tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67664147327799800612024-03-19T02:30:14.776-07:00Barbara KlossBklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-75004371802142786632019-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:002019-04-15T07:54:56.566-07:00SPFBO 2018 Highlights<div>
Some of you have already been following along, but JUST IN CASE, a quick recap:</div>
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The SPFBO is a contest founded by Mark Lawrence. 300 authors submit their indie fantasy novel(s); those 300 are divided between 10 highly respected fantasy review bloggers. Each blog chooses ONE finalist from their batch to rule the others, and in the darkness bind them...<br />
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Kidding. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. :P<br />
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Anyway, the winner receives... well, the inherent publicity of being reviewed by these amazing bloggers, and! The Selfie Stick Award. (Click <a href="https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-official-self-published-fantasy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> for Mark's official contest link.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPFBO 2016 winner <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27838712" target="_blank">Jonathan French</a><br />
Photo courtesy <a href="https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-official-self-published-fantasy.html" target="_blank">Mark Lawrence</a></td></tr>
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This entire SPFBO experience has been such a gift. I've met so many wonderful writers and readers and bloggers - the real prize, in my opinion! I've been writing for a long time, but this is the first time I've truly felt part of a writing community. SO thankful to Mark Lawrence for fostering community in an industry that can feel very... well, isolating. </div>
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Which brings me to the reason for this post and <a href="https://scribblesnjots.blogspot.com/2019/04/an-open-letter-to-fantasy-fans.html" target="_blank">last week's letter</a>.</div>
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Because of Mark's efforts, and those of the readers and bloggers, I/we - the ten finalists - also wanted to contribute by highlighting some of the worthy books entered into this year's SPFBO, but were dropped along the way, as is the nature of a contest that narrows 300 spots to only 10.</div>
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Without further adieu, here are a few titles you should definitely check out!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Tale-Story-Tomkin-Dragon-ebook/dp/B01NBE5B53/" target="_blank">A Keeper's Tale: The Story of Tomkin and the Dragon </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Tale-Story-Tomkin-Dragon-ebook/dp/B01NBE5B53/" target="_blank">by JA Andrews</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Tale-Story-Tomkin-Dragon-ebook/dp/B01NBE5B53/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7nycxe79NV4MuqzqEKOUmwUMdfaLDpAB2DWgJbC93e52OxXqlk8uPuaNRlmFxPuyF5KeAR9R45dKPSxaIfNXeqZ0LXq9pq7NRE4vfMSecnZyfpWVpNBzFBwSrvK3qbda3atzGLOWJWY/s320/akeeperstale.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I loved this one! (You can find my official amazon review for it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2MLCK3SNPI0G9?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp" target="_blank">here</a>.) <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was such a delightful play on classic fairy tale themes. We have Tomkin, who IS NOT a hero, and "The Dragon" maiden, who is definitely NOT in distress. There's a REAL dragon, who wants to be left alone to lounge in his great hall, and a kobold, who seems to be around just for castle renovations. All of these are thrown together to make for a funny, light-hearted, and charming tale about bravery, honor, and unexpected friendships. People of all ages will find something to love here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111;"><span style="background-color: white;">This book is also "related" to her Keeper Chronicles series, and I have on good authority that a boxed set version should be coming out soon... so definitely be on the lookout. <a href="http://www.jaandrews.com/" target="_blank">JA Andrews</a> is a fantastic storyteller!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Banebringer-Heretic-Gods-Carol-Park/dp/1732149100" target="_blank"><b>Banebringer</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Banebringer-Heretic-Gods-Carol-Park/dp/1732149100" target="_blank">by Carol A. Park</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">BANEBRINGERS. Source of the bloodbane who stalk the land. Cause of a thousand wrongs. Despised. Cast out. Hunted."</span></i></span></div>
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If you're looking for something a bit darker - but not necessarily grimdark - check out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Banebringer-Heretic-Gods-Carol-Park/dp/1732149100" target="_blank">BANEBRINGER</a> in Carol A. Park's Heretic Gods trilogy. This one is currently sitting on my kindle. When reviewers throw out warm, buttery crumbs like "strong female lead" and "slow-burn romance" and "well-drawn characters" and "great world building"...I AM SOLD. There's also ancient gods and a hard magic system. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingshold-Wildfire-Cycle-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C1C1GTY" target="_blank">Kingshold</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingshold-Wildfire-Cycle-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C1C1GTY" target="_blank">by D. P. Woolliscroft</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingshold-Wildfire-Cycle-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C1C1GTY" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAqIgaejDsQskjyT2N67RMJTQWmtxJS18LfKvLMOE8pEdgLJD9-3nwC5IOm7cF_sAxbs9iBTG6xsZn08L9kJshD1RIK9YT0qzj2eWVzaLBxiCY-wWLn7E0e1zXPJ31l0FGvRKDgVd4-I/s320/kingshold.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"The King is Dead. Long Live the People!"</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingshold-Wildfire-Cycle-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C1C1GTY" target="_blank">KINGSHOLD</a> tells the story of a society transitioning from monarchy to something more democratic, while they hold their first election. I kept seeing this gorgeous cover around the social media-verse, the premise intrigued me, and <a href="http://dpwoolliscroft.com/" target="_blank">DP Woolliscroft</a> is also a delightful person. And then Wol (a brilliant reviewer over at <a href="https://thefantasyinn.com/" target="_blank">The Fantasy Inn</a>) heaped glittering praises upon it, saying, <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">This is a cleverly plotted multi-PoV tale, and it’s told with an enormous amount of enthusiasm and wit. The characters are all deeply thought out and utterly charming, to the point where I had to remind myself that this is a debut novel." Soooo, yeah. All story boxes ticked, DONE.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Hopefully, one (or all) of them checks some of YOUR story boxes. Also, be sure to check out <a href="https://www.angiesquill.com/post/spfbo4-musings-and-highlights?fbclid=IwAR0WKcv2puLIxcUuUQIBPi56B43N_g5jlTN6cifh-FvL0nz2du4af7_cQeY" target="_blank">Angie Grigaliunas's</a> picks from yesterday, and stay tuned for <a href="http://www.devinmadson.com/spfbo-2018-highlights/?fbclid=IwAR0jQTqElN1ngm-evV4a0rrhBpUjDLxB_zRCt1mVhRLRNA0S8mBCMNJLTn4" target="_blank">Devin Madson's</a> picks tomorrow!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">XO,</span></span></div>
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Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-16168434628848003422019-04-08T05:30:00.000-07:002019-04-08T05:30:08.619-07:00An Open Letter to Fantasy Fans Everywhere<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are the finalists of the 2018 Self Published Fantasy Blog Off, also known as SPFBO 2018. The contest has brought us together from across the globe and the far-flung corners of our favorite genre to celebrate speculative fiction and the possibilities of self-publishing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We believe that independent publishing is a force for good in our industry. The direct connection between authors and their fans yields greater choice for readers, drives new business models for writers, and helps create new audiences for books. That’s especially true in fantasy, where new subgenres and tropes are rising up thanks to self-published authors and their fans. Independent authors are working alongside traditional publishers and authors to create a bigger, better, and more inclusive fantasy community.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re looking for evidence of the quality and creativity available from independent authors, look no further than our fellow contestants in SPFBO 2018. Many of the judges this year have remarked on the great quality of books they’ve encountered, and the challenge of whittling down their entries to one finalist. Whether you want something epic or intimate, funny or frightening, grim or uplifting, there’s a fantasy book for you among this year’s SPFBO. We encourage you to find it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To that end, we will take this time to draw attention to some fantastic books cut from this year’s competition. Over the next week, many of us will highlight some of the deserving fantasy novels of SPFBO 2018. It’s a chance to salute other indie authors who could have easily been signing this letter had the die been cast differently. Please consider giving them a shot, or any other entry that caught your eye. When the genre grows, we all win.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In closing, we’d like to thank the indomitable Mark Lawrence for founding this amazing competition and for his continued efforts to highlight independent fantasy authors. We’d also like to thank the contest organizers and judges for their hard work, thoughtful reviews, and consummate professionalism. And finally, we’d like to thank fantasy readers everywhere, without whom we could not pursue our shared passion. This wonderful community makes it all possible, and for that we are forever grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Signed,</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.barbarakloss.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barbara Kloss</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.megancrewe.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Megan Crewe</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.angiesquill.com/" target="_blank">Angie Grigaliunas</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.inkandbourbon.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Patrick LeClerc</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.devinmadson.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Devin Madson</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.stevenmckinnon.net/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Steven McKinnon</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.jzacharypike.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">J. Zachary Pike</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://craig-schaefer-v2.squarespace.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Craig Schaefer</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://keithwardfiction.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith Ward</span></a></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-33831175605741199782019-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:002019-01-06T10:18:12.867-08:00THE GODS OF MEN Audiobook is Available!... and a giveaway!Yooohooo, and a Happy New Year!<div>
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The audiobook version of THE GODS OF MEN is available! I'm STOKED. Emma Lysy, the narrator, did a FANTASTIC job, so enjoy! </div>
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You can find the audiobook in one of three places:</div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/B07M6SKR4P/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-138786&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_138786_rh_us" target="_blank">Audible</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Gods-of-Men/dp/B07MHQ6P96/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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iTunes</div>
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I'll be giving away a select number of <b>free</b> Audible download codes early this week, so if you'd like the chance at one, make sure you've signed up for my newsletter: <a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/BKnewsletter" target="_blank">HERE</a>. (I promise I don't spam!)</div>
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ALSO. If any of you would like the opportunity to read some great YA books in exchange for reviews, stop by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/YABookStop/" target="_blank">Young Adult Book Stop</a>, run by Jessica Pierce. It's a great author/reader community, and authors frequently offer free ARCs (advanced reader copies) for reviews... so check it out! </div>
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Hope you guys are settling into the New Year! I am... tired. :D The past month with Baby Girl has</div>
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It's a phase - I know! - and a short one. Meanwhile... </div>
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But! Despite the fatigue, I can actually look at words again (oh happy day!). So I'm back to working on GODS #2, and chipping away at my TBR pile (which turned into a monster this past year). So send your favorite book recommendations my way, please! ...because let's keep that TBR pile monstrous, shall we?? :P</div>
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Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-86080172520161573192018-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:002018-07-09T10:38:07.887-07:00A book!!... and a baby... :PHI, GUYS!! *waves*<br />
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Hope you're having a great summer!<br />
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Just in case you missed it, THE GODS OF MEN is available!! WOOT WOOT!! It went out into the big, wide world just last week. It's always scary when books do that. But. It's also so very exciting watching it carve its own path!<br />
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With this story, I stretched my brain (and my fingers) into the world of high (and darker) fantasy. Which is *kinda* what took me so long. As it turns out, or at least in my case, writing multiple POVs and tying them all together can be a bit of a juggle and a challenge. But I always love a good challenge, and I'm stoked with the way it eventually turned out.<br />
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If you're into reading that sort of thing (ie higher fantasy in the vein of Brandon Sanderson, Naomi Novik, Sarah J. Maas) - check it out! It's available in both ebook and paperback... and audiobook is currently in production!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Men-Barbara-Kloss-ebook/dp/B07D31SDMK" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Get THE GODS OF MEN here!</span></a></div>
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And, as life would have it, we're having another baby! I know. It's like I can't have one without having the other. Kloss Baby #3 is due in December, so I'm working my hardest to get as much done with GODS #2 before baby arrives. I'm a little slower at the writing than I'd like, because I don't "pregnant" well, but alas! We've been here before, and it WILL! GET! DONE! In the meantime, patience, please! (...and prayers...) Also. Feel free to send chocolate.</div>
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You guys are amazing! Thanks so much to those of you who've already read and reviewed and emailed me personally... it's such a gift to know that my imaginary friends can impact others the way they've impacted me. </div>
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And if you're not already, make sure to sign up for my newsletter to be kept up to date on the latest:</div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/BKnewsletter" target="_blank">NEWSLETTER SIGNUP</a></div>
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Have a GREAT week! My kiddos are at camp for the week, and I'm *hoping* to knock out some more chapters...</div>
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XO</div>
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p.s. Has anyone played God of War? Holy moly... It's amazing!</div>
Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-89757813274004365632018-05-21T14:52:00.000-07:002018-05-23T09:06:49.653-07:00The Gods of Men is available for PRE-ORDER!!Guys!<br />
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It's ready! After almost three years of rewrites and edits (and stress), I can finally hand her over to YOU. And here she is, in all her finished glory. Book 1 in my new epic fantasy series, THE GODS OF MEN.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Men-Barbara-Kloss-ebook/dp/B07D31SDMK" target="_blank">**PRE-ORDER HERE**</a></span></div>
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BACK COVER BLURB:<br />
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<i>Sable hated the gods. She hated what men did in their name.</i><br />
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Magic is forbidden throughout the Five Provinces; those born with it are hunted and killed. Sable doesn’t know her music holds power over souls—not until, at age nine, she plays her flute before the desert court and accidentally stops her baby sister’s heart, killing her. Horrified by what she’s done and fearing for her life, she flees north, out of Provincial jurisdiction and into the frigid land of exiles and thieves, known as The Wilds. There, Sable lives in hiding, burdened by guilt, and survives as a healer. But now, ten years later, someone—or some<i>thing</i>—is hunting her.<br />
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On the run again, Sable’s best chance for survival is Jos, a lethal man from the Five Provinces, who claims to need her skills as a healer to save his dying father, and she needs the large sum of money he’s offered. There’s something about him Sable doesn’t trust, but she doesn’t have many options. A spirit of the dead is hunting her, summoned by a mysterious necromancer, and it’s getting closer.
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Sable soon discovers she’s just the start of the necromancer’s plan to take over the Five Provinces, and she’s the only one with the power to stop it. But harnessing her forbidden power means revealing it to the world, and the dangerous Provincial, Jos, she’s beginning to fall for.<br />
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I can't begin to tell you what a journey this book has been. I mean, every book is a journey, but this one has been... a very defining one for me, as a writer. On so many levels. Especially spiritually, hence the major religious and spiritual themes of this new fantasy book/series. And I'm excited to share that journey with YOU.<br />
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So... thanks SO MUCH for your patience. This one took me a little longer than I'd anticipated, but I refuse to push something out before it's in full bloom. You deserve the very best I can give you.<br />
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Thanks for being the best readers a gal could ask for!<br />
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XO<br />
B<br />
<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-50360315870457580502018-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:002018-02-01T09:33:18.577-08:00Back to square... 6.<div style="text-align: center;">
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Book #6 ... you'd think this part would get easier, but it ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT. It doesn't matter that I already have the world, the characters, the cultures. I still stare at that blank page and have a mini panic attack. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.</div>
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Because. It is HARD going from a tight plot and polished manuscript to vague ideas and scribbles. REALLY hard. For me, anyway. I've just conquered Everest, and now I have to climb it again. Immediately.</div>
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And yet.</div>
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I keep coming back. It's like some form of Stockholm Syndrome. </div>
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And then I remember Dory.</div>
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... except I look more like Marlin, presently. On my couch. With a pen, a notebook. Music and Pinterest. And loads of coffee. </div>
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And see...?? I'm procrastinating!! I should be brainstorming an outline, and here I am. </div>
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Anyway! Since I'm here, I'll update you guys on the writings. My head's been buried in rewrites (THANK YOU VERY MUCH, you <strike>relentless</strike> brilliant alphas and betas). I was in Gaia for SO LONG; it's taken a lot of tweaking to get this new world JUST RIGHT. It's very different than Gaia. So. It's taken time to write Gaia OUT of it, and let it stand on its own two feet.</div>
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I'm happy to report that it's finally standing tall. In the shadows. Like an assassin.</div>
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I don't have an exact timeline for you at the moment, HOWEVER. Know that I'm still working diligently forward and pressing on to the sequel! I'd love to hear how some of you go about the creative process and defeat the giants of self-doubt that love to squash us before we begin. I fight mine by sheer determination. And coffee. But mostly, it's YOUR belief in my stories that keeps me going-- especially when my inner critic starts yelling. </div>
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XO</div>
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Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-72183857949684466432017-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:002017-06-27T16:42:26.609-07:00Camping with Toddlers: A How-Not-To Guide.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgddtisrAX2krKqP8UAdrs2MX_185v_MBUaHaPc7H24SKQb-8-Rx7CC5hJSATH6AgGgODnZolIghyphenhyphenFKNHWhwpMdjfzwvS057Sme_LnI4ps1Ae4Lu_21TfOQCQ2sYLAMUcG_BR8ZRpmKaA/s1600/yosemitepano+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgddtisrAX2krKqP8UAdrs2MX_185v_MBUaHaPc7H24SKQb-8-Rx7CC5hJSATH6AgGgODnZolIghyphenhyphenFKNHWhwpMdjfzwvS057Sme_LnI4ps1Ae4Lu_21TfOQCQ2sYLAMUcG_BR8ZRpmKaA/s640/yosemitepano+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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HELLLLLLOOOOOOO!!<br />
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I hath forsaken this blog for quite some time, and all I can say for myself is #life. My hope is to slowly revive it from its state of withering frailty into something a bit more colorful. Unlike the flowers NOT blooming in my yard because of the week of 110' heat we just endured.<br />
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Seriously. That was just mean.<br />
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I know it's normal for the desert, BUT WE DON'T LIVE IN THE DESERT. We moved OUT of it for this very reason!<br />
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Anyway. Back to the topic at hand: Camping.<br />
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(No cringing!! Camping is not a four letter word!!)<br />
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I happen to love camping.<br />
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I love being outside in general, really. Particularly in the mountains. The woodsmoke and pine. Poking at glowing embers. The dark sky and the countless stars. Shutting off the world, and just... <i>being</i>.<br />
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Ben and I used to camp a lot, but, well, the addition of children stifled that a bit. Plus, living in the desert for four years, camping just didn't have the same lure for me. I like to camp near (1) trees and (2) streams and (3) mountains.<br />
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Yeeeeeeaaaaah.<br />
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I'm a spoiled California girl, what can I say?<br />
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So, now that we're back by the good ol' Sierras, and the boys are a little bit more... independent (i.e. I was PRETTY sure Brennan wouldn't spend the entire time eating dirt, which, thankfully, he didn't), we thought we'd give it a go. We went with some good friends of ours, with a big group from church. It was awesome for all sorts of reasons, but one of those reasons, which happens to be more important to me NOW than it ever was before, is food prep. A few in our church DID IT ALL! (they should be sainted.)<br />
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Cooking is the only snag for me with camping, because #dishes. I HATE DOING THEM. And who wants to deal with cooking and dishes after a day of wrestling with dirty toddlers, who are whiny and overtired because they're too excited to fall asleep at night, and then the dang crows laugh you awake at 5 AM?<br />
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Yeah, not feeling the cooking, people... (side note: a prime example on importance of commas.)<br />
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Having the cooking handled made ALLLLLLL the difference. We were able to just... enjoy the day, drink the coffee, see the sights. And in Yosemite, there are PLENTY.<br />
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We took the boys on a few hikes. I tried to keep my expectations realistic (No, Barbara, your boys are *still* probably too young to hike Half Dome... No, you can't do Cloud's Rest, either... Yes, sixteen miles is too much for a three and four year old). But three miles? WE CAN DO THREE MILES.<br />
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I bribed them with Werther's and Skittles and Twizzlers to keep them moving when ALL! THEY! WANTED! TO! DO! WAS! STOP!<br />
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It was really important to me that we hiked the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (read: THEY WERE GOING TO DO IT EVEN IF I HAD TO DRAG THEM BY THEIR EARS). I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Mist Trail, because you're hiking up steps carved directly into the rock, right alongside a waterfall, whilst getting HOSED. It is SO COOL and SO HUGE and SO POWERFUL (like everything in Yosemite). Really, I think that's part of the reason I love being in the mountains. Nothing makes me appreciate God's power more than seeing the magnificent landscape He's created. Yosemite is awe-inspiring.<br />
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The drought has kept Vernal Fall to a sad trickle for too many years, and there was nothing remotely misty about the Mist Trail. The name was almost a mockery. But this year - a year of 170% snowpack - it MORE than earned its name. Ben ended up having to carry Brennan on the uphills, but I'm happy to report that the boys made it - 3+ miles! - and we were all properly soaked by the end!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmPpSFD8nQe6NHcmvywLDM8BzC_phaFsNIzaotHBu2gBSGkgRgo9KMmb-tA19ra78JfdNQymTLCOZfFxS_JpXnaFLGIGrdNbE7Nb3kyLaQFMAiaeYygRWxq7ydlcE9xs9VN4V-L6xuTs/s1600/MistyTrail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmPpSFD8nQe6NHcmvywLDM8BzC_phaFsNIzaotHBu2gBSGkgRgo9KMmb-tA19ra78JfdNQymTLCOZfFxS_JpXnaFLGIGrdNbE7Nb3kyLaQFMAiaeYygRWxq7ydlcE9xs9VN4V-L6xuTs/s640/MistyTrail.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VERNAL FALL: It's hard to see just how WET everything is, but that is all spray! If you look closely, you can see people in ponchos, upper right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFthm_y-2j5NQqeTRT6UuoTraS97wXbfgXhrtyjnExtESSgPNh2_Ib1_z76ZP-hZnhV6mFWNOGia1aFp7QONcQ8ttmAqpDNQW3C0t8mJtlrBDPvr1oagIk1pk8YKssPF_kPMZOCoAUKk4/s1600/USvernal.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFthm_y-2j5NQqeTRT6UuoTraS97wXbfgXhrtyjnExtESSgPNh2_Ib1_z76ZP-hZnhV6mFWNOGia1aFp7QONcQ8ttmAqpDNQW3C0t8mJtlrBDPvr1oagIk1pk8YKssPF_kPMZOCoAUKk4/s640/USvernal.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Another side trip I've always wanted to do, but we've never before stayed in Yosemite long enough to do it, was Glacier Point. It's got incredible views of Half Dome and the Valley. I mean, it's kind of impossible to appreciate the sight of Half Dome when you're STANDING ON TOP OF IT. (There's a metaphor in there somewhere...)<br />
<br />
Someone told us to try Sentinel Dome, which is a "short" hike off the road to Glacier Point, so we did that instead.<br />
<br />
I have learned that words like "short" have a different meaning when you have toddlers.<br />
<br />
The boys weren't enthused about a second day in a row of hiking. (No one wanted to hold my hand by the end of it. I can't blame them. I only walk at one pace. It's hereditary.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzHSrd1CmxZUFpvKlK__5VRIXVe3kvAfwqMbqqjstdFCqXmXSQNw-Rzy6YKd5lCX2tBsVe-CiOxg8Y5VUh3gz7x7GSN1NHYn_iUW9fNHC_Qe0R8-dGRU96-vQ7whncpLmG65h8GJN-yQ/s1600/meandbrennanhiking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzHSrd1CmxZUFpvKlK__5VRIXVe3kvAfwqMbqqjstdFCqXmXSQNw-Rzy6YKd5lCX2tBsVe-CiOxg8Y5VUh3gz7x7GSN1NHYn_iUW9fNHC_Qe0R8-dGRU96-vQ7whncpLmG65h8GJN-yQ/s640/meandbrennanhiking.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Brennan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My boys shed their share of tears, and I ran out of candy too soon, but they made it. THE VIEWS, though! So worth it! Hopefully, when they're older, they'll agree with me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kV-8ucoiERtm_yaf31JOX5PLYz1E7PMryeDckRbhscCl1N74hcZg2Dc4cSJCPNNYHCrVJzfGGjxquZd1TuTZcmtyFk9tIhCHezPsPLbJ4C0-CjsdL9nQaIunhSSGN8Ce43pxsmTSJZk/s1600/benandboyssentinel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kV-8ucoiERtm_yaf31JOX5PLYz1E7PMryeDckRbhscCl1N74hcZg2Dc4cSJCPNNYHCrVJzfGGjxquZd1TuTZcmtyFk9tIhCHezPsPLbJ4C0-CjsdL9nQaIunhSSGN8Ce43pxsmTSJZk/s640/benandboyssentinel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmbvy6XMy6c22miRnVMcHSLj18-zOe6UA7veG9D1GcC0dgODW0wJBB0nmBuCLqVCXZdkYF_jc-iePVOP5B5TrH7yzUc8oH5hjOvQOxNth_3GHLpS5dxDYh2ttnE6sC9HRxL6WWKiHv8M/s1600/familysentinel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmbvy6XMy6c22miRnVMcHSLj18-zOe6UA7veG9D1GcC0dgODW0wJBB0nmBuCLqVCXZdkYF_jc-iePVOP5B5TrH7yzUc8oH5hjOvQOxNth_3GHLpS5dxDYh2ttnE6sC9HRxL6WWKiHv8M/s640/familysentinel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There ARE showers in the Valley, for those of you who MUST. SHOWER. At $5 per person, they're pretty pricey. The Yosemite Lodge pool was offering a free swim, so we opted for that instead. Plus! Views of Yosemite Falls while you're swimming! ...Except right before we left, someone pooped in the pool (eeeeeeeeeeeewwww), so we ended up having to shower anyway.<br />
<br />
Like I said: I LOVE camping, and camping with the kiddos is a completely new experience. Before, when Ben and I would camp, it was more for the purpose of hiking. Pushing ourselves physically, conquering some new height, reaching a vantage we had to earn.<br />
<br />
That's changed, obviously. It's HAD to, but I find myself loving the other parts. The simpler parts. Just getting the boys outside, letting them play in a stream for hours, helping them explore the incredible world God's made, and teaching them things like how to roast a marshmallow (and try not to get stressed by all the STICKY.) Being together WITHOUT the daily chaos and noise. WITHOUT all the things that demand our attention. Remembering what's important. (like sleep, haha)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIzMlPzqfhXYg6MzIyLO1D7RZd9Ze9wcfKfKSuDmTY3plsHzRWrOrAHBRouV5KD5f1SPIxixhrMClnjcUSA_dyT8Taj2dRGASDy2K3wsW4OlCu6SPggMNX98RDCJC3yfFboGWscYlzF0/s1600/insidetent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIzMlPzqfhXYg6MzIyLO1D7RZd9Ze9wcfKfKSuDmTY3plsHzRWrOrAHBRouV5KD5f1SPIxixhrMClnjcUSA_dyT8Taj2dRGASDy2K3wsW4OlCu6SPggMNX98RDCJC3yfFboGWscYlzF0/s400/insidetent.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside our ten-person tent, aka The Taj.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Speaking of important, when I asked Brahm what his favorite part about the trip was, he quickly replied with, "Wyatt and Everett!" (his friends)<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like my four year old has a better grasp on priorities than I do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uJUmWvKuGW3eBMwfzqZBNd6y98LdoMAYzfg78BfI1Vw0ng80ha23msiboqxz2REyG1pDKrJDHWXon30EeDgVcQRyjzIsRygQCiev1SXCnkqKQMdYE9SCStacjy-1xeEHquIkCANSYlM/s1600/wildboys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uJUmWvKuGW3eBMwfzqZBNd6y98LdoMAYzfg78BfI1Vw0ng80ha23msiboqxz2REyG1pDKrJDHWXon30EeDgVcQRyjzIsRygQCiev1SXCnkqKQMdYE9SCStacjy-1xeEHquIkCANSYlM/s640/wildboys.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the Wild Things are...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJL0F-E4wS1cSd2MFDsgmBmJbXDDpv0VUUs3hzf11saGH9PSuNoX8AOlBhvUe9WyZ2s634q7FRSxkaTF771oCjA8O50D5aW9pQxTLy0t1FZyAtAEpjLY1mcIVvqPplYRhiIKQDNokFYA/s1600/Briana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJL0F-E4wS1cSd2MFDsgmBmJbXDDpv0VUUs3hzf11saGH9PSuNoX8AOlBhvUe9WyZ2s634q7FRSxkaTF771oCjA8O50D5aW9pQxTLy0t1FZyAtAEpjLY1mcIVvqPplYRhiIKQDNokFYA/s400/Briana.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briana, and a cup of liquid sanity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_D2LFUNXKRejh2naGoDl3eGqIgEsZNF-yFP7yNq0iZ2c01TTQmZSj-0_f01TK-6mr9hGP2sQ1KKZmEtWgV7GEcL3OtxFzZdooqIcOwDeaQZOb0FtOxCzClARAhzmetkr-uOzuuTbwF0/s1600/familyphotovernal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_D2LFUNXKRejh2naGoDl3eGqIgEsZNF-yFP7yNq0iZ2c01TTQmZSj-0_f01TK-6mr9hGP2sQ1KKZmEtWgV7GEcL3OtxFzZdooqIcOwDeaQZOb0FtOxCzClARAhzmetkr-uOzuuTbwF0/s640/familyphotovernal.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll end with this: After four days and three nights of camping, I tucked Brahm into his own bed and asked:<br />
<br />
Me: Did you like sleeping in the sleeping bag in the tent?<br />
Brahm: *thinking* *nods* Yeah, but... *hesitates* There are so many people in the tent. I like sleeping in my bed. There are not so many people in my bed.<br />
<br />
I hear ya, kid. No matter where you go or what you do, it's ALWAYS good to be home.<br />
<br />
I'd LOVE to hear YOUR camping stories!!<br />
<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-2427340521522522272016-05-06T07:41:00.000-07:002016-05-06T07:41:17.522-07:00Guest Post: When Rating out of Ten Just Ain’t Good Enough: A Harry Potter Scale of Emotion.<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">By
Kelly St. Clare</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are ocassions where 100%, 10
out of 10, or heck - just putting a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">number</i>
on something - isn’t enough to describe what you feel…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Especially if you happen to be a Harry Potter fan</b>. After many
sleepless nights, I have taken it upon myself to rectify this pertinent, yet
catastrophic issue by creating the emotion scale below. I hope it helps you to
express those feels more adequately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1)
When your heartbreak is between one and Dobby dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
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<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='width:261pt;height:109pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/bennydental/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2)
When the degree of pain is equivalent to possession by Voldemort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3)
When your luck blows past 10 out of 10 and becomes Felix Felicis out of Felix
Felicis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGITHq-541w2uy5mn-KZJBk_vhhMa2LUHTsfGPrrK2tSwqy8_Z8eliO9U2KPhXQr4-YBhQYyzUY0wO2dX_6RjBBiKgidhnM_-fIkHb4c15mO1CgLGUiqCeuDRa2hV5CgwK6sdiClf0Nl4/s1600/lucky-alive-16.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGITHq-541w2uy5mn-KZJBk_vhhMa2LUHTsfGPrrK2tSwqy8_Z8eliO9U2KPhXQr4-YBhQYyzUY0wO2dX_6RjBBiKgidhnM_-fIkHb4c15mO1CgLGUiqCeuDRa2hV5CgwK6sdiClf0Nl4/s320/lucky-alive-16.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4)
When you lay down the law somewhere between Hagrid and Umbridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5)
When your relief is at ‘Finding-Ravenclaw’s-Damn-Diadem’ percent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6)
When you love someone between zero and Romione.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7)
When you get a promotion at work, and your life = butterbeer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8)
When you’re Cho Chang obsessed with your crush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9)
When your surprise reaches level: I didn’t put my name in the triwizard cup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">10)
And when you “just can’t even - because Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kelly St. Clare is the YA Fantasy
Author of The Tainted Accords. She has an unhealthy obsession with Harry
Potter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you enjoyed this blog, check out </span><span lang="EN-AU"><a href="https://yaarendezvous.com/2016/02/19/5-things-every-bookworm-loves-to-hate/"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5 Things Every Bookworm Loves to Hate</span></a></span><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You can check out her novels </span><span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-St.-Clare/e/B00S73MIGG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1460790156&sr=8-1"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">here</span></a></span><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com308tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-32736638200538495022015-05-01T06:45:00.000-07:002015-05-01T06:45:02.003-07:00HEIR OF PENDEL is Out NOW!<span style="font-size: small;">The fourth and final book in my Pandoran Series, <i>Heir of Pendel</i>, is out <b>today</b>!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfO4-YR4rlv-wH0snjY6uP3iDuaNIublRGz8vE-RDg6y04ia7zixUzEGvDBcGMm-VGuvjw4dLYMEQ7NKYua_57dwJyNkwgvC4c0_nwDdMvYj5__tHCISny-UqWB06VMZi7Fn59KORi5c/s1600/HOP+V.6-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfO4-YR4rlv-wH0snjY6uP3iDuaNIublRGz8vE-RDg6y04ia7zixUzEGvDBcGMm-VGuvjw4dLYMEQ7NKYua_57dwJyNkwgvC4c0_nwDdMvYj5__tHCISny-UqWB06VMZi7Fn59KORi5c/s1600/HOP+V.6-1.png" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can purchase and read the ebook now <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pendel-Pandoran-Novel-Barbara-Kloss-ebook/dp/B00TCV6A3E/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=15DYVQ5CXDKAHZ51BJNS" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
<br />
OR for those of you who prefer holding a physical book in your hands, you can purchase the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heir-Pendel-Pandoran-Novel-4/dp/150885016X/ref=la_B005V06A0I_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430487250&sr=1-4" target="_blank">paperback HERE.</a><br />
<br />
Amazon hasn't linked the links yet, but that should happen in the next couple of days.<br />
<br />
It's very bittersweet drawing this series to a close. I'm going to miss so many of these characters (Thad). They've been with me through a lot of life and change, and I'm sad to part ways with them. I suppose they're never <i>really</i> gone, but I will miss our daily chats - er arguments. (SIDE NOTE: Imaginary friends don't succumb to death threats. In fact, death threats just enable them to be more unruly.)<br />
<br />
And so many of you have been so supportive and enthusiastic with each and every installment. I can't thank you enough. That support gave me the courage and determination to keep fighting. Now, it gives me the courage to keep <i>going</i>. And I am. So whilst you are reading this last installment, I shall get back to working on my next series. :D<br />
<br />
Happy Reading, Everyone!<br />
<br />
XO<br />
B<br />
<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-77026935592948601042015-03-28T08:51:00.000-07:002015-03-28T08:53:26.490-07:00Launch Party for Heir of Pendel!Hey, everyone!<br />
<br />
As promised, here's the info for Heir of Pendel's launch party *happy dance*:<br />
<br />
(1) <b>WHERE </b>- ONLINE! Join us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/778526665558669/" target="_blank">HERE</a> (make sure to actually<b> click "join" </b>to join the event)
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
(2) <b>WHEN</b> - <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1081350419" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday, APRIL 30th</span></span> @ <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1081350420" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5-7PM PST</span></span></span></b>. Yes, that's the night <i>before</i> Heir of Pendel is released.<br />
<br />
(3) <b>WHAT TO BRING</b>
- You! For those of you who weren't at the last one, know that all you
have to do is be online/on the event page during the WHEN. That way, you
won't miss the fun Q&As, contests, and giveaways posts.<br />
<br />
See you there...can't wait!
<br />
Barbara
Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-21433057614049867282015-03-15T14:57:00.001-07:002015-03-15T15:02:23.284-07:00A Little Bit of Books, a Little Bit of Life...It's a sad day when you log on to blogger and realize YOU HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO IT IN THREE MONTHS.<br />
<br />
O.o<br />
<br />
I put my head down to work, work, work, paused to look up and it was MARCH. HOW. Anyway, I suppose the plus side of not speaking to blogger for three months is that there are LOTS of things to share! On to those things...<br />
<br />
<b>1. </b> <i>Heir of Pendel</i> is scheduled for release <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MAY 1, 2015</span></b>, and you can pre-order her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heir-Pendel-Pandoran-Novel-4-ebook/dp/B00TCV6A3E/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">HERE!</a><br />
<br />
How do I feel? About like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://33.media.tumblr.com/2d750207a43135c40c0be97d9ada2ad5/tumblr_n0yp1rF2yw1qg2p2fo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://33.media.tumblr.com/2d750207a43135c40c0be97d9ada2ad5/tumblr_n0yp1rF2yw1qg2p2fo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't believe it, guys. Seriously. After seven <i>years</i> of being in Gaia, I'm about to say farewell to her. It's very bittersweet. Drawing things to a close has been both satisfying and...sad. These characters have been with me through so many huge life changes (ie a new job, a new career, a move to another state, the addition of TWO BABIES...), and it feels very strange closing this particular chapter (no pun intended). It also feels very symbolic. Because we're about to move again, back to northern California. Which brings me to point...<br />
<br />
<b>2. </b> Handsome Hubs is graduating dental school this May!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVxFAR5qGd_q0M-Kfd_IPGD-XgTKexkNd0cl_P7mi5OMQiqqDe5M3onMqPBUjeVvu91C9Z9ocPuQzsGzUZACtSwgXcM01SkzS4ByEWU3LmfKKi26uBY7ZXEAssBsggAaq5U35YNXXjnU/s1600/mymen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVxFAR5qGd_q0M-Kfd_IPGD-XgTKexkNd0cl_P7mi5OMQiqqDe5M3onMqPBUjeVvu91C9Z9ocPuQzsGzUZACtSwgXcM01SkzS4ByEWU3LmfKKi26uBY7ZXEAssBsggAaq5U35YNXXjnU/s1600/mymen.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My loves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so, SO proud of him, and very excited to start this new chapter. Me, incessant heat, an environmental palate of sepia tones, and prickly things don't gel. That being said, I'm VERY sad to be moving away from my dearest friend, Jenny. While I know modern technology allows for things like FaceTime, nothing beats those last minute outings (or in-ings, as we would have it). I'm dreading having to retrain my brain that she will not, in fact, be able to come over in ten minutes. :-(<br />
<br />
<b>3. </b> In light of the closing of this "phase" and the beginning of a new one, it would only make sense for me to start working on <i>a new project</i>. AND I AM! I'm switching gears with this one; it's a YA scifi. I'm picking at my science roots, and I'm having <i>so</i> much fun exploring a host of new characters and settings. I'm also really enjoying the fact that I can take my time. Once you publish a book in a series, it's like the clock is always ticking for the next book. They're not just YOUR friends anymore. You have to SHARE them, and other people have opinions and expectations of them, too. Which is great - don't get me wrong! But it's also nice not having some of that added pressure right now. Still, I don't "relax" very well (what does that word mean, anyway?), and will probably have some news on the scifi front by fall. AFTER we're all moved and settled.<br />
<br />
IN THE MEANTIME.<br />
<br />
<b>4. </b> I'm giving away THREE, signed ARC copies of <i>Heir of Pendel</i> next month. If you're interested, make sure you're on my email list (*<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rQTRZ2iRRqkVCUVfhCw3qs4UxOSJZ8MbMzflFod-OU4/viewform" target="_blank">SIGN UP HERE</a>) for the link to the Rafflecopter, which I'll be sending out in a week or so. Also...<br />
<br />
<b>5. </b>On HoP's release day, we'll be having an online launch party (WOOO!), where more books and swag will be given away. I'll give you the specs once I know them. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<b>6. </b>That same Handsome Hubs was in another hilarious parody video with some fellow friends/dentalschoolmates. ENJOY!...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>PlaqueStreetBoys: I Have a Cavity (I Want It That Way Parody)</i></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t9DjAhbOCQ8" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
And here's a pic of some of the Order of the Phoenix gals (including me), post Color Run...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFv1R_l4swlqxGcKbhz8XX6tSc7Nj7c2jFd4PKlocm6pnOp3VUu4QABNmLfA8G1WpRl5RFgun8G2A8iZzSAe4ws3qz17wYTLe-S0OAfezOIb8vUwYcY6l-cPo81UL6NG1hNn-9RXTCjI/s1600/colorun.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFv1R_l4swlqxGcKbhz8XX6tSc7Nj7c2jFd4PKlocm6pnOp3VUu4QABNmLfA8G1WpRl5RFgun8G2A8iZzSAe4ws3qz17wYTLe-S0OAfezOIb8vUwYcY6l-cPo81UL6NG1hNn-9RXTCjI/s1600/colorun.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(From left to right: me, Lauren, Jenny, and Erin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a warm one, but we survived. Not sure about our lungs, though. (If you're wondering about Order of the Phoenix, it's the name of our book club. Yes, we had Harry Potter paraphernalia glued to our tutus. Yes, we know we're dorks.)<br />
<br />
Hope you guys are having a fabulous weekend!...I'm going to get back to writing now...<br />
<br />
XO<br />
BBklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-3986263567773161102014-12-29T08:26:00.002-08:002014-12-29T08:55:57.212-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!So, I'm a little late for the first and very...punctual for the latter. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, nonetheless! Ours was very nice and quiet. We stayed local this year, and opted NOT to make the 13 hour drive to northern California with two babies and a dog, tempting as it was. Can't believe it's our last Christmas in the desert!<br />
<br />
Anyway, a few updates on the literary front. First, is that Heir of Pendel, book four in my Pandoran series, has a cover (and I LOVE IT). Some of you have already seen it, but for those who haven't, HERE SHE BE:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZ8pDkBTYTh-ZorN0svTzF1S0uolBK7GWnHW71rv85tqEBZxnUrMmfeUoRhBlZ9XyVJ85NhvIjaO2yUEflFqdz8ctK9xrZxdHZWPHYybK-TgeOCUdEWYb6Kqy-wGSDXxN4cCI05TlQ5M/s1600/HOP+V.6-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZ8pDkBTYTh-ZorN0svTzF1S0uolBK7GWnHW71rv85tqEBZxnUrMmfeUoRhBlZ9XyVJ85NhvIjaO2yUEflFqdz8ctK9xrZxdHZWPHYybK-TgeOCUdEWYb6Kqy-wGSDXxN4cCI05TlQ5M/s1600/HOP+V.6-1.png" height="640" width="419" /></a></div>
<br />
Second, is that I have OFFICIALLY handed her guts (aka the story) to my crit partners and betas! No one could be more excited about this than I am, because I get to take the month of January OFF. After working on this story almost every day for a year (and having a baby in the middle of that year), I am definitely looking forward to a respite, short as it is.<br />
<br />
I'm right on track to having HoP out in May. When the pre-order is available, I'll let you all know. Right now, HoP comes in at just under 200K words, which is roughly DOUBLE the length of Gaia's Secret. So. Hope you're happy. :D<br />
<br />
And now I shall occupy myself with some reading and video games (specifically Kingdoms of Amalur and Dragon Age: Inquisition - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!), and then probably pay some much-needed attention to my very patient and loving husband (who I believe is a superhero in disguise). <br />
<br />
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!<br />
<br />
P.S. I listen to a lot of music while drafting each story, because music brings me more inspiration than anything else. If there was a piece that could signify the end of HoP, it would be this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuAGGZNfUkU" target="_blank">Hans Zimmer - Time</a><br />
<br />
Hans Zimmer is my fave. I listen to him the most.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">**Sign up <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rQTRZ2iRRqkVCUVfhCw3qs4UxOSJZ8MbMzflFod-OU4/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a> to receive exclusive content for Heir of Pendel (A Pandoran Novel, #4)</span></h2>
Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-56850968767042398852014-08-26T08:55:00.004-07:002014-08-26T11:21:40.277-07:00Q&A: Heir of Pendel and a Bit About Writing<br />
I get lots of questions about my books and writing in general, so here's a post addressing those topics. Thanks to those of you who submitted questions!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How long does it take to write a book?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As long as it takes! Lame answer, I know. But really. It depends on the person and the book. I've gotten faster, the more I've written, but then my stories seem to grow with each installment, which ends up taking more time anyway. It took me about three years to write Gaia's Secret and only about six months to write Keeper's. Breath of Dragons ended up 40% longer, and it took me almost a year (plus I had a baby in the middle of it). This last one (Heir of Pendel) is quite beefy and is the longest by far, at a whopping 161K words. (Also had a baby in the middle of this one.) So, yeah. It depends on your speed as a writer and the length and content of your book.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Why did you choose to write in the fantasy genre?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Because it's my favorite one to read! That's not to say I won't deviate...<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How do you write a book? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Oh, gosh. Well, there are entire <i>books</i> on this subject, but!...for the sake of this blog post, I will keep it short. It really depends on the person. Writers seem to fall into one of two camps: pantsters or outliners. I fall into the latter.<br />
<br />
Pantsters may or may not have a plan. They might see a character or a setting or a plot idea in their mind, and then they just start writing, laying out the story as they go. That stresses me out. I just...I can't even. I have to have a plan, so I outline. <i>Extensively</i>. This would stress out my dear pantster, because they would say that outlining a story before-hand steals the magic of journey. Well, I can't relax and enjoy the journey if I don't know where I'm headed. Is one method better than the other? No. You have to go with whichever method works for you. Maybe it's some really delicate combo of the two with a sprinkling of pixie dust. What matters is that it works for YOU and gets you to a completed draft, which is the hard part.<br />
<br />
This isn't to say that my stories end up EXACTLY as I've outlined them. They usually don't. I write my (exhaustive) outline, and then use my first draft to see which parts of my outline do or don't work. I like to keep my outlines fluid, so that if I'm struck by sudden inspiration, I have the power to keep writing in that direction.<br />
<br />
But writing is more editing than anything. I write out a draft, and spend the rest of the time rewriting and fixing it.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How do you keep your thoughts organized with four books in a series?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
How, indeed? Haha. It's tough! And with each book, it gets harder because there are that many more elements to keep organized in my head. What's saved me with this last book has been my writing software. It's been a great place for me to keep all my made-up things stored for quick and easy reference. Before that, I had multiple word doc's with lists of everything I'd made up - organization is key! And my critique partners and beta readers are awesome for pointing out things I've forgotten or accidentally contradicted. (You geniuses, you!)<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Do some of your characters relate to people you know?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes! Except I'm not saying who :D We have to draw our inspiration from somewhere! So far, I don't have any one character that is an exact copy of someone I know, but I do steal personality traits and quirks from those around me to implement in my characters. Some are more obvious than others. There's a new character in HoP who is probably the closest copy I've ever made to someone from my real world. Sometimes I steal quotes, too, and my uncle is always claiming copyright infringement.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Do some of the instances in your books come from your own life experiences?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
All my life experiences bleed into my stories in one way shape or form. We can't help it. We cast everything we write in the light of our worldview. But are there any specific instances? Eh. There are little things, like Daria is impervious to boiling liquids, and so am I. Much of the trekking through wilderness I write about comes from my own love and experiences hiking and traveling, so I definitely draw upon those. Oh, and dragons. I ride them in my spare time. Definitely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What made you decide to start writing books?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I loved reading them so much I decided to start writing my own, and it was love at first...paragraph?<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What's your biggest challenge with the writing process?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Self-doubt. Hands down. I try repeating the mantra, "artist first, critic later," but some days it's just hard. Some days those voices pummel you over the head with "this is terrible" or "you're in way over your head" or "no one really cares" or "the dog could write this better." It goes kinda like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qVgL4snMWKISeKB7qLV5hsYgW02f0quYfWd4B4F0mc4m9xMtNYteKTjDIvnuf2WZnEhv-nwRkBNSumFyJ7VFxW2iLOwjjHoNm3t-qb5gevew2VyymVlmFNsOECb6aVapbDhiDKcTBYs/s1600/rapunzel-writing.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://apalessandri.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/the-battle-of-emotions-for-writers-as-told-by-rapunzel/" target="_blank">http://apalessandri.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/the-battle-of-emotions-for-writers-as-told-by-rapunzel/</a></span></td></tr>
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As if wrestling with your own demons (or hair) isn't enough, there's the world beyond. You know not everyone is going to like your book(s). Some people hate cookie dough. I don't understand it, but it's true. But the internet has made it so easy for people to hide behind walls of data and code and just...be, well, mean, like there's not really a person on the other side of that cover. It doesn't seem to matter how many good things you hear, because the equation goes something like this:<br />
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1,345,671,312 good comments + 1 negative comment = 1 negative, very terrible comment<br />
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It's some mathematical anomaly I just can't seem to figure out. Writing is hard enough without all that. So take a moment to thank your favorite authors. (And you'll almost always hear back!)<br />
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<b>What is Indie Publishing and why did you do it?</b><br />
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This is another topic with oodles of information circulating out there. What it boils down to is this: There are two routes for publishing. Traditional Publishing and Indie Publishing (aka Self Publishing). Tradition publishing means you've probably gotten yourself a literary agent, who then shopped your book to a major publishing house, like Simon and Schuster or Random House, etc., and then THEY sell your books. Indie Publishing means you handle everything yourself. But that doesn't mean you do everything yourself.<br />
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I like to think of it like building a house. I could hire a contractor (traditional) or I could contract everything on my own (indie). Indie/Self-pub has gotten a bad rap in the past because what makes it great is also what makes it terrible: Anyone can publish a book. Yes, <i>anyone</i>. So, you get a wide spread from the really great to the really terrible. (For that matter, there are some pretty bad books that get published traditionally, but you can at least expect the level of writing to be above a certain threshold...)<br />
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Indie has risen leaps and bounds over the past decade due to the surge in ebook popularity and the option of Print-on-Demand (POD). Authors no longer NEED a traditional publishing house to build a platform to sell their books; authors can use the internet to connect with readers and sell on major websites, like Amazon. Also, because of POD, Indie authors don't need to buy 2,039,403,298 copies of their own books to sell them. Createspace, a division of Amazon, prints them as they're purchased. Genius.<br />
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I chose to go the "indie" route because I wanted to have the ultimate say in what I did as an artist. Granted, I still have a professional team around me. I have critique partners and beta readers and an editor and cover artist who are all BRILLIANT. The difference is that _I_ got to pick them. That's not to say I would never try the traditional route. I believe both routes have a lot of very different and very good things to offer, and I've enjoyed this crazy indie road every step of the way!<br />
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Now for some actual <i>book</i> questions...<br />
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<b>Now that Daria and Alex are separated, how will we get updates on both sides of the story?</b><br />
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Good question! Heir of Pendel will alternate between Daria and Alex's POV, with a few interjections from Stefan. You wanted more from Alex? More than half the book takes place is in his head. :D For the record, it took him awhile to open up to me. He likes to keep his cards close.<br />
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<b>Will there be lots of Thad in Heir of Pendel?</b><br />
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Yes, though Thad would probably argue there's not nearly enough. (I honestly don't think he'll be satisfied until he gets a memoir.)<br />
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<b>Will we get to see more dragons? And what drew you to dragons?</b><br />
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Absolutely. As far as what drew me to them, I've always been intrigued by dragons and books about dragons. There's something just so...magical about them. And terrifying. It was Skyrim that ultimately pushed me over the edge, though. By the way, Skyrim is the greatest game ever. Who knew you could have that much fun making venison stew???<br />
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<b>Does Stefan know that his sister has gone to marry Danton?</b><br />
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Not at the end of BoD, but he finds out in HoP.<br />
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<b>Do you see Alex and Daria living in the real world?</b><br />
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That's a great question. :D<br />
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<b>Who are Vera's parents, and why did Mercedes take her in?</b><br />
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There's a short answer to this in Breath of Dragons. Vera's parents died in service to Mercedes when Vera was very young, and as an honor to them, Mercedes adopted Vera, though I use "adopt" loosely. There will be more background on Vera in HoP.<br />
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<b>What was your inspiration for Gesh?</b><br />
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For Gesh, I knew I wanted something tropical, like a natural spa. There'd been so much dreary cold and winter, I needed to thaw. There isn't any <i>one</i> thing that inspired Gesh, though. It's mostly a culmination of things I love. For instance: the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle in Central California inspired the baths in Gesh. If you've never heard of Hearst castle, or its Roman Pool, here you go and you're welcome:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tYdWOa3kBisS_MvIAFrh7eBAq3rICpy3oXzMb5jeaUteuHLOQhBTXPu7hyphenhyphen366krNIbVG2V-KBBxHQv5gC8oKPY0rDztErwwwcfMSlTEyyDO1e_-bx0dSAHtvxUuaTEO15KQ9d2WC37Y/s1600/RomanPool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tYdWOa3kBisS_MvIAFrh7eBAq3rICpy3oXzMb5jeaUteuHLOQhBTXPu7hyphenhyphen366krNIbVG2V-KBBxHQv5gC8oKPY0rDztErwwwcfMSlTEyyDO1e_-bx0dSAHtvxUuaTEO15KQ9d2WC37Y/s1600/RomanPool.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and this picture:<br />
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<a href="http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/Earth/ChinaTeaHouse.aspx" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya1ytB7LwmA7RFN1E9iYO6-gyuEIFiNp2dHjcn4W6J5hyKjF1fubv_Z5n2okWfkyGs6nVYT-HjN47QyUM4kGnd2BPoYrFSaqH8apyyQHtgdGbX9CSKrILXtvEsFvDW0wCm0HSINPUsAY/s1600/path.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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Fantasia's Night on Bald Mountain inspired the emergence of the white dragon. The rest, I just had a lot of fun with while trying to make the setting as warm and romantic as I possibly could, so that Gesh could serve as a kind of respite for them.<br />
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<b>Will Daria really wear red to her wedding, and will Alex rush in and declare his love? (because he seriously needs to lighten up a little)</b><br />
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Haha! As for the first part, I can't really answer that without, you know, the usual SPOILS, and Alex...well, he's rushing around a lot, lately. He's learning a lot about himself, too. How's that for an answer?<br />
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<b>When will Heir of Pendel be released?</b><br />
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The question I hear the most. I have some good and bad news is. The bad news is that it will not be released in January, as I'd hoped. It's looking more like summer of 2015. But the good news is that the reason it's taking longer is because the story is so much longer. If you consider that good news. :D I'll keep you posted if it changes. I have the best husband in the entire world, and he was off last week and let me run off to a coffee shop for a few hours every day while he watched the kids, and I was able to wrap up this monster draft! Which means I will now be editing and editing and editing some more.<br />
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If I haven't told you guys lately, I love you...thanks so much for caring and sending your enthusiasm my way while I work hard to finish this series!<br />
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Oh, and don't forget...if you want to receive updates, discounts, and exclusive content for my books, join my email list <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rQTRZ2iRRqkVCUVfhCw3qs4UxOSJZ8MbMzflFod-OU4/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
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<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-3773976232023603912014-05-07T11:54:00.003-07:002014-07-06T10:01:11.452-07:00Hoo-Hoo! (...Baby #2 and Book #4 progress...)<br />
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Sooooo it's been a few months, and my blog was beginning to look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Js6gnomaM0IbBMRMg6vaDqWwqSiPIxoO1s5XohbURqj6tNHePQF1HJXe6Cq9kDmsacbe5sB4sCyZHnpLLXfPxTj7Pn249mDpe_U3a-C8lKck1ZU6lt7i6vZPrHiev0qWcy1VS5QopA/s1600/tumbleweed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Js6gnomaM0IbBMRMg6vaDqWwqSiPIxoO1s5XohbURqj6tNHePQF1HJXe6Cq9kDmsacbe5sB4sCyZHnpLLXfPxTj7Pn249mDpe_U3a-C8lKck1ZU6lt7i6vZPrHiev0qWcy1VS5QopA/s1600/tumbleweed.gif" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
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...which is sorta how my head feels at the moment. </div>
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Anyway! At some point last week, it finally dawned on me that we're having another baby boy in one month. I *sorta* had a mini-panic attack, and then I took a nap. It was probably the best thing ever. This whole pregnancy has gone by <i>so</i> fast, because...</div>
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(1) Contrasting last pregnancy, this time around has been a walk in the park. Seriously. I can walk in the park. Those of you who had the mischance of speaking to me during that <i>other</i> period of my life know that a walk in the park is a HUGE DEAL.</div>
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(2) Chasing Brahm, who is 1.5yrs old and EVERYWHERE AT THE SAME TIME, has kept me, um, preoccupied, and</div>
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(3) What little mental capacity I have left has all been going into writing book 4.</div>
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I've spaced on so many things, like phone calls and emails (sorry!) and water bills. No, really, I forgot to pay our water bill and they shut our water off. Luckily, I caught it soon enough and it was back on within a few hours. Not my proudest moment...</div>
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But!</div>
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I've had numerous questions on the progress of Book #4 (Heir of Pendel), so I'd thought I'd address that here before I experience yet another tumbleweed infestation. I'm working hard on it every single day, and still shooting for a release of January 2015. So far, that deadline seems feasible; I've already finished one draft. I've been keeping track of my progress on this blog, so if you're ever curious, you can look for yourself in the upper right-hand corner, just below this blog's header.<br />
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But it's coming right along and so far, I've had <i>so</i> much fun writing it. I can't always say that about books. That being said, I'm not sure how my pace will keep up once Baby #2 arrives, so please bear with me! I'm doing everything I can before he comes, because, you know, even after I finish draft two, it still has to go to my alpha-reader, my crit-partners, my betas, and editor, while I'm also making necessary revisions between each stage. I'll try my hardest to keep up with deadlines, and if things need to change, I'll let you know. (Unless Thad gets ahold of my laptop and outs me first. He's already threatened me once.)<br />
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Thanks again so much for all your enthusiasm and support, and for loving my imaginary friends as much as I do...you guys are the best! You have no idea how much it fuels my inspiration. And thanks for sticking with me while I work hard to give you the best ending I possibly can.<br />
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XO<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>***Join My Exclusive Email List for HoP (#4) Updates, Discounts, and Exclusive Content***</b></span></div>
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Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-51287751277890724592014-02-26T15:30:00.001-08:002014-02-27T09:02:30.109-08:00Breath of Dragons is on Tour!Hey, guys!<br />
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My latest book, Breath of Dragons, is on tour through March 20th! I've posted the schedule below, with links to all the participating hosts where I'll be guest blogging.<br />
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I'm also doing a huge giveaway, so enter in the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq99kk-mOA4OD-oVkL7M_XArLRGYlEbXSAIUW23e6HlcaEPOJxKejC6vYHm2BqBWHEmvS93WtVQDJ9GgiM4M7-edXAtuViGnxvHHHr2dfM3YzUWf1U1ugELWhaZ6Cf17pTiZ2ExMVzMU0/s1600/booktourbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq99kk-mOA4OD-oVkL7M_XArLRGYlEbXSAIUW23e6HlcaEPOJxKejC6vYHm2BqBWHEmvS93WtVQDJ9GgiM4M7-edXAtuViGnxvHHHr2dfM3YzUWf1U1ugELWhaZ6Cf17pTiZ2ExMVzMU0/s1600/booktourbanner.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: x-large; line-height: 24px;">Book Tour Schedule...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>February 23</b> - Introduction at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.vbtcafe.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">VBT Café Blog</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>February 25</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://azpublishingservices.blogspot.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Reader's Cubby</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 12px;"><b>February 27</b> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Interviewed at KWOD Radio</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 12px;"><b>February 27</b> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Guest Blogging at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.louisewise.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">WWBB</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><b>February 27</b> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://hazelwest.blogspot.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Hazel West's Character Purgatory</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 3</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Mythical Books</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 5</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.iknowthatbook.blogspot.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">I know that book</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 7</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.cherrymischievous.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Cherry Mischievous</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 7</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Lori's Reading Corner</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 12</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Books & Tales</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 12</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 14</b> - Reviewed at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://ag-lang.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">AG LANG Writes Writers and Books</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 14</b> -Reviewed at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.brookeblogs.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Brooke Blogs</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 18</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.booksuburbia.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Book Suburbia</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 18</b> - Reviewed at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">sarit yahalomi</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 20</b> - Guest Blogging at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://thesaucyreviewer.wordpress.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">Book Reviews by xunaira J.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>March 20</b> - Reviewed at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #464760; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://thebrokenbookshelf.wordpress.com/" style="color: #945fc3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">The Broken Bookshelf</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1d8dec172/" id="rc-1d8dec172" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-83972572320978013882014-01-27T14:04:00.003-08:002014-01-27T14:14:23.077-08:00Book Release Aftermath...and Book #4.Last week was a pretty big (& tiresome) week for me, because <i>Breath of Dragons</i> FINALLY left the house! Am I suffering from empty nest syndrome? No. No, no, no. Brahm's still here (and, apparently, acquiring all four canines simultaneously), and his unborn brother kicks me in all my downtime. Plus, there's still book #4, which I will discuss momentarily, but first...<br />
<br />
You guys have been SO ENCOURAGING and supportive...THANK YOU! And thanks to those of you who participated in the launch party...I would hug all of you if I could! It's taken me a bit longer to get <i>Breath of Dragons</i> in your hands, and I appreciate your patience. It's amazing what an additional ~150 pages in length does to your deadlines. O.o<br />
<br />
I wanted to give you guys some stats from last week. To celebrate the arrival of BoD, <i>Gaia's Secret</i> (book 1) was free on Kindle. Because of your support, <i>Gaia's Secret</i> actually made it into the #1 slots of it's categories. See...???<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw915m8G-kytrEd2QxAC3N8fY1hzH8tuhkTeXaJqHkTct0u8L5ZmwzFZI2djnoIxQrxFbMr1u6hPghAyjxFD8atB_SKuT9rLhsVvPi8Vfzz6Nxy-RgyDXN0iyhVb0MRvOP2_jdnz9C4w/s1600/Statscrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw915m8G-kytrEd2QxAC3N8fY1hzH8tuhkTeXaJqHkTct0u8L5ZmwzFZI2djnoIxQrxFbMr1u6hPghAyjxFD8atB_SKuT9rLhsVvPi8Vfzz6Nxy-RgyDXN0iyhVb0MRvOP2_jdnz9C4w/s1600/Statscrop.jpg" height="41" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So where does that leave us? Well, I don't know about <i>you</i>, but it leaves <i>me</i> back on the couch. Which is where I've been, and where I am once more, faithfully destroying this cushion while working on the final installment in this series. I'm *hoping* to have it to you in <b>January of 2015</b>. I'd love to say it'll be done later this year, and if the planets align and Hermione's time-turner suddenly drops in my lap, perhaps it will be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE7ChW69VYz8qDOe8ChzkLoJ4o5-BzhsTlsAgW-n0MBJPXdpl1JB6IxlAYQEv4GhhFwbHoj0XC7l3RKnQE1lS2ITuHdtGjw4sAQSBb0HZUzf6jNgbHkny2IA4mgD2XD2vmJB4ppRO9hc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-01-27+at+2.58.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE7ChW69VYz8qDOe8ChzkLoJ4o5-BzhsTlsAgW-n0MBJPXdpl1JB6IxlAYQEv4GhhFwbHoj0XC7l3RKnQE1lS2ITuHdtGjw4sAQSBb0HZUzf6jNgbHkny2IA4mgD2XD2vmJB4ppRO9hc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-01-27+at+2.58.51+PM.png" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyone...???<br />
<br />
<br />
I will do my best to update you with my progress, and in the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions or thoughts or concerns (or anything else, for that matter). If there is a delay, please note that it is only due to the fact that I've returned to my writing cave (which is equivalent to being trapped inside the Cave of Wonders).<br />
<br />
Thank you so much again for all your enthusiasm and encouragement; you give me the courage to keep moving during those difficult days. I also know how frustrating it is reading a series before its completion, so thank you for your indefatigable patience!<br />
<br />
*HUGS*<br />
<br />
BBklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-7152916119589120462013-12-19T09:05:00.001-08:002013-12-19T09:05:48.685-08:00An Early Merry Christmas, And A Blurb...Hi, Everyone!<br />
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I hope you're all surviving the madness that happens around this time. I'm trying to avoid it myself, but I don't think I've been too successful. Especially when I look at the date and realize IT'S ALREADY THE 19TH OF DECEMBER. O.o It's fairly easy to forget the encroaching holiday when you live in a desert.<br />
<br />
Still, we've been trying to "set the mood" with Elf, christmas cookies, and the nutcracker soundtrack. It helps if I keep the draperies closed, too. Also, since we get dust storms in lieu of snow storms, we managed to go and see the new Disney movie, Frozen. Have any of you seen it yet? I LOVED IT. It was such a gorgeous movie, and I appreciated the "sisterly" themes in this one. Good job, Disney!<br />
<br />
Well, with the release of BREATH OF DRAGONS around the corner, it's now the proud owner of a book blurb. You know, one of those short summaries that tell you what it's about. For those of you that are interested in knowing, here you go!<br />
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But! If you haven't read the first two, there's a bit of a spoiler in this. Consider yourself warned!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>*SPOILER ALERT*</b></span><br />
.<br />
.<br />
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....last chance to look away...<br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxC1arEqqaPNAMMfh6kaB549AaNUNX5o_UfOFzzdI0M5T82c2rvzahj__qGRP638VOb4jSmOvAP7nXShbGFzDL2RlTLA6oLi3eB65aAf9nP8fztUrbkSTAK7toQrlsl5M6TJWWsiXpD4/s1600/Breath+of+Dragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxC1arEqqaPNAMMfh6kaB549AaNUNX5o_UfOFzzdI0M5T82c2rvzahj__qGRP638VOb4jSmOvAP7nXShbGFzDL2RlTLA6oLi3eB65aAf9nP8fztUrbkSTAK7toQrlsl5M6TJWWsiXpD4/s320/Breath+of+Dragons.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>After Prince Alaric's death, Daria and Alex set off in search of the legendary box of the Pandors'. The box is famed to hold a secret of power—one strong enough to overcome Lord Eris and the shield of power he stole from Valdon. Daria doesn't know where the box is hidden, but she can't ignore the silent urging, beckoning her to the land of Pendel—the land her mother, Aurora Pandor, was from.<br /><br />Time is running out. Lord Eris's army of shadowguard vastly outnumber Valdon's forces, and if Daria doesn't find the box in time, Valdon will need reinforcements from the other territories to survive. But those territories will not hand over their armies willingly, not without Daria's hand in marriage.<br /><br />And there is another, older power rising, one that hasn't been seen in centuries—one thought lost since the days of Galahad: the dragons.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>________________________________________________________________________</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I hope you all have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a safe and happy New Year! And just because I love him...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMjtIOqT1KW2SXp3-jRNuZDslYxYIUFEiTMG5UUo8Wyj7fl_-P-vI93ggyTGuaIu_C17FdWBa1U9YT06MIQ2Wjpu8FhwJbBFIMCUZxvUgWGoobDsxakseRBOKzItm5TTL6d-oMYeu5f0/s1600/disney-frozen-olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMjtIOqT1KW2SXp3-jRNuZDslYxYIUFEiTMG5UUo8Wyj7fl_-P-vI93ggyTGuaIu_C17FdWBa1U9YT06MIQ2Wjpu8FhwJbBFIMCUZxvUgWGoobDsxakseRBOKzItm5TTL6d-oMYeu5f0/s400/disney-frozen-olaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span>Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-18079599896741893132013-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:002013-12-18T07:08:56.300-08:00CUTLASS by Ashley Nixon Cover Reveal!Guys!<br />
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I am SO excited to share the face of Ashley Nixon's fabulous book, CUTLASS! I can say it's fabulous; I've read it. :D I love Ashley and her work - she's so talented and brilliant - and I'm thrilled to be a part of this reveal. (Thanks, Ashley!)<br />
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Ms. Nixon's debut novel, CUTLASS, is an exciting young adult fantasy which will be released on April 23, 2014.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowsXZfzgrysoZC6xqBXU7z09uTvwN-I0Dk5T-yzn6ZDFvBKuCCVLdgZN7WIputN0I5rr0C5Sm1laDpHQrzD40wecKt4mb793fn6bD2a4Dz7aNyaHT00n3fYoaXceFRsoTgzoqSYRB5Bg/s1600/Cutlass_ebook+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowsXZfzgrysoZC6xqBXU7z09uTvwN-I0Dk5T-yzn6ZDFvBKuCCVLdgZN7WIputN0I5rr0C5Sm1laDpHQrzD40wecKt4mb793fn6bD2a4Dz7aNyaHT00n3fYoaXceFRsoTgzoqSYRB5Bg/s640/Cutlass_ebook+.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />
Isn't she beautiful?! And here's a blurb about what's in those marvelous pages:<br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><i>Notorious
pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who
killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy's fiancé seems a perfect plan…until
he actually does it. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><i>Larkin Lee is
more than a pretty face and fiancé to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is
enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><i>But when the
King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a
powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity
to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to
find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and
Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the
life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed,
Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #131313;">Today, Ms. Nixon's hosting a giveaway for a $25 Amazon giftcard, which you may find here: </span></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d761076/" id="rc-d761076" rel="nofollow">Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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In honor of Ms. Nixon's pirate-themed novel, meet Sir Stuffington, who is arguably the world's cutest one-eyed pirate:<br />
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He really does have only one eye. If you're interested, you may read his heartwarming story <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mixed-media/2013/09/sir-stuffington-pirate-cat-viral-photos-blazer-schaffer-interview" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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And lastly, here are some links to the talented Ms. Nixon herself. Go check her out!<br />
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Goodreads:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199530.Ashley_Nixon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Goodreads
(book page):</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18755539-cutlass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Website:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> http://ashley-nixon.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Blog:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> http://ashley-nixon.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Twitter:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> https://twitter.com/AshleymNixon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Facebook:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ashleynixonauthor"><span style="font-family: Times;">https://www.facebook.com/ashleynixonauthor</span></a><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"><b>Tumblr:</b></span><span style="color: #131313; font-family: Times;"> http://ashleynixon.tumblr.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-16450394725247821742013-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:002013-10-18T10:40:54.284-07:00BREATH of DRAGONS Release DateHey Everyone!<br />
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I've been getting a lot of questions about the release date of Book 3. (Thank you. The pressure both encourages me and stresses me out. Hehe.) </div>
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I am sorry to say she won't be ready by Thanksgiving. I've been trying VERY hard to make that happen, but I have succumbed to the fact that it shall not. One of the biggest reasons being that BREATH OF DRAGONS is, oh, about 30% longer than her predecessors. Apparently, she had a lot to say. :D<br />
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Right now, BoD is in the hands of my wonderful and BRILLIANT betas (THANKS, GUYS!). I'd originally intended to be at this point in August. And, well...<br />
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Suffice it to say the release date has been pushed back to: </div>
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<b>Tuesday, January 21, 2014</b>.</div>
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I want to THANK YOU guys for sticking with me. Your enthusiasm and encouragement always pushes me foreword. I have THE BEST readers. And I know how frustrating it can be, reading a series before it's done. You have to wait and wait andwaitandwaitandwait for what feels like FOREVER. So even there, I am flattered by your support. I'm doing my best to have this out in a timely fashion, but I won't let her go until she's absolutely ready.<br />
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I must prevent this:<br />
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And then I will begin working on the last, and final, book in the series.<br />
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If you want to be kept up-to-date on giveaways/contests/etc. as the release date approaches, just follow me at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GaiasSecretSeries" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GaiasSecretSeries</a><br />
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Thanks again for ALL the poking and prodding, and have a wonderful Thursday!!<br />
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XO<br />
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<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-57591761248284185092013-09-02T16:16:00.001-07:002013-09-02T16:16:27.537-07:00BREATH OF DRAGONS Cover Reveal!This has to be one of my favorite aspects of the writing process: when my story gets a face.<br />
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So here it is, the face of BREATH OF DRAGONS, book #3 in my Gaia's Secret series, which will *hopefully* be released this holiday season. :D<br />
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If you would like to be kept up to date with information regarding BREATH OF DRAGONS' release into the world, and/or future book giveaways, just "like" my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GaiasSecretSeries" target="_blank">Gaia's Secret page</a>!<br />
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Happy Labor Day!<br />
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Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-91818349578640437452013-08-05T14:15:00.000-07:002013-08-05T14:15:40.087-07:00A Grand Canyon of Distraction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG1Wo7E-Y2fi861vb8_CwkxA0uDleboGX3YxGf8MUgF7luqPLdW7oTlPFIgXvZEyQ63NM2OPt5xtgeE-QDE9NghLkzRLoPNH6QcVWXCIu_BjLk_Uesm9QMd43XOUmGPF_Zaa_XbvepGQ/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG1Wo7E-Y2fi861vb8_CwkxA0uDleboGX3YxGf8MUgF7luqPLdW7oTlPFIgXvZEyQ63NM2OPt5xtgeE-QDE9NghLkzRLoPNH6QcVWXCIu_BjLk_Uesm9QMd43XOUmGPF_Zaa_XbvepGQ/s640/IMG_2796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago, Ben and I decided to take our eight-month old, Brahm, on a little weekend excursion to the Grand Canyon. Summers are a little *warm* in the desert, and the only possible way to survive them is to either (1) stay inside or (2) leave. Since we'd been doing our fair share of the former, we opted for the latter.<br />
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You may or may not know that the elevation of the Grand Canyon averages about 8000ft (or 2500m for my metric friends), so the 30 degree drop in temperature was FABULOUS.<br />
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We drive there. We park our car, grab Brahm and our cameras and walk to the rim. Now, I've been to the Grand Canyon once before with my family when I was about, oh, fifteen? Even so, nothing quite prepares you for the magnitude of it. Just when you think you've found the bottom, you realize it cuts even farther, and you may - if you find <i>just</i> the right vantage point - spot a sliver of the Colorado River below. The canyon is <i>grand</i> in every sense of the word and inspires a few moments of silent awe.<br />
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Or at least it should.<br />
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But, no. I took one look at it and started telling Ben how I wanted to arrange a family photo. Ben just kinda looked at me. He did not understand my photographical impatience - it wasn't like the Grand Canyon was going anywhere. He wanted a few moments to just...<i>look</i>.<br />
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Oh, that.<br />
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You mean, just sit an ENJOY looking at something without immediately reaching for my phone so that I can text a photo to someone.<br />
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I've apparently formed a pretty bad habit. There are so many things I've allowed to "demand" my attention, and sometimes those things prevent me from appreciating the here and now. I was so concerned about recording the experience that I forgot to just experience.<br />
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Especially now with a boy of almost nine-months, I find my attention diverted more than ever.<br />
I mean, the kid's mouth is like a black hole - anything within a five foot radius seems to find its way into it. So, yeah. CONSTANT VIGILANCE. But <i>he</i> is allowed to take my attention. Social media is not.<br />
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In a way, it's similar to writing. I always love reaching the point in a draft where I can edit away the clutter - the distractions - where the words no longer get in the way and the story can finally shine through. But I know to look for it in my drafts; I don't always know to look for it in my life.<br />
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It was an "Ah ha!" moment for me. (I seem to be having those a lot, lately.) There are so, <i>so</i> many things vying for our attention in this technologically connected world. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogger, Goodreads, Pinterest, blahblahblahblahblah... While I love the connectedness (shoot, most of my writer-friends I've met through the world wide web!), it also comes with its downsides, and for me, it's failing to shut off that connectedness when I should. Be here. Live now. Nothing reminds me more of this than seeing the rate our little boy is growing and changing. He's crawling everywhere, and I feel like we brought him home from the hospital yesterday.<br />
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I think it will always present a challenge for me. I'm not sure what the solution is or if there really is one. Like everything in life, it is a balance and balance seems to require an exhaustive amount of attention, care, and reevaluation.<br />
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Do any of you deal with this?<br />
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We did manage to get some photos, though :D I mean - it was Brahm's first "vacation"! It's the only proof he'll ever have that he was there.<br />
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Oh, and for those of you wondering, here's where Gaia #3 is at... I have been BUSY BUSY working on it. It's almost beta-ready (thanks again, guys!! Could NOT do this without you!!), then I'm giving it to my BRILLIANT editor in October (Laura, you're amazing) so that it can be out by Thanksgiving! I'll keep you posted, though.<br />
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Now, for the photos...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFXvVL74jyMvviIPiS4vuK15Da0iKhRqJT9SDjU9R4k1RT9De1-H_GeWwPgDSobrEapaVAYuf6SkpXlnAVC6kDdoVwyGV-JJUz4kN5OmUZfbCdwL30vmdU3ug8OZHAWXZSbInuis9m9Y/s1600/IMG_2781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFXvVL74jyMvviIPiS4vuK15Da0iKhRqJT9SDjU9R4k1RT9De1-H_GeWwPgDSobrEapaVAYuf6SkpXlnAVC6kDdoVwyGV-JJUz4kN5OmUZfbCdwL30vmdU3ug8OZHAWXZSbInuis9m9Y/s640/IMG_2781.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dairy Queen in Williams, AZ, right off Historic Route 66. Also, I must note<br />that Brahm did not much care for ice cream. It was too cold on his little teeth :D</td></tr>
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<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-36989345856608401712013-05-15T10:27:00.002-07:002013-05-15T10:29:35.575-07:00A Hodgepodge (somewhat)Um, it's been a while.<br />
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I confess that I transfigured myself into an ostrich and recently decided it was time to pull my head from the sand for a few minutes (mostly, to listen to Atoms of Peace on repeat. SERIOUSLY. I would like to hire Thom Yorke to write a soundtrack for my stories. And life.)<br />
<br />
But I also wanted to say: I'M ALIVE.<br />
<br />
*side note: my blog is glowering at me right now because I haven't visited it in a while.*<br />
<br />
I suppose I could start by saying my life has completely and utterly changed and will never be the same.<br />
Like Ever.<br />
<br />
Babies do that, and somehow I find myself being the mother of a six-month old (who, I believe, is part pterodactyl). For the first few months of his precious little life, I'd gone back to work. Because my job required I travel (on planes), it quickly became A CHALLENGE. We tried and tried to make it work - it was my dream job, and I'd worked very hard to get there - but it simply would not. Being gone all night and leaving my husband (who's in dental school ) to care for a newborn while he was supposed to be studying, with no family around to help ...um, er...<br />
<br />
After "a few" meltdowns, the answer became very clear.<br />
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<br />
You should *probably* step aside.<br />
<br />
For me, it was the ramifications that proved a bit more...difficult. I felt displaced. I guess it's sort of like having an identity crisis. Trying to somehow reconcile the old you to the new you, but the old you is throwing the mother of all tantrums because it doesn't really want to subject itself to the new you.<br />
<br />
And then there's the other part. "<b>M</b>y <b>OTHER</b>" part. The one that lives for two-toothed smiles and sings the most ridiculous songs and makes the goofiest faces just for a giggle. The one that changes diapers and makes baby food and cleans spit-up, but somehow doesn't mind at all. Because that part is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do it. That part sees how fast it's all speeding right by and it doesn't want to miss a second! That part realizes a little person has run away with her heart.<br />
<br />
It's taken some time balancing Professional Me with Mommy Me, but there's one other wonderful gift that's helped me adjust. It's helped me shape my seemingly opposing halves into pieces that can link together. I have MUCH more time to write. Professional Me has been spoiled rotten with that, and she finds her creativity quite unbridled, as of late. I don't think I've been this immersed in my stories...well, ever. After I resigned from Dream Job, I set right to GAIA #3 and poured myself in to a rewrite. In just 3 weeks, I'm almost halfway done. I've also been down right terrible at emailing because of it. :P BUT! I'm loving this story so far, which I can't always say while I'm writing. I'm *hoping* that's a good sign. You BETAS will tell me, though, right?!<br />
<br />
There you have it. A mixture of sorts. I am WORKING HARD to have this book done by fall (late), and will keep you posted on progress. (BETAS!!! I'LL NEED YOU!!! - ahem - you know who you are!!) And now I must get back to Chapter 12 before the Little One wakes up...<br />
<br />
Also, I'd LOVE to hear how some of you make sense of your two halves. PLEASE SHARE.<br />
<br />
You are all so wonderful and supportive and ENCOURAGING. Thank you.<br />
<br />
~B<br />
<br />
p.s. In honor of Ironman 3, I would also like to add that you are all such wonderful tangerines.<br />
<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-58802871336138225252013-02-12T21:34:00.002-08:002013-02-12T21:34:22.446-08:00What To Do When You're Trapped in an Hourglass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hourglasses make me nervous.<br />
<br />
Don't ask me why; they just do. I think I'm scarred from playing too many boardgames as a child. Hey, don't laugh! You know that purple sand made your heart pound!<br />
<br />
In light of recent, LIFE-ALTERING events, I've been thinking a lot about Time...mostly because it doesn't exist anymore. It's like an extinct species, sitting on a list somewhere next to the Dodo bird. It did, however, have the courtesy to leave me a suicide note before ending its wretched life:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Dear Psycho,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>As if I wasn't emaciated enough by your job and your book #3 and working out and cooking and cleaning, then you had to go and have a baby. I decided to end my misery and be done with it. Don't bother looking for me; I'm finishing myself off with your laundry.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>~Time</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Theatrics aside, OH. MY. GOODNESS. I feel like I need to clone myself, and then clone all my clones. I'm sure I'll hit some sort of stride, now that I've returned to work, but right now....AOSSEIFJSKFASKFKASJEFKAJSEFKJ!!!!<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to Princess Jasmine...<br />
<br />
It's like every grain of sand dumping on top of my head is something I need to get done (let's be honest here...most of those things I put on myself...). We all have these moments; we all have times in life where we feel like we're juggling all seven Harry Potter books and then someone tells you to do it with your eyes closed. (Right now, I feel like I'm juggling our entire bookshelf...)<br />
<br />
But if Princess Jasmine can survive it, so can you.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rule #1) Don't Panic.</span><br />
Okay, so this is probably the hardest for me, but I'm *learning* that those dishes really can wait. And so can dusting things, like the baseboards. We've also invested in a Roomba ;D<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rule #2) Take a Step Back & BREATHE. (and try not to inhale sand.)</span><br />
In other words, TAKE A LONG, HOT SHOWER. No, really. Stay there awhile.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rule #3) When All Else Fails, Wait for Aladdin to Rescue You.</span><br />
...that would be Ben. He talks me through the chaos and helps me organize it into appropriate categories... he's also been surprising me with flowers. :D<br />
<br />
So, I sincerely apologize for any lapse in communication or embarrassingly long delay between emails...I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN. I have been using EVERY spare second I have to finish this draft of book 3!Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-88069791851831682862012-12-11T13:07:00.000-08:002012-12-11T13:07:47.291-08:00I Feel Like Gollum......like I've been in this dark and desolate cave, without hope of emerging, and have been petting my baby and calling him "Precious."<br />
<br />
Okay, so maybe I'm being <i>slightly</i> melodramatic.<br />
<br />
But, really. I'm not sure where the past few weeks have gone. They've all sort of blurred together in a giant mass of chaos, where Sleep and Order have been completely overthrown by a cute little tyrant called Baby.<br />
<br />
How DOES he get away with such madness?? Oh, wait. I know. Like this:<br />
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How does one build up proper defenses to such a creature? Well, one doesn't. Somehow, through the sleepless nights and MOUNTAINS of diapers and laundry (SERIOUSLY?!), that beautiful little tyrant steals your heart away. His gummy smiles turn you into a puddle of goo, and the way he stares at you - a beautiful combination of discovery and comfort - you forget what you were doing. You forget that you were in the middle of The Great War Against Dust Bunnies and that you were losing - dreadfully - because you can't help but stare back into those eager eyes while making funny faces at each other.<br />
<br />
But initially, it just feels like chaos.<br />
<br />
His days are your nights; he poops his body weight multiple times a day. You're peed on, pooped on, puked on, and then he pees on the PJs you JUST washed because he peed on them 3 hours ago... When "they" say a newborn can eat every two hours, that doesn't mean in between feedings. No, it means everything happens WITHIN a two hour period. IE you feed him for 30-40 minutes, change his diaper, play with him, put him down for a 1 hour nap, and then he's hungry again.<br />
<br />
But it was more than that. Nothing in the world could have prepared me to be so entrusted with another human life. The first week of his life, that responsibility hit me...hard. I felt completely overwhelmed (and undeserving), which, of course, displayed itself every day via an outpouring of tears... (thank you, Hormones...poor Ben...)<br />
<br />
And then...the chaos changes.<br />
<br />
It's a strange thing to have your life work in one fashion for so long (30 years!) and then to have it all flipped upside down and turned inside out. I've realized a lot about myself, and the biggest realization has been just how selfish I am. I've always been very protective *UNDERSTATEMENT* with my time, and now time isn't mine to protect.<br />
<br />
But, interestingly enough, I don't mind.<br />
<br />
It took me a good three weeks, but the chaos finally transformed into some form of predictability. And now that the dust is settling (on all the black furniture - WAR!), I'm starting to feel myself again - a different me, but me, no less. I'm recovering fast and getting some sleep, albeit incrementally (BTW sleep training is HARD, but it does wonders! I'm so thankful for the advice and encouragement from friends that were successful with it. And I'm thankful for my noise-cancelling headphones :D).<br />
<br />
Just last week, Baby Kloss and I had our first "outing" together: Target. Of course he slept the entire time, but I count it as success and a mark that some form of normalcy shall be restored. Also, I've commenced working on book #3; my inspiration has RETURNED! And oh, it's a glorious thing...it was gone almost the entirety of pregnancy. My only problem now is that I can't type fast enough during those 30-45 minute segments of time I'm granted.<br />
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I'll never understand how such a tiny person can run away with your heart. He is absolutely perfect and healthy and beautiful, and it's astounding how much he grows and changes EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. He's almost a month old and already a pound heavier (he's got a ways to go to catch up to Daddy), and each day he's more alert, making more noises *MELTS*, and smiling more. (I've already doubled the photo count on my phone.) One of my new favorite things is to watch him with Ben. They already have a bond that's unique to them, and Ben always seems to be able to get him to relax in a way that I can't. Samson is also adjusting. The first time he heard Baby Kloss cry, Samson barked at him, and now he's bringing Baby Kloss his toys, expecting him to throw them.<br />
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And now it's time for me to go... gotta wake Baby Kloss so that we can go to Target and get sprinkles to make Christmas cookies :D<br />
<br />Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766414732779980061.post-21317673012433697762012-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:002012-11-01T11:37:58.322-07:00Creativity: A Mental DisorderWHAAAAA?!<br />
<br />
Okay, so if you look at any published book on the topic of "Mental Disorders," you probably won't find "Creativity" in the bulleted list. But, see...that's what makes it so dangerous. It's the sneaky cousin to Bi-Polar, father of Anxiety, and the mother of OCD.<br />
<br />
I came to this horrendous realization whilst I was making a kind of craft project for The Hubs for our anniversary. Now, those of you that know me know I don't do crafts. I repeat: I. DON'T. DO. CRAFTS. (I prefer things with a delete key or Edit --> Undo.) But for whatever reason, I thought it'd be fun to try something different this year - something The Hubs wouldn't be expecting (...at all...). And most of that craft had to do with computer stuff - which is right up my alley - but then came...the paint and distressing.<br />
<br />
O_O<br />
<br />
By the end, I didn't know which was more distressed: my project, or myself.<br />
<br />
I smiled; I cried. I loved it; I hated it. I wanted to hang it on the wall; I wanted to throw it in Dante's Inferno. I couldn't stand to look at it anymore, so I shoved it in a closet for a few days and when I pulled it back out... (repeat aforementioned sequence)<br />
<br />
What was WRONG with me? It was like I was Bipolar, or something. And then came Anxiety: What on EARTH would he think? Would he hate it? Was it cheesy? Of course, OCD-like tendencies kicked in, and I COULD NOT STOP OBSESSING about it.<br />
<br />
Then I realized that I do this very thing with writing. I don't seem to recognize it with my stories, though, because I'm so wrapped up in them that I wouldn't see the warning signs if they were tattooed on my fingers.<br />
<br />
Some days, I love my story. Others, I think a five-year old could do better. I obsess and obsess, scribble notes all over everything, and when it finally comes time to hand it to my betas...<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19845149/asdfg-gif-jack-sparrow-movie-pirates-of-the-cariben-Favim.com-230981_large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19845149/asdfg-gif-jack-sparrow-movie-pirates-of-the-cariben-Favim.com-230981_large.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" /></a><br />
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Creating is HARD. Yes, it's one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things, but it's also one of the most challenging - at least it is for me, anyway. There's nothing else that makes me oscillate between such emotional extremes. Or gives me a minor panic attack when I hand it out for feedback. Or makes me obsess so much that I forget to eat or finish my sentence while plot bunnies jump around in my brain.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">*side note* If this has happened while you were talking to me, I do apologize. I have no control over those bunnies. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">*side note to side note* Also, in my defense, "plot bunnies" are not as innocent as they sound. They're more like the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> in Monty Python and the Holy Grail... (see below)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<img src="http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs4/1881955_o.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" /><br />
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<br />
So maybe calling "Creativity" a "Mental Disorder" is a bit of a misnomer. Maybe referring to it as a causative agent is more accurate. But how - OH HOW! - to deal with it?<br />
<br />
Unless one stops creating altogether, I don't know if there <i>is</i> a remedy. BUT! I do like this quote, because it helps me understand the very root of those bipolar-esque extremes...<br />
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<br />
...and it also supports the OCD argument... =)<br />
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<i><b>I'd like to hear if (1) any of you can relate and (2) how you deal with it!</b></i>Bklosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445205221951596010noreply@blogger.com8