Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Love's An Adventure At Any Age

Grace Augustine, Author
www.graceaugustine.weebly.com


  My tagline..."Love's an Adventure at Any Age" fits perfectly with my writing genre...love, romance, and life issues.
  We have a tendency to think love is all about the fireworks. While fireworks are nice, they are momentary...blasting the sky with color that soon fades, leaving us a dark sky.
  Love, true lasting love, is a lifetime adventure. If you are fortunate to find that one special person to spend the rest of your life with, the fireworks happen, the tears happen, children happen, death happens. 
  Enter romance. Romance, as I said in my prior blog, is the icing on the cake, the sprinkles on the ice cream, and definitely the bling on love.
   Think of adventure when you think of love. Think of adventure when you think of romance. Love and romance are timeless and each is an adventure in its own right.
   

My Acorn Hills series was born from the aftermath of a bad relationship. But, once I started writing, I knew the characters I'd introduced in book one, Bittersweet, had their own stories to tell. So, the characters took me from their time in high school through present day. You will read of betrayal, friendships, teen pregnancy, adoption, death of a parent, birth of twins, disease ridden bodies that don't obey, and most of all romance.


An excerpt from Bittersweet, Book 1 of The Acorn Hills Series, free on Amazon 

     “I don’t just want to be normal, Jake. I want to be YOUR normal. But, after what you just said, normal isn’t enough and I will never BE enough for you. I have never denied you anything. I gave you all of who I am and it still isn’t enough.”
          “But, Baby Doll, you know I love you,” Jake interjected as he walked back behind his desk, putting even more space between them.
           Jillian wasn’t having any of it. She stood up and followed him. She began barking at him again, just inches away from his face.
          “I cannot and will not stand by while you charm your way into the beds of other women.  You knew how I felt about all this when we agreed you could stay in my home.  Now I know what it is all about, I’m not just going to sit idly in the same space with you, not saying anything, when you get phone calls and text messages that put this stinking, slimy smile on your face!”
          She seldom ever raised her voice, but it was at a decibel right now where those in the outer office could hear every word. She was so angry! A fire-breathing dragon had nothing on her right now. She fingered the Polish crystal paper weight on Jake’s desk, wondering if she threw it at the window behind him just how many shards of glass there would be surrounding them."

Monday, August 7, 2017

The Red Haired Girl #OurAuthorGang

The Red Haired Girl
by
Rick Haynes



As part of the Portsmouth festivities for 2017, a collaboration between writers, film makers, and the Portsmouth Community, would take place.
Firstly, film makers and members of the Portsmouth community were invited to make films about Portsmouth across three themes.
Portsmouth Past - Portsmouth People - Portsmouth Places
Eventually, these would be available for viewing on the Portsmouth Plugged In, YouTube channel.
Writers were then invited to choose a film as their inspiration for writing a six-minute monologue. The monologues would be recorded on podcasts and put on the website.
I chose, The Red Hair Girl, but changed the title on my own YouTube channel to The Red Haired Girl. Many hours later, I had written my fifth and final draft. It was one of the hardest things that I’ve ever managed, writing wise, as both the picture and the words had to flow together.
The original film was in colour, but after a planning meeting with my son, Ryan, we both thought that perhaps a black and white film would work better. It did.
I sat on a chair in his studio and spoke into a microphone. Within a minute, my mind was completely immersed in the monologue. Three goes later, and Ryan was satisfied. Little did I know that his work had only just begun, as it took many hours to achieve the sound balance, and for the words to sail along with the images of the girl. It seemed strange to hear my own voice on playback, as my first reaction was negative; it wasn’t me speaking. My son soon put me right.
Ryan did a brilliant job and I’m very proud of him.

Website:
http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

Find the authors' books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Haynes/e/B00CK8IXFO/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rick-Haynes/e/B00CK8IXFO/

Sunday, August 6, 2017

On a Dare She Wrote: Lorraine Carey #OurAuthorGang

We invited authors, aspiring authors, and poets to be our guest on the Author Gang's blog.

Author Lorraine Carey submitted her beautiful poem from her upcoming book and chose this picture to match her poem.

Lorraine's poem will be featured in the Golden Box Books Publishing's Readers' Magazine.


On Borrowed Time~

She’s been on the run before
Most of her life
By herself
From her past
From her abusers
It had become a way of life

It was time for her to face her future
One that would hold the key to her release
From a Hell she’s endured for most of her life
Transformation was her only option
One that would finally set her free
But not without a price
And she had the goddess to guide her
Along with a few supernatural creatures

Time was running out
She had a few more souls to save
But not without risking her own
For she wanted to return home
A place that was now just a vision
She had to unleash her power once again
But could she face the dark magic 
That led to her demise not so long ago?
She had to decide and quickly
For she was running on borrowed time

~ Lorraine Carey
from On Borrowed Time, Book 2, Women of the Willow Wood



Lorraine Carey is a veteran children's reading specialist, teacher, and an International Award-Winning Author. She has taught in many states in the US and provided reading services for students at a private school on Grand Cayman, where she lives with her husband. Six years ago she was a city gal, living in Orange County, California, where life was very different from the one she lives now. Trading in her fashionable heels for flip-flops was quite a change but led to a lifestyle that allowed for a writing career to begin.

Her love for paranormal stories and urban legends began at a young age when staying up all night to watch spooky movies or reading a scary book started a lifelong passion. 

Published novels include: Losing Ground, a short memoir, followed by Mysteries of the Red Coyote Inn, Out of the Ashes, Jonathan's Locket and The Last Vestal Virgin. All of these novels are paranormal with a mix of historical fiction, woven with urban legends. Beloved Sacrifice is a Supernatural Thriller for Young Adults to Adults. A Rock Star Reader by Kindergarten is a self-help guide for parents on creating a successful reader and lifelong lover of literacy. The Good Teacher, Women of the Willow Wood book 1, a Supernatural thriller was Indie published and now under contract with Emsa Publishing. It is a projected series to include three books.

Most recent works include Camp Cougar, which is the author’s first attempt in the erotica field. She has teamed up with a co-author to create this hybrid, humorous erotica.

When not writing you can find Lorraine reading, beach- hopping, snorkeling, or boating around the island with her husband on their boat, the Angelica. 

Are you an author, not published yet but love to write stories or a are you a poet?
Click on this link and take our writing challenge:



Saturday, August 5, 2017

A Few Words to Say Hello #OurAuthorGang

A Few Words to Say Hello

By Rich Feitelberg
http://feitelberg.net


Hello everyone. I'm new here and thought I'd begin by introducing myself so you can get to know a little about me. My name is Rich Feitelberg. I'm a fantasy novelist and poet. I've written five novels in my fantasy series, the Aglaril Cycle, and a collection of poetry, Paraphernalia in My Pocket, and four collections of short stories. You can visit my website, feitelberg.net for details if you're interested.




                 
What got me writing more that anything is a steady diet of comic books (I'm a Silver Age junkie), Star Trek on TV (I'm talking Captain Kirk, not Jean Luc Picard), and an overactive imagination. I used to daydream a lot and imagine all sorts of adventures for myself.

I was fascinated by maps too, especially old ones. And it didn't take long for my to doodle and create imaginary lands for my adventures. Later, I got more serious about it and got into world building, role-playing, and character development.

So when I thought about what to blog about here, I immediately jumped to questions I've got from other writers are book fairs: "How did you create the map of your world?" They are referring to the large map I display at such events. It is a portion of Thalacia, the land in which my fantasy series takes place. It draws people in and sometimes helps me sell a book or two.

But the actually process of mapmaking and world building for a fantasy novels (or series of novels) is  a topic I think readers of this blog would enjoy. So that's the journey in front of us. Hope you'll stick around and join me on the voyage.


Thursday, August 3, 2017

Brute Bully Boy #OurAuthorGang

Children are attacked by brute bullies every day and defend themselves different ways.
Children's book for ages 4-12
by
Erika M Szabo

When Bianca, Daniel, and Peanut, the St. Bernard, are confronted by Mark and his cronies, the BFFs stand up to him with the help of Peanut. 

“I’m glad school is over,” Bianca said to Daniel as they walked on the sidewalk toward the river with towels on their shoulders. Peanut, as usual, walked with them staying close to Bianca.

“Me too,” Daniel said to his best friend with a sigh. “We don’t have to study or do homework for the entire summer, and I don’t have to deal with Mark. He said he will spend the summer vacation at his grandma’s house. Luckily it is far away in another town.”

“It makes me so angry that he’s getting away with hurting other kids, and he’s been picking on you for the past few weeks.”

“My ears were ringing for days because I hit my head on the desk,” Daniel said. “And the teacher didn’t believe me when I told him that Mark pushed me, so I didn’t tell my parents. It’s best to stay out of Mark’s way. He is very strong.”

“I don’t understand why those boys hang out with that big bully,” Bianca growled under her breath, feeling frustrated. “He gets them in trouble all the time.”

“Mark told Peter that because he is strong and wild as a wolf and nobody can mess with him and his boys, he named his group the Wolf Pack. But I think he got the name from a movie. I guess the boys feel safe with Mark because he’s strong,” Daniel sighed.


“Oh, look! The BFFs are going for a swim with their stupid mutt!” Mark yelled.

Bianca looked back and saw Mark standing by the fence, surrounded by three smaller boys.

“The loooovebirds,” chuckled Scott, one of Mark’s skinny friends, wearing a purple shirt. He looked at the husky boy with admiration.

“They think they’re better than us just because Danny boy won the spelling bee and her girlfriend came up with that stupid science project,” Mark growled.

“Yeah,” Aiden, the boy in a green shirt, agreed. “They’re not better than us.”

“Stupid geeks,” Scott said as he looked at Mark for approval.

Mark sneered and raised his arm. Two of his cronies happily gave him a high five one by one, except one. Peter pushed his glasses up on his nose nervously and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.


“Hey!” Hearing Mark’s angry shout, Bianca and Daniel turned back and looked at the group of boys.

“Hey,” Mark yelled again. “What are you two whispering about?”

“It’s none of your business!” Bianca said angrily.

“Yeah?” Mark yelled. “I’m going to tell my dad that you’re walking your mutt without a leash. He’s a policeman, you know.”

Bianca’s blood boiled with anger, and she lashed out at Mark. “Yes, we know that, Mark. You told us many times, but your dad knows that Peanut wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“He’s just a big, dumb dog that should be locked up. Who gave him that stupid name, anyway?” Mark cackled.

“Leave us alone, Mark,” Daniel shouted angrily.

“Or what?” Mark pointed his round chin forward but cowered back when he heard Peanut’s bark that sounded like thunder. The huge dog took a step toward him.

“Peanut! No!” Bianca yelled.

The giant dog stopped and looked back at Bianca with a twinkle in his eyes, and then he looked at Mark again. A low, threatening rumble escaped the dog’s throat as he opened his mouth showing his sharp teeth.

Mark’s usual arrogant expression changed. He looked frightened and flattened his body against the fence. The three boys slowly inched their way farther away from Mark who held onto the fence and didn’t move.


Children's book for ages 4-12 available in eBook and print
EBOOK

PRINT

Erika M Szabo

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Thank you Rick :)
 
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Children are attacked by brute bullies every day and defend themselves different ways
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Brute Bully Boy #OurAuthorGang
Children are attacked by brute bullies every day and defend themselves different ways. Children's book for ages 4-12 by Erika M Szabo www.authorerikamszabo.com When Bianca, Daniel, and Peanut, the St. Bernard, are confronted by Mark and his cronies, the BFF...
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Mary Anne Yarde

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A sad topic that is a reality for many children.
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Indeed Mary Anne. It is much worse today because of cyber bullying. Many young teenagers are bullied into committing suicide due to relentless and cruel comments on their social site pages and blogs

T.C. Rypel

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Nice meaty excerpt from this vital book about an ongoing, widespread problem. An admirable work, Erika. I hope its distribution is vast, as it deserves to be.
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Thank you Ted! Book marketing is also a growing problem but I'm doing my best to get this book into the hands of children :)

Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great excerpt, Erika. An important issue that needs to be addressed in every way possible. It needs more attention, more discussion and more education. This problem is so different than it was when I was a kid: it's much more prevalent and much more dangerous, too. Kids need to know how to stand up to bullies the correct way.
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Yes, bullying is a lot more dangerous today Joe. Before the internet and super-smart phones and gadgets, we saw them coming and we knew who the bullies were. Now it's totally different when kids have multiple social site profiles, websites and so on. I've seen a very sad post recently about a 14 years old girl who tried to kill herself because of bullying. Another girl took a picture of her in the mall's bathroom sitting on the toilet and texted it to all her contacts and posted it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This poor kid got hundreds of messages calling her names and very nasty comments were made on the posts. She was defenseless and felt so devastated that she cut her wrists in the bathtub. Luckily her parents arrived home in time to save her and I hope she's getting help and tries to deal with this awful experience. But the emotional scar is there and it will stay with her for the rest of her life. It is very sad. Children nowadays need a lot more education about bullying and it has to start at a very early age.
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Jeez! I am glad I'm not a kid today, and glad I don't have kids or grand kids. Bad enough worrying about all my little cousins, not to mention my nephews and my friends' kids. 

Ruth de Jauregui

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
This is an excellent take on the bullying problem. And great the the BFF didn't put up with calling names, no matter how funny it was.

Sadly, some kids who are bullied will turn into bullies when they get a growth spurt or just turn about the abuse that they've been getting. We, as adults, have to do better to stop this problem.
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Indeed Ruth! I'm so glad that young readers picked up on that too.

Grace Au via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A great children's book +Erika M Szabo
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Thank you Grace!

Toi Thomas

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Nice stories about a sad subject. Well done.
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Thank you Toi! Sad and very real. So many children are bullied and it is getting worse. Now children are nit only bullied on playgrounds and in schools but on the internet too. We need to teach our kids not to be afraid and speak up against bullies.

Rick Haynes

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
All bullies are cowards. Nice way of showing the problem Erika.
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Eri Sunny

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Nice post, Dear! I`m following you with a great pleasure. Please follow me back - http:///sunnyeri.blogspot.com
 
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Mackenzie Flohr

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Such a great way to tackle the topic of bullying. I also really love the artwork!
 
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Mackenzie Flohr shared this via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago (edited)  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Erika M Szabo gives us an important excerpt from one of her children's novels, wherein her characters deal with the growing problem of bullying.
https://asmallgangofauthors.blogspot.com/2017/08/brute-bully-boy-ourauthorgang.html
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