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Monday, September 27, 2021

Origen: True Story of Evil by Peter J. Perry & Kathleen Elizabeth Sumpton - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


Hello, lovelies!!  It gives me great pleasure today to host Peter J. Perry and Kathleen Elizabeth Sumpton and their new book, “Origen: A True Story of Evil,” here on FAB!!  For other stops on their 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 $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with Peter and Kathleen and to increase your chances of winning!!

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

Origen: A True Story of Evil

by Peter J. Perry and Kathleen Elizabeth Sumpton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  True-Crime

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BLURB:

Have you ever come face to face with the devil? In a tapestry of sports, business, and dating, there is an evil presence that is not quite visible to anyone: The Bedroom Strangler. A serial killer that scales fifteen storey buildings, enters through the balcony, and stealthily slithers under the bedroom bed, with the sole intent of raping and murdering innocent women in their sleep. He has been classified as the worst serial killer in Ontario history and Canada's most dangerous criminal ever, operating at the height of London's 40 year serial killer period, from 1974 - 1978.

The Bedroom Strangler is a member of a gym. It is the same gym the protagonist managed during the 1970's. Members of the gym trained and worked out together, never knowing their friend's true nature. In fact, Mike even introduced the killer to a female member friend at a gym party, a woman who lived in the same building as the murderer; a woman who would become his last victim. As a result of unprecedented tactics by police, Mike ends up becoming part of the investigation—but will he be able to stop this evil predator? It took 40 years to write this story and it's important to remember that this story is being told by someone who was there.

Origen: A True Story of Evil truly began when Mike's real-life persona, Peter J. Perry, was just 17 years old. At the time, he was just a student of St. Mary's College in Sault St. Marie who would carry out heated discussions with a priest, Father Lawlor, about the existence of the devil. Father Lawlor tells him that one day he might meet someone so evil, he will surely know the devil exists, and maybe he will do some good by it. And we will. Part of the proceeds of this novel are being contributed to good causes to respect both the victims and Father Lawlor.

The novel's title reflects a belief about the dynamic forms of energy as Origen believed that demons can take human form and humans can also be demonized. What follows is inspired by true events. All the names of characters have been changed and many of the events happened, although not all.

This painting of the gym scene, the dating scene, the underground fighting martial arts scene, the psychiatric scene, and Origen's beliefs may cause you to rethink the devil. If you dare to read the contents of this book, you can come to your own conclusion: Is there more to evil than what we think?

Based on an original screenplay by Peter Perry and Geoff Hart.

Property of the Origen Foundation Inc.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Imagine…

You are managing a gym after just graduating from university, working very hard with a staff of thirty and creating a positive atmosphere of energy to motivate and keep members physically fit. Your mission is to create goodwill in the community at the same time as being a role model, because you have an athletic gift. You are an international powerlifting champion, undefeated. As a Canadian powerlifting champion, you become a living legend in your community, with people of all walks of life joining your gym simply to be around your positive vibe.

But in the midst of this tapestry of sports, business, and dating, there is an evil presence that is not quite visible to anyone: The Bedroom Strangler. A serial killer that scales as high as fifteen story balconies, only to discreetly slither into the unlocked balcony doors of women unbeknownst, with the sole intent to rape and murder. He has been classified as the worst serial killer in Ontario history and Canada’s most dangerous criminal ever. The Bedroom Strangler was a member of the gym I was managing. He trained and worked out with me and other members, unbeknownst to us his true qualities. He socialized with us. In fact, I introduced him to a female member friend of mine at a gym party, who he then murdered. The Bedroom Strangler incidentally lived in the same building as this friend, who was his last victim.

As a result of unprecedented tactics by police, I ended up becoming part of the investigation that stopped this evil predator. Over the years, I questioned why I met someone so evil. I questioned God. Eventually, I came to a conclusion by studying the writings of Origen: do we really understand evil? Can evil be much more than a psychiatric disorder?

People are very uncomfortable considering other possibilities. Origen believed that demons can take human form and humans can also be demonized. What follows is inspired by true events. All the names of characters have been changed but many of the events happened, although not all. At the conclusion of this painting of the gym scene, the dating scene, the underground fighting martial arts scene, the powerlifting scene, the bodybuilding scene, the psychiatric scene, and the Origen scene, you can come to your own conclusion: Is there more to evil than what we think? How have we grown to understand evil, through both language and symbolism perpetuated by our surroundings? What, even, is time? Who, or what, represents the greatest way to understand and defeat evil? And, most of all… What is the difference between death and evil?

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GUEST POST:

The Top 5 Musts for Writing a Bestseller

Everyone I talk to seems to agree. I wrote a novel that is a page turner. So here's my 5 Musts for Writing a Bestseller.

Connectivity (how well audiences identify with your material). In order to create a page turner, your audience has to connect with your characters, goals, questions, mysteries etc.  There needs to be something they identify with to draw them so that they care about what's going to happen on the ensuing pages. Much has been written about "sympathy for the main character". This is one tool in the writer's toolkit. There are many more. How you get the audience to care is up to you. Getting them to care is as important as making your plot an enthralling read.

The Power of your plot. There needs to be an inherent power in what you create.  You can call this the main draw or focus of the story. Often, it's what would be promoted on a book cover or poster. This is the principle reason people decide to read your book without knowing any of the characters, or what's at the heart of your story, (connectivity). To illustrate by example, connectivity is like an internet connection to your viewer.  You can't read an ebook without that connection, and it's not worth reading without a powerful story.  It's not about a balance between the two, it's about having enough of both. The movie "Adaption" with Nicholas Cage is an example of showcasing the differences between connectivity and power of story." When both connectivity and power of story benefit from each other, that's when you will have a page turner of a novel.

Objectivity. During the writing process, writers lose objectivity. Like a journey through a dense forest, we become lost and don't know if the direction we're heading is the right one.  Having someone on the outside feeding you objectivity, is crucial.  In essence, what they're doing is letting you know if you're continuing to connect, elicit their emotions, curiosity, and enthusiasm of finding out what happens in your story.  Objectivity is necessary for both the creative aspect as well as for format.  Always get others to proofread your story to locate formatting and grammar mistakes that you miss due to a lack of objectivity.

Marketing. Why should a writer be concerned with marketing? Marketing is an integral part of bestsellers. Writer's need to be conscientious of what marketers need.  Spending time thinking about how your book will be marketed allows the writer to add necessary components to the story to make the marketer's job easier. The title of your book is the first thing a reader sees. Is the title intriguing? The front cover of your book accomplishes what a poster does for a movie. The tag line, is often a one line sentence that sheds light on the Power behind your story, which instigates curiosity or a compulsion to find out more. These three items are tools in the writer's toolkit that allows your novel to achieve broader audiences.

A memorable ending. The end to your story can have a lasting effect on a reader long after they've put your book back on the shelf. A memorable ending is sometimes different from the Power of the story.  A memorable ending may be woven with the Power of your story or it can connect back to the heart of the story.  For instance, the goal of your character may be a love interest. You could end the story with your characters living happily ever after. However, your ending might be more memorable, if they're unable/incapable of living happily ever after. (Bridges of Madison County). If the audience connected with your characters, and are rooting for their goal, an ending whereby the goal is never achieved might be heart wrenching memorable.

This illustrates my five "Musts" for writing a Bestselling novel.

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AUTHOR BIO – PETER J. PERRY:

PETER J. PERRY’S athletic accomplishments include being an eight-time Canadian open powerlifting champion from 1976-1984. He won the North American powerlifting championship in 1979, and dedicated his trophy to the woman he promised he would dedicate it to in this novel, Jessica. Peter was also the U.S. deadlift champion in 1980, International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Open fifth place in 1982, World Masters level-one drug-free powerlifting champion in 1991, and three-time Canadian Masters Powerlifting champion in the years 1991, 1992 and 1993. Best gym lifts certified by the IPF judge are: squat at 750 lbs, bench press at 450 lbs and deadlift at 775 lbs at a body weight of 208 lbs. Knee wraps and squat suit plus a lifting belt were the only pieces of equipment used.

Peter founded Peter Perry Insurance Agency LTD in 1978 and is still the operating president. The company is a London-based insurance and investment brokerage specializing in RRSPs, tax-free savings accounts, segregated funds, tax shelters, RRIFs & LIFs, creditor proofing, annuities, educational savings plans, GICs, and Mortgage insurances. Being a certified and award-winning independent brokerage allows Peter to custom-tailor financial portfolios to suit the specific needs of the client and easily make amendments as one journeys through the various stages of their life. Peter’s acclaimed background in health and fitness as a drug-free world & Canadian powerlifting champion makes him particularly mindful of retirement, health and long-term planning and incorporating all aspects of life into the advice he provides his clients. Click here to learn more about Peter’s athletic accomplishments.

Some interesting facts about Peter are that he was born in Toronto but grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. He became a St. Mary’s Knight due to his academics and sports and is a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Sault Ste. Marie. He was the manager of Vic Tanny’s gym from 1974 to 1978 before launching his insurance company and beginning a new career path.

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CONNECT WITH PETER:

Website:

https://origenthebook.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/origenthebook

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21598260.Peter_J_Perry

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58330394-origen

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AUTHOR BIO – KATHLEEN ELIZABETH SUMPTON:

KATHLEEN ELIZABETH SUMPTON is an advocate for the arts and often works with languages. With a passion for culture and a focus on communications, she is an Author. Poet, and Communications Professional with a primary focus on writing. She has a working background in fourteen different languages.

Her five-year plan is to secure two master’s degrees in English and business, followed by a PhD in English, while running her freelance business.

Her 10-year goal is to publish novels and other works in the genre of satire in order to strengthen communications locally and globally by discussing the proper use of language and terminology.

Her work brings awareness to large societal issues such as the criminal justice system, substance abuse, and mental health, a variety of topics everyone else is too afraid to talk about.

As a representative for members of the community as well as for her own projects, Kathleen hopes to enrich her surroundings with both the beauty and power writing holds. It is now her personal mission in life to provide meaning and entice insight through literature. When she is not busy with her work, you can find Kathleen enjoying the outdoors or spending time with family. Favourite hobbies are working out and people-watching. She operates out of Southern Ontario.

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CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN:

Website:

https://origenthebook.com

Website:

https://www.kathleensumpton.com

Kathleen’s Shop:

https://www.kathleensumpton.com/shop

Facebook – Book Page:

https://www.facebook.com/origenthebook

Facebook – Fan Page:

https://www.facebook.com/kathleenelizabethsumpton

Facebook – Personal Page:

https://www.facebook.com/kathleensumpton

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/kathleensumpton

Instagram – Author Page:

https://www.instagram.com/kathleenelizabethsumpton

Instagram – Artist Page:

https://www.instagram.com/kathleensumptonart

Instagram – Personal Page:

https://www.instagram.com/kathleensumpton

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleensumpton

Snapchat:

https://www.snapchat.com/kathsphotograph

TikTok:

https://tiktok.com/@kathleensumpton

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/kathleensumpton

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20390534.Kathleen_Elizabeth_Sumpton

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58330394-origen

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

http://amzn.to/2Y2ms3E

Amazon US Paperback:

http://amzn.to/3m4t7SO

Amazon US Hardcover:

http://amzn.to/3CSa44P

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Origen-Story-Kathleen-Elizabeth-Sumpton-ebook/dp/B096X8HJP5

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Origen-Story-Kathleen-Elizabeth-Sumpton/dp/0228826306

Amazon CA Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.ca/Origen-True-Story-Peter-Perry/dp/0228826314

Apple Books eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/origen-a-true-story-of-evil/id1571778612

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/origen-peter-j-perry/1139665556?ean=2940164932312

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/origen-peter-j-perry/1139665556?ean=9780228826309

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/origen-peter-j-perry/1139665556?ean=9780228826316

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Origen-Peter-J-Perry-Kathleen-Elizabeth-Sumpton/9780228826309

The Book Depository Hardcover:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Origen-Peter-J-Perry/9780228826316

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Origen/Peter-J-Perry/9780228826309

BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Origen/Peter-J-Perry/9780228826316

The Bookshop Paperback:

https://bookshop.org/books/origen-a-true-story-of-evil-9780228826316/9780228826309

The Bookshop Hardcover:

https://bookshop.org/books/origen-a-true-story-of-evil-9780228826316/9780228826316

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/origen-19

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/origen-19

Smashwords eBook:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1088574

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Peter and Kathleen will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card 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 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.

Friday, September 24, 2021

The Lady and the Texan by Bobbi Smith - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!!  It gives me great pleasure today to host Bobbi Smith and her exciting new book, “The Lady and the Texan,” 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 $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with Bobbi and to increase your chances of winning!

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

The Lady and the Texan

by Bobbi Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Historical Romance

(Sequel to Lady Deception)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The Lady

A firebrand since the day she was born, Amanda Taylor always stood up for what she believed in. Growing up in Texas, she could ride and shoot with the best of the boys before being sent back East for a more refined education. A firm believer in women’s rights, she was not going to let any man control her—especially a man like the rough-and-ready gunslinger Jack Logan, who had been sent by her father to escort her safely back to Texas.

The Texan

After a deadly run-in with the infamous El Diablo, Jack Logan left the Texas Rangers, no longer able to trust his instincts—or any woman. He knew Dan Taylor’s daughter was trouble, and yet her defiant spirit only spurred his hunger for her. Jack discovered that keeping the dark-haired tigress at bay was a lot harder than outsmarting the outlaws who were after him—and surrendering to the sweet fury in her arms was a heck of a lot riskier.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Jack Logan was not in the best mood as he stared out the window of his hired carriage. He’d thought it would be simple, traveling to Philadelphia to escort Amanda Taylor back to Texas to her father. He’d made it to the Randall home, but had been informed that Amanda was spending the night at a friend’s home. He’d headed there, only to discover she wasn’t there either. The servant had given him an address where the young women had gone and now as the carriage drew to a stop in front of a bar, Jack shook his head in disbelief. He had no idea what Amanda Taylor would be doing here.

There was a crowd gathered, and he could hear shouts coming the bar. He hurried inside. The sight that greeted him left him stunned. Six axe-wielding women were smashing every table, glass and bottle of liquor in the saloon.

“Down with demon liquor!” one woman shouted.

“What the hell is going on?” the bartender bellowed.

“We are here to save souls!” the women of the temperance movement responded.

Jack pulled out the tintype Dan had given him of Amanda. If one of these battleaxes was Amanda Taylor, he had to get her out of there fast.

The bartender snatched up a bottle of whiskey from the counter when a raven-haired woman confronted him.

“Put that bottle down!” she ordered. “We’re here to destroy this blight upon our land!”

“You swing that axe and I’m sending for the law!”

She did and he did.

“You men! Get the constable!”

Several men bolted out the door to get help.

Jack recognized the woman as Amanda, and he knew he had to make his move now. The last thing he wanted to do was bail her out of jail. True, she was armed and might prove dangerous, but he’d dealt with worse than her before and survived.

“I’ll handle her.” Jack’s tone was so deadly and serious, the bartender stopped his advance.

Amanda lifted her axe again to shatter another bottle, and Jack made his move. He snared her around the waist and jerked her back against him, twisting the weapon out of her grip.

“Unhand me, you fiend!” Amanda cried out in alarm as she found herself pinned against a hard male body in an unyielding grip.

“Shut up!” he ground out, tossing her axe aside.

Amanda fought him with all her might, but his strength was overpowering.

Time was of the essence, so Jack gave up the effort to treat her like a lady. He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She went still, and he smiled grimly as he disappeared out the door with her. He had to get her back to Texas to her father.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Bobbi Smith

Queen of the Western Romance

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million copies of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, the USA Today Best Seller List and the Wal-Mart Best Seller List.

The rights to Ms. Smith’s books have been sold to China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Russia and Sweden. Bobbi has also written two faith-based contemporary novels – Haven and Miracles – using the pseudonym Julie Marshall.

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CONNECT WITH BOBBI:

Website:

https://bobbismithauthor.com

Email:

https://bobbismithauthor.com/contact

Facebook Group – Bobbi Smith Books:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/45814589415/about

Fantastic Fiction Author Page:

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/bobbi-smith

BookBub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bobbi-smith

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13375.Bobbi_Smith

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35839890-the-lady-and-the-texan

Amazon Author Page:

http://amzn.to/2MH9rBV

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

http://amzn.to/2XUMW78

Amazon US Paperback:

http://amzn.to/3CH3gXL

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lady-Texan-Bobbi-Smith-ebook/dp/B074B4J9ZY

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lady-Texan-Bobbi-Smith/dp/084394319X

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Lady-Texan-Bobbi-Smith/9780843943191

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/product/A16799246223

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Bobbi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC 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 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.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Stargazer by David Scott - Book Tour - Exclusive Excerpt - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hello, lovelies!!  It gives me great pleasure today to host David Scott and his new book, “Stargazer,” 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 $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with David and to increase your chances of winning!!

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

Stargazer

by David Scott

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Autobiography

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

For thousands of years, stars have held our attention and imagination. They influence our life—we wish upon them, sing songs about them, navigate by them, write about them, follow them, and even give their name to the actors we love. My memories have revealed a lifetime of navigating by the stars, and moving beyond the fear and anxiety that self-doubt so insidiously cloaks us in. Yes, as Jiminy Cricket sang for us in Walt Disney's Pinocchio, "when you wish upon a star . . . fate steps in and sees you through."

Memories and influences have a profound effect on our lives. I look back on my childhood years—the 1940s to mid-'50s—and I can recall the people who were inspirational to me. Mostly it was my family, but there was also Jiminy Cricket. You no doubt recollect the song "When You Wish Upon a Star," with its lyrics that lift the spirit and let you believe anything is possible. I didn't doubt Jiminy for a minute.

The early years of my life were a time of innocence, security, adventure, and family love. How quickly my situation changed—one decision by my parents, made with my best interests foremost in their thoughts, shattered the world I had known. Through the fear, torment, isolation, and loss of my own identity, my memories and influences would come to have an overwhelming power on the choices I was to make.

My transition from teenager to adult seemed to happen overnight, but my unflappable outward appearance belied the struggles of a boy coming to terms with his guilt, and an irresistible need for his parents to be proud of him. My future was being shaped from the past, but it took me a long time to realise it. I chose the road less travelled, steeped in the wonder of the cinema and accompanied by my beloved animal companions, and it has been intriguing, daunting, rewarding, and, at times, solitary, but I always felt it was the path I was meant to take.

Like so many people, I let the emotions attached to memories hold me captive, and I missed opportunities to choose with more clarity. A near-death experience helped me to live a simpler life. Participating in a creative writing course inspired me to engage in script writing, stage work, and novel writing. This is my third book, an autobiography that has revealed more of me than I ever intended to share, and fate has led you to it.

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

The war ended, taking with it most of the region’s military forces, the tent theatres and long traffic delays on the bridge crossing the Murray River.

Along with showing movies at Wodonga, Dad had started doing the same at the shire hall in Numurkah, a small town an hour-and-three-quarters drive west. From Wodonga, he travelled a short distance along the Hume Highway before turning onto the Murray Valley Highway, a road with a single lane each way that followed the Victorian side of the Murray River. He passed through Cobram along the way, a tiny town by the Murray River that was around one hundred kilometres downstream from Wodonga. Its population of four hundred and fifty was on the verge of expanding under a government scheme to establish irrigated dairy farms for servicemen returning from the war; earthworks to establish a vast network of channels to carry water from the river to the allotments were already underway.

It had no cinema so the opportunity for a free selection of movies to exhibit caused Dad to alter the location of the theatre he proposed to build from Wodonga to Cobram.

“Pack up your toys, Dick. We’re going to live where the sun sets.” Dad made it sound like a great adventure when, late in 1946, we moved to Cobram, leaving behind, in my case, a set of tonsils. I don’t know why he nicknamed me “Dick” when my name was David. It was a term of endearment, not a reference to my male appendage—the term for that was “whistlepot.”

Tea chests were filled with our belongings, several destined to remain sealed forever behind the silver screen at the theatre Dad would later build at Cobram. Decades later, I prised the lid off one and found round light shades, huge globes and coloured dog jackets with numbers on them—items from the Wodonga greyhound course when it closed. I will never know what was in the others as they went up in flames when the theatre burnt down in the twenty-first century.

My first impressions of Cobram were bleak. The gravelled main street was lined with peppercorn trees, gutters being car-tyre-rutted trenches to distinguish them from dirt footpaths. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, Dad had parked our car in the centre of the weed-infested theatre site.

A rambling weatherboard house that had been added to as the family grew flanked one side of the theatre block, a Vacuum Oil depot on the other. Behind the properties was a narrow pot-holed laneway with outside toilets backing onto it, their back flaps installed for the convenience of the weekly dunny-cart run.

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AUTHOR BIO:

David Scott is a playwright, director and novelist – among other things. His career included forty years as a film exhibitor; establishing a horse stud; managing a motel; working in the hospitality industry, and a few other experiences along the way. David’s latest book, Stargazer, is an autobiography highlighting the value of family, ingenuity, bravado, old-fashioned common sense, colourful characters and unfailing good humour. From rural towns in Victoria and New South Wales, to the mountain life in Queensland, the constant has been faithful canine companions, perseverance and a joy for living.

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CONNECT WITH DAVID:

Website:

http://davidscottbooks.com

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/davidscottstargazer

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20324821.David_Scott

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53496379-stargazer

Amazon Author Page:

http://amzn.to/2XCMRV4

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

http://amzn.to/3AANVYb

Amazon US Paperback:

http://amzn.to/2XHU9XS

Amazon US Hardcover:

http://amzn.to/3AvR5ws

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Stargazer-David-Scott-ebook/dp/B0849SXLVR

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824036

Amazon CA Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.ca/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824044

Amazon AU Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Stargazer-David-Scott-ebook/dp/B0849SXLVR

Amazon AU Paperback:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824036

Amazon AU Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824044

Amazon UK Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stargazer-David-Scott-ebook/dp/B0849SXLVR

Amazon UK Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824036

Amazon UK Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stargazer-David-Scott/dp/0228824044

Apple Books eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/stargazer/id1496449313

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stargazer-david-scott/1136261174?ean=2940163451470

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stargazer-david-scott/1136261174?ean=9780228824039

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stargazer-david-scott/1136261174?ean=9780228824046

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Stargazer-David-Scott/9780228824039

The Book Depository Hardcover:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Stargazer-David-Scott/9780228824046

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Stargazer/David-Scott/9780228824039

BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Stargazer/David-Scott/9780228824046

The Bookshop Paperback:

https://bookshop.org/books/stargazer-9780228824039/9780228824039

The Bookshop Hardcover:

https://bookshop.org/books/stargazer-9780228824039/9780228824046

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/stargazer-34

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/stargazer-34

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

David will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card 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 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.

Reluctant Groom Anthology by Various Authors - Featuring: Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack with a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


ANTHOLOGY BOOK BLURB:

He’s older, wiser, and always gets what he wants. This wedding is happening ... whether the groom likes it or not.

Our seven hand-picked stories feature young reluctant grooms and the older men determined to claim them. These forced marriages may start out frigid, but our authors will prove that love can conquer all.

Evernight's Reluctant Groom anthology stories are sure to deliver passion that is off the charts, scorching hot sex, and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.

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INCLUDED STORIES:

Worth the Risk by Allyson Young
Sins of the Father by Hannah Morse
Room With a View by James Cox
Making It Real by Marie Medina
Protecting Chauncey by Cooper McKenzie
October Surprise by L.J. Longo
Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer

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EXCERPT ONE:

From Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer

#1 ©MeganSlayer, All Rights Reserved

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Hudson Granger said. “I have to do what?” He’d misheard the declaration from his assistant.

“Lucas?”

“Get married.” Lucas Cole held the tablet and looked up at him.

“You can stay in your position with Granger Stores and will be given your inheritance if you get married before the end of the month. It’s one of the stipulations in your father’s will. Every child must be married before the end of January. It’s already January twenty-eighth.”

“Or I can’t inherit that money and keep my position as the head of Granger Stores?” Hudson pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m the only child who isn’t married.”

“Correct.” Lucas sighed and swiped his finger over the screen.

“Apparently, your sisters don’t get their money until you’re married.

They’ve got incentive to get you coupled up.”

“Crap.” He swayed before settling on the edge of his desk.

“They want the cash. Lia needs money for her second honeymoon, Cassie wants to put her kids through private school, and Desiree needs an infusion of money to her design studio.”

“Yes, yes, and yes.” Lucas paled. His blue eyes widened.

“They’re on the way up here. Looks like Cassie was in the lobby with a brunette woman. She’s trying to fix you up, I bet.”

“I’m gay.”

“I know that, and so do your sisters.” Lucas placed the tablet on Hudson’s desk. “What do you want to do? This is your life, and it should be your decision.”

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AUTHOR BIO:


Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

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CONNECT WITH MEGAN & WENDI:

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BOOK BUY LINKS:


Amazon US Kindle eBook:

Amazon US Paperback:

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

Amazon CA Paperback:

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

Evernight Publishing eBook:

Kobo US eBook:

Kobo CA eBook:

Smashwords eBook:

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**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 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.