Pay It Forward Friday: Amos M. Carpenter

Pay It Forward Fridays came from this post by Emily Guido. The idea is to feature a blogger or author on Fridays and give them a little shoutout. Anyone goes as long as they’re interested.

I’ve received an incredible amount of support from bloggers, authors and people I’ve met on line who didn’t know me and were just very kind, supportive souls. And, when I read that post by Emily Guido, I thought: time to give back.

I loved this quote from Emily’s mother:

“I cast a couple of pieces of bread on the water and the waves bring me back a ham sandwich.”

Karma is a beautiful thing.

Today I’m focusing on Amos M. Carpenter and yes, this is his avatar. Amos is shy.

He says of himself:

“So. About me. (I refuse to write about myself in the third person.)

Private me

There’s not too much about the private me that I want to share (yet?), though you may get some idea about my personality from my posts. First and foremost, I’m a family person. I married my high-school sweetheart, and if anyone ever found out how insanely happy we are together, they’d probably find a way to make that illegal. (So… sshh!) We have three very bright kids, each of them awesome in different ways, two great dogs, one of them calm as a cucumber, the other one skittish and neurotic, and two tomcats.

I’m a perfectionist, a bit of a grammar Na… er, grammar nasty. I lament the fact that “the days of good English have went”, that too many people can’t spell “definitely”, can’t tell “their” from “there” or “they’re”, consider “whom” to be dead, keep using “there’s” with plural nouns, and that modern writers fear long sentences. The number of spelling/grammar mistakes I spot (I am biologically unable to read past them) in everyday life, from websites to TV to even books, is mind-boggling.

Public me

Publically, I’m a web developer with way too many interests. Work keeps me busier than I’d like, and my other interests mean I never have as much time as I’d like to devote to blogging and writing. For now, it has to be that way, though, because the fact that I work, and that I’m good at what I do, means I can afford (though barely) to provide my kids with a good education.

One of the primary interests I intend to write about is, well, writing. (Guess that makes this a meta-writing blog, in a sense.) I’ve always loved writing and being creative, but mostly it’s been software and websites rather than actual prose. Similar, in a way, but in late 2013 and early 2014, I’ve had a bit of time to really write… and fallen in love with it. One of the main reasons for starting this blog was to get a web presence for my “author persona” out there, to document my journey as I struggle with finishing my manuscript, then queries, submissions, and rejections, and to encourage myself to not lose sight of my goal of one day being able to share the story that’s been spooking around my head for so long with the world.”

Amos has been published. His story Big Bang was published in the anthology by Nicholas C. Rossis, The Power of Six.

 

(note: click on cover to buy)

Amos has his own very professional site: amosmcarpenter.com

With a very unique sense of humour, Amos is a bright young author full of talent who’s also a grammar guru. Why not check out his site?

Karma

Pay It Forward: Heather B. Costa

Pay It Forward Fridays came from this post by Emily Guido. The idea is to feature a blogger or author on Fridays and give them a little shoutout. Anyone goes as long as they’re interested.

I’ve received an incredible amount of support from bloggers, authors and people I’ve met on line who didn’t know me and were just very kind, supportive souls. And, when I read that post by Emily Guido, I thought: time to give back.

I loved this quote from Emily’s mother:

“I cast a couple of pieces of bread on the water and the waves bring me back a ham sandwich.”

Karma is a beautiful thing.

Today I’m focusing on Heather B. Costa.

I apologize for the tiny picture but Heather is a little shy. This is her avatar.

She says of herself:

“My name is Heather B. Costa and I am an aspiring writer who one day hopes to have her own book published. I only began writing seriously in 2012 and it has gone from being a hobby to a way of life.

I devote as much time as I can to learning my craft and developing my skills and I am now taking my first serious steps towards achieving my goals and becoming a published author in my own right.”

Heather is an aspiring author who’s working hard at her dream. She has an awesome blog that has several amazing features.

Check out her Writing Resources. She also does music and media film reviews here.

Heather is even open to reviewing other books, indie or traditionally published.

Heather has a fantastic sense of humour. Check out the section in her blog dedicated to silly, fun stuff.

Most importantly, Heather is incredibly talented. Check out one of the fantastic pieces of fiction she published in her blog. Here was her prompt: “I’m telling you this story because you are the only person I can trust not to judge me . . .”

“I’m telling you this story because you are the only people I can trust not to judge me. Ever since we first met, when your eyes met my own, I knew we had a connection. You looked at me with such trust that I felt some of the walls I’d built around my heart crumbling and falling away.

We’ve known each other for long enough for me to tell you the truth. This may be hard to hear, but knowing this will save you a great deal of heartache in the future.

There are bad people out there, some closer than you think. Even people who were meant to love and protect you will be the ones who’ll hurt you the most. Who knows what drives the darkness in their hearts, but know now that your trust and respect should be earned by those around you. Make sure that, whoever you open your heart to, you choose wisely, for once a heart has been broken it can never be truly mended. Those scars will stay with you for the rest of your life, fading with time, but a painful reminder of past hurts.

For some, you will never be good enough, no matter what you do. There are people in this life who want to hurt you for no good reason. Don’t give them the time of day and NEVER let them know that their cruel words have left their mark. Look those people in the eye and know that you are better than they will ever be.

Life is full of mistakes, but learning from them is what counts. Trust me, I’ve made a few of my own. When something goes wrong, use the experience to do better in the future. Don’t blame yourself for mistakes made, for that is how we learn and grow as people. Have courage in your convictions and stand up for what you know is right. Your heart is pure and untainted – keep it that way.

Time is precious so spend it with the ones you love and don’t be afraid to tell them how much they mean to you. Live and love with all of your heart; you can be anything you want to be.

You’ll grow, get older and probably outgrow my company, but know this: I will be with you every step of the way, teaching you, guiding you, supporting you to be the best that you can possibly be. I’ll be there for every birthday, every Christmas and every life event in between.

I’ll be there to remind you of your aunt and how much she loved you, how delighted she would be in the progress that you’ve made and everything you’ll ever achieve. I can never replace her, but I can try to fill some of the void that her passing caused.

She’ll live on through us all – in our hearts, in our minds and in our memories.”

Wanna know more? Want to give her some support? You can follow her on Twitter @HeatherBCosta or check out her blog Trials of a Wanna-Be-Published Writer.

Karma

#1000Speak for Compassion.

When I heard about this project, I wanted to be in it. Compassion is a powerful, powerful thing and so beautiful it almost always brings me to tears.

Then I thought, what on earth am I going to write about? And, just like that. I knew.

(credit:wonderofcreation.org)

I think I love seeing compassion because it’s in all of us. It has no race, no religion, only kindness and understanding.

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I remember being taught as a child that animals have no compassion. I forget who said it but today, I know that person had no idea. Animals are incredibly compassionate.

Check out this cow. She’s in her glory. I actually think she’s smiling. Who knew cows liked hugs?

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Monkeys like them too.

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So do humans…

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I saw a show on TV the other day about animals who adopted other baby animals. Turns out, this happens in nature more often than I thought.

That’s a baby owl. Not a puppy.

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This one adopted ducklings.

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This one is a pigeon and a baby squirrel.

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The examples go on and on.

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All of them are animals being compassionate.

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Humans can do it too.

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And when we do, it’s a beautiful thing.

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Pay It Forward Friday: Wanted

Pay It Forward Fridays came from this post by Emily Guido. The idea is to feature a blogger or author on Fridays and give them a little shoutout. Anyone goes as long as they’re interested.

I’ve received an incredible amount of support from bloggers, authors and people I’ve met on line who didn’t know me and were just very kind, supportive souls. And, when I read that post by Emily Guido, I thought: time to give back.

I loved this quote from Emily’s mother:

“I cast a couple of pieces of bread on the water and the waves bring me back a ham sandwich.”

Karma is a beautiful thing.

So far, I’ve been picking people but it occurred to me that some might not appreciate it or the timing might not be what they want. Instead, I thought I’d ask.

Are you interested in getting a little attention? Is there a date that might suit you? My blog is humble but I promise to give it all my shouting power. You can contact me through the Contact tab and keep your comment private. Or you can suggest someone else who might be too shy to speak for themselves.

Or you might be sick of this feature, ask that I stop, in the name of all the gods above, and get a new idea. I’m good with that too.

Karma

BE PREPARED FOR ACTION! #MONDAYBLOG #1000SPEAK

Inspired by this post from Melissa Barker-Simpson, I thought I’d join in and add some beautiful quotes on compassion. Meanwhile, to find out more about the project, click here.

Posts I loved this week

It’s February and freezing around here. Still, these posts make my day, cheer me up and enlighten me. What would I do without you guys? A huge thanks to everyone for their fabulous posts!

I’m so excited about this initiative. I’m so impressed with the numbers it has already generated. There is so much kindness in the world and this is just a small demonstration of it. A huge thank you to The Qwiet Muse for this post. While you’re there, check out this post. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s an honest love story and, like most of them are, it’s both wondrous and so true, it grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. I can’t recommend it enough. *Sigh*

Those wonderful If We Were Having Coffee posts are incredible; I simply love them. Check out this awesome one from Write On Sisters and, if you’re curious about the idea, they came from the one and only Part Time Monster.

I was waiting eagerly for Rose B. Fisher’s debut at Sourcerer. That blog has the most impressive group of writers and contributors ever, so I was thrilled to see that Rose F. was going to join them. She didn’t disappoint. What an excellent post!

Check out this beautiful post from Open Hearted Musings on smiling for inner peace. From the amazing quotes to the cutie babies, I just loved it. What an uplifting post!

Interesting Literature has this post with 10 Free Online Resources to Improve your writing. They’re truly great sites so I recommend checking them out. For example, Positive Writer, one of those sites, has this great post on the Top 50 Writing Blogs for 2015. That’s just one of the sites recommended.

If you’re considering starting your own blog, check out this site. The Blogstarter takes you gently though the steps on getting a blog set up with pictures and free videos. If your cup of tea is a website, check out this site with step by step instructions for webs on WordPress by The WebsiteSetUp.

If you’re looking for writing resources, might I suggest Adirondack Editing? Check out this resources page and see if you can’t find what you’re looking for there. They have everything from scams to top blogs for authors.

I certainly needed this post on 10 Ways to Declutter Your Mind For Clarity, Focus and Peace from Tiny Buddha. What an amazing blog!

Looking for a new site full of writing, advertising and cover resources? Check out Chris Mcmullen‘s site. Just an example of why it’s great, here’s his link page!

Looking for a site with blogging resources? Try One Cool Site. It’s got WordPress blogging tips, tools, tutorials and so much more!

Finally, a little quote,

(credit: goodreads.com)

P.S. Did I miss a post that you adored or do you know a blog that’s amazing? Let me know! I’d love to hear about it!

Posts I loved this week

This week was absolutely incredible in posts. I try to keep these posts manageable because there’s a limit to ridiculousness but these couldn’t be kept out, ridiculous length or not. Like teens say, they’re absolutely ‘Tha bomb’.

The 100 best websites for Writers is an awesome post that I immediately added to this list. A huge thank you to The Write Life for that great resource.

In April, there’s a great Blogging challenge to blog topics from A to Z. It’s awesome and not just because of the letters but because truly great posts appear. Check out the schedule for Sourcerer and a little intro on the challenge. This is going to be soooo good! I can’t wait.

I love If We were having Coffee posts. Just eat them up. I think they might have started off in Part Time Monster. They’re intimate and personal and I feel like I get a little update of the person and how they’re doing. Check out this one by Winter Bayne. Isn’t it lovely?

This week, Positive Writer posted the Top 50 Writing Blogs for 2015. A fantastic post you can check out here.

Okay, this one is a little self-serving but Just Gene’O came out with this wonderful new feature to share some blog love around. It’s just like him because he’s truly a very kind person. But don’t go too far. Check out this other post on the same blog with some very cool ideas and news coming up in this awesome blog!

If you’re looking for a little promo for your book, check out this post by Ch’kara Silverwolf. Isn’t that an awesome gesture of kindness? A huge thanks to her for that wonderful gift to all authors.

I found this post through Steve Vernon. He often reblogs awesome posts and this one is one of them. 6 Reasons why you should be reading books by Alana Munro. I had no idea reading was so beneficial!

If you’re trying to contact a literary agent but don’t want to go the traditional ‘query letter’ route, try this post on 4 different ways to do so from Writers In the Storm.

The 1000 Voices Speaking for Compassion is doing awesome. Check out the brand new blog at WordPress supporting this great project.

Natacha Guyot‘s debut post on Sourcerer was a thing of beauty with a wonderful message. Check it out here.

I’ve spoken about The Story Reading Ape before but this blog is amazing. Not only is it full of every resource an author could want (everything from places to get reviews, to covers, to editing help), it also has reviews of other books so you can find your next great read.

Okay, don’t miss this post. I absolutely loved it. It’s got humour that made me laugh, a beautiful story, pictures and fantastic writing all in one post. A big, huge thank you to Just Ponderin’ for this one…and…have you ever thought of writing a book?

For all those fans of Melissa Barker-Simpson (like me!) out there, here’s a very special bit of good news! She’s taking part in the A to Z challenge this April. Her writing is fresh, funny and so captivating. Those posts are going to be awesome!

Looking for a good book for February? Check out this post from the BookChick with all the upcoming releases in that month and covers to tempt your taste buds!

So true, Wise Ink has these 5 Myths about Self-Publishing.

On a completely different note, I loved this post by The Tiny Buddha, 10 Things to Stop Doing If You Want to Be Happy. So wise and true!

Melissa Barker-Simpson is looking for contributors to the Writing Room 101. Check out the post and see if you’re interested.

A beautifully written post on Feminism, Gene’O explains the whys and reasons in such a kind, fluid way that it reminded me of Emma Watson’s speech at the United Nations on the same topic. A huge thank you to Part Time Monster for that wonderful post.

The Story Reading Ape reblogged this great post with five videos of Real Editors giving Writing Advice. A great resource in an amazing blog.

Finally, a friendly quote from a famous doctor. 🙂

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Pay It Forward: Winter Bayne

Pay It Forward Fridays came from this post by Emily Guido. The idea is to feature a blogger or author on Fridays and give them a little shoutout. Anyone goes as long as they’re interested.

I’ve received an incredible amount of support from bloggers, authors and people I’ve met on line who didn’t know me and were just very kind, supportive souls. And, when I read that post by Emily Guido, I thought: time to give back.

I loved this quote from Emily’s mother:

“I cast a couple of pieces of bread on the water and the waves bring me back a ham sandwich.”

Karma is a beautiful thing.

Today I’m focusing on Winter Bayne.

Now usually, I have a picture for you, but Winter is…well she’s shy. So, instead I have this:

This lovely fellow is Kashmir, her cat, who’s standing in for Winter.

She says this of herself:

“I was a closet writer that shredded or burned her stories hours after finishing them, never allowing another set of eyes to chance a read. After spending a year in the hospital surviving NHL cancer, I met my Other Half, West. He replaced my lack of faith in myself with his own unrelenting encouragement. Now, we’re living our own happily ever after while adopting a little girl, Bella. I’ve set my compass towards my dreams and I’m going after them.

During the day I can be found with my Ragdoll cat in my lap and a book in my hands or spending time with my motley family. After the sun goes down and the stars come out, I release the characters in my imagination to cause chaos in fantasy worlds.

I’m somewhat of an antisocial hermit, but I can be coaxed from my writing nook with B horror movies, yarn, or Shiraz.

I’m living proof that it is indeed always the quiet ones that are the naughtiest.”

Winter is one of those people who’ll give you her last dollar but has trouble buying herself gifts. Want proof? I mentioned something about my book, she created a banner to celebrate and a header. Just like that.

She’s also an incredibly gifted writer. Check out the story of how she and West met. I couldn’t stop reading.

Winter Bayne’s work appears in two anthologies.

The first one, Secret Identities Anthology, has her story Heroes For Hire: Striker and is coming out in February 3 from Breathless Press.

 Blurb:

“Shade is an average woman until the government uses her as a human guinea pig, forever changing her life with new superhuman powers. Striker is an ex-military man who sees the benefit of genetically altered humans and turns his vision into a multi-million dollar security business, Heroes for Hire. On opposing sides of the legal use of the genetically altered, passions flare for Shade and Striker leaving one unanswered question – how good can sex get?

Rating: Two stubborn super heroes on opposing sides with light super power bondage.”

 

The other is The Knight Temptress Anthology from DKC Publishing and has Winter Bayne’s story Tiera. Tiera is none other than the paranormal/fantasy short story that won First Place at the 2014 Dragon Knight Chronicles Contest.

You can find Winter just about everywhere (especially in Nanowrimo) but also at her site Winter Bayne. Why not check out this highly talented author?

Karma

Posts I loved this week

This was a phenomenal week online. Everywhere I looked there was another outstanding post. As a result, this post is a little on the long side. Don’t look at me. You guys are the ones who produced these amazing gems! 🙂

A Writer’s Path has a great post on what to do if you’re stuck (like me) and have trouble writing (or editing). I found this post (and blog) via Steve Vernon who reblogged it, so he deserves the credit because the post is awesome. Check out this Writer’s Toolbox and see why.

A wonderfully uplifting post, Think Positive reminded me of just how difficult writing is for everyone, including the Greats. A huge thank you to Callum Mclaughlin for that wonderful post!

Much is said about trolls online. Here’s a wonderful post with confessions from a former troll with tips on how to deal with them and maintain your serenity. Learn from one who has been there on the fantastic blog 99u.

A huge congrats to Natacha Guyot for the release of her book ‘A Galaxy of Possibilities – Representation and Storytelling in Star Wars’. Long awaited, it looks awesome!

A wonderful blog with great writing and beautiful initiatives, Part Time Monster is one of my favourite blogs for good reason. Check out this post and see why.

A very exciting blog, Sourcerer now has new contributors and features. I, for one, never miss a post on this blog. And while you’re there, check out this book review by  Rebecca Bradley. Its the first of a series. Isn’t it awesome?

Sick of hearing bad news? Try this incredible true story by Suzie81 Speaks. And while you’re there, check out these hilarious posts: How to know when you’re a teacher and 21 ways to annoy your teacher or these blogging tips. This blog is awesome!!

Writeonsisters has a great post with tips for Authors on their site. And while you’re there, check out another amazing post this time on editing. Another incredible site!!

This one is reading at its best. I found Compassion in Action from The Qwiet Muse via Sourcerer in Twitter and I can’t thank him enough. What a lovely post and a wonderful blog! I love this quote: “sometimes we choose what to write, sometimes we write what chooses us.” I will definitely follow this one!

If you’re wondering about joining #1000Speak, check out this incredible post on the subject by Drifting through My Open Mind. Beautifully written, it’s inspirational. A huge thank you to Drifting Through for that wonderful post! And that’s not all on this wonderful project, Melissa Barker-Simpson has started these Monday Posts that are an amazing way to lead up to Feb 20th. And EVEN more great news, check out the blog that was born out of this idea, #1000Speak for Compassion. What an amazing demonstration of the goodness in humanity!

A huge congratulations to Crystin Goodwin for that awesome cover for her second book, Fire Blessed. I’m so pumped for this book!

For a laugh and sheer enjoyment, try this post by Inside The Life Of Moi. I laugh so hard at the posts on this blog!

Finally, a little quote from someone you might recognize.

(credit: viacharacterblog.org)

Pay It Forward Friday: Mishka Jenkins

Pay It Forward Fridays came from this post by Emily Guido. The idea is to feature a blogger or author on Fridays and give them a little shoutout. Anyone goes as long as they’re interested.

I’ve received an incredible amount of support from bloggers, authors and people I’ve met on line who didn’t know me and were just very kind, supportive souls. And, when I read that post by Emily Guido, I thought: time to give back.

I loved this quote from Emily’s mother:

“I cast a couple of pieces of bread on the water and the waves bring me back a ham sandwich.”

Karma is a beautiful thing.

Today I’m focusing on Mishka Jenkins.

She says of herself:

“Mishka Jenkins lives in the UK with her family and fluffy muse, a rough collie named Harliquin, who she couldn’t write without.

Mishka has a penchant for writing love stories in a variety of exciting genres, and plans to keep writing them for as long as she can type.”

When asked for advice to aspiring writers, she says: “Write. Ignore what anyone else says, what the ‘rules’ say you should do to be a proper writer, what is currently popular.

Write what you want, what makes you happy. That is what is most important and will keep you writing.”

I love that advice.

Mishka is a prolific writer. She’s the author of not one, not two but five awesome books!

Blurb:

“Successful businesswoman Alex is content with her life in London, and any ideas of romance have been left on the back burner. But when her fairy godmother, FG, waltzes into her office one morning announcing she has come to help Alex rekindle a passion for life and love, she is about to check herself into therapy!

The fairy godmother’s incessant wand-flicking soon lands them in the isolation of the Scottish highlands, where Alex’s next client, Mal Ross, not only stirs her professional interest but her romantic ones too.

Tasked with the enormous challenge of turning a historic castle into a flourishing hotel, the pair must work closely together whilst attempting to avoid the awkward situations the rom-com obsessed fairy godmother keeps forcing them into.

But the path of love is never smooth, no matter how much magic you throw at it.

‘The Magic Spark’ is a light, enjoyable read, full of fun and romance.”

Blurb:
“The bond of love can conquer all, but only if it is accepted. 

Prophecy states that three champions imbued with the best virtues of the mortal race: heart, strength and soul, will be the ones to save them all from an enemy which threatens to steal the life from their world and those who live upon it.

These three, along with their scribe, his bond mate, and an overly sarcastic oracle, must set off on a journey which will take them through forest, city, swamp and mountain. On this quest they activate the magical stones which charge the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Tildar and his cult of Dwell.

Yet the closer they draw to journey’s end, the more it seems that it is not the evil which will be their downfall, but the fear of a champion unwilling to accept the bond of their destiny.

Prophecy of Stones is a tale of adventure, love and magic.”

Blurb:
“Stolen away from her humdrum life, Imogen is thrown into a dark world where the creatures from tales are not only real, but rule the realm.

Vampires.

In this world of dark, moonlight is Imogen’s only source of safety, but the moon’s glow reveals a lot more than she ever realised. She soon learns her heritage and bloodline are what put her in danger, and the reason these vampires are keeping her hostage. But with a father who doesn’t even care enough to call, how was she supposed to know?

Held captive by the vampire leader, Bane, and his brother, Caden, Imogen must find a way to keep herself alive. Yet, the longer she remains, the more she wonders whether those she feared are the ones she should trust, as new truths continue to shine through.

When Bane shows Imogen that life in a world of dark can be more enlightening than her own sunlit realm, it seems that, though he may have stolen her from home, she risks him stealing her heart as well.”

Blurb:

“An exquisite wedding gift. A husband whom she loves. A Jester who she craves. A Kingdom in peril.

After receiving a beautiful emerald amulet at the celebrations of her wedding, new Queen Marie finds solace in the stunning, yet strange amulet. A warm comfort that fills the hole that her husband has left with his distance at her every affectionate touch.

That is until the new Jester arrives, his presence fuelling in Marie an instant burning need.

The more she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man, the quicker she realises he is anything but the fool.

Marie must make a choice, one that could not only affect her marriage and her life…

But her entire Kingdom.”

Blurb:
“Ancient Rome is a dangerous place, in more ways than one.

Captured by slavers, distraught but determined Sabina is thrust into the world of gladiators. Disguised as a man, she struggles to remain undetected whilst navigating through her new life.

But love forces its way into her focus again and when a haunting figure from her past remerges, the couple’s fate is to be decided in the Heart of the Arena.”

Incredibly talented, Mishka has her own Newsletter and makes her own book covers!

I actually can’t remember how or when I first met Mishka but I’ll never forget how kind and genuinely supportive she is. An amazing author, you can find her at her site: A Writer’s Life For Me.