Fabulous and Brunette: 2023

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

War Of The Animals: The Shut Face Of Thunder by Jonathan Decoteau - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hi, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Jonathan Decoteau and his new book, “War Of The Animals: The Shut Face Of Thunder,” here on FAB!! For other stops on his Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Jonathan and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

War Of The Animals:

The Shut Face Of Thunder

Book 1 of 3

by Jonathan Decoteau

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GENRE: Sci-Fi Fantasy

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BOOK BLURB:

Mankind struck first. This time, nature fights back...

A failed effort to weaponize animals awakens their intellects. The military responds by creating death camps to exterminate infected animals. Moon Shadow, an Arctic white wolf, unites with White Claw, a polar bear king, to form Animus Nor, the first animal republic, to negotiate peace. The uneasy peace is broken with the rise of Azaz, lord of the grizzly bears. Azaz attacks human settlements, considering humans an invasive species that wreaks havoc on bears and the environment. A world war breaks out as animals face humans and each other to see who will rule the world.

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EXCERPT ONE:

(The War of The Animals series asks: What if animals rose up against humanity’s pollution of the environment and destruction of their habitats? What if it was a fair fight? This excerpt is from the first chapter and introduces Moon Shadow, queen of the wolves, the protagonist of the early books.)

Moon Shadow shook the harshest of the white winds off with an afflicted whimper. Her paws—icicles lined with nails—winced in their impending numbness. Still, Moon Shadow ran forward. In the distant echo of dreams, she remembered what it was like to live in the world before the end of worlds. An illegally smuggled white Arctic wolf, Moon Shadow knew the love of her former masters before the new age. The tiniest of the humans reminded her of her own pups, tiny balls of white fur that she hoped to coddle until it was their time to hunt. Yet, the same masters took her pups from her, putting them up for the highest bidder to steal. Even after seeing more of the great North American continent than she had ever dreamed of in her life of relative leisure, Moon Shadow had seen no sign of her pups. She wondered if they were now grown with pups of their own. In her heart, she knew it was unlikely that they survived The Rapsys, or Opening of Eyes, as the street dogs of her former town rather poetically referred to this massive change that shook the very marrow of their bones.

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AUTHOR BIO:

I am a nature lover who lives and teaches in beautiful, pastoral New England.

The War of the Animals books were inspired by the 2020 pandemic lockdown. I remember driving by animals that freely roamed the streets after we were in lockdown (I was getting groceries—not ignoring state mandates—I promise!). I felt for the first time how much the animals were in lockdown whenever we weren’t. That inspired the idea of a variety of animals having voices and speaking up for the earth. I started writing the books shortly thereafter.

My website (with character profiles and links to other work) can be found at waroftheanimals.com.

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CONNECT WITH JONATHAN:

Website:

https://waroftheanimals.com

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/war-of-the-animals-book-1-the-shut-face-of-thunder-by-jonathan-decoteau

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1856030.Jonathan_Decoteau

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181195907-war-of-the-animals-book-1

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/3RzJNCY

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BOOK BUY LINKS & FREE BOOK INFO:

**The War Of The Animals: The Shut Face Of Thunder – Book One eBook is available for FREE at most major online retailers, including at the following links listed below**

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3LE20vA

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/455OUOG

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/War-Animals-Book-Shut-Thunder-ebook/dp/B0C9DWKSXS

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/War-Animals-Book-Shut-Thunder/dp/B0C91XTCD6

Apple Books eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/war-of-the-animals-book-1-the-shut-face-of-thunder/id6450721110

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/war-of-the-animals-jonathan-decoteau/1143712349?ean=2940167299306

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/war-of-the-animals-jonathan-decoteau/1143712349?ean=9798988570400

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/war-of-the-animals-book-1-the-shut-face-of-thunder

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/war-of-the-animals-book-1-the-shut-face-of-thunder

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Jonathan will be awarding a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog. This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions. Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Grandpa's Cabin by Ross Victory - Book Tour - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hi, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Ross Victory and his new book, “Grandpa’s Cabin,” here on FAB!! For other stops on his Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Ross Victory and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Grandpa’s Cabin

Book One

by Ross Victory

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GENRE: Horror / Mystery

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BOOK BLURB:

At eighty-four years old, widower and award-winning geneticist Bernie Crenshaw has reached the end of his life. Bernie gifts his only grandson, eighteen-year-old Inglewood high school senior Nova, his multimillion-dollar property located in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.

Years after Bernie's death, Nova hosts a wild twenty-first birthday party weekend filled with alcohol, music, and OnlyFans web cameras. After a handful of eerie encounters in the surrounding Los Angeles forest, Nova's friends allege that his grandpa's cabin is the burial ground for people who disappeared during their childhood.

The birthday weekend shifts from celebration to terror as the friends piece together that the man Nova knew as "Popsi" matches the profile of one of the most notorious wanted criminals in Los Angeles-"L.A. Love Hunter."

Will Nova preserve the Crenshaw family's sadistic legacy, or will he choose the rare and valuable gift of friendship?

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EXCERPT ONE:

Fourteen years ago, Los Angeles

Nova did not understand why first grade had ended early. Dozens of armed security guards descended on the elementary school with their guns drawn. The events of the day, which started with learning to tell time on a silly- framed clock and identifying vowels in sentences, had become disjointed puzzles in Nova’s six-year-old mind, a mind easily distracted by dogs’ tails and why his father shaves his face, but his mother shaves her underarms. Today, his bite-sized body would experience panic, and his mind would be introduced to a modern emotion: terror.

Mr. Woodrow, a frumpy man, only thirty-five but looked sixty, paced the classroom, which was decorated in circus-themed letters and talking numbers. His face was pale and fear-stricken as he explained today’s events to the officers, who observed him with deep suspicion.

“Sir, six-year-old kids don’t just run away from chocolate chip cookies and story time. We need you to breathe and tell us the last time you saw the twins.”

Two chairs, which had been occupied before the recess bell, were now empty. A class of twenty bright-eyed first graders was now eighteen. No one knew where the twins had gone.

After hours of waiting, the class was escorted to the pickup lot, where Nova found his mother, Stella, standing next to their black Range Rover and anxiously biting her left thumbnail down its nail plate.

“Oh, my God!” Stella burst out as she hugged Nova’s frail body tightly. She kissed Nova’s head repeatedly. “Are you okay? You must be so scared.” Nova stood motionless and confused by his mother’s panic.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Ross Victory is an award-winning author and singer/songwriter from Southern California. After the loss of his father and brother, Ross dove into self-discovery, reigniting his childhood passion for creative writing and music production, launching an independent writing career. Victory has dedicated his life to empowering his community while entertaining listeners and readers. Victory provides a multi-format creative experience in Urban Adult Contemporary music and literature, with a focus on creative non-fiction and thematic novellas. Topics include: adventure, family, religion and philosophy, and identity.

Victory is best known for his father-son memoir, "Views from the Cockpit," and multimedia production brand, "Books & Bangers."

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CONNECT WITH ROSS:

Website:

https://www.rossvictory.com

Website:

https://www.grandpascabinbook.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/rossvictorious

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rossvictorious

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/grandpa-s-cabin-book-1-by-ross-victory

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19021734.Ross_Victory

Goodreads Book Page – Grandpa’s Cabin – Book One:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197827060-grandpa-s-cabin

Goodreads Book Page – Grandpa’s Cabin Coloring & Lookbook:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128491848-grandpa-s-cabin-coloring-lookbook

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/3Zu7a31

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/48rDJCJ

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3PPFFh5

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Grandpas-Cabin-J-Ross-Victory-ebook/dp/B0B72GX69J

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Grandpas-Cabin-Book-Ross-Victory/dp/B0BZNCBT26

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grandpas-cabin-j-ross-victory/1141823602?ean=9798218017903

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grandpas-cabin-j-ross-victory/1141823602?ean=9798218017897

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/grandpa-s-cabin

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/grandpa-s-cabin

Walmart Paperback:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Grandpa-s-Cabin-Book-1-Paperback-9798218017897/3054867599

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BONUS BOOK:

Check out Grandpa’s Cabin Coloring & Lookbook from Ross Victory below!!

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/463CeZD

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Grandpas-Cabin-Coloring-Lookbook-Paperback/dp/B0BZNB1QNS

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grandpas-cabin-coloring-lookbook-j-ross-victory/1143265759

Walmart Paperback:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Grandpa-s-Cabin-Grandpa-s-Cabin-Coloring-Lookbook-Collector-s-Edition-Hardcover-Series-1-Hardcover-9798218175450/3265317891

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Ross Victory will be awarding a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 25, 2023

The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker by Charlene Bell Dietz - Book Tour - Book Sale - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hello, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Charlene Bell Dietz and her new book, “The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Charlene and to increase your chances of winning!!

This eBook is on SALE for ONLY $0.99 during the book tour!! See below for more details.

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker

by Charlene Bell Dietz

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GENRE: Mystery, Historical, Suspense Novel

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BOOK BLURB:

A privileged teenager from Minneapolis in 1923, scraps her college scholarship and runs away to become a flapper in dangerous, chaotic Chicago. In her search for illusive happiness, she confronts the mob and then must contrive a way to not be murdered.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Kathleen continued, “You said you wished you could go to college with me. What if we could go somewhere together, not to college, but someplace where we could dance and act and you could sing? I bet with our talents, we could turn this horrid world into something much more joyful—help make it one big party.”

“How?” Sophie’s eyes opened wide.

“We’ll go where you won’t have to teach kids piano, or act or dance, unless you want. You’ll be able to sing your heart out and, who knows, maybe even write your own songs.”

“My mother would never let me.” Sophie looked off into the near distance.

“Sophie, we’ll get to wear sparkly dresses. And wouldn’t you love to wear those modern, classy clothes? We’d bob our hair even shorter, wear lipstick, and be around people who know how to have fun and not have a care in the world.” Sophie should see the photos in Kathleen’s collection of theater magazines again. Then she’d be excited too.

“I’m sick of funerals and consoling others,” Kathleen continued.

“Look at how miserable Dolly is. Aren’t you tired of that too? We’d be around progressive people, thinking people, people who know how to make the most out of life. They’re searching for talent, Sophie. We’ll fit right in.”

“Where, Kathleen? No one much appreciates our abilities here.”

“Chicago. There are all sorts of openings for attractive young ladies with well-turned ankles and voices like canaries. That’s what the advertisements say.”

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GUEST POST:

Five Ways to Your Engage Readers

For years, I’ve judged numerous books for the New Mexico-Arizona Books Awards. After reading hundreds of books, along with decades of figuring out my own writing, I’ve developed a critical eye for winners. Here’s some common traits these frontrunners share.

1.) They make their scenes work hard, really hard, by using one or more of five driving components in their scenes. 1. shows conflict 2. creates suspense 3. reveals character 4. resolves suspense 5. has an emotional reversal.

Think about this: If the first paragraph of a book doesn’t show at least one of these components, how engaged is the reader? An opening line of one of my books reads, “Die, old lady, please die.” This harsh sentence includes the first three tasks I’ve listed for hard-working scenes. The more of these tasks a writer can pack into each scene, the more powerful and will keep the reader up late, turning pages.

2.) These authors avoid on-the-nose dialogue and allow their readers to participate in the fun of writing the book through using subtexts.

Myra whacked him on the head with an 18-wheeler paperweight.

Jock stumbled to the floor. “Why did you do that?”

She smirked, then said, “Because you lied to me.”

Here’s an example of on-the-nose dialogue. It’s placid and uninteresting because it’s what the reader expects these two to say.

Myra whacked him on the head with an 18-wheeler paperweight.

Jock stumbled to the floor. “Holy crap. You’ve turned freaken nuts.”

She smirked, then said, “Just take your truck-load of shit and get.”

Charging it up with some subtext let’s your reader stop and fill in the blanks. When your reader can participate this way, you let your reader become your coauthor.

3.) Often you can find two or three ways to say the same thing, but does it matter? Selecting the perfect word can make a mundane sentence vibrant.

My first paragraph of each of my works suffers many revisions. I’m always looking for the perfect words. This is from my latest mystery in progress.

Original draft:

Kate Hanover turned off the engine. She swallowed hard and looked at the side of the three-storied schoolhouse. A headache started at the back of her neck.

Twentieth draft:

Kate Hanover killed the engine. Strange. Leonard, in a ratty gray overcoat, skulked around the side of that crumbling, fake-adobe, three-storied building she suspected would be the death of her.

4.) Nothing slows the pace or turns readers off more quickly than redundancy. Spotting unnecessary embellishments takes practice, but it’s worth the effort.

Dora’s mind was full of questions. She pulled open the door to the anteroom of his office. There sat Ms. Prim, thumbing through piles of paper and as usual, ignoring her. She wouldn’t bother to question her about Jack. Instead, she’d just charged in and ask him. She pulled his door open and screamed, “I have one question, did you or did you not sleep with Hilda?” She fumed with fury.

This passage has numerous problems:

(Redundancy “she” five times)

(Redundancy , used, “pulled door open” twice)

(Pronoun misuse “She” in the fourth sentence refers to Ms. Prim or Dora?)

(Redundancy “question” three times)

(Buried on-the-nose dialogue, (asking if he did or did not sleep with Hilda.)

(Redundancy and not necessary “and screamed” “She fumed with fury.”)

5.) Finally, the most tragic killer of all, ignoring the opportunity to build suspense.

Look at the paragraph above, the fourth and fifth sentence: She wouldn’t bother to question her about Jack. Instead, she’d just charged in and ask him. These sentences need to be deleted. When writers miss chances to create suspense, their stories become boring.

Winners

Writers who pack their scenes with powerful tasks, use subtext to stimulate the reader’s imagination, get rid of redundancy and over explaining, and employ every opportunity to create suspense will be the few who stride away holding the coveted trophy. These authors have learned to make their stories engaging. Engagement happens only when the writer allows the reader to use their minds for guessing, feeling concern, or wondering how something can possibly turn out well. Grab your reader at the start, hold on, and you strut away with the award.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Charlene Bell Dietz’s award-winning mystery novels The Flapper, the Scientist, and the Saboteur combines family saga with corporate espionage, and The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker propels readers back into 1923 in frenetic Chicago. The Scientist, the Psychic, and the nut gives readers a frightening Caribbean vacation. Her latest novel The Spinster, the Rebel, and the Governor is a historical biography about Lady Margaret Brent, the first American woman to be called an attorney, whose integrity and intelligence saves pre-colonial Maryland from devastation. This book won the New Mexico Press Women’s first place award and an award by the National Press Women. The Spinster, the Rebel, and the Governor will be released as a second edition by Artemesia Press in February 2024. Two of her Flapper books have won the coveted Kirkus stars, and two were named best book of 2018. Charlene, a retired educator, lives in the foothills of the mountains in central New Mexico where abundant wildlife, solitude, and natures’ beauty inspires her creativity.

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CONNECT WITH CHARLENE:

Charlene’s sweet and silly cat fussing about a fawn at her window.

(PC – Charlene Bell Dietz)

Website:

https://inkydancestudios.com

Email:

chardietzpen@gmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/charlene.dietz.9

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15277083.Charlene_Bell_Dietz

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36747175-the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/35FBQ9A

Charlene’s grumpy Says Phoebe, on their front porch, out of the nest, but not ready to fly.

(PC – Charlene Bell Dietz)

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BOOK BUY LINKS & BOOK SALE INFO:

**The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker eBook is on SALE for ONLY $0.99 during the book tour!!!**

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/451L60F

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/45875mJ

Amazon US Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/48knhnE

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Flapper-Impostor-Stalker-Inkydance-Collection-ebook/dp/B077PCF5H1

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Flapper-Impostor-Stalker-Inkydance-Collection/dp/1945212667

Amazon CA Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.ca/Flapper-Impostor-Stalker-Inkydance-Collection/dp/1945212659

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-charlene-bell-dietz/1127529331?ean=9781945212673

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-charlene-bell-dietz/1127529331?ean=9781945212666

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-charlene-bell-dietz/1127529331?ean=9781945212659

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-1

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-1

Treasure House Books Paperback:

https://treasurehousebooks.net/product/the-flapper-the-impostor-and-the-stalker-flapper-scientist-series-2

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Charlene will be awarding a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Voices of Cancer by Lynda Wolters - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lynda Wolters will be awarding a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

"I don't know what to say" and "I don't know what to do" are common responses to a life-threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.

Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.

Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.

EXCERPT ONE:

Voices on Thoughtless Words

There is no perfect thing to say to someone with a devastating disease, but honest conversation and true statements are better than fluffy words that are best suited for use as a slogan. It’s okay to let the patient know you don’t know what to say. It’s okay to let them know you are afraid of offending them or making them feel sad with your words or your personal fear of what they are going through. And it’s okay to just sit with them, cry with them, listen to them vent, or just share space.

Some of my most comforting times were when people just shared space with me. Every time I was hospitalized, my dear friend Michelle would bring all her “gadgets”—cell phone, laptop, etc.—and work from my hospital room. Sometimes staying an hour or more, often not speaking but just sitting with me and working on her laptop, she shared space and her love.

AUTHOR BIO:

Lynda was born and raised in a tiny farming community of 400 in northern Idaho. She worked on the family farm, with her first job being picking rocks out of the fields and ultimately graduating up the ladder to driving a grain truck and combine during harvest. Following high school, Lynda continued her education in Las Vegas before she moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons.

Lynda still resides in Idaho with her husband and their peekapoo, Max.

Lynda has worked in the legal field for 30+ years and enjoys ballroom and swing dancing, horseback riding, kayaking, and river rafting. She has a heart for people and enjoys regularly volunteering. She spends the bulk of her spare time reading and writing.

Lynda was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in August 2016. She touts herself as being a thriving warrior of the disease.

Lynda has completed two books of nonfiction: Voices of Cancer, released in October 2019, and Voices of LGBTQ+, released in August 2020.

The Placeholder, Lynda’s debut novel, was released in November 2022.

Lynda has published the following articles: Navigating the Workplace with Chemo Brain, February 23, 2020, Elephants and Tea. and When Masks Weren’t Popular, March 24, 2020, Patient Power. She has spoken on several podcasts, been a guest on a local talk show regarding Voices of Cancer, and given interviews for other outlets and print.

Jane Brody wrote up Voices of Cancer in the New York Times, her article entitled What to Say to Someone with Cancer, on January 13, 2020, with a follow-up on January 20, 2020, entitled, When Life Throws You a Curveball, Embrace the New Normal.

The Chinese translation rights of Voices of Cancer have been purchased by a grant to offer the book to medical students in Tawain.

Lynda donates Voices of Cancer books and a portion of its proceeds to Epic Experience, a nonprofit camp for adult survivors and thrivers of cancer located in Colorado.

CONNECT WITH LYNDA:

WEBSITE: https://www.lyndawolters.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynda.wolters24
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lyndawolters1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndawolters
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Wolters_Lynda

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

KINDLE: https://amzn.to/3sZSFYC
HARD COPY: https://amzn.to/3PLhzmz
AUDIBLE: https://amzn.to/3PNxYYT

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Futility of Defense by Bryan Cole - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bryan Cole will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Paladins are nothing but trouble. When Krell, an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea, hears the call from ReckNor, the capricious god of the seas and skies, the attention of the rich and powerful turn their gaze toward him. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.

When Krell stands against the might of the sea devils and emerges victorious, concern and interest turn to fear—fear of their secrets and plans being revealed and exposed, of the ruin that often follows in a paladin's wake. Now he stands in defense of a pitiful town at the edge of nowhere, even as the sea devil menace grows more dire for each day that passes.

For as deadly as the sea devils are to Krell, his past choices and the consequences of his actions may be deadlier still . . .

EXCERPT TWO:

Marlena, Dahlia, Verbena, and Dorn were chatting with one another, discussing the weather and talking about the large trader making its way into Watford. Krell had nudged Sheana, and they fell back a bit, so they could talk out of earshot of the others.

Sheana glanced at him when he didn’t say anything, raising an eyebrow. Krell glanced at her, then looked away. She snorted a laugh.

“If you don’t want to talk to me, then why did you separate me from the others?” she asked.

Krell frowned and looked at her again before turning away.

“Hmm. I haven’t seen you like this before,” she said.

Krell nodded.

“Not sure how to say what you want to say? Or is it you don’t know what you want to say?”

Krell glanced at her, then looked back at the path.

Sheana chuckled. “Dahlia is listening to us. Have you noticed?”

Krell looked at Dahlia, who was walking ahead with the group. With them, but slightly behind. Her body was turned slightly. Fortis flew overhead, clearly enjoying the breeze.

“I hadn’t,” said Krell.

“Yes, we know. You aren’t the most observant person. Except when it comes to danger. Then you seem almost magically aware, and I mean that in the literal sense. I think ReckNor wants to keep you alive for some reason!” Her tone was light and jovial.

Krell shook his head. “It’s, well, about yesterday,” he said.

“Hmm, I figured that part out on my own.”

“I just… I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

“Stop being so good with the sword, set aside those useful paladin powers, and demonstrate how weak and lazy you are. Also incompetent, show me you’re incompetent. Then I’ll stop being afraid of you,” she said. “Maybe grow fat, so walking up the hill to the temple nearly kills you.”

Krell looked at her. Her emerald eyes were dancing in mirth, her lips pinched in an effort to not smile. “Also, shrink three inches in height!”

“You were ready for this talk,” he said.

AUTHOR BIO:

Bryan is an avid reader, and has loved the fantasy genre since he was a child. His love of stories of mighty knights, terrible dragons, and noble steeds has inspired him for decades.

CONNECT WITH BRYAN:

Website: https://www.fatpaladin.ca
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22517522.Bryan_Cole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatPaladin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatpaladinbooks

AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/45YOEC9

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Chasing Harmony by Melanie Bell - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Melanie Bell and her new book, “Chasing Harmony,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Melanie and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Chasing Harmony

by Melanie Bell

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GENRE: Young Adult LGBTQ+

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BOOK BLURB:

A refreshing YA debut from Canadian author Melanie Bell, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Becky Albertalli, and Nina LaCour.

Melanie Bell has created a compelling coming-of-age story, featuring a bisexual protagonist, for those that can relate to the search for untapped potential. Told in alternating timelines on Prince Edward Island and Vancouver, Chasing Harmony reminds us of the exhilarating feeling that comes with hearing your heart’s song.

Piano prodigy Anna Stern is used to having all eyes on her. As she becomes a teenager, Anna struggles to find her identity without the soundtrack of sonatas and concertos. There’s also the worry that comes with the crushing expectations of her musical gift and her parents’ imploding marriage.

Anna finds refuge in her best friend, Liss, who is full of magic and escape plans. However, now their relationship is changing and Anna is starting to fall for her. Adding to the complicated status is new kid Darien, who is always vying for Anna's attention.

As the haunting spectre of burnout lurks close by, an upcoming performance with Liss will determine both of their futures. With everything building to a crescendo, what follows is an authentic life in the making.

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EXCERPT ONE:

She blows out the flame, crushes the poster into a ball as bits of ash flake off. She can’t let them catch this.

Another voice: “I swear I didn’t burn anything!”

She grabs the stack of old band posters from the file shelf and stuffs them in her bag. No one else working at The Green Staircase cares about these posters. It was Anna’s idea to keep them.

“Maybe it’s the radiator.”

All those bands, her pride and joy. Who was she kidding?

“I think it’s coming from over there—”

Quick! Into the alley, garbage bins reeking. What bin should burnt paper go in—recycling? Compost? She tosses and runs wildly down the street. Her shift is over. She’s done her job.

Out of habit, she stops at the community center on the corner. It’s late Friday evening, still open, no floor hockey games or beading club for underprivileged youth. No one at the pool tables or arcade.

She rushes to the piano.

No one is there to clap as she launches into the band’s last number, a tender little piece sung by Mustache Man whose burnt face now graces a compost bin. She hasn’t played it before, but that isn’t a problem. Her fingers relish the slick feel of keys, the quick acrobatics of motion. She riffs on the melody, improvises, and adds a solo section. For those lyrics she remembers, she sings along, not powerfully but perfectly in key.

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GUEST POST:

How I Got My Book Cover

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That’s hard to do when the cover is the first thing you see!

A good cover design is important. It attracts readers’ attention – or not. It communicates what the book is about, what the genre is, what the prevailing mood is – or not. A bad cover can be misleading. Fortunately, I think the cover for Chasing Harmony sings in tune with the book.

The cover design for Chasing Harmony was collaborative, and I’m delighted with how it turned out. My publisher, Read Furiously, asked me for input in a questionnaire and an image board. They drew from my responses to inform the cover design.

I had the opportunity to review the initial design and give input. I was able to correct a typo and suggest redoing a bit that was visually confusing.

The cover art shows a silhouette of the main character, Anna, playing the piano. Music notation and piano keys spiral in the background. The designer chose a font similar to something you’d find on sheet music.

I love the extra design elements the publisher used, like the music staff marking each chapter and the rest symbols that designate section breaks. So many careful, thoughtful touches went into my book’s visual design.

I’ve published three books, and I’ve been lucky to have input into all of their covers in some way. The Modern Enneagram is a nonfiction book I coauthored with Kacie Berghoef about the Enneagram personality typology. The cover artist drew inspiration from the colorful logo I’d designed for our Enneagram business at the time.

For my short story collection, Dream Signs, similarly to Chasing Harmony, the publishers asked for examples of book covers that I liked. They hired an artist, the talented Rob Chandler, who took this feedback and created a beautiful visual design.

It’s common for publishers to choose cover art without authorial input, so many authors aren’t fans of the covers they get, but I’ve loved all of mine so far!

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AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:

Melanie Bell is a Canadian multi-genre writer living in the UK. Her books include a short story collection, Dream Signs, a nonfiction title, The Modern Enneagram, and the YA novel Chasing Harmony. She has written for several publications including Contrary, Cicada, The Fiddlehead, and Huffington Post. She loves music, art, and nature, and aspires to see as much of the world as she can.

~ Melanie’s Digital Footprint ~

Website:

http://inspireenvisioning.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/InspireEnvisioning

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/InspireEnvision

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3348460.Melanie_Bell

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61368417-chasing-harmony

Amazon Author Page: