tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62096523055051268842024-03-05T21:33:11.608-08:00J. LLOYD MORGAN'S BLOGUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-46235119845760994392017-06-20T17:26:00.000-07:002017-06-20T17:26:08.156-07:00Fake It Until You Make It?<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITMXeCxD_gJ7tLCkdmt9S-dfyi9b2AdM7bl_riLKT9-hqhk0a0TVrwf2iJVHDxOJAV6MFIjPBnpJ1iZpmsajgh2oEijVVj-g_ipcgYpy-ibwhVJgiU56KMESONk_rhAMzwDomdQYtWo/s1600/fake-1726362_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITMXeCxD_gJ7tLCkdmt9S-dfyi9b2AdM7bl_riLKT9-hqhk0a0TVrwf2iJVHDxOJAV6MFIjPBnpJ1iZpmsajgh2oEijVVj-g_ipcgYpy-ibwhVJgiU56KMESONk_rhAMzwDomdQYtWo/s320/fake-1726362_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The phrase “Fake it until you make it” has always bothered me. I hear the cliché tossed around like it’s the wisest bit of advice a person could receive. While there is a hint of wisdom in the saying, the catchy phrase is misleading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When analyzing the phrase “Fake it until you make it,” examine the end of it first. What does it mean to “make it”? Does that mean someone has mastered a skill to the point in which there is no more room for growth? Is that even possible?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> When people struggle with being confident, I’ve heard this advice: “Pretend you have confidence, and eventually you’ll have it!” Uh, no. That’s not really what’s going on here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> What’s actually happening is <i>practicing</i> a skill. There’s a significant difference between practicing and pretending—and that’s the heart of the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> When I’ve brought up this point, people have responded, “But I can’t practice what I don’t have; that’s why I need to pretend.” My counter-argument is thus: people do have a measure of the skill, though it may not be developed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I claim that skills are better measured in terms of <i>consistency</i>. Most skills—like confidence—are <i>not</i> an all or nothing thing. They are not like light switches. Skills ebb and flow the more they are practiced or are left to wither away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">People have told me I come across as a confident person. In many situations, that’s true. But there are also times I am filled with self-doubt. In being honest with myself, I tend to show confidence more often than not. But does that mean I’ve “made it”? No, it means that I tend to be more consistent in my confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The other element of the phrase which is problematic is the word “fake.” Fake friends, fake ingredients, fake promises, fake news: which of these are better than the true, genuine option? Facades can rarely be kept up before the truth behind them is revealed. Isn’t it better, then, to acknowledge that what is being practiced is based on honesty? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> “This above all: to thine own self be true,” is a quote from Shakespeare’s <i>Hamlet.</i> It was great advice when Polonius gave it to his son Laertes. It’s still great advice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that people need to give themselves more credit. Yes, all of us have weaknesses. Yes, all of us have skills which we can improve. Approaching the development of any particular skill with the attitude of “faking it until you make it” is counter-productive in the long run. After all, how many other things in life magically appear by pretending?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-10795526172240408792016-12-22T09:37:00.000-08:002016-12-22T09:38:14.585-08:00Gender and Sex (Are they the same thing?)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Words, either written or spoken, are used to convey ideas. For example, look at the picture below. What word or words come to mind?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-6solO6dycVq5sgafAkKhXEhcz2LD86ixk6s1_BWuuHstyZgMGUZ-0wtUIJvIqHFoOKR3vCnar1nPVPWNu2otIkISbKPeKeMlXM7b-vj61IBl6DTrd3nZk3sTtEl7Pj2_FJwkAEIL4/s1600/home.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-6solO6dycVq5sgafAkKhXEhcz2LD86ixk6s1_BWuuHstyZgMGUZ-0wtUIJvIqHFoOKR3vCnar1nPVPWNu2otIkISbKPeKeMlXM7b-vj61IBl6DTrd3nZk3sTtEl7Pj2_FJwkAEIL4/s320/home.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was it one or more of the following? Home, house, mansion, family, neighborhood. Was it something else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider a moment the difference between the words “home” and “house.” Do they mean the same thing or is there a subtle variance? The answer will differ depending on who is asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2016, in America social media (and society in general) escalated the debate on the meaning of the word “gender.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To many, the word “gender” means the same thing as the words “biological sex.” To others, the two have different meanings. Who, then, is correct?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both, and neither.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, words are simply ways to put ideas into a form to express that idea. English is a living language. Sometimes, words change meaning over time. For example, consider the word “gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuVGtIj456QY6uXiUGd0u96xlzYjom2FzeZ6SInd0vxaRG25ZOwcc8Wh1TXNfFju2idmY-wfQLgYs1xCrITJl1yjyzZCA42adLFzbZXUX1r8ccmV-vdi_jZNvO_i-iXkKmZHXzW7W_ME/s1600/christmas-xmas-christmas-tree-decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuVGtIj456QY6uXiUGd0u96xlzYjom2FzeZ6SInd0vxaRG25ZOwcc8Wh1TXNfFju2idmY-wfQLgYs1xCrITJl1yjyzZCA42adLFzbZXUX1r8ccmV-vdi_jZNvO_i-iXkKmZHXzW7W_ME/s320/christmas-xmas-christmas-tree-decoration.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In some Christmas songs (and even in the opening theme to the TV show “The Flintstones”), the word “gay” means happy. In 2016, the more socially accepted meaning of the word refers to a homosexual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One person could say, “I remember my grandpa. He was so gay.” Another person could respond, “No he wasn’t! He was faithfully married to your grandma for 65 years until the day he died!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How a person understands the idea behind a word will influence how they will interpret it in some contexts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who, then, is correct in how they interpret the word “gender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider the definition of the word from the Oxford English Dictionary: “The state of being male or female (typically used with reference to <b><i>social and cultural differences rather than biological ones</i></b>).”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notice the difference: <b><i>gender refers to social and cultural differences</i></b>. Sex is connected more with the biological aspects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To help make this clearer, consider the following: In many languages, words are either male or female. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk4UD31SHvzExx6w7dP6JyhmlxMH7oQflKpQr7tCvOv8v-q5_gqnPIIGWvQEjBAA7wpN7jZS8A2inlsmtzoYFBtfDZn7D5i4AVwbJ-QhvDQulUcmE_P_IJWnfD4eyiB_vKcgh3L4uM70/s1600/table-white-home-interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk4UD31SHvzExx6w7dP6JyhmlxMH7oQflKpQr7tCvOv8v-q5_gqnPIIGWvQEjBAA7wpN7jZS8A2inlsmtzoYFBtfDZn7D5i4AVwbJ-QhvDQulUcmE_P_IJWnfD4eyiB_vKcgh3L4uM70/s320/table-white-home-interior.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Spanish, for example, “la mesa” means “the table” in English. Because it uses “la” before the word, “mesa” is considered to be feminine. In contrast, “el piso” means “the floor” in English. The “el” makes “piso” masculine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the picture above, there is a table and a floor. Neither one of these objects has biological parts which make them feminine or masculine. Why? It is because gender is not the same as biological sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is another example of how “gender” is a social or cultural defined concept. Look below. Which color is associated with boys and which is for girls?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRdn09sx5P4pv-uQ7vzAPgd7bLq0dDPPd-5NtisyEICyMbipbBIM2T8HLBkVaMKwL91tmpNz6p1HkG69YkVLWo3EWLc8ZFVdjeHX9MWD4mGFdmMakk3F434rn9_qhDE9K0M4Xprpt70Q/s1600/pink+and+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRdn09sx5P4pv-uQ7vzAPgd7bLq0dDPPd-5NtisyEICyMbipbBIM2T8HLBkVaMKwL91tmpNz6p1HkG69YkVLWo3EWLc8ZFVdjeHX9MWD4mGFdmMakk3F434rn9_qhDE9K0M4Xprpt70Q/s320/pink+and+blue.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2016 in America, pink is generally associated with girls while boys are connected to blue. But it wasn’t always that way. In an NPR article on the subject, it states, “a 1918 trade catalog for children's clothing recommended blue for girls.” It goes on to state, “We think of pink as such a girlish color, but it's really a post-World War II phenomenon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is another example how the concept of gender changes over the years in society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many these days who do not like the current socially dictated concepts of gender. As they try to change what is the social norm, there are those who are against it for various reasons. One of these reasons is because of the confusion (on both sides) about the difference between gender and biological sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Case in point, look at the following picture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbzAn1MauBXAqPQHHe9NUYarW9UGPFqXm8zcdtOUZ2eHNBv5CK-1huwA7bFMr4BtdGR7cz8vELYUwVG02zjan-tTlRKY2Ew7bBeWU_x3Qhp28yPFIKteXAczd0bKjXR-chi53tIdPqmA/s1600/bathroom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbzAn1MauBXAqPQHHe9NUYarW9UGPFqXm8zcdtOUZ2eHNBv5CK-1huwA7bFMr4BtdGR7cz8vELYUwVG02zjan-tTlRKY2Ew7bBeWU_x3Qhp28yPFIKteXAczd0bKjXR-chi53tIdPqmA/s320/bathroom.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Socially, gender has defined women as dress wearers and men as those who wear pants. However, this person may have something to say about that:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLlvO1ESMShZih4FuJDtSwjOl0Cbq7aequkKfvdYsbux7oXm5cXuyh1o3YeQVC2t3M_3yZrm3R4k5h9Fu9Gg1npusI7Jfr09uqPxe02sdejfWrIwgCqBNbRZamoItgPFQCAjHi-VLnK4/s1600/Men-in-kilts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLlvO1ESMShZih4FuJDtSwjOl0Cbq7aequkKfvdYsbux7oXm5cXuyh1o3YeQVC2t3M_3yZrm3R4k5h9Fu9Gg1npusI7Jfr09uqPxe02sdejfWrIwgCqBNbRZamoItgPFQCAjHi-VLnK4/s320/Men-in-kilts.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy to see how gender and biological sex are intertwined and connected when it comes to bathrooms—one of the hot issues with gender activities. When a sign, based on the concept of gender, is used to indicate a room based on a person’s biological sex, confusion and misunderstandings will happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are those that would argue that bathroom usage should be based on gender, not biological sex. However, consider the following picture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF87OawO2v8EZM3IGx2I689N8kmOqSgNnHNfHjIRSJJAXlrVzuE-OeIRrqbQYT_lMj6z9hZMGDmK0yO5mv2GjKIKGBqOlxd_wkWmpDS1lTqIO4g23VfEvqFQ5Yum9eWTcdwIdOTSlfuXk/s1600/Urinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF87OawO2v8EZM3IGx2I689N8kmOqSgNnHNfHjIRSJJAXlrVzuE-OeIRrqbQYT_lMj6z9hZMGDmK0yO5mv2GjKIKGBqOlxd_wkWmpDS1lTqIO4g23VfEvqFQ5Yum9eWTcdwIdOTSlfuXk/s320/Urinal.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These urinals are clearly designed for those of a certain biological sex, not a gender. The same is true for bathrooms which contain these signs:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From a strictly logical point of view, those of different biological sexes have different body parts. Despite social or cultural views on the subject, the different body parts have different functions. <b><i>Bathrooms, at their most basic, are designed around biological functions</i></b>—not based on what color a person prefers to wear, or if they want to wear a dress (or any other idea which defines gender).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are bathrooms which are designed to accommodate people of either biological sex. Yet, there are those who are hesitant to share a bathroom with someone of the other biological sex. Often, those who speak up about such reservations are labeled as intolerant or biased. Why? Because society is changing to redefine the meaning of gender—and it is gaining momentum. Media tends to lean on the liberal side which promotes change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ignorance of the difference between the words “gender” and “biological sex” is confusing the issue. People then go on to argue using the same words which mean different things to them as individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For true understanding, and resolution to differences, to occur, the meaning behind the words used must first be established. Without that, no progress will be made as gender is redefined by society, but biological sex is not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/gender">https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/gender</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/04/01/297159948/girls-are-taught-to-think-pink-but-that-wasnt-always-so">http://www.npr.org/2014/04/01/297159948/girls-are-taught-to-think-pink-but-that-wasnt-always-so</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-91281439582757336082016-12-17T09:59:00.001-08:002016-12-17T09:59:34.702-08:00Religion versus Fantasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE67OGdzn9TY68LxQ45r5fPaIAPoDJ2Daga_ku24XbOPYi8cFKWcKCzMuptEIEAQUeNr26qhWu_N7pOCHmubbXVrfd7_N8zCTZaErByfoyzSLz6m9hzPh-JzpACPousY3cdl3Hf8g02Y/s1600/DTSofficial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE67OGdzn9TY68LxQ45r5fPaIAPoDJ2Daga_ku24XbOPYi8cFKWcKCzMuptEIEAQUeNr26qhWu_N7pOCHmubbXVrfd7_N8zCTZaErByfoyzSLz6m9hzPh-JzpACPousY3cdl3Hf8g02Y/s320/DTSofficial.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Darker the Shadow</i>, my latest book, has fantasy elements. It’s not the first time I’ve included concepts and ideas which could be considered fantasy. In <i>The Mirror of the Soul</i>, there is certainly a fantasy element. With both books, I’ll admit I’ve been somewhat hesitant in using storylines which are connected with fantasy. Why? Because I am a very religious person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fantasy in novels is often connected with magic—an idea that someone has a skill to do amazing things which normal humans beings lack. There are those who claim that any such skills must come from God and to not give him credit could be considered blasphemy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then there are others who see a distinction: religion and all things spiritual are real to them, and fantasy is make-believe. I fall into this category.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s the same reason I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Jack Frost, and so on. Does this mean by doing so I’m offending God? Again, some would say yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I believe that every human has a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. To my knowledge, there is nothing in the doctrine of my church which condemns fantasy. After all, there are many well-known LDS authors who write fantasy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sadly, there are readers who will outwardly criticize a book or an author solely on their religion. Equally as sad, at least to me, are those of the same religion who criticize a book or an author because they write fantasy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So why was I hesitant to write fantasy? It’s because of those extremists noted previously. I’ve had people of various religions tell me, “If you aren’t constantly glorifying God, you are turning your back on him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I disagree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every single book I’ve written has a moral theme attached to it. Do I bash people over the head with it? No. That would defeat the purpose of the narratives. My hope is that when readers travel along with the characters in my books, they take the time to think about what each character is facing and the choices they make. From there, I hope they consider the actions in the book in their own lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I wrote a fantasy book. I’m proud of it. I think the characters are interesting and the story is engaging. I also think that there is a lot of underlying elements which I hope will get people to think. Will it please everyone? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are one who thinks that fantasy books are offensive to God, I have a suggestion: don’t read <i>Darker the Shadow</i>. It’s not for you.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-4231143434578784122016-09-03T08:58:00.000-07:002016-09-03T08:58:47.040-07:00School Buses on the Freeway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNrcPFnWgSvJ-07yx-gnbs_DIuLBG9P4gzGsswTkWuV7Ym6pgIbVihTs9ugPULHmACJZDwtBEHFiX8jM8CTvQpsaeme7BI3gnXeIYHecISNXLEn4tgfuKZNqViu10p0EOzz9_QVOpMQ0/s1600/school+bus+on+freeway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNrcPFnWgSvJ-07yx-gnbs_DIuLBG9P4gzGsswTkWuV7Ym6pgIbVihTs9ugPULHmACJZDwtBEHFiX8jM8CTvQpsaeme7BI3gnXeIYHecISNXLEn4tgfuKZNqViu10p0EOzz9_QVOpMQ0/s320/school+bus+on+freeway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which is more dangerous: going too fast or going too slow on the freeway? Some would argue one side, and some the other. This question keeps popping into my mind as I drive to work each morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I live about 20 minutes away from work and most of the time I travel on the freeway. The speed limit is 65 almost the whole way. On any given morning, people zip by and dodge in and out of traffic as if the freeway was their personal slalom course. That is certainly dangerous, and frankly, quite selfish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then there are those who go significantly slower than the speed limit. The worst culprits are school buses. I’ve noticed time and again that the slower vehicles appear to have a bigger impact on the overall traffic because those attempting to drive the speed limit have to dodge these rolling barricades, or they simply slow down causing everyone behind them to go slower as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of the time, the majority of the people on freeways are doing close to the speed limit. When everyone does about the same speed, traffic flows more smoothly. It’s a beautiful thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Does that mean that buses should go faster? Not necessarily. There are other roads aside freeways to get from point A to point B.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are those that may complain that by having everyone do the speed limit eliminates individual freedoms. I disagree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many different types of vehicles on the road—most of the time, people choose what they want to drive. When I’m traveling, I can listen to whatever music I choose—heck, I even get to choose what kind of clothes I wear while driving. I have a vast amount of freedom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This overall concept has other applications. There are rules, laws, and generally understood accepted social practices. Some people don’t agree with these ideals and therefore do whatever they want (speeders). Then there are those (slower drivers) who by inaction or stubbornness impact the freedom of others who are trying to live by following the rules.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently, I went to a Subway sandwich shop. The woman ahead of me insisted on picking out each individual item on her sandwich. This isn’t to say she was clarifying which vegetables she wanted. She actually had the sandwich maker show her several tomato slices and then picked which three she wanted. She did this with all of the items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The line behind her was starting to build. The sandwich maker, to his credit, hurried when he could. The lady’s response? She told him, “Stop rushing me!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He responded very nicely, “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to rush you. I’m simply asking you questions on what you would like.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She became very upset. She demanded to speak to the manager. She wanted the phone number to the corporate headquarters. “I don’t like being disrespected!” she kept saying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did my best to stay out of it. I honestly did. But after standing there for five minutes while she threw a hissy fit, I stepped in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Ma’am,” I said. “I have watched this whole interaction. You are the one being disrespectful. Look behind you. There is a line of customers. You are making them wait because you felt slighted. I don’t believe you were. The worker has been nothing but nice to you. Please, just pay for your sandwich and walk away.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She turned to start telling me off when several other people in line started to clap and cheer me on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a huff, she walked out of the store. After she left, the worker, tears in his eyes, thanked me. He even gave me a free cookie for being nice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Upon leaving the store, it occurred to me that the lady reminded me of a school bus traveling on the freeway.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-18609413928771113422015-08-01T09:09:00.000-07:002015-08-01T09:09:14.369-07:00The Joy of Telling the Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPd2j2Z9sXt6rNJEk8dXUs9FPCHGDjEZ3v3NyTQiRUuZj6eRX9GKDsQkfu1DjUrc2bL7RoUDnzJFxV2gAUfJ4IAMLyz2AVaQcdsH7ER4XBasjnqVGPtsJBNSV3vUDszOAANxJP15fa3E/s1600/heard+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPd2j2Z9sXt6rNJEk8dXUs9FPCHGDjEZ3v3NyTQiRUuZj6eRX9GKDsQkfu1DjUrc2bL7RoUDnzJFxV2gAUfJ4IAMLyz2AVaQcdsH7ER4XBasjnqVGPtsJBNSV3vUDszOAANxJP15fa3E/s320/heard+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Admit it. You’ve done this: someone starts to tell you a
joke, and you stop them by either saying, “I’ve heard that one already” or
*gasp* telling <i>them</i> the punchline
before they can get to it. After all, if you’ve already heard the joke, why
waste the time in letting them tell it? Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you are the person telling the joke. How do you feel
when someone cuts you off before you can get to the end? If you are like me, it’s
not the most pleasant of experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It may not even be a joke—it could possibly be a story, or
you could be telling about an experience you had. Personally, I get a little
frustrated when someone jumps to the end, or at least what they think will be
the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve thought about why I get frustrated in situations like
that. And then it occurred to me: there is joy in the <i>act</i> of telling the story—at least to storytellers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My first book, <i>The
Hidden Sun</i>, has an ending which many reviewers have stated as being predictable.
I’ll admit it, it is. It has a happy ending. The good guys win. The bad guys
lose. Predictable, right? Well, not really. You see, I knew the other option of
having the bad guys win would not go over well. I needed to do something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What was my solution? Yes, the good guys win, but it is <i>how</i> they do it which makes the story
interesting. (The reviewers who call the ending predictable also state they did
enjoy the twists and turns which led to the happy ending.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When writing a book, the most enjoyable time for me is
during the primary draft—when the story is first being told. Often, the story
takes unexpected twists that I, as the author, didn’t see coming. It’s pretty
cool when that happens. In fact, it is probably the single biggest reason I
continue to write—because I enjoy telling the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Granted, it’s also pretty cool when someone reads the story
and enjoys it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next time someone starts to tell a joke or a story you think
you’ve heard, let them finish. You may be delightfully surprised—not at the
ending, but rather how happy the storyteller looks at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-26954248402165414452015-07-17T07:24:00.000-07:002015-07-17T07:24:05.954-07:00Don’t Take This Personally, But …<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Le1e6dYufhMZmzqa6YTEtzSPWPV6bh4YuT3ua_Ov5URoIbCqkjQqo9y1tLJw6ZM8FhXVmf-IyMIg0VtGzpmzbqSWRuWaCfC4Vw_A5dSb1eqLBSwnhi_9m8_jPVc9RSwWMKoCgaTQlz0/s1600/Dont-take-it-personally.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Le1e6dYufhMZmzqa6YTEtzSPWPV6bh4YuT3ua_Ov5URoIbCqkjQqo9y1tLJw6ZM8FhXVmf-IyMIg0VtGzpmzbqSWRuWaCfC4Vw_A5dSb1eqLBSwnhi_9m8_jPVc9RSwWMKoCgaTQlz0/s320/Dont-take-it-personally.png" width="262" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whenever someone starts a conversation with the words, “Don’t take this personally, but …” it seems the person being spoken to will most <i>certainly</i> take it personally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition, I’ve learned an interesting phenomenon when starting any sentence, and in the middle adding the word “but” as a transition. It has the effect of negating anything that came before it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For example, I may say to one of my daughters, “You look lovely, but you should really comb your hair before you go.” What did they hear? Did they hear that I said they look lovely? Most likely not. Instead, they heard that they need to comb their hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s another one: “You’ve been a great employee all year, but due to budget constraints, you won’t be getting a raise.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See what I mean?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, when someone says, “Don’t take this personally, but …” and then gives you bad news, criticism, or states an opinion different than your own, it’s kind of hard not to take it personally. To which, of course, the person who gives you the news says, “Hey! I told you not to take this personally!” (As if that absolves them from any fault.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There has been a lot of debate, for lack of a better word, about certain social issues recently. While the heart of the debate may be rational and logical, emotions tend to get in the way, clouding the issue and creating hard feelings on both sides. People take it personally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the case of same-sex marriage, from what I’ve been told by those who support it, the heart of the issue is that they want the same legal rights as traditionally married couples. From my opinion, the problem isn’t about the legal rights, as much as the definition of the word “marriage.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That word, <i>marriage</i>, connects with deeply held beliefs by many people. There are quite a number of people who support equal legal rights for same-sex couples, but don’t think it should be called a marriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those on the other side of the argument, those in favor of same-sex marriage, often claim that what others believe should have no impact on them getting the same legal rights for everyone. For things to be <i>equal</i>, it needs to have the same name—that is, marriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since both sides’ positions are tied deeply to what they believe, many take it personally when someone else disagrees with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The challenge, then, comes when name calling, hateful words, disrespectful activities, and other negative actions are directed to someone else—just because they believe differently. People on <i>both sides</i> of the same-sex marriage issue are guilty of this, and it is a shame.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In any healthy relationship, one of the key factors is learning to agree to disagree. Shocking as it may seem to some, you can disagree with someone and still treat them kindly and with respect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, instead of saying, “Don’t take this personally, but …” may I be so bold as to suggest that honest, sincere kindness towards another person, even one you disagree with, will work wonders when acknowledging you do not agree with them.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-44176871084974362432015-06-26T17:20:00.000-07:002015-06-26T17:20:02.860-07:00Any Reasonable Person<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuXmNsNidj_9jJE2Qkqs8uo5vXJ1NA-wApgOJbBCT8jveIFwd-sx0yfXEYOqzZz3_wuh0LiTa63b1jrldzeaphabObg6xIeJ020j9vSHiEbhuU2GfwmPzY7gsIkrqI7scf1UgefROXCU/s1600/be+reasonable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuXmNsNidj_9jJE2Qkqs8uo5vXJ1NA-wApgOJbBCT8jveIFwd-sx0yfXEYOqzZz3_wuh0LiTa63b1jrldzeaphabObg6xIeJ020j9vSHiEbhuU2GfwmPzY7gsIkrqI7scf1UgefROXCU/s320/be+reasonable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOTE! If you are
looking for a blog which is going to argue the pros or cons of gay marriage,
look elsewhere. This blog is looking strictly at the way information of
legalizing gay marriage was presented to the public, as well as the public’s
reaction. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a term in advertising called puffery. Basically, it
allows companies to make bold, sweeping statements which, of course, any
reasonable person will see as not the complete truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For instance, you may go to a restaurant that boasts “the
best hamburgers in the world.” Do they have proof to back that up? Nope. Can
you sue them for false advertising? The answer again is no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has gone as
far as to say, “The Commission generally will not pursue cases involving
obviously exaggerated or puffing representations, i.e., those that the ordinary
consumers do not take seriously.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The idea of puffery came to my mind when I read the United
States Supreme Court ruling on legalizing gay marriage. All over the internet
are phrases like “Love is Love” and hashtags including #ProudtoLove and #marriageequality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And why not? In the statement made by Justice Anthony
Kennedy, he includes the following words, “No union is more profound than
marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion,
sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something
greater than once they were.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Where’s the puffery in that?” you may ask. Hint: it is in
the last sentence. Go ahead, read it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Seriously, read the last line again.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It says, “two people become something greater than once they
were.” <i>Two people.</i> Any reasonable person
will accept that the <i>two people</i> are not
closely related by blood, are not already married, and are of consenting age.
Right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Someone (not me) could argue that the way this was phrased means
that brothers and sisters could be married. After all, they are two people. And
who is to say that the love between a brother and sister could not embody “the
highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family”? Or is that
just implied because any reasonable person would find it as unnatural?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How then, do those celebrating this case with terms like “Love
is Love” (which, by-the-way breaks the common sense rule of using a word to
define itself) counter when someone wants to use the same mantra to allow
siblings to marry? Ah, once again, any reasonable person understands that when
they state “Love is Love,” they don’t mean <i>that</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps the president of the United States could clear
things up. Let’s see, what did he say? Oh yes. He is quoted as saying on the
ruling, “When all Americans are treated as equal we are all more free.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All Americans</i>, he
said. <i>Equal,</i> he said. Of course, he
didn’t mean siblings. After all, any reasonable person would know that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But that then begs the question, what defines someone as a reasonable
person? I’m going to propose that it is based on public opinion. Is that too
far of a stretch? I don’t think so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 1996, a Gallup poll on acceptance of gay marriage showed
only a 27 percent approval rating. In May, 2015, Gallup's findings were at a 60
percent approval rating for gay marriage. Apparently a lot more people became
reasonable over the last twenty years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The biggest problem, I see, is that the wording was too
broad on the gay marriage ruling in some statements. In a sense, it used
puffery.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are those who are fighting to legalize marriage between siblings. There are those who are fighting to legalize marriage between more than one person. There are those who are even fighting to have the legal age for marriage lowered or eliminated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To each of these groups fighting for their wants, they too, could argue “Love is Love” and that they are #ProudtoLove. But to them, there is no #marriageequality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But that’s okay, right? After all, any reasonable person will see how misguided they are. At least until popular opinion changes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-38427038796668835402015-06-13T16:07:00.001-07:002015-06-13T16:07:40.607-07:00Hidden Sun Giveaway<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget142635">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12539132"><img alt="The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1376759165l/12539132.jpg" title="The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan" width="100" /></a>
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<h4 style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0;">
by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4087473.J_Lloyd_Morgan" style="text-decoration: none;">J. Lloyd Morgan</a>
</h4>
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Giveaway ends July 13, 2015.
<br />
See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/142635" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a>
at Goodreads.
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<a class="goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink" href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/142635">Enter to Win</a>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/142635" type="text/javascript"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-91869052170374157822015-06-08T08:23:00.001-07:002015-06-08T08:23:28.553-07:00Moving irony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_sky7mOkuUR55ehDHYUYH0Gp0Nok4W-8_nGFyJBAzKKCG1KwdJAQjS5mdSk71pb6Rp_z2OzkhZ_qung6ulfA73j26SYQHjFdfPddA7Ud6qKwA9RrMqOvsMtWx3dDteAmlag0nqFIsWc/s1600/House-For-Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_sky7mOkuUR55ehDHYUYH0Gp0Nok4W-8_nGFyJBAzKKCG1KwdJAQjS5mdSk71pb6Rp_z2OzkhZ_qung6ulfA73j26SYQHjFdfPddA7Ud6qKwA9RrMqOvsMtWx3dDteAmlag0nqFIsWc/s320/House-For-Sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Human nature is fascinating. While every person is different, I’ve noticed traits which appear more common than others—behaviors which are not always logical.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our neighbors across the street are moving. How can I tell? The first hint is the “For Sale” sign in front of their house. However, I should have known they were moving even before the sign went up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s why:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’ve lived across the street from them for several years. They’re nice folks. Generally, they keep their lawn trimmed and house maintained, though there are times when the Home Owners Association have had to politely remind them to do these tasks. (I’m on the HOA board.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently, I noticed one of the family members was painting their mailbox post. It’s wood, and needs a fresh coat every so often. I was impressed because as far as I knew the HOA hadn’t said anything to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I noticed that they trimmed all their bushes and trees. Next came new landscaping updates—mulch, new stones around their trees, and such.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the last few days, they have power-washed their house. Just this morning, I could see they were getting new carpeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, all of these updates are because they are moving. In order to get as much money as they can from their house, they are spending a lot of time, money, and energy to make it a nicer place to live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ll admit that when my wife and I have sold houses in the past, we’ve done some last minute touches to help make it more attractive. Sometimes we’ve joked, “Now that we’ve done these last few things, we really like the house and don’t want to leave it!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we moved into the house we are in now, we knew there were things we wanted to do to it. The goal was to make it a place we would want to live in here and now, which would also help make it more valuable down the road if we moved again. The idea was to do a little each year—and it has worked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’ve customized our house not only for it to be a place we love living in, but also to help increase its value.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to the human nature and logic comment, it strikes me as odd that people time and again spend so much effort on making their house super nice just as they are about to leave it.</span><br />
<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-46189051170058677192015-05-28T10:21:00.001-07:002015-05-28T10:21:47.923-07:00Stuck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just watched the most amazing display. It was one of those experiences where I had to tell myself I was actually seeing what I was seeing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, let me set the scene: I’m on break from teaching college English for the summer. The high schools are still in session, and so I work as a substitute teacher. It is a win / win. Once I get the classes started and working on the assignment their regular teacher has left for them, I get a chance to write.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is a nice, sunny day at the end of May. I am covering for a Microsoft Word class, so the students each have a computer in front of them and are working quietly on their assignments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the other classes, I don’t know which, are outside working on some sort of project. Some of the students have sports equipment (footballs, tennis rackets, hockey and lacrosse sticks, and a few tennis balls) and are playing across the courtyard. I can see them from my window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am not paying them much attention, until I notice several of them standing around a large tree. This time of the year, it is thick, and filled with leaves and branches. Looking closer, I see that one of their footballs is stuck near the top of the tree—too high up for any of them to climb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After discussing it over as a group, they step back, and using their one remaining football, try to knock the other one out of the tree. Three attempts later, they are not having any luck. On the fourth attempt, the other football gets stuck—not far from the first one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once again the students huddle and talk about what to do. Next, one of the students—a tall one with dark hair and fuzz on his chin—throws one of the tennis rackets at the footballs stuck in the tree. Not surprisingly, the racket catches one of the top branches of the tree and stays there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this point, I’m looking around for their teacher, but he is on the other side of the courtyard watching different students play some sort of game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Seemingly undaunted by their recent failures, the students with the remaining sports equipment start throwing everything they have at what the tree has captured. Within moments, all of the items are now lodged somewhere in the tree—and still out of reach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Without anything else to hurl at the tree, the students look at each other. It was at that moment when I see the proverbial lightbulbs go on over their heads. They now realize they lost more than just one football to the tree; they lost everything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead of going to their teacher, the students sit around the tree, heads hanging in defeat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Class ends twenty minutes later. The students leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The equipment is still in the tree. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-31891620162036329812015-05-15T06:20:00.000-07:002015-05-15T06:20:27.342-07:00Teaching Top 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj1mCgOgBcDMBc3VpR3SqO2GQB8ojpKZ3n3N-7CJDaoJbVRStfiWyFoYVAiVnf3m6o2vgiSgS8RkPoNpazDYsvJMdaiznJVGObE07thivx39k-6uRq5TzCYIe3RJxnDoUn9bqtU5EU_o/s1600/teach_learn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj1mCgOgBcDMBc3VpR3SqO2GQB8ojpKZ3n3N-7CJDaoJbVRStfiWyFoYVAiVnf3m6o2vgiSgS8RkPoNpazDYsvJMdaiznJVGObE07thivx39k-6uRq5TzCYIe3RJxnDoUn9bqtU5EU_o/s320/teach_learn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did it. I completed my first year of teaching college English. Though some may find this hard to believe, I honestly feel I learned as much, if not more, than my students.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be clear, not everything I learned related directly to English. Some of it was about teaching, and even life in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What did I learn? Here is my personal top 10.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 10: It takes longer to prep for a class than to teach it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It should only take me about 75 minutes to prepare for a class that runs 75 minutes, right? Nope! I use PowerPoints, short videos, images, and examples when I teach. Each of these takes time to create. The challenge is to make sure I’m teaching the concepts in a way in which the students can actually learn. How long does a lesson take to prepare? Depending on the topic, several hours.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 9: The students who sit in the back aren’t the worst students—most of the time.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remember being told that the best students are those who sit on the front row. That isn’t always the case. Personally, I like to sit in the back because I’m tall and have good vision. And I’m something of an introvert. Some of my best students sat on the back row. But to be fair, almost <i>all</i> of my worst student sat in the back.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 8: Teaching can be heartbreaking.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I couldn’t help but get to know many of my students on a personal level from reading their work. One of the big assignments in ENG 111 is to write a personal narrative. Time and again, I was surprised, shocked, and dismayed at many of the events my students had endured. From abusive parents / spouses / boyfriends or girlfriends, to coming to America and having to learn English as a second language, to serious medical conditions (and the list goes on), I grew a new appreciation for overcoming challenges.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 7: English, as a language, is pretty confusing.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They’re, Their, and There? When to use <i>whom</i> instead of <i>who</i>? How to explain to a person where English is not their first language when it is appropriate to use “had had” in a sentence. (Example: I had had better days.) What is the difference between <i>affect</i> and <i>effect</i>? Frankly, some of these are downright perplexing! Oh, and by the way, here is a tip for using <i>whom</i> instead of <i>who</i>: replace the word with “he” and “him.” If “him” sounds better, use “whom.” (See how both end with the letter “m”?)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 6: College teachers spend more time working outside of class than in—by a lot!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The vast majority of the time in a college class, I’m teaching. It isn’t me just talking the whole time, sometimes we do other learning activities. But grading papers, creating lectures and assignments? These are all done <i>outside</i> of the classroom. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 5: Some students simply do not care.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the biggest surprises was encountering students who just didn’t care about the class or learning the material. These are those who would sleep through class, or read books while I am lecturing, and (more often than not) turn in poor work, if they turned it in at all. I only had a few students like this over the last year—but it was common enough to indicate it wasn’t as rare as I would have imagined.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 4: Doing the basics makes a huge difference.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the start of each semester, I give my students the four keys to doing well in a college class. These are: 1. Do ALL of the assignments. 2. Do all of the assignments ON TIME. 3. Do all of the assignments on time AND TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. 4. Do any EXTRA CREDIT the teacher offers. Most of the students who dropped or failed my classes couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do the <i>first</i> basic rule.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 3: Most people procrastinate.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For my classes, almost all of the assignments are submitted online through a program called Blackboard. The deadline for the assignments is 11:59 PM on the assigned day. When a student submits an assignment through the computer, it displays when the assignment was turned in. More than half of my students turned in papers within the final hours before it is due—even when they have had days, and sometimes weeks, to work on it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 2: Good writing takes time.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I already knew this, somewhat, yet it was reinforced this last year. Writing is a <i>process</i>. The papers written for my class went through several stages: prewriting (getting ideas), research, creating an outline, writing a rough draft, doing peer reviews, re-writing the paper based on the feedback, submitting the next draft to a tutoring service (either online or on campus), re-writing the paper again, and then submitting it for the final grade. Those students who did this process earned a good grade. Those who waited until the last minute? Not so much.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Number 1: Teaching is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m not saying that my other jobs in retail, TV, and banking didn’t have their perks, but they don’t come close to teaching. Sure, the money isn’t as good. Yet, it is an amazing experience to watch a student grow and apply what they have learned. My primary goal is to help them <i>learn how to learn</i>. That is a skill they will use throughout their lives. When a student tells me, “Mr. Morgan, I’ve never liked English before. But now, I’m getting it. I can see why it is important and how I can use it in my major”—that is a feeling that is 100 times better than being told I was the top sales manager or that our snow coverage set a ratings record.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-24167298299255323502015-04-27T17:17:00.002-07:002015-04-27T17:18:34.201-07:00Your vote is needed!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HELP! (Did that get your attention?) My book “Bring Down the Rain” is up for a RONE award. It’s done well enough that the book has moved to the next phase: public voting! It is in the **Young Adult: General** category.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please, oh please, go to this link and cast a vote for “Bring Down the Rain.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://indtale.com/2015-rone-awards-week-three">http://indtale.com/2015-rone-awards-week-three</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Voting ends May 3rd, so please vote soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgmaR-LQXBUAsDeoEVaI2EOZLS51iX07xCZzlKvTaR8Q2SVhbQT8bmYrikNvyAc6xvBR7usmDcitwzn88_EGcQUS5Ti3oRnZpuVxU0a31Smt5ByWMuwQWckCNj3MJ_YmxmohXJ4-cU20/s1600/BDTR+Front+Cover+Only+Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgmaR-LQXBUAsDeoEVaI2EOZLS51iX07xCZzlKvTaR8Q2SVhbQT8bmYrikNvyAc6xvBR7usmDcitwzn88_EGcQUS5Ti3oRnZpuVxU0a31Smt5ByWMuwQWckCNj3MJ_YmxmohXJ4-cU20/s1600/BDTR+Front+Cover+Only+Large.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-61248260437478122132015-04-02T14:32:00.000-07:002015-04-02T14:32:07.854-07:00Discrimination—not a word to be used lightly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I find it disturbing, and frankly sad, when people use
powerful words incorrectly. As a writer and an English teacher, I appreciate
the power of words. Perhaps that is why it bothers me when people misuse them
to try to promote their cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A controversial topic in the news right now is about how
states are passing religion freedom acts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One aspect of these laws, to keep it simple, is to protect
business owners who refuse to provide services if those services are in
conflict with their religious beliefs. As an example, if a gay couple wants a
wedding cake maker to create a cake for them, the cake maker can refuse their
business without fear of legal repercussions under these laws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From what I’ve seen, the media is having a field day with
this. Aside from calling these laws as “anti-gay”, another word keeps coming up:
“discrimination.” <b><i>But it isn’t.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“WHAT?!?!?!” some of you may say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just hear me out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Discrimination is “the practice of unfairly treating a
person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people.”
Notice the key word: <b><i>unfairly</i></b>. Most
people who use the word incorrectly forget (or would like to ignore) that part
of the definition. But the most important part of the definition is that the treatment
is based on <b><i>who you are as a person</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The law in the USA says it is illegal to discriminate
against the following groups: Age, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Marital
status, National origin, Race, Religion, and Sexual orientation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“But, wait!” you might say. “It says right there people cannot
discriminate, or treat someone unfairly, based on their sexual orientation.”
(It also says “religion” in case you glossed over that.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is the major point a lot of people are missing: <b><i>there
is a difference between refusing services to someone based on their sexual
orientation and refusing the service because the action is in conflict with a
belief.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In other words, it is discrimination to refuse service
because of who someone is, but it is NOT discrimination to refuse services
based on <b><i>what they are doing</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I splitting hairs? No, I’m not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If, as a member of the LDS faith, I were to go to an atheist
tailor and request he make a baptismal outfit, the tailor could not refuse my
business because I am a Mormon. That’s discrimination; <b><i>you can’t refuse service
based on who the person is. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, if the tailor refused to create the outfit because
he did not want to support an action which he disagreed with—that is NOT
discrimination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another example: my first job was at McDonald’s. I was 16.
One day, a woman came in and started screaming that the French Fries she got in
the drive through were cold. I watched as the manager was called every name in
the book. He then told the customer, “I’m sorry you had a bad experience. Let
me refund your money.” After giving her back her money, she started yelling
that she wanted her order done right this time. What did the manager do? He
asked her to leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What happened next taught me a big lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The lady then yelled, “You are only treating me this way
because I’m a woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Calmly, the manager replied, “No. I’m refusing to offer our
services based on your actions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And he was right. Businesses should have the right to refuse
services to anyone unless the reason is based on the proper definition of discrimination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the case of the baker and the wedding cake for a gay
couple, the owner cannot refuse service based on the fact that the customer is
gay. However, if the gay person is getting married (which is legal in a number
of states), that is an action. If the owner does not want to support that
action, for any reason, including religious, that is not discrimination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a writer, I am contacted now and again to write for
others. I will do so, as long as what I’m writing is not in conflict with my
beliefs. For example, if a person who is eighty-eight years old wants to get
back at his ex-wife by paying me to write a book about how she is a horrible person,
I would refuse. He could claim I was discriminating against him due to his age.
He would be wrong. My refusal has nothing to do with him as a person. It has
everything to do with an action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, am I calling for the <b><i>specific</i></b> right for those who have
religious beliefs to be able to refuse services based on the actions of people,
including gay people? No. No, I am not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am stating that anyone should have the right to refuse
service based on the specific <b><i>actions</i></b> of another person.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-59193313092763039762015-03-28T04:09:00.000-07:002015-03-28T04:09:29.213-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to the biggest book promotion event I've ever seen, let alone held! To celebrate the release of four new books in the Trifecta catalog on March 31st, we're putting everything on sale. We've also asked several of our friends to join with us, making this an amazing event. Please scroll down through the entire post so you don't miss anything!! Then, on March 31st, head on back to www.trifectabooks.com and check out the four new releases - their purchase links will be live. They are:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Captain Schnozzlebeard and the Singing Clam of Minnie Skewel Island</i> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Rebecca Blevins</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Fire Gate</i> (Shinehah Saga #1) and <i>Crystal Gate</i> (Shinehah Saga #2)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Pendragon Inman</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Nemesis: Knight</i> (the Chess Quest series #2)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Michael D. Young</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's start with some Trifecta books!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Middle-grade Fiction</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61vAS1mKDjh1T4S79C2vgg6A6X_fF5b72cpGqItJbxhY3AsZ4tzYn-cUUz7aqgIN-m0O7SnIvSFkkGi4EHEwkcyfOB6o83bilegxBSJo7Jacmyc6ETCMGliRow_tsN5Vjex-Ztfxc9YU/s1600/Andy+Annie+Final.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61vAS1mKDjh1T4S79C2vgg6A6X_fF5b72cpGqItJbxhY3AsZ4tzYn-cUUz7aqgIN-m0O7SnIvSFkkGi4EHEwkcyfOB6o83bilegxBSJo7Jacmyc6ETCMGliRow_tsN5Vjex-Ztfxc9YU/s320/Andy+Annie+Final.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When ten-year-old Andy moves from California to his new house in Colorado, the last thing he expects is to meet a ghost named Annie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Annie has been living in that house for eighty years. Will Annie spook Andy away? Or will the two find out that sometimes, the best of friends might not be who you first expected?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Andy & Annie series by author Jenni James and illustrator BC Sterrett is like Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Junie B. Jones with a paranormal twist. Your young reader will love getting to know these characters and going with them on amazing adventures!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can purchase A Ghost Story for Kindle here and print here. Special event price: .99!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcKtYOWs0rlyahzTf2tjoe3wBDowxzhyaWvKhhyphenhyphenXkScdxg2oU6n_vfe50brwXEoIMBegcT7D_PqcFOLVs4hN1usI4TMpJr4r7_gFcZyGBcGzYg5zu59jYL4JaAvwgU64S7l5pNX0zZ-M/s1600/Greeny+Meany+Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcKtYOWs0rlyahzTf2tjoe3wBDowxzhyaWvKhhyphenhyphenXkScdxg2oU6n_vfe50brwXEoIMBegcT7D_PqcFOLVs4hN1usI4TMpJr4r7_gFcZyGBcGzYg5zu59jYL4JaAvwgU64S7l5pNX0zZ-M/s1600/Greeny+Meany+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andy and Annie are back at it again. This time, they’ve decided to
conquer the bullies who like to tease Andy for wearing green shirts. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Annie uses her magical ghostly powers for good in this funny early
reader story. She decides it’s time the school learns that wearing green
isn’t mean—it’s cool! Join Annie and Andy on an adventure that will
change even the toughest of hearts, and maybe even make the principal
happy, too. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />You can purchase <i>Greeny Meany</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Annie-Greeny-Jenni-James-ebook/dp/B00NB859B8">here</a>. <b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV38fKpi2L7gyHONM37zPqL7cqytQ2oFlzL0uNfa9VbHfQ-7ueI6Tqnh9kQY7uMisItfQM-gvVqAowM5SZ3ZFZEcKLZ2oa8fuzeV1qgdgn6qj5UUsfpdPyvIWeMSXRS-7yjtncMLQfhQ4/s1600/Michael+Young+COVER1a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV38fKpi2L7gyHONM37zPqL7cqytQ2oFlzL0uNfa9VbHfQ-7ueI6Tqnh9kQY7uMisItfQM-gvVqAowM5SZ3ZFZEcKLZ2oa8fuzeV1qgdgn6qj5UUsfpdPyvIWeMSXRS-7yjtncMLQfhQ4/s1600/Michael+Young+COVER1a.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When nerdy eighth-grader Rich Witz unwittingly becomes a paladin, a
white knight in training, he is thrust into a world where flunking a
test can change the course of history, and a mysterious bully is playing
for keeps with his life.
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Rich’s grandmother leaves him one thing before disappearing for
good—a white chess pawn with his initials engraved on it. The pawn marks
him as the next in an ancient line of white knights. He must prove
himself in a life-or-death contest against his nemesis, a dark knight in
training. With the ghost of an ancestor for his guide, he has seven
days to complete four tasks of valor before his nemesis does, or join
his guide in the realm of the dead. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Paladin: Pawn</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Pawn-Chess-Quest-Book-ebook/dp/B00Q7XXNR6">here </a>or for Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paladin-michael-d-young/1120830338?ean=2940149956630">here</a>. <b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Young Adult Contemporary Fiction</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_vxXY_P6kZeDuM9E-c9GVoubjB6pv36VOV6iUMbwhsu5t95Dhjeq7hKBi49LzdjGdb9R4J6YlEir9Qd5eMtHPAnokghu1sOqgEx9i8zmbuWI9E6OJ_RofwUU5uKJc8XuXP6ZYepUhBQ/s1600/Dancing+Pink.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_vxXY_P6kZeDuM9E-c9GVoubjB6pv36VOV6iUMbwhsu5t95Dhjeq7hKBi49LzdjGdb9R4J6YlEir9Qd5eMtHPAnokghu1sOqgEx9i8zmbuWI9E6OJ_RofwUU5uKJc8XuXP6ZYepUhBQ/s1600/Dancing+Pink.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dancing
is Cami's escape from her dark home life. It's the only thing that
gives her hope - until she meets Adam Black. A talented dancer in his
own right, he asks Cami to be his partner, and she gains strength and
confidence as he unlocks whole new possibilities for her.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
Cami's abusive mother overdoses and her already-broken family falls to
pieces around her, dancing with Adam helps Cami pull through. But he has
secrets of his own, and someone wants him found at any price. Cami gets
dragged into a web of danger and deceit. Now she must make a choice
between familiar darkness and uncertain light. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Dancing with Black</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Black-Laura-Bingham-ebook/dp/B00L2X3632/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405587338&sr=8-1&keywords=dancing+with+black">here </a>and in print <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Black-Laura-Bingham/dp/0991460448/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1409092646&sr=8-1&keywords=dancing+with+black+by+laura+bingham">here</a>. <b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxDSe8BRdM71vaf9htY6D0SjEXeVBT62pnyKU9UXF4oz4fjvJc0yNPIRzh6zAtBK5P6ZGbDX-jsPDk_YC_PPuuMu7S5S5uDDVzTmgnl0b9fvU9kxDXzmpvZJbbU7AUmPUjKu3aJf8DM/s1600/Free+Bread+Girl+cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxDSe8BRdM71vaf9htY6D0SjEXeVBT62pnyKU9UXF4oz4fjvJc0yNPIRzh6zAtBK5P6ZGbDX-jsPDk_YC_PPuuMu7S5S5uDDVzTmgnl0b9fvU9kxDXzmpvZJbbU7AUmPUjKu3aJf8DM/s1600/Free+Bread+Girl+cover.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mattie’s smart and she’s in line for a college scholarship, but she’s
not exactly the most popular person in school. When the hot and hunky
guys at the women’s convention bread booth give out free samples to all
the cutest, trendiest girls in the room, they overlook her. It’s just
proof that she’s not worth their attention—she’s not a free bread girl.
<br />
<br />What she really wants is to date Travis Banks, her high school’s
soccer king. But he just can’t see past her clumsiness and frizzy hair
to the real Mattie underneath, and sometimes, she can’t either. What’s
it going to take for Mattie to find the free bread girl within? </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Free Bread Girl</i> for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Free-Bread-Girl-Shari-Bird-ebook/dp/B00Q6XDA5M">Kindle, </a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/free-bread-girl-shari-bird/1120828119">Nook</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Free-Bread-Girl-Shari-Bird/dp/0991460464">print</a>. <b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJLvNxOVoQG9Uzujl9clUSYg7Kf_QL-zPOW-6Pa1iIljUrXfMCJFAIzEZPCLPL1aILV0xIBp_-Iif1YpfTodrorMvDo5q1KdkpssWIihzvEU4vWzumvEm95lVLF6cK-11NR3RL0e197Y/s1600/MRCover1-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJLvNxOVoQG9Uzujl9clUSYg7Kf_QL-zPOW-6Pa1iIljUrXfMCJFAIzEZPCLPL1aILV0xIBp_-Iif1YpfTodrorMvDo5q1KdkpssWIihzvEU4vWzumvEm95lVLF6cK-11NR3RL0e197Y/s1600/MRCover1-2.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Does true love really prevail?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />All
Lilly Price has ever known is living in the shadow of her widely
successful foster family. But when a twist of fate deals Lilly the hand
of Harrison Crawford, the most popular guy in Bloomfield, NM, everything
flips upside down.<br /><br />Sean Benally is a hard worker, he’s funny,
he’s generous, and he’s kind. He’s also the most amazing guy Lilly has
ever known. And she's totally fallen in love with him. But he’s her
foster brother...<br /><br />Now she must choose between the unavailable love of her life—or the guy who promises to be available forever.</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can purchase <i>Mansfield Ranch</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mansfield-Ranch-Jane-Austen-Diaries-ebook/dp/B00HHJA8EA">here</a> and print <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mansfield-Ranch-Jane-Austen-Diaries/dp/0991460413">here</a>. </span></span><b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Young Adult Fantasy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDgGzyZxrdSYIm-IQxkHFo486LNUjGU6_Edg1_Je9uoTBNcDx0J7Kj0N9opbOS0qvOCYKaNo1FMvYgVNhx-NWFrTBoU7PtL_COPE5XJop1V_heZRpK9XXuosJpjXbErLsC3t1vw0i8XQ/s1600/Fractured+new+-+front+cover+-+7-26-14.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDgGzyZxrdSYIm-IQxkHFo486LNUjGU6_Edg1_Je9uoTBNcDx0J7Kj0N9opbOS0qvOCYKaNo1FMvYgVNhx-NWFrTBoU7PtL_COPE5XJop1V_heZRpK9XXuosJpjXbErLsC3t1vw0i8XQ/s1600/Fractured+new+-+front+cover+-+7-26-14.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A black dragon hovered outside of Newtimber.
Sianna rubbed her eyes, but the dragon was still there, clutching a
round object that looked like a spotted egg. And then the egg fell,
hitting the ground like an atomic bomb, sending out waves of a
slow-moving fog that distorted everything it touched.<br /><br />The
citizens of Newtimber change. Griffins. Vampires. Zombies.
Creatures from the myths of every culture come to life through the
people. Even Sianna changes, her skin becoming stone hard, and
she gains the ability to travel from the human realm into the dimension
of the fae to battle the evil bent on taking over the world.<br /><br />One person to
heal a family, a town, and save the world. It seems an impossible task,
but with the help of her new friends, it could happen. Right?<br /><br />You can purchase <i>Newtimber: Fractured</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Newtimber-Book-Karen-Hoover-ebook/dp/B00L2X36A0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405587475&sr=8-1&keywords=karen+e.+hoover">here</a>, Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fractured-karen-e-hoover/1119746477?ean=2940149777808">here</a>, and print <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Karen-E-Hoover/dp/099146043X">here</a>. <b>Special event price: .99!</b><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogAbShcbL8mMbmdVHva_HxPWx_r8q_mkKhfYDcOZBTRFx6aDlPw8nx8KRx_1RhMH-wDRNC_Q8i4JpYAH9rmIEeg4XHqERKsurYYWsaAk7GjvhlBVpHiBabYEctZJDWn1QGlRb8SqTqA/s1600/Endless+Cover+Super+Duper+Final.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogAbShcbL8mMbmdVHva_HxPWx_r8q_mkKhfYDcOZBTRFx6aDlPw8nx8KRx_1RhMH-wDRNC_Q8i4JpYAH9rmIEeg4XHqERKsurYYWsaAk7GjvhlBVpHiBabYEctZJDWn1QGlRb8SqTqA/s1600/Endless+Cover+Super+Duper+Final.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sydney
lives her nightmares every night. While other teenagers are
dreaming of boys or traveling to exotic places, she must run a staircase
with no beginning or no end, or a terrible debt will never be paid.
Just before her seventeenth birthday, the dreams change. She is no
longer alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />But her nightmares don’t end when she wakes up. Her stepmother and
stepsisters threaten to ruin everything she holds dear. She must protect
the secret that both she and her father have magic or they will use it
to their advantage. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />As Sydney learns to control her magic, what seemed impossible
before—escaping her stepmother and those ever-present stairs—is now at
her fingertips. When she learns the ultimate plan of her evil captor,
Sydney must stop her at all costs, or she will forever be trapped inside
her nightmares. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Endless </i>for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Modern-Cinderella-Jaclyn-Weist-ebook/dp/B00Q61MYTW">here </a>and for print <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Modern-Cinderella-Jaclyn-Weist/dp/0991460456">here</a>. <b>Special event price: $3.99 - going to .99 on the 31st!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGBRkOkoTMbtydE0oLdurO4WJEmmimx2ZQEFyrPemgSyaIb2TrFckGtLHH_C4YCcXrtdczX4a62Yjo2x0h4uoSk2-VR6HGwtnx077yhxWp6rlqHIohba-Vnknx7CsZY4DbSgZhg3WE34/s1600/p&p3+-+front+cover+-+BJ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGBRkOkoTMbtydE0oLdurO4WJEmmimx2ZQEFyrPemgSyaIb2TrFckGtLHH_C4YCcXrtdczX4a62Yjo2x0h4uoSk2-VR6HGwtnx077yhxWp6rlqHIohba-Vnknx7CsZY4DbSgZhg3WE34/s1600/p&p3+-+front+cover+-+BJ.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Jenny’s
had it with her life. Six siblings in an overstuffed house are enough
to drive anyone crazy, and sometimes she dreams of escaping to some
fantasy world. When she suddenly wakes up to find herself being kissed
by a strange—but very handsome—prince, Jenny knows her life just got a
lot more exciting. Now stuck in a medieval land of castles and royalty,
when Jenny learns that the queen has agreed to marry her off to the
prince, it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She goes on a
quest to find out who dragged her to this time while trying to keep from
falling in love with either of the boys vying for her attention.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Princess
Genevieve has only known life under her mother’s rule. She wants to do
more than go to battle or deal with suitors. She wakes to find herself
in a new world filled with gadgets, electricity, and moving carriages.
She finally has the freedom to be who she wants to be with a family who
cares deeply for her and a boy worth any sacrifice. It’s more than
everything she always wanted. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;">As
Jenny and Genevieve settle into their new lives, they face an unknown
evil which threatens everything they care about and makes them face
tough questions—like who they are and what they really want their lives
to become.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;">You can now purchase <i>The Princess and the Prom Queen</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Prom-Queen-Jaclyn-Weist-ebook/dp/B00JY0AX7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401816122&sr=8-1&keywords=jaclyn+weist">here </a>and print <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Prom-Queen-Jaclyn-Weist/dp/0991460421">here</a>. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: $2.99 - going to .99 on the 31st!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Realistic Women's Fiction</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeMSPu9KuG1N-MbnV6qsXZockDmJ4X1dpNf1Q7XF62fQGnuPhlJXdWz1LEvBsDz5UJi55k2iLRP7Wa2BrOwcOT8N7GYct8oPS2GDdWsEwcTN3s4LJGbj135U61KGoXrnejTYABvz2hH0/s1600/JaneBook1a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeMSPu9KuG1N-MbnV6qsXZockDmJ4X1dpNf1Q7XF62fQGnuPhlJXdWz1LEvBsDz5UJi55k2iLRP7Wa2BrOwcOT8N7GYct8oPS2GDdWsEwcTN3s4LJGbj135U61KGoXrnejTYABvz2hH0/s1600/JaneBook1a.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">It’s
only been a year since her divorce, so why would Jane Adamson do
something as stupid as attempt to date again? Wasn’t her marriage
scarring enough? The answer was simple—her kids. They worried about her
and wanted to see her happy again. </span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">She needed to be happy . She needed to learn to trust again and feel pretty again and human again. </span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">As a mom of five, it was too easy to hide herself away and focus just on her kids. Who needs men, anyway? </span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Join
Jane in part one of a six-part journey of self-discovery, conquering
the past, understanding love, and most importantly … healing, as she
finds the woman she once was.</span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Drowning </i>for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drowning-brutally-journey-divorced-Revitalizing-ebook/dp/B00MJRIKYK">here.</a> <b>Special event price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Sweet and Clean Romance Collection</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1JSNvAzycjkQmurSOfwuQ4rG2kM2oWlRCAn7XSed6-cbcoa_p1Y52YcwFRySaYo-i4bZaCQiCQOEyIqvBFDqUzNUChKPsUnUYC4wOWCfL_hk2tzeYLElY1rc7P9hMiX6jHWHQsGfSF4/s1600/Hearts+in+HarmonyNEW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1JSNvAzycjkQmurSOfwuQ4rG2kM2oWlRCAn7XSed6-cbcoa_p1Y52YcwFRySaYo-i4bZaCQiCQOEyIqvBFDqUzNUChKPsUnUYC4wOWCfL_hk2tzeYLElY1rc7P9hMiX6jHWHQsGfSF4/s1600/Hearts+in+HarmonyNEW.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love Notes#1. Elahna Nezario gave up her musical dreams to help run the Queen of
Hearts, her mother’s chocolate shop, after her sister’s sudden death.
After an unfortunate run-in with Elahna’s childhood crush, owner of the
Dolce Theater, not only do her dreams surge back to life, but so does
her heart.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Hearts in Harmony</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Harmony-Love-Notes-Book-ebook/dp/B00MZJBQ8E">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNIBe0avJbYO15svqYzZIq4ekSM9YHnDp-WeGWDvxBrx7WwHeNJQU7Rih7AaUwmd5vGNkPsso-KFm86o_ptVcIUleJaPvb49_SRhg1gfoeAZcBcGBuTwdia6PDz0GsCXStZnAn_nHUkE/s1600/Waltzing+on+WheelsNEW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNIBe0avJbYO15svqYzZIq4ekSM9YHnDp-WeGWDvxBrx7WwHeNJQU7Rih7AaUwmd5vGNkPsso-KFm86o_ptVcIUleJaPvb49_SRhg1gfoeAZcBcGBuTwdia6PDz0GsCXStZnAn_nHUkE/s1600/Waltzing+on+WheelsNEW.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love Notes #2. Meredith Aaron lost all hope for love after a car accident put her in a
wheelchair. Who would want her, broken as she is? After her brother
tells her to save a dance for him at his wedding, she decides to somehow
learn how to dance on the only legs she has left—her wheels.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Waltzing on Wheels</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waltzing-Wheels-Love-Notes-Book-ebook/dp/B00O1RE9L4">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waltzing-on-wheels-raine-gillespie/1120421109">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_k5Q9d-jhkahLeO6qGp0l7PFUgz8WLG9kC73MHJLwduGcHq8l5F29h1UJfgCnSBu60fN2yj16dFF09prpNglpGgGubSoOoMqSc3CTJro9UDh00izypCyHG2vFgLPTrpHzSLj0j-sEfI/s1600/harpNEW5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_k5Q9d-jhkahLeO6qGp0l7PFUgz8WLG9kC73MHJLwduGcHq8l5F29h1UJfgCnSBu60fN2yj16dFF09prpNglpGgGubSoOoMqSc3CTJro9UDh00izypCyHG2vFgLPTrpHzSLj0j-sEfI/s1600/harpNEW5.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love Notes#3. Camille Clark spends her time bringing light to the memorable moments of
Dolce—playing her harp at weddings, anniversaries, and even funerals.
She can’t help but wonder if someone will ever play for her. Will the
dark secrets of her past come to Dolce and ruin her future? Or will she
find her soul mate and finally walk down that aisle?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Healing a Broken Harp</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Broken-Harp-Love-Notes-ebook/dp/B00P0GQVUC">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-a-broken-harp-raine-gillespie/1120666249">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDcgCIN4hGKqqrP_LfF2lucgpSzDg6Zb_MuwZlcDu0MzfUp4krL6B04M3S46jVqFtMATmvOBb0KGTPY5Y2SiIMzX3oKLkxvI7R6r5iDij61y92xYvx8zks5vmisc0x2y9oh_qyjgsY5s/s1600/And+Something+Blue+NEW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDcgCIN4hGKqqrP_LfF2lucgpSzDg6Zb_MuwZlcDu0MzfUp4krL6B04M3S46jVqFtMATmvOBb0KGTPY5Y2SiIMzX3oKLkxvI7R6r5iDij61y92xYvx8zks5vmisc0x2y9oh_qyjgsY5s/s1600/And+Something+Blue+NEW.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Main Street Merchants #1. Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends all her time helping others
prepare for the most special day of their lives. Logan Reese is easily
the most irritating man on the planet, and for some reason, he's made
annoying Laurie his mission in life. Will true love ever come Laurie's
way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after while
she sits on the sidelines?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>And Something Blue</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Blue-Main-Street-Merchants-ebook/dp/B00MZIU0X2">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB5aCchEe_Hl0Cv2O3X8PFGjywl0VuODbinXRS32BtbRvPK5vUyMXZiTNZQaI3D95aIsumuD7LT8NwstcYTaXyWoq9jOOegEoPq8OKzyc8Y9FnUj975PU_Bg3DZ76zLlLBhmFyJOk0u0/s1600/For+Love+or+MoneyNEW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB5aCchEe_Hl0Cv2O3X8PFGjywl0VuODbinXRS32BtbRvPK5vUyMXZiTNZQaI3D95aIsumuD7LT8NwstcYTaXyWoq9jOOegEoPq8OKzyc8Y9FnUj975PU_Bg3DZ76zLlLBhmFyJOk0u0/s1600/For+Love+or+MoneyNEW.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Main Street Merchants #2. Cynical Morgan learned at an early age that life is just plain hard.
She's decided that no one could possibly fall in love with her - all the
good guys want perfect girls, and with her messed-up family, she's
anything but perfect. But then along comes the guy who falls
head-over-heels in love with her just as she is and helps her find the
bright side of life - and a second chance for perfection.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>For Love or Money</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Money-Main-Street-Merchants-ebook/dp/B00O2IIMQ0">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-love-or-money-paige-timothy/1120420938">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Main Street Merchants #3. Even though Cara has lost her childhood weight and is now composing her
own music, she can't see her own beauty and she has no confidence in her
talent. A bumpy relationship with her mother certainly hasn't helped.
Only the right guy can help her see inside herself to the amazing person
who has always been there, and to mend her frayed family ties in the face of her greatest sorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Five Golden Rings</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Golden-Rings-Street-Merchants-ebook/dp/B00P15JIVG">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/five-golden-rings-paige-timothy/1120668409">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMsQtWvFHK9eYu49YBuD0CM8FWp6P0RjJPOonRgXthqwcH5VU9DUMpvM_F2uvqv69n-ZJPELMjOEj-pmjuSm-a7BpBnE8GHWi9zDu3wnlWq8YRcD7roYYmLOBBaxbGLtm7Sw88bAqa00/s1600/Just+Desserts+CoverNEW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMsQtWvFHK9eYu49YBuD0CM8FWp6P0RjJPOonRgXthqwcH5VU9DUMpvM_F2uvqv69n-ZJPELMjOEj-pmjuSm-a7BpBnE8GHWi9zDu3wnlWq8YRcD7roYYmLOBBaxbGLtm7Sw88bAqa00/s1600/Just+Desserts+CoverNEW.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Main Street Merchants #4. Quinn spends all her time managing D'Angelo's Bakery - so much time, in
fact, that she rarely does anything else. When things get tough for the
bakery's owner and she's needed more than ever, dreams of romance and a
family of her own fly out the window - but then along comes someone who
shows her just how sweet life can be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Just Desserts</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Main-Street-Merchants-ebook/dp/B00QHRBKS6">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-desserts-paige-timothy/1120847306">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Main Street Merchants #5. Regan spends her days working in a bookstore and her nights reading. She
goes on grand romantic adventures in her head . . . but not in real
life. That all changes when someone sweeps her off her feet and carries
her up a mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can purchase <i>Between the Lines</i> for Kindle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Between-Lines-Main-Street-Merchants-ebook/dp/B00TE3G1M0">here </a>and Nook <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/between-the-lines-paige-timothy/1121188558">here</a>. <span style="color: #222222;"><b>Special event price: .99! </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>And now for some books from our friends! Authors are listed alphabetically by last name.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AWgzaM1sYCOHtl8NKZs_4GZw_898MBdOQaVWJbvi6LYUTPUf0IK6RbMVn3fmSmjPj7B8GKrBdulOOatpNEd5sjPgHgDH06eBBtKiSIn5xOA8ENQHCXrOhqgELvlyUI8xphRDjabyXsDg/s1600/RMAlexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AWgzaM1sYCOHtl8NKZs_4GZw_898MBdOQaVWJbvi6LYUTPUf0IK6RbMVn3fmSmjPj7B8GKrBdulOOatpNEd5sjPgHgDH06eBBtKiSIn5xOA8ENQHCXrOhqgELvlyUI8xphRDjabyXsDg/s1600/RMAlexander.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big dreams take strength and determination.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cami Lockhart’s
dream is on the verge of becoming a reality. Lockhart Sanctuary, a
refuge for abused and confiscated cats, is what Cami has worked for her
entire life. But a dream that big requires a daily commitment. Cami
yearns for someone to share the dream with, and knows everyone in town
thinks Alex is the perfect man for the job. There’s one problem. She
wants fireworks with every kiss, not just friendship with a hint of
something more.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes what you wish for is closer than you think.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alex
Reynolds shares Cami’s passion for the sanctuary, and as the head
ranchhand, spends every day helping her dream come true. He longs to
tell Cami she’s held his heart since childhood, but losing a lifetime of
friendship is a big risk to take. Being by Cami’s side at the sanctuary
is better than letting go, but Alex knows someday he’ll want more.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk losing everything or fight for the dreams to come true.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
sanctuary is put in jeopardy when ignored threats take a deadly turn.
Cami and Alex must each choose to stand and fight, or lose everything
they dream of. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Right-One-Dreams-Book-ebook/dp/B00M7PSRV0">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiFbHKSoB3-C4EeVYKLzbVblb7uenP6o0QXMRjmXGsg2R9mUCXzfSJZWcOa58cO9y8FqcuTbTEa-tt-v7j9igBx5j_cS5_I4U_efLZJh_P03EJdvxTqOKnF3Yjs11vys3Qj6epZEbOp_s/s1600/JewelAllen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiFbHKSoB3-C4EeVYKLzbVblb7uenP6o0QXMRjmXGsg2R9mUCXzfSJZWcOa58cO9y8FqcuTbTEa-tt-v7j9igBx5j_cS5_I4U_efLZJh_P03EJdvxTqOKnF3Yjs11vys3Qj6epZEbOp_s/s1600/JewelAllen.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">A Secret to Save Them All . . . </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">It was whispered years ago that when a pirate cursed a Philippine village with <i>langbuan</i>,
or flying undead, a boy received a secret that would protect him from
certain death. But even armed with a secret, can anyone survive the
undead for long? </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Seventeen-year-old Antonio Pulido has never known a time when the<i> langbuan</i>
didn’t roam the streets every Ghost Moon Night, killing anyone in their
path. He works hard to protect his family and the girl he loves from
the deadly attacks, but he wants them stopped once and for all. Can
Antonio uncover the decades-old secret and will it help him defeat the
langbuan? Or will Ghost Moon Night come again and take someone he truly
cares about? It falls on Antonio to save his village, but time is
running out. The next Ghost Moon Night is nearly here and Antonio knows
this is his last chance to destroy the undead and end their reign of
terror -- or die trying. <a href="http://www.smarturl.it/GMNonAmazon">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLIapWUB5WNg1hrBNIo6XSW3GX8JTPyOgOFej3VNrbgGO7ysXLY0mlR6TJH5kr7_FGl-4HQIXgQtZFFSpFl2U8CJVGPEJeUHHhX_M7UrSA5uPzYLqzvCiENChEn34-hcpjykmSQksNMs8/s1600/InezBautisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLIapWUB5WNg1hrBNIo6XSW3GX8JTPyOgOFej3VNrbgGO7ysXLY0mlR6TJH5kr7_FGl-4HQIXgQtZFFSpFl2U8CJVGPEJeUHHhX_M7UrSA5uPzYLqzvCiENChEn34-hcpjykmSQksNMs8/s1600/InezBautisa.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">When she was
nine-years-old, Katie knew she wanted Chris to give her her first kiss. It
wasn’t because she was in love with him (no way, he was her best friend!
Besides, she was in love with his fourteen-year-old big brother), it was
because she could make him do anything she wanted. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Besides, it
didn't really mean anything. After all, it was only a kiss. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">But things
started to change. They grew up. They parted ways and went to different high
schools. Then other girls and other boys—well, just one particular boy—came
into the picture, throwing their lives upside down. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Told
from the alternating points of view of Katie and Chris, this love story between
two best friends will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about how
the simplest things mean so much. <a href="http://goo.gl/G1AV43">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333;">Parkview Manor has a secret, and
eighteen-year-old Cynthia is curious!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: #333333; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc;">When
Cynthia Holt takes a job at a former sanitarium, now operating as an assisted
living center, she instantly discovers something more is occurring than simply
providing the elderly with housing and care. Something very strange is going on
behind the locked door of Room 913!<br style="color: #333333; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" />After
she is warned to stay away from the room and to not discuss it or the occupant
with her co-workers, she is even more intrigued - and suspicious! Letting her
curious nature guide her, she immediately begins asking questions. When she
finds that Room 913 has been closed off; locked and sealed for many years, her
curiosity turns to concern. Though rumors abound, no one seems inclined to talk
about it.</span></span><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333;">Not giving up so easily, Cynthia
persists in her pursuit until she finds out the truth - or does
she?</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZZOH2S">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twelve-year-old
BFFs are matchmaking geniuses. They schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall
in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. Then Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom's
journals, making life totally awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the
journals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ginnie is counting on Tillie's help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie's
not sure the ghost of Ginnie's mom will make a good addition to their new
family tree. When a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go
nutburgers, Ginnie is torn between helping her BFF and having her questions
answered.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-West-Heaven-Ginnie-Adventure/dp/193999313X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427185835&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+west+of+heaven"> Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!<span style="color: #00b050;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">In The Darkest Hours of Addiction, A Light Shines </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">When
one LDS woman's husband flies off to Mexico to meet another woman, she
sells his stuff and starts a new life. To support her three children,
she guts part of her home to start a preschool and rents out another two
rooms. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Her
life is soon filled with new friends and activities, but the new
friends bring problems of their own. Is hope and healing possible as
they strengthen one another and rely on the Lord? And will romance
blossom again for Jessica? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Intercession
is a story of love and friendship loaded with drama, inspiration,
romance, and the tenacity of three young women who find their strength
in the Lord. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intercession-Jessicas-Story-Hope-Healing-ebook/dp/B00JMTRRAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425870105&sr=8-1&keywords=vicki+budge">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only thing she stands to lose are her shoes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Cinderella is an ordinary teenage girl, with an
extraordinary name. But because of that
name, she and her cousins, Belle, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White suffer years of
torment from their peers. Then as the
girls enter high school and the enticing world of dating, a life-altering
decision must be made. Is it finally
time to stop fighting, and surrender to the fairy tale clichés that have been
holding them back? By embracing their
names, the girls discover an inner-strength they never knew existed. And by
putting everything they have on the line, maybe, just maybe they will discover there
really is such a thing as ‘happily ever after’. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B005D5J3I2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425448758&sr=8-1&keywords=the+princess+sisters">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_F4MY-54bItnDGAzcxcTgcpkFfSrpwP-jBFfrJGByDz1AJwbBQXiu9boDd4m3HU_w6uI1_OSqGStKIvsNZ1W2SsvPvT-kxaFAWCPFs4Y4llKS6cWp2Zo37BsmpaRNjlWyaNxBBRhFyFE/s1600/JulieCasey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_F4MY-54bItnDGAzcxcTgcpkFfSrpwP-jBFfrJGByDz1AJwbBQXiu9boDd4m3HU_w6uI1_OSqGStKIvsNZ1W2SsvPvT-kxaFAWCPFs4Y4llKS6cWp2Zo37BsmpaRNjlWyaNxBBRhFyFE/s1600/JulieCasey.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bracken is a
typical teenage boy, more interested in the angles of the girl’s exposed
back teasing him from the seat ahead of him than in anything the
geometry teacher could present. His life is filled with school, video
games, and thoughts of girls, not necessarily in that order. Life just
flows along uneventfully and unacknowledged, like the electricity that
courses through the power lines — until PF (Power Failure) Day. On PF
Day, the sun strikes Bracken’s world with an unseen surge of
electromagnetic fury, which cripples power stations and burns
transformers to crispy nuggets of regret. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No
one in Bracken’s world had ever thought about how much they depended on
electrical power, but now, without it, they are plunged into survival
mode. Bracken soon realizes how lucky he is to live on a farm in the
Midwest. What seemed like a dull and backwards life before is now the
greatest chance for survival in what seems like a powerless world. Food,
water, and heat are readily available, although hard work is required
to make use of them. Bracken and his family must learn to survive like
their ancestors, who settled their land. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-I-Became-Teenage-Survivalist-ebook/dp/B00U8DXG64">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When
eight parade floats explode during the annual Fourth of July
celebrations, Agent Chris Harmer must find who planted the bombs before
the terrorists strike again. His troubles aren't isolated to terrorism.
Chris falls in love with the FBI's feisty psychiatrist, Alexis Osborne.
She won't commit to someone who doesn't share her religious values, and
Chris has no desire to convert. </span><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Fourth-July-Cami-Checketts-ebook/dp/B00JIWSEGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425957877&sr=8-1&keywords=fourth+of+july" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase here.</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special promotional price: .99!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUFP1E1k70tt93GlRF707WK-PPJrFn2hFtIbnmy59WA2RFB-oqN3kzLv7WZQ5kO77FD5kzA4stsSVX-CY6rQPYv2NifSk5nA1oxXwe5deOxEzovPnwbbX-NZjbR2OfIUnBrC7IbrF8PaJ/s1600/EarlChinnici.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUFP1E1k70tt93GlRF707WK-PPJrFn2hFtIbnmy59WA2RFB-oqN3kzLv7WZQ5kO77FD5kzA4stsSVX-CY6rQPYv2NifSk5nA1oxXwe5deOxEzovPnwbbX-NZjbR2OfIUnBrC7IbrF8PaJ/s1600/EarlChinnici.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At forty years of age, I was impoverished and severely addicted to
tobacco cigarettes. I could not even afford a decent birthday gift for
my dear friend Cathy I had met online years earlier. In this book, I
tell the story of how my friend turned my makeshift present for her into
a gift of life for me. I tell how I overcame my addiction gradually. I
share tips, photos, and more! If you have ever said, "I wish I could
quit smoking," or "I wish I could cut back," I hope you will read this
book. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JEHP2DA" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special promotional price: .99!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Yy5CT9Iv_xMui5zlcGibg5DSZYN4A114djbAJZ5AbN_Uht5RnTcKD4JX0SvGZvlfBb8x9abqXb7u62HBbAg-8QcMxiEqh2Yf4QHTt2RfIbvLmGZ-r4G09-s8psr0qWm7WB4cTuruIGS/s1600/Amberlee+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Yy5CT9Iv_xMui5zlcGibg5DSZYN4A114djbAJZ5AbN_Uht5RnTcKD4JX0SvGZvlfBb8x9abqXb7u62HBbAg-8QcMxiEqh2Yf4QHTt2RfIbvLmGZ-r4G09-s8psr0qWm7WB4cTuruIGS/s1600/Amberlee+Day.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Professor Miri Keeler's life is perfect, and she knows just
the sort of man she wants to share it with.
When she meets a genie who's willing to grant her a favor, she uses her
wish to get the attention of her crush, poet Jamison Arbor. But has the genie's magic missed its target?
Miri suddenly has the attention of both Jamison and Alex, an attractive
maintenance man. How will she know which
is the right match for her, or what's real and what's magic? </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Her-Hand-Amberlee-Day-ebook/dp/B00UIMHN2S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426035101&sr=8-2&keywords=amberlee+day" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special promotional price: .99!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bxxjFjfHqYEhw6yqRNqfk8ii0nEANcBrmSJyYmcL3-AZ6_cswNtESjmUvO-7-Ez75Fbs_6i-pZ7o_Eq9bJXiVhQph-tT1mdFYS1ACfA3dq8riOPxV7Oik3qoXohu7EBn7HCkNNRZyhy/s1600/JulietteDuncan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bxxjFjfHqYEhw6yqRNqfk8ii0nEANcBrmSJyYmcL3-AZ6_cswNtESjmUvO-7-Ez75Fbs_6i-pZ7o_Eq9bJXiVhQph-tT1mdFYS1ACfA3dq8riOPxV7Oik3qoXohu7EBn7HCkNNRZyhy/s1600/JulietteDuncan.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: black;">At
twelve-years of age, Maddy Richards has everything she needs in life –
good friends, a loving mother, and a home she loves. When her mother
announces that she's getting married, Maddy's seemingly perfect world is
rocked to the core, but when she discovers that not only that her
mother is getting married and she'll have a new dad, but there's
another, even more world rocking change planned, Maddy, thinking there's
no way out of her predicament, forges a plan that she's sure will put a
stop to at least one of these sudden changes in her life. </span><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">With
her best friend Hannah in tow, Maddy embarks on a journey, hoping that
will prompt her mother and new husband-to-be to change their minds, but a
horrific storm is about to complicate matters further. What looked like
a solution suddenly becomes more of a problem. </span><br /><br /><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Maddy
will have to gather her resolve and determine if she's ready to trust
God, regardless of what is happening, and let life unfold as it should,
even if that means her life will never be the same again. </span><br /><br /><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Book One of The Madeleine Richards Series, <i>"Rebellion in Riversleigh"</i>,
a Tween Christian fiction book, is a must read for girls aged ten to
thirteen, who are looking for a heart-warming story, full of adventure,
personal struggle, and Christian values. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R8ZZ0BE">Purchase here.</a><b> Special promotional price: FREE!</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Freedom to Choose is Paramount for any human.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An arrangement made when Elizabeth was just a babe ties her to
someone she has never met, never spoken to, never loved. Now she desires
freedom—a way to choose her own path—her own husband. The moment
Elizabeth meets Patrick she knows he is her soul mate. But when you are
bound to a crown how is any choice your own? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Kingdoms-Royal-Romance-ebook/dp/B00T02FSH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425238995&sr=1-1&keywords=once+upon+two+kingdoms">Purchase here.</a> <b>Special promotional price: $2.99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF85TZvagycrHL0cBFaGpX2QRen80TcXe_Ol96uiUP5RMg4iQ4qAwnPecSEAWctr_QP6x__QBrc_FD9vddm_lXfLJFX3plR6eYjvXqqG9f3415amePkft5P7KIGSbg3MYvgTgfkqGZnIa8/s1600/NicholeGiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF85TZvagycrHL0cBFaGpX2QRen80TcXe_Ol96uiUP5RMg4iQ4qAwnPecSEAWctr_QP6x__QBrc_FD9vddm_lXfLJFX3plR6eYjvXqqG9f3415amePkft5P7KIGSbg3MYvgTgfkqGZnIa8/s1600/NicholeGiles.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seventeen-year-old Abigail Johnson is Gifted.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blessed—or cursed—with Sight and Healing, Abby lives an unsettled
life, moving from place to place and staying one step ahead of the
darkness that hunts her. When she arrives in Jackson, Wyoming, she is
desperate to maintain the illusion of normalcy, but she is plagued with
visions of past lives mixed with frightening glimpses of her future.
Then she meets Kye, a mysterious boy who seems so achingly familiar that
Abby is drawn to him like he’s a missing piece of her own soul.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before Abby can discover the reason for her feelings toward Kye, the
darkness catches up to her and she is forced to flee again. But this
time she’s not just running. She is fighting back with Kye at her side,
and it’s not just Abby’s life at stake.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Descendant-Book-1-Nichole-Giles-ebook/dp/B00FWF53AU">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Three magical romances in one collection </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pete & Tink</i><span style="background-color: white;">: </span><span style="background-color: white;">Pete Pancerella loves two things in life: </span>V<span style="background-color: white;">ideo games </span><span style="background-color: white;">and Spongy Cremes. </span><span style="background-color: white;">He's
happy, content, and he's also a geek. All that is about to change when
his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it
take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving
goofball into shape? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Loving Marigold</i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Young
Marigold Yarrow has a secret. She’s also in love with Jack Mahoney. In
the middle of her ninth grade year, Jack's family up and moves to Port
Fare, New York, leaving the small town of Sugar Maple, West Virginia -
and Marigold - far behind. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nine
years later Jack and Marigold meet again. They join forces to weed out
the shady Abbott boys. The unscrupulous brothers are illegally selling
moonshine near her home on Sugar Maple Ridge. And they'll do anything to
get Marigold to leave the ridge. Anything. </span><span style="background-color: white;">But this time it could be magic that tears Jack and Marigold apart. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Angel in a Black Fedora</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Ciel Björk died a tragic death...but she got over it.Now she works as an undercover angel, answering people’s prayers. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Chloe
is obsessed with achieving perfection to please her unpleaseable
father. Chloe’s BFF Austin Powers will do anything to support her in
achieving her goal, including helping her win the heart of Bridger
Reed. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ciel
is sent to the sleepy little town of Port Fare, New York to help turn
Chloe’s dreams into reality. Ciel soon learns that things are not as
simple as they seem as secrets are revealed. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Angel
in a Black Fedora is the newest book by best selling author Sherry
Gammon. A funny and touching tale of life and its challenges. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Love-Magical-Collection-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00TR9CAEE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Purchase here.</a> <b>Special promotional price: $1.99!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp3RojrYNZlmWKGYXu5q_fr9EH2x4SHt-kcxFqz-_yufkUj_Da4OS4-tcZSEzGnGW448iyEWks6PQEZ_9ISrZBGXaqASIcTn3MrwwTe2gel2HCx-cmXKUkJbNpMhnvFRS88Or7D791Q3E/s1600/MariaHoagland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp3RojrYNZlmWKGYXu5q_fr9EH2x4SHt-kcxFqz-_yufkUj_Da4OS4-tcZSEzGnGW448iyEWks6PQEZ_9ISrZBGXaqASIcTn3MrwwTe2gel2HCx-cmXKUkJbNpMhnvFRS88Or7D791Q3E/s1600/MariaHoagland.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whitney Award Finalist for 2014 General Fiction</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thrust
into the chaos of her mother-in-law's hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS
church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time
when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug.
But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a
missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a
daughter who is distant. As Aly's own life and relationship with her
husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough
to keep her family--or herself--from falling apart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still
Time is a deeply moving story about a woman's faithful journey into the
next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and
see yourself in Maria Hoagland's realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a
woman's struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as
she can. <a href="http://amzn.to/1Mglw95">Purchase here</a>.<b> Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97qB2-keQY9whyphenhyphenS-PLkg1OhlsRatPVNIUBV_PQMKckM9BxSP3W2xb6kxCR0me2bl4j26dA5KGqVF7F6IS3XwTLPkxc7Kxn81KApV0WQZpHIfn9Nubcs-PpkvoUwnZ3MUQ3i4OiVSKV9_L/s1600/TianaHolley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97qB2-keQY9whyphenhyphenS-PLkg1OhlsRatPVNIUBV_PQMKckM9BxSP3W2xb6kxCR0me2bl4j26dA5KGqVF7F6IS3XwTLPkxc7Kxn81KApV0WQZpHIfn9Nubcs-PpkvoUwnZ3MUQ3i4OiVSKV9_L/s1600/TianaHolley.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alissia
Roswell had worked hard to overcome her past, and she took immense
pride in her independence. Just when she thought she was truly satisfied
with her life, she wakes up to find herself in another reality. As she
searches for answers, her body begins to change in mysterious ways, and
for the first time in her life, she is forced to rely upon others. As
everything spins out of her control and danger lurks around every
corner, her heart begins to betray her, and her mind haunts her with
memories of her past. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Join
Alissia on her perilous quest full of adventure, magic, and romance as
she travels the challenging road of finding one self, maybe even love
along the way. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DV33J92/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DV33J92&linkCode=as2&tag=guiltlesscleanteenreads-20&linkId=HZDKUUSA2QWJ4MTS">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: FREE!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There’s
no way I’m taking Blake’s place as president of the student body. As soon as
the memorial for him and six of our friends is over, I’m resigning as VP.
Really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Except
people say the fire was no accident. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(I say
it’s way too easy to blame someone who’s dead.) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">When I
read the writing on the wall, literally, the bathroom wall, I know what it
means. To get to the truth I have to come out from under my paisley comforter. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But,
seriously, what stage of grief says I have to be the one to fix what’s wrong at
Ideal High? Maybe <i>I</i>’m the one who’s broken. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-High-Valerie-Ipson-ebook/dp/B00U1Q0QO8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425598073&sr=1-1&keywords=ideal+high">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: $3.99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx33ryf8D-XhOBSYLNi1OvzXdQyXhdY5FhAlRMxiv9vEqTiW1shtkc2bx1uxg8X4skyq52XJNxOUY4q62OPlFykh-VPwsoICaBr6qN4N-PzL0WKQBuIKAH2SOnGdLfTUMy4tXO-U6PfAS/s1600/KeelyKeith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx33ryf8D-XhOBSYLNi1OvzXdQyXhdY5FhAlRMxiv9vEqTiW1shtkc2bx1uxg8X4skyq52XJNxOUY4q62OPlFykh-VPwsoICaBr6qN4N-PzL0WKQBuIKAH2SOnGdLfTUMy4tXO-U6PfAS/s1600/KeelyKeith.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in
the Land, a landmass in the South Atlantic Ocean undetectable to the
outside world. When injured fighter pilot Connor Bradshaw’s parachute
carries him from the war engulfing the 2025 world to her hidden land,
his presence threatens her plans, her family, and the survival of her
preindustrial society. As Connor searches for a way to return to his
squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of
Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs
desires she never anticipated. Written like a historical, set like a
scifi, and filled with romance, The Land Uncharted weaves adventure and
love in this suspenseful story of a hidden land. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MW7Z1QW">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99</b>!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Madison
Nichols, aspiring actress, is floundering. Her rent is due and she
needs a job. Desperately. After getting a tip about an open position,
she rushes to Jameson Technologies and meets CEO Jared Jameson.
Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, she is put in the awkward
position of pretending to be his girlfriend. Not the job she was
applying for. And when she finds out Jared lied to her to get what he
wanted, she decides to get back at him. In front of his family.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Jared
is stunned when Madison announces they are getting married. She pushed
her revenge too far. How can he tell them it’s all a lie? And when his
sick aunt asks them to be married before she dies, Madison comes up with
a hair-brained plan to hire an actor and stage a fake wedding. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: black;" /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">What they both don’t know is Jared’s father has found out about the fake wedding. And he’s got his own hair-brained plan. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Accidentally-Married-Victorine-E-Lieske-ebook/dp/B00KTV5HVM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enslaved when invaders take over Alasia, ten-year-old Anya
discovers ways to spy on the enemy and slip information to the resistance. But
then Anya uncovers a disturbing reference to her own family and is confronted by
a stranger who seems to know her secrets. Holding her life in his hands, he
claims to have proof that her father was involved in the betrayal that led to
the Invasion itself. </span><a href="http://smarturl.it/EnemysService" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special promotional price: .99!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSZi04DbhnTPrD5nP2MKcgQ_vshyJkflfLqSqqiHYLLAjEfvlycCb3Kjw08lQ43rCtU9YCKcAcVBEIIQZBxfG8PlDcAQRdG-JsUeMa7QafHBeklJxbcrGYL5Ps1FuiLVJOpDQ0aKYIkEI/s1600/JordanMcCollum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSZi04DbhnTPrD5nP2MKcgQ_vshyJkflfLqSqqiHYLLAjEfvlycCb3Kjw08lQ43rCtU9YCKcAcVBEIIQZBxfG8PlDcAQRdG-JsUeMa7QafHBeklJxbcrGYL5Ps1FuiLVJOpDQ0aKYIkEI/s1600/JordanMcCollum.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2014 Whitney Award Finalist in Romance</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After watching her parents’
marriage crash and burn, CIA operative Talia Reynolds doesn’t believe in
“happily ever afters.” Besides, her job entails eighty-hour weeks,
juggling a dozen covers and disguises, and tracking down a dangerous
Russian spy ring. She hardly has time for romantic entanglements, even
if she could let her guard down enough to get close to anyone. But all
the rules she lives by could be broken when she meets aerospace engineer
Danny Fluker.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Talia has to
find a Russian spymaster before he figures out she’s not who she
claims, and failing to keep her two lives separate in the process could
mean the death of more than just her budding relationship. Danny has to
decide if a future with Talia — and facing the past — is worth the risk
of getting hurt again. If they can break through the barriers keeping
them apart (and avoid a major international catastrophe), they just
might have a chance at being happy together. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PP49CNM/">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEThwvzq4yKzsSzWdNepBjSTmJmVAP4JPFhByWYJtyreqFe0h7TT7eEXEj1EknGveg-JFPLFmUEYpXPRUoayLj4C3CqCsIkjxuG8lFvq-tASbTPyKrBeVjfGv2NXlnW5Ojlx6fYyT-efL-/s1600/MistyMoncur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEThwvzq4yKzsSzWdNepBjSTmJmVAP4JPFhByWYJtyreqFe0h7TT7eEXEj1EknGveg-JFPLFmUEYpXPRUoayLj4C3CqCsIkjxuG8lFvq-tASbTPyKrBeVjfGv2NXlnW5Ojlx6fYyT-efL-/s1600/MistyMoncur.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She
had never been loved before. He thought he would never love again.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zeke
never imagined he wouldn’t marry the pretty girl from his village. It was as
good as done—until she fell in love with someone else during the war. Captain Helaman’s
estate in the city is the perfect refuge, far from pitying eyes and nosy
village women. But though time has healed his battle wounds, it hasn’t bound up
his broken heart. </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abandoned
and alone in the world, Eliza asked Uncle Helaman to take her in. She has
everything she could want at her new home on the grand estate—everything but
the attention of Helaman’s handsome guard. When Helaman sends her on a journey
with the brooding Ezekiel, she’s determined to find out what makes him so sad,
but in her search for the girl who broke Zeke’s heart, Eliza has to find a way
to guard her own. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Captains-Guard-Stripling-Warrior-Book-ebook/dp/B00MJMH91K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427190138&sr=8-1&keywords=the+captain%27s+guard+misty+moncur">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTbjOUUBCjHEzvuvl0jNbXoMqfWwaGeo0fpmBH4nVmwzkvGCwsoMvvwJZZbnsSM3Jrftv6W61rF95aqkSyn_XetHM5IegDytM_bDWWNDOSnbSEwEIh2rfTAzVKr09UV9YibuHLNoUhBkh/s1600/JasonMorgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTbjOUUBCjHEzvuvl0jNbXoMqfWwaGeo0fpmBH4nVmwzkvGCwsoMvvwJZZbnsSM3Jrftv6W61rF95aqkSyn_XetHM5IegDytM_bDWWNDOSnbSEwEIh2rfTAzVKr09UV9YibuHLNoUhBkh/s1600/JasonMorgan.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting at a new high school is hard,
especially as a senior. At age 17, Derek moves with his family from
North Carolina to Utah. Derek learns about the unwritten laws of dating
in Utah, and that his mom and dad have a history at his new school—a
history that threatens his future.</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Down-Rain-Lloyd-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00KGNV6J0" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase here</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special promotional price: .99!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87-Zsbu8II8_o3mqRKhl-vfh7fOS-Fu6ns0P4Yikzc_LLTgXhP7aI7J4HgKtTody4uZ9Xp6UFxvOgNT8VMNSHuZJLuFc8T0tHohqzRHdTzEHC34wqOIN_GqP9eWMAh63h54n-6AvU0z34/s1600/JoNoelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87-Zsbu8II8_o3mqRKhl-vfh7fOS-Fu6ns0P4Yikzc_LLTgXhP7aI7J4HgKtTody4uZ9Xp6UFxvOgNT8VMNSHuZJLuFc8T0tHohqzRHdTzEHC34wqOIN_GqP9eWMAh63h54n-6AvU0z34/s1600/JoNoelle.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The housing market is crashing, and Sophie’s life is
crashing with it. At twenty-four, her successful real estate career evaporates.
She’s broke, can’t find a job, or pay her bills, leaving Sophie wondering how
her successful lifestyle became so fragile. </span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the urging of her roommate, Sophie accepts a job in her
fallback career—teaching six-year-olds. She hopes it’s temporary. After all,
how long can a tanking economy last anyway? The best part of the new job is
Liam, another employee at Rio Grande Elementary. The worst part of the new job
is, well, teaching.</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sophie has a surprise real estate closing from a contract
she wrote months ago, leading her to a niche in the real estate market and to a
new partner, Kevin. Sophie must choose between Liam or Kevin and between a
lucrative career or recess duty. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Newbie-Jo-Noelle-ebook/dp/B00MSEKH90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425751917&sr=8-1&keywords=newbie+jo+Noelle">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdF0Lqvn4K-WG31PPsDcNvsoahjLHgrQyYpoWesWFrKjBBlzMYksJMAv0DjQIOucgoFWMwJkvZOfwMpufSSZFYpDlQJWii-9nPhTyyL72CRnSpftfqFFxk29VtYw9NNtZGlDtHZnlIq2R/s1600/KAparkinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdF0Lqvn4K-WG31PPsDcNvsoahjLHgrQyYpoWesWFrKjBBlzMYksJMAv0DjQIOucgoFWMwJkvZOfwMpufSSZFYpDlQJWii-9nPhTyyL72CRnSpftfqFFxk29VtYw9NNtZGlDtHZnlIq2R/s1600/KAparkinson.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sixteen-year-old Macy is not your average teenager--she's a member of
the Chosen, an elite group of gifted and magically talented children
responsible for protecting humans from the monsters of the Hidden race.
But when the Shard of the Ninth Chosen arrives at her Watcher's door
with the deadly Shadow Wraiths in hot pursuit, her world is shaken. The
Ninth is to lead the Final Battle against the evil forces of the Dark.
And when that Ninth turns out to be Tolen Parks, a clueless
seventeen-year-old who has no idea he's anything other than a freak,
she figures the world is a gonner. The two of them are swept down a
dangerous path that tests everything that Macy is . . . and brings out
everything that Tolen can be. Amidst monsters and Radia Warriors, the
pair must discover who they really are and face the heart of darkness in
order to find victory . . . and their destinies. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ninth-Chosen-Shadow-Prison-ebook/dp/B00LJ3FU34/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Purchase here. </a><b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MPaoMPyt5nmlHjK6L5bGHAJWwJA0qjfytcP9vzY7aBpdNJUctC7wP5QJ6z9mebJjJZgHn-svoFISnHnlI9C7QPlhQkxDbbiulZ7Go3Bl9qZKGE05r3NtN66GtwhjGuEZ7BDrB9buLHPT/s1600/TamaraPassey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MPaoMPyt5nmlHjK6L5bGHAJWwJA0qjfytcP9vzY7aBpdNJUctC7wP5QJ6z9mebJjJZgHn-svoFISnHnlI9C7QPlhQkxDbbiulZ7Go3Bl9qZKGE05r3NtN66GtwhjGuEZ7BDrB9buLHPT/s1600/TamaraPassey.jpg" height="320" width="201" /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Though
Angela Donovan is out of work and needs money for rent, she yearns for
her eight-year-old daughter to have a carefree holiday. The last thing
she wants is the pressure of her daughter expecting a miracle. But when
they pick out a Christmas tree at a cozy Massachusetts tree farm that’s
exactly what happens when they learn the trees might be miracle trees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: black;" /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Mark
Shafer is soon to be the new keeper of the Christmas trees when he
inherits the family farm. He’d like to run it with a family of his own,
but his girlfriend wants nothing to do with farm life. He makes plans to
sell so he can propose to his girlfriend and pursue a career in music.
Then he meets an unforgettable customer and her daughter, and an
anonymous gift compels them to learn the truth about the trees. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: black;" /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">With
a buyer willing to pay top dollar for the land, Mark has the fate of
the trees in his hand. Will he be able to see what and who is most
important? And will Angela give the miracle of love a chance? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Keeper-Novel-ebook/dp/B00PTHBF5I/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1425948207">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: $2.99!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUU1G1K6XVdel2Vjs30aLjW6tjxIdu_AssrOospWcXUWu7EdYJ_pQCv_VyEKhQxZAwwlG4TB8OBbaBb3GHPjHBddjJHRDVpFVroN7BJldpFSmyIkGBh1ewYvuNZ-O1F340WMdgWmfUjPF/s1600/AndreaPearson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUU1G1K6XVdel2Vjs30aLjW6tjxIdu_AssrOospWcXUWu7EdYJ_pQCv_VyEKhQxZAwwlG4TB8OBbaBb3GHPjHBddjJHRDVpFVroN7BJldpFSmyIkGBh1ewYvuNZ-O1F340WMdgWmfUjPF/s1600/AndreaPearson2.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Midian has lived in Gevkan Castle for almost all of her twenty-five
years, growing up alongside Princess Arien. Though timid, she's content
in her life and comfortable with the people who surround her. It's not
until she meets Kelson, best friend of Prince Dmitri, that she realizes
how deep her shyness runs. Kelson is outgoing and wildly flirtatious,
pushing Midian away when all he wants is to draw her closer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Midian's life is put in danger when she's kidnapped by the
neighboring king who thinks she's the princess and wants to leverage her
life for power and money.
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Will Kelson be able to stop the king fast enough, proving his
affections for Midian, or will the king's scheming keep them forever
separated? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Midian-Kilenya-Romance-Romances-Book-ebook/dp/B00SO5FW38">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEN8n6RK8-_4G-oHu5gQq8BRW9chy_aHrUgzvQsJWKRS-uLLg8w7FtlN9bOSVyy1T4U-o9JcKjqIfYOy2_LBKsAD8YrV2rEFHPnE2FJLJ9jj5gI4dYVcWuQWxNl3MJuMH5_x2K_X8Jd3U/s1600/RebeccaRode2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEN8n6RK8-_4G-oHu5gQq8BRW9chy_aHrUgzvQsJWKRS-uLLg8w7FtlN9bOSVyy1T4U-o9JcKjqIfYOy2_LBKsAD8YrV2rEFHPnE2FJLJ9jj5gI4dYVcWuQWxNl3MJuMH5_x2K_X8Jd3U/s1600/RebeccaRode2.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #10131a;">Treena
is nervous for Rating Day. A single number will brand her forever—a valuable
citizen, or a pathetic waste of space. Her top-Rated boyfriend is confident
their scores will coincide so they can attend the academy together. But when
the big day arrives, her true number shocks everyone.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #10131a;">To
get her life and boyfriend back, she must go undercover and expose a military
spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then
there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and beautiful brown
eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the
nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the
dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart. <a href="http://smarturl.it/ngrelease">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #10131a;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEzqyr5Vh0IjOLUjcZun62cj3SisUYP40qDPuLQj7tlhFN42_ncoQxVcJ0ytY6E17B-jw8NQiV8qAWsrXzBPrtlN7SySAH-s9ibhxc6Vqy1GhFeHuQWsyReFHQSx29maZj7nSip8RJF1/s1600/Final+Hidden+Identites+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEzqyr5Vh0IjOLUjcZun62cj3SisUYP40qDPuLQj7tlhFN42_ncoQxVcJ0ytY6E17B-jw8NQiV8qAWsrXzBPrtlN7SySAH-s9ibhxc6Vqy1GhFeHuQWsyReFHQSx29maZj7nSip8RJF1/s1600/Final+Hidden+Identites+Cover.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #10131a;"></span><span style="color: #10131a;">Readers will be delighted with nine sweet, contemporary romance
novelettes in Sweet & Sassy: Hidden Identities. In this charming
anthology, you will fall in love again and again.
<br />
<br />THE BEST OF ME by Paige Timothy, SECOND-HAND HEARTS by Jo Noelle, FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHOICE by Lindzee Armstrong, HACKED by Stephanie Connelley Worlton, TO LOVE AND PROTECT by Ruth Roberts, CLOSING TIME by Candice N. Toone, SINK OR SWIM by Laura D. Bastian, WRITE AND WRONG by Kaye P. Clark, UNDERCOVER LOVER by James C. Duckett. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Sassy-Anthology-Hidden-Identities-ebook/dp/B00UF777HW">Purchase here.</a> <b>Special promotional price: $2.99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What happened in Vegas should stay there, not follow Amanda home, newly wedded to the man who broke her heart.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />After
celebrating college graduation with her friends in Las Vegas, Amanda
St. Claire wakes up with a terrible hangover and a ring on her finger.
Her day gets worse when she finds out she's married to rich playboy
Blake Worthington—the guy she has loathed the past four years. Amanda
convinces Blake to legally terminate the marriage and they both return
home like nothing ever happened. That is, until Blake shows up on her
doorstep and Amanda has to come clean with her family. <br /><br />Together
for better or worse while the legalities are cleared, Amanda reluctantly
plays along, but then the unthinkable happens---she finds herself
falling in love with Blake. <br /><br />Can they overcome the past? Or will it end their future before it even starts? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ring-Her-Finger-Lisa-Swinton-ebook/dp/B00N7OR3KG/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brynn
Sawyer is a successful project manager in Houston. When her best friend
from high school convinces Brynn to attend their ten-year reunion,
Brynn hopes she’ll have the chance to reconnect with Troy Richards, the
guy who stole her heart back in middle school.<br /><br />Craig
Dawson, an attorney in San Diego, is in a relationship that’s going
nowhere and wonders why he can’t seem to commit. When he sees Brynn at
their reunion, he thinks he might finally understand why. The only
problem—she’s still infatuated with Troy what’s-his-name.<br /><br />Will Brynn find the love she seeks with Troy, or will she realize the best kind of love has always been right in front of her? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Kind-Love-Reunion-Romance-ebook/dp/B00P9RVW5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425611533&sr=1-1&keywords=rebecca+talley">Purchase here</a>.<b> Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alexa
Fulbright doesn’t expect the man she’s been trying to forget for the
past 7 years to show up on assignment from the FBI…and she really
doesn’t expect him to kiss her. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Sam
Dubois doesn’t want to be on this assignment, even though he requested
it. He doesn’t want to see Alexa and he definitely doesn’t want to put
away the thug she calls her boyfriend…but most things in life aren’t
fair when it comes to her. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">After
Sam shows Alexa proof that her boyfriend is a drug dealer with
connections to the Columbian cartel, she refuses to believe it. Until a
gun is pointed at her head and ‘said boyfriend’ puts a bullet in Sam’s
shoulder. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Now
Sam has to get her out of dodge and Alexa has to make a choice—face the
past or live a lie that could destroy her and everyone she’s ever
loved. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Run-Book-Real-Thing-ebook/dp/B00OV93MRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425712042&sr=8-1&keywords=taylor+hart">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">For
the last six years, Siri has sought a way to fulfill a vow made during
the last hours of her beloved mother's life. Faced with an unwanted
betrothal, she knows any chance to honor her mother's request is
dwindling. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Risking
her life to escape the arranged marriage, she unwittingly triggers an
ancient elven curse. Death and destruction will begin with the rise of
the next full moon. The only recourse is restoring an ancient talisman
to the elves. But pleas to return it go unanswered.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Siri's
journey plunges her into a land of mystical creatures, some terrifying,
some fascinating. As she begins to lose her heart to one very handsome
Master Archer, his valley spirals toward irreversible ruin. Siri begins
to wonder if she holds the key and how one lowly human could ever make a
difference in a strange land of myth and magic. <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241945">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc0GBMFU4lfv5rgRGRlPIk04SWShpFfo0d6Hm02GcaYyOnP5ESwEOS-jtCjmNRQPMCp6k8MTWHO0o3uW_oad182S189QEDk7oUuD17s38Lt8pzUkJKz1sS51GF_SaEiiCc95UhVmkqBkP/s1600/SterlingWalker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc0GBMFU4lfv5rgRGRlPIk04SWShpFfo0d6Hm02GcaYyOnP5ESwEOS-jtCjmNRQPMCp6k8MTWHO0o3uW_oad182S189QEDk7oUuD17s38Lt8pzUkJKz1sS51GF_SaEiiCc95UhVmkqBkP/s1600/SterlingWalker.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Stranded 225 million kilometers from home on Mars Station, cousins
Jake O’Brien and Lorina Murphy are drawn into a fledgling effort to help
the hundreds of abandoned street children who call the station home.
Jake becomes a medical apprentice in an outreach clinic, while Lorina
volunteers at a juvenile shelter. They soon discover that their efforts
may be in vain because something much more serious than poverty plagues
Mars Station.
<br />
<br /> Also stranded on Mars Station, ship’s captain Danae Shepherd faces
the difficult task of hiring replacement crew after an alien virus
claims the lives of four in her employ, including her husband. She
stumbles upon the same problem that has Jake and Lorina stumped: why are
homeless children disappearing without a trace? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Orphan-Ship-Sterling-Walker-ebook/dp/B00CW60ZPK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IA_b671ouPY7KZOhr_vZLdDyWDFeiZBMQ6FHazN_3FB7OavtTWtzSq5nRmIIFRf6av2y3nQt6Qgwm1MzOOxOZ0pWiEdOLdSZlLdWzr3KcOEQNtwFatAfPMG9xZaSsV6w11AEfC_8PDXY/s1600/CrystalWalker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IA_b671ouPY7KZOhr_vZLdDyWDFeiZBMQ6FHazN_3FB7OavtTWtzSq5nRmIIFRf6av2y3nQt6Qgwm1MzOOxOZ0pWiEdOLdSZlLdWzr3KcOEQNtwFatAfPMG9xZaSsV6w11AEfC_8PDXY/s1600/CrystalWalker.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Twenty-one-year-old
Emma Matthews lost the song in her heart the same night she lost her
dad. With an unfulfilled promise and an ultimatum shadowing her junior
year of college, maybe it’s better that way. You can’t hurt if you can’t
feel. </span><br style="color: black;" /><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">But
when the reflection she sees in musician Riley Preston’s eyes borders
dangerously close to the one she’s spent the last five years searching
for, Emma discovers her walls can’t guard her heart from its fiercest
desire. Terrified of what she’s experiencing, and even more afraid of
what she might lose, Emma grapples for the courage to hold on to one
dream without abandoning the promise of another. </span><br style="color: black;" /><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Contemporary New Adult Romance novel </span><em style="color: black;">Eyes Unveiled</em><span style="color: black;"> lets
you relive those heartfelt moments when you don’t know how you’d
survive a day without your best friend, when you’re trying to figure out
who you are and what you’re supposed to do with your life, and when
falling in love changes everything. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Unveiled-1-Crystal-Walton/dp/0986288217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427193886&sr=8-1&keywords=eyes+unveiled+crystal+walton">Purchase here.</a> <b>Special promotional price: $3.99!</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCQh00ODwKzc5J5G8wHHnS-b1N0nBiSNj93LUwTo1wJzY1Nsz5XL12bTi0LSTS8E9gUZ8W6S3-SKQvp0YJFf7CMQoi46IFmhook5cpIWlGgFp76K9GOPbv1wEPHQ4g65JAxjV7YtC8RbQ/s1600/DonnaWeaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCQh00ODwKzc5J5G8wHHnS-b1N0nBiSNj93LUwTo1wJzY1Nsz5XL12bTi0LSTS8E9gUZ8W6S3-SKQvp0YJFf7CMQoi46IFmhook5cpIWlGgFp76K9GOPbv1wEPHQ4g65JAxjV7YtC8RbQ/s1600/DonnaWeaver.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and
unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the
25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her
dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation
diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She
finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and
even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate
practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its
temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However,
fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates,
Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very
anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn's painful memories
are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things
are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s
snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to
piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns
grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their
freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Change-Plans-Safe-Harbors-ebook/dp/B00FIOHTHK"> Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl7goF9YLRiXOpu0qWqGKLi_wx-Dcwpfn3Ahyphenhyphenq5s3a5lBQsyXhpXoVzPSQM-pkRXBgP1KMaHNPWcCyh0X3x5UyID8HOPhYBB70LUIp3CrBsQgpbspumBr1F5CL2JgSRVjFu4XmLEEQ22h/s1600/MarshaWard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl7goF9YLRiXOpu0qWqGKLi_wx-Dcwpfn3Ahyphenhyphenq5s3a5lBQsyXhpXoVzPSQM-pkRXBgP1KMaHNPWcCyh0X3x5UyID8HOPhYBB70LUIp3CrBsQgpbspumBr1F5CL2JgSRVjFu4XmLEEQ22h/s1600/MarshaWard.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young
cavalryman Carl Owen returns from the Civil War to find the family farm
destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to
leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory.
Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother's fiancée while set
to wed another girl, but he might lose everything if the murderous thug Berto
Acosta has his way. Carl battles a band of outlaws, a prairie fire, blizzards, a
trackless waterless desert, and his own brother—all for the hand of feisty Ellen
Bates. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shenandoah-Owen-Family-Saga-ebook/dp/B004Z1N7PU/">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7EfNrFnSm8F4VIt_U7ftcckJLtrrspujHR61Y5g8MMLZytqUPOz5rxl2V8ePXZXnTmYgTmkuUUwsXDVrKxVCL00twnslg2D6JBwv8pa6e5d11iXWcF2L0wSWU-Bn_N29EVOjz4UBjYV/s1600/LindzeeArmstrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7EfNrFnSm8F4VIt_U7ftcckJLtrrspujHR61Y5g8MMLZytqUPOz5rxl2V8ePXZXnTmYgTmkuUUwsXDVrKxVCL00twnslg2D6JBwv8pa6e5d11iXWcF2L0wSWU-Bn_N29EVOjz4UBjYV/s1600/LindzeeArmstrong.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Infertility
stinks. No one knows that better than Megan. After six years of
insanity-inducing hormone drugs and desperate prayers, all she has to
show for her efforts are enough negative pregnancy tests to fill a
bassinet. All around her women are accidentally getting pregnant—like
her star piano student—while Megan remains hopelessly barren. Megan’s
never felt so alone. But she’s not the only one struggling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christina
has just entered the world of infertility, made worse by the fact her
husband isn’t ready to be a father. Their marriage, already hanging in
the balance, is being torn apart. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
there’s Kyra, the mother of a precocious three-year-old. She’s shocked
to be struggling with secondary infertility. A baby is priceless, but
sometimes Kyra feels like she’s being forced to choose which commandment
to keep: stay out of debt, or multiply and replenish the earth. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
Megan and Christina are assigned as Kyra’s visiting teachers, they all
realize that what you see isn’t necessarily what’s beneath the surface.
Some secrets aren’t worth the cost of keeping them. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Baby-Dust-Lydia-Winters-ebook/dp/B00R2BJ9K2">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreIU9M6pd_jea7_GkWOOKFVFGwOP_txys8de98EXt2KEy15f7YZF_XeXtU2br5lB6Bv7UFzzVZckREM-YqsJm5g7BAySRwam68-eqlbwz_PrnKZXIF0Lpff41mtowHm36MeC7kQOvDBjM/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreIU9M6pd_jea7_GkWOOKFVFGwOP_txys8de98EXt2KEy15f7YZF_XeXtU2br5lB6Bv7UFzzVZckREM-YqsJm5g7BAySRwam68-eqlbwz_PrnKZXIF0Lpff41mtowHm36MeC7kQOvDBjM/s1600/cover.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sixteen-year-old
Megan Crenshaw has everything going for her, until a leprechaun shows
up on her doorstep and steals all her luck. If that weren't enough, he
follows her around, making sure nothing goes right. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">What
Louie didn't count on was Megan's friends standing by her. No matter
what he throws at her, they're by her side to pick her back up again. </span><br style="color: black;" /><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">When
Megan learns about Louie's ultimate plan for her family, it's a race
against time to stop him before he destroys everything she cares about. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Luck-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00SVXABPC/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1427491575&sr=8-1&keywords=stolen+luck+jaclyn+weist">Purchase here</a>. <b>Special promotional price: .99!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Please share this link with your friends and family and help them take advantage of this great sale!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-61285894856691034092015-02-13T07:10:00.000-08:002015-02-13T07:10:08.000-08:00A day in the life of a substitute teacher (no problem)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn6iWhbgetq_tL9lz0BPhOUSVV7MRd5KZ0__8i2g_qC6hwLfgrYecNQnVuyOq9MXpQRTBtrZb1IgSHpDnE8vMlxQhFsIpnsTPIKQkgdzvFu1rbQcifzaJFpZxFXo3miyNEgbBKnmIckE/s1600/no+problem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn6iWhbgetq_tL9lz0BPhOUSVV7MRd5KZ0__8i2g_qC6hwLfgrYecNQnVuyOq9MXpQRTBtrZb1IgSHpDnE8vMlxQhFsIpnsTPIKQkgdzvFu1rbQcifzaJFpZxFXo3miyNEgbBKnmIckE/s1600/no+problem.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I’m not teaching English at JCC, I will be a
substitute teacher time and again, mainly at high schools. It’s actually a
pretty nice deal. For the most part, I sub for English teachers. It’s a
win-win. The teacher gets a day off, and usually I have time during class to
grade papers, or prep for my next college class, or even work on my next
book—and I get paid to do so. Granted, the students come first when I’m
subbing, but in all honesty, I do have time to work on other projects as I’m
watching over them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most days are pretty straight forward. I have my assignment
the night before. I arrive at the school a half-an-hour before school starts
(usually 6:55 AM for high schools), I visit the main office to find out what
room I’m teaching in, and then I try to find it; the whole time I’m trying to
look like I know where I’m going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What makes this a challenge is that most of the high schools
I sub at have the same design—almost. The main buildings are exactly alike, but
some are reversed. And just about every school uses a different numbering
system for their classrooms. What might be room 2721 in one school could be
2317 in a different school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once I arrive at the classroom, the real fun begins.
Teachers are supposed to have clear lesson plans set up for the day, telling me
what I should have the students do at any given time. Most of the teachers do
an excellent job providing this information, but once in a while I’ll show up
and there will be a sticky note on the teacher’s desk with the words, “Sub:
show movie to class.” Then I need to figure out which movie and how to play it.
That’s when I usually pop into the classroom next door and ask another teacher
for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">95% (or so) of the time, things run smoothly. Then there are
days like the one I experienced recently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I arrived at the school that morning, I got my
assignment from the front office and went up to the third floor where I would
be teaching. There are four periods during the day, and the teacher I was
subbing for had first period planning. Still, I went to the room to make sure I
knew what I was doing for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The teacher had a nice binder with specific instructions.
The only hitch was that there was a single paper of the worksheet. On it was a
sticky note which read “make copies.” Because I had arrived early, I headed
over to the teacher’s workshop area. The door was locked and no one was inside.
No problem. I had time. I could do it during the planning period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Upon returning to the classroom, there was another teacher
there. She looked surprised to see me. I explained who I was, and she became
even more perplexed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“We’re doing PSAT testing today in this room for the first
three hours,” she told me. “Go down to room 3228 to find out where you should
be for the rest of the day.” No problem. I took the binder the teacher left for
me and off I went to 3228.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The room was filled with teachers, each grabbing their
testing materials and going off to rooms they didn’t normally teach in. When it
was my turn, I explained who I was subbing for. The lady in charge frowned at
me. “Subs can’t give the test. Let me check.” She flipped through her notes,
and then after finding the information she was looking for, said, “The teacher
you are subbing for was not assigned to give out a test. Go to the sub office
to see where they need you.” No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I descend the stairs, back to the first floor. When I arrived
at the sub office, the sweet lady in charge of subs was a bit freaked out. Two
of the other subs hadn’t shown up yet, in addition, she wasn’t sure where to
send me because it turns out my second period class would be taking the PSAT,
so I didn’t have classes for first or second period. No problem. I brought my
laptop with me and I could work on things in the media center. At that moment,
the teacher I was filling in for showed up—just briefly. She told me that she
forgot to make copies of the worksheet. I have the worksheet with me, so she
scooted off and made copies while I waited for the sub coordinator to figure
out what to do with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since two of the other subs hadn’t shown, the sub
coordinator asked if I would cover one of those classes instead. No problem.
She was about to send me to cover In School Suspension when that sub arrived—five
minutes before class started. I dodged a bit of a bullet there. That meant I’d
be asked to cover for the other missing teacher: a girls’ gym class. Slight
problem, since I was wearing a shirt and tie, but I’d manage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I arrived at the main gym, only to find it locked. On the
door was a note telling the students to get dressed and then meet by the small
gym. No problem. I pretend I know where the small gym was located, and then found
it soon enough. There was another gym teacher standing in the hallway. She was
nice enough, and it turned out she was the other gym teacher. Because of
testing, they were combining all the gym classes into one big class. She
expressed some concern because that was a lot of students in a small area—and it
was raining outside, so we had to stay inside. I asked her, “What do you need
me to do?” She answered, “Help make sure no one gets into a fight or gets
hurt.” No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, just after the students came out of the dressing
room and were headed to the gym, the sub who was missing arrived. I was off the
hook. No longer with a class to teach, I headed back to the sub office. She
didn’t have anything for me to do at that moment, so I offered to go to the
media center and hang out—that way they know where to find me if they needed
me. The sub secretary agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a great plan, until I arrived at the media center. It
was off limits because they were using it to test for the PSAT. The nice lady
at the desk suggested I go to the teacher’s workroom instead. No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before going back up to the third floor, I remembered that
the workroom was locked. Instead, I went back to the sub secretary and asked if
I could get a key. She graciously supplied me with one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back up to the third floor I trekked. At this time, classes
had started and so the hallways were quiet. With key in hand, I went to unlock
the workroom, only to find that the door was slightly ajar. I entered, picked a
seat, and set up my laptop to begin working. In the corner was a vending
machine which sold soda. One of the options was Sunkist—a drink I like and hadn’t
had in a long time. I dug out a dollar bill from my wallet, put it in the
machine. I pressed the button for Sunkist, and a Pepsi came out instead. Uh. No
problem. Yeah. No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Five minute later, another nice lady entered the room. “Are
you the sub that doesn’t have anything to do at this time?” she asked. I almost
told her I had plenty to do, but instead I answered, “That’s me. What can I
help you with?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“We need your help in the other wing. Head over there and
find a teacher standing in the hallway. She’ll fill you in.” I replied, “Sure.
No problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I packed up my stuff, and headed to find this mysterious
teacher. I found her easily enough. “Oh good,” she said. “We’re doing PSAT
testing and need someone to be on that side of the hallway to make sure
students aren’t leaving the room to cheat.” No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She got me a chair and I placed it next to a power outlet so
I could plug in my laptop. It then occurred to me to ask how long we’d be
there. The answer? “About three hours.” Three <i>hours</i>? Yeah, ok. No problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It wasn’t three hours. After an hour-and-a-half, another
lady approached. “We need you to go downstairs to the cafeteria. There’s going
to be a sprinkle of students who need to be watched over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unsure how many students made up a “sprinkle,” I packed up
my stuff again and headed back downstairs. In the cafeteria there were two sets
of students. One was an English IV honors class which had a rather dynamic
teacher. The second set were a bunch of students who looked like they would
rather be anywhere else in the world aside from school. Without any specific
instructions, I told the second set of students, “Ok. You may work on other
homework. You may listen to music if you have headphones. You may talk quietly
with other students. What you may <i>not</i>
do is be a disruption or do anything illegal, immoral, or unethical.” This
statement was met with blank stares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ninety minutes later, the class was dismissed and I booked
it upstairs to the third floor, again, to teach a class that started in five
minutes. The students shuffled like zombies—they were the ones who had just
taken the PSAT. Class started ten minutes later than it should have because all
the testing hadn’t been completed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For third period, the students were assigned to complete a
study guide on <i>Oedipus</i>. The challenge
was that this class had “B” lunch—meaning that the class was divided into two
sections: half before and half after lunch. In addition, third and fourth
periods were already shortened because the test was longer than normal first and
second periods. I gave the students the handout and explained what we were
doing. Most of them just sat there and stared at the paper, realizing that they
were going to lunch in just a few minutes. Lunch arrived about fifteen minutes
later, and suddenly the zombies came back to life. The room cleared out quickly
as they headed downstairs to the cafeteria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For half-an-hour I had a moment to relax and eat the peanut
butter and jelly sandwich my wife made me that morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The students returned, refreshed. I got them refocused on
the task of completing the worksheet. I told the students I would not be
collecting the worksheet at the end of the day. When one student asked why, I
answered, “Bring the worksheets to class tomorrow. If I collect them, some of
you will insist to your teacher that you gave me your paper and that I lost
them. We’re not playing that game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last period of the day rolled around. The lesson plan
was easy: the students were supposed to read a story out of their books and
answer questions. The challenge? The story was a section from <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> by Shakespeare. These
freshman students struggled with reading English in general, so Shakespeare was
like a foreign language. I spent the rest of the class helping them with the
questions and explaining what they were reading. Several of them expressed
their gratitude for my help. My response? “No problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At last, the dismissal bell rang. The school day was over. I
went to the front office to return the key I borrowed. The sub coordinator
asked me, “How was your day?” I smiled at her and answered, “Fantastic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She looks relieved. “Oh, good. Testing days can be so
tricky.” I wish her a nice day. As I turned to leave, she asked me, “Oh, Mr.
Morgan. Are you available next Wednesday?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I paused for just a moment before responding, “Sure. No
problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-78871002750135355962015-01-30T07:56:00.000-08:002015-01-30T07:57:05.172-08:00Playing in the mud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIlKFjtg9VoMxGy7NgtO4n9ZwPKhsYeOqTqlPuRjxJyiGWuh4T72E-nhRGtwKdhER4lHLD_RixzRHSE5YPU_I0519DoMYPPLuXpu_AqEQ0tmOJve8Rs9rpyEXDqCasmek8kigZfYnT9s/s1600/Playing+in+the+mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIlKFjtg9VoMxGy7NgtO4n9ZwPKhsYeOqTqlPuRjxJyiGWuh4T72E-nhRGtwKdhER4lHLD_RixzRHSE5YPU_I0519DoMYPPLuXpu_AqEQ0tmOJve8Rs9rpyEXDqCasmek8kigZfYnT9s/s1600/Playing+in+the+mud.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A little boy wanted to go outside to play. It had been
raining for two days, keeping him cooped up inside. When the sun finally came
out, he asked his mommy if he could go play. She responded, “You can, but stay
out of the mud. Your aunt is coming over for dinner tonight.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Delighted that he was finally free to get out of the house,
the little boy rushed outside. Not long after, he came across his friends. They
were making mud pies—and it looked like a lot of fun. But then he remembered
what his mommy had said. He didn’t want to get muddy. After thinking for a
moment, he came up with a solution.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The boy sat at the edge of the muddy area and watched. Every
once in a while, his friends would ask for help, or tell him it would be okay
if he only used his hands—after all, his hands were easy enough to clean before
dinner.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Throughout the afternoon, the boy stayed on the edge, never
fully going in. At the same time, he reached in with his hands, scooped up the mud,
and pushed it around to make it form mud pies. No matter how hard he tried, the
mud pies did not turn out quite the way he wanted, and his hands got muddier
than he thought they would become.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>With the sun starting to set, the little boy heard his
mother call him for dinner. He stood, said goodbye to his friends, and rushed
home. Instead of going inside, he went to the garden hose to wash off his
hands.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The mud from his hands got on the faucet as he turned it on.
Still, the clean, clear water came out the end of the hose. Knowing he was
already late for dinner, the boy cleaned off his hands the best he could, and
then went inside.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>When his mother saw him, she gasped. The boy wasn’t sure why
until he looked down and noticed that despite his best efforts, small spots of
mud had splattered on his clothes.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“You played in the mud, didn’t you?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“But I didn’t. Not really. I just sat on the edge and
reached in with my hands. And I cleaned them off? See?” He showed her his
hands. While they were mostly clean, there was dirt under his fingernails.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The mother then knelt down and looked the little boy in the
eye. In a soft tone, she said, “Sweetheart, the best way to stay clean is to
keep away from the mud the best you can.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve been thinking about this parable a lot recently. There
is so much in the world which is negative. Every time I pull up the latest news
stories, there is account after account of all the bad that is happening in the
world.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I worked in the TV news industry, over the course of
the years, I realized that focusing on the negative all the time was impacting
me personally. I was becoming a negative person—focusing a lot on all the
little things that I thought were wrong, and in the process, losing sight on
the important good things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found that when I got home from work, I would focus on all
the little, negative things: the kids left a mess in the basement, dinner was
late, there were clothes that needed to be folded on the bed—and so on and so
on. Never mind that my wife was actually a superstar and home all day with our
four young daughters. I was losing sight of all the wonderful things in my life
because I was focusing my attention on the wrong things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though I’ve left the TV world behind, and I’ve worked
hard to focus on the positive things in life, I can still get bogged down time
and again with some negative aspect which affects my whole mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve learned that while my family isn’t perfect, there is a
lot to love about them. They make me happy. Sure, there are things that come up
which can cause stress, or even make me question certain things, but I found
that if I focus too much on these elements, I’m missing out on the bigger, more
wonderful blessings I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And it makes sense. After all, how long would my marriage
last if all I did was look for faults in my wife? (Granted, she’s remarkable
and it would really take some effort to find faults. She is human, though, and humans
are not perfect.) Even if I could force my wife to change things I thought were
“wrong,” unless I changed from focusing on the negative, I would constantly be
unhappy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, sometimes bad things happen; I’ll get some mud on me.
But I’ve learned that that happens less often if I stay away from the mud pit.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-47147863130582467002014-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:002014-12-31T12:31:19.271-08:00Words have power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_lzbEaDfvHn7y08pW7WbOU9WolLPmFNssA5F0OUy9zrVperiLN2OAT5Wvv7Cl2l0HkHst9KgV8h2g-TMJ5yiHnxH95LK-JvGXh93iIz3Pfg1iGgEb4bOovHKaI8P11QIv14tUpvC8U/s1600/power-of-words.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_lzbEaDfvHn7y08pW7WbOU9WolLPmFNssA5F0OUy9zrVperiLN2OAT5Wvv7Cl2l0HkHst9KgV8h2g-TMJ5yiHnxH95LK-JvGXh93iIz3Pfg1iGgEb4bOovHKaI8P11QIv14tUpvC8U/s1600/power-of-words.gif" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“I love you” are powerful words. So are “once upon a time” and “the end.” If you were to change just one word in those phrases, the meaning can shift dramatically. “I hate you” means something quite different than “I love you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The meaning of a singular word can be very powerful. Take for example when I worked in banking. Our leaders would call us each day and we, as managers, would have to “commit” to a certain number of items sold that day—like checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and so on. Seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really struggled with this approach because I have always tried to be the type of person who does what he says he will do. The word “commitment” can be defined as “a promise to do or give something.” To me, I can commit to do things which I can control—like washing my hands after using the bathroom. But how could I honestly promise to open a checking account for someone I had yet to meet? I couldn’t. What I <i>could</i> do is promise to talk to everyone about checking account options and invite them to open an account. But could I force them to do it? No. Pressure them? Yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the end of the day, we would have to report on how we did. If I said we didn’t open the amount of checking accounts I “committed” to in the morning, my boss would then phrase it as, “But you committed to opening more! Why didn’t you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See where this is headed? It became an ethical issue—all because of a singular word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lately, I’ve been struggling with another word. This one? “Assignment.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a college English teacher, I have a goal each semester: To give meaningful assignments which help the students learn and discover. I am not a fan of “busy work.” Because I’m the teacher, I have the authority to give assignments which the students need to fulfill to earn credit for the class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some students complain about the work load. My response? “You signed up for this class, and these assignments are part of the class.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, just because I have a position of authority does not give me the right to assign whatever I want. I can’t assign students to wash my car, or bring me lunch each day. In the end, each student has the right to choose which assignments to do. The tough part for a student is standing up and saying, “I’m not doing that assignment because I didn’t agree to do that. Just because you are the teacher, and have authority, doesn’t mean you have the right to make any assignments you want.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be fair to teachers, many of them have good intentions, but overreach with their authority. I understand that. We’re all human. We make mistakes. Sometimes we can really want to do something good, and still make mistakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For example, my students are required to write four major papers over the course of the semester. The hardest of the papers (in my opinion) is the argumentative paper because it requires at least three credible sources and needs to be at least three pages long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I could, instead, give them the assignment to write a 30 page paper with at least 50 credible sources. After all, more is better, right? But that wouldn’t be effective to freshmen taking their first college English class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My issue with the word “assignment” comes from one of its definitions: “a specified task or amount of work assigned or undertaken as if assigned by authority.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In other aspects of my life, I’ve been receiving more “assignments” from those in a position of authority. While I have no doubt that their intentions are good, the challenge comes from the fact that the nature of the context in which these assignments are given can be somewhat at odds with free will.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me use a metaphor: I agree to work for a company where I am allowed to work from home. I agree to perform certain tasks within a certain time, yet I have the freedom of completing these tasks when and where I choose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, let’s say someone in authority somewhere up the chain of command decides something specific needs to be done at a certain time and at a certain place. Because they have authority, they give me an “assignment” to do it as they want it done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps the work is something I would be doing anyway, and most likely willingly, because I agreed to work for that company—with the understanding the job let me choose. If that choice is taken away, then part of the fundamental aspect of the job has changed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe it is human nature, or maybe it is just me, but being forced to do something, even if that something is good, isn’t nearly as rewarding as deciding as an individual to perform an action on their own because it is the right thing to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m sure in a few years I’ll find another word with which I’ll take an issue. Perhaps it is an occupational hazard of being a writer and an English teacher. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-90124515528523934472014-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:002014-12-26T12:58:32.577-08:00One author, different audiences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJeJphWtJJzqiKwZQL5uhkQowPqnqkmkRzQ5smnkwMlNDLyiEYefTAB1nEEIzRlMatw8IcqA_df6K-SFMNiIk7R8aIdhqBBLjHmWoUCGKuqnZSIgj2YcdjkWzITMUin5N_8iFUEFECbE/s1600/audiences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJeJphWtJJzqiKwZQL5uhkQowPqnqkmkRzQ5smnkwMlNDLyiEYefTAB1nEEIzRlMatw8IcqA_df6K-SFMNiIk7R8aIdhqBBLjHmWoUCGKuqnZSIgj2YcdjkWzITMUin5N_8iFUEFECbE/s1600/audiences.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve come to something of a dilemma when it comes to my
writing. I’m keenly aware of my intended audience with each work I compose. In
doing so, I’ve come to realize that my audience is different for each book. The
problem this creates is that not everyone who reads one of my books may enjoy
all of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am of the firm belief that if a writer is bored when they
are writing, the work will be boring to read. At different points in my life,
what interests me (as a writer) changes. For better or worse, I don’t believe I
could churn out book after book that would fit in my Bariwon series. That’s one
reason I wrote <i>The Mirror of the Soul</i>
between books two and three of that series. At the time, I was more interested
in that story than any others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then I went down a completely different path and wrote
two books in first person. These books (<i>Wall
of Faith</i> and <i>Bring Down the Rain</i>)
were more simplistic in approach, both in the language used as well as the
method in storytelling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whereas my other books used third person, and the stories
unfolded through various points of view, my last two were more linear in nature—things
happened in a specific order as told by one character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is perhaps over generalizing, but reading a book with
multiple characters and told from more than one point of view requires more
from the reader. They actually have to pay attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a recent review of one of my books, the reader wrote, “I
could not wrap my mind around what was happening.” Keep in mind that a different
review of the same book stated, “This is a great allegorical tale of depth and
a critical understanding of the human condition that transcends time and space.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I could become discouraged and elect to keep my writing more
simplistic so that I don’t confuse people who aren’t willing to invest the time
or energy in understanding what is going on. This is what I’m struggling with
at the moment. One of the books I’m working on uses more complex language and
concepts. While I’m writing, a little voice inside my head keeps telling me, “The
people who liked <i>Wall of Faith </i>and <i>Bring Down the Rain</i> won’t get this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then I remind myself, “I’m not writing it for them. I’m
writing it for the people who enjoy <i>this</i>
kind of story.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-47005969079322165332014-12-06T07:50:00.000-08:002014-12-06T07:50:30.175-08:00Content of their character<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myg5Ic5xv7Wl-1OBs-7bzwvSG1DtM8LouxHYN-DNcIkXKSSoSR2TjVm4BD5M3oUCWcfRbM-7SUMirSfP_hqr-mfxcTrfuO3gH6kt2nPDz1IvjEreX8olra_uh8dqT_NNPd8kN5Fy3Ws/s1600/content+of+character.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myg5Ic5xv7Wl-1OBs-7bzwvSG1DtM8LouxHYN-DNcIkXKSSoSR2TjVm4BD5M3oUCWcfRbM-7SUMirSfP_hqr-mfxcTrfuO3gH6kt2nPDz1IvjEreX8olra_uh8dqT_NNPd8kN5Fy3Ws/s1600/content+of+character.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my heroes is Martin Luther King, Jr. Here is a person
who saw an injustice, and acted. It wasn’t easy for him or his family, and in
the end he lost his life for what he believed in. I think one of the best ways
to sum up what he fought for is reflected in this quote from his famous, “I
have a dream” speech:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>“I have a dream that my four little children will one day
live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but
by the content of their character.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though much has changed since he spoke those words, we, in
America, are not living in <i>that</i> nation—and it isn’t only one group’s fault.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During recent events, I’ve been dismayed time and time again
when news reports open with “a person with a certain colored skin did this to a
person with different colored skin.” To me, that’s in direct conflict to what
Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted. By including race as part of the act, I believe
this actually propagates racism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be clear, I think there is a difference between being
proud of one’s culture and showing honor to one’s ancestors, and racism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s a definition of racism that helps prove this point
(notice the part I put in italics): “Racism: the belief that all members of
each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race,
especially so <i>as to distinguish it as
inferior or superior to another race or races</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve had the chance to meet and work with people from all
sorts of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including those who are
similar to my own. Without question, many of the people I’ve met were awesome.
They were good people who acted nicely towards others. And then, there were
those who were jerks. Interestingly enough, I’ve never found the jerks to be
isolated to a certain race or belief system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet there are those who identify themselves as members of a
certain race who feel like they are being treated unjustly, and often for good
reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, what would Martin Luther King, Jr. say to those who
react to perceived injustice with violence and hatred? What does it say about a
person’s character when they burn down businesses because they feel their race
has been slighted? What does it say about a person who doesn’t promote an
individual because of the color of their skin? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What does it say about you?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-12155582623961529132014-11-26T09:28:00.000-08:002014-11-26T09:28:16.091-08:00Angels from their Realms of Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-eGix9cFh3I4wAwT_TL_NLECut7-Mf2cBRjM6xGt8HGzy-SuyRN5P1azCpCxZQl5js9PK4QNehsFjf9NTvDt1mkru1cBjJnjQPTG153LTGmyt64kdBomu-BWtaiZ-GPj1Ch7_fM31zk/s1600/Angels+from.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-eGix9cFh3I4wAwT_TL_NLECut7-Mf2cBRjM6xGt8HGzy-SuyRN5P1azCpCxZQl5js9PK4QNehsFjf9NTvDt1mkru1cBjJnjQPTG153LTGmyt64kdBomu-BWtaiZ-GPj1Ch7_fM31zk/s1600/Angels+from.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m delighted to announce that my short story “Winter
Wonderland” has been included in an anthology of Christmas stories, just in
time for the season!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the third in a series of anthologies where there are
25 stories—one for each day in December leading up to Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What makes this really cool is that each story is based on a
Christmas Carol. I’ve been fortune enough to participate in each of the three
releases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, I chose the song “Winter Wonderland” and had a
lot of fun with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What makes this anthology really special is that the
proceeds go to charity!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book is available in both print and ebook formats. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1499796196/ref=cm_sw_su_dp" target="_blank">Clickhere for more information</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And Merry Christmas!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-15225737273470948202014-11-14T12:51:00.002-08:002014-11-14T12:51:50.619-08:00The students said what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17Uwt_Fver9I0Fkqe1-XKpvcb76ic2iFghSARWMsGuy6ENojyHGSewS5ctRfEemZdd2CWB95P2EWe1shFZITOy4h0_TkTYrYVCZiIE62xl9kSI_cFjTYI77Y28lJl6POa1CaDSU7XPpQ/s1600/Say-What.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17Uwt_Fver9I0Fkqe1-XKpvcb76ic2iFghSARWMsGuy6ENojyHGSewS5ctRfEemZdd2CWB95P2EWe1shFZITOy4h0_TkTYrYVCZiIE62xl9kSI_cFjTYI77Y28lJl6POa1CaDSU7XPpQ/s1600/Say-What.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Earlier this autumn, I was invited to speak at a middle
school in Raleigh as a visiting author. These types of visits are a lot of fun,
and inspirational. I find that I’m more motivated to work on my own books after
helping students get excited about writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently received a package in the mail which was filled
full of thank you letters from the students. It was a sweet gesture from the
teacher, and the students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each of the letters thanked me for coming to the school, and
then shared at least one thing they liked about the presentation. The letters
were very sweet and flattering. Of course, when dealing with middle school
students, you can never be sure what they will write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of the parts that stood out to me from the
letters:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Thank you for telling us how to make a story and how to
make people read it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Your advice helped me a lot when I was revising my paper.
(I think I made it 50% better.)”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“I used to hate reading and writing, but you helped me see
reading and writing is fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“That was my first time meeting an author. You are the best
and funniest author I have ever met. Well, it is more like the only author I
have ever met.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Can you put me in your next book? Make me a bad person
though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“You gave me the inspiration to write a book. It will be
about a girl named Elizabeth and how she started in middle school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“My dream is to become a famous writer. Maybe we can even
write a book together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“My favorite part … I didn’t have any because I loved all of
it.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-77086160352267026182014-10-16T07:09:00.000-07:002014-10-16T07:10:53.353-07:00Bring Down the Rain blog tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPAgtCubfz8B0wRiUhuB2MYu03-YruQkVIwRu0kd1OKKXz7PVEyJK0eEdlNz9R5dJ6hjeS8vk_OIIYy3JdWU7L7pyZ4QYLX6gMQMVAnPQtXSU_jaKTqcGMfcdFoWqA42bhEa7oeOoNik/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPAgtCubfz8B0wRiUhuB2MYu03-YruQkVIwRu0kd1OKKXz7PVEyJK0eEdlNz9R5dJ6hjeS8vk_OIIYy3JdWU7L7pyZ4QYLX6gMQMVAnPQtXSU_jaKTqcGMfcdFoWqA42bhEa7oeOoNik/s1600/Banner.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m delighted to announce that my latest book, <i>Bring Down the Rain</i>, is part of a blog
tour!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_UjeSifjSooY5NTw2WLNE5e0NdhL5bsCPihQGxLwva-iSe2OQ5gPD9pUypIplwjAoLiM81Rzx5_Fpfp34FHHksgVeR7xPN5u9lzhoIaWY-KVWzdwq2-GZ77HOLZC2GRlNlrhnF6wM9Q/s1600/BDTR+Front+Cover+Only+Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_UjeSifjSooY5NTw2WLNE5e0NdhL5bsCPihQGxLwva-iSe2OQ5gPD9pUypIplwjAoLiM81Rzx5_Fpfp34FHHksgVeR7xPN5u9lzhoIaWY-KVWzdwq2-GZ77HOLZC2GRlNlrhnF6wM9Q/s1600/BDTR+Front+Cover+Only+Large.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is this book about? Here’s a short description:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Starting at a new high school is hard, especially as a
senior. At age 17, Derek moves with his family from North Carolina to Utah.
Derek learns about the unwritten laws of dating in Utah, and that his mom and
dad have a history at his new school—a history that threatens his future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Set in 1986, <i>Bring
Down The Rain</i> is a story of loss, grief, redemption, hope, and making life
altering choices.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of the reviews that have already come in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“A very refreshing read with the plot being centered around
a subject that is clearly important to this writer. Readers will appreciate the diversity in the
experiences of each character while difficult decisions are presented in how to
deal with them. Derek and Tiffany not
only support each other but are able to impart wisdom and insight while
demonstrating key ideas like sacrifice and integrity to work through choices
that many will be able to relate to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Morgan has successfully completed another moving, compelling
and satisfying novel by advocating on topics that don’t come across as overly
persuading or lecturing. <i>Bring Down the
Rain</i> is an unforgettable and extraordinary book that is highly recommended
for readers of all ages. If this is your
first by Morgan, you will not be let down or disheartened when finished. A clever and witty story that will leave you
wishing for more!” <i>–The Book Stalker.com</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Morgan writes with an easygoing manner that is obviously
influenced by his keen sense of time gained from being a television director.
Couple that trait with a natural gift for communication of difficult moral
issues, blend with a fine sense of comedy, and a (probable) firsthand
experience at dealing with the atmosphere and philosophy of Utah and the result
is a well written, entertaining, and uplifting book.” <b>–Grady Harp, top 100
reviewer for Amazon.com </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As part of the blog tour, I’m giving away two copies of my
first book, <i>The Hidden Sun</i>. To enter,
simply follow the directions below. And good luck!</span></div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96a764d89/" id="rc-96a764d89" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-80115707771375971252014-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:002014-10-01T16:32:16.581-07:00An Unassertive Proposal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qs5ZURQOMNL2naqjHvO0kEOKCgPH7hFsRu9YrX7sDXAvdbh6xQab3VChbzReGhOQlx7rhyphenhyphen929cyZGOYVt2i-mzySWOHPMDXkh60Y9k8ATE0EQpnYG_8GoiyjJKSWKba6FH-GjbnefGY/s1600/Proposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qs5ZURQOMNL2naqjHvO0kEOKCgPH7hFsRu9YrX7sDXAvdbh6xQab3VChbzReGhOQlx7rhyphenhyphen929cyZGOYVt2i-mzySWOHPMDXkh60Y9k8ATE0EQpnYG_8GoiyjJKSWKba6FH-GjbnefGY/s1600/Proposal.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a terrible plague which infects nearly every area
of America. It can strike at any time, usually without warning. Immediate
symptoms include increased blood pressure, anxiety, and on occasion, even nausea.
The effects are immediate, and the lingering complications can last for years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a recent study, it was found that this pestilence can
inflict more than 226 million people in America, usually those ages 16 and
older.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first signs of this infliction are flashing red and blue
lights, generally noticed in the rearview mirror of a moving vehicle. This is followed
by the person’s eyes being drawn to an instrument on their dashboard which indicates
a number. Almost always, the person immediately begins to utter words of a
crass nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While several options have been proposed to prevent such a
tragedy, it is not enough. It is at this point that the United States
government must come to the aid of its citizens. With all the advances in
modern technology, there is certainly an effective preventative method which
should be available to all those at risk, regardless of income level, age, or
any other factor which can be used to classify people. An archaic term for such
a device is “radar detector,” though there is surely a more sophisticated term.
Perhaps we can draw upon Latin and call it, “Periculum^2.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Opponents may argue that perhaps people should merely keep
the speed of their vehicles below a certain level. This is unrealistic--no,
this is a simpleminded approach. Everyone speeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is clear that a device is needed to prevent unwanted
tickets and possible long-lasting effects like higher insurance rates and even
jail time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The time to act is now. Contact your congressperson to have
them put this into law. If enough of the population push for such a measure,
the opponents’ arguments will soon become irrelevant, perhaps even mocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While speaking with the government official, ask that an addendum
be added to allow free birth control to all high school students. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-14703744729875102722014-09-20T10:32:00.001-07:002014-09-20T10:33:08.734-07:00You Shouldn’t Feel That Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecPaR81SNs_AsXTw4Ia_MfM62ra2eAkcZugopJtsFinoerfdIsrdOzFRB_Odn6gEwXmlgX2zOWHgVhrdrWvysWHd9ty3J5B94_ygQ6JmacnMtrJyF6QR_SbRL7J4yVJzQh1IPSnjqLfE/s1600/crying-over-spilled-milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecPaR81SNs_AsXTw4Ia_MfM62ra2eAkcZugopJtsFinoerfdIsrdOzFRB_Odn6gEwXmlgX2zOWHgVhrdrWvysWHd9ty3J5B94_ygQ6JmacnMtrJyF6QR_SbRL7J4yVJzQh1IPSnjqLfE/s1600/crying-over-spilled-milk.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To me, some of the most ignorant, and potentially harmful,
words are when one person says to another, “You shouldn’t feel that way.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, I believe the intentions may be pure, or even innocent,
when someone says that. For example, a father may see that his daughter is
throwing a temper tantrum. When he gets her to tell him what is the matter, it
turns out that her favorite breakfast cereal is no longer being produced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To the father, breakfast cereal may seem like a trivial
matter—certainly nothing worth getting upset about. So, in trying to help his
daughter, he says, “I’m sorry they are no longer making the cereal. But that’s
not worth getting upset. You shouldn’t feel that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may be thinking, “I’m with the father on this one. He
needs to teach his daughter not to throw a tantrum.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that’s your thought process, I don’t disagree. Tantrums
aren’t good. <i>But that’s not the point. </i>You see, I categorize feelings and
actions as two separate things—though they can be related.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the case with the cereal, the father wants to teach his
daughter not to throw tantrums. Logically, her tantrum is caused by her
emotional reaction to something. Therefore, if he can change how she feels,
then she won’t throw the tantrum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That’s not a bad idea. However, it’s been my experience that
humans don’t work that way. Based on our belief systems, our life events, our
upbringing, and various other factors, <i>we will have emotional reactions to
things, and not always understand why.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, I get rather upset when someone doubts my
sincerity. I had a boss who questioned everything I did—and it nearly drove me
nuts. However, just because I get upset doesn’t mean I then have a valid reason
to throw a tantrum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is one of my favorite sayings: I can’t control how I
will emotionally react to something, but I <i>can</i> control how I <i>act</i> on those
feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Based on this concept, when you tell someone, “You shouldn’t
feel that way” what you are really doing is questioning him or her as a person
and who he or she is. In other words, who are you to tell someone else how he
or she should feel? You aren’t them. You haven’t experienced what they have
experienced. How can you know what makes them tick when they may not be sure
themselves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to the story of the father and the daughter, a better
way for the father to react is to address the daughter’s actions as being inappropriate.
He should help teach her that she chooses how she acts—and that it is possible
to not act on your feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition, he can talk with her about why she felt that
way about the cereal, <i>without</i> being judgmental about her feelings. He can work
with her to understand her feelings so she can mature. In time, she may grow to
understand what makes her feel certain ways, and what she can do to address her
feelings on her terms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next time you feel like telling someone, “You shouldn’t feel
that way,” think to yourself, “Why do <i>I</i> feel that he or she shouldn’t feel that
way?” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6209652305505126884.post-72274665107020538792014-09-17T08:03:00.000-07:002014-09-19T12:28:12.659-07:00Fight the Good Fight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDrltM-zKaOMYE9TRqRJK8SllHj2O7s3J3S8_JouTvaoQufXbi7G5Ch0W6xqE4D-lCMaJ6AZyMRgqQO8gSYm8WYgt5s8KXnqKXypIhOZVV7UlcyifcGiCAX5SLCmxc0PpOSslM47dyJQ/s1600/fight+the+good+fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDrltM-zKaOMYE9TRqRJK8SllHj2O7s3J3S8_JouTvaoQufXbi7G5Ch0W6xqE4D-lCMaJ6AZyMRgqQO8gSYm8WYgt5s8KXnqKXypIhOZVV7UlcyifcGiCAX5SLCmxc0PpOSslM47dyJQ/s1600/fight+the+good+fight.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Throughout my life, I’ve had this drive, this need, for things to be fair. I can’t say why. Although part of me thinks that it comes from growing up in Utah. Among Latter-day Saints, I believe there can be a prevailing feeling of being the victim. After all, people of the LDS faith (the Mormons) had to leave what was then the United States of America to find religious freedom, and I believe some of that bitterness has been passed down through the generations. For example, I’ve noticed as a fan of BYU’s football team there is a sense of trying to be taken seriously on the national stage—and being outraged when that isn’t the case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Regardless of the reasons for my feelings that things need to be fair, I also find that I’m not afraid to stand up for things that I believe to be right. The challenge with that, as I’ve grown to understand, is that I’m an extremely sensitive person. Generally, I’ve learned that I don’t have a problem when people disagree with my opinions. After all, I do believe everyone has a right to choose. What I really struggle with is when I feel like me as a person, my character and integrity, are being attacked because I don’t agree with someone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A few years ago, I attended the LDStorymakers conference in Provo. I was a newly published author. Because I had published through a “traditional” publisher, I was allowed to join the LDStorymakers as a member, and therefore get a discount to this awesome conference which I had heard so many good things about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And it was amazing. I met a lot of really nice people. One of these wonderful authors was serving on the Board of Directors for LDStorymakers. After we chatted for a bit, she asked if I’d like to become involved. The idea was rather exciting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time passed and I learned that there was an “At-Large” position opening soon. This person would be voted in by the membership, and their primary responsibility was to represent the membership and bring issues or concerns to the board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At first, everything was going great. I contributed by helping with the scholarship fund to help people attend the conference. I attended the monthly meetings via phone and voted on things that needed to be voted upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not long after, I had some serious issues with my publisher. Suffice it to say, I was able to get my rights back to the two books they published. I looked at different options, and elected to pursue this new avenue opening to authors commonly referred to as “indie publishing.” I would bypass the traditional publisher and work directly with the printer and distributor. I got to choose my own covers. I was able to hire my own editor. My old publisher required that I do a lot of promotion, so I was already doing that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After “going indie,” I discovered two things. First, I loved the creative freedom AND I was making more money. Second, there were certain traditionally published authors who looked down their nose at indie publishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now it wasn’t everyone, or even close to the majority. But there were a number of people who openly criticized indies as inferior. In addition, (and I think this ties back to the whole “victim mentality” of a lot of LDS folks) several indie authors were quite offended.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In my ignorance, I didn’t realize that when I first joined LDStorymakers that indie authors were not allowed to join. After all, my first book was traditionally published, so I hadn’t given it a second thought. When I asked about indies joining, three main reasons from several members of the LDStorymakers came up. First, LDStorymakers is a guild for traditionally published authors. That’s what they do. Second, there really isn’t a gatekeeper on indie work to ensure its quality. Third, LDStorymakers couldn’t really handle taking on a whole lot of new members without more people helping out (commonly referred to as “infrastructure”).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All these answers made sense to me. After all, LDStorymakers had been around for a long time and it was working.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>However, now that I was aware of these two different types of authors (traditional and indie), I became more aware of LDStorymakers members asking the same questions. After all, the publishing world was changing dramatically. Indie publishing was taking off (as I experienced firsthand).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Over time, I also realized I had an ethical dilemma. I was voted by the membership to represent them, yet if LDStorymakers was truly only for traditionally published authors, I didn’t really represent them. I had switched to the indie path. I carefully considered my options, and in doing so, re-read my responsibilities. I even mentioned to the Board of Directors that since I was no longer affiliated with traditional publishing that perhaps I should resign. I was encouraged to stay. I even stayed on for an additional year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During the next few months, it occurred to me that there was enough concern among the members of the LDStorymakers around membership requirements that it was my responsibility to bring it to the attention of the board. When I did so, I was a bit shocked to hear that it was something brought up often, every year or so. Yet, as far as I could tell, the members hadn’t been allowed to vote on possible changes—for various reasons, some of them logical and noble.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I urged the board to at least ask the members if they wanted to look at different membership options. Specifically, put it to a vote. I’ll be honest here when I say I had to really push to get a vote to happen. But it did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The results? By an overwhelming margin, the members who voted said they wanted to look at different options.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At this point, the BOD decided to form a committee to look at various options. I declined to participate for two main reasons. First, I will openly admit I thought that indie authors should be allowed to join. I didn’t want it to come across that I was trying to force my personal opinion into the mix. Second, I was finishing my Master’s degree at the time and was swamped with school work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The committee that was formed worked their tails off, looking at different options. The most controversial of the options was around indie authors. Some were convinced it would never pass. At the very least, I wanted the members to have the option to vote on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Several months passed while it was debated. I’ll state that one reason it needed to be pushed to the back burner for a bit was because of the annual conference which took place in April. That event is by far the biggest event in which the LDStorymakers are involved—and a valid reason for a delay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With that completed, I once again began to push for a vote. I was met with a lot of resistance. And some of it started to turn personal. One person even said I had threatened to quit if I didn’t get my way—that was based on my comment that perhaps I should resign if I didn’t truly represent the members. I’ll openly confess that the sensitive part of me started to get outraged. I was trying to do my job, and yet somehow my motives and character were being called into question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I honestly thought about quitting because the stress was starting to impact other parts of my life—stress caused from a volunteer position in which I was trying to do what I had been voted in to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But the other part of me, the fighter, hung on. As of this moment, the LDStorymakers members are voting on three possible options for opening up more membership, including allowing indie authors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During this process, I have received emails from five different people accusing me of various things (abusing power, falsifying information, and trying to advance my personal agenda) and attacking my character—all because I pushed for the vote to happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The one thing that I reminded all of them is that I gain nothing, personally, from the results of the vote either way, aside from knowing that I did what I was elected to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And now the good news. For every bad email, I received at least two positive emails thanking me for making a stand and speaking out for the membership. One person even admitted that they wanted to speak up, but felt like if they did they would receive the same treatment I did from the few who were brash enough to make accusations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the end, have I taken offense when people have disagreed with me? I’d like to believe that wasn’t the case at first, but I will admit that once the comments became personal, that clouded my reaction when people were offering different opinions. I wish I had been better than that. At the same time, I honestly believe I’ve tried to do what I thought was right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the very least, the members have been allowed to vote on choices for changing membership options—options which I feel will only make LDStorymakers stronger and better, and able to serve a larger group of people. Chances are good that at least one of the proposed options will pass, if not more. Even if none pass, at least the members were the ones to make the choice—the people I was voted in to represent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">UPDATE: all three options presented to the members passed.</span><br />
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