Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Out of this World Announcement, Writerly Wednesday, and a Laugh

HUGE NEWS!!!! 
(At the end of the post, but first...)

Kiren is being interviewed at Kimber Leigh Wheaton's place.

And...

A laugh for you today--if you get into a dry and somewhat sadistic sense of humor: Portal 2, the most hilarious game I've ever seen. You wake up in testing center where humanity is dead and all that's left are the machines running the place, one of which is arguably evil. This is the song from the end credits, and it totally cracks me up. (The lyrics, oh the lyrics...)


Have you played/seen any video games that make you chuckle?


Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an out of this world book? 

Last week, the fabulous Medeia Sharif shared SNIP, SNIP, REVENGE with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a Kindle copy of her awesome new book.

Medeia's game:

1. Medeia used to be terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. 
2. Her favorite number is eight and she counts everything in eights. 
3. Her first unfinished drawer manuscript was about a magical Rubik's cube. 

And the lie is: 

#2. As cool as counting 8's would be, it's just not true

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Mason T Matchak!

Congrats Mason! 

And now to today's feature:

What is the Price of Vengeance? One could understand why Liam was angry. He was orphaned at a the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci. As an adult, Liam becomes a soldier. After being cut off from the city, Liam finds that there is an alien intelligence behind the chitin. To defeat it, he must discover who he is and how to use his powers. Then, Liam discovers that a traitor, responsible for his birth parents’ deaths, had murdered his beloved foster parents. Will the price he has to pay in his quest for vengeance prove to be an even more unbeatable foe?

Pick up your copy HERE.

I had the opportunity to review this book, and I really really enjoyed it. See my review HERE. Now let me introduce you to the wonderful and genuinely nice author: 

Kurt D. Springs is presently an adjunct professor of anthropology and archaeology in New Hampshire. He holds a PhD. in anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Literature in archaeology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Master of Liberal Arts in anthropology and archaeology from the Harvard University Extension School. His main area of interest is megalithic landscapes in prehistoric Ireland.

Kurt also writes reviews on Kurt's Frontier for Invincible Love of Reading.

Professor Springs currently lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, where you might run across him consuming mass quantities of Kerrygold Dubliner while tucked discretely away in his kitchen. 

Kurt gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for a chance to win a $5 gift card to AmazonYou have until Tuesday, May 20, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on May 21.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Kurt originally wrote a fantasy novel entitled the Queen of Thieves. 
2. He doesn't like beer, but not for a lack of trying
3. He loves tequila.


ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 

The day has come. It's time to break out the cover reveal for
(This is just a logo.)

book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy, 
and I'd love your help! Sign up HERE for any day the week of July 14-19.

The post will be prewritten in HTML and easy to adapt, but it's more than a "cover reveal." Each participant will receive an exclusive FUN FACT, SINGLE LINER, or UNEXPECTED DETAIL at the end of their post. Revealers will also have first dibs on ARC's as soon as they're available, and one lucky participant will win their choice of $10 to Amazon or a signed copy of MOONLESS

So what are you waiting for? Go sign up! (After you guess the lie.)


Which is the lie? Have you played any laugh out loud games? Are you going to help with the cover reveal? What do you think makes a really great cover? Any favorites? Do you like Sci-fi?

162 comments:

  1. HI, Crystal..

    We must be thinking of one another... LOL. As I'm writing this you commented on my blog!

    CONGRATS on you new cover reveal... COUNT ME IN!

    You're right, the lyrics are hysterical ... thanks for the laugh!

    Congrats to Kurt on Vengeance... Looks like an intriguing read. An interesting plot for sure...

    The lie... I'd have to say number 2.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We were totally listening to the same cosmic channel. Crazy! I'm so glad you'll be part of the reveal. Yay!

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  2. Lots going on here today! How exciting to be revealing your new cover soon!

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  3. so nice to see Medeia with her book all around the blogosphere!

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  4. I don't think I've ever played/watched a video game that made me chuckle, but I'm sure my ten year old has. Dang kiddo knows them all by heart.

    And a big WOOT for you, Crystal!

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  5. The lie must be #2.
    Congrats on your cover!

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  6. I've signed up - I'll have to post on the last date as I have scheduled my blog tour for the other dates! :D

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  7. I'm going with number tone as the lie. I'm assuming if he worked hard to like beer, tequila fit the bill.

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  8. I love the cover for Price of Vengeance. I think #3 is the lie.

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    Replies
    1. It definitely gets your imagination going, eh?

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  9. I'm going to guess #3.
    I signed up for the reveal. :)

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  10. I signed up! :)
    I'll guess #3, only because I can't stand tequila...

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    Replies
    1. That's sound reasoning to me. I'll totally take it.

      Delete
  11. I'll guess the lie is #3.

    I'm biased, given my love of art and older books, but I think an awesome cover is hand-drawn, with a more personal look. Of course, I've seen lots of awesome digitally-created covers too.

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean. I think it totally depends on what you're going for with your cover.

      Delete
  12. Yay for the cover reveal!

    Medeia's book is good. I'm almost finished reading it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh! I want to get to it too, but there are a few MUST READS before I can get anywhere near.

      Delete
  13. I loved Clay Fighter. It would always crack me up. Blue Suede Goo was my favorite character to choose to battle. He was an Elvis impersonator who's signature move was to whip his pompadour at his opponents. Ahh, good times.

    Signing up for the cover reveal!

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    Replies
    1. Ava, now I'm totally going to have to go hunt that one down. Awesome! (Thank you!)

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  14. Haven't read Medeia's book yet, but getting to it soon. Gonna sign up for your cover reveal.

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  15. Great laugh on the lyrics. And for Kurt's lie, I'm guessing number two.
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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  16. Happy to see Medeia here.

    Oooo, Soulless looks wonderfully creepy.

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  17. My guess is #3!

    Loved the video. :D My husband has played both Portal and Portal 2. I watched over his shoulder from time to time, but I made sure to sit through the credits.

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    1. Same. The commentary throughout...oh my goodness...I seriously busted up so many times.

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  18. LOL, nice way to keep us all reading til the end! CONGRATS to you and Kurt and Medeia!

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    1. I know! Masters of suspense, right? That's what we're training to be.

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  19. Congrats to everyone! I can't wait to see your new cover. I've signed up! :)

    As for the lie, hmm, #3.

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  20. Let's hear it for anthropology professors!!! Woot! This makes me happy :) And obviously #2 is a lie--there isn't an archaeologist on this planet who doesn't drink beer. (Well, me, but that's another story...). Also, looking forward to your cover reveal!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Meradeth. I'm looking forward to the reveal too.

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  21. I can't wait to help with your cover reveal, Crystal!

    And I'm going to guess that the lie is #3.

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  22. I'm going to go with #2, because I used to not like beer until I tried enough of them to discover I like stouts. ;D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, so you just have to find your own variation, eh? (I wouldn't know.)

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  23. Congratulations on your new cover... how awesome <3

    By the way, I keep trying to tell myself that the amazing joy I felt was worth all the pain... hmmm.. yet I still want to find it again.... it was that amazing :-/

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  24. I'm horrid at the one lie thing...even with people I know very well...sorry.
    I do always enjoy your posts chock full of info about authors. I especially like knowing early influences and writing habits. In short, your blog is always a fun stop, even if I don't "play all the reindeer games."
    Friend stopped by yesterday with a welsh cheddar that was uh-mazing. Can't remember the name and it was a small chunk and the wrapper is gone...
    Tina @ Life is Good
    On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!

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    1. Ooh! Welsh cheddar? You've got my mouth watering.

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  25. The cake is a lie...

    (I'm a HUGE Portal fan)

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  26. I signed up for the cover reveal. Can't wait!

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  27. Giant insects! Oh my! Sounds kinda fun though. :)
    Hmm...I'm thinking Lie #3.

    Yay for the next installment of your series! ^_^

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  28. Would love to help with the cover reveal, but I am not that savvy. I think the lie is #3 and the cover logo looks great. Fun post. Maria, Delight Directed Living

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    Replies
    1. I totally understand. It took me a while on the blogosphere before I was comfortable with several aspects.

      Delete
  29. I have never played a video game. I need to protect my sensitive eyes, and games seem boring to me anyway.

    Love,
    Janie, the party pooper

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    Replies
    1. LOL! That's just because you missed out on the hilarious dialog in Portal II. I don't play much, but there are a couple games that are really just like an interactive movie, and those are the ones I go for.

      Delete
  30. All signed up for your cover reveal.

    And my guess is #3 is the lie. I personally don't like beer OR tequila.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wahoo! I'm right there with you. No drinking for Crystal.

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  31. I was quite surprised to learn I'd won SNIP SNIP REVENGE, but very pleased. ^_^ Looking forward to reading it as soon as I'm on a computer that can open a book file again. Eh heh heh...

    And I love the Portal games. Insane AIs are the best AIs.

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    1. Yay! I'm so glad you won--and I totally agree about AI. That's why Terminator was rocktastic.

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  32. I'm going to go w/#3! Just from the pic, Kurt looks like a beer kinda guy. Maybe it's the beard...? =D

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    Replies
    1. LOL! You should see my hubby's beard, and he doesn't drink at all.

      Delete
  33. I'll guess the beer one is the lie. I mean, I don't like beer, but I'm not a guy. Never met a guy who didn't like the stuff.

    Congratulations on the Soulless reveal! I'll tweet it out for you.

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    Replies
    1. I actually have met quite a few guys who don't like the stuff, but yeah, I can see where they're more the exception to the rule.

      Yay! Thank you, Julie.

      Delete
  34. I don't know how you do it all! You are super woman, and must be incredibly organized! I think that number 1 is the lie, but once again, it's hard to tell. And I'm looking forward to your cover reveal! Congrats!

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  35. Looking forward to your reveal, Crystal! I think it must be #2.

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  36. Very excited to see your new cover... I'm all signed up to help spread the word:)

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  37. Ooh, Kurt's book sounds awesome. I'm guessing #1.

    And wahoo on your upcoming cover reveal!!

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  38. Lie...#2?

    I'd offer to help with the cover reveal, but my blog... Well, if you don't mind my low stats...

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    Replies
    1. Low stats! Hah. You know I'd love to have your help either way, Liz.

      Delete
  39. Just signed up for the cover reveal! I bet it's as stunning as the first book's cover... :)

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    Replies
    1. Yay! Thanks, Heather. I'm totally stoked about this one. It really is pretty stellar.

      Delete
  40. I think #2 is the lie.

    I'm glad to have been featured last Wednesday. :)

    Of course I'll participate in your cover reveal.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Medeia, and I'm totally glad I got to feature you last week. Thank you for the opportunity.

      Delete
  41. I fear the lie is number 2

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  42. I'll guess number one. Just because it doesn't sound like a lie.

    I don't need any prizes so I'm not signing up officially for your reveal but I'll be very happy to put it on my blog that week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw. Thanks LD. I've got you down on my master list. Cheese for you!

      Delete
  43. Crystal, if that song gets stuck in my head - ugh! hahaha

    The Soulless cover is amazing. Great job!! And, congrats to everyone!!

    Elsie

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    1. Thanks, Elsie. I'm pretty stoked. (I hope the song didn't get stuck in your head.)

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  44. I'm going with #2 He doesn't like beer.

    Why? Because I LOVE beer. lol

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  45. Okay, so I have to come back to watch the video . . . but I signed up for the cover reveal, woot!!! I'm so excited I'm going to have some cheese right now!

    And the lie . . . I'm going with #2. :D

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    1. Yippee! Thanks a ton! I think that's a great idea. I should go have some cheese too.

      Delete
  46. Although the counting in 8's made me suspicious, I wouldn't picked #3 for Medeia since I don't think she's old enough to remember what a fad those Rubik's cubes were.

    I'm looking forward to your cover, since you did such a great job with the Moonless cover. Have a good weekend, Crystal. :)

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    1. Thanks, Lexa. It's actually the graphic artist who did an amazing job with Moonless, but what can I say? He's a keeper.

      Delete
  47. If #3 is true, we have that in common! Only in Margaritas. And that video....LOL! They did a fantastic job. It sounds SO good!

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  48. Howdy Crystal! Soulless looks fantastically nightmarish. Oooooh yeah!

    I'd say #3 is the lie, but I'm always wrong about them. Ha.

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    1. Maybe a little scary, no worse than the first one.

      And you're not always wrong, Robyn. ;)

      Delete
  49. I'm sure I've played some video games that made me laugh, although I suspect that many of the laughs had nothing to do with the developers trying to be funny. That reminds me, I need to get back and finish Portal 2.

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    1. LOL! I know what you mean. Some of the dialog... Whew! I just wonder if anyone listened to it before going to publication or they were like, "Yeah, yeah, it's great."

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  50. #2 has to be a lie. :D I'm happy to help with your cover reveal, Crystal.

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  51. Those Portal singers are adorable.
    Congratulations and much success on Souless, Crystal, and to Madeia and Kurt too.

    xoRobyn

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    1. They are, aren't they? I totally love Peter Hollens.

      Thanks, Robyn.

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  52. Congrats to all the books and authors!!
    I'm going to go with #2 as the lie.
    And anyone with an interest in megalithic structures in Ireland is someone I have to check out! I'll ramble over to Kurt's blog :) Thanks for this review!
    ~Jen

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  53. That video was funny...made me giggle a bit!

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  54. I'll go sign up for the reveal.

    I'll guess 2 for the lie!

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  55. I'm signing up for the reveal. I think #1 is the lie, unless it's unpublished? DARN IT. lol

    Congrats!

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    1. LOL! Thanks for signing up, Tiffany. *super grin*

      Delete
  56. I have to go for #2 for the lie, what true man doesn't like beer? I think he consumes vast quantities of Guinness along with his Kerrygold (at first I thought that was beer, but something was telling me it was butter, turned out it was cheese. Trust you to work in cheese somewhere!) I got Medeia's right, so I'm on a roll. :)

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    1. LOL. There's always cheese here. ;) Way to guess, Medeia's lie. That was a tough one.

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  57. Cool song. It's catchy for such dire lyrics.

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    1. I know! The tongue-in-cheek humor totally gets me.

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  58. I'm for #2 as the lie. Yep. That's my vote and I'm sticking with it.

    Send me your stuff for your cover reveal. I'll help get the word out.

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  59. Thanks for the laugh. It is always welcome.

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    Replies
    1. Agreed. We need a few more of them around here, eh?

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  60. signing up and I hear Medeia books is fab!!

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    1. Yippee! *high five* I can't wait to read her book either.

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  61. Cool post and enjoyed reading the post:)

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  62. I'm glad Medeia's book is getting such great buzz!

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  63. Hi Crystal!

    Count me in for the reveal!

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    Replies
    1. Randi! Yay. I've totally been neglecting you, haven't I? Shame on me.

      Delete
  64. Hi Crystal .. I guess # 1 ... but so good and waiting to see the cover reveal ... and congratulations to Mason on guessing about the eights ... cheers Hilary

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  65. Congratulations on the new cover. I don't play a lot of video games. Have a terrific weekend!

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    Replies
    1. I don't either, but they're my hubby's ultimate hobby, so he keeps me up on the best of the best.

      Delete
  66. Uh... I'm going with the lie being #2. I have no reason, except that the lie part could be that he *does* like beer or that he doesn't like beer but he's only tried it once (so hasn't really *tried*).

    I'm going to stop rambling and go sign up for your cover reveal now ;)

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    Replies
    1. LOL. I love your rambles, Rhonda, and I'm super stoked to have you along. =)

      Delete
  67. #2 is a Lie C:

    I can't wait to help reveal the Cover for Soulless!! C:

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  68. I'd love to help with the cover reveal-- but the link doesn't show the entire signup page for me, only boxes to enter name and email. Congratulations on the new book, and have yourself a fab weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Lady, I'll totally have to get in touch with you. I wonder why it isn't working...

      Delete
  69. I'd love to sign up for the Soulless Cover Reveal, But I'll be on vacation that week and where I'm going doesn't not have internet! Perhaps I can put something up after the 19th??

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  70. I am guessing the beer one is the lie (#2)- but this was a hard one!

    Congrats on the new book. How exciting!
    ~Jess

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  71. I'm guessing the beer #2 as well. I mean what's better than beer? I don't play video games. I love games, but I'm more the Scrabble and Dominoes type.

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  72. I don't play a lot of video games, but my son keeps trying to change that. That we should play Minecraft and Clash of the Clans so we can bond. I guess I won't complain he still wants to play with me online, because in another few years that probably won't be true. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hey, you have to take those moments while they last, eh?

      Delete
  73. Price of Vengeance looks cool, thanks for the info about it:)

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  74. Congrats on your new release. It must be really exciting for you. This is such good news.

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  75. Medeia's book is rocking!
    Thanks for the laughs too!
    ...and congrats on the new release! You're on a roll!

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  76. Congrats on your release! I just looked up Moonless on Goodreads and added it--sounds FABULOUS. :D

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  77. The expressions on that guy's face as he is singing cracked me up as much as the words.

    And, oh my, the thought of giant, carnivorous insects is giving me the heebie jeebies!

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  78. LOL I read it as Medeia used to be the wicked witch, so I was surprised at first that it wasn't the lie.

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    Replies
    1. LOL! Well, if she take up a broom or turns green any time soon... ;)

      Delete
  79. Yay! I've just signed up for the cover reveal :)

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Hit me with your cheese!