tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50277059156676272392024-03-05T03:24:05.196-05:00Kristen TaberOfficial page of Young Adult Fantasy Author Kristen TaberKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-26296892606238969032020-02-07T17:29:00.000-05:002020-02-07T17:29:12.586-05:00A Thought on Black History Month 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oWft8DI3lPLqU6ADuBMZjz0Yv1rvC2BB7LNKaCvj6ggInhLg-TN0oGnNLcbsG8foJAlbDA6TLielrIQp2RYDB7FV4th9EvEvtKwO2YEyYGINttC2eJFfNinDQoG8bb-F-5cLNY3VS-wO/s1600/black+history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="690" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oWft8DI3lPLqU6ADuBMZjz0Yv1rvC2BB7LNKaCvj6ggInhLg-TN0oGnNLcbsG8foJAlbDA6TLielrIQp2RYDB7FV4th9EvEvtKwO2YEyYGINttC2eJFfNinDQoG8bb-F-5cLNY3VS-wO/s320/black+history.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has recently come to my attention that <i>The Shadow Guard</i> has been added to a reading list for Black History month because one of my main characters, Faughn, is black. While I appreciate the sentiment intended by including TSG on the list, and I applaud highlighting more inclusive role models in books (and believe me, we need a LOT more inclusivity in publishing), I would encourage anyone looking for reading material for Black History Month to seek out books that offer a better understanding of black history and/or are written by black authors. If you're curious what some of those might be, I've compiled a list of lists below (there are, of course, other excellent lists all over the Internet, so be sure to explore whatever resources you have available to you).</div>
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<br />Time Magazine's <a href="https://time.com/5157662/black-history-month-books-2018/">"9 Books to Read for Black History Month, According to Scholars"</a></div>
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Black Enterprise's <a href="https://www.blackenterprise.com/best-black-books-black-history-month/">"18 Best Black Books of All Time for Black History Month"</a> </div>
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Kirkus Review's <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/8-stellar-picture-books-for-black-history-month-20/">"8 Stellar Picture Books for Black History Month 2020"</a></div>
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PBS's <a href="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/black-history-month-books-for-kids">"Black History Month Books for Kids"</a></div>
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Today Show's <a href="https://www.today.com/popculture/12-best-black-history-month-books-2019-t147914">"15 Best Black History Month Books"</a></div>
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Also, many public libraries have extensive free programs this month for people to become involved with reading and discussing books for Black History Month and learning more about black history. Please be sure to check those out in your local community! </div>
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For those who want more information on why this month is so important, visit the <a href="https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/">African American History Month</a> site. There's a wealth of historical information here, as well as additional resources for further reading and research.</div>
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If you have other learning or book recommendations, please feel free to add them in the comments.</div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-90554092839669271202019-08-27T16:19:00.001-04:002019-08-27T19:26:07.444-04:00Surprise! There's a 6th BookBelieve me, there's no one more surprised than me by this news.<br />
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Æerenden was done. Finito. Complete. Truly. I'd said goodbye to everyone. Mourned them, actually, since I've spent more than half my life with Meg in my head.<br />
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Then...<br />
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Well, I'm not entirely certain what happened. Meaghan and Nick are still gone. They're raising kids, leading a kingdom, being boring at the moment (because that's what they like). I'd tell you about it, but I can't seem to get into the castle.<br />
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Which brings me to the short story I decided to put together for my newsletter subscribers (something I will still owe everyone, it seems). Caide's been begging me to share what happened to him between the second-to-last and last chapter in the 5th book of the series, so I figured, "Why not?"<br />
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I started writing it. I had an outline. Then someone tried to assassinate Faillen and the whole thing took a left turn. Almost 80k words later, I have a 6th book (5.5? 5.9? Ugh. I have no idea how to number this one).<br />
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Why am I surprised? I plotted one book in the beginning, not a series, so a short story turning into a novel should've been on my radar. My characters have control issues. And no respect for following guidelines.<br />
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Cal shows up in this one. May, too. Faillen and Caide (of course), and Emma, plus a lot of new faces. We finally (finally!) get to meet the leaders of the other tribes and dive into Zeiihbu.<br />
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This book will break your heart a little. And make you cheer. It will make you happy, and think, and sigh. Really, you'll love this one.<br />
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Now to figure out when and how to release it. I need to save for editing and cover art. In the meantime, if anyone wants to beta read, send me a message on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kristentaberauthor">FB</a>.<br />
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As always, all my love,<br />
K<br />
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p.s. Faughn really wants a book too, so this time, I'm not going to claim it's the last. I *think* there's going to be an Oceiania book sometime in the future<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-56478247358199935612019-04-01T12:39:00.001-04:002019-04-01T12:39:47.329-04:005 Affirmations for Writers<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a list of encouragement for those who, like me, don’t write a book a month. For those who feel discouraged because they can’t find the time to put in an hour a day or even a sentence every few days, who don’t have awards or accolades or agents. (And maybe this is for those who do if they need to hear it)</div>
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This is for those who may be disorganized, who have busy lives with kids or extended families who need care. This is for the single parents, for the parents who manage the household by themselves because their partners travel, and for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life's duties. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is for those who have medical challenges, for those who juggle multiple jobs or have little support, who go to bed at midnight and get up at 5am just to fit their obligations into the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is for those struggling with depression or anxiety or other mental illnesses and learning challenges that make words and ideas vaporize when they're needed most. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />This is for everyone I’ve mentioned and those I haven’t who are passionate about what they write, even if at this point in their lives writing cannot be their first priority. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />This is a list for encouragement because if you dream about words and stories, you are a writer, and I don’t want you to forget or give up.</div>
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<br />Hang this list on your mirror and repeat it every day until you believe it. I’ll be doing the same.</div>
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<b>5 Affirmations for Writers</b></div>
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<b>1. Each day, I am doing my best</b><br />Some days my writing will flow like a swollen river. Some days it will trickle, and some days, I may not write at all. Every day will be different. I may not always be able to control them, but as long as I do my best, I will achieve my goals.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>2. Writing is not a race<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Every author's story is unique. If someone else finishes five books or ten in the time it takes me to finish one, their accomplishments do not take away from mine. Every story will be told in its own time. It isn’t milk; it doesn’t have an expiration date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3.</b> <b>Single words make sentences<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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No one can write a sentence without words, a paragraph without sentences, or a book without paragraphs. If I have only one minute to write a week, I will take it and be proud. Every word I write brings me closer to finishing my story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Passion is perseverance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Blank pages will eventually yield to words if I refuse to yield to the blank pages. After all, passion is not created by good moments; it’s forged by weathering seemingly impossible ones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. I will compare myself to no one<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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My life is distinct, filled with experiences that have shaped a voice equally distinct. Rather than expect my voice to echo someone else's accomplishments, I will use it to tell MY stories. Only then will I truly understand success.</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-16210238386315982582018-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-22T08:00:00.160-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9BQikZd4bchvlnFCQFlKDNDHqq3UkKqXxOPx9GhyX_i93dig_YVr2xqYWHNxyRCaohTukfUgkzfY7EclwuQGyZCMYu7ivUbQ-43uUxcvpAEezl-anBAuq9n-S-6vGQfMZYIvV1BbNZsn/s1600/Heart+of+Destiny+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9BQikZd4bchvlnFCQFlKDNDHqq3UkKqXxOPx9GhyX_i93dig_YVr2xqYWHNxyRCaohTukfUgkzfY7EclwuQGyZCMYu7ivUbQ-43uUxcvpAEezl-anBAuq9n-S-6vGQfMZYIvV1BbNZsn/s320/Heart+of+Destiny+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our tenth and final book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Heart of Destiny </i>by Susan Faw.<br />
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kidnapped by dragons, ten young women devise plans to bring down a magical barrier before an evil emperor can stop them. The fight for freedom and the ultimate control of all magic has begun. Love dragons, genies, and heroic women? Then grab this series starter for free!</span></span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Get your free ebook download <a href="http://bit.ly/2rQu0Tq">here</a> and thank you for joining us for our special holiday giveaway!<br />
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Did you find any new favorite books during these last ten days? If so, share which ones in a comment below.<br />
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Happy Holidays, everyone!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-55585944401555929552018-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-21T08:00:01.717-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GPp20CkX6nS3q6iNiH81GAnv0DbDJnqn1oFNSIoXFRBGct_Z6A1hHIUZwEw1n7bUrXp-z4Zc4cm20RuABkLgKLqE9ArfN7IR2831oSJRKME20BY8V4_Q_njdpLafBC4299hgIdf7TB5H/s1600/The+Witchling+Apprentice+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GPp20CkX6nS3q6iNiH81GAnv0DbDJnqn1oFNSIoXFRBGct_Z6A1hHIUZwEw1n7bUrXp-z4Zc4cm20RuABkLgKLqE9ArfN7IR2831oSJRKME20BY8V4_Q_njdpLafBC4299hgIdf7TB5H/s320/The+Witchling+Apprentice+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our ninth book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>The Witchling Apprentice </i>by B. Kristin McMichael.<br />
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Witches, potions, and magical spells—that all made sense, but men turning into animal-like monsters in the middle of the night? That had to be fiction, right? Wrong. Cassandra Booth thought her world of witches would be complete when she joined her coven. Fate didn’t plan to let that be the case for her. Joining the coven brings new knowledge, like mates and men as animals, all things Cassie would rather not know. As her plans unravel she must find a way to join the coven without committing her life to a guy she once was friends with and now hates.</span></span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Get your free ebook download <a href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/sNlGmv5A?fbclid=IwAR3acZ1OiXaMuSsN5fiT3n7CNISS4zgs8xBtCKlgqhocaBw3dlN5VUVSHu8" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 10 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-14070682879312798882018-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-20T08:00:01.252-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcOePtbQBf0Ib7269HPpaS3e5434Aln8ZNMzFWFXa45iKtMAT0gcn71UMMA75jycxIUs0CeReDoycrzAEmRB0S0BPGfY8ukUgXAw581itiy2y8fM9vTMhFDrF6ZNnWxI18-349gPGJ-BM/s1600/Rogue+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcOePtbQBf0Ib7269HPpaS3e5434Aln8ZNMzFWFXa45iKtMAT0gcn71UMMA75jycxIUs0CeReDoycrzAEmRB0S0BPGfY8ukUgXAw581itiy2y8fM9vTMhFDrF6ZNnWxI18-349gPGJ-BM/s320/Rogue+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our eighth book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Rogue </i>by Bree M. Lewandowski.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>War was imminent. It was only a matter of time before it reached her lands. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Rubiconds were marching to attack Meridionalis which would only end in a battle of bloodshed and lives lost, but after receiving a letter from the father she had never known, Abra Arendel sets off on a quest to meet the only parent she has left. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>While on her journey, an unfortunate incident leaves her fatally wounded and left for dead. Regaining consciousness, she finds herself in a bathhouse where she meets a charismatic smuggler named Saya. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Needing to blend in among the wealthy to sell ill-gotten gains, Saya proposes a scheme for he and Abra that will benefit them both. But the plan goes sour when passions ignite and vengeance rears its beautiful head. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Desperate to reverse a spell cast on him suddenly, Saya reaches out to Kohl, the one person in the Court of the Rising Sun that he knew could help. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Tensions are high and so are the stakes in this fantastic tale of love, loyalty, and fate. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The saga continues with Rogue!</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Get your free ebook download <a href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/ZcNbFZUC" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 9 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-83930895155240542932018-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-19T08:00:00.626-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcRNbwVKO5RgOszxZdeKHrq2TWHk2XDp-Q0aa1HzJ_2Af283dKyF4O2gs9FkyoTv7gwXsXlgW8s6UxIsgiO6QvIQ-0PF6L32vqJNl3wtioFEcU1of-0Gnyc4ClG7UFr2KceJ_JWi7cFUt/s1600/Trailer+Get+Your+Kicks+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcRNbwVKO5RgOszxZdeKHrq2TWHk2XDp-Q0aa1HzJ_2Af283dKyF4O2gs9FkyoTv7gwXsXlgW8s6UxIsgiO6QvIQ-0PF6L32vqJNl3wtioFEcU1of-0Gnyc4ClG7UFr2KceJ_JWi7cFUt/s320/Trailer+Get+Your+Kicks+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our seventh book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Trailer, Get Your Kicks </i>by Karen Musser Nortman.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Lynne McBriar swore her vintage trailer would stay in a museum where it would be safe from further time travel. But when a museum in Texas wants to borrow it, she determines that she must deliver it herself. Her husband Kurt convinces her to take it along Route 66 for research he is doing. What starts out as a family vacation soon turns deadly. Travel can be dangerous any time, but when your trip involves the Time Travel Trailer, who knows where (or when) you will end up? The family encounters early restaurants and motels along the Mother Road and even runs into a little romance.</i></span></span></div>
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Get your free ebook download <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077LHF4NC?fbclid=IwAR2bl-pgAv9rYdydYSrv1Zm5zYtspWWeaiiUaeFQnb9l-W-olsFLYQ2JpSE" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 8 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-50161641550168598502018-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-18T09:23:18.491-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWpx61klyLhtzbpXslG0puBTDBdqTklzic89MgqB8pP_9bW58ozme0PXb82e4e4262UZkzNEjman1LSM9wxP1RI_lFtU4IPWx25o044aTHsMI1ULPXES5vNXYd745JdYDmqO7wg-thlm3/s1600/The+Child+Returns+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWpx61klyLhtzbpXslG0puBTDBdqTklzic89MgqB8pP_9bW58ozme0PXb82e4e4262UZkzNEjman1LSM9wxP1RI_lFtU4IPWx25o044aTHsMI1ULPXES5vNXYd745JdYDmqO7wg-thlm3/s320/The+Child+Returns+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our sixth book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Ærenden</i></span><i>: The Child Returns </i>by Kristen Taber. <i>Wait, what? Mine? </i>Yup, mine. You didn't really think I'd let the holidays go by without giving you a chance to nab the first book in my award-winning and highly-rated series for free did you? What type of friend would that make me? Geez.<br />
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If you've already read it, remember that you can tell friends about the freebie (or gift books; it is the holidays, after all). And for those of you who haven't read the book yet, the blurb is below.<br />
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Murder. Monsters. Magic. To Meaghan, these words belong in newspaper articles and children's stories, not her carefully planned life. Until the day she and her friend Nick witness her parents' brutal demise at the hands of red-eyed creatures. They flee into the wilderness where Nick tells her the creatures, known as Mardróch, came from another world to kill her. He gives her a choice</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">—</span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">face the Mardróch alone or escape through a portal into a distant kingdom.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It isn't much of a choice. </span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ærenden is a land more beautiful and sinister than Meaghan could have imagined. Vines attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Soldiers create bombs from the air. Even Meaghan's newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control. </span></i></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">But control becomes the least of her worries when she learns the truth behind the kingdom's fifteen-year civil war—a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
Be sure to grab your copy <a href="http://amzn.to/1eSIIuf?fbclid=IwAR3cVwNSKUoqaYq_10ZiWxPzhR3ntPbe5mm0ELqcojvHtjgyrHlKd3ZjBe4">here</a> before it disappears and come back tomorrow for our Day 8 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-4234326275418306572018-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-17T08:00:00.300-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4zqqK5xK68GlEVCZeJ5Ws7PMICgbSTbM_yXzB-N6reKMAvMhFjRYkQQfnbmSQiFfSYLmCnHrF8evqoqL9O0Keyy0LDgMEhp7l19mJge8QQRJ_n8uFJPu4K4nbhvq8ohNgmHKCmKptbF5/s1600/Asper+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4zqqK5xK68GlEVCZeJ5Ws7PMICgbSTbM_yXzB-N6reKMAvMhFjRYkQQfnbmSQiFfSYLmCnHrF8evqoqL9O0Keyy0LDgMEhp7l19mJge8QQRJ_n8uFJPu4K4nbhvq8ohNgmHKCmKptbF5/s320/Asper+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our fifth book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Asper </i>by Rhonda Smiley.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>16-year-old Milla loses everything in an instant—her family, her home, her life as she knows it—over a sacred scroll that can merge her realm of Asper with Earth. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ignited by grief, she sets out for vengeance but quickly discovers she’s no match for the murderous queen who has usurped the power of sorcerers before her. A queen who will stop at nothing to rule both worlds.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Undeterred, Milla takes a forgotten portal to Earth so she can master her craft without being hunted, and return for the kill. While there, she bonds with 17-year-old Parker who believes in her and her unfathomable stories when no one else does.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>But when a spell her father cast to bury her memories begins to wane, Milla glimpses into a past she doesn’t recognize. A past so unthinkable, it derails her future. Secrets and lies, love and hate, friends and foes—the lines are blurred, and she’s left questioning everything.</i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>What is right? Or wrong? Good? Or evil?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>And more importantly, what is she?</i></span></div>
<br />
Get your free ebook download <a href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/IHMnUcQd?fbclid=IwAR0LfdTuk3gl2-wCydRVvqZNPSwVkkRcmSDYlNzncbmFwUDVpi9cfMXcv8I" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 6 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-55414124646864727952018-12-16T08:00:00.001-05:002018-12-16T15:08:07.271-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3L5TpaxbtC3g7XD8VHbf6d4j9FKWtZr2woy56IZMzJUfvBBzfqPxpM5XLZPmNSkaTh3KV-0i2Sc-6jsk-m4u_oSOMXal_isGbvjVOq9436-LlFLdWLXmQsK1MG1LFZ9aysPymAnwuR9V/s1600/Dragon+Scale+Prophecies+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3L5TpaxbtC3g7XD8VHbf6d4j9FKWtZr2woy56IZMzJUfvBBzfqPxpM5XLZPmNSkaTh3KV-0i2Sc-6jsk-m4u_oSOMXal_isGbvjVOq9436-LlFLdWLXmQsK1MG1LFZ9aysPymAnwuR9V/s320/Dragon+Scale+Prophecies+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our fourth book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Dragon Scale Prophecies: Truth </i>by Kelsey Norton.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Alina, a Red Mystic, is the first of her kind. She struggles
to see her place in the world as a Mystic without magic. Will she figure out
her true purpose while navigating the last year of her schooling? Wolves in the
woods are the least of Alina's worries as she is partnered with the boy she has
fancied for years. Join Alina on the unknown journey to discover who she truly
is and the truth about her power.</i></span></div>
<br />
Get your free ebook download <a href="https://bit.ly/2UQmOUo" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 5 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-68172628560659593842018-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-15T08:00:03.834-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0RQkmy2qRzXoajBY9fi71b5cGII0mIwNICecYX9GQyrYmNfaGdpR1cpphlyzctlp42cUaxn0v-W6tLB6Qcd9GG93_P9LCsO_i0YfKRoDU8ekBsWZrtJ1PEEJGHOIRxuoVxc5VtjK6CfM/s1600/Memory+of+War+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0RQkmy2qRzXoajBY9fi71b5cGII0mIwNICecYX9GQyrYmNfaGdpR1cpphlyzctlp42cUaxn0v-W6tLB6Qcd9GG93_P9LCsO_i0YfKRoDU8ekBsWZrtJ1PEEJGHOIRxuoVxc5VtjK6CfM/s320/Memory+of+War+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our third book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Memory of War </i>by M. Lynn.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Marcus Renauld gained the crown in the middle of a battlefield as he watched his father be cut down. He wasn’t the son others in the kingdom thought should rule in a time of war, but he was the one his father had chosen. And he wasn’t going to let him down.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Standing amongst the blood and horror of his crowning day, Marcus finds the one thing that gives him hope. The one thing that strengthens his will.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>A girl with fire-kissed hair and more skill with a blade and bow than any of his soldiers. Only, she was the enemy. An enemy with information and secrets and eyes that told it all.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Marissa Kane wasn’t only there to change his life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>She was going to alter the fate of Dreach-Sciene.</i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>If she wasn’t too late.</i></span></div>
<br />
Get your free ebook download <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/49fr9qzs2a?fbclid=IwAR1gIIQk0-slrVll7niCcGoWn-CPXP1q89BbMyS5bKi1hMZtZQF-21Xo4H8" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 4 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-31973260886912213402018-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-14T08:00:00.295-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLZViiyr3v4pZswskGgcwgA61KmoPSHuP8OY6eHq9MkSMzpBmS6Mh-0YjXcqqu0poEd-jbt9enor49ZX7ThBeQ3HYsN-u_PHOsOtJLnBUB8dgv9oJDqBmL2SWFqUdPlredUAHRgC6zHpw/s1600/Struck+by+Eros+Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLZViiyr3v4pZswskGgcwgA61KmoPSHuP8OY6eHq9MkSMzpBmS6Mh-0YjXcqqu0poEd-jbt9enor49ZX7ThBeQ3HYsN-u_PHOsOtJLnBUB8dgv9oJDqBmL2SWFqUdPlredUAHRgC6zHpw/s320/Struck+by+Eros+Facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our second book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Struck by Eros </i>by Jenn Windrow.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Cupid's aim sucks worse than his craptacular curse.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>After a lifetime of dating losers, Noel Chase thinks she’s found love with college professor Len Holder. Safe. Reliable. Certain to never break her heart, love.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>But Cupid has other plans and another man in mind for her. Grayson Adler. Gorgeous. Greek. And an exact replica of the man whores of her past.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>No matter what the chubby cherub thinks, Noel knows Grayson is Mr. Wrong with a capital “W.” Now she just has to convince Cupid.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>When Cupid matches Len with another woman, Noel must make an excruciating decision. Defy Cupid and keep Len for herself or succumb to her fate and trust that Cupid really does know best.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Based on the Greek myth of Apollo and Daphne, this paranormal romance has plenty of sex, snark, and supernatural sizzle.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Get your free ebook download <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKZY1FH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TjUdCb5EKFQ62?fbclid=IwAR3kLhmTzPjXRffPb-4_jn0or1EVve9jNrVlKQIRy0P_tPZZqI-yUOTGV4Y" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 3 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-33755397143569092018-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-13T08:00:02.016-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway DAY 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMF3k1SI5WKhI9_p51TeZKg8bRHY4-XzMs1wnnhOL-dlCRacmnTNXwmBYMNpQkTuVJH-bIdoFo0SSPI1pnMebWzW4-4lPXcq7LwnkU5UJG3E7axc6Pfxf0eViGg5_Nc5spx65GBtzWh_I/s1600/Bound+By+a+Dragon+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMF3k1SI5WKhI9_p51TeZKg8bRHY4-XzMs1wnnhOL-dlCRacmnTNXwmBYMNpQkTuVJH-bIdoFo0SSPI1pnMebWzW4-4lPXcq7LwnkU5UJG3E7axc6Pfxf0eViGg5_Nc5spx65GBtzWh_I/s320/Bound+By+a+Dragon+FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first book in the 10 Days of Christmas Giveaway is <i>Bound by a Dragon </i>by Linda K. Hopkins.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Keira and her mother disagree over what makes a good
husband, but prospects in her village are slim. So when Aaron Drake arrives in
the village and sets his sights on her, she cannot help but be interested. It's
not just his handsome looks or easy confidence that captures her attention, but
rather an air of otherness. Something that sets him apart.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But Aaron is not the only new arrival. A fire-breathing
dragon has taken up residence in the surrounding mountains, and the villagers
are certain that it is just a matter of time before the creature destroys them
all. They will discover, however, that danger often comes in a simpler guise,
and Keira soon finds herself caught up in events that will completely change
the course of her life, placing her on a path fraught with danger and intrigue.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But sometimes the greatest challenges we face are those that
come from within, and Keira has to decide if she can pay the price that love
demands.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
Get your free ebook download <a href="http://bookhip.com/VPMDVV?fbclid=IwAR0SKD-weiVsv8AiseDLOfZoFxbRyiVBxb-AxUJcLtY1iq0_TSHGjY-Vhl8" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to come back tomorrow for our Day 2 book giveaway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-26003733806805597172018-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:002018-12-13T07:09:20.028-05:0010 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGEaA1RoJmcQfrXMX_vqU3GIzcgAMcZTjMeW4-x6Xh4kelfSMyWpusU-NKaVmifSV4nOxPBmbeP1AZdxlvEpgMHFZ6o_bFLkokYLXy5A1c8wEEMepctg7aZKyv4K2UnuGZpSe8pqnp2PE/s1600/Books+Books+FaceBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGEaA1RoJmcQfrXMX_vqU3GIzcgAMcZTjMeW4-x6Xh4kelfSMyWpusU-NKaVmifSV4nOxPBmbeP1AZdxlvEpgMHFZ6o_bFLkokYLXy5A1c8wEEMepctg7aZKyv4K2UnuGZpSe8pqnp2PE/s320/Books+Books+FaceBook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<br />
As a gift to my readers this year, I'm participating in a 10 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway.<br />
<br />
10 Authors.<br />
<br />
10 eBooks.<br />
<br />
All free for a limited time.<br />
<br />
A new book will be announced every day starting December 13, so check back often (I'll be posting on FB, IG, Twitter and, of course, here) and grab the titles while you can. Some will only be free for a single day.<br />
<br />
Give them as gifts. Buy them for yourself. Do both! That's a brand new book for almost every month of 2019. Definitely a great start to the New Year.<br />
<br />
Be sure to come back tomorrow to discover your first holiday gift!<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-44438957959925808662018-09-27T09:33:00.000-04:002018-09-27T09:33:25.948-04:00To Be Continued... (as it turns out)<div>
After reading The Shadow Guard, a beta reader told me one of her biggest regrets for the story was that she didn't get to see how a certain (unnamed to avoid spoilers) couple got together.</div>
<div>
Of course, if you've read TSG, you know who I mean. They're shown together in the last scene, but their full romance story rightfully didn't fit in this book. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still, my beta's comment has pestered me on my regular runs since the book's release in March. I waved it off for a while. Then it began to bring friends, reinforcements really, as I'm fairly certain this has been a coordinated attack... Who are the other Zeiihbuan tribal leaders? What happened to Caide between the pivotal scene in the book and the end? Where does Cal play in this redemption journey? How is Faillen settling into his new leadership role (especially with the disorder hinted at in the beginning of TSG)? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Honestly, when I finished TSG, I didn't think there was much of a story in the in-between months mentioned but never shown.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My characters disagreed. And as any author knows, sometimes there's no point in arguing with characters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Especially when they use sleep deprivation as a manipulation tool. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So let this serve as my official announcement. As of now, I am writing a short story set in Zeiihbu. If all goes well, you should see it sometime in the next six months.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One catch though: It will go out to my mailing list subscribers first (and maybe only). So if you want it, get on the list. It's on the left-hand side of my website (and if you're reading this, you're on my website).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, off to writing! And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-49948756576256502662018-09-22T09:16:00.002-04:002018-09-22T09:35:51.578-04:00Eat Local, Read LocalSaturday, September 29, 2018, I'll be signing all five books in the Aerenden series at the "Eat Local, Read Local" festival in Sterling, Virginia (a suburb of Washington D.C.).<br />
<br />
70+ local authors and food vendors will be participating in the event, with activities for kids and families, music, and book readings.<br />
<br />
If you already own copies of the Aerenden books, bring them to the event, and I'll sign them. While you're there, check out other fantastic local authors.<br />
<br />
For more information, see the official Library event page here: <a href="https://library.loudoun.gov/news-events/eat-local-read-local">https://library.loudoun.gov/news-events/eat-local-read-local</a><br />
<br />
See you next weekend!<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-87589271375464465472018-08-10T08:12:00.000-04:002018-08-10T08:12:44.046-04:00The Big Book Giveaway (a kindness birthday present to 42 people)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is my birthday and the last day of my <a href="http://www.kristentaber.com/2018/06/42-acts-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">42 Random Acts of Kindness</a> project. I've left a box of 42 books in the suburbs of DC for people to take and read on their commutes. Each of these books or authors have been favorites for me, for members of my family, or for close friends. The books and the reasons they were included are listed below. Links have been provided when I could find them.<br />
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For those who did not come to my blog by way of one of these books, I included the following message within each of the 42 books:<br />
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<i>Books aren't just words on paper we hold between our hands or digital sentences on a screen. They aren't static and lifeless. They weave tapestries in our minds, our hearts, and our souls. They change our fabric if we allow it, and sometimes they make us better people. They connect us to new worlds, new viewpoints, new experiences and, I hope, to each other. May your day be beautiful, kind, and full of love. May your mind be open to everything life has to offer. May you enjoy these books as much as I have.</i><br />
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<b>Children's Books</b><br />
1. <a href="https://amzn.to/2MvK0Tm" target="_blank">Piko Panda Learns Color by Jamie Elder and Kathy Wilburn (illustrator)</a><br />
My eldest's favorite animal has been a Panda bear since soon after she could talk. I included this stuffed book for a child who loves pandas as much as my daughter.<br />
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2. <a href="http://bit.ly/2KD1V90" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh: Roo's Big Adventure by A. A. Milne </a><br />
As a little bean not much older than my eldest daughter, I received a set of Winnie the Pooh books from my great-grandfather. I read them until the spines broke and the pages turned brown on the edges. This book is included to honor him.<br />
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3. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Mc5ZC2" target="_blank">Mommy! Mommy! by Taro Gomi</a><br />
Beautiful artwork that my girls loved to look at on a daily basis.<br />
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4. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MuZxD2" target="_blank">My World by Margaret Wise Brown</a><br />
We are a household that has more books than anything else (games, movies, etc.) combined. We have read thousands of books with our kids in their lifetimes, yet for bedtime when they were younger, they stuck with a handful of favorites. Some we read so often we memorized them. This book (along with Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon) was one of those habitual reads.<br />
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5. <a href="http://bit.ly/2KF7BiL" target="_blank">Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)</a><br />
The Little Blue Truck books have been favorites in our house for years (and still are), so I had to get a copy to share. <span style="background-color: white; color: #21282d; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.185px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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6. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MuzA6F" target="_blank">One Fish Two Fish by Dr. Seuss</a><br />
Another favorite in our house, and a favorite of mine from my childhood.<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2KDz44k" target="_blank"><br /></a> 7. <a href="http://bit.ly/2KDz44k" target="_blank">If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond (illustrator)</a><br />
This series is excellent for teaching beginner logic, plus the kids find the characters' antics hilarious. I've included this particular book because my daughter will be starting school this year and school-themed books have given her comfort in facing the unknown.<br />
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8. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MxzNWv" target="_blank">If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond (illustrator)</a><br />
Another from the "If you . . ." series that my kids love so much. This one has dogs and donuts, two of their favorite things (like most kids their ages).<br />
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9. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MwJ6pI" target="_blank">If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond (illustrator)</a><br />
My kids talk incessantly about birthday parties, plus a pig in a dress is apparently the cutest thing ever. It's easy to see why this is one of their favorite books.<br />
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10. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mtgxti" target="_blank">Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus</a><a href="http://bit.ly/2Mtgxti" target="_blank"> by Mo Willems</a><br />
Mo Willems, I mean really, what else can I saw? Pigeon, Piggie and Elephant (Gerald)--they're adorable, awesome, entertaining, and even I love reading those books over and over again. Two thumbs up from everyone in the household.<br />
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11. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MwOs4y" target="_blank">Best Friends for Frances by Russell Hoban and Lillian Hoban (illustrator)</a><br />
One of my childhood favorite reads. Whenever we got the chance to go to the library, I headed for the Frances books first.<br />
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12. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MdvnXT" target="_blank">National Geographic Jump, Pup! by Susan B. Neuman</a><br />
My kids insisted this one had to be in the box. What kid doesn't like puppies? (Truly, my kids are only now starting to warm up to dogs, which they have decided are massive balls of fur with giant teeth, but puppies are something entirely different apparently)<br />
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13. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mw42ND" target="_blank">Counting Kisses by Karen Katz</a><br />
My girls have always been huge fans of Karen Katz's lift-the-flap books. At one point, I think we owned every title available (some with a lot of Scotch tape or missing flaps, but that's another tale for a different day!). This book, in particular, was a huge hit when they were younger. Acting out the kisses became a nighttime ritual for at least six months for each of them. We hope another family enjoys it as much as we did.<br />
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14. <a href="http://bit.ly/2OWm4u4" target="_blank">Paw Patrol: Chase is on the Case by Carolyn Hay and Fabrizio Petrossi (illustrator)</a><br />
Every generation has that one favorite cartoon that becomes their everything, where they have to ask Santa for every toy made, they dress as the characters for Halloween, and every birthday is decorated for that show. For me, it was Strawberry Shortcake. For my kids, it's Paw Patrol. And for the parents who chose this book, whose kids also can't get enough of the stickers at the back of the book--you're welcome!<br />
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15. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MrKKsH" target="_blank">Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean</a><br />
The funny, rocking, rhyming, precocious cat Pete had to make the cut because seriously, even <i>I</i> own a Pete the Cat raglan shirt. For White Shoes, we made up a tune and sing the book instead of reading it. Try it! It's fun :).<br />
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16. <a href="http://bit.ly/2M74rcD" target="_blank">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, John Archambault, and Louis Ehlert (illustrator)</a><br />
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<i>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom will there be enough room?</i> I could recite this one in my sleep (and probably have more than once). Catchy, fun, and a great way for little kids to learn their alphabet. My kids still love reading our copy.<br />
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17. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MaQmL8" target="_blank">Further Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter</a><br />
My children haven't quite gotten the same love of Peter Rabbit as I had as a child, but the books were some of my favorite reads (along with Little House on the Prarie and Winnie the Pooh) during the summers we stayed at my great-grandfather's rustic cabin in Maine. There's nothing quite like imagining that the rabbits hopping along the lake are friends with the animals I read about in my book.<br />
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18. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Mwqt5t" target="_blank">Meteor by Patricia Polacco</a><br />
My friend Shawn asked that I include one of Patricia Polacco's books in my giveaway box. Shawn is a big fan and expressed that Ms. Polacco is an "amazing author of books for elementary-aged children." Her books "tell the human experience in ways that children can understand and appreciate. In addition to this, Polacco's stories include many of her life experiences and the experiences of her loved ones. I have never read a Patricia Polacco book that didn't leave me better for it."<br />
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19. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MxFJyO" target="_blank">How Many Days to America by Eve Bunting and Beth Peck (illustrator)</a><br />
My friend, Shawn, is a teacher in metro Atlanta. She recommended this book for the box because it's a powerful story about hope, and it's especially poignant at a time in history when asylum seekers and immigrants are misunderstood and maligned.<br />
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20. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MuQ0vQ" target="_blank">Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler (illustrator)</a><br />
Another great recommendation by Shawn. For late elementary students (grades 3-5), there are few authors better than Eve Bunting. This story of a homeless boy, his father, and their make-shift extended family who live in an airport is a favorite for Shawn's students.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Middle Grade/Young Adult Books</b><br />
21. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mv2mUI" target="_blank">The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner</a><br />
Gae Polisner is a fantastic writer of thought-provoking books and a beautiful human being. Definitely had to include one of her books in this box!<br />
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22. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MvLInK" target="_blank">Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson</a><br />
My friend Bekki asked me to include two books that made an impact on her. This is one of them. When I asked her why, she said, "Long before #metoo gained traction on social media and in our cultural experience, Speak became the book that helped many young people find a way to voice their experiences. The protagonist's struggle to find words for what happened to her is set across a backdrop of any town high school. One night changes everything. For anyone whose voice has been silenced, and for those of us who need to learn how to listen."<br />
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23. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MuYLGh" target="_blank">Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling and Kennilworthy Whisp</a><br />
J.K. Rowling. Of course. Abso-fricking-lutely of course. Harry Potter was the first book in a long time that I stayed up all night to finish. There's a reason this imaginary world owns so many hearts, even so long after being published.<br />
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24. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mriu9E" target="_blank">The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander</a><br />
Shawn, who I got to know better because she beta read my first fantasy book as part of my sister's book club, recommended this young adult fantasy for the box. As a child, she says she never enjoyed fantasy books. They didn't hold her interest. When she graduated from college and moved to metro-Atlanta, she met a co-worker who became a quick friend. The co-worker asked her if she had read this series. Shawn was uninterested, but because she respected her budding friendship, she gave the novel a shot. "I was glad I did!" she tells me. She found it to be a great series, and it helped her realize that as an adult, she loved fantasy novels. (Lucky for me!)<br />
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25. <a href="http://bit.ly/2KAtP5C" target="_blank">Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork</a><br />
This book is the second that Bekki asked me to include. In her words, "Marcelo, our narrator, is different. He has autism. His father is a successful lawyer and is done letting his teenage son hide in his special school, separate from the world. Marcelo and his father strike a deal. Marcelo must work at his father's law firm, and navigate the real world according to the rules of the real world for the summer, and then he can choose what school to attend his senior year. Alongside Marcelo, the reader struggles with navigating the unwritten rules of the world, then a picture turns it all upside down. This book is a coming of age story with a twist. A boy who lives in the binary--the yes or no, the good or bad, the black or white--becomes a man who understands nothing is one or the other. Marcelo in the Real World is a lovely book about perception, loss, and living life to its fullest. It will get under your skin when you least expect it."<br />
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26. <a href="http://bit.ly/2OUAdI5" target="_blank">The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater</a> and<br />
27. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mc9YhL" target="_blank">Blue Lily Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater</a><br />
Maggie Stiefvater is a wonderful author with a vivid imagination and an impressive gift for painting pictures with words. Plus, she's a fellow Virginian so I couldn't resist including her in the box (one book for each reason).<br />
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28. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Mw834I" target="_blank">The Child Returns</a><br />
Of course, this is my first published book. I'm not including it for that reason though, but because I now have so many wonderful friends in my life who I never would have met had I not published this series. Since I started the #42RandomActsOfKindness project partly as a way to count my blessings and remind myself of the gifts that matter in my life, it seemed fitting to include the book that brought so many unexpected blessings with it.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Adult Books</b><br />
29. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MdO51F" target="_blank">The Art of Charles M. Schulz by Charles M. Schulz</a><br />
When I met my husband half a lifetime ago, Peanuts was one of his favorite comic strips. Gifting him something from Peanuts has become an annual tradition in our relationship, so in the box, this goes.<br />
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30. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MwoIoT" target="_blank">The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien</a><br />
During high school, I had a summer job babysitting a 1-year-old while his mom worked. She bought her husband a copy of The Lord of the Rings for his birthday, so I read it every day while the little boy slept. Devoured it, actually. I fell in love with fantasy thanks to J.R.R. Tolkien.<br />
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31. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MvGGrm" target="_blank">Far Side Gallery by Gary Larson</a><br />
My husband's other favorite comic strip, and one of mine (alongside Pears Before Swine). These panels still crack me up when I read them.<br />
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32. <a href="http://bit.ly/2OZ33HF" target="_blank">Our Dumb Century by The Onion</a><br />
Growing up in Bangor (and outside of it in a small farming community), big cities terrified me until a few years after I moved to the DC area. I have since, of course, fallen in love with the convenience and culture. One of the first memories I have from shortly after I moved here was finding a little print paper called The Onion, a satirical mesh of political and social stories that had me laughing out loud on the trains as they rushed under the city streets. I looked forward to each new issue and every metro ride when I could grab a copy before taking the escalator underground.<br />
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33. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MvNGo8" target="_blank">America: Teacher's Edition by Jon Stewart, the Writers of the Daily Show, and David Javerbaum</a><br />
Love Jon Stewart, love the Daily Show, and love their ability to mix thoughtful messages with comedy.<br />
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34. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mtasx3" target="_blank">Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card</a><br />
I met one of my closest friends because I published my Aerenden series and donated copies of my books to a charity where she worked. I've included Ender's Game for her since it's one of her favorite books, and it reminds me of her every time I see it.<br />
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35. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KDwUSc" target="_blank">Night by Elie Wiesel</a><br />
A compelling look at a dark time in our history we should never, ever forget or we, as susceptible human beings, will repeat it.<br />
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36. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MiEcjy" target="_blank">The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane</a><br />
English class in high school posed a problem for me every year. While my fellow students complained about having to read the dusty, boring books from way before our time, I ducked my head over my desk and tried to avoid the conversations lest my classmates discover I was the oddball. I loved those books, every last "boring" word, the pictures they created, and the subtle questions they posed. Some I forgot about years after I graduated, but The Red Badge of Courage (and a handful of others) haunts me to this day.<br />
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37. <a href="http://bit.ly/2OUiKj2" target="_blank">The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell</a><br />
A thought-provoking, heart-in-your-throat book written with gorgeous imagery, an inventive new world, and engrossing characters. A recent find for me, and one of my favorite sci-fi books.<br />
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38. <a href="http://bit.ly/2MeCy2b" target="_blank">Dave Barry Hits Below the Beltway by Dave Barry</a><br />
Back when we read the paper every morning after it landed in our driveway (before the internet became commonplace for news), I lived in Florida and devoutly read Dave Barry's humor columns. From hot and humid Florida I moved to (not quite as) hot and humid Northern Virginia. This book hilariously connects my two life stops.<br />
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39. <a href="http://bit.ly/2ORXI4G" target="_blank">Misery by Stephen King</a><br />
I love Mr. King's writing, of course, but as a Mainer, this box would feel woefully incomplete without one of his books. Misery is a classic.<br />
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40. <a href="http://bit.ly/2Mdf7WT" target="_blank">The Ruby Knight by David Eddings</a><br />
As a teenager, before my first long plane ride, my mother took my sisters and me to the local bookstore and told us we could buy any book on the bargain table for the trip. I found this one and from that moment on, I was a fan. While The Lord of the Rings made me fall in love with fantasy, The Ruby Knight made me want to write it.<br />
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41. <a href="http://bit.ly/2ORI6yh" target="_blank">Voices of Ireland by Malachi McCourt</a><br />
My grandfather came from a line of Irish immigrants and loved all things Irish in respect to his heritage. Traveling to Ireland to connect with cousins, collect stories, and explore the land where his relatives had been born--and he always felt his heart belonged--became a source of stories for decades. As all things in his life ultimately were. He often said proper storytelling was of utmost importance. (Make 'em believe it or don't bother.) Last year, my grandfather moved on to spinning yarns with the angels. He was my inspiration, so I've included this book in his honor.<br />
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42. <a href="http://bit.ly/2OS13AK" target="_blank">Weird Hollywood by Joe Oesterle</a><br />
My favorite job to date was (unsurprisingly) working in an office in the back of a Barnes & Noble College Bookstore. The division I worked for treated their employees well, and the people I worked with were fun and loved books as much as I do. I worked there for seven years until I moved out of the state. In that time, they invited me to their annual shows (purchasing, showcases on upcoming books and trends, award events, etc.) whenever they took place close to where I worked. The first time I attended, a friend and co-worker tugged on my arm to accompany her to the author signing table. During the event, the company flew in authors to sign books for employees. "How much?" I naively asked. "What? They're freeeeee," my friend sang giddily. I went home with an armful of heaven. The first book I had signed? A title from the Weird series. So, of course, I had to include one today (sorry, not the signed one though!).<br />
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For everyone who selected a book from the box, I hope you enjoy it and pay the kindness forward. For the rest of you, I hope you check out these titles and authors and maybe find some new beloved reads. Now, off to celebrate my birthday!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-55100477206679943022018-07-10T10:48:00.001-04:002018-07-11T19:22:36.937-04:00SALE! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first four books in the Ærenden series are on <b>SALE!</b> There's never been a better time to join the adventure.<br />
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The Child Returns (Book 1) is FREE today (July 10) through July 14. Find TCR <a href="http://amzn.to/1eSIIuf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The Gildonae Alliance (Book 2) and The Zeiihbu Master (Book 3) are each 99c starting at 11am PST today through July 17. Find TGA <a href="http://amzn.to/1hLLELW" target="_blank">here</a> and TZM <a href="http://amzn.to/NHF7Hr" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The Reaper Rises (Book 4) will be 1.99 starting at 11am PST today through July 17. Find TRR <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985120088/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sad06-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0985120088&linkId=70e0754c22e7416f5890bfe5ac5277ad" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The Shadow Guard (Book 5) will not be on sale, but with this special, you can pick up the entire set of 5 books for $7.96. That's roughly $1.60 per book! Find TSG <a href="http://amzn.to/2ttiz7N" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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These specials are on Amazon Kindle books only.<br />
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And <b>please </b>remember to leave reviews on Amazon when you've finished reading. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon's algorithm recommends it.<br />
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Thanks and Happy Reading!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-43993530579214546222018-06-26T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-11T19:05:20.243-04:0042 Acts of Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL08g86Y6ruhefCKGuR0U6HWoMAcXiWA01sZ1NeSIV-bPfYw93KSxBsGyrX7XUiS7nKdkORlRXOCzSzg8dufB8xopq-jBd1PecyHNUUtkQ4g-eLQ7AzunWKztAPDKfqGHcgUBeiskdtP2X/s1600/mountains.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL08g86Y6ruhefCKGuR0U6HWoMAcXiWA01sZ1NeSIV-bPfYw93KSxBsGyrX7XUiS7nKdkORlRXOCzSzg8dufB8xopq-jBd1PecyHNUUtkQ4g-eLQ7AzunWKztAPDKfqGHcgUBeiskdtP2X/s320/mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Someone once gave me the advice that social media should never be a place of full honesty. Authors should engage with their audience, be approachable, but not expose their rough edges for fear of alienating readers.<br />
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Ultimately, everyone wants to be entertained, to forget about the world and its trials, and not be reminded of them by their favorite artists.<br />
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Whether it's good advice is questionable, but as depression has garnered more of the spotlight lately, and too many great artists are losing their fights to suicide, I find I can't maintain a happy-above-all persona with much grace.<br />
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Depression has long talons. Its grip digs and shreds. It drapes a veil across our eyes, casting the world in shadows. It sits on our shoulders as a chattering demon, drowning out the voices of those who care.<br />
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And when we refuse to acknowledge it, to speak of it because it might diminish others' opinions of us, we amplify its chattering.<br />
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Yes, we get help. Yes, we take medicine. But there are no magic therapists or special pills. For some of us, it's the way our brains are wired, and the fight is lifelong.<br />
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My first demon started whispering in my ear when I was 8. My first suicide attempt was shortly before my 11th birthday.<br />
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Some days are crystal clear, filled with rainbows and bird songs. But others are wrapped in storm clouds. I'm a fighter, and I'll keep fighting until I have no energy left for it. We all have struggles, and we all are stronger when we band together, when we lean on each other, when we have others who help us navigate the darkness.<br />
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I don't mention this now because I feel like vomiting dialogue, but because I have a purpose, and I need your help to fulfill it. The past few months have been dark again. Some of it's because of personal and family reasons, disappointments and diagnoses that have been hard to process. Some is because of politics--the constant news cycle of grief and violence and the resurgence of acceptable selfishness, racism, prejudice, and bigotry. And some is my depression not allowing me to see much light.<br />
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I can only fully control the latter.<br />
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I want to do more than just see the light. I want to BE it, even if I am only a tiny candle. I want to step outside the shadows and cast brightness into the world so that maybe others will see hope in the darkness.<br />
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To do this, I've decided to perform 42 random acts of kindness.<br />
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42, because on August 10, that will be my age. Every day until then, starting June 30, I'll perform one random act of kindness every day and post it on Twitter and a dedicated group page on Facebook. I'm asking everyone to help me by casting their lights into the world so our tiny candles can collectively make a beacon. I will NOT be posting my efforts here or on my Facebook author page. This isn't about my books or my writing, and I want to keep it that way. I want people to feel welcome to join in even if they aren't interested in reading the Ærenden series or following me in any form.<br />
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I just want these 42 days to make a difference.<br />
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So, here goes... find the official 42 Random Acts of Kindness group page here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/202862097088504">https://www.facebook.com/groups/202862097088504</a> and post your acts of kindness so others may be encouraged to do so. If you can only do one or a dozen, great. If you can do all 42, fantastic. Anything and everything matters.<br />
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Likewise (or if you're more comfortable, instead of), post on Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtag #42RandomActsOfKindness.<br />
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Thank you for letting me speak.<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-45372647647761087502018-03-26T15:30:00.000-04:002018-07-11T18:52:26.330-04:00Launch Party Co-Hosts Introduced!If you missed the announcement for The Shadow Guard's Release and Launch Party, you can find it <a href="http://www.kristentaber.com/2018/03/the-shadow-guard-is-almost-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Release day for the much-anticipated final book in the Aerenden series is <b>TOMORROW</b>, March 27, but this day isn't all about me, or Nick, Caide, and Meaghan. It's about having a good time with fellow readers, enjoying each other's company, and making new friends.<br />
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Some of the new friends I'd like to introduce you to are fellow authors. Each one will be co-hosting the party for an hour, introducing you to their writing, and giving away (yet even more) prizes. Be sure to check them out at the times below. All times are Eastern.<br />
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<b>3:00 PM - Alexandra Penn</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr6Ut4c8ApPBCrvybv1ympg6dscjXvQjCFUor6QVKewFXRQ4NIWngbptZUEUt5nR1_SlFPNOQlh3WeF_VXnACS6UxqhypwF2Ox7TzzAloGwE6g7ToTFWhIvfy_1708jPvEXDyMUagwEAq/s1600/Alex+Penn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr6Ut4c8ApPBCrvybv1ympg6dscjXvQjCFUor6QVKewFXRQ4NIWngbptZUEUt5nR1_SlFPNOQlh3WeF_VXnACS6UxqhypwF2Ox7TzzAloGwE6g7ToTFWhIvfy_1708jPvEXDyMUagwEAq/s200/Alex+Penn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
A fellow DC-Author, now transplanted to Iowa, Alexandra Penn writes fantasies that are influenced by her childhood adventures in the Smithsonian museums. Her current sci-fi/fantasy, about a 14-year-old who chooses to enroll in a Lunar University exchange program despite the risks, can be found as a serial on Patreon, in print on Barnes & Noble's website, and through her own website. Alex also serves as Director at The Writers' Rooms (<a href="http://www.thewritersrooms.org/">www.thewritersrooms.org</a>), an organization that aims to foster community-based knowledge and support for writers by creating virtual rooms related to their genres for congretation.<br />
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You can learn more about her at <a href="http://www.alexandrapenn.com/">www.alexandrapenn.com</a>.<br />
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<b>4:00 PM - Michael Koogler</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO-svnYgosojiCQ4syMt6YWhTbDzhD-4bwOi8L4gZsUyV5_KTmj7ncT-AiXaG2VCa3Y-2YuPhxyPH-K3wEmA8QJhvK1zdvITFKC0HoV4lSd27VldMi13uRAMqayOTMxAxJaxEWLdvspO8/s1600/Koogler.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="257" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO-svnYgosojiCQ4syMt6YWhTbDzhD-4bwOi8L4gZsUyV5_KTmj7ncT-AiXaG2VCa3Y-2YuPhxyPH-K3wEmA8QJhvK1zdvITFKC0HoV4lSd27VldMi13uRAMqayOTMxAxJaxEWLdvspO8/s200/Koogler.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Michael Koogler, a prolific author with 7 novels (plus 1 coming soon) and 2 anthologies available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, lives in Iowa with his wife and children. His highly regarded novels dip into science-fiction and cyber thrillers, as well as epic fantasy and apocalyptic adult genres.<br />
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You can find full descriptions and links for his books at <a href="https://www.michaelkoogler.net/books">https://www.michaelkoogler.net/books</a>.<br />
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<b>5:00 PM - Jenny Burke</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1sMGcM8zWGpRipyoWqRu3ga7dPNcbfQ-JH_zQyq5jEChQ8vFcZlqsKMrZbvyOcOhMDRgT9l7zgYlx-8YbNikzSxSX9P7KI6Gy4tbLbVEwcdp2OlrG9J40UW73gAH0gPHmbC4xWssqceS/s1600/Jenny+Burke+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="242" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1sMGcM8zWGpRipyoWqRu3ga7dPNcbfQ-JH_zQyq5jEChQ8vFcZlqsKMrZbvyOcOhMDRgT9l7zgYlx-8YbNikzSxSX9P7KI6Gy4tbLbVEwcdp2OlrG9J40UW73gAH0gPHmbC4xWssqceS/s200/Jenny+Burke+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Jenny Burke has earned numerous accolades and awards for her Dragon Dreamer Series, which she writes under the name J S Burke. These Amazon 5-star average YA sci-fi/fantasy adventures feature dragons and an undersea world, and they are rated for ages 9 and up. She also hand draws and publishes mandala coloring books and educational activity books for children, and she is a marine biologist in her spare time (as if she weren't impressive enough).</div>
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Read more about Jenny at <a href="http://www.jennysburke.com/">http://www.jennysburke.com/</a>.<br />
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<b>8:00 PM - Erin Casey</b><br />
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Erin Casey, a Communications and Student Relationships Manager at Iowa Writers' House (<a href="http://www.iowawritershouse.org/">http://www.iowawritershouse.org</a>) and a Director at The Writers' Room, creates urban fantasies and literary lessons on Patreon. Her current urban fantasy novella is called <i>The Purple Door District</i> and follows the lives, dangers, and adventures of werewolves, fae, vampires, witches, and other supernatural creatures with new characters popping up in each monthly installment.<br />
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Check her out on Patreon at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/erincasey">https://www.patreon.com/erincasey</a> and at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.wattpad.com/user/erincasey09&source=gmail&ust=1522185448434000&usg=AFQjCNGuB6EkwnOANENluB-ANS81p3WWRw" href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/erincasey09" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.wattpad.com/user/e<wbr></wbr>rincasey09</a>.<br />
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<b>Find them all at the Launch Party tomorrow on Facebook at <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1451839758257912/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1451839758257912/</a></span></b>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-56124386438510631122018-03-08T17:15:00.001-05:002018-07-11T18:52:03.090-04:00The Shadow Guard is almost here! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Shadow Guard, the final book in the Aerenden series, drops March 27. THIS MONTH! I am beyond excited and celebrating in a big way, hosting a party right up until release day and all day on the 27th.<br />
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Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1451839758257912/" target="_blank">Launch Party on Facebook here</a> to win prizes, meet new authors, and have fun with fellow readers. Prize giveaways take place all month long!<br />
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Amazon also has the kindle version of <a href="http://amzn.to/2tsW02V" target="_blank">The Shadow Guard available for pre-order TODAY</a><a href="http://amzn.to/2tsW02V" target="_blank"> here</a>. Pick up your copy now and it will be auto-delivered to your kindle on launch day.<br />
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I can't wait to share the final leg of this journey with you. Releasing this last book is bittersweet. I hate to say good-bye to my characters, but the adventure has been, well, epic :). I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I did.<br />
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Yours,<br />
Kristen<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-39508748301723916612017-09-13T12:14:00.002-04:002018-07-11T18:52:50.451-04:00FREE Kindle eBooks!Today and tomorrow (Sept 13 & 14, 2017), <a href="http://amzn.to/2h27bGD" target="_blank">Amazon</a> is offering Books 1, 2, and 3 of the Aerenden series for FREE. Be sure to swing by and grab a copy! The 4th book is only $2.99, and the 5th and final book in the series is due in the spring. Don't miss out! Get your free kindle copies by following this link <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2h27bGD&h=ATPqcMHqHKBfj7Cl61fx8EDKd65arjcifQD8NtLXOzS-c04Y3JKqbjQ-M8o2TrKBE72ubFlidRB_Qiw7F8vC4vysOuyBuDOBDdV6LkbE-2l_T1HK0M0aVFziHL6i9VUhu2LADjGsMLrbNQfBeu-P3ozy9kR-nwxmf7KGQ5lmDB67jsUD5sTWAcCJL6ZPE0_zc8xn4CCrRewHtA8n959DItIEDm5WEDDigS4i4wIpERNLDPH7PyrZSo7SLBDio5rAhCZv6TlEOoRjPR2c5pdczLQ" href="http://amzn.to/2h27bGD" rel="noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/2h27bGD</a><br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-59430921475710623572017-08-29T09:11:00.001-04:002018-07-11T18:53:18.759-04:00Contest on Facebook (ends Sept 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now through September 2nd, I'm running a contest on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kristentaberauthor" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a> to win a kindle copy of an Ærenden book of your choice. It's an easy peasy entry (share your favorite literary quote), so head on over!<br />
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And don't worry if you already own all the books, you can gift the prize to a friend.<br />
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Not a fan on Facebook? Here's the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kristentaberauthor" target="_blank">link</a> :).Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-90540193280373558642017-08-25T12:52:00.002-04:002018-07-11T19:05:39.184-04:00Writing a Book: The Running ApproachOnce, a long long time ago, I took up running. I had to lose weight, I'm antisocial(ish), and I love listening to music, so I thought "why not? It's a good fit." I printed (printed! ha! Okay, so now I'm dating myself) out a beginning runners calendar and hit the road.<br />
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And I got frustrated. It was hard. Really, super, intensely hard. I tried to do 30 seconds and couldn't. I tried to do 20 seconds. And I couldn't. I tried 15 seconds. That worked, so I stuck with it for a while. People passed me. I hated that. Grandmas passed me. Dads with strollers passed me as I tried not to die on my 15 second stretches (mixed with 2 minutes of walking).<br />
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For a time, I got so upset at my perceived failure that I almost gave up. For a time, I did give up. It wasn't for me, clearly. I wasn't any good at it. I wasn't improving fast enough.<br />
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But then something beautiful happened. I missed it when I gave it up, so I tried again. I focused on the music in my ears, and my breathing. I ignored the people passing me, and I started watching my own time, instead. 15 seconds turned into 30 seconds. 30 became 40. The next thing I realized, months had passed and I could now run 3 miles. I stopped huffing and puffing. I got faster, better. I enjoyed it. I learned to pass myself.<br />
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And then, and then...<br />
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I had kids. I was put on limited exercise throughout my pregnancies, and when I got back to running, I huffed and puffed again. I got passed. I couldn't run a mile without stopping.<br />
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I felt defeated. I got frustrated. It was hard. And I almost gave up. I hated moving backwards, losing the ground I fought so hard to cover. Nothing helped. Until I focused on one step again, one increment, one minute at a time. I'm not quite where I was pre-pregnancy, but that's not what I want anymore. I'm a different person, with different goals, and I want to run. So, I do.<br />
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Why am I mentioning this?<br />
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Because when I first started running, I wasn't just a "wanna be" runner. I was also a "wanna be" writer. I had a dozen ideas for books in my head, but I looked at a novel as one giant work that had to be accomplished in one giant leap. I didn't write, because I couldn't see the increments.<br />
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Then one day, as I started getting miles under my belt, I realized my writing journey could reflect my running journey. Instead of seeing the whole, finished book as my goal, I saw my characters. I started talking to them, having them tell me their stories. After that, I saw a single scene. I wrote that scene. Another followed it, then a chapter. A single chapter became 10, 10 became 20, and eventually I had a book.<br />
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It wasn't done, of course. The first draft is called a "draft" for a reason, but each edit chiseled more detail out of my lump of clay until I had a finished novel. The next book became easier, and the third was easier than the second.<br />
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And then, and then...<br />
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I had kids. You can probably see where I'm going with this by now. It took me two years to start writing again. For the longest time, I stared at a blinking cursor on a white page and felt certain I could no longer do it. The same longest time I couldn't run.<br />
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One foot in front of the other. One word after another. I pushed forward, with new goals, a different mentality, and a new appreciation for getting back into what makes me "me."<br />
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Of course, you know I finished my eighth full-length novel this month (the last in the Ærenden series). It's better than I had hoped. And this was my run today.<br />
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For reference, this was my run in April, when I decided not to let my setbacks stop me.<br />
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My point? I've had several people say to me recently that they have a great idea for a novel, but they could never write one. It's too long. It's too daunting. They don't know what they're doing. For those people, I want you to remember this: None of us knows what we're doing, not really. We learn every day, and we accomplish what we need by looking at the increments. Write 30 seconds. Write one character. Write one sentence. Break it down and build yourself up.<br />
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Before you know it, you'll have met your goal. After all, it's only you that you have to pass today.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027705915667627239.post-3423949597602664352017-08-21T19:40:00.000-04:002018-07-11T19:06:10.175-04:00An Essay on CalEvery character has a background. Preferences, habits, good and bad stories, idiosyncrasies, and history make them who they are--much like our intricate details knit together to make each one of us a unique person.<br />
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Some of those tidbits find their way into a book. Others you may see solely in the character's reactions or behaviors. And some things remain in the dark corners of an author's mind, an intimate detail kept in secret forever. </div>
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I find that with good books, I often finish reading the last page wondering about those backstories, and wishing my favorite authors would share them. Sometimes they do. Most of the time they don't. I'm always willing to share my characters' stories, so if you ever have a burning question, please <a href="mailto:kristen@kristentaber.com" target="_blank">email</a> and I'll answer if I'm able (no spoilers!). </div>
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One backstory has been on my mind a lot lately. As I finish this series, and I take time to say good-bye to each character, I've been lingering more on Cal. He's always been one of my favorites. He's fun to write, a bit complex, a bit eye roll inducing. And he was never supposed to be more than a strange creature leading Meaghan and Nick through the wilderness. He hijacked my story, tucked it in his back pocket and ran away with it. He became integral. Kind of like how we meet strangers in real life sometimes, and they somehow become our best friends.</div>
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I've been learning bits and pieces about Cal as I write. Some of my other characters have been hashed out for a decade. I created everything about them. I knew their likes and dislikes before I ever asked them to speak a word.</div>
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Cal has never let me do that. Every time I plan something for him, he laughs and tells me "tough luck." He likes surprises. So do I, which is probably why I like him so much.</div>
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One story he shared with me didn't make the books. I wanted to fit it in, but it never quite worked, so I thought I might leave it for discovery here, on my oft-forgotten blog. Funny how multiple jobs and a couple of toddlers will force some things to gather dust... but I digress.<br />
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Cal loves the term "lad," which I've always found it a little strange. There's a significant language overlap between Ærenden and the part of Earth where Meaghan grew up (which does have an explanation, but not for here). "Lad" is not one of those overlaps. No one else uses it. Yet, he's quite fond of it. I never could figure out why, but he insisted, so I let him do what he wanted.<br />
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Turns out, we can blame his brother James for it. Vivian traveled between Earth and Ærenden a number of times while she still lived. Cal mentions that in the books, but he doesn't mention that she delivered letters back and forth between the brothers. James became fond of the term and teasingly used it to refer to Cal. He, of course, also explained the term "lass" to Cal, but it never quite stuck in Cal's mind in the same way "lad" did. If I recall, he only used it a handful of times, and only to refer to Meaghan. But lad became a term of endearment, a way for him to feel connected to his brother. </div>
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Losing James was one of Cal's greatest heartbreaks. His brother and he were close, best friends, and he cherished the letters he received, however few. He told me once that he wrote back, weekly at first, then monthly. He piled the letters up and waited until his brother's wife came to claim them. She never got them all. He had to burn some for warmth, or abandon some during an attack. But he wrote them, and since the moment James shared the term with him, they always started with "Dear Lad..."</div>
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When his brother died, the word became a living memorial in his conversations. </div>
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Cal is a man who has lost so much, yet he still managed to stand tall, to joke, to laugh, and to love, despite everything. He inspires me, and I'm glad he decided to become my friend. </div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228883934162062756noreply@blogger.com0