Books, Boogiemen & IWSG

What is it you fear is hiding under your bed?

And no, I don't mean something like this:

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I'm talking about your proverbial bed. We all have fears that seem far too large to overcome, the monsters that haunt our souls. Today I'm facing one of those monsters, and it look like this:

If you met me face to face, you might never guess I struggle with social interactions. That's because I'm a FABULOUS actress. It didn't used to be this bad. In high school I worked hard on developing relationships and hanging out, but the truth is, I was more comfortable like this:

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than this:

I went to a birthday party with my daughter yesterday and after 10 minutes I was like, "GET ME OUT OF HERE." No desire to stick around--even to chat with some awesome neighbors. It's a lack of practice, I know, but after a long season of illness that left me too exhausted to get out, and finally a new baby, I just don't have the willpower or energy to invest. And that's a bad thing. Life is about human interaction. It's about relationships. It's about LIVING.

So how do I reconcile that?

Well, I joined a book club. I'm in social media groups with other people. I'm planning some coops for my home schooling kids.

See, the only thing constant in life is change. We're either expanding outward, exploring and growing, or we're shrinking in on ourselves. I'm pretty tired of shrinking. How about you? What are you doing to expand your horizons?

This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

BUY NOW 

(Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)

Last week we met the very kind Sandra Cox and had an opportunity win her urban fantasy novel, LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

The Game:

1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.

2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.

3. English is my second language.

The lie: #3. English actually is her first language.

Way to guess everyone! That was tough. And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Susan Gourley/Kelley!

Congrats, Susan!

And now for something a little different today. 

I'm excited to be contributing to

(Releasing June 30th!)

I had the privilege of reviewing an Advance Reviewer Copy, and this is what I have to say: 

Anthologies are always such a mixed bag. You may love one story and hate the next. Knowing the number of contributors in this anthology, I anticipated there’d be some back and forth, but I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. Strong stories, some very unique ideas, and some great reads. I enjoyed the experience...

(Read the rest of the review HERE and add it to you TBR list)

And now the clincher. If you mention the word "CHEESE" in your comment, I'll put you in my magic hat for the chance to win THE THING THAT TURNED ME in eBook. (Awarded on release day.)

You have until Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back to see the winner and for a chance to win another AWESOME book on June 15, 8 a.m EDT.

Are you socially awkward? What monsters are hiding under your proverbial bed? Did you add the anthology to your list?

Have You Ever Sent Someone Off to War?

Have you ever sent a loved one off to war?

Memorial day in the States is Monday. What is Memorial Day? The day we celebrate soldiers, but especially fallen soldiers. It has become a day to honor the men and women who serve in the military. I think about this frequently--what it would be like to pray every day for a father/mother, a husband/wife, a son/daughter, a brother/sister who has gone to fight for the freedoms I cherish. The fear they will not return, the struggle to keep a relationship strong over long distance, the stress of being a single parent while a spouse is deployed... I am left in awe of those who sacrifice so graciously--not just those who leave, but those who let them go.

To all who have made that sacrifice, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you. You are a true hero.

Quick heads up: I'm sharing words of inspiration plus a personal turning point on Diane Wolf's blog. Check it out HERE.

This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

BUY NOW 

(Because waiting until later would just be silly.)

Last week we met the talented Cherie Reich and had an opportunity win her fantasy novel, REBORN. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

The Game:

1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.

2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.


3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.

The lie: #2. Cherie only changed her major three times (general studies to vocal performance to classics). If she had a chance to do it all over again, she would have majored in something else. Maybe anthology (linguistics) or something to do with computers (graphic design or websites) or history.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Tiana Smith!

Congrats, Tiana!

And now meet a story from the author of RAINERS in the Parallels anthology: 

Some teens go to the Caribbean on spring break. Piper goes to save the world. 

Piper Dunn isn’t who you would call a normal teenager. For one thing, she doesn’t want anyone to know she was born with a blowhole. Even stranger, she has two love interests. Joel, a fellow dolphin-human hybrid, and Tyler, a human. 

It’s hard to choose when a mad scientist is hot on Piper’s trail. Worse, she’s trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. And . . . wait for it . . . Angel, her test-tube daughter, is apparently a real-deal reincarnation. It all adds up to an impossible situation, with happy endings all but lost at sea. Unless, of course, a voodoo high priestess casts a spell or two . . .

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romance, and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee or a latte, and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.

You might run across Sandra munching on pepper-jack sticks.

Find her on Facebook (likes appreciated) or her Blog.

Sandra 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 the chance to win LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS in eBook. (The first book in the series.)

You have until Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 1, 8 a.m EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.

2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.

3. English is my second language.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you know any military families who deserve a salute? Ever heard of metaphysical nonfiction? Have you met Sandra?