Sunday, July 8, 2018

Our Guest Today is Joanne Van Leerdam #OurAuthorGang

Welcome, Joanne! 



Joanne Van Leerdam is a poet, blogger, writer, thinker, puzzler, teacher, traveler, photographer, and generally nice person. Despite having lived all her life in Australia, she has, thus far, avoided being killed or consumed by any of the deadly wildlife, which is probably a good thing. Other than Australia, Canada is her favourite place in the world. 

In addition to writing powerful, thought-provoking poetry and short-but-incredibly meaningful stories, she keeps teens enthralled in her senior high school English, History and Drama/Performance classes. She is an active member and performer in her local theatre company and has directed high school musicals for ten years.  

Her poetry is contemporary, sensual, moody and easy to read - and it will get you in the feelings. Her horror fiction is deliciously creepy and macabre and should not be read in a graveyard unless you're incredibly brave. Joanne has also written two "reimagined" fairy tales, published in a fabulous collection with stories by five other writers. 


You may reach Joanne at:
Website:  http://www.jvlpoet.com

The Silver Feather by [Van Leerdam, Joanne]

A hauntingly macabre tale.

When Phil loses the girl he loves, life as he knows it comes to a screeching halt. 
Little does he realise that there is so much more yet to be lost. 

"The author deftly uses a talisman to spin a story incorporating gruesome horror as forces representing good and evil beyond the grave confront each other." - Reviewer

This eerie tale will please all lovers of horror and dark fiction.
COMMENTS

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Eva Pasco via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
Joanne Van Leerdam Author & Poet originally shared this
 
Thank you for featuring me!
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Ruth de Jauregui

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Welcome to our blog!
 
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Welcome poet and horror writer Joanne Van Leerdam to #OurAuthorGang!
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Joanne Jaytanie

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Nice to meet you, Joanne. Thanks for being here today.
 
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Eva Pasco

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Besides enjoying your poetry, I've become a diehard fan of your stories in the genre of horror.
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Toi Thomas via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, we welcome author and Jill of many trades, Joanne Van Leerdam, as she shares The Silver Feather. #OurAuthorGang
 
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Thank you for featuring me!
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Grace Au

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Thanks for being with us today!
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Erika M Szabo

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Nice to see you on our blog Joanne :)
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Saturday, July 7, 2018

My Man Mango

Rebecca Tran
Rtranbooks.net


If you've read my bio you already know I have a Boston Terrier. I mention him in there because he's a
Oreo
member of the family. Right now he's the man of the house too. My girls call him their brother and I call him my baby. Needless to say he's spoiled rotten. His name is Mango. That's right Mango, just like the fruit. His full name is Mango Peach Tran. I know its a very odd name for a dog, especially a boy dog. I thought I should explain how that happened and how Mango came to live with us.

Two years ago shortly before moving into our new house we had to euthanize our last dog, Oreo. It was a sad day and I couldn't stop crying. He was my first dog and a Boston as well. I didn't think I would want a dog for a long time. Then we moved into the new house and it was too quiet in the evening. There were no nails clicking on hardwood or snuffy noises from a little dog nose. It wasn't a home without a dog.

I researched other breeds thinking if we were going to change now was the time. In the end Boston's were still the best choice for our family. I tried a few shelters that specialized in Boston rescues but the wait for a dog was terribly long. In the end I had to find a breeder.

A short yet thorough search led us to a reputable breeder that rarely bred her dogs. We were in luck though she had a litter due soon. We had to meet her in person and I was surprised when I figured out she was screening us. A few weeks later she sent us a picture of our new puppy and asked what we wanted to name him. What a great question.

Mango was supposed to be the kids dog so they got to pick the name. I threw out several suggestions: Hunter, Shadow, Domino it
was a no to all of them. I laughed and said they should just do what they always joked about and name him Mango. Big mistake, it was an instant hit. I couldn't talk them or my husband at the time out of it. Then I realized his last initial was T. It was too funny to me. Mango T. sounded like a beverage. I pointed it out and said we might as well go for it and make his name Mango Peach T.

Mango came home with us when he was 12 weeks old. We met the breeder and most of Mango's brothers and sisters. At first, he didn't want to leave the only home he ever knew. With lots of love and cuddles he was coaxed into thinking it might not be so bad. Two years later he wouldn't have it any other way.

I write fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction. If you are interested in finding out more about my books click here.

If you like this article you may also like The Unforgettable Birthday Cake by Erika Szabo
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Rebecca Tran

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Meet my little man Mango and see how he got his name on #OurAuthorGang  
 
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Author Rebecca Tran​ shares the heart-warming story of her adorable little dog Mango. Stop by and learn how he got his sweet name. #OurAuthorGang
 
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Ruth de Jauregui

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Awwww, what a sweet story about precious Mango. Thank you for sharing!!
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He is a sweetheart. Too ad you can't meet him in person.

Joanne Jaytanie via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Meet Mango. Rebecca Tran​'s best guy. #OurAuthorGang
 
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Joanne Jaytanie

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A post near and dear to my heart. I'm a fellow dog-lover Rebecca. Thanks for sharing Mango with us.
 
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It's funny they go from being your dog to your baby. All dog lovers are welcome.

Grace Au

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Thank you for sharing about Mango Peach T. What a darling!!! They are adorable puppies and turn into loving, sweet dogs. I'm glad Mango resides at your house and will bring much joy for many years to come.
 
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He just had his second birthday! He'll be with us for many years.

Joe Bonadonna via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on #OurAuthorGang, Rebecca Tran​ introduces us to her cute Boston Terrier, Mango.
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Meet Rebecca's little man, Mango #OurAuthorGang
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Joe Bonadonna

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Cute little guy. I think Mango is a great name, too. It's different, and I bet he's quite the character, too.
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Aww thanks. He definitely runs the house.
 
+Rebecca Tran -- you're welcome! I don't know any dog who doesn't run the household, hahaha!

Erika M Szabo

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I love his name, Mango. Unusual for a boy dog, but I bet he likes it, too. I never had a Boston Terrier, but a friend had one when her kids were young and Penelope (the kids named her) was great with the young children.
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Boston's are the perfect dog for busy families. The sleep all day and play as soon as you want them too. Then they get tired and sleep again.

Nikki McDonagh

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Aw! Mango T is lovely. A very sweet post, Rebecca.
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Toi Thomas via Google+

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Rebecca Tran​ introduces us to a little sweet tea named Mango; oh, and he's a dog. #OurAuthorGang.
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Lorraine Carey

6 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I'm in love with Mango T. after reading your post. I'm a dog lover as well. We are almost ready to adopt a new one and I may look for a Boston. Mango has a good home. Must Love Dogs. Great post here.
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I'm sure we will see more of Mango in future posts. Anything you want to know about Bostons just let me know I love the breed.
 
+Rebecca Tran I sure will. I've read they are great around children as well.

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