tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9274761190150890142024-02-07T11:03:57.984-05:00The West CornerE.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-36351719711850049662010-06-10T14:57:00.004-04:002010-06-10T15:00:23.673-04:00Moving...Well, I've thought about it for a while, and I finally took the plunge. I've moved this blog over to WordPress. I'm still settling into my new blogging home, so things will be changing over the next few weeks, but the blog is up and running if you want to <a href="http://thewestcorner.wordpress.com/">check it out</a>.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-74360209413265814052010-06-10T10:50:00.002-04:002010-06-10T11:02:16.867-04:00Summertime fun...The Summer Treasure Hunt is still going on, with dozens of prizes still waiting to be given away! Check out all the details <a href="http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/2010/06/2nd-annual-summer-treasure-hunt-dig-for.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Coffee Time Romance is celebrating this month with June Jubilee. Each day, authors are featured and available to chat in the forums. To join the fun and enter to win some prizes, visit <a href="http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/">Coffee Time Romance</a>. The Sweetest Romance Authors (including me) are featured today and will be chatting all day in <a href="http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1096">their corner of the Java Junction</a>.<br /><br />My personal summertime fun this week is finishing up revisions on my first inspirational time travel romance manuscript (how's that for a mouthful?) and writing a synopsis for it. I'm sure that doesn't sound like much fun to most of you, but I see it as one step closer to getting it published. I still have to go through the submission process and pray it gets accepted, but I have a good feeling about this story. I'll keep you posted on any developments, such as a contract.<br /><br />The other bit of summertime fun I'm enjoying this week, aside from gorgeous (if a bit hot) weather, is jumping rope and using my hula hoop. Sounds like kid stuff, right? Well, maybe it is, but that's beside the point. What is the point? I'm getting more in shape and I may have to buy a few things for my wardrobe soon. All that hula hooping is making waistbands fit more loosely. Can I get an amen for "kids" toys?<br /><br />Have a great rest of the week, everyone, and don't forget to make time for your own bit of summertime fun!E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-47441783987811966452010-06-01T10:25:00.011-04:002010-06-10T14:15:06.298-04:002nd Annual "Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win" Contest!Ready for a summer of fun and awesome prizes? Check out the details below for a Summer Treasure Hunt you don't want to miss!<br /><br />Welcome to our second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contest! Last year, some author friends and I put together a month long contest where we gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June. The contest was so successful that my friends and I have decided to do it again…only this time we’ve gathered together enough prizes to last through the first week of July! Again, we have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a <b><i>The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!</span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="mailto:jdipastena@yahoo.com">jdipastena@yahoo.com</a>. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">All winners will be “drawn” by <a href="http://www.random.org/">WWW.RANDOM.ORG</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at <a href="mailto:jdipastena@yahoo.com">jdipastena@yahoo.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And now…let the treasure hunt begin!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 1<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Donna Hatch<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Queen in Exile</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>, </b></span>(fantasy romance), autographed by author<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <u><a href="http://www.donnahatch.net/">http://www.donnahatch.net</a></u> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div>WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont</div><div>ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny</div><span style="color:teal;"> <o:p></o:p></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 2<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Awakening Avery</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (women's fiction), autographed copy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under “books &reviews, then click on the cover to <b><i>Awakening Avery</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> and read the first chapter)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.laurielclewis.com/">www.laurielclewis.com</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Barbara Stilwell of Minnesota<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: The remote into the TV<span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);"> </span><span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 3<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: E.A. West<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Riley's Mission</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (PDF: romantic suspense)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for <b><i>Riley’s Mission</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://eawest.mcphitty.com/">http://eawest.mcphitty.com</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: An empty wheelchair<o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 4<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <b><i>Sprig of Thyme</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (Victorian romance), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel <b><i>Love Engineered</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Check out “The Library” tab)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.jennadawlish.com/">http://www.jennadawlish.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Ginny Romney of Arizona<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: Charles Lucas<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 5<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Divinely Designed</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy </span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/">http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Karin Tillotson<o:p></o:p> of Pennsylvania<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: Luck of the Draw<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 6<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: <span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Linda Kay Garner</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;"><b><i>Some Secrets Hurt</i></b></span><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;">(picturebook), autographed copy, plus a handmade cuddling blanket.</span><span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: <span style="font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents’ Guide)</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://somesecretshurt.com/">http://somesecretshurt.com/</a><br />OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES</div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Laura Lewis of North Carolina<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: Not finding out<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 7<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: (New/Sealed) <b><i>The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (Widescreen DVD)</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, <b><i>Turtle Soup</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli </span><i>Turtle Soup</i><span style="font-style: normal;">? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://daniellethorne.jimdo.com/">http://daniellethorne.jimdo.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Carol Rainbolt of Arizona<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: Jack Brandon<span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 8<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Lab Partners</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story <b><i>Lab Partners</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/">http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Mina Gerhart<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: Leroy and Jody<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 9</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Melinda and the Wild West</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for <b><i>Melinda and the Wild West</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> to read a sample chapter.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/">http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell of Utah<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: She was wading in a stream and her skirt was hiked up showing her legs and bare feet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><div style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Verdana; min-height: 15px;"><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 10<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Angela Morrison<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Taken by Storm</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span>(Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called <b><i>Taken by Storm</i></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>, "</i></span>An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check “Taken By Storm” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://web.me.com/angelamorrison/Angela_Morrison/Welcome.html">http://web.me.com/angelamorrison/Angela_Morrison/Welcome.html</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 11<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <b><i>Trapped</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://rondahinrichsen.com/">http://rondahinrichsen.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 12<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Anne Patrick<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Journey to Redemption</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span>(inspirational romantic suspense),<b><i> </i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">free download</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, <b><i>Out of the Darkness</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Hint: Look under the “My Books” link for Anne’s new release, </span><b><i>Out of the Darkness</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/">http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 13<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Altared Plans</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video <i>Extra C</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/">http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com</a> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 14</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: David J. West<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Heroes of the Fallen</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/">http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 15<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of <b><i>Choosing Mr. Right</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><b><i>Delicious Conversation</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13<sup>th</sup> post)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/">http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/</a> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 16<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Family Home Evening Adventures</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD </span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com/<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 17<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>The Mark</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, <b><i>The Mark</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled "Deleted Scenes From The Mark" dated April 15, 2010)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://mrbunderson.blogspot.com/">http://mrbunderson.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 18<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Heather Justesen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: <b><i>The Ball’s In Her Court</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (contemporary inspirational) or </span><b><i>Rebound</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (contemporary romance), autographed by author<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: <span style="font-family:Times-Roman;">Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about </span><span style="font-family:Times-BoldItalic;"><b><i>Rebound</i></b></span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;">.)</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.heatherjustesen.com/">http://www.heatherjustesen.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 19<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Nichole Giles<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <b><i>The Sharp Edge of a Knife</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/">http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 20<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Karen Adair<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: <a href="http://www.divastrings.com/index.html">http://www.divastrings.com/index.html</a>)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.kbadair.com/">http://www.kbadair.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 21<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons, co-author of the soon to be released non-fiction book, <b><i>(dis)Abilities and the Gospel</i></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: A pair of hand-knit socks</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.lynndparsons.com/">http://www.lynndparsons.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 22<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Reservations for Two</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (inspirational romance), autographed CD</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in <b><i>Reservations for Two</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/">http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 23<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Summer in Paris</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://micheleabell.blogspot.com/">http://micheleabell.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER:<span style="color:red;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 24<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jaysdesignjewelry?page=1">JaysDesign Jewelry</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons">http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 25<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, “Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for “Could You Be an Angel Today” on Christine’s home page)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.christinethackeray.com/">http://www.christinethackeray.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 26<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/">http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 27<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Cup of Comfort for New Mothers</i></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span>(personal essay anthology)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: Name the editor of <i>Cup of Comfort for New Mothers</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore">http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore</a> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 28<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Martha’s Freedom Train</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, <b><i>Mormon Mishaps and Mischief</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/">http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 29<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Courting Miss Lancaster</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (Regency romance), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html">http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>June 30<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Reasonable Doubt</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (LDS Suspense), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.marciamickelson.com/">http://www.marciamickelson.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 1<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Kimberly Job<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <b><i>I'll Know You by Heart</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (romantic suspense), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com/">http://www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 2</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Joan Sowards<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">PRIZE: <b><i>Haunts Haven</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://joansowards.blogspot.com/">http://joansowards.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 3<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Save the Child</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (Reality Fiction), autographed copy</span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, <b><i>Save the Child</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://margaretturley.com/">http://margaretturley.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 4<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Illuminations of the Heart</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on “Stolen Christmas” tab and read excerpt from “An Epiphany Gift for Robin”)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/">http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 5<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, <a href="http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/">http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/</a> The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/">http://www.cindyrwilliams.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER:<span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>July 6<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PRIZE: <b><i>Love Turns the Tide</i></b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD, with a pendant necklace and matching earrings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.gailpallotta.com/">http://www.gailpallotta.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ANSWER: <span style="color:red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><b><i>July 7<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">SPONSOR: </span>Danyelle Ferguson, co-author of the soon to be released non-fiction book, <b><i>(dis)Abilities and the Gospel</i></b><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">PRIZE: a 30 page manuscript edit</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">QUESTION: <span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:16px;" >Name three of the "special needs" addressed in (<b><i>d</i></b><b><i>is)Abilities and the Gospel</i></b>. (Hint: Click on the "Books" tab for <b><i>(dis)Abilities and the Gospel</i></b>).</span></span><br /><!--EndFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://www.danyelleferguson.com/">http://www.danyelleferguson.com/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">ANSWER:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><b><i>July 8<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">PRIZE: <b><i>Sapphire Flute</i></b></span><span style="color:black;"> (YA Fantasy), autographed copy<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of<i> The Sapphire Flute? </i></span><span style="color:black;">(Hint: Check out the list under “Sapphire Flute Blog Tour” in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up<i>)</i></span><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">WEBSITE/BLOG: <a href="http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/">http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">USA ENTRIES ONLY<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">WINNER:<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="color:black;">ANSWER:<br /></span>E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-47410709882900147172010-05-23T13:40:00.003-04:002010-05-23T13:56:25.460-04:00I'm back!No, I didn't really fall off the Internet, although I'm sure it seemed that way for a while. Between promotion and the general insanity I call my life, I've felt a little like Alice when she steps through the looking glass. You know, running as fast as I can just to stay in one place. Thankfully, things are slowing down a little.<br /><br />I haven't just been playing in chaos, however. I've been working as diligently as possible to finish my inspirational time travel romance. It's almost done; only 1,100 words to go. I'm so excited! Of course, once I complete the manuscript, I'll have to get my beta reader to look it over and make sure there aren't any consistency issues. I've done a lot of rearranging and adding to that story, so repeated material or things appearing out of order is a very real possibility. I think I managed to keep it all straight, so hopefully my beta reader will give me a great report. If she loves the story, so much the better. :)<br /><br />And now, since it's a sunny Sunday afternoon, I'm going to leave this a short post and go enjoy the rest of the day. With as many rainy days as we've had in the last couple of weeks, I plan to take advantage of the nice weather while it lasts. Have a great day!E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-68751969963453027372010-04-27T10:23:00.004-04:002010-04-27T10:31:18.258-04:00Autism Awareness Guest Blogger: Christina DeanneBitterness and Truth<br /><br />by Christina Deanne<br /><br />When my son was in kindergarten, he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. An autism specialist was called in through the school, she performed the standard ASDS test and drew her conclusion as a result.<br /><br />My husband and I knew that Mark was special. He read when he was three years old. He could tell time at age 2 ½. He knew all the shapes in his Tupperware shape sorter, including “trapezoid.” When he was four, he read the words “drive thru pharmacy” at our local drug store. But something was off.<br /><br />I struggled with the idea that something was “wrong” and that he was having meltdowns at school. I had to apply myself to get him to play with other children. It did not come naturally. I called and arranged and called and arranged. I read articles on how to help your child make friends. When I could bear it, I read articles on Asperger's and autism. And I did this all without internet and very little support.<br /><br />At the time of his diagnosis, I had three children five and under. I was overwhelmed and under supported. When the kids were in bed, I cried in my kitchen and had it out with the Lord. I screamed silently in accusation and alternately asked Him to help me. I felt myself slipping away and I couldn't. I had two other small children who needed me.<br /><br />I remember standing in my kitchen and I told myself, “I will be angry. I can hang on to that. I will be bitter.”<br /><br />Hindsight is always 20/20, but at the time, I felt I could only cope and think clearly if I was angry. And I did. Anger helped me live and walk and shop and do laundry and read stories and make dinner and put kids to bed. But it scarred my soul.<br /><br />Three years later. Three years of having my inside ground up and turned to dust. Of going to church and begging God for help and feeling utterly abandoned. Three years later, I turned to my husband and said, “I cannot fix this.” That statement was the beginning of my new life and hope.<br /><br />It took another couple of years to go online and when I did, I found the community and support that I needed. It took those two years to work that anger out of my system. Even when I was feeling good, I could feel anger's cold tentacles gripping my heart.<br /><br />Rick Warren in his book “The Purpose Driven Life” says in effect that your problems are your ministry. I believe that to be true. I wish that I could say that I run a great ministry for parents of children with autism. I don't. I'm a stay at home mother, who has a thirteen year old son with Asperger's. And he's doing well, not perfect, but good. But those ugly feelings did their work and God cultivated a heart of encouragement and mercy that I did not have before this dark experience.<br /><br />What I have learned through all my anger is that God knows all about you and can take it. I was never dishonest with God about my feelings. You cannot be, even if you tried. I was always upfront with Him and never held a thing back. He bore it so patiently and met me with truth. Although I gave Him the dust and ashes of my soul, the Lord turned it into something beautiful.<br /><br />##<br /><br />Christina Deanne is a wife and stay at home mother who lives in the Chicagoland area. She went back to college and is pursuing an Associates of Applied Arts degree. She has written several articles about her experiences as a parent of a child with Asperger's.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-43527424588487842812010-04-22T11:21:00.001-04:002010-04-22T11:29:15.840-04:005 More Common Myths about the Autism SpectrumIn a previous post, I listed five common myths about people on the autism spectrum. Here, I’ll discuss five more common myths and their factual counterparts.<br /><br />Myth 1: People on the autism spectrum cannot get married and raise a family<br /><br />Fact: Many autistics are happily married and parents. While it may be more difficult for a person on the autism spectrum to maintain relationships and deal with the stress of raising children, there is no reason to believe they are incapable of living a normal, happy life.<br /><br />Myth 2: People on the autism spectrum have excellent memories<br /><br />Fact: This is a common misconception likely based on the seemingly endless streams of trivia some autistics can recite. However, not all autistics have the profound memorization skills often attributed to them. Some have above average memories, some have average memories, and some have memories that resemble a sieve: the information goes in and then goes back out just as quickly.<br /><br />Myth 3: People on the autism spectrum are unhappy and miserable<br /><br />Fact: While many autistics do suffer from depression, it is usually not caused by the autism itself. Instead, the depression comes as a result of the treatment of those around them and society as a whole, who look at the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and immediately make assumptions about the persons abilities, or lack thereof, based solely on preconceived misconceptions. Placing limitations on an autistic simply because he is autistic is one of the worst things you can do. No one likes to hear he can’t do something because of something that makes him different; that’s what led to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. People on the autism spectrum who are allowed to be themselves, even if that self isn’t “normal,” tend to be much happier and more well-adjusted than autistics who are forced to conform or held back because of their autism.<br /><br />Myth 4: People on the autism spectrum want to be cured<br /><br />Fact: Although many people may call for a cure for autism, few of them are on the spectrum themselves. The majority of autistics are against a cure because they don’t feel they should be cured of who they are. Autism isn’t a disease; it is a way of life. To cure autism is to take away what makes the autistic who she is. Some have equated curing autism with genocide. In a way, that is just what it is, for autism cannot be separated from the autistic and to eradicate autism would eradicate one segment of society. Autism doesn’t need to be cured, it needs to be accepted and autistics allowed to be themselves without fear.<br /><br />Myth 5: People on the autism spectrum are all savants<br /><br />Fact: It is true that some autistics have special abilities, but there are no more savants on the autism spectrum than there are in any other group of people. Just like neurotypicals (people not on the autism spectrum), autistics have a range of talents, abilities, and deficits. To believe that every autistic must be an expert at something is to believe a lie. Most autistics are average at a variety of things, just like the rest of society. They may work to develop their talents and become impressive musicians or mathematicians, but the majority aren’t prodigies. They are just people who are good at some things and not so good at others.<br /><br />The important thing to remember about people on the autism spectrum is that they are people who happen to be different. They aren’t a group to be pitied or looked down upon. Most of them would gladly answer the questions of anyone truly interested in learning about the realities of autism. Above all, treat autistics as you would anyone else and allow for the differences that are sure to make themselves known.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-38533048027806529932010-04-20T00:01:00.000-04:002010-04-20T00:01:00.876-04:00Autism Awareness Guest Blogger: Troy CorleyYes, Your Asperger's Teen is Crazy!<br /><br />By Troy Corley<br />Co-Founder of ASAP Asperger's Support for Adolescents Plus <a href="http://www.vcasap.org/">www.vcasap.org</a><br /><br /><br />Shocking to call your teen with Asperger's crazy? Not really. ALL teens are crazy when it comes to the perspective of parents, grandparents and other guardians of our emerging adults.<br /><br />In fact, "Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind," is the title of one of the best books on raising teens and young adults that I've ever read. Author Michael J. Bradley, a psychologist, details how the most advanced parts of the human brain continue to grow in sporadic spurts up until the age of 25 or so.<br /><br />These spurts account for the often impulsive, unstable and unpredictable behavior of teens and young adults. And guess what? Teens with Asperger's are no different.<br /><br />I credit Bradley's book for saving my sanity while raising my teen son with ADD. I credit his book for saving my soul while going through some traumatic times with my Asperger's daughter Em, whose anxiety over sensory issues, social situations and the school system, nearly sent us all over the edge of reason.<br /><br />Raising a child with Asperger's is no picnic. But neither is raising any child in these times. What I learned from Dr. Bradley was to take a major step back in the middle of chaos and to see my daughter as a person with a teen brain first, and a person on the Autism Spectrum, second.<br /><br />A key word here is not only "teen" but "person." Teens are people. They deserve the same respect you would give any person. Trying to communicate with a teen and especially inflexible Aspies with an authoritarian "it's my way or the highway" approach, simply doesn't work. In fact, it compounds an already contentious situation rife with anger that can explode into aggressive behavior.<br /><br />Teens and young adults also need <i>acceptance </i>of who they are. And those on the Autism Spectrum not only need acceptance of who they are but acceptance of how they relate and experience the world around them, because it is <i>different </i>than neurotypical teens and young adults.<br /><br />It took a crisis with my daughter for me to really get this message. I had to throw out my preconceived ideas about how to raise a teen and what to expect of my teen daughter with Asperger's. By wholeheartedly embracing the concept of "respect and acceptance," I dramatically changed how I related to Em. It not only brought a deeper understanding of who she is but the chaos that once governed our household has dissipated.<br /><br />Is the chaos still there? At times yes, but these moments of confusion and anxiety for her have become less frequent and less intense. She has become more independent, allowing her step-father and I to be able to carve out time for ourselves as a couple, something we could rarely do before without meltdowns as a result.<br /><br />With respect and acceptance as my mantra, I now not only love my daughter for who she is but I no longer focus on who she is not. I put my energy into her strengths and interests, which in turn has made her life richer and has encouraged her to pursue creative opportunities that otherwise would have been lost.<br /><br />I've brought the philosophy of respect and acceptance to a social support group for teens and young adults with Asperger's and High Functioning Autism. ASAP Asperger's Support for Adolescents Plus (<a href="http://www.vcasap.org/">http://www.vcasap.org</a>) is not another therapy group. It's an organization where young people on the high end of the spectrum can socialize and develop friendships. <br /><br />Since our ASAP members come from a variety of family backgrounds, it's often a challenge to impart this philosophy of respect and acceptance to the parents, grandparents and other caregivers. Many are reeling from the impact of having a rigid relationship with their children, based on a lack of respect and acceptance. I try to quietly yet firmly get the message across.<br /><br />When parents ruefully admit that their son loves to play a Pokemon card game, I tell them that's wonderful -- their son has an interest! Respect and accept this and find out who else likes to play and get a group together to play the game once a month. When parents heard the laughter from ASAP members playing a game of Taboo, they were surprised to find that it was <i>their</i> young adult laughing with friends and not the "normal" sister of one of our members. Respect and accept that your child with autism <i>can</i> have friendships and also respect and accept that using the world "normal" in reference to people on the spectrum is neither accurate nor helpful. Ashamed that your child on the spectrum is not attending college or doesn't have a career? Respect and accept that a college degree or a high-paying job does not guarantee a life well-lived.<br /><br />So this April, Autism Awareness Month, celebrate your teen and young adult on the spectrum. Understand that while their brains are powered by a type of crazy growth that keeps them from effortlessly communicating with their parental units, that you <i>can</i> help them rewire their lives by showering them with the respect, acceptance and love they need to develop into happy adults.<br /><br />You can contact Troy Corley, a mother of a teen daughter with Asperger's, at <a href="mailto:troy@vcasap.org">troy@vcasap.org</a>.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-90639968758197959402010-04-13T00:01:00.001-04:002010-04-13T00:01:02.673-04:00Autism Awareness Guest Blogger: Mary Calhoun Brown<div><span lang="EN"><div>Guest post by Mary Calhoun Brown</div> <div>Award-winning Author and Speaker</div> <div>There Are No Words</div> <div><a href="http://www.marycalhounbrown.com/"><u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span lang="EN">www.marycalhounbrown.com</span></span></span></u></a></div></span></div> <div> </div> <div><span lang="EN"> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="EN"> <div>Never will I forget the day the doctor looked me in the eye and used the word "autism" to describe my son. To say I felt hopeless and overwhelmed would be an understatement. The words "best-case scenario" were also uttered that day, although my memory of that time is a long tube with "autism" at one end and everything else faded around it.</div> <div> </div> <div>The pity party was fabulous. You should have been there.</div> <div> </div> <div>The following day I took one look at the most beautiful child who was ever born and decided to re-define "best case scenario." This is William's story.</div> <div> </div> <div>Yes, I could go into chapter and verse about the games we played (staring contest, etc..), the methods we used (social stories, etc..) and the times we cried (leaving traditional school for seventh and eighth grades), but instead I'd like to tell you about his spirit. </div> <div> </div> <div>If William has taught me one thing, it's expect the best.</div> <div> </div> <div>Within a week of his diagnosis, we decided to tell William he was autistic. We felt he had nothing to be ashamed of, and he has never hidden this fact from anyone. Together we searched for famous people with Asperger's Syndrome (William's brand of autism) and found a list of role models that included Thomas Jefferson, Sir Issac Newton, Albert Einstein and Bill Gates. This is the foundation upon which my son built his self esteem. (Best-case scenario, indeed!)</div> <div> </div> <div>In both elementary and middle school William gave presentations in front of his peers, disclosing his differences and taking questions. With this he began his love of public speaking. As often as possible, he would stand in front of groups of people and ignore the fact that he has a three-second auditory delay. </div> <div> </div> <div>In his early teens William was invited to participate in President Eisenhower's People to People Student Ambassador Program. Who were we to hold him back? In seventh grade he visited England and France without us. In eighth grade he visited Italy, Spain, Monaco and southern France. And in ninth grade, we sent our Aspie to Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany and Poland.</div> <div> </div> <div>This summer he is taking classes at Harvard University as part of its Secondary Schools program. He wants to attend Princeton or Brown after high school.</div> <div> </div> <div>The truth is, everything I've learned about life has come from my autistic child.</div> <div> </div></span></span><b><u> </u></b><div><b><u>Be who you are:</u></b></div> <div><b><u> </u></b></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> <div>William has never pretended to be something he isn't. He tells people he is different. Why does everyone try to "fit in" when we were born to stand out? And he definitely stands out. At 6'3", handsome, faithful and highly intelligent, William never waivers from the truth of who he is and what he has overcome. He never fails to pray quietly over his meals. He stays late at school. He helps others even when it limits his own free time. He spends his weekends in retreat from other people (aka alone). When he's angry, he shows it. When he's tired, he shows that, too. William lives very happily in his own skin.</div> <div> </div></span><b><u> </u></b><div><b><u>Say what you feel:</u></b></div> <div><b><u> </u></b></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> <div>On his trip to eastern Europe, William traveled with a group of students who were very different from him. We live in beautiful, mountainous West Virginia, and the kids he traveled with were from cities in New Jersey. William reported to us that nearly all of those on his trip were either atheist or Jewish. He decided to share his faith with them. (Yikes, right?)</div> <div> </div> <div>William's other passion is Lincoln-Douglas debate, and as a result, he has become proficient at arguing his case. With a wealth of knowledge on every topic you can imagine from the escalading Iranian/Israli conflict to compulsory immunizations, William can intelligently offer up the pro's and con's on just about every subject you can think of. Whether we like it or not, William always says what he feels.</div> <div> </div></span><b><u> </u></b><div><b><u>Those who mind don't matter:</u></b></div> <div><b><u> </u></b></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> <div>Ahhh, middle school. The bullying. The teasing. The social rejection and teenage angst. We all thought it was the end of the world. William caught the worst of it. </div> <div> </div> <div>Middle school kids are always trying to avoid being the "freak," so quite often they point out someone who is "different" or "freaky" to improve their own odds. Naturally, my son (with an IQ one point less than genius) was re-named "Retard." He bore the brunt of the bullying and teasing and wore the "kick me" signs for those less different. Try as we did, including a trip in a hot air balloon with one particularly rotten kid, William never really connected with any of those children. As it turns out, their opinion of him didn't matter then, and it doesn't matter now.</div> <div> </div></span><b><u> </u></b><div><b><u>Those who matter don't mind:</u></b></div> <div><b><u> </u></b></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> <div>High school has been a blessing for William. His incredible focus and photographic memory, coupled with his love for research and public speaking have carved a niche for him on his speech and debate team. His peers respect him for what he can do, and admire his ability to get straight A's, even in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. People in our community can see that William is true to who he is. He tells the truth, even if it's not a popular truth, and that earns my son respect.</div> <div> </div> <div>When I think back on those early days right after William's diagnosis, I remember wanting to cure him. I wanted him to be "normal." Then I read Temple Grandin's book "Thinking in Pictures," and I decided to love everything about William, including his autism. Without it, he wouldn't be the same.</div> <div> </div> <div>Once after a tough day I asked my dear child, "If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?" confident I knew the answer. He said, "I'd like to be more organized." I smiled. "Yeah, me too," I said.</div> <div> </div> <div>So, in the actions of my brilliant, faithful, handsome, autistic son and in the words of the late, great Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are, and say what you feel. Because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”</div></span></div></span></div>E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-80938200746086215412010-04-08T09:40:00.000-04:002010-04-08T09:41:24.821-04:005 Common Myths about the Autism SpectrumMany myths abound about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Unfortunately, for those unfamiliar with ASDs, it can be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Here are five common myths and the truths behind them.<br /><br />Myth 1: People on the autism spectrum have no emotions<br /><br />Fact: This myth is likely the result of many people on the autism spectrum expressing their emotions in atypical manners. Both children and adults on the spectrum experience the same range of emotions and depth of feeling as neurotypicals (people without an ASD). Autistics may laugh when others cry; they may cry when others are happy; they may show no outward sign of emotion, but the feelings are still there. Assuming they have no emotions is very hurtful to an autistic.<br /><br />Myth 2: People on the autism spectrum are unaware of their surroundings<br /><br />Fact: Just because an autistic is looking at the floor rather than the people around him doesn’t mean he is unaware of what is going on. Rather, he’s probably focusing on the conversation around him and absorbing every word. Many people on the autism spectrum have few or no filters when it comes to the information they take in. If they were to look at the people involved in a conversation while trying to listen to it, they would likely become distracted by the way a person’s mouth moves, the clothes people are wearing, hairstyles, etc. and miss every word spoken. By focusing on something bland, like the floor, or closing their eyes, it enables them to focus better on the conversation. You just might be surprised by what they have to add to the discussion.<br /><br />Myth 3: People on the autism spectrum are either mentally handicapped or geniuses<br /><br />Fact: In reality, people on the autism spectrum have the same range of IQs and in the same ratio as those not on the spectrum. You will find autistics with high IQs and those with low IQs, but the majority will fall somewhere in between.<br /><br />Myth 4: People on the autism spectrum are lonely<br /><br />Fact: While this may be true for some, not all autistics crave being the center of attention and surrounded by people most of the time. Many people on the autism spectrum like to be alone. They find it relaxing to not have to try to “fit in” or understand what the people around them might be thinking. It gives them the opportunity to let their minds wander and do what they enjoy. Most people think a solitary life would be torture, but many autistics enjoy it.<br /><br />Myth 5: People on the autism spectrum cannot work<br /><br />Fact: Many autistics can and do work. They may not function well in a highly social position, like a cashier at the local supermarket, but they are perfectly capable of working in the right environment. Autistics can be successful in a multitude of jobs, from working in a call center to being a research scientist. Each individual has his own unique abilities and interests which may lend themselves to a long-term career. Others work at whatever job is available that they can handle while looking for a career that involves their interests.<br /><br />One of the worst things a person can do is to set limitations for people on the autism spectrum. Given a chance, autistics tend to surprise people with their abilities. Yes, autistics are different, but differences are what make the world the wonderful and diverse place it is.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-31103495971900668222010-04-06T00:29:00.001-04:002010-04-06T00:31:31.580-04:00Autism Awareness Guest Blogger: Rebecca WestThe Gift of Autism<br /><br />by Rebecca West<br />Special Needs Advisor for Indiana Home Education Network<br /><br />Two of my five children are on the autism spectrum. Yes they are different, but they are wonderful vibrant people with a lot to offer. My son was diagnosed as a child with Asperger’s. My daughter was not diagnosed until this past fall, but we always knew she was different. The doctors were always coming up with some flakey excuse why they couldn’t diagnose autism and settled for saying she “exhibited autistic-like behaviors.” DUH! We have always treated them as normal and allowed them to be different. Rather than seeing it as a terrible fate and something to be eradicated if possible, we just accepted that was who they were and accepted the differences. They both grew up to be delightful people. Yes, they think differently and have some difficulty with social skills, but they both have a lot to offer.<br /><br />My son often misses social cues and until you learn to think outside the box can seem somewhat illogical, but he has found his niche as a customer service representative for Verizon Wireless and is doing well. He has difficulty with social gatherings because too many people in a small space make him very uncomfortable and the concept of small talk totally escapes him. He can handle his job because he doesn’t have to deal with people in person and it’s all done with a computer and headset. He does have trouble if you spring anything new on him without warning or suddenly change plans. We learned a long time ago to always tell him in advance what was likely to happen and what to expect in any situation. We also learned to think outside the box in order to understand his perspective. There are times when he gets hung up on a minute detail. As a child, this might have led to a meltdown when we insisted he move on. As an adult he has learned to get past it and move on.<br /><br />My daughter has difficulty going anywhere because crowds, florescent lights, noise, smells all bother her severely. She has found work online as an editor and final reader for a book publisher and is herself a published author. She is active in several online writer’s groups and has several blogs. She has always been dependable and willing to help in any way needed. She is an intelligent delightful person. Yes, she sometimes has difficulty expressing herself because the words get stuck, but be patient and she can usually manage to say what she is thinking and she is a prolific, gifted writer.<br /><br />When all five kids get together there are noise, laughter, fun, and lots of philosophical discussions—basically a normal family. A diagnosis of autism is not a death sentence. Focus on what you child can do, not on what they can’t and don’t limit them. Allow them to be as normal as they can. Many autistics have trouble with verbal skills, but don’t assume they lack intelligence. Give them free access to a keyboard or pen and paper and you may just be surprised at what they have to say. Rather than behavior problems being an integral part of autism, they are frequently a symptom of frustration. Talk to your child and find out why they’re frustrated. Meltdowns are not the same as tantrums although they may look very similar.<br /><br />Many autistics are very sensitive to tastes or smells or textures. They are not being deliberately difficult. They really are severely bothered and unable to cope with whatever it is. This is just one of the differences. Treat them as normal and allow the differences. If an autistic wants to be alone, don’t force them to be sociable. They probably can be made to act completely normal and interact for a prolonged period, but at tremendous emotional cost to them. Autistics can and do succeed and live rich full lives. They bring a fresh perspective in the way they view the world. Learn to listen to them. They just might have something of value to offer. Accept your autistic child, allow them to be who God meant them to be and embrace the difference.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-89864633445670957492010-04-01T00:01:00.000-04:002010-04-01T00:01:02.793-04:00Autism Awareness MonthApril first is more than just April Fool’s Day. It’s also the start of Autism Awareness Month. Therefore, I’m dedicating my blog to raising awareness of autism this month. In addition to some facts about autism and a bit about my own experiences as an autistic, there will be guest bloggers sharing their experiences with autism. A new post will appear every Tuesday and Thursday, and there might be a few random posts on other days, so be sure to check back often.<br /><br />To kick off this month-long autism blog event, and because Easter is in just a few days, here’s a little information about autism and holidays.<br /><br />Holidays can be stressful with parties, family gatherings, decorating, and travel. For an autistic it can be even more stressful. In addition to the usual stressors, the normal routine is upset, the house may look different, and being around relatives he hasn’t seen in a while can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to refrain from including an autistic in all of your festivities or change your holiday plans.<br /><br />To make the transition from everyday routine to holiday festivities as painless as possible, try including your autistic child in the planning if you can. Now, she may not want to help or she may even seem uninterested, but give her the option anyway.<br /><br />Go over the holiday schedule several times, starting a few days before the first change in routine. You may have to keep reminding the autistic of what is happening when, even in the midst of the holiday celebration.<br /><br />If you’re going to visit family, talk about who you’re going to see. Reminding an autistic of past family gatherings and even using photographs to help refresh his memory can help make visiting family go much more smoothly.<br /><br />If you have a special dinner planned, let the autistic help with it. Helping plan the menu or prepare the meal is a great way to help her adjust to the change in eating routine. Allowing her to help decorate for the holiday will help her feel more comfortable with the change in appearance of home.<br /><br />With all holiday festivities, be sure there’s place for the autistic to escape and de-stress. Regardless of how prepared he is for the dinner, gathering, etc., the change in routine and number of people can still push him to the point of a meltdown. Knowing there’s a quiet place he can go to relax for a little while will go a long way toward helping him enjoy the holiday as much as the rest of the family.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-90165582172287433572010-03-24T20:20:00.004-04:002010-03-24T20:41:50.315-04:00Exercise CAN be funDon't worry, I'm not going to write a treatise on the benefits of having an exercise buddy or how exercise is good for you. I think we've all probably heard that plenty of times. No, I'm going to share something most of you may already know but just hadn't thought of in a while.<br /><br />As a kid, I spent as much time playing outdoors as possible. In the summer, that meant I was outside for most of the hours between the time I woke up and the time I had to go to bed. As I got older, I did what most kids do: I left a lot of that childhood playtime behind and moved on to more "mature" things.<br /><br />For the last couple of years, I've read a lot about the necessity of exercise for writers and anyone else who spends a lot of time at the computer. Because I don't like most exercise machines (an exercise bike is about the only thing I'd use) and gym memberships are expensive, I've had to look for other forms of staying in shape.<br /><br />In the last several months, I've spent a lot of time with my preschool-aged niece and toddler nephew. Obviously, playing with them keeps me moving, but it's also reminded me of all those childhood activities I left behind WAY too long ago. In particular, jump ropes and hula hoops.<br /><br />My Facebook friends may remember a few jump rope related status updates a few months ago. Well, I still love jumping rope just as much as I did then. I even discovered it's possible to jump rope in the snow. It's a little cold, but when you don't have your own personal gymnasium (or other large indoor area with a high ceiling) you make do. Besides, it's fun to watch the reactions of people driving by when they see an adult jumping rope with a few inches of snow on the ground and more drifting down.<br /><br />Ever since I reacquainted myself with a jump rope, I've been longing for my other favorite apparatus from childhood: a hula hoop. I finally bought one today and I love it. Every time I set it down, I want to pick it up and get it spinning again. I can already tell my abdominal muscles are going to hate me, but no pain no gain, right?<br /><br />So, even though my forms of exercise aren't what most adults think of as exercise, they really do have health benefits. There are several articles online about how good jumping rope is for people of all ages. Even though I haven't looked up resources on hula hoops, I can tell you from experience it can get your heart pumping. Plus, hula hooping and jumping rope are just plain fun. They also fit my personality perfect. Since I'm a big kid anyway, I can't think of a better way to get and stay in shape than to take up the childhood activities that kept me moving.<br /><br />Now, a question for you. What is your favorite form of exercise?E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-61123153265871562272010-03-18T01:02:00.002-04:002010-03-18T01:07:02.901-04:00PSA...sort ofDue to spammers, I've had to put all comments on this blog on moderation. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will do my best to approve comments quickly.<br /><br />Also, if you're interested in guest blogging about autism during the month of April, please let me know ASAP. Check out <a href="http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/2010/03/call-for-guest-bloggers.html">this post</a> for more information, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-73986680394375068032010-03-12T10:47:00.003-05:002010-03-12T11:28:26.346-05:00This 'n' ThatThings have been busy around here since I last posted, which is why I'm late posting this week. Here's a brief rundown of the excitement (and yes, some of it is pretty exciting!).<br /><br />The most exciting piece of news is that I received a release date for <span style="font-style: italic;">Riley's Mission</span>! My very first romantic suspense will be available from The Wild Rose Press April 7. Yes, that's a little less than a month from now, but it seems like such a long wait for my "baby" to make its debut in the world. Ah, well, I have plenty to keep me busy in the meantime, including working on more writing projects.<br /><br />Which brings me to another exciting thing. I submitted a query for a sequel to <span style="font-style: italic;">Riley's Mission</span> to my editor. Now I'm in the nail-biting, "Will she like it?" waiting period. Of course, if she likes the sound of the story, then I have to submit the manuscript and do a little more nail biting. I don't mind too much, however, since every submission brings the story one step closer to publication.<br /><br />More writing-related news. I started a new job writing articles. While it can be difficult to write some of the topics, I'm enjoying the job and it works well with the odd hours I sometimes keep. What other job would allow me to work at noon or two in the morning (or both) depending on the kind of day I'm having? The people who say self-employment/freelance work is great for autistics are so right. Without the flexibility I have with this job, I wouldn't do nearly as well.<br /><br />Speaking of autism, I'm still looking for guest bloggers for the month of April. If you're interested in writing a post with a positive spin on autism, you can find the details of my blogging plan for Autism Awareness Month <a href="http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/2010/03/call-for-guest-bloggers.html">here</a>.<br /><br />And now for the totally off-the-wall bit of news. I successfully crocheted a coat for my shih tzu. Yes, I'm now one of those people who puts clothes on her small dog. He's so adorable in his black and tan coat with a big red button on the side! I needed some way to secure the strap that goes behind his front legs, and with his penchant for getting into things when outside, the button will work better than Velcro. Why did I make a coat for him, you ask? So I can get his fur trimmed in cold weather without having to worry about him freezing when he goes outside. He's a shaggy little fella right now, and I'd like to get his usual warm-weather haircut so he looks a little more sophisticated, which if you knew my dog would make you laugh. He's like the little human boy who can get his dress clothes muddy without ever leaving his chair.<br /><br />I also learned something sad in the last couple of days. I live in an affordable cotton yarn wasteland...or maybe that should be a yarn wasteland. There are precisely two yarn shops listed in my current phone book, and one of them went out of business a year or so ago. The other one is open two afternoons a week. I know there are a ton of knitters and crocheters in my area; I've met several of them and heard about many more. Where do they get their yarn? My best guess is that they either buy whatever yarn is available at the local craft stores (there are at least three that I know for sure are still in business), but I have to wonder if they order their yarn online, which is what I'm going to have to do. Out of the single yarn shop and three or so craft stores in my area, not one of them carries either of the two affordable brands of cotton yarn I'm looking for. I found a website that carries both of them, so I'm stuck paying shipping. The sad thing is, even with the shipping costs, it will still be more affordable than the only worsted weight cotton yarn I could buy locally.<br /><br />All that's left to say is, Happy Friday! I hope you all have a great weekend and be sure to celebrate what's left of E-book Week with a good read. Shameless promotion alert! I happen to have two ebooks available at affordable prices. If you're looking for a quick read in the mystery genre, why not check out <a href="http://shop.dianakaypublishing.com/product.sc?productId=16&categoryId=1">Light in the Darkness</a>? Or if inspirational romance is more your style, try <a href="http://whiterosepublishing.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=147&products_id=1195&zenid=13a7e5dbb6bf68723a5a62f5ebeca331">Dreams Do Come True</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy your weekend!E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-41251325819944427672010-03-01T11:06:00.001-05:002010-03-01T11:07:52.669-05:00Call for Guest BloggersI’ve had Autism Awareness Month on my mind since shortly after the first of the year. I know it’s not until April, but the autism spectrum is never far from my mind, since I live it every day. Why am I bringing this up now? Simple. I plan to devote the entire month of April on this blog to raising awareness about what autism really is. As part of this goal, I’m seeking guest bloggers.<br /><br />From years past, I know April will be flooded with negative things about autism spectrum disorders, calls for a cure (which many autistics, myself included, do NOT want), horror stories about how much the family suffers, myths about what people on the spectrum feel (or don’t feel, depending on the myth), etc. What I want to do is give people a look at the positive side of the autism spectrum, the things that make us unique, our special talents, success stories, etc. The difficulties faced by those on the spectrum and how you or a loved one overcame them is a great topic as well. I’m hoping by devoting April to autism, the guest bloggers and I can raise awareness about the reality of autism.<br /><br />Let’s raise awareness of the side of autism that tends to be ignored, the side that proves autism isn’t a horrible disease that brings a halt to a person’s ability to live a fulfilling life. Let’s show the world we like who we are and that a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder isn’t a death sentence.<br /><br />Are you on the autism spectrum or married to someone who is? Do you have kids who are on the spectrum? Close friends or colleagues? If so, and you’re interested in writing a guest post for Autism Awareness Month, please email me at authoreawest AT gmail DOT com. Be sure to put “Autism Awareness Guest” in the subject line.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-83665682543864042162010-02-25T23:56:00.007-05:002010-02-26T00:07:35.368-05:00What's In Your Closet? by Rhonda Gibson and Stacy Baron<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE6tL3NoXtVROglP55J7PNb3aTbSIzJmaERnTzQjwdWTlGkd1JMbWuE2ToCJhPv8-b2hKCH8TlV8ChgnEbKi75EFntaAgz5Q4u8tbUxa7iMKKvdZs0pwMfIblYW2llzM8-GbVjt7Rjyg/s1600-h/WhatsInYourCloset_w3526.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE6tL3NoXtVROglP55J7PNb3aTbSIzJmaERnTzQjwdWTlGkd1JMbWuE2ToCJhPv8-b2hKCH8TlV8ChgnEbKi75EFntaAgz5Q4u8tbUxa7iMKKvdZs0pwMfIblYW2llzM8-GbVjt7Rjyg/s400/WhatsInYourCloset_w3526.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442413850241478514" border="0" /></a>Title: What's In Your Closet?<br /><br />Author: Rhonda Gibson & Stacy Baron<br /><br />Publisher: <a href="http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/">White Rose Publishing</a><br /><br />Book Description:<br /><br />Emily isn’t looking for love. In fact, it’s the last thing on the young widow’s mind. She’s vowed to focus solely on her daughter. With Megan’s hearing impairment, the toddler has enough to deal with without Emily bringing a new man into the picture—one who undoubtedly wouldn’t be patient with a deaf child not his own.<br /><br />David doesn’t think he’s looking for love—until he meets Emily. The woman is beautiful inside and out and has a streak of determination that’s matched only by the love she pours out to her adorable daughter. But Emily won’t have anything to do with him outside of his home-decorating project…that is, until she finds an old skeleton in his closet.<br /><br />Never before has finding skeletons in the closet been a good thing, but solving the mystery of David’s skeleton may just be the blessing that convinces Emily to love him forever.<br /><br />Review:<br /><br />Young widow and mother Emily Stuart is afraid of getting hurt if she allows a man into her life. She’s even more afraid of her three-year-old daughter, Megan, getting hurt. Because of that fear, she has resigned herself to life alone, at least until Megan is an adult.<br /><br />David Whitmore recently left Arizona and the high pressure business world to buy an old farm in Oklahoma. When he hires Emily to redo the interior of his new house, he gets more than remodeling in the bargain.<br /><br />As Emily works on the farmhouse, she and David discover an attraction for each other that neither is willing to admit or even accept. The discovery of a skeleton in a hidden kitchen pantry brings them together as they work to solve the mystery behind it. Though Emily finally admits David has become a friend, fear still prevents her from considering him as anything else. David respects her decision to remain only friends, but he can’t stop his attraction to this beautiful lady with an equally beautiful daughter—both of whom steal his heart no matter how closely he tries to guard it.<br /><br />Throughout the book, vivid descriptions bring the characters and the story to life, making the reader a participant to the story. A lively cast of secondary characters just adds to the richness of the story. The Christian elements are included in a realistic way that encourages without preaching. With each page, I found myself hoping Emily and David would find a way to get together, and that they would solve the mystery of the skeleton in the closet.<br /><br />This is a book I recommend to anyone who loves a sweet romance and an intriguing mystery. Though the authors are new to me, I would definitely read more of their books.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received a free uncorrected ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based solely on the contents of the ARC and my experience reading it.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-77544106597301316652010-02-10T00:01:00.001-05:002010-02-11T10:58:19.008-05:00New cover!I am so excited! My romantic suspense coming from The Wild Rose Press has a cover! Check out the shiny new cover for <span style="font-style: italic;">Riley's Mission</span> (release information to be announced when I get it):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Na6w_UsYTuuPfc7vDlQKgjmSlIa3L0Keq68iKIbJssPEgjyU0ur3p9GOcejgY1witbtHgTKWE0kyQzTus2CMer_k1UKFIsyEwKy_pf4LT39t9xgFW_f2XI85ckWZMD0ta32gopTFIY/s1600-h/RileysMission_w5104_680.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Na6w_UsYTuuPfc7vDlQKgjmSlIa3L0Keq68iKIbJssPEgjyU0ur3p9GOcejgY1witbtHgTKWE0kyQzTus2CMer_k1UKFIsyEwKy_pf4LT39t9xgFW_f2XI85ckWZMD0ta32gopTFIY/s400/RileysMission_w5104_680.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436412222346705778" border="0" /></a><br />A huge thank you on a job well done goes to Nicola Martinez, who designed the cover. I couldn't be happier with it!<br /><br />Now, I know I have talked a lot about <span style="font-style: italic;">Riley's Mission</span> on here, mainly because my life borders on insane most days. For those of you who can't wait to find out what the story is about, here's the blurb:<br /><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;" class="MsoBodyText3"><span style="font-size:100%;">Trapped in a<span style=""> flooded hospital, former Israeli operative Jade Rosen discovers she’s not alone. One of the other stranded patients is none other than the cold-blooded killer she'd left behind in a Syrian prison, the man who'd forced her to leave everyone she loved behind and go into hiding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;" class="MsoBodyText3"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;" class="MsoBodyText3"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Indiana National Guardsman Riley Jackson is on a mission to locate and contain a cunning terrorist whose guards aren’t responding. He finds more than he bargained for when the woman he loves appears out of nowhere, desperately ill and once again needing his protection.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-style: italic;" class="MsoBodyText3"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoBodyText3"><span style="font-style: italic;">Will Jade and Riley finally find their happy ending, or will they pay the ultimate price at the hands of a man determined to see Jade dead?</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoBodyText3"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoBodyText3">Curious yet? I hope so! My lovely editor, Laura Kelly, did an amazing job of taking my okay blurb and making it wonderful. Thank you, Laura!</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoBodyText3"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoBodyText3">As soon as I receive a release date for <span style="font-style: italic;">Riley's Mission</span>, I'll post it here. Until then, I hope you all have a great week!<br /></p>E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-68467819233998344512010-02-03T10:05:00.005-05:002010-02-03T10:26:55.223-05:00Kittens and Picture BooksYesterday, my genius kitten tossed a plastic tumbler of iced tea to the floor and somehow managed to break out a big piece of the bottom. I still haven't found that piece. Thanks to this amazing effort by him, I briefly nicknamed him the wonder twit. By the time I finished cleaning up the puddle of tea, I'd decided that wasn't a very nice nickname, so I changed it to the wonder kitten, because it's a wonder he's making it out of kittenhood without doing serious damage to himself or anyone/anything else.<br /><br />Being the writer I am, the name Sergei the Wonder Kitten got me thinking about books. The name just begs for a picture book series by the same title, and Sergei in all of his mischievous wisdom gives me plenty of fodder for stories. Thinking about basing a series of picture books on my own cat also reminded me of Jan Karon's Mitford series. In those books, the character Cynthia writes and illustrates picture books about a white cat named Violet. Of course, she replaces her pet Violet as necessary. If I do write a series about Sergei the Wonder Kitten, I'm not sure if I could ever replace the little guy with another black cat named Sergei. He's one of a kind, which is probably for the best given the mischief he gets into and creates.<br /><br />So, here I am in the midst of edits on one story, three manuscripts I'm determined to rewrite, another story I'm close to typing "The End" on, and I'm thinking about writing a picture book series. Am I crazy? Of course, but I've said for years that if you're not crazy when you go into the publishing industry, you will be soon.<br /><br />The real question is one I'll pose to you, the readers. If you saw a picture book series called Sergei the Wonder Kitten, would you read it to or buy it for the kids in your life? Or if you're like me and love picture books, read it for the fun of it?E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-40122100462636658602010-01-28T22:50:00.004-05:002010-01-28T23:10:38.629-05:00The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityA57IHbz6r5IbIjcnimc_NVRA6bHtpls4If6UDWRLkKpUDPOhD5PKyQbBq6BnzMB_LuOHmhGQNXC4apjiONsF6igz7304on2arYTgdM8p7CQeVsEj8ZJimxbt8UUdQPG4LGQHNE8YZc/s1600-h/SilentGoverness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityA57IHbz6r5IbIjcnimc_NVRA6bHtpls4If6UDWRLkKpUDPOhD5PKyQbBq6BnzMB_LuOHmhGQNXC4apjiONsF6igz7304on2arYTgdM8p7CQeVsEj8ZJimxbt8UUdQPG4LGQHNE8YZc/s400/SilentGoverness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432007749450797234" border="0" /></a>Title: The Silent Governess<br /><br />Author: Julie Klassen<br /><br />Publisher: <a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com">Bethany House Publishers</a><br /><br />Book Description:<br /><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.</strong> <p dir="ltr" align="left">But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home. </p> <p dir="ltr" align="left">He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something. </p> <p dir="ltr" align="left">Moving, mysterious, and romantic, <em>The Silent Governess</em> takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.</p><p dir="ltr" align="left">Review:</p><p dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Silent Governess</span> is a wonderful story of love and trust, misunderstandings and secrets set in Regency era England. As Olivia Keene seeks to put as much distance as possible between herself and the terrible secret she hopes to leave behind, she inadvertently eavesdrops on a conversation between Lord Bradley and his father, the Earl of Brightwell, and learns Lord Bradley has a dangerous secret of his own. An unfortunate mistake leads to a throat injury that temporarily renders Miss Keene mute. Lord Bradley, fearing Miss Keene will reveal his secret either in writing or once she regains the ability to speak, gives her no choice but to accept a post as under nurse on his estate.<br /><br />It doesn’t take long for the reader to learn someone is threatening to reveal Lord Bradley’s secret. The mystery of who is behind the plot against him carries throughout much of the book, as does Miss Keene’s fear of her own secret being revealed. Another theme running through the book is the attraction between Lord Bradley and Miss Keene. Since a relationship between a lord and a servant is not a viable option, they both must fight their feelings. An element of faith is intertwined with the story, and occasional conversations with the vicar prod everyone in the right direction.<br /><br />A well-developed cast of secondary characters, including a crusty old gamekeeper; a wonderful command of Regency-era English; and the right amount of description bring this story to life. Julie Klassen has done an amazing job of giving readers a glimpse back in time to the difficulties faced by the different classes in early 1800s England. I highly recommend <span style="font-style: italic;">The Silent Governess</span> for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based solely on the contents of this book and my experience reading it.<br /></p>E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-60009476272437675342010-01-20T11:44:00.001-05:002010-01-20T11:44:00.127-05:00One Lovely Blog AwardThank you fellow authors <a href="http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/">Anne Patrick</a> and <a href="www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com">Danielle Thorne</a> for giving my blog this award!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TLdYDB9oOYKiHTvhXmi7PHiYXkOuftgOUKqZiavEmZjL7wyvMkH5xYXRN69PjASRhaZOmCfw16bdw2Iqf3xC7cyctOHInRYyCpkfGaXgULo6fD9-31Y02ZuY28pMjZQe0jGwok-IL3c/s1600-h/Lovely_Blog_Award.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TLdYDB9oOYKiHTvhXmi7PHiYXkOuftgOUKqZiavEmZjL7wyvMkH5xYXRN69PjASRhaZOmCfw16bdw2Iqf3xC7cyctOHInRYyCpkfGaXgULo6fD9-31Y02ZuY28pMjZQe0jGwok-IL3c/s200/Lovely_Blog_Award.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427751020329891842" border="0" /></a><br />Now that I've accepted this lovely award, I have the honor and privilege of passing it on to others. Here are the rules:<br /><br />Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you enjoy. (Okay, so 15 can be a lot to come up with! Pass it on to as many bloggers as you can, up to 15. I'm passing it on to 9.) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.<br /><br />And so, I pass this award on to these truly deserving blogs. I hope you will check each one of them out!<br /><br /><a href="http://missmaesite.blogspot.com/">Miss Mae</a><br /><a href="http://write2robinshope.blogspot.com/"><br />Robin Shope</a><br /><br /><a href="http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/">Judah Raine</a><br /><br /><a href="http://sharondonovan.blogspot.com/">Sharon Donovan</a><br /><br /><a href="http://marianneevans.blogspot.com/">Marianne Evans</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ashleyludwig.com/">Ashley Ludwig</a><br /><br /><a href="http://laureanslore.blogspot.com/">Laurean Brooks</a><br /><br /><a href="http://thelovestrucknovice.blogspot.com/">The Lovestruck Novice</a><br /><a href="http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com/"><br />Hywela Lyn</a>E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-64030712922970374782010-01-13T19:56:00.010-05:002010-01-14T14:12:54.812-05:00Small talk...or notOkay, I've admitted a few times on here that I'm autistic, and for some reason that always surprises everyone. I have no idea why, but apparently to the Internet world I'm not at all different or weird. It's nice to be accepted as is and not have to pretend to be someone different to fit in, but I feel the need to confess to the occasional lack of small talk ability. What does that have to do with interaction on the Internet?<br /><br />Trust me, a lot of groups I belong to thrive on small talk, just like any group of people in "real life." I enjoy reading the exchanges (it also helps me write more realistic characters) and sometimes I join the written small talk. A lot of times, however, I know I ought to respond somehow, but I have no idea what to say. While I'm trying to figure it out, days can pass. By the time I have something to add to the conversation, the topic has changed and I remain silent, which is what happens in the non-virtual world as well.<br /><br />I know, you're probably thinking, "It's email groups/forums/etc. That stuff hangs around forever. Why not go ahead and respond, even if it is a week or more later?" The simple answer? The real world has me too well trained. In face-to-face interactions, there have been way too many times I've finally added something to the conversation several minutes after the topic has moved on and received strange looks, expressions of annoyance, or (the worst) brought the conversation to a complete halt and people suddenly have something else to do. I can't shake the feeling that when I respond late to a topic when the group is already on a different topic, the other groups members are sitting at their own computers wondering what I was thinking for trying to keep a closed subject open. Goofy fear on my part, I know, but that's the way it is.<br /><br />My only excuse for small talk difficulties, whether online or not, is that people on the spectrum are known for problems with social interaction. Within five or ten minutes of meeting me in person, people rarely have any trouble believing I have an ASD (autism spectrum disorder). But as I've said before, the Internet is a great equalizer. I have plenty of time to think about how to say what I want to say, and I can revise it before sending if I need to. I also don't have to worry about stumbling over words or the words getting stuck somewhere between my brain and my mouth, because I don't have to verbalize my thoughts. I do it all through written word, which is the easiest way for me to convey my thoughts. The only drawback (aside from brain freeze in chat rooms) is the whole "small talk overwhelms me at times" thing.<br /><br />To stay marginally on topic, I ran across a comic today that describes me perfectly on some days:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://xkcd.com/222/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 740px; height: 256px;" src="http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/small_talk.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />EDIT: It appears this comic may or may not show fully thanks to my blog design. If you have trouble seeing the full image, you can find the original <a href="http://xkcd.com/222/">here</a>.<br /><br />There's nothing like trying to figure out how much information to give, how to best describe how you're doing, etc. in a split second. Thankfully, most of the time I feel kind of like Pavlov's dogs. The question "How are you?" is my bell and my automatic response is, "Fine," regardless of the dozen or so ways I could answer. I know a conditioned response like that doesn't sound like something to be thankful for, but it's a whole lot less awkward than the long, likely rambling answer I would otherwise give about how I am.<br /><br />Will I ever fully overcome my troubles with small talk? I seriously doubt it. For one thing, I get bored easily with conversations that go nowhere. Plus, my brain just doesn't think "chitchat" most of the time. I can usually fake it pretty well, but most of the time I definitely prefer deeper conversations...you know, the ones that do more than fill silence.<br /><br />Okay, reading that last paragraph makes me wonder just how snarky people will find it, but I didn't mean it in a snarky way at all. That's just the way I see it. I'm sure there are others who enjoy small talk, and I admire you for the ability to chitchat with ease. Differences in personalities keep the world an interesting place to live.<br /><br />On a side note, I'll be chatting with <a href="http://thesweetestromanceauthors.blogspot.com/">The Sweetest Romance Authors</a> all day Thursday, January 14, at the <a href="http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1096">Coffee Time Romance forum</a>. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment or two! Even though I'm not that great at small talk, I always enjoy the chance to chat with readers and other authors.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-1547261917073115472010-01-04T20:49:00.004-05:002010-01-04T20:59:47.106-05:00Blackout by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY5BEk9PyRabcs_8v74fUmJ0hwImJdrmkJJkgK9opI4OnMG5yExRoA0_4lqxHHdTcslb-GUnPBLG4niJAYrTlNS13tHv6YH8pZ6tUErjdTKGDb6Cu9B8-ALqIGTa7VNbcDgb5LUls2wc/s1600-h/Blackout_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY5BEk9PyRabcs_8v74fUmJ0hwImJdrmkJJkgK9opI4OnMG5yExRoA0_4lqxHHdTcslb-GUnPBLG4niJAYrTlNS13tHv6YH8pZ6tUErjdTKGDb6Cu9B8-ALqIGTa7VNbcDgb5LUls2wc/s200/Blackout_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423068603390684162" border="0" /></a>Title: Blackout<br /><br />Author: Jason Elam and Steve Yohn<br /><br />Publisher: <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/">Tyndale House Publishers</a><br /><br />Book Description:<br /><br />Riley Covington is still reeling from his father’s brutal murder when he learns he’s been traded. Meanwhile, the counterterrorism division has detected a plot to detonate electromagnetic pulse bombs that could leave the U.S. without power, communications, and transportation—right down to dropping planes out of the sky. CTD scrambles to stop the attacks, but they run out of time. Amid the fallout, Riley, Scott, Skeeter, and CTD must regroup to make sure the second bomb doesn’t reach its destination.<br /><br />Review:<br /><br />I have mixed feelings on Blackout. The first half of the story didn’t feel like a thriller at all. Riley Covington, the title character of the series, didn’t play as big a role as expected and his main purpose appeared to be remembering the past and playing football. In my opinion as a reader, the first half of the book could have been condensed into just a few chapters and kept the tension of the story high, rather than taking over a hundred and fifty pages and making me wonder if the “thriller” part of this Riley Covington Thriller would ever start.<br /><br />The second half of the book, however, was an amazing ride of suspense. It was everything I hope for in a thriller and had an awesome storyline. Electromagnetic pulse bombs aren’t something I’ve seen done to death in fiction, and the glimpse of the devastation an EMP bomb would cause was both fascinating and frightening. Once the story picked up, I couldn’t put the book down. I was drawn into the story and found myself rooting for the good guys and rejoicing when the bad guys took a blow. I came away fully satisfied with the second half of the book.<br /><br />If you don’t mind a slow start to an exciting story, you might enjoy Blackout. But if you’re like me and prefer a thriller that’s suspenseful from beginning to end, this may not be the book for you.<br /><br />I received a free ARC of this book through the Tyndale Blog Network. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based solely on my experience reading this book.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-10586909737247068642010-01-01T14:56:00.003-05:002010-01-01T15:18:16.146-05:00New Year, New Challenges...Happy New Year!<br /><br />2009 was filled with joy and sadness, excitement and concerns. Overall, it was a good year for me, particularly in terms of writing. My first ebook, <a href="http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=147&products_id=1195"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dreams Do Come True</span></a>, was published by <a href="www.whiterosepublishing.com">White Rose Publishing</a>. A few short months later, I had received my second ebook contract and <a href="http://shop.dianakaypublishing.com/product.sc?productId=16&categoryId=1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Light in the Darkness</span></a> was released from <a href="http://www.seacrestebooks.com">Sea Crest eBooks</a>. The end of the year was particularly exciting. On Christmas Eve, I received a contract from <a href="http://www.thewildrosepress.com">The Wild Rose Press</a> for my third ebook, this time a romantic suspense. Look for more information on that story (including the final title) later. On New Year's Eve, I received the first round of edits on my newly contracted story.<br /><br />While I have a lot of work to do in terms of edits, what better way for an author to start a year than with a brand new contract?<br /><br />So, what is my New Year's resolution? Predictably enough, it involves writing. My main resolution is to get promotion under control and planned out so it doesn't take over my life or intimidate me to the point I don't do it at all. I had both things happen in 2009, and I know it was a direct result of not getting organized. 2010 is my year to figure out a promotion plan that works for me and that I can stick to without sacrificing too much writing time. My other writing goals involve actual writing. I hope to write and publish short fiction for magazines. I also plan to work on three romantic suspense stories I have in mind (one of which is already half written!), and I am going to finish my inspirational time-travel romance. This may not sound like much to some people, but this short list is going to keep me very busy this year.<br /><br />Did I meet my 2009 goals? No. I was too ambitious with them and was unable to accomplish all I had hoped to do. This year's goals may be a bit ambitious as well, but I can always adjust them later if necessary. I like having a challenge, however, and meeting my goals for 2010 will definitely challenge me.<br /><br />What about you? Did you meet your 2009 goals? What goals do you have for 2010?E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-74109457062803554182009-12-16T11:13:00.009-05:002009-12-16T12:07:08.699-05:00Holiday Gifts...If you're anything like me, you're asking yourself what to give people for Christmas. I'm crocheting a LOT of gifts, and I plan to make cookies as well, but there are still one or two I'm thinking about. If I had the money, I'd probably give ereaders as gifts. I am an ebook author, after all. :)<br /><br />Seriously, ebooks are so prevalent now and the trend toward electronic publishing is growing, so ereaders are a good investment, in my mind. With a wide selection from the <a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644523779&N=4294954529">Sony Reader</a>, to the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/">Barnes and Noble nook</a>, to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015T963C/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4566159355&ref=pd_sl_19calxq4k4_e">Amazon Kindle</a> and beyond, there's an ereader for everyone out there. If you're interested in trying to win a free Kindle II, <a href="http://bibliofreakblog.com/great-kindle-giveaway?ref=8887e84415">Bibliofreakblog is giving one away this Friday</a>, December 18.<br /><br />And if your loved ones already have ereaders (or you're like me and can't afford to give them as gifts), ebooks can be read on your computer, PDA, Blackberry, and some cell phones. What does this mean? Ebooks are a great gift as well, and they're affordable. They're also widely available from publishers and from distribution sites like Fictionwise and OmniLit.<br /><br />Now for a little shameless self-promotion. :)<br /><br />As I mentioned before, I am an ebook author. If you know someone who loves inspirational romance, check out <a href="http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/cartage.html?main_page=product_info&cPath=147&products_id=1195"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dreams Do Come True</span></a> from White Rose Publishing:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuu3iGN7amEUUsQwtD_oD67t8SYyfCSukANdtTDRdWLd-JpNtgCxaEve8BAeOZIXuIVE8wltbPn5q6YVkJ_X-odbHofJrgviF4Y99I-_DzRVYZXJyguOZxlSPaFPBeiapAJbrtBUYXVI/s1600-h/DreamsDoComeTrue_w3245_300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuu3iGN7amEUUsQwtD_oD67t8SYyfCSukANdtTDRdWLd-JpNtgCxaEve8BAeOZIXuIVE8wltbPn5q6YVkJ_X-odbHofJrgviF4Y99I-_DzRVYZXJyguOZxlSPaFPBeiapAJbrtBUYXVI/s200/DreamsDoComeTrue_w3245_300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415874672728735138" border="0" /></a>Blurb:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Aspiring author Cassie Teague has been rejected…again. As she considers giving up her dream of getting published, a handsome editor walks into her life and makes her wonder if God has more in store for her than just writing.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Acquisitions editor David Jameson wants more than just Cassie’s book. But will office politics destroy his hope for the future?</span><br /><br />"The characters are likeable and the story very believable...The writing is smooth and easy and the spiritual message is not at all preachy. The elements work together to make this a lovely, quick, uplifting read." ~ MarthaE, Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf<br /><br />"If you need a little pick me up or some inspiration, please read this...This would be a great story to give to friends and family. You will not be disappointed in purchasing this work of art." ~ Roberta, You Gotta Read Reviews<br /><br />And if you know someone who prefers mysteries, why not give them a copy of<a href="http://shop.dianakaypublishing.com/product.sc?productId=16&categoryId=1"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Light in the Darkness</span></a> from Sea Crest eBooks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl9H0GZbO7tMhjcl2wtMb-pmIxpuAa787hBkO-jXhZm-CmY6FIPKEIHHQNCbacvLnDpcU7ypgMqAbn_AXRe6Vb2qLTXwCxZu_cOI4AWwIJF4M3USiVKLSRUMlyP3RFM4vgFxC258LaZE/s1600-h/light_in_the_darkness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl9H0GZbO7tMhjcl2wtMb-pmIxpuAa787hBkO-jXhZm-CmY6FIPKEIHHQNCbacvLnDpcU7ypgMqAbn_AXRe6Vb2qLTXwCxZu_cOI4AWwIJF4M3USiVKLSRUMlyP3RFM4vgFxC258LaZE/s200/light_in_the_darkness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415874288109480674" border="0" /></a> Blurb:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kennedy Drake loves exploring dark places, which makes his job as a graveyard shift security guard ideal. While checking out strange noises </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="il">in</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> his elderly neighbor’s basement, he discovers a hidden room with a woman trapped inside. Chastity Mooreland has more to fear than her time trapped </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="il">in</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="il">darkness</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. Will Kennedy believe her bizarre tale of a stalker no one thinks is guilty—and will he help free her from a life of despair? Can Chastity look past her suspicion of mankind to accept his offer of friendship?</span><br /><br />"I found <span style="font-style: italic;">Light in the Darkness </span>a short sweet story." ~ Brynna Curry, You Gotta Read Reviews<br /><br />"This book reminded me how much we need to care for our fellow human being. Nice, short read." ~ Readers Favorite<br /><br />Happy holidays!E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927476119015089014.post-50710705997922600042009-12-09T13:57:00.006-05:002009-12-09T14:11:00.802-05:00The Rose Legacy by Kristen Heitzmann<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs9z9yDFLWfokpHpzICMpcqAcLeyX8t-hl1ALver_zblAb0nFI4DwPaWjDnIoj6AdziyFvmNe9kxdVz1dynGr-Pt0LGAhh7r4516MS7fr-o4AvXHHAJxNb3IOYK5yuEFViEGHKVsnJWw/s1600-h/TheRoseLegacy_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs9z9yDFLWfokpHpzICMpcqAcLeyX8t-hl1ALver_zblAb0nFI4DwPaWjDnIoj6AdziyFvmNe9kxdVz1dynGr-Pt0LGAhh7r4516MS7fr-o4AvXHHAJxNb3IOYK5yuEFViEGHKVsnJWw/s320/TheRoseLegacy_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413315754253460514" border="0" /></a>Title: The Rose Legacy, Diamond of the Rockies Book 1<br /><br />Author: Kristen Heitzmann<br /><br />Publisher: <a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/">Bethany House Publishers</a><br /><br />Book Description:<br /><br />If he wants her, let him come and prove it.<br /><br />Fleeing her idyllic home in Sonoma, California, Carina Maria DiGratia journeys to the mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Clinging to hopes of a new life, she finds reality has a harsh welcome for her. Overrun with men seeking their fortune and women bound by circumstance, the town hosts both dreams and nightmares, with little surety for tomorrow. But at least here Carina is far from the betrayal that still pierces her heart.<br /><br />Early on, two men vie for her trust, but neither is what he seems. Will Carina discern the truth and confront the turmoil hidden in her own heart in time to prevent tragedy?<br /><br />Review:<br /><br />Carina DiGratia is naïve, hot-tempered, and impulsive. The daughter of a respected Italian doctor who served a king, she’s used to getting her way, and it doesn’t take long to see she’d sheltered, spoiled, and ill-suited to life in a rough and tumble mining town.<br /><br />Quillan Shepard is a freighter and the classic wounded hero. Nothing has come easy for him; life has battered him, his past is a shadowy mystery, and he has no interest in anything remotely romantic...unless you count his penchant for reading poetry and other books.<br /><br />Then there’s Berkley Beck, Crystal, Colorado’s slick attorney. He’s suave, well-groomed, and takes gallantry to a whole new level. His inability to organize his office appears, at first, to be his only downside, and Carina fixes that soon enough.<br /><br />Ms. Heitzmann brings her characters and an 1880 Colorado mining town to life with vivid descriptions and true-to-life dialogue. The cast of characters does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the superstitious mindset, wild behavior, and loyalty of the mining camps and towns in the 1880s. Adventure, intrigue, suspicion, and the characters’ varying degrees of faith keep readers engaged and draw them into the story.<br /><br />While the story is good and the writing magnificent, I must admit that the characters felt a bit overdone at times. Carina acted like a spoiled child for much of the book, and every time she showed signs of sucking up the hardships and carrying on with grace, she ranted either verbally or in her thoughts. However, she did grow throughout the story and eventually became the kind of strong Christian woman I kept hoping to see. Quillan started out dark and brooding, and he stayed that way to the end. Except for his occasional memories of his childhood and his thoughts of admiration and caring for an old miner, the insight into his past and him as a man came through the other characters. And finally, Berkley Beck. His actions fit his personality and the story well. Full of secrets hidden beneath a façade of respectability and smooth etiquette, he kept me guessing as to his true motives for a good portion of the book.<br /><br />Although I enjoyed the story and found myself rejoicing and hurting along with the characters, I was disappointed by the ending. I love happy endings, but the end of this book if far from happy. There is a glimmer of hope that things will improve in book two of the Diamond of the Rockies series, but I still feel a little disappointed that <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rose Legacy</span> ended the way it did.<br /><br />If you’re looking for a good historical novel that does an amazing job of bringing an 1880 mining town to life and shows characters realistically struggling with their faith, I suggest reading <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rose Legacy</span>. But be prepared to read the next book in the series. The end of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rose Legacy</span> leaves readers hanging and wondering how things turn out for Carina.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based solely on the contents of this book and my experience reading it.E.A. Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972444782739795115noreply@blogger.com0