I know a man whose name is Lang
and he has a neon sign
And Mr. Lang is very old
So we call it Old Lang's Sign
My cover gallery for 2012. 3 novels, 4 anthologies, a stand alone short and a collection of my shorts.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Yuletide Youtube: Farewell 2012
Yuletide Youtube
I know a man whose name is Lang
and he has a neon sign
And Mr. Lang is very old
So we call it Old Lang's Sign
My cover gallery for 2012. 3 novels, 4 anthologies, a stand alone short and a collection of my shorts.
I know a man whose name is Lang
and he has a neon sign
And Mr. Lang is very old
So we call it Old Lang's Sign
My cover gallery for 2012. 3 novels, 4 anthologies, a stand alone short and a collection of my shorts.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
My apologies for Rum-pa-pum-pummeling you so late in the season. But this is one of my favorites.
Pic of the Day
Pic of the Day
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Help me Obi-Wan KaFriendlist, you're my only hope
I have a problem.
There's this novel, see? Bounty hunters. And it's almost done, but we got no title.
And we can't use the word "hunt" in the title.
Basic premise: Miho is looking for a way to get his ship fixed, so he takes a job that gives him the willies. He has a run-in with a much-older hunter, Hevik, who also takes the job. (The corp is hiring anyone who will take it) He keeps bumping into Hevik, whether on a pleasure planet during a week-long rave, or on an arena planet, where they end up in a free-for-all death match, or escaping an idyllic world's prison moon. And with every stop, the older man gets a little farther under his skin.
I have no idea what to call this.
I'm down to "Across Oceans of Space." (a joke title from the SW fanfic 'verse)
What says SF Adventure/Romance?
Title suggestions taken, chosen title will get a free ebook, and maybe a guest appearance!
There's this novel, see? Bounty hunters. And it's almost done, but we got no title.
And we can't use the word "hunt" in the title.
Basic premise: Miho is looking for a way to get his ship fixed, so he takes a job that gives him the willies. He has a run-in with a much-older hunter, Hevik, who also takes the job. (The corp is hiring anyone who will take it) He keeps bumping into Hevik, whether on a pleasure planet during a week-long rave, or on an arena planet, where they end up in a free-for-all death match, or escaping an idyllic world's prison moon. And with every stop, the older man gets a little farther under his skin.
I have no idea what to call this.
I'm down to "Across Oceans of Space." (a joke title from the SW fanfic 'verse)
What says SF Adventure/Romance?
Title suggestions taken, chosen title will get a free ebook, and maybe a guest appearance!
And it can't use any of these words:
All
Bad
Blood
Blue
Blue
Bound
Capture/Captive
Dark
Dragon
Dream
Eye of
Dragon
Dream
Eye of
Fantasy
Forbidden
Heart of
Forbidden
Heart of
Hero
Hunt (Hunted, Hunter, etc.)
Hunt (Hunted, Hunter, etc.)
Knight
Magic/Magick
Midnight
More Than
Magic/Magick
Midnight
More Than
Moonlust (or Moon Lust)
Night
Paradise
Shadow
Slave
Submission
"Tales of”
Time
Night
Paradise
Shadow
Slave
Submission
"Tales of”
Time
Two Men
Vampire
Vampire
Wild
Winter
Wolf/Wolfe
Winter
Wolf/Wolfe
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Yuletide Youtube: Merry Christmas
Yuletide Youtube
Pic of the day:
It's hard protecting your presents after the apocalypse.
Pic of the day:
It's hard protecting your presents after the apocalypse.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube.
Pic of the Day. Drive carefully, my holiday travelers
From me and mine to you and yours, have a merry Christmas.
Pic of the Day. Drive carefully, my holiday travelers
From me and mine to you and yours, have a merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
An experiment
A social experiment: Could I spend a month without Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus? (I can't give up Youtube, that's where I keep my typing music)
Would my creativity and productivity improve if I spent all the time I'm currently using on Facebook and other "social media" promoting myself and other such things actually writing instead?
I guess I'll find out in January. I am removing all social media from my phone, and only allowing myself one hour a week on Facebook (probably mostly spent doing Flair of the day) and other social media to see if I can discipline myself into writing more and "everything else" less.
The only way to reach me will be through my livejournal, and my website.
That's it . . . for January, at least. And we'll see where I need to go from there.
So, during January, if you need me, bear in mind I'm only checking my e-mail twice a day through the aggregator on my phone: early morning and late afternoon. But, don't fret, I will also be updating my blog at least three times a week. So, check out how long I can last at this challenge here at Livejournal or at Blogger (LJ mirror). These posts are mirrored to Facebook and Google+ automatically.
My goal is 62,000 words in January, 2000 a day.
Would my creativity and productivity improve if I spent all the time I'm currently using on Facebook and other "social media" promoting myself and other such things actually writing instead?
I guess I'll find out in January. I am removing all social media from my phone, and only allowing myself one hour a week on Facebook (probably mostly spent doing Flair of the day) and other social media to see if I can discipline myself into writing more and "everything else" less.
The only way to reach me will be through my livejournal, and my website.
That's it . . . for January, at least. And we'll see where I need to go from there.
So, during January, if you need me, bear in mind I'm only checking my e-mail twice a day through the aggregator on my phone: early morning and late afternoon. But, don't fret, I will also be updating my blog at least three times a week. So, check out how long I can last at this challenge here at Livejournal or at Blogger (LJ mirror). These posts are mirrored to Facebook and Google+ automatically.
My goal is 62,000 words in January, 2000 a day.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Yuletide Youtube, with free books!
Yuletide Youtube
Pic of the day
Free books:
Dex in Blue, from ARE. It's gay today. http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Dreams of Steam 2, lots of good steampunk. http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Steam-Bras
And my holiday giveaway is still live.
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/170
Pic of the day
Free books:
Dex in Blue, from ARE. It's gay today. http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Dreams of Steam 2, lots of good steampunk. http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Steam-Bras
And my holiday giveaway is still live.
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/170
Friday, December 21, 2012
Give away!
Tis the Season for giving!
And you can get one of my ebooks free. Today only. Any book you want. from short story reprints to my newest release. Directions are here:
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1705172.html
~~~
There's a Science Fiction Romance give away on Sunday the 23rd:
http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/2012/12/sfr-news-links-extra-december-2012.html
~~~
Reviews by Jessewave is having the annual giveaway.
Read the DIRECTIONS!
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/12/20/gearing-up-for-the-big-ass-holiday-author-giveaway-what-you-need-to-know-and-do/
~~~
All Romance Ebook's free book of the day:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-checkmate-395968-152.html
And you can get one of my ebooks free. Today only. Any book you want. from short story reprints to my newest release. Directions are here:
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1705172.html
~~~
There's a Science Fiction Romance give away on Sunday the 23rd:
http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/2012/12/sfr-news-links-extra-december-2012.html
~~~
Reviews by Jessewave is having the annual giveaway.
Read the DIRECTIONS!
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/12/20/gearing-up-for-the-big-ass-holiday-author-giveaway-what-you-need-to-know-and-do/
~~~
All Romance Ebook's free book of the day:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-checkmate-395968-152.html
Yuletide Youtube: Keepeing the Sol in Solstice
Yuletide Youtube
Pic of the day: Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge
Yule sachets:
Bay
Cloves
Juniper berries
Orange peel, grated
Orris root
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Squares of your favorite holiday fabric
Colorful ribbon
Cinnamon sticks
Small bells
Mix the herbs together in a bowl. Blend varying proportions of each until you've got the scent you want -- here's a hint: start small!
Use a spoon to place the blended herbs into the center of a square of fabric. Pull the corners up and tie with the ribbon. Tie a cinnamon stick and a couple of bells in place as well. Use a second piece of ribbon to create a loop so you can hang the sachet if you like.
Timesaver tip: you can buy small tulle bags in holiday colors and spoon the herb blend into them. Pull the drawstring closed and tie shut, then hang up on your tree, or give them to a friend.
Pic of the day: Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge
Yule sachets:
Bay
Cloves
Juniper berries
Orange peel, grated
Orris root
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Squares of your favorite holiday fabric
Colorful ribbon
Cinnamon sticks
Small bells
Mix the herbs together in a bowl. Blend varying proportions of each until you've got the scent you want -- here's a hint: start small!
Use a spoon to place the blended herbs into the center of a square of fabric. Pull the corners up and tie with the ribbon. Tie a cinnamon stick and a couple of bells in place as well. Use a second piece of ribbon to create a loop so you can hang the sachet if you like.
Timesaver tip: you can buy small tulle bags in holiday colors and spoon the herb blend into them. Pull the drawstring closed and tie shut, then hang up on your tree, or give them to a friend.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
One freebie and two reminders
Restless Spirit is the ARE free ebook of the day.
Looks like het with a chance of promiscuity.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
~~~
On the manly side, Jessewave's is gearing up for the Holiday give away.
Go read the instruction post:
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2
(PS, my stuff is in the 8 AM bundle)
~~~
Looks like het with a chance of promiscuity.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
~~~
On the manly side, Jessewave's is gearing up for the Holiday give away.
Go read the instruction post:
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2
(PS, my stuff is in the 8 AM bundle)
~~~
My own holiday giveaway will be at http://valarltd.livejournal.com
You do NOT need an LJ account.
Prepare now.
Go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com
Pick out one book you would like to have.
Zombiality, Dragons Composed and Dreams of Steam 1&2 are NOT eligible
On Friday, I will put up a post with screened comments.
Leave your e-mail and title in the screened comments.
I will email you a book.
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic of the day:
"It's not that I don't believe in God. I just don't think he's a single parent."
Yule simmering Potpourri
Blend together:
3 Cups dried orange peel
1 Cup dried lemon zest
4 Cinnamon sticks, snapped into thirds
1/4 Cup whole cloves
1/4 Cup pine needles
A pinch of allspice
10 juniper berries
Mix in a bowl and then keep in a Mason jar until you're ready to use.
If you're not done shopping, you're down to gift cards.
Pic of the day:
"It's not that I don't believe in God. I just don't think he's a single parent."
Yule simmering Potpourri
Blend together:
3 Cups dried orange peel
1 Cup dried lemon zest
4 Cinnamon sticks, snapped into thirds
1/4 Cup whole cloves
1/4 Cup pine needles
A pinch of allspice
10 juniper berries
Mix in a bowl and then keep in a Mason jar until you're ready to use.
If you're not done shopping, you're down to gift cards.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Reminders about stuff
1) The Big Yule Give-Away is Friday at my LiveJournal. A link will be posted here.
Right now, you might want to go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com and decide what you want. I will make a post with screened comments, all you have to do is leave your email and the title.
2) I've started Blogging for Dollars at Squidoo.
My posts are:
http://www.squidoo.com/easy-yule-orname
http://www.squidoo.com/greatgrandmas-su
http://www.squidoo.com/last-minute-g
And you have to log in to see this one:
http://www.squidoo.com/the-disunited-st
That one is all about the Nikolai 'verse
I could use some likes and comments, please
3) I'm up for an award from the Paranormal Romance Guild. You have to join the site, but it is free. Power in the Blood is up for Readers' Choice in Horror and could use some votes.
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/
4) the ARE free book of the day is Pestilence by TA Chase. TA is always good and this looks like a really sweet one. https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pestilence-653832-140.html
5) One of the best gifts you can give a writer, besides buying their books, is a review at Amazon. This helps get the book higher in the rankings and more people see it.
Right now, you might want to go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com and decide what you want. I will make a post with screened comments, all you have to do is leave your email and the title.
2) I've started Blogging for Dollars at Squidoo.
My posts are:
http://www.squidoo.com/easy-yule-orname
http://www.squidoo.com/greatgrandmas-su
http://www.squidoo.com/last-minute-g
And you have to log in to see this one:
http://www.squidoo.com/the-disunited-st
That one is all about the Nikolai 'verse
I could use some likes and comments, please
3) I'm up for an award from the Paranormal Romance Guild. You have to join the site, but it is free. Power in the Blood is up for Readers' Choice in Horror and could use some votes.
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/
4) the ARE free book of the day is Pestilence by TA Chase. TA is always good and this looks like a really sweet one. https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pestilence-653832-140.html
5) One of the best gifts you can give a writer, besides buying their books, is a review at Amazon. This helps get the book higher in the rankings and more people see it.
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube
Pic of the day, simply because it was SO wrong.
M&M Cookies in a Jar
For each Jar:
1 wide-mouth quart (4-cup) canning jars with lid and rings
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 1⁄4 cup M&M-brand chocolate candies
2 cups sifted flour, all purpose
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
3⁄4 cups brown sugar, packed
1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Sift flour before measuring. Mix together flour, soda and baking powder. Layer flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar and M&Ms-brand candies in jar. Pack firmly.
2. Cut appropriate number of 7-inch circles from cotton fabric. Top each jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon.
3. Print appropriate number of gift tags. Cut gift tags apart and attach to ribbon. Or, hand-write recipe tag using the recipe below.
M&M Cookies in a Jar Recipe
Empty jar of cookie mix into mixing bowl; blend thoroughly.
Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened, 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended.
Roll into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees until edges are lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Cool on cookie sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
Pic of the day, simply because it was SO wrong.
M&M Cookies in a Jar
For each Jar:
1 wide-mouth quart (4-cup) canning jars with lid and rings
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 1⁄4 cup M&M-brand chocolate candies
2 cups sifted flour, all purpose
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
3⁄4 cups brown sugar, packed
1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Sift flour before measuring. Mix together flour, soda and baking powder. Layer flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar and M&Ms-brand candies in jar. Pack firmly.
2. Cut appropriate number of 7-inch circles from cotton fabric. Top each jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon.
3. Print appropriate number of gift tags. Cut gift tags apart and attach to ribbon. Or, hand-write recipe tag using the recipe below.
M&M Cookies in a Jar Recipe
Empty jar of cookie mix into mixing bowl; blend thoroughly.
Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened, 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended.
Roll into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees until edges are lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Cool on cookie sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube.
Some pagan folk metal to get you going on a Tuesday
Pic of the day:
Today is the last day to order from my etsy shop before Christmas.
Don't forget the Den of Debauchery's Big Yule Giveaway on Friday. For one day, you can request one free book from me. Might take a peek at the Den and see what you want!
The free book today is Dark star. Het contemporary thriller
Easy craft of the day
Cinnamon Stick Pentagrams –
Soak 5 cinnamon sticks (each about the same length) overnight in warm water.
In the morning, pat them dry and form them into a pentagram. The soaking will make them pliable so that as you overlap them, they will bend more easily.
Hot glue the ends together and then wrap the ends also with twine or raffia and tie it off.
Use extra raffia to create a loop at the top for hanging.
Some pagan folk metal to get you going on a Tuesday
Pic of the day:
Today is the last day to order from my etsy shop before Christmas.
Don't forget the Den of Debauchery's Big Yule Giveaway on Friday. For one day, you can request one free book from me. Might take a peek at the Den and see what you want!
The free book today is Dark star. Het contemporary thriller
Easy craft of the day
Cinnamon Stick Pentagrams –
Soak 5 cinnamon sticks (each about the same length) overnight in warm water.
In the morning, pat them dry and form them into a pentagram. The soaking will make them pliable so that as you overlap them, they will bend more easily.
Hot glue the ends together and then wrap the ends also with twine or raffia and tie it off.
Use extra raffia to create a loop at the top for hanging.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Four Days!
Yule is coming.
As I do every year, I am giving away free ebooks.
So, prepare now.
Go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com
Pick out one book you would like to have.
Zombiality, Dragos Composed and Dreams of Steam 1&2 are NOT eligible
On Friday, I will put up a Livejournal post with screened comments.
Leave your e-mail and title in the screened comments.
I will email you a book.
As I do every year, I am giving away free ebooks.
So, prepare now.
Go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com
Pick out one book you would like to have.
Zombiality, Dragos Composed and Dreams of Steam 1&2 are NOT eligible
On Friday, I will put up a Livejournal post with screened comments.
Leave your e-mail and title in the screened comments.
I will email you a book.
Etsy alert
If you plan on ordering anything from my Etsy shop and want it by Christmas, the order must be in before 4 PM Central Time tomorrow.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
A taste of my February release
Dylan woke to the insistent buzz of his alarm clock, his whole head feeling like it wanted to explode. He smacked the clock to turn it off, rolled out of bed and staggered to the shower. The Grant Starr concert had left him totally wrecked. Lots of ambient pot-smoke and someone had passed him a popper. He considered calling out from work this morning.
He sniffed, wondering why the smell of frying eggs wasn't sending him to the bathroom to heave. Then he remembered, Aaron was gone. Nobody was cooking breakfast, laughing at his hang-over. Aaron had stormed out the afternoon before, leaving him on his own for the concert.
The previous day came back to him in a haze. Dylan suddenly noticed that the morning was very quiet. No ambient traffic or street noises filled his apartment. Only birdsong came faintly through the closed window.
Hesitant and worried now, he peered out the window. No cars moved in the streets. A man lay face down on the sidewalk across the street, a key still clutched in his hand.
“Oh shit. It's the zombie apocalypse!” Dylan said, startling himself with the sound of his own words. He looked up and down to see if anything moved. The coast was clear so he hurried down the steps to see what had happened to the world.
Up the block, a woman sat on the curb, her head buried in her hands. The soft sound of sobs reached Dylan in the quiet morning. Zombies didn't cry.
He walked down the block and sat beside her. She didn't notice he was there until he spoke.
“What's going on?” he said, as softly as he could so as not to startle her.
She jumped anyway and then looked at him, wet streaks all over her dark cheeks. “My husband and babies are dead. All of them!” She buried her face in her hands again and cried some more.
Dylan put an arm around her, human contact in a world where humans seemed to be gone. She leaned into him and cried until she had no tears left.
“I'm sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “I don't even know you.”
“Dylan Taggert. I live across the street and down, in the Covington.”
“Tawanda Matthews.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder at her own building. “I can't go back in there. But who is going to bury them or preach the funeral? I don't even know who to call. All the cell towers are jammed, and I can't get anything but a recording when I call 911 on the landline.” She laughed, sounding hysterical. “My husband is a cop, and I don't know who to call in an emergency.”
Dylan rubbed her back a little. “I don't know. Is anyone else alive in your building? I haven't checked mine.” Finding other people seemed to be the first order of business. He wiped away a trickle of sweat. Then, getting away from the dead people. If the empty street was anything to go by, there would be too many to bury. Striking out for open country might be the best.
He took a deep breath, feeling very uncomfortable at even making a suggestion. “Tawanda, we might be the only people still alive. Or we might not. Let's go find out. You work your way through your apartment building. I'll go through mine. We'll meet back here with anyone we find.”
She took a deep breath and stood up, wiping away the end of her tears. “Yeah, I can do that.” A wide-eyed look of horror crossed her face. “The people above me have a new baby. If they're dead and it's alive, I have to save it.”
Dylan smiled. “Yes. We'll decide what to do about our own dead once we see who is alive.”
Tawanda hurried into the building, pausing for just a moment. “Do you think it's the Rapture and God just didn't take their bodies?”
Dylan shook his head as he got to his feet. “Probably the CDC let some nasty virus escape.”
“You go on, too. See you in a bit.” The gloom of the lobby cut off the sight of Tawanda.
Dylan cursed himself for a cad and a coward. He couldn't lead a group. He couldn't be around people. Tawanda had been the limit of people he could handle for the day. He went up to his apartment, packed a small bag with the bits of camping gear he had in the front closet, and drove away without knocking on any doors. The others would have to make do on their own. He had a plan.
He never saw Tawanda again.
He sniffed, wondering why the smell of frying eggs wasn't sending him to the bathroom to heave. Then he remembered, Aaron was gone. Nobody was cooking breakfast, laughing at his hang-over. Aaron had stormed out the afternoon before, leaving him on his own for the concert.
The previous day came back to him in a haze. Dylan suddenly noticed that the morning was very quiet. No ambient traffic or street noises filled his apartment. Only birdsong came faintly through the closed window.
Hesitant and worried now, he peered out the window. No cars moved in the streets. A man lay face down on the sidewalk across the street, a key still clutched in his hand.
“Oh shit. It's the zombie apocalypse!” Dylan said, startling himself with the sound of his own words. He looked up and down to see if anything moved. The coast was clear so he hurried down the steps to see what had happened to the world.
Up the block, a woman sat on the curb, her head buried in her hands. The soft sound of sobs reached Dylan in the quiet morning. Zombies didn't cry.
He walked down the block and sat beside her. She didn't notice he was there until he spoke.
“What's going on?” he said, as softly as he could so as not to startle her.
She jumped anyway and then looked at him, wet streaks all over her dark cheeks. “My husband and babies are dead. All of them!” She buried her face in her hands again and cried some more.
Dylan put an arm around her, human contact in a world where humans seemed to be gone. She leaned into him and cried until she had no tears left.
“I'm sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “I don't even know you.”
“Dylan Taggert. I live across the street and down, in the Covington.”
“Tawanda Matthews.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder at her own building. “I can't go back in there. But who is going to bury them or preach the funeral? I don't even know who to call. All the cell towers are jammed, and I can't get anything but a recording when I call 911 on the landline.” She laughed, sounding hysterical. “My husband is a cop, and I don't know who to call in an emergency.”
Dylan rubbed her back a little. “I don't know. Is anyone else alive in your building? I haven't checked mine.” Finding other people seemed to be the first order of business. He wiped away a trickle of sweat. Then, getting away from the dead people. If the empty street was anything to go by, there would be too many to bury. Striking out for open country might be the best.
He took a deep breath, feeling very uncomfortable at even making a suggestion. “Tawanda, we might be the only people still alive. Or we might not. Let's go find out. You work your way through your apartment building. I'll go through mine. We'll meet back here with anyone we find.”
She took a deep breath and stood up, wiping away the end of her tears. “Yeah, I can do that.” A wide-eyed look of horror crossed her face. “The people above me have a new baby. If they're dead and it's alive, I have to save it.”
Dylan smiled. “Yes. We'll decide what to do about our own dead once we see who is alive.”
Tawanda hurried into the building, pausing for just a moment. “Do you think it's the Rapture and God just didn't take their bodies?”
Dylan shook his head as he got to his feet. “Probably the CDC let some nasty virus escape.”
“You go on, too. See you in a bit.” The gloom of the lobby cut off the sight of Tawanda.
Dylan cursed himself for a cad and a coward. He couldn't lead a group. He couldn't be around people. Tawanda had been the limit of people he could handle for the day. He went up to his apartment, packed a small bag with the bits of camping gear he had in the front closet, and drove away without knocking on any doors. The others would have to make do on their own. He had a plan.
He never saw Tawanda again.
Yuletide Youtube, with extra Buttercream!
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic of the Day:
Recipe of the day.
Nothing says Holiday like Wilton Vanilla Sugar cookies with buttercream icing. Break out the old cookie cutters!
1 cup Butter; room temperature
1 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Egg
3 cups Flour
2 teaspoon Baking Powder
Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in vanilla and egg. Sift flour and baking soda together. Add to creamed mixture, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Dough will be very stiff. DO NOT CHILL DOUGH!
Divide dough in half. On floured surface, roll dough about to 1/8 thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet on top rack of oven for 6-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.
Wilton Buttercream
½ cup solid vegetable shortening
½ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon Vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approx. 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk
Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.
YIELD: 3 cups
Today's Free Book:
Croc and the Fox. It's a het furry romance
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Pic of the Day:
Recipe of the day.
Nothing says Holiday like Wilton Vanilla Sugar cookies with buttercream icing. Break out the old cookie cutters!
1 cup Butter; room temperature
1 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Egg
3 cups Flour
2 teaspoon Baking Powder
Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in vanilla and egg. Sift flour and baking soda together. Add to creamed mixture, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Dough will be very stiff. DO NOT CHILL DOUGH!
Divide dough in half. On floured surface, roll dough about to 1/8 thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet on top rack of oven for 6-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.
Wilton Buttercream
½ cup solid vegetable shortening
½ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon Vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approx. 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk
Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.
YIELD: 3 cups
Today's Free Book:
Croc and the Fox. It's a het furry romance
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic of the Day:
Random news:
My pirates are out in Paperback!
And yes, Ellora's new site is hard on the eyes.
http://www.ellorascave.com/privatee
Free book from ARE:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Chase of a Lifetime. Contemporary gay cowboy romance. And I am happy to report that neither hero is named "Chase."
Recipe of the Day:
Chocolate Pizza
12 oz. semisweet chips
1 lb white almond bark
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. crisp rice cereal
1 c. peanuts
6 oz. red marischino cherries, halved
3 T. green cherries, quartered
1/3 c. coconut
1 t. oil
Microwave chips and 14 oz of almond bark in 2 qt. bowl until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in marshmallows, cereal and peanuts. Pour into greased 12″ pizza pan. Top with cherries. Sprinkle with coconut. Melt remaining almond bark with oil, stirring to make smooth. Drizzle over coconut. Chill until firm.
Pic of the Day:
Random news:
My pirates are out in Paperback!
And yes, Ellora's new site is hard on the eyes.
http://www.ellorascave.com/privatee
Free book from ARE:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/pro
Chase of a Lifetime. Contemporary gay cowboy romance. And I am happy to report that neither hero is named "Chase."
Recipe of the Day:
Chocolate Pizza
12 oz. semisweet chips
1 lb white almond bark
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. crisp rice cereal
1 c. peanuts
6 oz. red marischino cherries, halved
3 T. green cherries, quartered
1/3 c. coconut
1 t. oil
Microwave chips and 14 oz of almond bark in 2 qt. bowl until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in marshmallows, cereal and peanuts. Pour into greased 12″ pizza pan. Top with cherries. Sprinkle with coconut. Melt remaining almond bark with oil, stirring to make smooth. Drizzle over coconut. Chill until firm.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Yuletide Toutube
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic and craft of the day, for the lover of the Black Stuff in your life.
Pic and craft of the day, for the lover of the Black Stuff in your life.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Yuletide Youtube: Merry Geekmas
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic of the Day
Free book, today only: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/produc
Post-apoc witch-hunter/witch romance.
Craft of the day:
Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue (like Elmer's)
Bowl
Plastic food wrap
Rolling pin
Wax paper
Cookie cutters or a knife
Ribbon or yarn for hanging
Straw
How to make it:
Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue together in a bowl. The dough should be as thick as cookie dough. Add a bit of water if the dough is too stiff.
Remove from bowl and knead. Put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for at least a half hour.
Remove the dough, knead again to make sure it's smooth. Flatten/roll the dough between waxed paper until it's between 1/4" thick and 1/8" thick.
Cut out desired shapes, use a straw to punch a hole for the ribbon to hang. The circle of dough will pull out with the straw.
Gently place the shapes on a piece of clean wax paper. They will take 3-5 days to dry, and you will need to turn them over a couple of times a day for them to dry evenly and flat.
Don't be surprised to see that the ornaments get smaller during the drying process. Keep this in mind when you pick out the cookie cutters for your designs. You will also notice that if you do not turn the ornaments over often enough while they are drying, the edges of the ornaments will curl.
When dry, thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through the hole to hang. Or you can string several together for garland.
SHAPE IDEAS: Tree, Apple, House (gingerbread), Bell, Heart, Goose, Gingerbread Man, Star...
Optional Painting ideas - use acrylic paints or fabric paints to paint details, like white 'frosting' on a gingerbread man or gingerbread house, or eyes on a goose.
Pic of the Day
Free book, today only: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/produc
Post-apoc witch-hunter/witch romance.
Craft of the day:
Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue (like Elmer's)
Bowl
Plastic food wrap
Rolling pin
Wax paper
Cookie cutters or a knife
Ribbon or yarn for hanging
Straw
How to make it:
Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue together in a bowl. The dough should be as thick as cookie dough. Add a bit of water if the dough is too stiff.
Remove from bowl and knead. Put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for at least a half hour.
Remove the dough, knead again to make sure it's smooth. Flatten/roll the dough between waxed paper until it's between 1/4" thick and 1/8" thick.
Cut out desired shapes, use a straw to punch a hole for the ribbon to hang. The circle of dough will pull out with the straw.
Gently place the shapes on a piece of clean wax paper. They will take 3-5 days to dry, and you will need to turn them over a couple of times a day for them to dry evenly and flat.
Don't be surprised to see that the ornaments get smaller during the drying process. Keep this in mind when you pick out the cookie cutters for your designs. You will also notice that if you do not turn the ornaments over often enough while they are drying, the edges of the ornaments will curl.
When dry, thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through the hole to hang. Or you can string several together for garland.
SHAPE IDEAS: Tree, Apple, House (gingerbread), Bell, Heart, Goose, Gingerbread Man, Star...
Optional Painting ideas - use acrylic paints or fabric paints to paint details, like white 'frosting' on a gingerbread man or gingerbread house, or eyes on a goose.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube. One of my favorites:
Pic of the day:
Gruss vom Krampus! (Greetings from Krampus) This Alpine nightmare accompanies St. Nicholas and pops bad children into his sack to carry them away.
Recipe of the day:
Sugar cookies
Folks, this is my great-grandmother's recipe, don't abuse it.
1c margarine or butter
2/3c vegetable oil
2c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
5c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
Cream together butter, oil, and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add slowly to egg mixture.
Mix well.
Shape into balls the size of a walnut, press down with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.
Yields: 7 dozen-that won't last very long.
Pic of the day:
Gruss vom Krampus! (Greetings from Krampus) This Alpine nightmare accompanies St. Nicholas and pops bad children into his sack to carry them away.
Recipe of the day:
Sugar cookies
Folks, this is my great-grandmother's recipe, don't abuse it.
1c margarine or butter
2/3c vegetable oil
2c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
5c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
Cream together butter, oil, and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add slowly to egg mixture.
Mix well.
Shape into balls the size of a walnut, press down with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.
Yields: 7 dozen-that won't last very long.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Sound of the Season:
This is from "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas." I highly suggest watching the whole thing on Youtube. So worth it.
Pic and recipe of the day:
Shopping link.
http://madeinusaforever.com/
As people get more concerned about American jobs, this site has only Made in USA products.
This is from "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas." I highly suggest watching the whole thing on Youtube. So worth it.
Pic and recipe of the day:
Shopping link.
http://madeinusaforever.com/
As people get more concerned about American jobs, this site has only Made in USA products.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube, because it's a grey and chilly Monday:
Pic and Craft of the Day: Witch balls
You will need a clear glass ball or Yule ornament with an opening in one end If the glass ball has some kind of design, choose one you like or one you can change with further decoration.
You will also need a bottle of silver paint found in hobby stores,
a few drops of frankincense orpatchouli oil,
a spool of red thread,
and a pair of scissors.
Cover your working space with newspaper to protect against spills.
Take the metal cap off the ornament. Carefully pour a little of the silver paint inside the ball and swish it around until the inside is completely covered with the silver. Set it aside to dry.
When the paint is totally dry, cut the red thread into three inch-lengths. Carefully poke this thread into the open end of the ball. Continue cutting and putting the thread into the ball untill the ball is nearly full.
Put in a few drops of oil.
Then put the end back on the ornament. If it has no end seal it with candle wax.
When you hang the protection ball, chant:
Symbol of the Moon,
symbol of the Lady divine,
Reject all negativity,
defend this home (car),
me and mine.
These directions are from The Crone Chronicles: http://cronecronicles.blogspot.com/2
Charity of the Day:
http://rollingjubilee.org/
Pic and Craft of the Day: Witch balls
You will need a clear glass ball or Yule ornament with an opening in one end If the glass ball has some kind of design, choose one you like or one you can change with further decoration.
You will also need a bottle of silver paint found in hobby stores,
a few drops of frankincense orpatchouli oil,
a spool of red thread,
and a pair of scissors.
Cover your working space with newspaper to protect against spills.
Take the metal cap off the ornament. Carefully pour a little of the silver paint inside the ball and swish it around until the inside is completely covered with the silver. Set it aside to dry.
When the paint is totally dry, cut the red thread into three inch-lengths. Carefully poke this thread into the open end of the ball. Continue cutting and putting the thread into the ball untill the ball is nearly full.
Put in a few drops of oil.
Then put the end back on the ornament. If it has no end seal it with candle wax.
When you hang the protection ball, chant:
Symbol of the Moon,
symbol of the Lady divine,
Reject all negativity,
defend this home (car),
me and mine.
These directions are from The Crone Chronicles: http://cronecronicles.blogspot.com/2
Charity of the Day:
http://rollingjubilee.org/
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Poll time
There is a poll at my Livejournal about my Etsy shop.
You have to go there to answer it, but I don't think you have to log in.
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1693288.html
You have to go there to answer it, but I don't think you have to log in.
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1693288.html
Yuletide Youtube, extra geeky
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic of the Day:
I want to do an action-figure creche! With a Luke and Leia holding an glowing ball, three Jedi visitors, Chewie as herald angel...It kinds works in my head. (My poor Luke action figure is decapitated though and his head is stored in the weapons locker of my storage case)
SHOPPING NEWS:
If you want books from the Literary Underworld, order by Dec 12 for regular shipping!
And don't forget the awesome sales...
50 percent off Frank Fradella's Speaking in Tongues and Swan Song!
Get both Blackfire novels by Elizabeth Donald for one low price!
All John Everson titles at 50 percent off!
Setting Suns by Elizabeth Donald reduced to $12!
Free ebook with every Angelia Sparrow title - all discounted!
Lost Daughter of Easa by J.L. Mulvihill reduced to $12!
Get Zero Time by T.W. Fendley for $12!
Get a free ebook of Infinity with any Elizabeth Donald purchase!
Get a free music download code from Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines with each purchase!
M.B. Weston's Out of the Shadows reduced to only $10!
Get a free copy of John McFarland's The Black Garden FREE with any purchase!!
Fine, we'll make it even easier for you...
Use the code WELCOME2012 for an extra discount!
Free books and how to get them!
Stephanie Rowe's Jingle This is free for the Kindle
Starting Thursday, All Romance Ebooks is giving away free books:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/
You can get a prototype of my cookbook tomorrow at Speak Its Name, and there are a lot of good stories and articles.
http://speakitsname.com/
Jessewave is hosting the Big-ass Holiday Giveaway on Dec 22.
M/m writers, sign-up is today.
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2
Pic of the Day:
I want to do an action-figure creche! With a Luke and Leia holding an glowing ball, three Jedi visitors, Chewie as herald angel...It kinds works in my head. (My poor Luke action figure is decapitated though and his head is stored in the weapons locker of my storage case)
SHOPPING NEWS:
If you want books from the Literary Underworld, order by Dec 12 for regular shipping!
And don't forget the awesome sales...
50 percent off Frank Fradella's Speaking in Tongues and Swan Song!
Get both Blackfire novels by Elizabeth Donald for one low price!
All John Everson titles at 50 percent off!
Setting Suns by Elizabeth Donald reduced to $12!
Free ebook with every Angelia Sparrow title - all discounted!
Lost Daughter of Easa by J.L. Mulvihill reduced to $12!
Get Zero Time by T.W. Fendley for $12!
Get a free ebook of Infinity with any Elizabeth Donald purchase!
Get a free music download code from Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines with each purchase!
M.B. Weston's Out of the Shadows reduced to only $10!
Get a free copy of John McFarland's The Black Garden FREE with any purchase!!
Fine, we'll make it even easier for you...
Use the code WELCOME2012 for an extra discount!
Free books and how to get them!
Stephanie Rowe's Jingle This is free for the Kindle
Starting Thursday, All Romance Ebooks is giving away free books:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/
You can get a prototype of my cookbook tomorrow at Speak Its Name, and there are a lot of good stories and articles.
http://speakitsname.com/
Jessewave is hosting the Big-ass Holiday Giveaway on Dec 22.
M/m writers, sign-up is today.
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2
Upstart Memphis
I've spent the weekend at a small business startup conference.
While Inkstained Succubus was not chosen as one of the group projects, I've been helping around the edges of one.
Now, it's time to spread the word.
Pink Robin Avenue is a party company that delivers designer events to your doorstep.
http://www.pinkrobinavenue.com/
Go give a hard working young lady a like on her FB page or a follow at twitter.
https://twitter.com/PinkRobinAvenue
http://www.facebook.com/#!/PinkRobinAve
While Inkstained Succubus was not chosen as one of the group projects, I've been helping around the edges of one.
Now, it's time to spread the word.
Pink Robin Avenue is a party company that delivers designer events to your doorstep.
http://www.pinkrobinavenue.com/
Go give a hard working young lady a like on her FB page or a follow at twitter.
https://twitter.com/PinkRobinAvenue
http://www.facebook.com/#!/PinkRobinAve
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Yuletide Youtube: Hanukkah edition
Youtube of the Day
Image of the Day
(The Lion of Judah menorah that Nick steals in the first chapter of Nikolai. Sterling silver, this is worth about $2000.)
Your recipe of the day:
Latkes
2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
1 tablespoon grated onion
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
Directions
1.Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible.
2.In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.
3.In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!
Image of the Day
(The Lion of Judah menorah that Nick steals in the first chapter of Nikolai. Sterling silver, this is worth about $2000.)
Your recipe of the day:
Latkes
2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
1 tablespoon grated onion
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
Directions
1.Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible.
2.In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.
3.In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
December 6 is the Feast of St. Nicholas. He is the patron saint of the Varangian Guard, sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, children, pawnbrokers and students. He is also the patron of the cities of Aberdeen (where the Kirk of St. Nichols dates to 1157), Amsterdam, Barranquilla, Bari, Burgas, Beit Jala, Fribourg, Huguenots, Kozani, Liverpool, Paternopoli, Sassari, Siggiewi, and Lorraine.
Pic of the Day:
Because I'm right there.
Craft of the day:
Ribbon Candy Ornament
What You Need
Spray adhesive
Wide, medium, and narrow ribbon
Water-soluble marking pen
Long-eye beading needle
White embroidery floss
Eleven 10-mm-round pearls
How to Make It
1.Glue the medium-width ribbon to the center of the wide ribbon.
2.Trim the length to measure 16 1/2 inches.
3.Using the pen and a ruler, mark dots down the center of the ribbon at 1-1/2-inch intervals on both sides of the ribbon.
4.Thread the beading needle with an 18-inch length of embroidery floss.
5.Slip a pearl onto the floss.
6.Carefully remove the needle, and then rethread it with both ends of the floss. The ends of the floss should be even.
7.Push the needle from one side of the ribbon through the other side at the first mark (the first pearl is now at the bottom of the ornament); add a pearl.
8.Push the needle from the one side of the ribbon through to the other side at the second mark; add a pearl.
9.Continue until you have 11 pearls on the string.
10.To finish, secure the thread and attach a hanging ribbon.
Shopping link:
The Hunger Site Gift Shop
All purchases go to feeding the hungry, Many fair trade items by independent artisans in developing countries.
https://thehungersite.com/store/ths/sit
Pic of the Day:
Because I'm right there.
Craft of the day:
Ribbon Candy Ornament
What You Need
Spray adhesive
Wide, medium, and narrow ribbon
Water-soluble marking pen
Long-eye beading needle
White embroidery floss
Eleven 10-mm-round pearls
How to Make It
1.Glue the medium-width ribbon to the center of the wide ribbon.
2.Trim the length to measure 16 1/2 inches.
3.Using the pen and a ruler, mark dots down the center of the ribbon at 1-1/2-inch intervals on both sides of the ribbon.
4.Thread the beading needle with an 18-inch length of embroidery floss.
5.Slip a pearl onto the floss.
6.Carefully remove the needle, and then rethread it with both ends of the floss. The ends of the floss should be even.
7.Push the needle from one side of the ribbon through the other side at the first mark (the first pearl is now at the bottom of the ornament); add a pearl.
8.Push the needle from the one side of the ribbon through to the other side at the second mark; add a pearl.
9.Continue until you have 11 pearls on the string.
10.To finish, secure the thread and attach a hanging ribbon.
Shopping link:
The Hunger Site Gift Shop
All purchases go to feeding the hungry, Many fair trade items by independent artisans in developing countries.
https://thehungersite.com/store/ths/sit
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube, because this one is awesome. It's not just Annie and her outfit and the boots. It's the hurdy gurdy, the laughing drummer, the whole early 1900s feel of it. And of course horned Santa.
Pic of the Day:
Since we seem to be on a Horned God theme, let me refer you to SJ Tucker, Sooj, AKA Skinny White Chick. Independent pagan musician who makes her living doing this. "Hymne to Herne" is a fave rave.
http://skinnywhitechick.com/
Pic of the Day:
Since we seem to be on a Horned God theme, let me refer you to SJ Tucker, Sooj, AKA Skinny White Chick. Independent pagan musician who makes her living doing this. "Hymne to Herne" is a fave rave.
http://skinnywhitechick.com/
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Yuletide goodies
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic and craft of the Day:
Samantha Parisi is very talented.
Shopping Link:
Beauty Watcher is a sculptor who makes lovely ornaments.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautywatcher
Pic and craft of the Day:
Samantha Parisi is very talented.
Shopping Link:
Beauty Watcher is a sculptor who makes lovely ornaments.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautywatcher
Monday, December 3, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube
Pic of the day, a bit rude, because that's how I feel:
Craft/Recipe of the Day:
Grandma Fantz's Nighty-Nite cookies
2 egg whites, at room temperature
1 pinch of salt
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts
Beat egg whites with pinch of salt until foamy. Add sugar and beat until stiff. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased foil covered cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put cookies in and TURN OVEN OFF. Do not open oven for 9 to 10 hours. Makes 2 dozen.
Shopping link:
http://www.kiernankelly.com/index.html
Kiernan Kelly consistantly writes some of the best same sex romance in the biz.
Pic of the day, a bit rude, because that's how I feel:
Craft/Recipe of the Day:
Grandma Fantz's Nighty-Nite cookies
2 egg whites, at room temperature
1 pinch of salt
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts
Beat egg whites with pinch of salt until foamy. Add sugar and beat until stiff. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased foil covered cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put cookies in and TURN OVEN OFF. Do not open oven for 9 to 10 hours. Makes 2 dozen.
Shopping link:
http://www.kiernankelly.com/index.html
Kiernan Kelly consistantly writes some of the best same sex romance in the biz.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Yuletide Youtube
Yuletide Youtube:
Pic and craft of the Day:
Shopping:
The Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe had a bunch of new items added last night.
Kitchen towels and tarot readings. Hairbows and baby afghans. Scarves and gloves. Come and see.
Pic and craft of the Day:
Shopping:
The Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe had a bunch of new items added last night.
Kitchen towels and tarot readings. Hairbows and baby afghans. Scarves and gloves. Come and see.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Yuletide Youtube 3: Return of the Youtube!
Throughout December, I will be posting fun stuff.
Every day you can count on a song, a picture, a craft idea or recipe and a shopping link
Your Yuletide Youtube:
Your Image of the Day and Craft Idea all in one!:
Your shopping link of the day:
The Literary Underworld. http://literaryunderworld.com/
A small press author consortium, we have something for most readers.
Someone likes superheroes? Frank Fradella's book Swan Song is half off
For the horror fan, we have Stoker Winner John Everson, Darrell Winner Elizabeth Donald, The Sinister Minister Maurice Broaddus, Wrath James White, and yours truly,
For the music lover, we have Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines in CD or mp3
Kids? No problem. We carry Jackie Gamer's YA dragon series, and other fantasy novels.
Short stories, paranormal erotica, comics, and steampunk. We have it.
We even have Nick Mamatas' Starve Better for the writer on your list.
Every day you can count on a song, a picture, a craft idea or recipe and a shopping link
Your Yuletide Youtube:
Your Image of the Day and Craft Idea all in one!:
Your shopping link of the day:
The Literary Underworld. http://literaryunderworld.com/
A small press author consortium, we have something for most readers.
Someone likes superheroes? Frank Fradella's book Swan Song is half off
For the horror fan, we have Stoker Winner John Everson, Darrell Winner Elizabeth Donald, The Sinister Minister Maurice Broaddus, Wrath James White, and yours truly,
For the music lover, we have Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines in CD or mp3
Kids? No problem. We carry Jackie Gamer's YA dragon series, and other fantasy novels.
Short stories, paranormal erotica, comics, and steampunk. We have it.
We even have Nick Mamatas' Starve Better for the writer on your list.
Friday, November 30, 2012
NaNoWriMo
I did it!
50232, and verified!
Surprisingly, although I've been doing this for 11 years, this is only my 5th win.
Most of it was on a serial we're submitting to Storm Moon soon.
For your entertainment, have a brief scene:
“Engel, your lawyer is here.”
Jason looked up from where he sat on the bunk of the cell. He'd been expecting the public defender for a while now. He couldn't afford a real lawyer of his own.
The guard shackled Jason and ushered him into the privacy room. He sat down at the table and waited some more. His life had been nothing but waiting for the past few weeks.
The door opened again and two women came in. The lawyer was a freaking amazon, well over six feet tall, and the heels made her even taller. All of that blue-black hair piled in a bun on top of her head looked like it was scraping the door frame. The severe brown suit she wore made her look stern, and the emerald green blouse matched her earrings and shoes. She set her briefcase on the table and glared at him with dark brown eyes with just a hint of almond shape
The woman in her wake was not quite as imposing, coming only to the amazon's shoulder, with her red hair caught into a braid. Her black slacks and sapphire blouse didn't intimidate like the suit, nor did the heels on her ankle boots give her any advantage of height. She settled in a chair right beside the lawyer, her cute little pixie face scrunched in concentration as she opened her briefcase.
Just his luck. He was being sent away to the all-boys camp forever, and the last thing he'd see were these two hot cock-teases. He squelched that thought real fast. Say shit like that and the high and mighty corpora-bitch would make sure he went away forever.
The redhead cocked an eyebrow at him like she could hear what he was thinking. Remembering specials and movies about mind-reading aliens, he started humming a stupid song in his head. She hid a chuckle in her paperwork.
The lawyer cleared her throat. “Jason Manfred Engel.”
He winced at his full name and silently cursed his family for having such an obnoxious legacy of a middle name. Why couldn't it have been something like John or Dennis?
She didn't seem to notice and went on. “You seem to be in a bit of a bind, young man. Why don't you give me your side of things? Right now, there seems to be a bit of a mob ready to hang you in the town square and four friends I would not spit on if they were afire.”
“We were hanging out one night, you know how it is. Nothing to do, nobody's gotta work the next day. I'd just got my baby up and running sweet, so I asked if anyone wanted to go on a beer run. We were getting low. Everybody came along, and I ran us down to the local quick-stop. My girl was making a rattle I didn't like so I stayed in the car to listen and figure it out while they went in for beer and cigs.” He took a breath. Here was where it all went straight to hell. “Next thing I know, there's gun shots and my friends are tearing across the lot like their heads're on fire and their asses are catching. They're yelling for me to drive. I don't know what the hell is going on, but they have the beer and they pile in so we peel out.” He covered his face. The next part was awful. “I never even saw her step off the curb. I felt us hit something and I felt it under the tires, but I thought it was just a dog or something. Everyone was shouting and pounding me and there were sirens and I just kept driving, foot to the floor.”
He took a drink of the water on the table. “The cops stopped us about ten miles out. I blew a point-one. And I haven't been outside of this cell since. I'm going to prison forever, ain't I?” He asked it matter-of-factly, hoping for an equally matter-of-fact answer.
“You fail to grasp the gravity of your situation, Mr. Engel. Your so-called friends are claiming you orchestrated the entire robbery, including giving orders to kill the Pakistani store owner and his family as part of a hate crime, and any customers to cover your tracks. That it was the owner's mother you ran over does not help the case! The fine state of Alabama has decided they will not be paying your room and board for the next sixty years. Not when an IV and a shot are so much cheaper and more effective.” She steepled her fingers and leaned on the table. “Unless, of course, you choose to ride the lightening.”
Jason slumped in the chair, feeling as if granddaddy's prize bull had just stepped on his chest. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. The situation was just too much. The needle. He was going to get killed over a damned beer run.
She went on, inexorably. He'd heard the word, but never really knew what it meant. It felt like some giant boulder rolling after him, inevitable, intense and inescapable. She was rolling all over him with her words, leaving him too flat to speak.
“Have you ever seen someone electrocuted, Mr. Engel? No, of course you haven't. It starts hard and fast and they arch, wetting themselves. The smell of cooking pork hangs in the air where their wrists, ankles and scalp fry. The heart muscles spasm and you die from lack of blood to the brain. This can take several minutes for complete death to set in.”
Jason stared, his mouth hanging open. He finally got the air to gasp out, “I just drove a beer run. I don't wanna die.”
The redhead laid a hand on her boss' arm. “Maria, I think he grasps. And I am losing my grasp on my lunch.” She turned to Jason. Her voice was soft and sweet, after the hard words of her superior. She reached over and took his hand. “There is an alternative to all of this, Mr. Engel. Jason, may I call you Jason?”
He nodded. She could call him anything she wanted if she would just make sure he didn't die over two lousy cases of beer and a carton of cigarettes.
“We've been over your school records, and you employment history, and your trade school application. We find your abilities to be most remarkable.” She smiled. “And I've seen the car. She's a beauty. It's a shame she's going to be sold on auction or crushed to a cube. We'd like to put your skills to a more noble and far-reaching cause than you can possibly imagine. In return, there is a handsome paycheck, and we can make all of this go away...like the bad dream you so desperately hope it is.” Her smile widened. “We should even be able to get your car back.”
“I don't know anything about noble causes. I just don't want to die. Money and my car are just gravy.”
“Mr. Engel, we all die. It's simply a matter of when and how. And for what.” She let go of his hand and took papers out of her briefcase. He took them as she slid them across the table to him.
Near as he could read it, the contract said he was in the employ of Blackhall Security Consulting Corporation, answerable to Kathleen Gallagher and Edward Corelli. The contract could be extended past the year by mutual agreement. After the year, the contract would be considered fulfilled, and he would be relocated to any city of his choosing, with a new identity and any schooling or employment he wished.
He looked up from the dream deal in his hands and asked, “So, what's the catch?”
“You can never return home. You will never again have any contact with friends or loved ones. You can never tell your new friends what has happened. This is a new start in every sense of the word.”
“My folks are dead and I'm an only child. And every friend I thought I had just made me out to be the Grand Dragon to save his own hide.” Jason picked up the pen. “I'm in.” He scrawled a semi-legible signature at the bottom of the contract.
Maria stood up. “Very good. I'll arrange your release at once.”
“Thanks. I'd see you to the door, but...” He rattled the shackles that held him to the chair.
The smile that crossed the amazon's face made something deep inside Jason squeak in fear. He hoped the meep didn't come out of his mouth. The redhead's smile told him it might have, always assuming she didn't read minds like every other redhead he'd known. Every damn one of them was a witch.
She stuck her hand across the table. “By the way, we weren't properly introduced. I'm Kathleen Gallagher, your new boss.” She pulled herself across the table to whisper in his ear, “And it's only cock-teasing if there is no delivery.”
Jason stared as she bundled the papers into her briefcase and marched out the door behind her boss.
50232, and verified!
Surprisingly, although I've been doing this for 11 years, this is only my 5th win.
Most of it was on a serial we're submitting to Storm Moon soon.
For your entertainment, have a brief scene:
“Engel, your lawyer is here.”
Jason looked up from where he sat on the bunk of the cell. He'd been expecting the public defender for a while now. He couldn't afford a real lawyer of his own.
The guard shackled Jason and ushered him into the privacy room. He sat down at the table and waited some more. His life had been nothing but waiting for the past few weeks.
The door opened again and two women came in. The lawyer was a freaking amazon, well over six feet tall, and the heels made her even taller. All of that blue-black hair piled in a bun on top of her head looked like it was scraping the door frame. The severe brown suit she wore made her look stern, and the emerald green blouse matched her earrings and shoes. She set her briefcase on the table and glared at him with dark brown eyes with just a hint of almond shape
The woman in her wake was not quite as imposing, coming only to the amazon's shoulder, with her red hair caught into a braid. Her black slacks and sapphire blouse didn't intimidate like the suit, nor did the heels on her ankle boots give her any advantage of height. She settled in a chair right beside the lawyer, her cute little pixie face scrunched in concentration as she opened her briefcase.
Just his luck. He was being sent away to the all-boys camp forever, and the last thing he'd see were these two hot cock-teases. He squelched that thought real fast. Say shit like that and the high and mighty corpora-bitch would make sure he went away forever.
The redhead cocked an eyebrow at him like she could hear what he was thinking. Remembering specials and movies about mind-reading aliens, he started humming a stupid song in his head. She hid a chuckle in her paperwork.
The lawyer cleared her throat. “Jason Manfred Engel.”
He winced at his full name and silently cursed his family for having such an obnoxious legacy of a middle name. Why couldn't it have been something like John or Dennis?
She didn't seem to notice and went on. “You seem to be in a bit of a bind, young man. Why don't you give me your side of things? Right now, there seems to be a bit of a mob ready to hang you in the town square and four friends I would not spit on if they were afire.”
“We were hanging out one night, you know how it is. Nothing to do, nobody's gotta work the next day. I'd just got my baby up and running sweet, so I asked if anyone wanted to go on a beer run. We were getting low. Everybody came along, and I ran us down to the local quick-stop. My girl was making a rattle I didn't like so I stayed in the car to listen and figure it out while they went in for beer and cigs.” He took a breath. Here was where it all went straight to hell. “Next thing I know, there's gun shots and my friends are tearing across the lot like their heads're on fire and their asses are catching. They're yelling for me to drive. I don't know what the hell is going on, but they have the beer and they pile in so we peel out.” He covered his face. The next part was awful. “I never even saw her step off the curb. I felt us hit something and I felt it under the tires, but I thought it was just a dog or something. Everyone was shouting and pounding me and there were sirens and I just kept driving, foot to the floor.”
He took a drink of the water on the table. “The cops stopped us about ten miles out. I blew a point-one. And I haven't been outside of this cell since. I'm going to prison forever, ain't I?” He asked it matter-of-factly, hoping for an equally matter-of-fact answer.
“You fail to grasp the gravity of your situation, Mr. Engel. Your so-called friends are claiming you orchestrated the entire robbery, including giving orders to kill the Pakistani store owner and his family as part of a hate crime, and any customers to cover your tracks. That it was the owner's mother you ran over does not help the case! The fine state of Alabama has decided they will not be paying your room and board for the next sixty years. Not when an IV and a shot are so much cheaper and more effective.” She steepled her fingers and leaned on the table. “Unless, of course, you choose to ride the lightening.”
Jason slumped in the chair, feeling as if granddaddy's prize bull had just stepped on his chest. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. The situation was just too much. The needle. He was going to get killed over a damned beer run.
She went on, inexorably. He'd heard the word, but never really knew what it meant. It felt like some giant boulder rolling after him, inevitable, intense and inescapable. She was rolling all over him with her words, leaving him too flat to speak.
“Have you ever seen someone electrocuted, Mr. Engel? No, of course you haven't. It starts hard and fast and they arch, wetting themselves. The smell of cooking pork hangs in the air where their wrists, ankles and scalp fry. The heart muscles spasm and you die from lack of blood to the brain. This can take several minutes for complete death to set in.”
Jason stared, his mouth hanging open. He finally got the air to gasp out, “I just drove a beer run. I don't wanna die.”
The redhead laid a hand on her boss' arm. “Maria, I think he grasps. And I am losing my grasp on my lunch.” She turned to Jason. Her voice was soft and sweet, after the hard words of her superior. She reached over and took his hand. “There is an alternative to all of this, Mr. Engel. Jason, may I call you Jason?”
He nodded. She could call him anything she wanted if she would just make sure he didn't die over two lousy cases of beer and a carton of cigarettes.
“We've been over your school records, and you employment history, and your trade school application. We find your abilities to be most remarkable.” She smiled. “And I've seen the car. She's a beauty. It's a shame she's going to be sold on auction or crushed to a cube. We'd like to put your skills to a more noble and far-reaching cause than you can possibly imagine. In return, there is a handsome paycheck, and we can make all of this go away...like the bad dream you so desperately hope it is.” Her smile widened. “We should even be able to get your car back.”
“I don't know anything about noble causes. I just don't want to die. Money and my car are just gravy.”
“Mr. Engel, we all die. It's simply a matter of when and how. And for what.” She let go of his hand and took papers out of her briefcase. He took them as she slid them across the table to him.
Near as he could read it, the contract said he was in the employ of Blackhall Security Consulting Corporation, answerable to Kathleen Gallagher and Edward Corelli. The contract could be extended past the year by mutual agreement. After the year, the contract would be considered fulfilled, and he would be relocated to any city of his choosing, with a new identity and any schooling or employment he wished.
He looked up from the dream deal in his hands and asked, “So, what's the catch?”
“You can never return home. You will never again have any contact with friends or loved ones. You can never tell your new friends what has happened. This is a new start in every sense of the word.”
“My folks are dead and I'm an only child. And every friend I thought I had just made me out to be the Grand Dragon to save his own hide.” Jason picked up the pen. “I'm in.” He scrawled a semi-legible signature at the bottom of the contract.
Maria stood up. “Very good. I'll arrange your release at once.”
“Thanks. I'd see you to the door, but...” He rattled the shackles that held him to the chair.
The smile that crossed the amazon's face made something deep inside Jason squeak in fear. He hoped the meep didn't come out of his mouth. The redhead's smile told him it might have, always assuming she didn't read minds like every other redhead he'd known. Every damn one of them was a witch.
She stuck her hand across the table. “By the way, we weren't properly introduced. I'm Kathleen Gallagher, your new boss.” She pulled herself across the table to whisper in his ear, “And it's only cock-teasing if there is no delivery.”
Jason stared as she bundled the papers into her briefcase and marched out the door behind her boss.
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Winterfaire is open!
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1683347.html
Where you can comment with the good stuff you make or are looking to buy.
Sorry, this isn't a crosspost, but keeping up with one is plenty.
Where you can comment with the good stuff you make or are looking to buy.
Sorry, this isn't a crosspost, but keeping up with one is plenty.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Sales sales sales
Pink Petal Books has a discount:
Customers can use code "smallbizthanks" to get 10% off their order,
including already discounted releases. The coupon is good through the end of
the month.
http://pinkpetalbooks.com/
I have Sky-Rat, Showdown at Yellowstone River, and Shell-Shocked
Literary Underworld Through 11:59 PM central time Mon Nov 26
Free shipping on orders over $25!
Free Music download with every purchase!
Free ebooks!
Discounted titles from many authors and small presses!
(all my titles are 15% off!)
http://literaryunderworld.com/
(lots of my books here!)
Friday Only:
Storm Moon Press novellas, novels, and anthologies are all 15% off over at All Romance Ebooks! ONE DAY ONLY! Enjoy Black Friday with this great sale! :)
SALE! - Storm Moon Press is having a sale now through Cyber Monday! Head to our official website: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/ for 25% off all novellas, novels, and anthologies + double reader reward points on all e-books! Help us welcome the holiday season!
You can get my Power in the Blood, or Songs for Guitar and French Harp, or Carved in Flesh or Like it or Not Or Wild Passions
At the Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe, you can use the code Holiday2012 to get 15% off your order.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
Now's the time to do your Holiday shopping.
And it's not on sale, but my Mudd has a coffee mug available:
http://www.cafepress.com/mudd0359
For telling veryone how you feel in the morning.
Customers can use code "smallbizthanks" to get 10% off their order,
including already discounted releases. The coupon is good through the end of
the month.
http://pinkpetalbooks.com/
I have Sky-Rat, Showdown at Yellowstone River, and Shell-Shocked
Literary Underworld Through 11:59 PM central time Mon Nov 26
Free shipping on orders over $25!
Free Music download with every purchase!
Free ebooks!
Discounted titles from many authors and small presses!
(all my titles are 15% off!)
http://literaryunderworld.com/
(lots of my books here!)
Friday Only:
Storm Moon Press novellas, novels, and anthologies are all 15% off over at All Romance Ebooks! ONE DAY ONLY! Enjoy Black Friday with this great sale! :)
SALE! - Storm Moon Press is having a sale now through Cyber Monday! Head to our official website: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/ for 25% off all novellas, novels, and anthologies + double reader reward points on all e-books! Help us welcome the holiday season!
You can get my Power in the Blood, or Songs for Guitar and French Harp, or Carved in Flesh or Like it or Not Or Wild Passions
At the Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe, you can use the code Holiday2012 to get 15% off your order.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
Now's the time to do your Holiday shopping.
And it's not on sale, but my Mudd has a coffee mug available:
http://www.cafepress.com/mudd0359
For telling veryone how you feel in the morning.
Elisa's having a treasure hunt
Originally posted by at My blog's 6th anniversary and Rainbow Awards pre-party 
So another year is gone, and my Journal is now 6 years old :-) Since end of November is also really near the time when the Rainbow Awards will wrap up nicely (on December 8th) this year I want to have a joint party! So I asked to many of the authors in this year contest to be generous and donate a book or two... and the answer was overwhelming: 243 among print and ebooks!
But this time you have to "earn" your prize and so there is a "little" treasure hunt: nothing complicated but you need to complete a chain made of Title-Word-Definition-Cover-Number. How? I will try to explain LOL
We have 243 book titles, you can find them here: The Books: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1805679.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359348.html) from each title I extracted a word, but be careful, same word can match more titles, BUT there is an unique matching (example, if I have two titles, Love Story and Story of Me, "story" match both titles, but probably, from the first title I took "Love" and from the second I took "Story". Your job to discover the right matching ;-)).
You can find the words here: The Words: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1805826.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359509.html) to each word corresponds a definition.
The definition refers to single word (even if the word is plural) or not conjugated verb (even if the word is a conjugated verb). You can find the definitions here: The Definitions: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1806109.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359969.html)
Once you have the matching Book-Word-Definition, you need to go and search for the Cover here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.446587205375367.103212.100000722741394&type=1&l=1a717d4880 (if you don't have a Facebook account, you can try and find the Cover browsing this tag: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/tag/rainbow%20awards%202012 but you have to scroll down a lot of entries ;-)) view the right cover, on the comment section there is a comment by me (Elisa Reviews) with a link to a post on LJ (Rainbow Awards: Current Submissions). Open the link and see what number was assigned to that book in that post.
Comment on THIS post (not on THAT post with the Current Submissions), sending me: Book Title-Word-Definition-Number. You can pick one book per day, if tomorrow there will be still available book, I will assign them. So you can send me more matching but first in-first out, you will win the first right matching still available book. http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1806591.html
Exception, for the Book marked as New (
) there is no Cover/Number, so once you have the matching Book Title-Word-Definition, you can leave the comment.
And now, lets the party start! Enjoy and good luck with your hunt!
The Livejournal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3360138.html. If you are not friends on the live-journal, Please comment there using OpenID.
So another year is gone, and my Journal is now 6 years old :-) Since end of November is also really near the time when the Rainbow Awards will wrap up nicely (on December 8th) this year I want to have a joint party! So I asked to many of the authors in this year contest to be generous and donate a book or two... and the answer was overwhelming: 243 among print and ebooks!
But this time you have to "earn" your prize and so there is a "little" treasure hunt: nothing complicated but you need to complete a chain made of Title-Word-Definition-Cover-Number. How? I will try to explain LOL
We have 243 book titles, you can find them here: The Books: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1805679.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359348.html) from each title I extracted a word, but be careful, same word can match more titles, BUT there is an unique matching (example, if I have two titles, Love Story and Story of Me, "story" match both titles, but probably, from the first title I took "Love" and from the second I took "Story". Your job to discover the right matching ;-)).
You can find the words here: The Words: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1805826.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359509.html) to each word corresponds a definition.
The definition refers to single word (even if the word is plural) or not conjugated verb (even if the word is a conjugated verb). You can find the definitions here: The Definitions: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1806109.html (mirrored here if you don't have a LJ account to comment and you are not friend on LJ: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3359969.html)
Once you have the matching Book-Word-Definition, you need to go and search for the Cover here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.446587205375367.103212.100000722741394&type=1&l=1a717d4880 (if you don't have a Facebook account, you can try and find the Cover browsing this tag: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/tag/rainbow%20awards%202012 but you have to scroll down a lot of entries ;-)) view the right cover, on the comment section there is a comment by me (Elisa Reviews) with a link to a post on LJ (Rainbow Awards: Current Submissions). Open the link and see what number was assigned to that book in that post.
Comment on THIS post (not on THAT post with the Current Submissions), sending me: Book Title-Word-Definition-Number. You can pick one book per day, if tomorrow there will be still available book, I will assign them. So you can send me more matching but first in-first out, you will win the first right matching still available book. http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1806591.html
Exception, for the Book marked as New (
) there is no Cover/Number, so once you have the matching Book Title-Word-Definition, you can leave the comment.
And now, lets the party start! Enjoy and good luck with your hunt!
The Livejournal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3360138.html. If you are not friends on the live-journal, Please comment there using OpenID.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Being Thankful
I am thankful for many things today
For a house.
For food, and plenty of it, enough that I need to clean out the freezer and see what's there.
For wheels. Even if one set is in the shop 250 miles away, we still have a second vehicle.
For my husband, who always loves me, even if he never says it. He shows it in a million ways.
For my kids, who are proud of their mom, and love her and aren't ashamed to snuggle, even in their teens.
For my oldest, who is willing to be on the cover of a book from Inkstained Succubus Productions (we're doing the shoot tomorrow)
For my parents, who love and believe in me.
For my sisters, especially the one whose been my biggest fan since I was 15.
For you, my net friends, some of whom are friends in the real, whether we've met or not.
For you, my readers. without whom...
For 2192 words written on serial, 267 on Cliff, giving me 31944 for the month.
For edits on 2 novels of mine and 2 of others that need doing. I have never been so pleased to be staring into Editing Hell.
For another year above ground and functioning. The deer accident rattled me badly.
For a house.
For food, and plenty of it, enough that I need to clean out the freezer and see what's there.
For wheels. Even if one set is in the shop 250 miles away, we still have a second vehicle.
For my husband, who always loves me, even if he never says it. He shows it in a million ways.
For my kids, who are proud of their mom, and love her and aren't ashamed to snuggle, even in their teens.
For my oldest, who is willing to be on the cover of a book from Inkstained Succubus Productions (we're doing the shoot tomorrow)
For my parents, who love and believe in me.
For my sisters, especially the one whose been my biggest fan since I was 15.
For you, my net friends, some of whom are friends in the real, whether we've met or not.
For you, my readers. without whom...
For 2192 words written on serial, 267 on Cliff, giving me 31944 for the month.
For edits on 2 novels of mine and 2 of others that need doing. I have never been so pleased to be staring into Editing Hell.
For another year above ground and functioning. The deer accident rattled me badly.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Holiday shopping
So, Black Friday. The media driven consumerist-orgy that tips stores into the black for the year.
I've been out there and fought the crowds. I've stayed home and watched movies.
But my favorite is to do some online shopping, from people I know, and have the gifts delivered to the recipients (usually 500 miles away)
Unique gifts say to the recipient, "I thought enough of you to go looking, and not just get you another turnip twaddler."
To help your shopping:
Books
Pink Petal Books has a discount:
Customers can use code "smallbizthanks" to get 10% off their order,
including already discounted releases. The coupon is good through the end of
the month.
(I have several books out with them, same-sex, opposite sex and my children's religious books)
http://pinkpetalbooks.com/
The Literary Underworld will be running sales and give aways.
And if you sign up for our (very low traffic) newsletter, you get a coupon code!
http://literaryunderworld.com/aboutus.s
All Romance E-books will be having sales. It's never as good to buy from a distributor as it is direct from the publisher or author. But the Inkstained Succubus books will be 15% off.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSe
Support Independent Music!
Tom Smith, The World's Fastest Filker, has inspired more than one of my stories with his songs: http://www.tomsmithonline.com/
S.J. Tucker, the Skinny White Chick, has been growing and developing as an artist for the last 7 years. Her new stuff is just amazing. http://skinnywhitechick.com/
Alec Adams, Heir to Heather Alexanbder's music, is found here: http://www.faerietaleminstrel.com/insid
If you like more of a rap edge, and less folk, The Great Luke Ski might be your taste: http://www.thegreatlukeski.com/
And of course, the grandmother of us all, Leslie Fish. http://lesliefish.com/
And then there's Etsy
At the Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe, you can use the code Holiday2012 to get 15% off your order.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
Other Etsy shops I like:
For bath goods and art, it's Wizard at Work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WizardAtWo
Phoenix Fire does lovely Jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhoenixFireDes
BeautyWatcher has awesome ornaments: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautywatcher
For your Steampunker, Rosewood Stitches: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosewoodStitch
Shop small!
Watch This Space for more news
If you are an author, a musician or an artisan, let me know, and I'll include you in the next post!
I've been out there and fought the crowds. I've stayed home and watched movies.
But my favorite is to do some online shopping, from people I know, and have the gifts delivered to the recipients (usually 500 miles away)
Unique gifts say to the recipient, "I thought enough of you to go looking, and not just get you another turnip twaddler."
To help your shopping:
Books
Pink Petal Books has a discount:
Customers can use code "smallbizthanks" to get 10% off their order,
including already discounted releases. The coupon is good through the end of
the month.
(I have several books out with them, same-sex, opposite sex and my children's religious books)
http://pinkpetalbooks.com/
The Literary Underworld will be running sales and give aways.
And if you sign up for our (very low traffic) newsletter, you get a coupon code!
http://literaryunderworld.com/aboutus.s
All Romance E-books will be having sales. It's never as good to buy from a distributor as it is direct from the publisher or author. But the Inkstained Succubus books will be 15% off.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSe
Support Independent Music!
Tom Smith, The World's Fastest Filker, has inspired more than one of my stories with his songs: http://www.tomsmithonline.com/
S.J. Tucker, the Skinny White Chick, has been growing and developing as an artist for the last 7 years. Her new stuff is just amazing. http://skinnywhitechick.com/
Alec Adams, Heir to Heather Alexanbder's music, is found here: http://www.faerietaleminstrel.com/insid
If you like more of a rap edge, and less folk, The Great Luke Ski might be your taste: http://www.thegreatlukeski.com/
And of course, the grandmother of us all, Leslie Fish. http://lesliefish.com/
And then there's Etsy
At the Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe, you can use the code Holiday2012 to get 15% off your order.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd
Other Etsy shops I like:
For bath goods and art, it's Wizard at Work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WizardAtWo
Phoenix Fire does lovely Jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhoenixFireDes
BeautyWatcher has awesome ornaments: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautywatcher
For your Steampunker, Rosewood Stitches: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosewoodStitch
Shop small!
If you are an author, a musician or an artisan, let me know, and I'll include you in the next post!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween Photo Dump
My oldest son, headed out to the pub for a pint with the droogs
And have a favorite Halloween Story:
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2004/200
The Great Old Pumpkin
By John Aegard
25 October 2004
You must know, Doctor, that I did not choose to seek psychiatric help. I have no faith that I shall exit this room a healed man; I know now that I have been destined for the asylum since childhood. No mere conversation with you can steer me clear of that fate. That said, let us proceed with this court-compelled farce before my mad prattle provokes your crabbiness further.
As you are no doubt aware, I am the issue of solid Dutch stock—the prosperous Van Pelt family of St. Paul. Mine was a comfortable and happy childhood, and I spent much of it in the devoted service of the Great Old Pumpkin. For him, I cultivated an annual pumpkin patch—mostly Autumn Gold and Big Max, as I thought he would find the Atlantic Giants tacky. I also evangelized him in the community, relating the tale of how, every year on Hallowmas Eve, the day when the spiritual most strongly encroaches on the substantial, this mightiest of gourds would rise to revel across the world with the most sincere of his adorers. My neighbors were understandably skeptical; after all, not once had this superbeing ever chosen to grace my pumpkin patch or any other place in our town. I vowed that I would coax him into my backyard, and I set out in the manner of a learned man to discover how I might do this.
(go read the rest! Peanuts and Cthulhu!)
The Great Old Pumpkin
By John Aegard
25 October 2004
You must know, Doctor, that I did not choose to seek psychiatric help. I have no faith that I shall exit this room a healed man; I know now that I have been destined for the asylum since childhood. No mere conversation with you can steer me clear of that fate. That said, let us proceed with this court-compelled farce before my mad prattle provokes your crabbiness further.
As you are no doubt aware, I am the issue of solid Dutch stock—the prosperous Van Pelt family of St. Paul. Mine was a comfortable and happy childhood, and I spent much of it in the devoted service of the Great Old Pumpkin. For him, I cultivated an annual pumpkin patch—mostly Autumn Gold and Big Max, as I thought he would find the Atlantic Giants tacky. I also evangelized him in the community, relating the tale of how, every year on Hallowmas Eve, the day when the spiritual most strongly encroaches on the substantial, this mightiest of gourds would rise to revel across the world with the most sincere of his adorers. My neighbors were understandably skeptical; after all, not once had this superbeing ever chosen to grace my pumpkin patch or any other place in our town. I vowed that I would coax him into my backyard, and I set out in the manner of a learned man to discover how I might do this.
(go read the rest! Peanuts and Cthulhu!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)