of this post is to provide my fellow convention nerds with some helpful convention survival tips and tricks to make the most of your New York Comic Con experience! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bring cash<span style="color: black;">!</span></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T3yHMsumQmW_usCnrK2rIjfbi-eI87xzxhbP4y2qpA-4_tulYVnfdIc6As3lnyvciMqNKS9pCH4hDg25uHmNNhCgizlC17pPgnX9CcY0tR55gGdeswzmb32IHZRmEUfYtGqHtN5AQ3sP/s1600/walter-white-money.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T3yHMsumQmW_usCnrK2rIjfbi-eI87xzxhbP4y2qpA-4_tulYVnfdIc6As3lnyvciMqNKS9pCH4hDg25uHmNNhCgizlC17pPgnX9CcY0tR55gGdeswzmb32IHZRmEUfYtGqHtN5AQ3sP/s320/walter-white-money.jpg" width="320" /> </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Avoid the long ATM lines and the insane $10 fees at Javits and bring plenty of cash with you. Bring a variety of denominations as well (not everyone can break a $100)! Some exhibitors and the autographing lines only take CASH! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle</strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL626VhSELsVjgKWtlrjqXo4VimODoPVY6cF3X4Y3LVFC3nNV347ZghfZGzUmAKrgtIwRA2_Hoii9rT49ssPbI-yxcuz8dHw38RdFczWTrDJvi-0UENunpZm_fY0OX5hl9bRykkoQ9qmk/s1600/water-snack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL626VhSELsVjgKWtlrjqXo4VimODoPVY6cF3X4Y3LVFC3nNV347ZghfZGzUmAKrgtIwRA2_Hoii9rT49ssPbI-yxcuz8dHw38RdFczWTrDJvi-0UENunpZm_fY0OX5hl9bRykkoQ9qmk/s320/water-snack.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last thing you will want to spend your hard earned money on is a $5 bottle of water and so-so food! So bring a refillable water bottle and plenty of tasty snacks to keep you energized and satisfied! You will be thankful for that granola bar when you're sitting in the panel rooms or waiting in line for that autograph! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Charge it up!!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBJ3FVC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3RA4HHY7LLM3V&psc=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBJ3FVC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3RA4HHY7LLM3V&psc=1" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRIBuqmZ4O8BlTZn0tQmiRpEr1b-Y3ZlmNiGiFrumDizfA8nVgOBU4YceOe44Um7-e18NMbnnBL6o3ukxUkzFPZRDzYzWlxTbz2b76w1bH31Jy8GmZc1FDa1K8IRO-QEZII-9JlOiR_jB/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-09-17+at+7.25.32+PM.png" width="180" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LTGFTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I7BR6X8Q1KHA6&psc=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LTGFTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I7BR6X8Q1KHA6&psc=1" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDGwAG8ig6oM8fiXao7eC_iWN6oc7hHeTfeMB4bFgnR32Rq8TCdDMrGBpnXv4xQviJ_2mv6wPtjDzjOx-FxgXlGTMSRM-_wgrHU9IOLd-fX9ksuL3SEAIgxfDB0Q0cbIGZXctm5esAiZi/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-09-17+at+7.25.51+PM.png" width="187" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your cell phone and electronics are going to be your lifeline during the convention. Your schedule, entertainment, photo, video, networking all depend on having a fully charged cell phone at the ready! Don't get stuck hunting for a charging station or a spare outlet. Check out one or both of the above portable charging options to keep you connected and mobile no matter where you are by clicking the photo!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Hygiene!!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b069M6WLzcA73XDPwmmxY9hj5wMz4p0-EThet3Qb_j_Hdwv573lHNuxKAd06ag15Il3NABGkPPnAAoiq3_vdmccIQrgreITJfHKybsWJovq89wMjgJuXo1wyz0B8r9PMi9eOf_ON0D8_/s1600/4a0918cb161aecc9d1b2f29893f64a04.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b069M6WLzcA73XDPwmmxY9hj5wMz4p0-EThet3Qb_j_Hdwv573lHNuxKAd06ag15Il3NABGkPPnAAoiq3_vdmccIQrgreITJfHKybsWJovq89wMjgJuXo1wyz0B8r9PMi9eOf_ON0D8_/s200/4a0918cb161aecc9d1b2f29893f64a04.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This may seem obvious, but there's always someone. Be considerate of your fellow convention attendees. Shower DAILY and wear deodorant. It is crowded and your personal space will be invaded and you don't want to catch a whiff of someone's body odor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Comfort is KEY!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeYh9p8Kl0TvlpXDYY0U0xvo8jyMtbaMy2gtbWLzpAfFan5ib1Hw73PIDtvWpjRaOneT3wxR1BlvSKJaJSOxWYVSdkpXsJasLrwV3ucGYXlP5ACPHfQYtZxdlf47Kk8aYj5HMrZplBA8/s1600/tennis-shoes-clipart-clipart-tennis-shoes-clip-art-ufcnQW-clipart.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeYh9p8Kl0TvlpXDYY0U0xvo8jyMtbaMy2gtbWLzpAfFan5ib1Hw73PIDtvWpjRaOneT3wxR1BlvSKJaJSOxWYVSdkpXsJasLrwV3ucGYXlP5ACPHfQYtZxdlf47Kk8aYj5HMrZplBA8/s320/tennis-shoes-clipart-clipart-tennis-shoes-clip-art-ufcnQW-clipart.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will be walking A LOT! Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Make sure you check the weather before heading out and see if you will need a light jacket or an umbrella. New York City is known for it's unpredictable weather, so be prepared for anything!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Schedule!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3moT10XHzRWA3ruFcnYbWg5akVeM97ptTYxXFSZAze8zJ_1JYe-PEXeBsbRyUCCjcDOn8TxybJj_mKRDJn3ZBoD8OYeHEY4bv9K6Pp2oUhwwnWhKfs3xW_u5QFpw45gxPEM_nwqPnqX/s1600/schedule_clock-512.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3moT10XHzRWA3ruFcnYbWg5akVeM97ptTYxXFSZAze8zJ_1JYe-PEXeBsbRyUCCjcDOn8TxybJj_mKRDJn3ZBoD8OYeHEY4bv9K6Pp2oUhwwnWhKfs3xW_u5QFpw45gxPEM_nwqPnqX/s200/schedule_clock-512.png" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NYCC provides you with some great scheduling tools and you NEED to take advantage of them. There are so many events happening that you will need to have a schedule to make sure you don't miss that amazing panel or miss out on getting your favorite celebrity's autograph. Make sure you have a plan B and C! Sometimes things don't work out...C'est la vie! Have a back up or two, so you're not left wandering around like a lost puppy for an hour or two!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Download the NYCC App!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mqZiJR-aXWFMxWQcoNzgBW9YgBnILVb7wZw-nScyfXG2brqm5Twerw4tWkv3Ob5oNKB6WVYClrAU6U84Ds1yV4LD-WAiBYilhY7rPQTFika8sq4gxKKG7hRyBTlupBHNLxvQeMdS2DGq/s1600/NYCC-2016-App-Mock.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mqZiJR-aXWFMxWQcoNzgBW9YgBnILVb7wZw-nScyfXG2brqm5Twerw4tWkv3Ob5oNKB6WVYClrAU6U84Ds1yV4LD-WAiBYilhY7rPQTFika8sq4gxKKG7hRyBTlupBHNLxvQeMdS2DGq/s320/NYCC-2016-App-Mock.png" width="159" /></a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/About/NYCC-Is-Going-Mobile/" target="_blank">official NYCC App</a> is a must have tool! This app will provide you with everything you need to know in regards to show specials, exhibitor exclusives, panel times, and any last minute changes or additions that may occur throughout the day. It is free and easy to download, so don't forget!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Backpack Essentials!</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5umSZDrXx-BNp9Ic6pwni1hdzuyb5n2m4gvoL9FHH2rWftXE9pqyykYb7kmtwhbeTAOGBCv630Hi3p2CP7eBwvJZqsIJG4G1LGMF-LqbUR_etVhUIxokF6agqVEUQsAtJyzI6Fm__wMX/s1600/Backpack-clipart-3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5umSZDrXx-BNp9Ic6pwni1hdzuyb5n2m4gvoL9FHH2rWftXE9pqyykYb7kmtwhbeTAOGBCv630Hi3p2CP7eBwvJZqsIJG4G1LGMF-LqbUR_etVhUIxokF6agqVEUQsAtJyzI6Fm__wMX/s200/Backpack-clipart-3.jpg" width="171" /></a>NYCC permits backpacks and bags to help make carrying your loot a tad bit easier. Here are a few essentials to help make your overall experience a bit easier:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Sharpies</strong>: You never know who you may run into while you're wandering around the show floor!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Water Bottle:</strong> As stated before, you don't want to spend your money on water when there are so many awesome exclusives to buy!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Chap-stick:</strong> Who likes having chapped lips?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Hand Sanitizer: </strong>There will be hundreds of thousands of people at NYCC. Help avoid con-crud and use hand sanitizer!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Comic Sleeves & Boards:</strong> Don't let those exclusive comics get damaged during your commute! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001244X56/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=IJHT9V9MYDMSL" target="_blank">Buy them here!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Poster Tube/Picture Sleeves:</strong> The artist alley offers incredible artwork and you won't want it to get damaged while you're navigating the convention. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFP3PI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3MMJ17HMGKTIA" target="_blank">Buy here!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Tote Bag:</strong> This will be your "go-to" for storing your freebies and convention goodies! Here is a great deal on Amazon for two <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GUPBO3K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I32Q85WAAWFFYG&psc=1" target="_blank">fold-able travel nylon totes!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Camera:</strong> Document your time at NYCC and check out the amazing cos players! Don't forget to ask for permission before snapping that photo! COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT!!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Medication:</strong> No one wants a headache slowing them down! These powder medications from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0DH708/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3CVPKA68EZS4F&psc=1" target="_blank">Urgent Rx</a> are fantastic and you don't even need water to take them!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Portable Stool: </strong>For all of you line warriors. This would be a fantastic investment and a great way to save your knees & butt! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FXVAYW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I2X8FEU9TSED5B&psc=1" target="_blank">Check out this example on Amazon!</a></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Have Fun!!! </strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. NYCC is an amazing experience and you are there to have an amazing time! Enjoy yourself!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-71695702545155427012017-07-19T17:52:00.002-04:002017-07-19T19:23:01.721-04:00Bonfire by Krysten Ritter<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 18px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bonfire-Novel-Krysten-Ritter/dp/1524759848">Buy this book here!</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">On June 3rd and 4th publishers, authors, and fellow bookworms filled the <a href="https://javitscenter.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Javits Convention Center</span></a> for <a href="http://www.thebookcon.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">BookCon</span></a> 2017. Typically, when I attend <a href="http://www.thebookcon.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">BookCon</span></a> I don't stick to any type of schedule or set plans. I like to go with the flow and take it all in. This year, however, was a bit different. There was one author I </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">really</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> wanted to meet, <a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553904/bonfire-by-krysten-ritter/9781524759841/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Krysten Ritter</span></a>. I was aiming to get my hands on an ARC of her debut novel, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful and went home without a copy and without meeting Ms. Ritter. It was a day later that I was lucky enough to speak with a fellow attendee, Mikayla, and was gifted a copy of the coveted novel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> was everything I had hoped it would be. It was an incredible read with a well thought out storyline. Ms. Ritter did a fantastic job with the development of her characters and was successful in creating a realistic and relatable story. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> is everything you're looking for in a good book. It is a fast paced and entertaining read reminiscent of a good old fashioned noir mystery. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> is filled with troubled characters, unrequited love, nail biting and page turning scenes, and enjoyable twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Krysten Ritter has certainly delivered with </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">. It is the perfect debut novel and it has a quality to it that screams “Read me and don't put me down until you're done!” The writing style makes for a fast paced and easy to read story. Nothing about </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> screams “new author!” On the contrary, it feels as though I have been reading Ms. Ritter’s stories forever. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline;">Bonfire</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"> debuts on November 7th, 2017, so make sure you <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bonfire-Novel-Krysten-Ritter/dp/1524759848"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">preorder</span> </a>your copy today and prepare yourself for a wild ride! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;">About the Author: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo by: Bailey Taylor</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">KRYSTEN RITTER is well known for her starring roles in the award winning Netflix original series, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">Marvel's</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">Jessica Jones</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, and cult favorite, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, as well as her pivotal role on AMC’s </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">Breaking Bad</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Krysten’s work on film includes Big Eyes, Listen Up Philip, Life Happens, Confessions of a Shopaholic and She’s Out of My League. She is the founder of Silent Machine, a production company which aims to highlight complex female protagonists. Ritter and her dog Mikey split their time between New York and Los Angeles.</span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-74482186378916899112017-07-03T13:01:00.002-04:002017-07-03T13:03:48.560-04:00Suggestions for Novel Idea Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hey guys! I wanted to try something new on Novel Idea Reviews and I would like to get your input! What would you guys like to see on this blog? I was thinking of adding some reviews and discussions on movie and television shows that are adaptations of various novels. I will be adding some more artwork to the <a href="http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/p/novel-concept-art.html">Novel Concept Art</a> page and will be organizing my reviews and author interviews onto their own pages. I will attach a poll to my blog's sidebar to help streamline the suggestion process and allow you guys to throw in your own ideas! Don't be shy and let's come up with some great ideas to make Novel Idea Reviews even better!</span></span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-11174060094219152872017-05-08T17:01:00.003-04:002017-07-03T12:08:36.178-04:00How to Survive BookCon 2017 Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/">BookCon</a> returns to the <a href="http://www.javitscenter.com/">Javits Center</a> in Midtown Manhattan on June 3rd and 4th! Large scale conventions can be overwhelming for first time and even repeat attendees. This post sets out to help you make the most of your BookCon experience! Below are some helpful tips and necessary items to bring with you when you attend the convention in a few weeks!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><i>Make sure you bring some snacks!</i></u></b> Save all your hard earned money for the BOOKS, not overpriced convention center food. You'll appreciate that granola bar while you are standing in line waiting for your favorite author or panel.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may seem like common sense, but <b><u><i>wear comfortable shoes!</i></u></b> As I mentioned before, you will be doing A LOT of walking and will be bogged down with all the free books and ARCs from the various exhibitors. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUn7d6tlXJm7z4IKCmvFa8OwP0OhxyYDcCCxFJ506X6cNEwbN2ttKdk3GgQoJaDaa8FgtMTKyPr3loVUx0JTGZ32eAI0tklwwqJ8NMMnQHGecbCNmz90j7VnVr-vvBBMQ4EGDksmZd3Vf/s1600/Backpack-clipart-the-cliparts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUn7d6tlXJm7z4IKCmvFa8OwP0OhxyYDcCCxFJ506X6cNEwbN2ttKdk3GgQoJaDaa8FgtMTKyPr3loVUx0JTGZ32eAI0tklwwqJ8NMMnQHGecbCNmz90j7VnVr-vvBBMQ4EGDksmZd3Vf/s200/Backpack-clipart-the-cliparts.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of free stuff, <b><u><i>bring a backpack and/or tote bag(s) for a comfortable way to transport your new loot!</i></u></b> You may want to bring a wheeled suitcase and check it in the bag check area to help make transporting your new books home a lot easier! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><i>Plan ahead!</i></u></b> The BookCon website has their</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Pages/SearchResults.aspx?id=26574#" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">panel</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Autographing/#" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">autograph</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">schedules up on their site. Take advantage and schedule out and prioritize your day. Have a few backups just in case your first choice is full or the line is capped. Utilize the <a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/en/My-Show/">My Show</a> feature on the BookCon Website and the schedule feature in the BookCon App! <a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Autographing/BookCon-Autographing-Area-Ticketing/">Make sure you check out the brand new policy for Autographs this year!</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><i>Hit up the ATM before you arrive at the convention center!</i></u></b> Avoid the crazy fees from the convention center ATMs. Use your debit card when possible and save the cash for the exhibitors who do not accept debit/credit. </span></div>
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<b><u><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Download the</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://dl.doubledutch.me/download.aspx?appId=505cee83-0a47-4a31-8884-d314fbe75122&region=US" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">BookCon app</a></i></u></b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and make sure you keep it updated for all of the latest</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/floor/Exhibitor-Exclusives/#" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">exclusives/show specials</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, panel schedules, and more!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLSzBqVYh30_772Nzpk4cePkQ5NYB6q3713OHaLLFz4nioGjIX-aEuHeRaxUofQm2Dc6WIpM-JubLqGGuN3j9AYWfmbw168zzqgcs0RTOHNGWNvz5EFD0Zah19ct2iXi2jq3jOX2CQMfR/s1600/charge-clipart-1316594477107374855battery-3-charging-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLSzBqVYh30_772Nzpk4cePkQ5NYB6q3713OHaLLFz4nioGjIX-aEuHeRaxUofQm2Dc6WIpM-JubLqGGuN3j9AYWfmbw168zzqgcs0RTOHNGWNvz5EFD0Zah19ct2iXi2jq3jOX2CQMfR/s200/charge-clipart-1316594477107374855battery-3-charging-md.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><u><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring your phone charger or a</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_2?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A7073960011%2Ck%3Aphone+charger&keywords=phone+charger&ie=UTF8&qid=1463068049&rnid=2941120011" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">portable power bank</a></i></u></b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><i>!</i></u></b> You don't want to miss any photo opportunities or lose your panel/autographing session schedule because of a dead battery! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>What should I bring with me to BookCon in my bag/backpack?</i></b></span></h3>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Hand Sanitizer: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There will be thousands of people at BookCon. Help avoid con-crud and use hand sanitizer!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Chapstick: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who likes having chapped lips?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sturdy Tote Bag: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This will be your "go-to" for storing your freebies and convention goodies! Here is a great deal on Amazon for two </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GUPBO3K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I32Q85WAAWFFYG&psc=1" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">fold-able travel nylon totes!</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Portable Phone Charger: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your cell phone and electronics are going to be your lifeline during the convention. Your schedule, entertainment, photo, video, networking all depend on having a fully charged cell phone at the ready! Don't get stuck hunting for a charging station or a spare outlet. Check out one or both of the above portable charging options to keep you connected and mobile no matter where you are by clicking the photo above!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Mints/Gum: </b>No one wants to meet their favorite author with funky breath! </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Water Bottle: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As stated before, you don't want to spend your money on water when there are so many awesome exclusives to buy!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sharpie: </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You never know who you may run into while you're wandering around the show floor!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Networking Materials: </b>Bring along some business cards to help build your network/audience for your blogs, Bookstagrams, Facebook Pages, and BookTuber accounts!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Medication:</b> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one wants a headache slowing them down! These powder medications from </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0DH708/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3CVPKA68EZS4F&psc=1" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Urgent Rx</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> are fantastic and you don't even need water to take them!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't stress out over the schedule...enjoy yourself and take in everything around you! </span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe6aY4iaT_MR6W2CBUlD54tPv3Z7_HVSX4qqjNdRFax2EL_eCujyyzDk4C7MwGPvBcC9-dDloLmGmT-vb1_bJNwZB1ZgUUdAriiLrqoKffP8Q_U2DR3mkyba9HzPtDWag3CZS8fXByDtF/s1600/question-acqbpozcM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe6aY4iaT_MR6W2CBUlD54tPv3Z7_HVSX4qqjNdRFax2EL_eCujyyzDk4C7MwGPvBcC9-dDloLmGmT-vb1_bJNwZB1ZgUUdAriiLrqoKffP8Q_U2DR3mkyba9HzPtDWag3CZS8fXByDtF/s320/question-acqbpozcM.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a question? Maybe you have some more amazing tips to help make BookCon 2017 an amazing experience? Post them below in the comments section and let's help out our fellow bookworms!</span></h4>
</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-11259056447330558672017-05-08T16:14:00.004-04:002017-05-08T16:16:42.824-04:00Check out this exclusive excerpt from K.M. Baginski's new novel, Rehumanized Drew: A Windstalker Story!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdGlHvRrPyNaFA7LZORkvKwtJiZdFMdRmmWfxKONDqBPD8nxyTDbLtUOESHugMszWkV_sQV9haw1tc0JrHUqvYPkgqkm5_9PCUqrJ3yXquuc8m7NshRfVkxErzhwBFDKku9ZzUy3DxLSA/s1600/RehumanizedDrewCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdGlHvRrPyNaFA7LZORkvKwtJiZdFMdRmmWfxKONDqBPD8nxyTDbLtUOESHugMszWkV_sQV9haw1tc0JrHUqvYPkgqkm5_9PCUqrJ3yXquuc8m7NshRfVkxErzhwBFDKku9ZzUy3DxLSA/s1600/RehumanizedDrewCover.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rehumanized Drew<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Windstalker Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By K. M. Baginski<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“You can
barely stand,” Sam snickered. “You need to get over being so empathic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s a
cliché.” His voice sounded oddly distant for his proximity, like a dummy whose
ventriloquist was hiding in plain sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As they stood
in a convex-walled, oval-shaped room of Sam’s submarine headquarters. Drew
couldn’t wrap his head around what he had to do in order to satisfy his
imminent hunger. His chest felt fizzy, but at the moment he wasn’t so tempted
to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He should do
the world a favor and starve himself. There were others like him, like Drew
himself, sitting at computer stations. They stared at screens with images of
what looked like hieroglyphics. But no two screens looked identical. Each image
was stilled in a different part of the same place. An enclosed space. The cave
at the base of that mountain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drew heard Sam
mention once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drew had
killed before, but it wasn’t an ambition. That was a one-time deal. Survival.
He didn’t hunger for ending anyone else’s life, and couldn’t pretend he did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“This is a
very different hunger, Andrew,” Sam said. His eyes were warm and reassuring, as
if he had this kind of talk with many young men. It was the kind of cutesy
demeanor an experienced kindergarten teacher would use with a toddler. “And
soon it’ll force its way out of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Then why
don’t I feel the urge when I look at a human?” Drew asked, determined to
protest. There was no primal need to fulfill. Only guilt. “I still feel like
one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I’d have
to kill them. It’s impossible. It’s like I’m staring at a mirrored image of
myself when I focus on them. How can you kill what you used to be, without
conscience?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“And you think
they’d have a second thought about killing you if you were a cow?” Sam persisted.
He was either hiding something, or wanted to brainwash Drew. Why else would he
answer a question with another question?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What does
that have to do with anything?” Drew asked. “That’s just the way the food chain
goes, Sam. You know, the natural order of things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“My point
exactly.” Sam nodded, “Humans kill lower animals regularly for food because
they are higher up on the food chain. Why is hunting so acceptable for them,
but not for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Hunting is
respectable because the hunters try to prevent unnecessary animal suffering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But hunters
still kill and eat the animals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“And farmers
even nurse their animals from infancy, only to slaughter them in the end,
correct?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“It’s still
not the same.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“How so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I used to be
one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Let’s say a
pig or chicken was suddenly elevated to human. Do you think either would
contemplate the feelings of the other chickens and pigs while it’s starving?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“That’s an
impossible question to answer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Then I’ll
answer it the simplest way. No.” Sam was losing patience. His eyes rolled and
drifted off to the side before closing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He took a
breath, then said, “Aside from the hunger you’ll undoubtedly feel, you need to
understand your rank in the food chain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A woman with a
crisp-ironed grey skirt and white blouse approached Sam with a printout. He
turned his back to Drew and walked over to a computer monitor. “Human nature is
not as altruistic as you’d like to believe,” he continued. “Every person you
have ever known has used someone else to get something they’ve wanted. A good
grade in school, friends, popularity, acceptance, a job, a raise, love, money,
affection, sex…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam paused to
read something on the screen. “Yes, there’s always an exchange in nature.
Simple survival has no faults. And it’s even more important to understand that
death comes for everyone. Right now, their death sustains your new life. The
sooner you learn to accept that, the less bothered you’ll be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam’s voice
drifted farther away, and so did Drew surroundings. Sam’s ventriloquist was
leaving. The metallic room was shifting in peripheral corners of Drew’s
eyesight. He turned his head slightly toward the alteration, then back to Sam,
but the entire scene had been erased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He was in a
beige hall now. It was wide, following a circular path—and empty. There were
dark brown doors on his left, each numbered, and evenly spaced. He knew this
hall well, and opened the door numbered 4b. His parents’ old apartment. He held
his breath in the still, quiet hall, touched the doorknob, and pushed the door
open slowly. Drew saw the face of his father immediately. He once wanted to
save him. It was the first thing he ever wanted to do while he was growing up.
A childhood wish made when he still loved the man. That hope, like so many,
died incremental deaths the older he got. He faced his dad, who was lying on
the kitchen floor where he died. He wasn’t moving, the bloodstain still fresh
near his heart. Drew was supposed to be human when he pulled the trigger.
According to Sam, he embodied humanity even then. His father’s death for the
family’s peace, an exchange. Also a fact of life, like the food chain. Drew
backed away, pulling the door shut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hall was
no longer quiet. Something stirred in the distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When he looked
to his left, he saw a young girl, elementary school age, sitting on the floor,
her legs crisscrossed. Her long, dark, curly hair swayed from one side to the
next as she circled her finger in midair pointing toward the grey tiled floor.
“Shwish. Shul,” she sang slowly, winding her hand faster. “It was a cyclone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What was?”
Drew got lower, ready to kneel to her level. Oddly, he didn’t feel weak from
hunger now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She flicked
her eyes toward him, but didn’t focus on him, didn’t answer, while her finger
continued to cycle in silence. She was withdrawn, just the way he was as a
child whenever his father’s tone was too harsh. Maybe the answer would be too
traumatic to say aloud. He got the sense she didn’t want to elaborate. Drew
lowered himself to the floor, squatting in the hopes she would speak candidly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Someone
exhaled in the unseen distance. Drew heard weight shifting from nowhere, as if
cued to enter a play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Don’t you
mean who?” said a man, strolling in from the opposite direction. The mystery
man looked middle-aged, and wore a Yankee cap, denim shorts, a white T-shirt,
and sneakers. He smiled and rubbed the head of the sitting girl before
approaching Drew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Don’t you
remember anything?” he asked, pointing a finger between himself and the girl.
“You ate us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I–I what?”
Drew took a step back. This man’s clothing was familiar. So was the young girl.
But he didn’t know why. Ate them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Well,” the
familiar man said. “We are connected now, whether you want to remember or not.”
The man tucked a hand in his front pocket. “I’m Leo, and that lovely
ten-year-old is Heather.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leo’s eyes
drifted over Drew’s shoulder. There was something behind him. “Watch yourself,
now. Being human makes you just as defenseless as we were.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drew turned in
the direction of Leo’s gaze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It all came
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He was
displaced again. This time, out in the open on an empty city street. He stood
on the blacktop road in daylight. There weren’t any cars in sight. But in the
buildings on each side of him were people staring out at him through the
windows. They didn’t say anything, or make gestures, but he knew they were
aware of him. And now he was aware of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I was so
hungry then.” He whispered a confession. “I didn’t even know what I was doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He saw the
faces of every person whose energy he had depleted completely. Countless men
and women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
ten-year-old girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The result of
his meaningless life. And the only mark he left on the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What was
happening? What was this place? Purgatory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He wasn’t
always a monster. Killing wasn’t the only thing he was capable of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He missed his
friend Chelsea. She knew he hadn’t done it intentionally. He thought just of
her name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He scanned the
faces of the people watching him, turning in a trance-like circle until he
heard another stirring. From about a block ahead came a little girl, skipping
down the road in a white dress. She was shorter than Heather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Drew?” she
called, picking up her pace “Come with me. We’ll be safe inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Why, where
are we?” he said, stretching his hand out for her. As she got closer, he recognized
her angelic face and long, dark hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Someplace
real. They brought you here, but we have to go back.” She was close enough to
whisper. “If they get too close, you’ll let them in. C’mon, let’s hurry!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She pointed
toward the direction she came from and started to run. He glanced back at the
faces, and they turned away from the windows quickly. He could hear one
shouting “Get him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He ran after
the young girl. The doors of those buildings on each side of him opened. He
didn’t watch long enough to see the people rush through it. But he heard their
running steps thundering behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“In here,” the
little girl shouted without glancing back. “Close the door behind you.” She
darted into an entrance, and he could almost feel the people gaining on him. He
ran inside, and turned to see the legs of the throng just steps away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reaching for
the door, he thrust all his energy to shut it quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once the door
was closed, he couldn’t hear anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Oh, my God,”
he gasped, barely able to catch a breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Drew, you
coming?” He turned to see the little girl peeking over the stairwell, one
flight up, her brows furrowed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He followed
her into what looked like a bedroom. The walls were a dingy tan color, caked
with layers of paint. A pink and purple bike leaned against a radiator, and a
kind of imitation wood medium-density fiberboard TV cart stood only a foot away
from the vanity dresser, placed in the middle of the tiny room. The pretty
little girl sat on the purple bedspread and patted the space next to her. He
knew that gesture well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Chelsea?” He
sat next to her, realizing she might have surfaced from his thoughts. He stared
into those familiar eyes, studying the curve of her nose, chin, and cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Mm-hmm,” she
nodded. He felt himself smile. When he lifted his hand to touch her face, he
had to stop himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Why are you
so young?” he asked, still amazed. He wanted to hug and kiss her, but their age
difference made it seem…wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“It’s just the
way you like to remember me.” She smiled. “We were closer at this age.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His eyes felt
heavy, like he was about the tear up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A new sound
hummed in the distance. He looked toward her bedroom door while the noise
became closer and louder. A steady humming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He turned back
to Chelsea, but she went out of focus. When he reached out to touch her, he
could still feel her. So he closed his eyes, hoping to reset them both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The humming
sound was at the forefront of his senses. He felt himself breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When he opened
his eyes again, he was sitting in a moving vehicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Copyright
2017 by Kisa Baginski <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>About K.M. Baginski:</b></u></span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Kisa Baginski is a middle school science teacher and author of the Windstalker Series. Her new novella, Rehumanized Drew (May 7, 2017) is a spinoff from Baginski’s debut novel, Windstalker: Awareness, and follows the plight of a man in his early 20s, Drew Royce. After turning into a “Windstalker”—a Nephilim subspecies who can transform into air/wind in order to feed on human organs for survival—Drew has managed to become human again, which forces him into hiding. Haunted by his disturbing actions as a Windstalker, Drew must decide between causing more harm to the human world or hiding out until death finds him.</div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Make sure to add K.M. Baginski on all of your social media sites!</i></b></span></o:p></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-34946332111998894632017-05-04T20:49:00.004-04:002017-05-04T20:53:48.450-04:00Saxon Matthews & The Dragon's Curse by A.R. Davis<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: "droid sans";">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an </span><strong style="font-family: 'droid sans';"><u>HONEST</u></strong><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: "droid sans";"> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are </span><strong style="font-family: 'droid sans';"><u>NOT</u></strong><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: "droid sans";"> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #444444; font-family: "droid sans";"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvL_XV8ZXIBk6Nyw58lA6tJNJcmX434IT3Vg2yFzsOjfmEJv98W7RCwrF31hROvVdRncVWK6Iszpe9y2kKMnCcfg84CyvT1KUb2BnOGKUSLnAkfgqUVHBvCQkyx2iXSGcu3FChhW1_E_6/s1600/THUMBNAIL_IMAGE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvL_XV8ZXIBk6Nyw58lA6tJNJcmX434IT3Vg2yFzsOjfmEJv98W7RCwrF31hROvVdRncVWK6Iszpe9y2kKMnCcfg84CyvT1KUb2BnOGKUSLnAkfgqUVHBvCQkyx2iXSGcu3FChhW1_E_6/s400/THUMBNAIL_IMAGE.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.createspace.com/7134987" target="_blank">Buy this book here!</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rating: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "lucida grande" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.319999694824219px; text-align: justify;">★★★</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A.R. Davis returns with her new novel, <u>Saxon Matthews & The Dragon's Curse</u>.
This novel takes the reader on an adventure filled with bloodlust, revenge and
a need for justice. Davis introduces us to our protagonist, Caroline, a young
woman out for revenge against a vicious thief; Lord Griswald, a man who not
only stole from Caroline's family, but left Caroline disfigured and filled with
a need for deadly retaliation. As Caroline embarks on this adventure she meets
with a young and mysterious man, Saxon Matthews, who has been tailing her every
move. It is from this moment on that our two protagonists partake in an
adventure unlike any other.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A.R.
Davis delivers a fantastical story filled with nail biting and revenge filled
adventures. We get to witness Caroline and Saxon begin to develop a rather
unique relationship and grow into a duo to be reckoned with as they face off
against the evil Lord Griswald and his ever loyal henchmen. </span><u style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saxon Matthews & The Dragon's Curse</u><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is
filled with twists and turns and one deadly secret. Davis does a great job
breaking down who the characters are and takes the reader on a fantastic and
fast paced adventure.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<u style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saxon Matthews & The Dragon's Curse</u><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is a
fantasy novel for young adults that will leave the reader craving more
adventures with Saxon and Caroline. A must read for science fiction and fantasy
fans who have a need for dragons, young love, and a justice seeking duo. I am
excited to see what A.R. Davis has in store for Saxon and Caroline as they
embark on new adventures!</span></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-73070369207075339312017-01-14T16:20:00.004-05:002017-01-14T16:20:31.619-05:00Flotilla Book One of The Pac Fish Series) by Daniel Haight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfciQZ7IevkEBsOUEQTBCFveFFBQitE7_jooLnZsUhkwWIzIHRtqnOEXf_6slka3uHfQws2UlIiw0dcgRYignzyBADlZrMTXngvxWIinEAK8AwIcg4gBsU6yT07RspEbDyXffH0IWiz7f/s1600/5172nlRVrQL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" id="id_f825_4fae_6e4d_9c4b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfciQZ7IevkEBsOUEQTBCFveFFBQitE7_jooLnZsUhkwWIzIHRtqnOEXf_6slka3uHfQws2UlIiw0dcgRYignzyBADlZrMTXngvxWIinEAK8AwIcg4gBsU6yT07RspEbDyXffH0IWiz7f/s400/5172nlRVrQL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 266px;" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flotilla-Daniel-Haight/dp/098932236X" target="_blank">Buy this book here!</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniel Haight delivers a unique coming of age story with <u>Flotilla</u>. This novel follows the story of a teenage boy, Jim, who is trying to turn his life around after falling on hard times. Haight introduces us to a new way of life when our protagonist is sent to live with his father on a floating city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is here that the adventures begin for our young protagonist and his wayward father. We encounter a variety of characters who all play a unique role in helping Jim find out who he truly is and what he is capable of accomplishing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Flotilla</u> is branded as a science fiction story. It does not however, follow the typical science fiction storyline. <u>Flotilla</u> looks at a new way of living and the hardships that come with this new lifestyle. Jim and his father face off with their neighbors and the constant threat of pirates. As if theses threats weren't enough, Jim must then take on the hardest role of his life. He must survive. When California is attacked, Jim must flee the floating city with his young sister and survive a post apocalyptic landscape and the inherent dangers brought on by such a situation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Flotilla</u> is a well written novel that introduces the reader to an alternative post apocalyptic setting. Daniel Haight has created well rounded characters and an interesting and unique story. <u>Flotilla</u> is filled with humor, adventure, and the right amount of nail biting action. This is the perfect read for anyone looking for well written characters and a unique storyline. I look forward to continuing this series and seeing how Jim continues to grow and adapt. </span></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-17190640279729331872016-09-18T17:34:00.000-04:002016-12-12T15:31:14.131-05:00How to Survive New York Comic Con 2016 Edition<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><strong>Surviving New York Comic Con 2016!</strong></u></span></span></span><a style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI1dbAQOaDhan7A7bzuTI_SdVrvERybxieOvFbkU02pwdgrNhkrYCdJtSGaKs1WRVaEdM_U76ByGM2ss1jORqQIf0GvBHIOyqF17pXFAE6sxoCSO4HtQV4TMmsf2uo4dCdTDbl9N5NuOf/s640/blogger-image-99227187.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI1dbAQOaDhan7A7bzuTI_SdVrvERybxieOvFbkU02pwdgrNhkrYCdJtSGaKs1WRVaEdM_U76ByGM2ss1jORqQIf0GvBHIOyqF17pXFAE6sxoCSO4HtQV4TMmsf2uo4dCdTDbl9N5NuOf/s400/blogger-image-99227187.jpg" width="400" height="177" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><strong> </strong></u></span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/" target="_blank">New York Comic Con</a> is taking over the <a href="http://www.javitscenter.com/" target="_blank">Jacob K. Javits Center</a> in Manhattan from October 6th-9th, 2016. New York Comic Con (NYCC) can be an overwhelming experience for newcomers and veteran con-goers alike. The purpose of this post is to provide my fellow convention nerds with some helpful convention survival tips and tricks to make the most of your New York Comic Con experience! </span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bring cash<span style="color: #000000;">!</span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T3yHMsumQmW_usCnrK2rIjfbi-eI87xzxhbP4y2qpA-4_tulYVnfdIc6As3lnyvciMqNKS9pCH4hDg25uHmNNhCgizlC17pPgnX9CcY0tR55gGdeswzmb32IHZRmEUfYtGqHtN5AQ3sP/s1600/walter-white-money.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T3yHMsumQmW_usCnrK2rIjfbi-eI87xzxhbP4y2qpA-4_tulYVnfdIc6As3lnyvciMqNKS9pCH4hDg25uHmNNhCgizlC17pPgnX9CcY0tR55gGdeswzmb32IHZRmEUfYtGqHtN5AQ3sP/s320/walter-white-money.jpg" width="320" height="180" border="0" /> </a></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Avoid the long ATM lines and the insane $10 fees at Javits and bring plenty of cash with you. Bring a variety of denominations as well (not everyone can break a $100)! Some exhibitors and the autographing lines only take CASH! </span></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle</strong></span></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL626VhSELsVjgKWtlrjqXo4VimODoPVY6cF3X4Y3LVFC3nNV347ZghfZGzUmAKrgtIwRA2_Hoii9rT49ssPbI-yxcuz8dHw38RdFczWTrDJvi-0UENunpZm_fY0OX5hl9bRykkoQ9qmk/s1600/water-snack.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL626VhSELsVjgKWtlrjqXo4VimODoPVY6cF3X4Y3LVFC3nNV347ZghfZGzUmAKrgtIwRA2_Hoii9rT49ssPbI-yxcuz8dHw38RdFczWTrDJvi-0UENunpZm_fY0OX5hl9bRykkoQ9qmk/s320/water-snack.jpg" width="320" height="200" border="0" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The last thing you will want to spend your hard earned money on is a $5 bottle of water and so-so food! So bring a refillable water bottle and plenty of tasty snacks to keep you energized and satisfied! You will be thankful for that granola bar when you're sitting in the panel rooms or waiting in line for that autograph! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Charge it up!!</strong></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBJ3FVC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3RA4HHY7LLM3V&psc=1" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRIBuqmZ4O8BlTZn0tQmiRpEr1b-Y3ZlmNiGiFrumDizfA8nVgOBU4YceOe44Um7-e18NMbnnBL6o3ukxUkzFPZRDzYzWlxTbz2b76w1bH31Jy8GmZc1FDa1K8IRO-QEZII-9JlOiR_jB/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-09-17+at+7.25.32+PM.png" alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IBJ3FVC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3RA4HHY7LLM3V&psc=1" width="180" height="200" border="0" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LTGFTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I7BR6X8Q1KHA6&psc=1" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDGwAG8ig6oM8fiXao7eC_iWN6oc7hHeTfeMB4bFgnR32Rq8TCdDMrGBpnXv4xQviJ_2mv6wPtjDzjOx-FxgXlGTMSRM-_wgrHU9IOLd-fX9ksuL3SEAIgxfDB0Q0cbIGZXctm5esAiZi/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-09-17+at+7.25.51+PM.png" alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LTGFTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I7BR6X8Q1KHA6&psc=1" width="187" height="200" border="0" /></a> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Your cell phone and electronics are going to be your lifeline during the convention. Your schedule, entertainment, photo, video, networking all depend on having a fully charged cell phone at the ready! Don't get stuck hunting for a charging station or a spare outlet. Check out one or both of the above portable charging options to keep you connected and mobile no matter where you are by clicking the photo!</span></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Hygiene!!</strong></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b069M6WLzcA73XDPwmmxY9hj5wMz4p0-EThet3Qb_j_Hdwv573lHNuxKAd06ag15Il3NABGkPPnAAoiq3_vdmccIQrgreITJfHKybsWJovq89wMjgJuXo1wyz0B8r9PMi9eOf_ON0D8_/s1600/4a0918cb161aecc9d1b2f29893f64a04.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b069M6WLzcA73XDPwmmxY9hj5wMz4p0-EThet3Qb_j_Hdwv573lHNuxKAd06ag15Il3NABGkPPnAAoiq3_vdmccIQrgreITJfHKybsWJovq89wMjgJuXo1wyz0B8r9PMi9eOf_ON0D8_/s200/4a0918cb161aecc9d1b2f29893f64a04.jpg" width="200" height="200" border="0" /></a></span></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">This may seem obvious, but there's always someone. Be considerate of your fellow convention attendees. Shower DAILY and wear deodorant. It is crowded and your personal space will be invaded and you don't want to catch a whiff of someone's body odor. </span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Comfort is KEY!</strong></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeYh9p8Kl0TvlpXDYY0U0xvo8jyMtbaMy2gtbWLzpAfFan5ib1Hw73PIDtvWpjRaOneT3wxR1BlvSKJaJSOxWYVSdkpXsJasLrwV3ucGYXlP5ACPHfQYtZxdlf47Kk8aYj5HMrZplBA8/s1600/tennis-shoes-clipart-clipart-tennis-shoes-clip-art-ufcnQW-clipart.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYeYh9p8Kl0TvlpXDYY0U0xvo8jyMtbaMy2gtbWLzpAfFan5ib1Hw73PIDtvWpjRaOneT3wxR1BlvSKJaJSOxWYVSdkpXsJasLrwV3ucGYXlP5ACPHfQYtZxdlf47Kk8aYj5HMrZplBA8/s320/tennis-shoes-clipart-clipart-tennis-shoes-clip-art-ufcnQW-clipart.jpg" width="320" height="230" border="0" /></a></span></span></div>
<div><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">You will be walking A LOT! Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Make sure you check the weather before heading out and see if you will need a light jacket or an umbrella. New York City is known for it's unpredictable weather, so be prepared for anything!</span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Schedule!</strong></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3moT10XHzRWA3ruFcnYbWg5akVeM97ptTYxXFSZAze8zJ_1JYe-PEXeBsbRyUCCjcDOn8TxybJj_mKRDJn3ZBoD8OYeHEY4bv9K6Pp2oUhwwnWhKfs3xW_u5QFpw45gxPEM_nwqPnqX/s1600/schedule_clock-512.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3moT10XHzRWA3ruFcnYbWg5akVeM97ptTYxXFSZAze8zJ_1JYe-PEXeBsbRyUCCjcDOn8TxybJj_mKRDJn3ZBoD8OYeHEY4bv9K6Pp2oUhwwnWhKfs3xW_u5QFpw45gxPEM_nwqPnqX/s200/schedule_clock-512.png" width="200" height="200" border="0" /></a></span></span></div>
<div><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">NYCC provides you with some great scheduling tools and you NEED to take advantage of them. There are so many events happening that you will need to have a schedule to make sure you don't miss that amazing panel or miss out on getting your favorite celebrity's autograph. Make sure you have a plan B and C! Sometimes things don't work out...C'est la vie! Have a back up or two, so you're not left wandering around like a lost puppy for an hour or two!</span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Download the NYCC App!</strong></span></span></span><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mqZiJR-aXWFMxWQcoNzgBW9YgBnILVb7wZw-nScyfXG2brqm5Twerw4tWkv3Ob5oNKB6WVYClrAU6U84Ds1yV4LD-WAiBYilhY7rPQTFika8sq4gxKKG7hRyBTlupBHNLxvQeMdS2DGq/s1600/NYCC-2016-App-Mock.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mqZiJR-aXWFMxWQcoNzgBW9YgBnILVb7wZw-nScyfXG2brqm5Twerw4tWkv3Ob5oNKB6WVYClrAU6U84Ds1yV4LD-WAiBYilhY7rPQTFika8sq4gxKKG7hRyBTlupBHNLxvQeMdS2DGq/s320/NYCC-2016-App-Mock.png" width="159" height="320" border="0" /></a></strong></span></div>
<div><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/About/NYCC-Is-Going-Mobile/" target="_blank">official NYCC App</a> is a must have tool! This app will provide you with everything you need to know in regards to show specials, exhibitor exclusives, panel times, and any last minute changes or additions that may occur throughout the day. It is free and easy to download, so don't forget!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Backpack Essentials!</strong></span></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5umSZDrXx-BNp9Ic6pwni1hdzuyb5n2m4gvoL9FHH2rWftXE9pqyykYb7kmtwhbeTAOGBCv630Hi3p2CP7eBwvJZqsIJG4G1LGMF-LqbUR_etVhUIxokF6agqVEUQsAtJyzI6Fm__wMX/s1600/Backpack-clipart-3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5umSZDrXx-BNp9Ic6pwni1hdzuyb5n2m4gvoL9FHH2rWftXE9pqyykYb7kmtwhbeTAOGBCv630Hi3p2CP7eBwvJZqsIJG4G1LGMF-LqbUR_etVhUIxokF6agqVEUQsAtJyzI6Fm__wMX/s200/Backpack-clipart-3.jpg" width="171" height="200" border="0" /></a>NYCC permits backpacks and bags to help make carrying your loot a tad bit easier. Here are a few essentials to help make your overall experience a bit easier:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Sharpies</strong>: You never know who you may run into while you're wandering around the show floor!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Water Bottle:</strong> As stated before, you don't want to spend your money on water when there are so many awesome exclusives to buy!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Chap-stick:</strong> Who likes having chapped lips?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Hand Sanitizer: </strong>There will be hundreds of thousands of people at NYCC. Help avoid con-crud and use hand sanitizer!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Comic Sleeves & Boards:</strong> Don't let those exclusive comics get damaged during your commute! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001244X56/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=IJHT9V9MYDMSL" target="_blank">Buy them here!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Poster Tube/Picture Sleeves:</strong> The artist alley offers incredible artwork and you won't want it to get damaged while you're navigating the convention. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFP3PI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3MMJ17HMGKTIA" target="_blank">Buy here!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Tote Bag:</strong> This will be your "go-to" for storing your freebies and convention goodies! Here is a great deal on Amazon for two <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GUPBO3K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I32Q85WAAWFFYG&psc=1" target="_blank">fold-able travel nylon totes!</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Camera:</strong> Document your time at NYCC and check out the amazing cos players! Don't forget to ask for permission before snapping that photo! COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT!!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Medication:</strong> No one wants a headache slowing them down! These powder medications from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0DH708/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I3CVPKA68EZS4F&psc=1" target="_blank">Urgent Rx</a> are fantastic and you don't even need water to take them!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Portable Stool: </strong>For all of you line warriors. This would be a fantastic investment and a great way to save your knees & butt! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FXVAYW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YNZ78QS4IX35&coliid=I2X8FEU9TSED5B&psc=1" target="_blank">Check out this example on Amazon!</a></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Have Fun!!! </strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. NYCC is an amazing experience and you are there to have an amazing time! Enjoy yourself!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-1388043914222426562016-08-08T20:48:00.004-04:002016-08-08T20:56:32.804-04:00Interview with Farewell Keystone Author Cory Clement<div style="color: #222222;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Buy <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farewell-Keystone-Cory-Clement/dp/1533444536/ref=la_B01IKT7HGC_1_1/154-4615839-7282846?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470702715&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Farewell Keystone</a></u> here!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> <u>Farewell Keystone</u> is your debut novel. Can you tell us a
little bit about this story? </span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">It's about Owen Reilly, a sort of lost soul trying to maintain
sobriety and find a balance in life with some inner-peace. He can't find a job,
is close to losing his apartment and in the midst of a disintegrating
relationship. He always felt like if he could just get out of his hometown of
Philadelphia, he could possibly get a better chance....and out of nowhere he
ends up actually getting that opportunity from a stranger by the name of Sonya,
whom is on her way to a small town in Ohio to perform at a Pro Wrestling event.
The two embark on a road trip and as the miles pile up, the question marks get
resolved more and more and Owen begins to find himself, not without some drama
and bumps in the road of course.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> Give us some insight into your main character. What is it
about him that makes him unique and perfect as your main protagonist?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I think the thing that makes Owen perfect is the fact that he is
anything but...he's full of flaws and uncertainty. He isn't sure of himself, lacks
confidence and is worrying way too much. In other words - he's realistic. He's
a true person and human. Maybe I'm bias on this one, but I feel like it's very
easy to connect with him. At some point in life we were all the shy, fragile,
mask wearing type. He doesn't shy from admitting that and confronting that.
Everyone in their twenties has experienced in some way the things Owen is going
through...you either have already, or will, or are in the very present. I like
being able to dig into the character and step back and say "whoa, that's
me...that's so me. That's my situation or my past. He gets it, I'm not
alone."</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> You chose to self-publish your debut novel. What were some
of the disadvantages and advantages of choosing this method of publication?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> I wanted it a hundred percent my way. I didn't want anybody
telling me to take out a certain scene or character, or tone down something, or
focus more on another thing. I wanted to write my story as I felt and saw it,
and put it out there with no other brains throwing in their two cents. So
self-publishing works perfectly for that. I also can admit to being impatient
with many things in life and I didn't want to sit around for years to find
someone willing to give me the time of day in terms of a publisher. I didn't
want to deal with paying off agents, I didn't want to have my vision shattered
and altered. I just wanted to write<u> Farewell Keystone</u> and put it out, so
I did. Simple as that. Paying out of your own pocket when not making a great
amount of money in life obviously sucks and getting attention and promoting the
book isn't the easiest of tasks....but I also enjoy knowing it's up to me. I
can push myself more to try and get hundreds or thousands to check the book out
and hear about it or I can settle for just ten to fifteen friends and family
members patting me on the back telling me good job. It's all on me, and I like
that.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing process. Is
there something not many people know about you and/or any writing quirks you
may have?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> The biggest thing I have to do in my writing zone is cast the
characters, every single one of them, as if it were a movie. I write my stories
with the idea and hope that they can some day be adapted into movies, so I
always cast the characters - even the random people in the background or the
waitress who doesn't say a word. It's just an absolute must for me, and it's
also fun. Besides that, just lots of instrumental music....stuff like Stars of
the Lid, Giorgio Moroder, Riz Ortolani, and Pino Donaggio.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> What inspired your novel, <u>Farewell Keystone</u>? Are
your characters based off of real people or all unique to your imagination?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> Life itself inspired <u>Farewell Keystone</u>...my struggles
with loneliness, depression, isolation, sobriety and relationships all merged
into the daydream I've always had of wanting to get out of Philly (a daydream I
currently am in the midst of making come true). From the daydreams of just
getting up and leaving Philly one day, to the movie fanatic in me, and the many
personal things I've gone through....it just all merged into something I find
pretty magical. I always say that there is a little bit of me in all the characters
I make, but obviously Owen is the top one. He was just a straight-up diary for
me basically in a manner of speaking, and since I was feeling very down and
unsure and beat up at the time, Sonya was sort of the encouraging voice, the
steady shoulder to lean on type of person that I sort of made and used to in
real life actually motivate me. Some characters are inspired from random
happenings in life, some are just purely created. Like Tammy Watson - I got
inspired to make her character have cerebral palsy and the forearm crutches off
of a random woman I walked past one random rainy late afternoon. I was just
finishing up work at a job, cranky and pissed off at the world about nothing
too serious...basically just whining about having to work and being an ungrateful
brat to myself thinking negative things and such, and I walked past a shoe
store and these two ladies were leaving the store with a young five or six year
old kid. The one had the forearm crutches and I could hear the sort of slurred
speech from her, but that isn't what hit me...what hit me was how incredibly
happy this woman was. The brightest, purest smile I ever saw in quite some
time. It put me in my place and made me realize how I need to stop complaining
so much and should just shut my mouth. I don't know why but that random woman
just stuck with me for days and it just so happened to be days when I was
writing.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> What genre would you say you enjoy writing the most? Are
there any genres or topics you would like to attempt for your future works?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> I grew up being a huge horror movie nerd, and still proudly am
to this day. The cheesy, low budget 80's slasher flicks and monster movies
galore played such a pivotal role in me wanting to write and create....so I
would love to someday write a screenplay for a solid throwback horror movie.
Right now though, the next story I'm set to write is <u>Clean Slates</u>, which
is more in the veins of <u>Farewell Keystone</u>, just a lot darker and almost
in a reverse effect of everything. Instead of leaving the place you don't want
to be in or feel trapped in, it will explore having to come back to that place.
It will also explore a main character that has relapsed and isn't putting up as
much of a fight as Owen does. It's going to be a lot darker and more visceral
and brutal. Once I'm done with that, I see myself trying to do something horror
related. But as I said, I want all my works adapted into films...that's the
goal from the get go and the idea. I always write as if my stories are movies,
not novels. I just find it easier and deeper to write in the form of a novel as
opposed to screenplay.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> As a new author, what is your favorite part of the writing
and publishing process? Least favorite parts or lessons learned?</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> I honestly don't have a least favorite part yet, besides maybe
wishing I had more money to promote and market and goof off with. The favorite
part...was and is everything up until this very interview now. To have
daydreamed and fantasized about writing, being a writer, actually finishing
something and getting it out there for SUCH a long time, and to finally have
done it...it's awesome. Simply awesome no matter what's to come in terms of
financial gain or loss, negative or positive reviews...it can't take away the
feeling of knowing you did what you wanted to do all your life.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> Is there something about <u>Farewell Keystone</u> that you
would like your readers to take away from it? A message, moral, etc.? </span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> In a prior interview, I answered this question by stating that
I feel it's up to the reader really to take away what they want or do. Every
pair of eyes has a different outlook and opinion, so every reader will possibly
extract different meanings and analysis on the story, and I'm fine with that.
If you pay to read a book you deserve that right. If you are striving to try
and write yourself and do what you've always wanted to, I guess I would say I
hope you see the four or five typo's and mistakes in the book. Look at the them,
and know that I am okay with them, because I went after my goal and did it. You
should do the same. Don't worry about a few mistakes, don't worry about what
others think, don't worry about anything other than doing what you wish to do.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Can you tell us about the cover art for your novel? How
important do you think the cover art and overall appearance of the novel are to
the novel’s storyline and the purchasing decisions of a potential buyer? </span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> Jenny Laatsch did the artwork for the book, front and
back...and I could not be happier. She was insanely easy to work with, fast and
responsive and totally 'got' what I was thinking of right off the bat, which is
a huge compliment to her as I have a weird and odd way of seeing things and
explaining things. She was also ridiculously affordable....and I urge anybody
looking to get their artwork done to go to her. She rules. The exact vision I
had in my head for the movie poster (remember, I see my novels as movies), I
sent to her and within no time she made it a reality.</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Novel Idea Reviews:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> What are you working on now? Where can your readers
connect with you and stay up to date on your upcoming projects? </span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Cory Clement: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">As mentioned earlier, I'm in the rough stages of beginning <u>Clean
Slates</u>, while also still trying to push and promote <u>Farewell Keystone</u>,
on top of the whole 9 to 5 workload, while saving up to move (and make my own
little <i>Farewell Keystone</i> happen)!</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Twitter: @_coryclement</span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/farewellkeystone"><span style="text-decoration: none;">facebook.com/farewellkeystone</span></a></span><span style="font-family: DroidSans;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon: <span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://amazon.com/author/coryclement">amazon.com/author/coryclement</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31133780-farewell-keystone"><span style="text-decoration: none;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31133780-farewell-keystone</span></a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-21927337601416211712016-07-24T10:09:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:29:37.398-05:00The Summer that Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD42rlD6t46xEuRdE9FxDG1MC9LOno094Opetvl-38XrBGgTVqZHmbTD_1z14_CokjRytDdqFFXWTqHvkjM3gOt_yMyxLfuq6CS-oGWBx-DxKvoC0rglr_UEUM8tURqYj0IbntaXts10me/s1600/The+Summer+That+Melted+Everything.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD42rlD6t46xEuRdE9FxDG1MC9LOno094Opetvl-38XrBGgTVqZHmbTD_1z14_CokjRytDdqFFXWTqHvkjM3gOt_yMyxLfuq6CS-oGWBx-DxKvoC0rglr_UEUM8tURqYj0IbntaXts10me/s400/The+Summer+That+Melted+Everything.jpg" width="263" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Summer-That-Melted-Everything-Novel-ebook/dp/B01AGIBQTO/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1468346207&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Buy this book here!</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★★</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>The Summer that Melted Everything</u> is NOT your average debut novel. Tiffany McDaniel does not shy away from dealing with some of our society's biggest taboos. I must start this review off by applauding Ms. McDaniel. This could not have been an easy novel to write especially given our current political and societal atmosphere. With that said, this is an incredible read and is marvelously written. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">This novel focuses on some very thought provoking subjects and does not shy away from society's views of these subjects. McDaniel addresses racism, religion, homosexuality, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic of the 1980's. The way McDaniel weaves each of these subjects into this story creates a powerful and thought provoking work of art. The character development is so well done that you feel as though you have known these characters your entire life and have grown up with them in their small Ohio town. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The story is an amazing tale of loss and heartbreak. It addresses so many topics that NEED to be discussed and does it in a way that encourages thought provoking conversation and intellectual discussion. <u>The Summer that Melted Everything</u> is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. McDaniel's writing is fantastic and adds to the magnificence of the story. I am not sure I could state how much I recommend this novel. It is definitely a MUST read for mature audiences and it will not disappoint. Tiffany McDaniel is an author to watch out for and I am excited to see what she has in store for us next!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-11350806841504210852016-07-18T16:54:00.000-04:002016-12-12T15:32:52.782-05:00Afterimage & Encender (The Enertia Trials Books 1 & 2) by J. Kowallis<div style="margin: 0 auto 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span><br /> <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"> <img style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/04/EncenderAfterimageTourBanner-1.png" alt="" /> </a></div>
<div><img style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0 15px 15px 0;" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/07/Afterimage.jpg" alt="" /> <br /> <strong>Afterimage</strong><br /><strong>J. Kowallis</strong><br />(The Enertia Trials #1)<br />Publication date: May 7th 2015<br />Genres: Dystopian, New Adult</div>
<blockquote>Reggie’s dreams . . .<br /> aren’t dreams.<br /> Visions of the future flood her mind like shards of broken puzzles. Caged in her cell, every morning begins the same. She’s drugged, tortured, and images are torn from her memory by Public One.<br /> Until the morning everything changes. The vision is different. The future’s never been about her, and now she knows they’re coming for her:<br /> Nomads.<br /> How will she convince them to keep her alive when Nate, their leader, doesn’t like or even trust her? To him, she’s a science experiment. A machine.<br /> When Public One will do anything to keep her, Reggie must make a decision: remain a slave to her past, or risk her future to venture into a world more terrifying than she’s ever known.</blockquote>
<div style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25321850-afterimage" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="http://amzn.to/1UnvLRl" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1RpGaM5" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Afterimage-J-Kowallis/9781511626514" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a></div>
<div><img style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0 15px 15px 0;" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/07/Encender.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong>Encender </strong><br /><strong>J. Kowallis</strong><br />(The Enertia Trials #2)<br />Publication date: February 29th 2016<br />Genres: Dystopian, New Adult</div>
<blockquote>They say you feel cold when you die.<br /> The people I’ve killed would beg to differ.<br /> For twenty-something Ransley, the adopted daughter of famed street fighter Estevan Benitez, fighting is all she knows. One hidden detail separates her from the endless string of her pathetic opponents: she can craft and influence heat and fire.<br /> When she’s pitted against the strongest fighters at the infamous Argolla, Ransley faces something she never expected:<br /> A man like her.<br /> Roydon can duplicate himself. When the two collide in the ring, a chain of deals turns Roydon over to Public Four and he’s taken away to undergo the disturbing process of the Nexis. What it is, or what it does, no one outside of The Public knows.<br /> Driven by guilt and a desire to release the only person she’s ever met who’s like her, Ransley isn’t about to leave him for dead—not when he might hold the answers to her missing past. Now she must trust a pair of strangers: a former military man out to collapse the system, and a woman whose premonitions could tear them all apart.</blockquote>
<div style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29364292-encender" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="http://amzn.to/1SSPyYM" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1KqldOb" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1UuSg5Q" target="_blank">Kobo</a> / <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Encender-J-Kowallis/9781495177378?ref=grid-view" target="_blank">The Book Depository</a></div>
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<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">Author Bio:<br /> J. Kowallis, the only girl of four children, grew up in northern Utah with a head full of wild stories (most often unreal). At the age of 9, she wrote her first poem, a dedication to E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. It was so intriguing, her third grade teacher requested to keep the original. Between living in various fictional worlds, and spending time on her studies, she managed to graduate from Weber State University’s creative writing program. She now lives in Utah with her Mini Schnauzer, Etta, and spends most of her time still bouncing between this world and the fantastical while enjoying delectable über-dark chocolate and lavender baths. She enjoys dreaming about, flying to, and writing about distant lands (real or unreal).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jkowallisbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13796170.J_Kowallis" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjkowallis" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Kowallis" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/J.-Kowallis/e/B00YR5W0L6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1468347617&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy these books here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Overall Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">J. Kowallis has a gift for telling a brutal dystopian story. I had the privilege of reading the first two books of <em>The Enertia Trials</em>, <u>Afterimage</u> and <u>Encender</u>. As soon as you start with <u>Afterimage,</u> you immediately become entwined with the entire plot line. You will immediately fall for the characters and find yourself imagining the story as if you are one of Kowallis's characters. Kowallis develops her characters in such a way that you feel as though they have become your best friends and part of your family. As a result, you will be turning the pages nonstop to find out what happens next. This continues through both novels and takes on some truly unique plot twists and story lines. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><em>The Enertia Trials</em> is the series fans of <u>The Hunger Games</u> and <u>The Maze Runner</u> have been waiting for. These novels are full of heart wrenching moments and brutal action and adventure. Kowallis does not focus on the typical dystopian plot lines. Instead the reader is transported to a unique and devastating world and thrust into a fascinating dystopian and sic-fi future. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">There is something for every reader with <em>The Enertia Trials</em>. You have the brutal action sequences, the heartbreaking character deaths that would make George R.R. Martin proud, and a realistic love story (without the sappy buildup). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The characters in the series are constantly developing and growing and the story lines make for a page turning and exciting read. You will not be disappointed with <em>The Enertia Trials</em> and I highly recommend these books to readers looking for new adventure and a well written novel. J. Kowallis is an author to watch and I am excited to see where this series goes. There are so many questions to be answered and I am sure more hearts to be broken!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-19266311013276792212016-07-14T10:56:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:34:11.649-05:00When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Human-Kate-Mary-ebook/dp/B00ZDUMZCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468346193&sr=8-1&keywords=when+we+were+human" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">It is no surprise that Kate L. Mary's novel, <u>When We Were Human</u>, was awarded the <a href="http://www.moonbeamawards.com/56/winners/2015-winners" target="_blank">Silver Medal for YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction from the 2015 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards</a>. This novel is everything a science fiction story should be. Not only has Mary created an incredible dystopian world, but she has given readers characters they can relate to and fall in love with!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The moment I began reading this story, I was hooked. Mary has a talent for writing and keeping her readers entertained from the very first page. <u>When We Were Human</u> is a fantastic story of survival and the importance of remaining hopeful and not giving up on love. Kate L. Mary introduces her heroine in a vulnerable way and shows her readers that even the strong fall down and need to be picked back up. As the story progresses, we get to watch our heroine grow and learn to trust again. The world created in <u>When We Were Human</u> is everything a fan of dystopian and science fiction genres looks for when trying to find <em>that </em>novel. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">This is a great read for Young Adults and is the go to book when trying to get your friend into science fiction. It is a well written and fast read that is perfect for a rainy day. My only regret is that I did not read this novel sooner! Watch out for Kate L. Mary, she has a bright future ahead of her!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-5997214214650553742016-07-14T10:02:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:35:18.827-05:00The Haunted Country by Jason White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kdtpaeYsdE3KQLsCtBK8rq_7smP-Q1do5DJyL73_MuCFJm8zxQ-dziPTwjfCJwq1Rmi6fRIijri5EnX3OZCJLGp5m3P2NQ5dmDanEsLZ0UC2GJk4PQ97x3wPFgKZxqeiwZuiVVnjC0N0/s1600/The+Haunted+Country.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kdtpaeYsdE3KQLsCtBK8rq_7smP-Q1do5DJyL73_MuCFJm8zxQ-dziPTwjfCJwq1Rmi6fRIijri5EnX3OZCJLGp5m3P2NQ5dmDanEsLZ0UC2GJk4PQ97x3wPFgKZxqeiwZuiVVnjC0N0/s400/The+Haunted+Country.jpg" width="248" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Country-Jason-White-ebook/dp/B019DYGPOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468346178&sr=8-2&keywords=haunted+country" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>The Haunted Country</u> by Jason White is a look at what happens to civilization during the zombie apocalypse. The dead may be walking around, but they are the least of our young protagonists worries. <u>The Haunted Country</u> follows a young fifteen year old boy and his mentally handicapped sister, as they try to survive the horrors of this new world. White has created a world full of horror and heartbreak. We are shown early on that the real threat is not the walking dead, but the remnants of humanity. Our characters face off with some terrible monsters disguised as fellow survivors.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Jason White does a good job of creating a strong sibling bond with our main protagonists and does not forget to include the brooding and reluctant hero. The story is typical of many in the zombie genre, but White does not shy away from putting our young protagonists through some horrible and heartbreaking situations.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">There are several critical moments in the story that will leave readers teary eyed and broken hearted. White does not waste any time getting right into the action and does a good job of keeping the reader involved in the story from the very first chapter. Every chapter and every character plays an important role in the novel's overall plot. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>The Haunted Country</u> is a good read for zombie and apocalyptic genre fans. White digresses from many in the genre by including the realistic possibility of what a survivor would go through when trying to make it with a disabled family member. White includes all of the horror and gore many fans of the genre crave and leaves the reader satisfied. <u>The Haunted Country</u> is a great debut novel and a fantastic start for Jason White and I look forward to reading more from him!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-46878657229117610242016-06-15T12:35:00.003-04:002016-12-12T15:36:24.919-05:00Interview with The Ungoverned Author Jaq C. Reed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJWumI_uxH7H3VxY3fggURpa-gIrALPSI_IG-aRsNd8uKKMIsZFGUoINEEy87VWiESeA9IgoTprmv9CtJH11fsqVuHrzqlh8Vv5iTI7ALVXEthfWWEXapiS92zJWL2kkCH9fioU_6-_Yk/s1600/Jaq+Reed.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJWumI_uxH7H3VxY3fggURpa-gIrALPSI_IG-aRsNd8uKKMIsZFGUoINEEy87VWiESeA9IgoTprmv9CtJH11fsqVuHrzqlh8Vv5iTI7ALVXEthfWWEXapiS92zJWL2kkCH9fioU_6-_Yk/s320/Jaq+Reed.jpg" width="258" height="320" border="0" /></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xHThyphenhyphenTrms9ZgN8ekdGvRgSydmLHEgO9ySVBTlCRSacJnPH7QHAe4HUpEt195PSKW3RxxpwregP-HBUE0DwsfbetNZhyphenhyphen7oA2ZWJWyvYngieDiQfCBsCpx9KfDRCF86cTf41uyzQdAvvJt/s1600/The+Ungoverned.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xHThyphenhyphenTrms9ZgN8ekdGvRgSydmLHEgO9ySVBTlCRSacJnPH7QHAe4HUpEt195PSKW3RxxpwregP-HBUE0DwsfbetNZhyphenhyphen7oA2ZWJWyvYngieDiQfCBsCpx9KfDRCF86cTf41uyzQdAvvJt/s320/The+Ungoverned.jpg" width="213" height="320" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZEAVNU/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00WZEAVNU&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">The Ungoverned</a> here!</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Stephanie:</span></strong><span style="color: black;"> Your novel, <u>The Ungoverned</u>, is a fantastic example of well-written dystopian fiction. What inspired this story and the characters you developed?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong> <span style="color: black;">First of all thank you for letting me answer some questions. The story was inspired by real life, the headlines in our current news. I just took them and pulled them to the extremes of ‘what if’. I toyed with the power structure and how it appears to be and broke it down into what I thought very well could come to pass, maybe not in the extreme form that is in the novel, but in other small ways that could affect us all in the future. </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Stephanie:</span></strong><span style="color: black;"> The outdoors and the environment are very important to you. How do you find nature and everything the environment has to offer influence your writing and your take on what a dystopian future may look like?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed: </span></strong><span style="color: black;">We have to take time now to look after our resources in the future. By continuing to sell out our resources and test experimentally with fracking, I think the long-term effects could be quite negative. So it offers me a playground to write in for this genre, the possibilities are limitless. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></strong> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pros of self-publishing: You remain in complete control. I don’t have to bend my stories to someone else’s whim to put it out there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Disadvantages: You are in complete control and sometimes you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. The expenses are higher and I didn’t have a lot/any experience in the publishing world beforehand. </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: black;">If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting published that you would change?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong> <span style="color: black;">I would play with the marketing differently, and perhaps a few craft issues that I have learned to deal with better over the last year. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></strong> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What was your favorite scene to write from <u>The Ungoverned</u>? Is there a particular scene that you found surprised you or changed the story unexpectedly?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite was when Andras and Arturo were finally free to express who they were. This was more than Ara’s story. I think some readers were able to pick it out beforehand, but for some there was an element of surprise until they looked back and it made sense. I wanted to personally challenge myself by writing LGBT characters into a book where the focus wasn’t on their sexuality, but on whom they were as people, and what repression can do to someone. The more we try to push diversity into the open playing field the more tolerant I believe the world will come, and the braver we will all become to stand up to injustices. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As a writer of dystopian fiction, do you find yourself preparing for the unexpected? Do you feel you would do well/survive in the world you created?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oh God no. I’d die in five seconds in real life. In the novel, I would try to survive but I don’t know if I would find happiness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? How does this translate in your writing process?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Intuition. I research certain facts, but then I play with them. Intuition then takes over. I have a rough idea of the idea I would like to touch on and then my characters take the lead. I try to write a human story first, and the logic second. Sometimes we are not rational as humans, and logic goes out the window. But the background is static.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: #131313; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A good villain is hard to write. How did you get in touch with your inner villain(s) to write this book? Was there a real-life inspiration for him/her/it?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know a handful of crummy people to draw inspiration from. We also have an entire world history to look back on and try to figure out motivations. But often a true villain has good things about them as well, and that is where it becomes tricky for me and I get so attached to my characters it is hard when they actually do something dark. Felix confused a lot of people but we have to understand that Felix also grew up in a harsh, emotionally unattached environment and that power was to be his. Control was one thing he knew and what he was indoctrinated into. Was his love genuine? Did he know another way to express it? Is he a villain? Or is he just doing what he has been taught? It’s not like life/family was held in that sentimental regard that a lot of us know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie: </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could spend time with any character from your book, with whom would it be? And what would you do/talk about?</span><br /> <strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed: </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a soft spot for Arturo. He would walk through fire for those that he loves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><strong style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Please take a moment to use this space to promote or tell us about any new projects and future endeavors! Feel free to also add your social media accounts so your fans can connect with you and stay up to date on all of your projects!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Jaq C. Reed:</span></strong> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">You can find me on Facebook under Jaq C. Reed or my website <a href="http://jaqreed.com/">jaqreed.com</a>. I am doing the last rounds of edits on an up and coming novel right now. It is still untitled; titles are usually the last thing I get to. It’s a braver novel than <u>The Ungoverned</u> and the playing field is wide open.</span> </span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-39923109955139794672016-05-28T20:07:00.001-04:002016-12-12T15:37:23.130-05:00FERTS by Grace Hudson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoKwJT1UDQ_-9sq3aSJDOPuXNbAqCZv2z0VRZzfA5XjHkaWCyXCkSiswr-VKo35pdCLFkkMIQi2lj3J0lDvYRblQkRJnXeBdohl9EMwPcFoRKYUK1t0dXEz_pVwgvylVqt9HOsmQl2SPA/s1600/FERTS.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoKwJT1UDQ_-9sq3aSJDOPuXNbAqCZv2z0VRZzfA5XjHkaWCyXCkSiswr-VKo35pdCLFkkMIQi2lj3J0lDvYRblQkRJnXeBdohl9EMwPcFoRKYUK1t0dXEz_pVwgvylVqt9HOsmQl2SPA/s400/FERTS.jpg" width="250" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/FERTS-Grace-Hudson-ebook/dp/B010II21DW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464446624&sr=8-1&keywords=FERTS" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Grace Hudson delivers a new take on dystopian fiction with, <u>FERTS</u>. This story looks at a world controlled by men. These men see women as nothing more than sexual objects created to breed, fight, and please the men of the surrounding communities and within the containment facility. We are shown what life looks like inside the facility from the point of view of one of the prisoners. Not worthy of a name, Beth 259201, goes about her day and tries to fit in. but she is not as complaint as the other Beths. This leads to some trouble for the young woman and is the catalyst for the entire story as outsiders attempt to take back the world they lost and 259201 looks to find her place. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Hudson does a great job of creating a unique universe with dynamic characters. Hudson includes the lovable heroine and the easily despised antagonist. This is a book for fans of such dystopian novels as, <em>The Hunger Games</em>, <em>The Divergent Series</em>, and <em>The Maze Runner</em>. Hudson branches out and creates a new world and a new look at the apocalypse and what would happen if men ruled (shudder)! Pick up this book and quench your dystopian needs with a fast paced and page turning story.</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-37850331248693274192016-05-28T19:52:00.003-04:002016-12-12T15:38:13.903-05:00Mortal Showdown by Nik Krasno<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrTA_uG3QwM0BFDX5zuxSYOgVam62rEF3p7q7rsysOdWrLL6BigGLxUKB0M-o9B10Vq-hs9FVhd3IsOmhlNhoVHfLYUoumYD1dkxRGgLu2-uiap21VZHidimyPTrT9L83Wzyx2O9W1yTP/s1600/Mortal+Showdown.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrTA_uG3QwM0BFDX5zuxSYOgVam62rEF3p7q7rsysOdWrLL6BigGLxUKB0M-o9B10Vq-hs9FVhd3IsOmhlNhoVHfLYUoumYD1dkxRGgLu2-uiap21VZHidimyPTrT9L83Wzyx2O9W1yTP/s400/Mortal+Showdown.jpg" width="300" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Showdown-Nik-Krasno/dp/0993082777?ie=UTF8&keywords=mortal%20showdown&qid=1464446596&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Nik Krasno's novel, <u>Mortal Showdown</u>, is a thriller of </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">international</span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"> proportions. Our main protagonist, Misha, has awoken from a coma as a result of an attempted assassination and is thrown into an adventure full of political upheaval and a fight for power. Krasno does not waste any time getting into the meat of the story and has created a fast paced thriller. A bit jumpy at times, the story redeems itself with the fantastical James Bond-esque action sequences. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The characters are well developed and every character introduced plays an important role in the story's plot. The action is non-stop and makes for a page turning story. This is an easy and fun read for mature audiences. Krasno does not skimp on the action, sex, betrayal, and power hungry characters. <u>Mortal Showdown</u> is perfect read for this summer for fans looking for action and adventure with political undertones. </span></span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-89819917995652730422016-05-28T19:33:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:39:16.334-05:00The Dragon Throne (The Four Kingdoms Book #1) by Chrys Cymri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLn0ErKYHU0bsviLHpPthvTN_MTD6pAouerOLhSOgj69JEfLCLBx3cXzt8Sk_SWjsjeWcwer01o9q9H9SEvF-RpC4FSDN71Ekba18NmRgSK3V_drUIB33f-FVEAcW75_pvQydQkQ7uU6v/s1600/The+Dragon+Throne.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLn0ErKYHU0bsviLHpPthvTN_MTD6pAouerOLhSOgj69JEfLCLBx3cXzt8Sk_SWjsjeWcwer01o9q9H9SEvF-RpC4FSDN71Ekba18NmRgSK3V_drUIB33f-FVEAcW75_pvQydQkQ7uU6v/s400/The+Dragon+Throne.jpg" width="300" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Throne-Four-Kingdoms-Book-ebook/dp/B013YOBSJU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1464446401&sr=8-8&keywords=the+dragon+throne" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Book one of <em>The Four Kingdoms</em> series, <u>The Dragon Throne</u>, by Chrys Cymri can be described as the young adults Game of Thrones! I fell in love with the story and the magical characters created by Chrys Cymri. From the beginning, you are introduced to a fantastical world of adventure, friendship, and betrayal. The story is complex, but Cymri does a magnificent job of connecting all of the dots and not leaving any stone unturned. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The characters are well rounded and range from a young woman trying to find herself in order to help her kingdom to a magical Unicorn on a quest to seek vengeance for his lost friend to a family of powerful and cynical Dragons. Cymri has a way of creating characters you want to love and those you'll do nothing but root against from the moment you meet them. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">This is a great summer read for young adults who love a fantastical adventure full of twists and turns. The one improvement I would love to see in the follow-ups would be the inclusion of a character key. This would simply add to the magnificence of the story and make the reading process a bit easier. Overall, Chrys Cymri has created a great series and I am excited to continue the story and see how our main protagonists overcome the danger lurking just around the corner!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-9022762407190311292016-05-28T19:17:00.001-04:002016-12-12T15:40:56.766-05:00Dancing at Midnight: The Life of June Parker by Rebecca Yelland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN20JLAyQvklfclUHlwEi8EUGOlNEt5YvrmO2EZV-aLkDPYMJbl6ddK7oLFU1-kRvgIHX9uN4EKqsogxNiJEmjfutSvfQJwrMSewkYq5IZW4CHkbM_edLq06nBUr_wR_d5Sk1fU0b7mKze/s1600/Dancing+at+Midnight.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN20JLAyQvklfclUHlwEi8EUGOlNEt5YvrmO2EZV-aLkDPYMJbl6ddK7oLFU1-kRvgIHX9uN4EKqsogxNiJEmjfutSvfQJwrMSewkYq5IZW4CHkbM_edLq06nBUr_wR_d5Sk1fU0b7mKze/s400/Dancing+at+Midnight.jpg" width="258" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Midnight-Life-June-Parker/dp/1523284358?ie=UTF8&keywords=dancing%20at%20midnight&qid=1464446360&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>Dancing at Midnight: The Life of June Parker</u> is a powerful debut novel from author, Rebecca Yelland. The story is a non-stop page turning adventure filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. Yelland does a fantastic job at grabbing her readers from the very first page and making sure she holds on throughout the story. I was blown out of the water with Yelland's writing and ability to tell a powerful and emotional story in a page turning and detailed manner. I found myself holding my breathe with every turn of the page and experiencing heart wrenching moments of despair for June Parker, our main protagonist. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Yelland created such powerful characters that I actually felt as if I knew June and her friends for years. The pain she experienced and the way she continued on with life was incredibly moving. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The style used by Yelland, turning this into a journal found by June's daughter after her death, is absolutely perfect for this story. It allowed you to feel every emotion and experience the closure felt by her daughter upon completing her mother's story. It is filled with some amazing twists that simply add to the beauty of the story. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">If this is what we have to expect from Rebecca Yelland in her debut novel, I can only imagine what she has in store for her readers with her future writing endeavors. <u>Dancing at Midnight: The Life of June Parker</u> is the story of the summer as Ms. Yelland delivers with an absolute knockout!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-44778081196082425812016-05-12T11:53:00.004-04:002016-12-12T15:42:10.160-05:00Tips for Surviving BookCon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwh1em4ECwmOJfrE4ZMuil0yhJFiFUiN4mcztnRFCLp7toCSEItzKCrYWH2PuWnz4tpgjh_z8AsRphXCvLkh7KYX3zR027q7irRP0iTaj8pAcfNScVlBJ8xWri9r-Hc20vbIPp6URA08a/s1600/BookCon_NoDates.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwh1em4ECwmOJfrE4ZMuil0yhJFiFUiN4mcztnRFCLp7toCSEItzKCrYWH2PuWnz4tpgjh_z8AsRphXCvLkh7KYX3zR027q7irRP0iTaj8pAcfNScVlBJ8xWri9r-Hc20vbIPp6URA08a/s320/BookCon_NoDates.jpg" width="320" height="134" border="0" /></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Home/" target="_blank">BookCon</a> is in Chicago, Illinois on May 14th, 2016 at <a href="http://www.mccormickplace.com/" target="_blank">McCormick Place</a>. As an attendee in New York City in 2014 and 2015 and a frequent convention attendee (<a href="http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/" target="_blank">NYCC 2012-2015</a>), I would like to offer some tips for getting the most out of your BookCon experience!</span></div>
<div> </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Stay hydrated! Bring a refillable water bottle and make sure you drink, drink, drink! You will be doing a lot of walking around and convention centers are notoriously dry. Staying hydrated will prevent any unwanted health delays to your schedule. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Make sure you bring some snacks! Save all your hard earned money for the BOOKS, not overpriced convention center food. You'll appreciate that granola bar while you are standing in line waiting for your favorite author or panel.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">It may seem like common sense, but wear comfortable shoes! As I mentioned before, you will be doing A LOT of walking and will be bogged down with all the free books and ARCs from the various exhibitors. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Speaking of free stuff, bring a backpack and/or tote bag(s) for a comfortable way to transport your new loot!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Plan ahead! The BookCon website has their <a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Panels--Screenings/" target="_blank">panel</a> and <a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/Events/Autographing/" target="_blank">autograph</a> schedules up on their site. Take advantage and schedule out and prioritize your day. Have a few backups just in case your first choice is full or the line is capped. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Hit up the ATM before you arrive at the convention center. Avoid the crazy fees from the convention center ATMs. Use your debit card when possible and save the cash for the exhibitors who do not accept debit/credit. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Download the <a href="https://dl.doubledutch.me/download.aspx?appId=505cee83-0a47-4a31-8884-d314fbe75122&region=US" target="_blank">BookCon app</a> and make sure you keep it updated for all of the latest <a href="https://www.thebookcon.com/floor/Show-Specials/" target="_blank">exclusives/show specials</a>, panel schedules, and more!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Bring your phone charger or a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_2?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A7073960011%2Ck%3Aphone+charger&keywords=phone+charger&ie=UTF8&qid=1463068049&rnid=2941120011" target="_blank">portable power bank</a>! You don't want to miss any photo opportunities or lose your panel/autographing session schedule because of a dead battery! </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Don't stress out over the schedule...enjoy yourself and take in everything around you! </span></li>
</ul>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-51840712438743289442016-05-11T09:20:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:43:10.112-05:00Interview with Flotilla Author Daniel Haight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuebpJ2pZX6YBTc3UWr2FALcBcx-bs0hrIeAFJTGc1H_S0TTcHqDQig0dlKaY6LZA6ovL9fp65HEUNShOTx5mz3xqRZCGFyVe6hKdqxY_ZJbKjDxv6pqunJaSMHxiiaPwpS2ySqQUVUz5z/s1600/Daniel+Haight.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuebpJ2pZX6YBTc3UWr2FALcBcx-bs0hrIeAFJTGc1H_S0TTcHqDQig0dlKaY6LZA6ovL9fp65HEUNShOTx5mz3xqRZCGFyVe6hKdqxY_ZJbKjDxv6pqunJaSMHxiiaPwpS2ySqQUVUz5z/s200/Daniel+Haight.jpg" width="200" height="132" border="0" /></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sHnqkpV4QjY9Y2efIEJt-UOO6iTpr7XwE1hoSU9x3ax2bJJryICtUYF4G_DsTknxqXJ5MI74k4LC7QxJXD5s18OHUxfVvD6sbNSA4DCggNTNUvxGjElPYZVyyW90GklNyXrM81XixESb/s1600/Flotilla.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sHnqkpV4QjY9Y2efIEJt-UOO6iTpr7XwE1hoSU9x3ax2bJJryICtUYF4G_DsTknxqXJ5MI74k4LC7QxJXD5s18OHUxfVvD6sbNSA4DCggNTNUvxGjElPYZVyyW90GklNyXrM81XixESb/s320/Flotilla.jpg" width="200" height="320" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Buy <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flotilla-Pac-Fish-Book-1-ebook/dp/B017OA137W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461078133&sr=8-1&keywords=flotilla" target="_blank">Flotilla</a></u> here!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> Is there a specific message in <u>Flotilla</u> that you would like your readers to come away with? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Good question – there are a number of messages that people have drawn from the series, but I think the biggest personal choice I wanted people to come away with is that they have a choice in the future they’re walking into. Just like Doc Brown said: “Your future is whatever you make of it, so make it a good one.” The world we’re living in now goes out of its way to make us feel powerless and vulnerable but each of us has the responsibility and the opportunity to make good choices, even in bad circumstances. So I wanted to show people how that might work, someone going from feeling powerless to powerful. That informs Jim’s journey.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> Would you say you relate to your main protagonist, Jim, in any way? If so, was this intentionally done or a subconscious coincidence?</span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Oh sure, Jim is the kid you want to hug and then kick in the pants. He’s a lot of fun to write for because I rarely agree with him. I can’t justify his choices, but it’s interesting to see how he talks himself into (and out of) trouble.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> <u>Flotilla</u> is not your typical science fiction novel. What led you to take this particular path and how important was it to maintain the science fiction aspect as you developed the plot? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Absolutely! I don’t want typical Sci-Fi. Typical is boring. I want interesting. I think other people do, too. The path I take is “How do we legitimately get to the future, and what kind of people are we when we get there?” So developing it was as easy as thinking about how a company like Wal-Mart would develop a green tech business in the future. </span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie: </strong>What type of research did you do in order to make certain <u>Flotilla</u> was told with accuracy and realism? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong>Ooh, tons! Lots of time behind the keyboard on Google, Wikipedia and elsewhere to make sure that whatever I’m saying matches up with what we know about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariculture" target="_blank">mariculture</a>, <a href="http://www.seasteading.org/" target="_blank">seasteading</a> and future tech. I spent weeks looking up every aspect of the book, from the addresses of the restaurants that Jim visited to the correct coordinates of The Colony. Other people lent their support, too – the book’s been through a gauntlet of military and nautical professionals. I want it to sound and feel real – that’s one of the things people enjoy about the series. </span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> You mention on your webpage that you are a huge fan of volunteering and partaking in charitable endeavors. How do you think your volunteering influences your writing and writing style/process?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong>Had to stop and think about this question. I’m not sure how much it influences my writing; I know it influences me personally. I love to be able to give to people – I’m helping a close friend get their family to Disneyland this week – that makes me feel like I’m finally getting close to who Dan is supposed to be. He’s supposed to be the guy who gives to other people. I used to think that you could only give if you had achieved a certain level of success but later I realized you can help people in meaningful ways no matter how rich or poor you are. I started giving away my books to survivors of <a href="https://www.childhelp.org/" target="_blank">Child Abuse</a>, for example, and I found that to be very rewarding. In the future, I’d love to expand on that because I don’t get to help as much as I want to.</span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> What has been the toughest criticism you've received for <u>Flotilla</u>? How did this alter the story and how you approached the promotion of the novel? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Oh, I’ve heard the average ‘you suck’ comments both online or in reviews. You have to learn how to be okay with criticism, both of your work and how you might come across online. One of the best lines I heard about this came from Sinbad, the stand-up comic. He said, “Being an artist means I am willing to take the hits.” It’s a process.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> <u>Flotilla</u> is told from the perspective of Jim, your main protagonist. Why did you choose this method of storytelling? Do you plan on using different perspectives in the follow up (i.e. Jim's father, little sister, etc.)? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Interesting behind-the-scenes note: when I first wrote the book I couldn’t decide between first or third person, so I ended up writing some scenes as diary entries and others as third-person descriptions. Everyone hated it. I ended up going back and re-writing the novel as told by Jim and that flowed much better. Sometimes we try different experiments in our writing and change it as we go along. As for other perspectives, my answer is ‘Sure, absolutely!’ I think it’d be a narrative goldmine to tell some sci-fi stories from other perspectives like Madison or one of the supporting characters of the next book, Iron Mountain. The entire series follows Jim like a Steadicam through the end of the world but we can take that camera and point it in any direction – the possibilities are endless.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> Are there any other genres you'd love to explore? Do you have any particular scenes that you find challenging to write or are there any subjects you classify as 'off limits?' </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Interesting that you should ask that – I was writing some scenes in an upcoming project and I had to step back because they were getting too dark for the overall tone and audience I want to write for. One of the most powerful parts of science fiction is its ability to be accessible to younger audiences. I’m sure it was a stretch for guys like Asimov or George Lucas to constantly pull the reigns back on their creativity but it made it possible for a young sprog like me to discover their universes, so I want to carry on that tradition.</span></span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Later on, other genres might be fun but for now I’m sticking with sci-fi. As a frontier, it’s more than big enough for me. </span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> Did you learn anything from writing this story? In what way(s) do you see the experiences of creating <u>Flotilla</u> effecting your future projects? </span></div>
<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sure, I think you learn something from every book. The process of writing is something like 40% creativity, 20% nuts-and-bolts business, and 40% audience building. ‘Real artists ship,’ as Steve Jobs says. That means I’m involved in every aspect of the book production process and all of that grunt work informs the creativity. That’s actually a good thing: if all I did was write, my characters and I wouldn’t be as down-to-earth as I want us to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From <u>Flotilla</u>, I learned the value of having a chapter and book outline before I start writing. Writing a book without a plan is like building a house without a plan…neither will keep a roof over your head.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Body"><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Stephanie:</strong> Please take a moment and use this space to let us all know what you have in store for the future and anything else you'd like your audience to know. What projects are you working on currently? Do you have any convention appearances coming up? Book tours? What are the best ways for your readers to connect with you?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><strong>Daniel: </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Thank you! This has been a lot of fun – I really enjoyed your questions – very insightful! </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Upcoming projects include a short story called “I am Patient Zero” and a novel code-named “Project Cascade.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can follow along with me as I release new blog posts over at </span><a href="http://www.flotillaonline.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">www.flotillaonline.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">, or <a href="http://flotillaonline.com/join-flotilla-army/" target="_blank">join the mailing list</a> or talk with me on <a href="https://twitter.com/FlotillaOnline" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</span></div>
<div class="Body"> </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-17409506616103897192016-04-19T19:11:00.003-04:002016-12-12T15:44:23.260-05:00Music City Macabre (The Low Lying Lands Saga, Volume 1) by Bob Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG33Hy8vQnLV9LQTeSd0hRvdQxAX-pAqlcvjifgp5TB0f1rAXMO6bkO7FEvKKVonJky9ue6L7UwXdqpcs2dJv60jv34F1EcgGU6pOPk56Jqnqqe-McfSiDQJIX3TDKSg_MjdT83kgbIBro/s1600/Music+City+Macabre.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG33Hy8vQnLV9LQTeSd0hRvdQxAX-pAqlcvjifgp5TB0f1rAXMO6bkO7FEvKKVonJky9ue6L7UwXdqpcs2dJv60jv34F1EcgGU6pOPk56Jqnqqe-McfSiDQJIX3TDKSg_MjdT83kgbIBro/s400/Music+City+Macabre.jpg" width="262" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Music-City-Macabre-Lying-Lands-ebook/dp/B018ZOPPDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461075903&sr=8-1&keywords=music+city+macabre" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Talk about having a bad couple of days! <u>Music City Macabre</u> is a unique apocalyptic story that follows our main protagonist as he experiences some crazy, deadly and downright disturbing situations. Bob Williams brings us a different take on the apocalypse and his story, <u>Music City Macabre</u> and the <em>Low Lying Lands Saga</em> is certainly going to be one heck of a ride! Williams decides to blame the apocalypse on something other than a virus or terrorist attack. He chose to use demons. And when you have one side, you just have to include the other. Williams delivers on a well thought out story with angels, demons, death, friendship and so much more. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>Music City Macabre</u> is the storybook form of <em><a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural/" target="_blank">Supernatural</a></em> and fans of the television show would do well to pick up this novel in-between seasons! The writing is well done and with a bit of editing and a little cleaning up, Williams will have a sure fire hit! I am looking forward to seeing how our characters continue to grow and survive this new world. </span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-54446755052205836682016-04-19T19:01:00.002-04:002016-12-12T15:45:36.837-05:00Crossbones (Omega Days Series #4) by John L. Campbell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntyN3myV2KOsz4hWJfxNbO0_UdjsTPYsRjlQ3ihiMDbEKUq2qUqVYBoDzPBPsUOxZE21zwzItT_UMtoAXH_8eMP0sLQSn9jjHnrnxNsS54yxIvvRGAwaSe7IH7akBiKJyVFDN0ULCgzsT/s1600/Crossbones.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntyN3myV2KOsz4hWJfxNbO0_UdjsTPYsRjlQ3ihiMDbEKUq2qUqVYBoDzPBPsUOxZE21zwzItT_UMtoAXH_8eMP0sLQSn9jjHnrnxNsS54yxIvvRGAwaSe7IH7akBiKJyVFDN0ULCgzsT/s400/Crossbones.jpg" width="265" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crossbones-Omega-Days-John-Campbell/dp/0425283755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461075914&sr=8-1&keywords=crossbones+omega" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>Crossbones</u> is the fourth novel in John L. Campbell's <em>Omega Days</em> series. This story picks up with our survivors on the <em>Nimitz</em> and introduces a few new not-so-friendly faces. <u>Crossbones</u> is certainly not lacking when it comes to suspense and ultimate thrills. The characters are forced to face something even deadlier than zombies when it comes to protecting their prize, the <em>Nimitz</em>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Campbell continues to impress with his ability to tell a realistic down and dirty fight. <u>Crossbones</u> is filled with heartbreak, revenge, and pain. This novel will leave you chomping at your fingernails and cringing with anticipation. We continue with some of our favorites from the <em>Omega Days</em> series and some favorites finally meet their demise with this story. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">As a huge fan of John L. Campbell and the <em>Omega Days</em> series, I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this series. The ending of <u>Crossbones</u> will leave you counting down the days until the release of book five. Campbell is a master at telling a horrifying zombie story and tugging at your heartstrings with his characters. Keep an eye out for the next book in this series and of course my review when it comes out!</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-83538207744537841862016-04-19T18:07:00.001-04:002016-12-12T15:47:01.457-05:00The Compounders (The Compounder Series #1) by Julie Trettel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbiMWHvBv0r2KBqKwHzEc0h-M73YFvLzuTr-uBmOgMEHnbzLzbK0Vkw5XP1E09Ofho6VBiEYrXJqQ873H9lnnmoUiGdgda_GHwbmYJFnRuamkDxc69Z0923HmR9JJPo0pyEEhWbpWtRTy/s1600/The+Compounders.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbiMWHvBv0r2KBqKwHzEc0h-M73YFvLzuTr-uBmOgMEHnbzLzbK0Vkw5XP1E09Ofho6VBiEYrXJqQ873H9lnnmoUiGdgda_GHwbmYJFnRuamkDxc69Z0923HmR9JJPo0pyEEhWbpWtRTy/s400/The+Compounders.jpg" width="256" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Compounders-Julie-J-Trettel/dp/1624870805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461075889&sr=8-1&keywords=the+compounders" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>The Compounders</u> is a fantastic story of love, survival, and the importance of family. Julie Trettel paints a very realistic version of a post apocalyptic America after it falls to civil unrest and the loss of governmental structure. <u>The Compounders</u> focuses on a man who spent a large portion of his life preparing for the worst and being ridiculed as the crazy man on the mountain. However, when America falls, it is this crazy man, his family and a select few who are free from the torment of this new society. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Our main protagonist is a young girl coming into her own and trying to learn who she is outside of the compound. She struggles with the limits set upon her by her father and ends up getting involved in more than she bargained for. This story is a very realistic look at post apocalyptic America. It does not deal with the usual apocalyptic themes such as zombies and viruses. <u>The Compounders</u> is a very real version of "what if" and a look at what many consider crazy when we look at the lives of "Preppers." </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Trettel does a great job of combining love, adventure, and suspense in this book. The ending is a mix of emotions and will certainly leave the readers on the edge of their seats. This is the perfect story for fans of dystopian societies and survival stories. I can not wait for the follow up to see how our protagonist redeems herself and decides between love of an outsider and her family.</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075209164214012489.post-50858748726857694872016-04-19T14:29:00.001-04:002016-12-12T15:48:10.198-05:00Mennonite on the Edge: An Unlikely Romance by Cynthia Yoder <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**A copy of this book was received in exchange for an <strong><u>HONEST</u></strong> review. Reviews through Novel Idea Reviews are <strong><u>NOT</u></strong> bought and every opinion is that of the reviewer and was in no way influenced by the author or in exchange for a free copy of the book.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAcbcjEMKSM6fqKoIoauxkWC22OaOesoWG5yqOWJYOQyZeG3A7mI1n0Te57uDfEPM6l5ONpRG7b08kH2KOPpl4lngBqrIcC7VfLaXYziCwoT8PEHhUXmW2eAIKA_0tQlB2Kb7SDg8ZF4/s1600/Mennonite+on+the+Edge.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAcbcjEMKSM6fqKoIoauxkWC22OaOesoWG5yqOWJYOQyZeG3A7mI1n0Te57uDfEPM6l5ONpRG7b08kH2KOPpl4lngBqrIcC7VfLaXYziCwoT8PEHhUXmW2eAIKA_0tQlB2Kb7SDg8ZF4/s400/Mennonite+on+the+Edge.jpg" width="250" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mennonite-Edge-Unlikely-Cynthia-Yoder/dp/1523398892/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461075872&sr=8-1&keywords=mennonite+on+the+edge" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy this book here!</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">Rating: ★★★★</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;"><u>Mennonite on the Edge: An Unlikely Romance</u> is a very different novel than I typically read. It had a fantastic message and I found myself relating to many of the protagonists adventures and questions regarding life and how it "should" be lived versus how you want to live. Cynthia Yoder tells a marvelous tale of two young newlyweds and their journey to find themselves after leaving a life of religion and structure. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;">The process of finding who you are is a journey we all take and this novel does a fantastic job asking and answering the questions that usually arise during that journey. Our main protagonists are very relatable characters and we truly see them grow as the novel progresses. <u>Mennonite on the Edge: An Unlikely Romance</u> is the perfect novel for young adults who may be in the midst of their personal journey. I personally found myself highlighting several passages that I felt perfectly summarized my current situation and how I see my journey moving forward. As I stated, this novel is a far cry from my usual reading material, but it is one I am glad I decided to give a go. It is the perfect read for the summer due to the easy page turning story and fantastic message.</span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258964640889366362noreply@blogger.com0