tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24678079725652726612024-02-21T00:32:34.250-08:00Simply Scribblingsreading as a writer, writing as a christian, loving like a motherKaren deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-90545529017129752012013-07-17T18:56:00.000-07:002013-07-17T18:56:21.503-07:00We interrupt this regularly scheduled program...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QtqSmpG2MDe-AlafuGwocFpIQ0fZlJxkk6xxGShIBlUU4pfRJliGVliQ7apcfHd1yENsSj7fN0GDWaRcdbN-9QebL1ea3Nzje9wMr-Q7YyuCDDJjXwwakIAWfIiMxZC6rGGGg-V-Vhs/s1600/file5131271517329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QtqSmpG2MDe-AlafuGwocFpIQ0fZlJxkk6xxGShIBlUU4pfRJliGVliQ7apcfHd1yENsSj7fN0GDWaRcdbN-9QebL1ea3Nzje9wMr-Q7YyuCDDJjXwwakIAWfIiMxZC6rGGGg-V-Vhs/s400/file5131271517329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
(Yes, the picture is a random picture of a dog in a dress...<br />
but really, a dog dancing in a dress?!?)<br />
<br />
I've not been posting on this blog an awful lot lately,<br />
and that is because I've started a new blog at <a href="http://karendeblieck.com/">karendeblieck.com</a>.<br />
I will be posting for teens and those who love all things YA over there,<br />
but I will continue posting adult book reviews on this blog.<br />
<br />
I would love for you to pop by and have a visit at my new blog,<br />
and if it looks like something that interests you,<br />
follow me. :)<br />
<br />Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-65083425423825449262013-07-12T16:47:00.000-07:002013-07-13T14:09:03.452-07:00Book Review: Dear Deb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPYp8neHve_s9jg9FRy1qpjvG88U_4TOLaYGqzOcPpqQVeA4-xOxbtMTucfwjwXwylBQ3qwGTI4dKfgMpA-FIPt2MR9tSLmJx4uv39oZjBuxOII7IgzKsGV92dsdXYe3mwBBbJ1gJgV0/s1600/deardeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPYp8neHve_s9jg9FRy1qpjvG88U_4TOLaYGqzOcPpqQVeA4-xOxbtMTucfwjwXwylBQ3qwGTI4dKfgMpA-FIPt2MR9tSLmJx4uv39oZjBuxOII7IgzKsGV92dsdXYe3mwBBbJ1gJgV0/s400/deardeb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Dear Deb by Margaret Terry</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b>Back cover copy:</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<i>I want you to know that if my illness inspired you to write these stories, the cancer was worth it<b>.—</b>Deb</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>What stories could possibly make cancer worth it?</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>Stories that represent a miracle—a lifetime of miracles. Stories that changed the writer as she wrote them and stories that will touch the heart of the reader, one by one by one. Stories that are not just stories.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>They started out as words of encouragement to a dying woman. They turned into a collection of sparkling and intimate moments, pulled from the past to finally be understood and shared with new meaning.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>Story by story, letter by letter, Margaret Terry uncovered powerful pictures in her own life of the one truth that could help carry her friend Deb from this life to the next: God is at work.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>Together, Deb and Margaret found renewed hope in all the ways God shows up right to the very end. Which is where they found the miracle they'd been praying for all along. In each other.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Plot:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Dear Deb isn't your typical book about cancer. Instead of focusing on her ailment Deb focuses on the miracle that is sure to happen.</span><br />
<br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">That miracle is this book. </span><br />
<br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Margaret Terry successfully captures the essence of life in her book while looking at the ups and downs of her own journey. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book is about the tiny miracles along our paths. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">About finding grace in the everyday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">About truly seeing what our time on earth is,</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">and what is beyond.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Christian element:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Terry approaches the Christian faith from the perspective of a cautious non-believer. Someone who is searching for hope butHer view of the way Christians look at life is refreshing and not at all stuffy or traditional. Her words reminded me of when I had first tasted the joy of a life with Jesus. Who can close a book like that?</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><u>Conclusion:</u></b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book is a must read! </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The writing is like enjoying a delicious meal--nourishing for the soul.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Terry's graciousness and unique way of seeing the world shines through on every page.</span><br />
<br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling through cancer or those who want to see the world through different eyes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">It will bless you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">And that, is the miracle.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I give this book:</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a> out of 5!<br />
<br />
Order pizza and turn off your phone for the evening.<br />
You are reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">You can check out Margaret Terry on her <a href="http://margaretterry.com/">website</a>.</span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">Or join her on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MargaretTerryDearDeb?ref=ts&fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">Facebook</a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">You can purchase the book in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Dear-Deb-Secrets-Letters-Miracle/dp/1400204372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373669880&sr=8-1&keywords=dear+deb">Canada</a> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Deb-Secrets-Letters-Miracle/dp/B00AZ8FXUE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373669944&sr=8-1&keywords=dear+deb">States.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>**A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>I was in no way compensated for this review.**</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-41652458287112229372013-07-06T08:18:00.000-07:002013-07-06T08:18:41.165-07:00Book Review: Merlin's Blade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxIDVba-yVoGYhmrkMyMcR1xSruOh240YJkFRoQdmqmmJYo7CEEFFHA-FOfQqBGTvXktfslOKPBYz-wHL4L-bnnyHfEtar3-P3lliQSc-8r3WooRqQYLZyPEEOe2ZM45Bhzt3SEHGsbg/s1600/merlins+blade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxIDVba-yVoGYhmrkMyMcR1xSruOh240YJkFRoQdmqmmJYo7CEEFFHA-FOfQqBGTvXktfslOKPBYz-wHL4L-bnnyHfEtar3-P3lliQSc-8r3WooRqQYLZyPEEOe2ZM45Bhzt3SEHGsbg/s400/merlins+blade.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard</u></b><br />
<b><u>Book 1 of the Merlin's Spiral trilogy</u></b><br />
<br />
Back cover copy:<br />
<i>When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow -- a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uther's kingdom. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith's son named Merlin.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger. Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ...without losing his life?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Plot:</b><br />
The plot was well forged. Full of excitement every step of the way and many twists. I admit to not having a clue most of the time where Treskillard was going but I took that as a good sign. The ending was very satisfying. Sometimes the plot became a little bogged down with some of the songs, which I know were put there for a reason. Otherwise the other historical elements were woven in naturally and kept me fascinated at how much the author knew.<br />
<br />
<b>Characters:</b><br />
The characters were well fleshed out. Treskillard is a master at letting you get under the skin of his characters. One challenge is Merlin's partial blindness but he manages to describe things so well despite the blurry images Merlin is able to see.<br />
<br />
<b>Christian element:</b> Merlin believes in God despite all obstacles but this does not weigh down the story line with a "holier than though" feeling. The author does a fabulous job of keeping true to the Christian message without being preachy.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> I really enjoyed this book! As a first book by a debut author, it delivers a wonderful story! I've always enjoyed stories about Merlin and Treskillard does a wonderful job of weaving in new elements to the story while keeping true to the stories already present. Although this has been marketed mainly to the YA market I believe that many adults, who love historical fantasy, will love this book as well.<br />
<br />
I give it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /> out of 5<br />
<br />
<br />
If you want to find out more about this book or other ones written by Robert Treskillard you can visit his <a href="http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php">blog</a> (there are some great contests going on right now in preparation for the release of his second book).<br />
Here are the links if you are looking to purchase the book in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Merlins-Blade-Robert-Treskillard/dp/0310735076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373120794&sr=8-1&keywords=merlin%27s+blade">Canada</a> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Merlins-Blade-Merlin-Spiral-The/dp/0310735076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373121922&sr=8-1&keywords=merlin%27s+blade">States</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you very much to Harper Collins Canada for the free copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-1085517673795015762013-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:002013-06-03T21:42:58.324-07:00Blog posts that inspired me this week. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1-x1o56qUvISW8w6ssRUKF05Uix9Vk7pcuAtxdnRFTpg8JO28fmi3O2MUVg0UkYBht3DrOyArt4fAjB7baJ815-Xthf9886NgrstnK8rRb_0jAVOQDi3nPu0LKatZEucr9v4wJ4fTeQ/s1600/file000624278574+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1-x1o56qUvISW8w6ssRUKF05Uix9Vk7pcuAtxdnRFTpg8JO28fmi3O2MUVg0UkYBht3DrOyArt4fAjB7baJ815-Xthf9886NgrstnK8rRb_0jAVOQDi3nPu0LKatZEucr9v4wJ4fTeQ/s640/file000624278574+(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Summer is just around the corner.<br />
Hence the beach picture.<br />
And conference season is in full swing.<br />
Here are some top picks for blog posts this week.<br />
<br />
1) Kirsten Lamb talks about getting out of our way in order to get the words on the page.<br />
<a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/writing-is-best-when-we-get-out-of-our-own-way/">http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/writing-is-best-when-we-get-out-of-our-own-way/</a><br />
<br />
2) At Writer Unboxed there is a quiz to see if you are ready to get an agent.<br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/05/30/are-you-ready-to-contact-an-agent-take-this-short-quiz-and-find-out/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29">http://writerunboxed.com/2013/05/30/are-you-ready-to-contact-an-agent-take-this-short-quiz-and-find-out/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29</a><br />
<br />
3) A rather surprising answer to the question "When do you write a sequel?" at the Steve Laube Agency blog.<br />
<a href="http://stevelaube.com/when-do-i-write-book-two/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29">http://stevelaube.com/when-do-i-write-book-two/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29</a><br />
<br />
4)What the most satisfying part of writing according to Melissa Tydall at The Write Practice.<br />
<a href="http://thewritepractice.com/satisfying-part/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29">http://thewritepractice.com/satisfying-part/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29</a><br />
<br />
5) Cassandra Marshall looks at how to write a dynamic query.<br />
<a href="http://www.camarshall.com/2013/04/writing-dynamic-queries.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Camarshall+%28camarshall%29">http://www.camarshall.com/2013/04/writing-dynamic-queries.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Camarshall+%28camarshall%29</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy. :)Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-75906946592726073312013-05-31T10:20:00.000-07:002013-05-31T10:20:14.373-07:00Book Review: Captives by Jill Williamson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0j09kUsTbjcXBImBfvaKhwYXkD6aiTQQkuEwZQ8twKT7dByRKzLgSPL_6BjKq_P-9yu9IA14hY66Rrb7mDFe_YKb-e45_GLLbOUzDc0jgUQJscrVHoxyvSlK8HNSfJHHYAbdDr4ThWU/s1600/CAPTIVESBookButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0j09kUsTbjcXBImBfvaKhwYXkD6aiTQQkuEwZQ8twKT7dByRKzLgSPL_6BjKq_P-9yu9IA14hY66Rrb7mDFe_YKb-e45_GLLbOUzDc0jgUQJscrVHoxyvSlK8HNSfJHHYAbdDr4ThWU/s320/CAPTIVESBookButton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This review is super late,</span></span><div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">as my internet has been terribly wonky.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think it has been finally sorted out so you should see much more of me in the next little while.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucky you. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back cover copy for Captives (The Safe Lands, Book 1 of 3)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YA Dystopian novel</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem—taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?</span></div>
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My thoughts:</div>
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Wow.</div>
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Just Wow.</div>
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You all must know by now that I am a big fan of Jill Williamson's work. But this book is truly a great read that will add to your life. No. Really. Williamson has crafted a futuristic world rich in details but which also vaguely echoes the reality we live in today. She also manages to twine in the themes from the biblical story of the exile of Daniel and his friends.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 19px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;">
The characters are believable and you care about their plight. And the plot line is rich and fulfilling. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 19px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;">
Although it is an entertaining page turning read it also has a lot of depth to it. What really struck me after I finished reading it was how much the book made me think. How I would catch myself stopping my activity during the day and asking--am I compromising my belief, my faith, for the sake of being entertained?</div>
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The book was amazing. And for that reason I give it the highest marks I can: </div>
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5 Glorious<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HHtZ-ab5a3GBwvHRvIm-8yyN2a-zSqlAUwThN0ql6kXkTNA0-yraprKpWbpLeJxJ1MpBZBDt_4RuJi_d3m0sDGZYStYWo2fZaKdrvZHELn7GknyMEj75mnq_oLfgApqJkOGZNHKNl7Y/s1600/small+smiley.png" /></a> That means leave supper to cook itself and pick up this book.</div>
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Bravo Jill, bravo! I look forward to the next installment.</div>
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You can check out Jill Williamson's other books <a href="http://www.jillwilliamson.com/">here</a>.</div>
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Check out info about this book series <a href="http://thesafelands.com/">here</a>. </div>
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You can pick up the book at any online store and, most likely, in your own Christian bookstore (I know I saw it up here in Canada).</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Zondervan for the purpose of reviewing. This, however, has not swayed my personal opinion of this product.</span></div>
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Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-29253268367367469692013-04-01T20:17:00.000-07:002013-04-01T20:17:14.285-07:005 Posts that Enlightened me this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t8hRz3gZhGTwkPCayE84uUvSsTt2W9RbHG39R0-Mo7WQjCgFXlDiv9Db1UMYUqdrVBeuyGrLsG6sndbNx1YIBq9KOgTgcA1-85ZdkLCDKbNFW-tc2PZXqyP3h93VdOfSqmdDNvKbJYo/s1600/smileyface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t8hRz3gZhGTwkPCayE84uUvSsTt2W9RbHG39R0-Mo7WQjCgFXlDiv9Db1UMYUqdrVBeuyGrLsG6sndbNx1YIBq9KOgTgcA1-85ZdkLCDKbNFW-tc2PZXqyP3h93VdOfSqmdDNvKbJYo/s640/smileyface.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm baaaaaack.<br />
So sorry to have missed out on posting last week.<br />
But I've got some lovely posts for writers,<br />
so sit back and enjoy.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I figured there were a ton of posts about the Goodreads and Amazon controversial marriage,<br />
so I didn't choose any posts on that subject. :)<br />
<br />
1) Gabriela Pereira, founder of <a href="http://diymfa.com/">DIY MFA</a>, the do-it-yourself alternative to a Masters Degree in writing, shares how "Killing your Darlings" is actually an act of faith. <br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/31/killing-your-darlings-is-not-enough/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29">http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/31/killing-your-darlings-is-not-enough/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29</a><br />
<br />
2) Jeff Goins shares his long journey to becoming a full time writer.<br />
<a href="http://goinswriter.com/full-time/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29">http://goinswriter.com/full-time/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29</a><br />
<br />
3) The hilarious Kristen Lamb shares what makes for a Successful Author Presence.<br />
<a href="https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/successful-author-presence-do-you-have-it/">https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/successful-author-presence-do-you-have-it/</a><br />
*BONUS*: Check out her hilarious post on <a href="https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/how-obsessive-are-you-the-reward-of-the-relentless-pursuit/">Being Obsessive</a>. It made me laugh and laugh. :D<br />
<br />
4) On Rachelle Gardner's blog Erin MacPherson shares how Pintrest can help an author.<br />
<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/03/dont-think-of-pinterest-as-social-media/">http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/03/dont-think-of-pinterest-as-social-media/</a><br />
<br />
5) At The Creative Penn Joanna shares how to stand out from the crowd of other writers.<br />
<a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/28/boost-your-author-career/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29">http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/28/boost-your-author-career/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy. :)Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-52894005690303668692013-03-20T16:43:00.002-07:002013-03-20T16:43:49.918-07:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2457BYL4pmtqjAuhVfK1nYAlRtyHHI_XLwKk75vFSgJggZtLioVl1eKItt4i2Az1hruj1Y2hnzKdJH-ROwgsCZsYhdOxdcIA8M9xQ2dwok7YH6rACYQQIBef-uFbLRHci26VHOav24/s1600/taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2457BYL4pmtqjAuhVfK1nYAlRtyHHI_XLwKk75vFSgJggZtLioVl1eKItt4i2Az1hruj1Y2hnzKdJH-ROwgsCZsYhdOxdcIA8M9xQ2dwok7YH6rACYQQIBef-uFbLRHci26VHOav24/s400/taxi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's that wonderful time of week again.<br />
Time to hang out with me,<br />
and do a writing prompt!!!<br />
<br />
The rules?<br />
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the picture or the topic (or
something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow.
Lock your critic away and let your inner child run free. :)<br />
<br />
This week's prompt:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong>You're in the backseat of a taxi.</strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Write my little minons! <strong>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</strong></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>***BONUS: Joe Bunting at <a href="http://thewritepractice.com/">The Write Practice</a> is starting a class for serious writers who are at any level. Check out his <a href="http://storycartel.com/courseinfo">Story Cartel Course</a>.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: left;">
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Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-83327733315399190342013-03-18T18:48:00.000-07:002013-03-18T18:48:02.326-07:005 Memorable Blog Posts from this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFes1H_ah_1-ZbLyW3_tbgKlY-2_PpguSbcgbe7m4S0D80l2LadXcNdO5AHnbVB7gf4BO0b7sAENsWi2wOFz3otnZwNOL3SnptLFux-Utzl5Y3R9dnRMlkJuvVODNchz28hctiYl8INSw/s1600/tuliptree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFes1H_ah_1-ZbLyW3_tbgKlY-2_PpguSbcgbe7m4S0D80l2LadXcNdO5AHnbVB7gf4BO0b7sAENsWi2wOFz3otnZwNOL3SnptLFux-Utzl5Y3R9dnRMlkJuvVODNchz28hctiYl8INSw/s400/tuliptree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another week has passed by,<br />
and still no sign of spring.<br />
In fact, we had freezing rain and snow today...blech!<br />
So the picture should suffice.<br />
A tulip tree...my favorite!<br />
<br />
Anyway, here are my top blog picks for this week.<br />
<br />
1) Jane Friedman visits at Writer Unboxed and reveals 5 industry trends that every writer should know.<br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/18/5-industry-trends-requiring-every-writers-attention/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29">http://writerunboxed.com/2013/03/18/5-industry-trends-requiring-every-writers-attention/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29</a><br />
<br />
2) At The Other Side of the Story Jane reveals how to be your own book doctor.<br />
<a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/03/be-your-own-book-doctor.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29">http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/03/be-your-own-book-doctor.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29</a><br />
<br />
3) Are Agents a Dying Breed? Steve Laube doesn't think so!<br />
<a href="http://stevelaube.com/agents-a-dying-breed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29">http://stevelaube.com/agents-a-dying-breed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29</a><br />
<br />
4) Kimberly at the Wordserve Water Cooler explores why every good Writer needs an Ideal Reader.<br />
<a href="http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/03/18/behind-every-great-writer-is-an-ideal-reader/">http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/03/18/behind-every-great-writer-is-an-ideal-reader/</a><br />
<br />
5) Joanna talks about writing and the fear of judgement.<br />
<a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/17/writing-fear-of-judgment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29">http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/03/17/writing-fear-of-judgment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy. :)Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-191498301345820162013-03-13T20:11:00.001-07:002013-03-13T20:11:31.630-07:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU-RNAlqODGZde-IdBHQbNCbkRiycvANkmkB5eAdsyKNGYs0o_ay7W1vj7842sCW9sc-brbdjCXuFzfdGX5LoMMffH8mzCVYUcqogi5RPPz09vF5EWxi4WzolD7E81dsk6ynysIAomEU/s1600/winterblues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU-RNAlqODGZde-IdBHQbNCbkRiycvANkmkB5eAdsyKNGYs0o_ay7W1vj7842sCW9sc-brbdjCXuFzfdGX5LoMMffH8mzCVYUcqogi5RPPz09vF5EWxi4WzolD7E81dsk6ynysIAomEU/s400/winterblues.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's March Break here.<br />
So I almost forgot it was Wednesday.<br />
No matter, I'm here now. :)<br />
<br />
The rules?<br /><br />1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the picture
or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit. Let the
words flow. Trick your internal editor into thinking it's Thursday.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />This week's
prompt:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Write about a longing.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-31694553087628110462013-03-11T19:57:00.002-07:002013-03-11T19:57:58.042-07:00Top 5 Blog Posts for this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy_kqEU4L0KgSXp0AQmdkrmcfrizGITvjk52MBZL2xYPHfx2xsBd5cbctCXRMgjtHKmM_p-AenyepMG99FF2chzHCGrqzbYUmD_pUqhcV_ar3MQl6WeFann6q6AnV2Qr1bQ3ayjRJqTg/s1600/cliplove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy_kqEU4L0KgSXp0AQmdkrmcfrizGITvjk52MBZL2xYPHfx2xsBd5cbctCXRMgjtHKmM_p-AenyepMG99FF2chzHCGrqzbYUmD_pUqhcV_ar3MQl6WeFann6q6AnV2Qr1bQ3ayjRJqTg/s400/cliplove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's March Break week here,<br />
So I'm having a hard time <strike>keeping my sanity</strike> writing.<br />
Still, I love to spend time with my kids. :)<br />
<br />
Here is some awesome blog love for this week.<br />
I had a hard time picking just five...<br />
<br />
1) Janice talks about how to deal with cliffhanger endings when you have multiple POV's over at The Other Side of the Story.<br />
<a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/05/dont-leave-me-hanging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29">http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/05/dont-leave-me-hanging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29</a><br />
<br />
2) Steve Laube has a mini rant about editorial errors that make it into the final book and how it is more prevelant in the age of self publishing.<br />
<a href="http://stevelaube.com/when-editorial-errors-matter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29">http://stevelaube.com/when-editorial-errors-matter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29</a><br />
<br />
3) How to let go of your internal editor when writing a blog post shared by Bryan Hutchinson.<br />
<a href="http://positivewriter.com/the-most-overlooked-way-to-bring-life-to-your-blog-writing/">http://positivewriter.com/the-most-overlooked-way-to-bring-life-to-your-blog-writing/</a><br />
<br />
4) Janet Kobobel Grant explains how being a contracted author can be difficult at the Books & Such blog.<br />
<a href="http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/a-salute-and-a-challenge-to-writers/">http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/a-salute-and-a-challenge-to-writers/</a><br />
<br />
5) Ann R. Allen shares the number one reason why queries fail (you don't want to miss this one!)<br />
<a href="http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/03/the-1-reason-for-queryfailshow-to-avoid.html">http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/03/the-1-reason-for-queryfailshow-to-avoid.html</a><br />
<br />
As a bonus, if you want a good laugh check out Kristen Lamb's take on extreme spamming:<br />
<a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/why-settle-for-your-readers-wallet-when-you-can-get-in-her-pants-2/">http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/why-settle-for-your-readers-wallet-when-you-can-get-in-her-pants-2/</a><br />
Warning: This post may make <strike>men</strike> some people feel uncomfortable. So <strike>men</strike> you have been warned. The title is risque but the post will make most women laugh...and some <strike>men.</strike> Oops, I didn't mean to cross that one out.;)Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-62022980936758140102013-02-27T20:19:00.000-08:002013-02-27T20:19:35.940-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a2cfsXmtBOacq1HS8sp96fqGy7fwn_8vjTTPk0VabH9zO5GNHAKot0QpLDt5okEE9REOoU7ys3-ffTRPBAUUaZaYMTe7-s5pRhaVLwZ6sWWnliXNqiyWnlOXpnBTNo9sb1kGOOZeEVA/s1600/moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a2cfsXmtBOacq1HS8sp96fqGy7fwn_8vjTTPk0VabH9zO5GNHAKot0QpLDt5okEE9REOoU7ys3-ffTRPBAUUaZaYMTe7-s5pRhaVLwZ6sWWnliXNqiyWnlOXpnBTNo9sb1kGOOZeEVA/s400/moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hate February.<br />
Something about it makes me feel blech.<br />
Like Garfield on Mondays.<br />
<br />
So let's usher in March with another writer's prompt.<br />
<br />
The rules?<br /><br />1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the picture
or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit. Let the
words flow. Give your internal editor lasagne to eat.<br />
<br />
This week's prompt:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Give me a moon story.</em></strong></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-77530264135695887162013-02-25T18:38:00.000-08:002013-02-25T18:38:02.192-08:00My Top 5 Blog Posts for this Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CdSt9Dmpw8FVGmQIqm2AnvhrNK7XgPLJeA7_c_zKuzYvfdns3fJ_F6szRv3Q3C87ojMW0nEnAs6szPlYcgpCPrB1HwA-W1Y9nGj6OsPVxf16eCZt1ku7Oeob-KwaQd2akB-iv1XqACQ/s1600/coffeelove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CdSt9Dmpw8FVGmQIqm2AnvhrNK7XgPLJeA7_c_zKuzYvfdns3fJ_F6szRv3Q3C87ojMW0nEnAs6szPlYcgpCPrB1HwA-W1Y9nGj6OsPVxf16eCZt1ku7Oeob-KwaQd2akB-iv1XqACQ/s400/coffeelove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This morning felt like a coffee morning,<br />
I don't drink it very often but I needed it.<br />
Hence the aromatic photo...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm spreading some blog love.<br />
These posts are writing tips that are particularly relevant to me. :)<br />
I hope they inspire you as much as they did me.<br />
<br />
1) Melissa shares with us why poetry writing can improve our manuscripts (I wholeheartedly agree!) at The Write Practice.<br />
<a href="http://thewritepractice.com/poetry-prose/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29">http://thewritepractice.com/poetry-prose/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29</a><br />
<br />
2) At The Creative Penn, Joanna gives us 3 reasons why a writer should have a blog (and 3 reasons not to...)<br />
<a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/25/should-writers-blog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29">http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/25/should-writers-blog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29</a><br />
<br />
3) 10 query questions are answered by Chuck at The Writer Unboxed (If you want to see more questions answered he did a previous post in September 2012). Some great info here!<br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/02/25/column/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29">http://writerunboxed.com/2013/02/25/column/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29</a><br />
<br />
4) Jordyn at the Water Cooler gives some advice on how to write trilogies.<br />
<a href="http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/25/writing-a-trilogy/">http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/25/writing-a-trilogy/</a><br />
<br />
5) On Anne's blog they take a look how to craft a fine opening for your novel (something I've been working on for what feels like a lifetime).<br />
<a href="http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/02/self-editing-10113-questions-to-ask.html">http://annerallen.blogspot.ca/2013/02/self-editing-10113-questions-to-ask.html</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy. :)Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-18305274140487865742013-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:002013-02-20T19:00:11.525-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCI4aoRMjDwVlbr03S6mgI-7wNNJxBqFk6Mohol9qwrXXWBfL31uMha5Ay_wZasTyw-ASBGnGW4ojxOEn7i_l-hgXpaqlEVr0ZhUe5L-WvQulWHZKt__0hgHEmFB8eGlworzfMXcDZS8/s1600/churchbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCI4aoRMjDwVlbr03S6mgI-7wNNJxBqFk6Mohol9qwrXXWBfL31uMha5Ay_wZasTyw-ASBGnGW4ojxOEn7i_l-hgXpaqlEVr0ZhUe5L-WvQulWHZKt__0hgHEmFB8eGlworzfMXcDZS8/s400/churchbell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I must apologize for my absence on Monday,<br />
it was Family Day for us Canadians,<br />
so I took the day off. :)<br />
I will be back next Monday with my top five favorite blog posts.<br />
<br />
But for now, <br />
I have an offering of another Writer's Prompt.<br />
<br />
The rules?<br />
<br />
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the picture or the topic (or
something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Bind and gag your inner editor. :)<br />
<br />
This week's prompt: <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><em>You hear church bells in the distance.</em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, let loose your muse!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-46140994532432887702013-02-13T20:20:00.000-08:002013-02-13T20:20:44.726-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVZxMgjohJ1Vc9xCjjlm5nbHPCNbnbiKMU-UUT_OGjWDKN99aJNuFqBjI6pm1I_GMVCdIwRz9ykmm80CvEJ0i1W1xpcHl00tMVhoBKKyzsIOWsja1cOLvwr3-jeSgteWkfBhN1JgO67M/s1600/fatherkissingbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVZxMgjohJ1Vc9xCjjlm5nbHPCNbnbiKMU-UUT_OGjWDKN99aJNuFqBjI6pm1I_GMVCdIwRz9ykmm80CvEJ0i1W1xpcHl00tMVhoBKKyzsIOWsja1cOLvwr3-jeSgteWkfBhN1JgO67M/s400/fatherkissingbaby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a week of gushy, soppy sentiment...<br />
and chocolate,<br />
and lavish gifts,<br />
and back rubs. :)<br />
<br />
But before you indulge in the love of your significant other,<br />
(or food, dog, cat, or movie star fantasy),<br />
please do your writing prompt!<br />
<br />
The rules:<br />
<br />
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. You may need some wine to turn off your editor.<br />
<br />
Here is this weeks topic:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><em>Write about a kiss.</em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>I would love to read your Writing Prompt results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at </span></em><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></em></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-49518446578831114172013-02-11T18:52:00.000-08:002013-02-11T18:52:51.108-08:00Lovin' Me Some other Blogs...and Chocolate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAW_onHy4Tc2w5DcbMP7yPT1o2Z6i8hyphenhyphenUHpo-zWyFigYZsclEZyOBiBW5H5r20fiBWdjpZzItTyzkssV9jYvl1dL2FaoTRsKsLEG0WnSZuvlCrAnx14vraYZAU91N70GBIxoeWMN8pQA/s1600/brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAW_onHy4Tc2w5DcbMP7yPT1o2Z6i8hyphenhyphenUHpo-zWyFigYZsclEZyOBiBW5H5r20fiBWdjpZzItTyzkssV9jYvl1dL2FaoTRsKsLEG0WnSZuvlCrAnx14vraYZAU91N70GBIxoeWMN8pQA/s400/brownies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm thinking about brownies right now.<br />
You know the ones...Mrs. Fields make them. :)<br />
Hence the yummy picture.<br />
(psstt...I think there's a chocolate kiss inside these ones...nummy!)<br />
<br />
Oh sorry.<br />
Blog love.<br />
Here you go, my top five for this week.<br />
Take a look while I drool over my screen. ;)<br />
<br />
1. Joanne Penn has some fantastic ideas about how to produce more writing.<br />
<a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/11/how-to-write-more-daily-writing-habit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29">http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/11/how-to-write-more-daily-writing-habit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29</a><br />
<br />
2. At Books & Such Literary Agency Janet points out how even published authors don't know everything.<br />
<a href="http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/bad-advice-from-best-selling-authors/">http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/bad-advice-from-best-selling-authors/</a><br />
<br />
3. We look at others ways to describe Character Reactions with Janice Hardy.<br />
<a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/alternative-ways-to-describe-character.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29">http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/alternative-ways-to-describe-character.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29</a><br />
<br />
4. Carol at the water cooler looks at how writers need to operate with Grace.<br />
<a href="http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/08/pet-peeves-grace/">http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/02/08/pet-peeves-grace/</a><br />
<br />
5. Literary agent Rachelle Gardner looks at whether self publishing is the new slush pile.<br />
<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/are-self-pub-books-the-new-slush-pile/">http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/are-self-pub-books-the-new-slush-pile/</a><br />
<br />
<strong>If you have any blog posts that you would like to share feel free to leave a comment for me. I love to share. :) Except for my chocolate brownies maybe...</strong>Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-91135604686577487462013-02-06T20:19:00.000-08:002013-02-06T20:19:52.362-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR4U8iCwfIlxbqLOfi9-1kxkJJxr3mrBAdHBnob6lQWNAQPpnJ0vRAgmQON49XM4l_NDZfGJKNVCdSD40pe5QgweXaD_07Z4XG-f78AcbhKlexqqRIYFNbRCSagesNW_gZ-ydWCCexW4/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR4U8iCwfIlxbqLOfi9-1kxkJJxr3mrBAdHBnob6lQWNAQPpnJ0vRAgmQON49XM4l_NDZfGJKNVCdSD40pe5QgweXaD_07Z4XG-f78AcbhKlexqqRIYFNbRCSagesNW_gZ-ydWCCexW4/s400/train.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are expecting a lot of snow up here,<br />
which is very exciting.<br />
So while we are all hunkered down next to a roaring fire,<br />
let's try our hand at a writer's prompt.<br />
<br />
The rules:<br /><br />1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the picture
or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit. Let the
words flow. Your editor can watch whatever's on your PVR.<br /><br />Here is this
weeks topic:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>"Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance. Everybody thinks it's true." </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>(after Paul Simon)</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-26995079935960029112013-02-04T19:45:00.001-08:002013-02-04T19:45:38.835-08:00Bloggedy Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rWjw65oa4kJn6AnQniEPI5jdS-BjMZYuFwk_jqc_mJwO-P1jDfqtP2DtY9zDXhohRofpSpEw8Jqf1T00cmitekthAjSLUmda6ZjBeWkSLu8Mz5A_RFyVn_znoQu8JJopDRy1OMv-1Uk/s1600/springblossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rWjw65oa4kJn6AnQniEPI5jdS-BjMZYuFwk_jqc_mJwO-P1jDfqtP2DtY9zDXhohRofpSpEw8Jqf1T00cmitekthAjSLUmda6ZjBeWkSLu8Mz5A_RFyVn_znoQu8JJopDRy1OMv-1Uk/s400/springblossoms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another week has flown by.<br />
There is a little more snow where I live,<br />
but the ground hog has pronounced it is almost spring,<br />
so we may have green grass soon,<br />
(hence, the wonderful spring picture.)<br />
<br />
Here is the Blog Love for this week.<br />
<br />
1) Janice Hardy look at five edits that will strengthen your writing.<br />
<a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/five-edits-to-strengthen-your-writing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29">http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/five-edits-to-strengthen-your-writing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+janicehardy%2FPUtE+%28The+Other+Side+of+the+Story%29</a> <br />
<br />
2) Linda Yezak at Authorculture talks about what we authors call "weak words" and when to leave them in.<br />
<a href="http://authorculture.blogspot.ca/2013/02/verbal-deprivation.html">http://authorculture.blogspot.ca/2013/02/verbal-deprivation.html</a><br />
<br />
3) Rachelle Gardner explains what the purpose of an agent is in this changing market.<br />
<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/what-agents-are-doing-these-days/">http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/02/what-agents-are-doing-these-days/</a><br />
<br />
4) Jenn tackles the "dreaded synopsis" on her blog.<br />
<a href="http://jennmusing.blogspot.ca/2013/02/the-dreaded-synopsis.html">http://jennmusing.blogspot.ca/2013/02/the-dreaded-synopsis.html</a><br />
<br />
5) Steve Laube talks about when (and how) to let your inner editor loose.<br />
<a href="http://stevelaube.com/the-writer-as-editor/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29">http://stevelaube.com/the-writer-as-editor/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28Steve+Laube%29</a><br />
<br />
As a bonus I have included a link to <a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2013/01/where-have-all-bloggers-gone.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NathanBransford+%28Nathan+Bransford%2C+Author%29">Nathan Bransford's blog</a>. He looks at whether the Blogosphere is slowing down.<br />
<br />
<strong>So what do you think? Is the blogosphere dying while Facebook, Twitter, and other mediums rise up? Leave me a message. I would love to chat!</strong><br />
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-35522296702651380782013-01-30T17:58:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:58:58.115-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYNzwiFqQaQXiqHXupEtsNkMu_3ugFiPBSBHyr4iQNuEhuPaUCpEMCP52nZIOlc4EOz10ssByTgA1Hpwf8IOGBQq_jzyfj_A0Ao7L0eDjyD5rQFcc0W5cbM9IJ_G7ZeIb4H9iUWtJ9_Q/s1600/stockvault-treasure-chest105352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYNzwiFqQaQXiqHXupEtsNkMu_3ugFiPBSBHyr4iQNuEhuPaUCpEMCP52nZIOlc4EOz10ssByTgA1Hpwf8IOGBQq_jzyfj_A0Ao7L0eDjyD5rQFcc0W5cbM9IJ_G7ZeIb4H9iUWtJ9_Q/s400/stockvault-treasure-chest105352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I don't like snow,<br />
but it's a little ridiculous to see green grass this time of year,<br />
AND not have to wear a coat outside. :P<br />
<br />
Thankfully,<br />
it's Wednesday,<br />
so I can bury my head in a writing prompt.<br />
<br />
The rules:<br />
<br />1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />2) Write about the
picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />3) Do NOT edit.
Let the words flow. Your editor can watch whatever's on your PVR.<br />
<br />Here is this weeks topic:<br />
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Write about a time you found out about something you weren't supposed to know.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And...GO!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-4973252101562771032013-01-28T18:59:00.001-08:002013-01-28T19:04:03.594-08:00Some Blog Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hlUyU1B4CNSiFReeeOI28WcPSAbOef34MHBH4saRhyxTqBnMS6L3z8pv8wdkVit1KlNefQP0bLqidisdZq-k-P_wvkxy1tNMBP5Sd2X17SGuwqg1uzzWUezrVcHubA9GNg8dNKwhaSc/s1600/snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hlUyU1B4CNSiFReeeOI28WcPSAbOef34MHBH4saRhyxTqBnMS6L3z8pv8wdkVit1KlNefQP0bLqidisdZq-k-P_wvkxy1tNMBP5Sd2X17SGuwqg1uzzWUezrVcHubA9GNg8dNKwhaSc/s400/snowman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Time for some blog love. :)<br />
The weather can't seem to make up it's mind up here.<br />
My kids made a snowman,<br />
and it's so mild (and rainy),<br />
that now it looks like a piece of modern art. :)<br />
<br />
Here are my top blog visits this week for you.<br />
There is a lot of encouragement for writers who are wondering if it is worth it this week.<br />
Perhaps its the weather...<br />
I'm glad I'm not the only one a little frustrated with their project. <br />
You are not alone!<br />
<br />
1. Kristen Lamb looks at why you shouldn't edit your work too early (I just purchased her book "We Are Not Alone" about how writers should use social media - a worthwhile purchase!)<br />
<a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/lessons-from-oleander-beware-of-premature-editing/">http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/lessons-from-oleander-beware-of-premature-editing/</a><br />
<br />
2. Rachelle Gardner gives some sage words on whether the writing life is worth it.<br />
<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/01/is-the-writing-life-worth-i/">http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/01/is-the-writing-life-worth-i/</a><br />
<br />
3. At the YA Highway they gently remind us that there is a book in all of us.<br />
<a href="http://www.yahighway.com/2013/01/by-george-theres-book-in-you.html">http://www.yahighway.com/2013/01/by-george-theres-book-in-you.html</a><br />
<br />
4. Joe Bunting at "The Write Practice" speaks like a wise friend about the story we are afraid to write.<br />
<a href="http://thewritepractice.com/waiting-for/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29">http://thewritepractice.com/waiting-for/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWritePractice+%28The+Write+Practice%29</a><br />
<br />
5. A guest post by Lisa Hall-Wilson about how to maximize your Facebook page. There is a wonderful class tomorrow night for those who would like to attend for the small fee of $35.<br />
<a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/maximizing-facebook-what-we-can-learn-from-puppy-dog-eyes-and-lol-cats/">http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/maximizing-facebook-what-we-can-learn-from-puppy-dog-eyes-and-lol-cats/</a><br />
<br />Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-70569910551925155872013-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:002013-01-23T19:13:33.531-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpLB-9n7OezPSbfkKmvxSgcKAvFfFF5LZTk9tc39fBu-s8DyzmcEoyhxP9dD_JhBIOCVkfVV7fR-BVmoSZoJDI6reRrAk6_NlV9hVFq9txnChY6IqOrCiPqxgLHqBDfub1GT9PRNhGVE/s1600/letterwriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpLB-9n7OezPSbfkKmvxSgcKAvFfFF5LZTk9tc39fBu-s8DyzmcEoyhxP9dD_JhBIOCVkfVV7fR-BVmoSZoJDI6reRrAk6_NlV9hVFq9txnChY6IqOrCiPqxgLHqBDfub1GT9PRNhGVE/s400/letterwriting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Brrr.<br />
It's a cold one out there.<br />
I'm looking forward to the weekend,<br />
especially since they said it will warm up a bit.<br />
Hence my glee at the arrival of hump day.<br />
<br />
I'm also glad because it is WRITING PROMPT WEDNESDAY!!<br />
(sorry for yelling there...I thought you might be falling asleep...heh, heh)<br />
<br />
The rules are simple:<br />
1) Set the timer for 15 minutes.<br />
2) Write about the picture or the topic (or something that jumps into your head)<br />
3) Do NOT edit. Let the words flow. Tell your critic to go get a chicken salad sandwich or something.<br />
<br />
Here is this weeks topic:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><em>Write a love letter. To anyone.</em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your
blog post. :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-59032031399861917852013-01-21T17:13:00.000-08:002013-01-21T17:13:37.493-08:00Top 5 Blog Posts this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV34eO0XoSeS973qWVpTEkvXIhpZJFz90l49zSXAHF57s59C-_0MdoRukCg0sYrpA5g34eVuZ_p2lXQnB0JtPC1aMkecmgQKXizZz39_3Uw3TxTh5G7mc1F_JysSNzkNfNxa4-iQZpcng/s1600/bloglove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV34eO0XoSeS973qWVpTEkvXIhpZJFz90l49zSXAHF57s59C-_0MdoRukCg0sYrpA5g34eVuZ_p2lXQnB0JtPC1aMkecmgQKXizZz39_3Uw3TxTh5G7mc1F_JysSNzkNfNxa4-iQZpcng/s400/bloglove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here it is.<br />
My Blog Love for the week. :)<br />
If I had to pick one word for these posts it would be Encouragement.<br />
Enjoy. :)<br />
<br />
1. At The Creative Penn they tackled 5 Tips for Writing and Marketing YA<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/01/18/writing-marketing-ya/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29">http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/01/18/writing-marketing-ya/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCreativePenn+%28The+Creative+Penn%29</a><br />
<br />
2. Get 3 Top Tips to Gain Facebook Fans on your Author Page at the water cooler<br />
<br />
<a href="http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/01/17/3-top-tips-to-grow-facebook-fans-on-your-author-page/">http://wordservewatercooler.com/2013/01/17/3-top-tips-to-grow-facebook-fans-on-your-author-page/</a><br />
<br />
3. At Jeff Goins site Trisha Davis shares her heartwarming story of how she became a writer because someone believed in her despite her learning disability.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goinswriter.com/idiot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29">http://goinswriter.com/idiot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29</a><br />
<br />
4. Positive Writer gives 5 Helpful Tips on not letting negative feedback get to you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://positivewriter.com/dont-let-negative-feedback-stop-you-helpful-tips/">http://positivewriter.com/dont-let-negative-feedback-stop-you-helpful-tips/</a><br />
<br />
5. Veronica Roth (one of my all time FAVORITE writers) talks about embracing your voice at YA Highway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yahighway.com/2013/01/embracing-your-own-voice.html">http://www.yahighway.com/2013/01/embracing-your-own-voice.html</a><br />
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Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-77889485017869078042013-01-20T12:38:00.000-08:002013-01-20T12:39:38.372-08:00An Awesome Contest.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhmN21SwTZVYmBfpsWJvjZXL2-XnnZzMeYVNsmqOzCv-1DuEr6kC2iQykhNt0kitOrieyCk92BfbdJso4IGNoloKmit2p1CiHKP7Q8UxNxQKFlKnDS4OhGVGPZrmOw7QMCLPLa7XWaUA/s1600/DearLuckyAgent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhmN21SwTZVYmBfpsWJvjZXL2-XnnZzMeYVNsmqOzCv-1DuEr6kC2iQykhNt0kitOrieyCk92BfbdJso4IGNoloKmit2p1CiHKP7Q8UxNxQKFlKnDS4OhGVGPZrmOw7QMCLPLa7XWaUA/s320/DearLuckyAgent2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's your chance to enter a FREE contest,<br />
and get your material seen by an actual agent.<br />
<br />
Here are the details:<br />
<br />
<strong>WHY YOU SHOULD GET EXCITED</strong><br />
After a previous “Dear Lucky Agent” contest, the agent judge, <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/agent-advice-tamar-rydzinski-of-laura-dail-literary-agency" target="_blank">Tamar Rydzinski (The Laura Dail Literary Agency)</a>, signed one of the three contest winners. After Tamar signed the writer, she went on to sell two of that writer’s books! How cool! That’s why these contests are not to missed if you have an eligible submission.<br />
<br />
<strong>WHAT TO SUBMIT</strong><br />
The first 150-200 words of your unpublished, book-length work of your sci-fi novel or young adult novel. You must include a contact e-mail address with your entry and use your real name. Also, submit the title of the work and a logline (one-sentence description of the work) with each entry.<br />
<br />
Know that you have to post information about the contest twice on social media in order to be eligable.<br />
Check out the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/13th-free-dear-lucky-agent-contest-young-adult-and-sci-fi">Writers Digest website</a> for more details.<br />
The contest closes by January 31st.Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-20894640308125939032013-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:002013-01-19T17:38:13.370-08:00My Writing Prompt response: Write about a bed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAC1Xspmhhpw41S6_W4OEer87czfZlp7OPc3Cokm4JCl_c_UVnpjWHp20p82FVoxUWRL37vLt4gpxqV4sO1q58sV0cd9-SYoQsBB8vN3r8-RaPivEKRFoOKSWBv4GNdhM8ow5k4wQPf0/s1600/bed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAC1Xspmhhpw41S6_W4OEer87czfZlp7OPc3Cokm4JCl_c_UVnpjWHp20p82FVoxUWRL37vLt4gpxqV4sO1q58sV0cd9-SYoQsBB8vN3r8-RaPivEKRFoOKSWBv4GNdhM8ow5k4wQPf0/s400/bed3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sorry I am a day late,<br />
but I couldn't get on to blogger for some reason last night.<br />
Here is my response to the writing prompt:<br />
Write about a bed.<br />
<br />
15 minutes writing,<br />
no editing.<br />
Ready, set, GO! :)<br />
<br />
*********************************************************<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Claire loved the darkness - the comfortable feeling of it
was like a second skin at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a
mother, it surrounded her like a blanket, covering her differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every night in her dark cocoon she would hear
the familiar tsing tsing of the train coursing on the track singing her a
lullaby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The giant wheels rumbling and
causing her room to tremble down to its very roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times it felt to her as if the train
tracks had been there forever – much longer then the red brick building where
she laid her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rumbling would
start in the very foundation and make its way up the stairs into her room
– rumbling and grumbling like the sound of a sleeping giant snoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the sounds that kept her
company when she lay in her hard bed at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes it seemed to her as if the giant metal beast was the only
thing keeping her knit together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost
like if she was unable to return to the cover of darkness and the familiar
noise – the seams of her home would come apart and pieces of herself would be
lost in the breeze.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-10491156903727708232013-01-16T20:23:00.000-08:002013-01-16T20:23:12.913-08:00Writing Prompt Wednesday #11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7CayR3oIBvTq-veonVdcses8Ebglmh88Poc321grV-J9FRKslcyjLz8HWglVgxbmPuL4bUSFvLIlEatN5XID5Rhyphenhyphen-V8c3gXrrIiceMWNn0s4srDBPs2NGFPLP5CCl0UkFRpt2vzn1TU/s1600/bed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7CayR3oIBvTq-veonVdcses8Ebglmh88Poc321grV-J9FRKslcyjLz8HWglVgxbmPuL4bUSFvLIlEatN5XID5Rhyphenhyphen-V8c3gXrrIiceMWNn0s4srDBPs2NGFPLP5CCl0UkFRpt2vzn1TU/s400/bed2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The middle of the week is here. :)<br />
And with it comes a chance to flex your impromptu writing muscles.<br />
<br />
Writing prompts are fairly straight forward.<br />
<br />
The rules are simple:<br />
1) Set your timer for 10 minutes<br />
2) Write about the
topic (There is no wrong answer! Everyone's response to the phrase or picture
will be different).<br />
3) DO NOT EDIT. Write without <strike>censoring</strike>
editing. Write whatever comes into your mind. You may be surprised at your own
pure genius. :)<br />
Today's prompt is:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<em><strong>Write about a bed.</strong></em></div>
<br />
<br />
Come back on Friday and I will share what I came up with.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b>I would love to read your Writing Prompt
results! Please post your passage in the comment box or leave a link to your blog post. :)</b></div>
Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467807972565272661.post-18959139632757404972013-01-14T18:36:00.001-08:002013-01-14T18:44:20.144-08:00Blog love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Well, it is Monday yet again,<br />
and this time Blogger will let me post pictures ONLY if I use Chrome...lol.<br />
So here are some interesting posts that I found last week.<br />
Enjoy. :)<br />
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1. Sarah Mae shares on Jeff Goins blog about being called to write in spite of life.<br />
<a href="http://goinswriter.com/called-to-write/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29">http://goinswriter.com/called-to-write/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GoinsWriter+%28Goins%2C+Writer%3A+On+Writing%2C+Ideas%2C+and+Making+a+Difference%29</a><br />
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2. Allison Morris visits Holly Cagney's blog. She talks about why ebooks and print books can coexist. Lovely visuals with this post.<br />
<a href="http://cantfightthewrite.blogspot.ca/2013/01/libraries-are-forevah.html">http://cantfightthewrite.blogspot.ca/2013/01/libraries-are-forevah.html</a><br />
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3. Authoress is offering up her editing services at a very reasonable rate. Check out her other posts as well as she has a lot of contests. :)<br />
<a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.ca/2013/01/authoress-editing-services.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+MissSnarksFirstVictim+(Miss+Snark's+First+Victim">http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.ca/2013/01/authoress-editing-services.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+MissSnarksFirstVictim+(Miss+Snark's+First+Victim</a>)<br />
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4. Awesome guest post by David King (author of the book every writer should have, Self Editing for Fiction Writers) and talks about hoarding too much info in our manuscripts.<br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/01/14/writers-who-hoard/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29">http://writerunboxed.com/2013/01/14/writers-who-hoard/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29</a>Karen deBlieckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11833882790709316409noreply@blogger.com2