WAGGING TALES PRESS

Serve up a heaping helping of love and good food with Susanne Clark (a/k/a/Chef Suzy) in her new book, Dishing Love Daily and Other Secret Ingredients. A fresh approach on how to show love and health to yourself and your family through the culinary decisions and art we put on our tables every day. Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below! DISHING LOVE DAILY AND OTHER SECRET INGREDIENTS by Susanne Clark GENRE :  Cooking/Health   BLURB:   Dishing Love Daily and Other Secret Ingredients (trademarked in Canada and the US) is more than a cookbook. Chef Suzy shares her collection of cherished recipes that focus on healthy, fresh, easy-to-find ingredients, appealing to both the novice and experienced cook. She will also guide you to and through a revolutionary, adaptable approach to bringing mindfulness and positivity into the kitchen. It's a timely, relevant and original concept in food craft that weaves our energetic imprint into a meal and into the hearts of those who sit at our table. It's a powerful, creative concept in awareness that will transform the everyday endeavour of nourishing our bodies into a life-changing act of nourishing our souls. Come on, let's get dishing!     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~     EXCERPT:   Welcome to Dishing Love Daily and Other Secret Ingredients . It won’t take you long to realize that this book full of recipes is more than a cookbook. It’s a new, revolutionary, approach of bringing mindfulness and positivity into the kitchen. It’s a philosophy of incorporating a daily habit of awareness into the art of cooking.   Every morning, I intentionally choose a motivating, uplifting word and then spend the day infusing its fortifying and nourishing energy into everything I do, especially the meals I prepare for the people I love. One word. I think about this word. I talk about this word. I try and emulate the meaning of this word. Some days the word has a strong, clear connection to the recipe and the meal I’m preparing. On other days, the link is more subtle and implied. Words like, “authentic,” “choice,” “thankful,” “potential,” “kindness.” I’ve used a “secret ingredient” in every recipe of the cookbook and I’ve felt the healing energy of each heart-held word. There’s a fullness and a deepness in this practice that transcends the kitchen. Dishing Love Daily affirms the mantra, “What I think, I become” and I have become an expert at living life through this powerful lens of intention. The kitchen is where I feel centred and connected to my purpose: to share my vision of food as an expression of love and a foundation for nurturing and healing our most important relationships. It’s timely, relevant and impactful. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~     AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS:   Susanne Clark, a.k.a. Chef Suzy, earned her Red Seal in Culinary Arts in 2009 at SAIT in Calgary, Canada, apprenticing at Hotel Arts under the talented supervision of Duncan Ly and Karine Moulin. Upon graduation, Chef Suzy established Magnifique Cuisine, a successful catering business in the Calgary area. She also worked full time as the in-house executive chef for one of Canada's original Dragons' Den entrepreneurs, W. Brett Wilson, cooking for his Home Office team and a global circle of business and community leaders, artists and celebrities.   Suzy's first and continuing career as a mother of four empowered and vibrant daughters formed her vision of food as an expression of love and a foundation for healing and sustaining our most important relationships. Suzy loves to travel and seeks out every opportunity to enjoy culinary experiences around the world. She has been married to the love of her life, Richard, for 36 years.   Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dishing.love.daily Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/chefsuzyclark Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dishing.love.daily Twitter: https://x.com/chefsuzyclark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-clark-04a73157 #cookbook #food #cooking #foodie #recipes #foodphotography #foodporn #foodstagram #recipe #foodblogger #cookbooks #chef #instafood #homemade #cook #homecooking #vegan #books #cookingathome #delicious #healthyfood #cookbookaddict #book #baking #foodlover #yummy #cheflife #cookbookclub #ebook #plantbased

Transformation, empowerment, love, and music come together in the book, Beautiful One by Mary Cope, and nothing is more beautiful to a book nerd like a free excerpt, an opportunity to pick the writer's brains, AND an awesome giveaway! Book Details: Beautiful One by Mary Cope Publication Date: September 6, 2023 Genre: YA Romance Synopsis: Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy. Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end, Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving in to what her heart truly wants. EXCERPT The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat. I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had. Then my heart stopped. I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures. I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. Author Interview Wagging Tales Press was honored to sit down with Mary Cope and delve into the creative mind that brought readers Beautiful One. In this featured author interview, we get the opportunity to see what makes a writer's mind tick as well as gain some insightful advice for those scribes out there interested in penning their own creative pursuits. They say if you want to be a good author, you must be a good reader. Who is your favorite author and why? Selecting a favorite author is challenging for me, but I definitely have a soft spot for YA writers. If pressed to name one of my favorites, I'd lean towards Stephanie Meyer. The Twilight series, with its blend of romance, fantasy, and suspense, holds a special place in my heart. Meyer's unique approach to the vampire genre, highlighting the romantic connection between a human and a vampire, resonated with readers, including myself. Her series presented a fresh perspective on supernatural romance. I thought it was great! Writing is a marathon—not a sprint—and sometimes it can be difficult to keep your energy going. Are their any words of wisdom or favorite quotes that have inspired you to keep at it? Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, why? "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill The reason I chose this quote is because it emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance. It acknowledges that success is not the end of the journey, nor is failure the ultimate defeat. The key is the ability to bounce back and keep going. Whether in personal endeavors, professional pursuits, or facing life's uncertainties, this message serves as a reminder of the nature of success and the importance of maintaining courage and determination throughout the process. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing? In telling a story, for me, the effectiveness of language is the key. I try to choose my words carefully to convey my ideas accurately and evoke the desired emotions. My goal is to communicate effectively and engage with my reader. I strive for clear, concise writing that is easy to understand, eliminating any filler or redundant information. Ensuring my writing flows logically capturing my reader from the start. Okay. Let's get personal. Any weird things you do when you’re alone? I’m not sure if it’s weird but it’s definitely something I do when I’m alone, and that is… sing. Despite having a pretty terrible singing voice, I can't help but belt out tunes when I'm by myself, especially in the car. Singing alone is great! I can choose any song and sing it however I like without fear of judgment. It's a fantastic stress reliever, allowing me to immerse myself in the music and lyrics, forgetting about any worries or concerns for a while. What are four things you can’t live without? Excluding my family and friends, I would say my number one, can’t live without, is coffee. I absolutely love it! The aroma, the flavor, the caffeine. There's just something comforting about holding a warm cup in my hands. Coffee is definitely my vice. Along with the delicious taste, coffee gives me a much-needed boost and helps me stay alert and focused. Making it the perfect companion for powering through a busy day of writing. Secondly is my love of facial products. I am obsessed with facial products. Using them is like a form of self-care for me; it feels good to pamper myself. Plus, there's something satisfying about finding the right product that addresses my specific skin concerns. Seeing improvements in my skin boosts my confidence and makes me feel good about myself. Additionally, the beauty industry's marketing and social media influence play a role too; it's hard for me not to be curious about products that promise glowing skin when they're all over my feed! Overall, using facial products is a way for me to prioritize myself and indulge in a little bit of luxury in my daily routine. Third is music. Whether I’m listening to classical, country, pop, or rock. Music fills my soul. Listening to music resonates with my emotions. I love the way a specific song can evoke memories, feelings, or experiences. For me, music is a definite can’t live without. Lastly, watching an early morning sunrise. I have always been an early riser. Watching the sunrise brings me such a peaceful feeling. From the quietness of the morning to the beautiful colors the skyline creates, those peaceful moments bring a sense of calm before the busyness of the day begins. Author Bio: Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about. Author Links: Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/marycope_author?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw== Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557161136038 #yaromancenovels #yaromance #bookstagram #book #books #booklover #writer #romance #writersofinstagram #yabooks #writing #youngadultbooks #yaromancebooks #newadultromance #yaromcom #writermomsofinstagram #bookreview #cleanromance #writermom #bookaddict #booknerd #bookcommunity #romancereadersofinstagram #yafantasybooks #romancewritersofinstagram #amwritingya #bookrecommendations #bookworm #writerssupportingwriters #writersnetwork

Learning will be music to your little one’s ears with this brand new book from elementary educator and author, Clemency Crow! Read a free excerpt and join in the giveaway for a $10 Amazon/B&N Gift Card! The author has also taken some time to share how she gets little one’s excited about learning BIG ideas through books. Read the guest post below! BOOK DETAILS: LITTLE PEOPLE: 10 FAMOUS COMPOSERS by Clemency Crow GENRE: Children's Nonfiction BLURB: Embark on a musical journey through time with a captivating book specially crafted for children and young adults. Through the pages of "Little People: 10 Famous Composers", readers will not only learn about the composers' masterpieces but also gain insight into the challenges and triumphs that fuelled their creativity. Perfect for aspiring musicians, history enthusiasts, or anyone with a love for melody, "Little People: 10 Famous Composers" is an engaging and educational exploration of the power of music and the extraordinary individuals who composed their way into history. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Excerpt Ludwig Van Beethoven 1770 - 1827 Beethoven has earned the distinction of being one of the world’s most popular composers, while being deaf. Although Beethoven said his deafness was because of an argument with a singer, he suffered from tinnitus which made his hearing worse. Nevertheless, he went on to compose some of the world’s best loved songs, including ‘Ode to Joy’, (the Ninth Symphony, the Choral Symphony). This was later adopted by the EU as their anthem. While Beethoven’s deafness did not stop him from composing as he used the vibrations from his piano, and he knew enough about the science of music to compose pleasing tunes and hear it in his head, it did make live performances almost impossible. This was a problem because it was an important source of income for the composer. Eventually, when his music began to get more popular, his income came from publishing his compositions and from people who believed enough in his work to give him money. Beethoven was deaf, but that did not stop him from making great music. He wrote ‘Ode to Joy’, and a lot of piano music. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GUEST POST From Fact to Fun—7 Ways of Making Nonfiction Exciting for Young Readers Nonfiction often gets a bad rap with young readers, dismissed as boring or too complex. But the world of facts can be just as thrilling as the most fantastical fiction. The key is to unlock the potential by making it engaging and accessible. Here are 7 tips and tricks (my lucky number!) to transform facts into fun for young minds. 1. Use Engaging Visuals Pictures speak a thousand words, especially for young readers. Bright, colourful illustrations, photographs, and infographics can bring nonfiction topics to life. Visuals help explain complex ideas in a simple and appealing way, making the learning experience more enjoyable. Creating the illustrations for “Famous Composers” was my favourite part of creating the book. They’re colourful and funny! 2. Interactive Elements As a small publisher, it can be difficult to include interactive elements, such as those with flaps or pop-ups. However, QR codes could lead to supplementary videos and activities. They can make nonfiction more dynamic, and they’re very simple to include. Adobe Indesign (which I use for all my books) also has QR codes available for free. Interactive elements encourage active participation and exploration, turning reading into an adventure. 3. Fun Facts and Trivia Children love trivia and surprising tidbits. Incorporate fun facts, quirky trivia, and interesting side notes into the text. These nuggets of information can serve as entry points that spark curiosity and invite further exploration. 4. Relatable Analogies Use analogies that children can relate to, helping them understand complex concepts by comparing them to familiar experiences. If you’re writing about historical people, like I did with “Famous Composers”, try and pick out facts about them that the kids will understand. 5. Incorporate Humor A dash of humor goes a long way. Funny anecdotes, amusing illustrations, and playful language can make nonfiction more appealing. Humor keeps the tone light and engaging, making the learning process feel less like a chore and more like a game. The style of the illustrations in “Famous Composers” is, in itself, humourous, with oversized heads and tiny bodies! 6. Diverse Formats Nonfiction doesn't have to be confined to traditional books. Consider creating graphic novels, magazines, or even websites. Different formats cater to different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that there's something for every young reader. 7. Role Models and Real-Life Heroes Introduce young readers to inspiring real-life heroes and role models. Biographies show children that nonfiction is full of exciting and admirable figures. These stories can motivate kids to pursue their interests and dream big. Turning fact into fun is all about creativity and connection. By presenting nonfiction in a way that captivates young minds, we can instill a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. So, let's dive into the world of facts and transform it into an exciting adventure for the next generation of readers. With the right approach, nonfiction can be every bit as enchanting as the wildest tales of fiction. Thank you for taking the time to peruse my blog post! While we continue to upload “Famous Composers” to Amazon, the paperback for “Famous Composers” is available from the Crowvus shop: www.crowvus.com/shop ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIVEAWAY Don’t miss the chance to win a $10 Amazon/B&N Gift Card from the author! Join in at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4906 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AUTHOR BIO: Clemency is a primary school teacher, children’s author, and illustrator, based in rural Caithness with her family and two needy spaniels. In fact, Clemency is typing this one handed, because Jess cries if she isn’t stroked for five seconds. When she isn’t writing, Clemency loves designing new parts of her garden, trying to find plants that will withstand the 70mph winds that are likely to batter them. She is oftentimes to be found tearing her hair out at the prevalence of ground elder in the flower borders, while cultivated species struggle to survive. Clemency’s favourite genre to write, and read, is fantasy adventure. This gives her ample opportunity to put her long suffering characters in perilous situations. AUTHOR LINKS: Website (currently in process of switching to Wordpress, but I’ll keep you updated if it changes) www.clemencycrow.co.uk Blue Sky - Social Media https://bsky.app/profile/clemencycrow.bsky.social #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #booksforkids #books #picturebooks #kids #kidlit #reading #raisingreaders #picturebook #childrensbook #kidsbookswelove #illustration #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookillustration #bookworm #booklover #storytime #kidsbook #children #childrensliterature #book #readaloud #booksforchildren #homeschooling #kidsbookshelf #homeschool #kidsactivities #nonfiction

What do sheep, llamas, and denizens of the underworld all have in common? They all inhabit the rich, if slightly bizarre, world of Cargo of Bones, the second installment in the Saltwater Chronicles fantasy series from author Z. Lindsey. InkSpired invites you to read a free excerpt of the book along with a guest post from Lindsey on world building in writing. Don't miss out, too, on the chance to win a $25 Amazon/B&N gift card and a digital copy of the book in the giveaway below! Book Details: Cargo of Bones by Z. Lindsey Publication Date: June 24, 2024 Genre: Fantasy Synopsis: Devil bureaucrat Essimore Darkenchyl barely made it out of the jungle alive, but next she’s going straight to hell—aka her hometown. When she finds out about a dark and desperate plan for immortality originating from her own people, her family ties, her sense of right and wrong, and her silly sense of humor will all be put to the test. Here's the "cargo" you'll unload in this sequel: A strong and geeky female lead A doomed romance A dark but hopeful storyline Llamas! In the second book of The Saltwater Chronicles, the stakes are higher, the villains are scarier, and the jokes about cannibalism are more common. Book Excerpt of Cargo of Bones “What’s happening now?” Two Rabbit shouted. “Looks like some kind of sheep,” Merritt said. Essie’s eyes shot open. “Sheep?” Two Rabbit asked. She still couldn’t move. She was staring at the sky again. Purple storm clouds. “Essie?” the doctor asked. “Are you awake? You hear me? You’re bleeding to death! For Aro’s sake, let down that shield or aura or whatever you’re projecting.” He was just out of sight. They were all out of sight. Essie desperately tried to sit, but it only made the storm clouds choke in on her faster. “Whoa!” Connie said. “Those are some mean sheep.” “Sand sheep?” Boon asked. Their voices made her head throb. She tried to follow, but couldn’t. It sounded like nonsense. “By Aro—the sheep stepped on that guy’s crotch!” Merritt shouted. “Please don’t say we’re being rescued by sheep.” “That’s if they don’t attack us, too,” Boon said. “Holy Mother,” Two Rabbit said. “I’ve never seen a sheep spit like that.” “Ohhhh.” Essie smiled as much as she could. “Llamas.” Then she passed out. Anthropology and World Building with Z. Lindsey The No*-Research Approach to Worldbuilding I study anthropology, and I read a lot of fantasy, which means I have an intimate understanding of how often fantasy writers flub fictional cultures. They’re unreal, or illogical, or there’s some horrifying implication raised by their existence that is just completely unexplored. For example, there’s the creep factor of love potions in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter’s not unique in this sense, it’s just been debated more than most fantasy works. That means it’s easier to pick on. On the other hand, it is, of course, an incredibly well-known and beloved work, so maybe the squickiness of love potions isn’t all that big of a deal. But the farther away from the release of Harry Potter we get, and the more the controversial actions of its author alter our perspectives on the story, the more I hear, “Wait, isn’t it messed up that XX?” instead of conversations about the high points of the story. So the first step of being a good author is probably not alienating your fans. But the second is making sure your worldbuilding is consistent and logical. If a love potion was literally used in the conception of the most evil wizard of your world, you better have a good explanation for how teens are so easily able to get their hands on the recipe and investigate what adults think of that. That doesn’t take outside research, though. No amount of outside research on historical love potions could have avoided the squick of love potions being used both by teenagers to goof around and to nonconsensually conceive a horrifying villain. Rather, it’s internal logic you want to focus on. People think that because I’m an anthropologist, I do a lot of research into real-world cultures for my works, and I actually don’t. I do a little spot research while I’m writing. (“Hmm … She’s touring the sailing ship. Hey Google, what rooms were there in a typical brigantine?”) But I don’t do big research for my book. I’ve done a lot of research into real-world cultures for fun and because my professors required me to, but my worldbuilding doesn’t use real-world cultures as a starting point. The cultures I’ve studied may help me resolve problems (“Hmm … my characters are in a jungle, I’ve studied the Maya a lot, so how did the ancient Maya survive in the jungle?”) but I try to have a character-focused worldbuilding, where the world is built logically around the needs and beliefs of the main characters. This helps keep the story focused on the characters and their opinions of your fantasy world, meaning you’re less likely to do info-dumps. The only thing you’ll know, at first, about your world, is what is important to your character, so nothing you share will be irrelevant to the story. As you write in the same world for longer and longer, you’ll start pulling things from other places in your world when your characters have problems. (“Hmm … my character needs a sedative, luckily there’s a poisonous caterpillar that likes to eat ship sails that she can happen across.”) The difference between reading about something for fun and reading about it for a specific novel may seem small, but they’re tremendous. If you’re writing a novel about, say, colonial Spain, and you pick up the first biography of Isabel I of Castilla you find, you may find one that accidentally replicates anti-Spanish propaganda, which you will then put in your book without realizing it. Or you may find one that does the opposite--one of the anti-Jewish biographies of her written during the Franco era of Spain. If these are topics you’ve studied already, for the fun of it, you’ll already be aware of those kinds of debates, and you risk putting less stereotypes in your work. And I know some writers say, “Well, I’m making stuff up, I can write what I want,” but stereotypes make writing feel hollow and phony, and they distract from your story. So no matter where you stand on a writer being allowed to write about whatever topic they want regardless of their background, I suspect you don’t want to sound like a fool. Thanks to the Dunning–Kruger effect, we think we know a lot more than we do. It’s a cognitive bias that we all succumb to. I don’t think I’m free of it by any means--it’s actually why I prefer the low-research method. That’s why I think, if you write about European-style fantasy, for example, you probably want to read about Europe during the Middle Ages fairly extensively--not for specific books but to have a general understanding of the time. That info will filter out into your writing organically. I don’t think it’s a huge ask of writers. We hear the advice that writers should be big readers anyway, but we forget that that needs to include both fiction and non-fiction. I suspect that if you read about Isabel for fun, then later decide to include thematic elements based on her life in your fantasy novel, you’ll do a more nuanced job of it than if you read a book about her for the purposes of writing your novel. In the second case, you’ll be shoving data you’ve learned for the novel into your work with less regard for the story and more regard for making sure the information you read appears in your work. *Some research may apply. Author Info: Zac Lindsey is an anthropologist and a linguist who focuses on the Maya people of Quintana Roo. Since childhood, he's had a not-so-secret love of weird, silly, and well-structured fantasy. When other people's parents were reading them picture books, his mom was reading him Terry Brooks. He typically writes hopeful and character-driven fantasy. Today, he lives in Quintana Roo, Mexico with his wife, daughter, and various stray cats. Author Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z.lindsey_fiction/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550498257222 Amazon link to the first book: https://www.amazon.com/River-Against-Sea-Z-Lindsey-ebook/dp/B0CH3TW3YD/ref=sr_1_1 B&N link to the first book (for paperback): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-river-against-the-sea-z-lindsey/1144077772 #urbanfantasy #bookstagram #fantasy #urbanfantasybooks #books #paranormalromance #booklover #indieauthor #fantasybooks #book #urbanfantasynovels #urbanfantasyauthor #writersofinstagram #booksofinstagram #b #authorsofinstagram #bookworm #kindleunlimited #booknerd #urbanfantasyseries #writerslife #romance #readersofinstagram #urbanfantasybookseries #bookish #reading #amwriting #bookstagrammer #writingcommunity #authorlife

Memoirs often intrigue. Sometimes they offer a fascinating glimpse into a period of history we have not experienced ourselves. Other times they titillate with thrilling tales of interesting characters and their adventures—made all the more alluring because they are rooted in truth. Author Marcia Rosen offers both in her new, heartfelt memoir, My Gangster Father and Me. Book Details: My Gangster Father and Me by Marcia Rosen Published: April 18, 2024 Genre: Memoir Synopsis: Our history and experiences can define us, inspire our actions and as writers impact our words and stories.  Mine most definitely has. My father was a gangster. Really! This is my story about my relationship with my father and how his profession affected me and my life, “He called me Sugar Plum. Both a blessing and a burden, I learned interesting lessons from my father: about generosity and determination, taking risks, and certainly finding the willingness to live life as an adventure. EXCERPT OF MARCIA ROSEN'S MEMOIR, MY GANGSTER FATHER AND ME Some fascinating and incredible women have inspired me. None of whom, by the way, had a physical beauty, but surely an inner beauty. Being inspired and inspiring others provides us with shared strengths giving us opportunities to be more than we are as one. Those who inspire us, in the process, influence us by their intellect, accomplishments, and wisdom. Eleanor Roosevelt and Golda Meir have been two of my role models. Author Gertrude Stein and many other good writers have influenced me. These are people who dared to go beyond the ordinary. They were not willing to accept the limitations society or family set upon them. If we are fortunate, there are also those in our lives who inspire us, expressing belief in us. I’ve had a few such people in my life, encouraging me to never give up my dreams and ambitions. I decided long ago to keep at a safe distance people who are angry, jealous, and mean-spirited. Really. Who needs them? Who made them right? I know it’s not always easy to do. Sometimes they are a close relative, even a parent. And it’s quite a juggling act dealing with those situations. The worse is for any woman dealing with an abusive spouse. Finding support and asking for help is critical. We all deserve better. What does all this have to do with me and my dad? Quite a lot, in fact. His actions inspired me. In doing so, they influenced my actions in many ways. He almost never gave up at times when it would have been easier to do so. Once asked what characteristic I think most important in a partner, my response was generosity. Oh, not only financial. I also mean being generous in expressing feelings and communication and being generous in kindness, thoughtfulness, and love. Many people are stingy and withholding of those things. They and their relationships have lost so much in the process. All we need to do is look and listen to the world around us for negative influences. Controlling people need power to fuel their egos and cause pain and chaos. The benefit of their actions is solely for their own egos even though they falsely claim otherwise. The psychology of their actions and rhetoric is for professionals who understand human behavior. But I do know they are difficult people who create difficult situations. My father showed me his love and affection. Maybe it’s why writing and words matter so much to me. There should be no doubt how much words matter. Cruel and thoughtless words sting. When I owned my first business, two nursery schools, many parents would say goodbye to their child with, “You better be good today!” or “Don’t be bad today!” I would ask them please, not to do that and just tell their child, “Have a good day,” and better yet, “I love you.” There had to be something about my growing up, about my experiences providing me with such an awareness. I think back about my father buying lunch for the homeless man asking for money. I remember him taking a huge basket of food to one of his sisters whose husband was out of work. I saw how he never said no to my mother when she asked for money. Sometimes a simple action or a few words can influence. Sometimes a simple action or a few words can inspire. Author Bio: Marcia Rosen is an award-winning author of twelve books including nine mysteries, the most recent is An Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, and Me Mystery: Murder at the Zoo. She is also the author of The Senior Sleuths, the Dying to Be Beautiful Mystery Series, and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus (Menus by her son Jory Rosen). She wrote The Woman’s Business Therapist and My Memoir Workbook and has given Memoir Writing presentations and classes for close to twenty years. Her Memoir Blog can be found on her website. For twenty-five years she was owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency. Marcia has frequently been a featured speaker at organization meetings, bookstores, libraries, and Zoom Programs presenting talks on Encouraging the Writer Within You, Marketing for Authors, Writing Mysteries…Not A Mystery and A Memoir Detective…Writing Your Life Story. She has also helped numerous writers develop and market their books. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Southwest Writers, New Mexico Book Association, Public Safety Writer’s Association, International Memoir Writer’s Association, Women’s National book Association and National Association of Independent Writers and Editors—for which she is also a board member. Author Links: www.MarciaRosen.com #memoir #bookstagram #nonfiction #books #author #writersofinstagram #writer #booklover #book #bookworm #authorsofinstagram #reading #bookreview #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bibliophile #writing #bookish #love #nonfictionbooks #poetry #biography #booknerd #autobiography #booksbooksbooks #memoirs #writers #bookaddict #goodreads

Have you ever wished life came with a cheat sheet? Award-winning author, Haley Cavanagh, brings an insightful self-help book to readers with Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet. Read on for InkSpired’s book review as well as a free excerpt and chance in a gift card giveaway! Book Details: Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet by Haley Cavanagh Publication Date: March 11, 2024 Genre: Self-Help Synopsis: Embark on a journey to adulting mastery with Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet. Unlock the secrets to a well-rounded adult life with clear, concise, and invaluable advice on budgeting, cooking, time management, building meaningful relationships, and so much more! This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to taking charge of your life, offering you the tools and wisdom you need to sculpt the life of your dreams. This book offers practical advice and user-friendly tips that will empower you to make the most of every aspect of your life, ensuring that you become the self-reliant, confident, and accomplished person you were always meant to be. Join author, Haley Cavanagh - military veteran, devoted wife and mother, and award winning author-in waving goodbye to uncertainty and hesitation and embracing the fulfilling life you've envisioned. Don't just drift through adulthood-thrive in it. The future is yours to shape, and this book is your indispensable guide on the journey to living the adult life you truly desire. EXCERPT OF ADULTING: THE UlTIMATE CHEAT SHEET Don’t Overthink Everything Don’t spend too much time analyzing or rehashing things in your head. Overthinking can rob you of the present and create undue stress and anxiety you don’t need. If you find yourself mentally besieged by something stressing you out, go for a walk to help clear your mind. It’s Okay to Fail The average young adult goes through five or six career changes before age thirty. It’s okay if something you’ve dreamt about falls through. Perhaps you were meant to walk a different path. It doesn’t mean you’re any less unique or special. It means you’re growing and about to embark on a different journey than you fantasized about as a teen. And that’s okay. It’s a normal part of life experience. Failure is a good teacher and a powerful motivator. James Cameron started as a truck driver, and Harrison Ford was a blue-collar carpenter. J. K. Rowling was a teacher and single mom on welfare. Adam Driver got turned down when he first auditioned for the Juilliard School; he joined the Marines, and two years later, when he reauditioned for Juilliard, he got in. Learn from Your Mistakes Inevitably, everyone messes up. Despite how together or entitled people might act, nobody knows what they’re doing when they first launch into adulthood. Everyone starts as a fish swimming in the same ocean against the same current. As the Alanis Morissette song goes, “No one’s really got it figured out just yet.” Making mistakes is essential to learning and growing, and it’s how we evolve. Book Review of Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet Now, I know that “cheating” is generally reviewed as a less-than-savory pursuit—but, let’s face it—today’s world is fraught with more perils and pitfalls than ever. Having a compendium of friendly and helpful advice at your disposal can make the journey a little smoother. Enter Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet from award-winning author, Haley Cavanagh. Adulting is framed much like a conversation with a favorite aunt—never judgy or blatantly didactic—rather an open dialogue sharing tidbits of experience, thoughtful suggestions, and even a favorite recipe or two for those days when time or money is short. The book does not present difficult budget plans or impossible cleaning schedules. If we’re being totally honest, I would fail miserably at ANY organized laundry plan that required me to successfully mate ALL the socks that emerged from my dryer. No life advice book I have EVER read has successfully explained the scientific anomaly that mysteriously vaporizes 50% of my hosiery. Instead, Cavanagh seems to recognize that life is not perfect, but suggests practical, helpful ways to weather the imperfections. While at first blush this book may seem geared toward recent graduates preparing to make those first forays into the “real world,” readers from any stage of life can benefit from Cavanagh’s practical, no-nonsense life advice. A breeze of a read, coming in under twelve chapters, readers will find the broad brushstrokes to help you navigate your money, your home, self-care, make the most of travel opps, being a parent, and even provides some how-to hacks to make all this “adulting” a bit less stressful. Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet is the perfect springboard to help you dive in to the deep end of the pool without feeling like you’re drowning. Author Info: Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. In 2020, she won the Silver Quill award from the League of Utah Writers for Retaliation, the second novel in her Oceanstone Initiative sci-fi series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College and a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she's not writing. She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website or social media. Author and Book Links: Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEVhASZLgks Website: www.haleycavanaghbooks.com Newsletter: https://haleycavanaghbooks.com/vip-readers-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleycavanaghbooks/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1769243778 Twitter: https://twitter.com/haley_cavanagh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleycavanaghbooks/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ambitioushales/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42207961-astraeus Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1462146406 Abe Books: https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31792113963 Alibris: https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=1462146406 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adulting-haley-cavanagh/1144919046 Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Adulting/Haley-Cavanagh/9781462146406?id=9106229941998 Cedar Fort Publishing: https://www.cedarfort.com/collections/new-this-month/products/the-ultimate-cheat-sheet Chirp Books: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/adulting-the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-by-haley-cavanagh Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/386865747681 Everand: https://www.everand.com/audiobook/720686222/Adulting-The-Ultimate-Cheat-Sheet Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205796643 Google Play: https://books.google.com/books/about/Adulting.html?id=idqi0AEACAAJ Indiebound/Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/adulting-the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-haley-cavanagh/21167130?ean=9781462146406 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/adulting-the-ultimate-cheat-sheet Storytel: https://www.storytel.com/in/books/adulting-the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-2984449 Target: https://www.target.com/p/adulting-by-haley-cavanagh-paperback/-/A-91375883 ThriftBooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/adulting--the-ultimate-cheat-sheet_haley-cavanagh/52327650/item/63472536/#edition=70976800&idiq=63472536 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adulting-The-Ultimate-Cheat-Sheet-Paperback-9781462146406/5424410319 #selfhelpbooks #selfhelp #bookstagram #books #selfhelpbook #selfhelpquotes #booklover #nonfictionbooks #personaldevelopment #businessbooks #motivation #book #selfhelptools #reading #successbooks #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #nonfiction #motivationalquotes #success #booksbooksbooks #personaldevelopmentbooks #bookstagrammer #selflove #quotes #bookrecommendations #bookshelf #selfhelptips #booksofinstagram #businessbook

Grab your napkins and get your mouth watering for a delicious cozy mystery review, free excerpt, and gift card giveaway with Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder! BOOK DETAILS: CORNBREAD, RIBS, AND MURDER Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell Publication Date: April 23, 2024 Genre: Mystery SYNOPSIS: It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder. Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees. Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent? The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first. The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder. BOOK REVIEW OF CORNBREAD, RIBS, AND MURDER If you’ve got a craving for a delicious delight that won’t worry your waistline, skip the cake and opt for some Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder. No, I’m not suggesting you head to the Golden Corral for the all-you-can-eat buffet. Instead, I draw your attention to the third installment in The Chocolate Martini Sisters series by authors Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell. This dynamic writing duo has “cooked up” another wonderful cozy mystery—a partnership mirrored by their main characters, close-knit sisters, Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield. The sisters, once again, find themselves in the midst of mayhem when another murder interrupts their biannual jaunt to their favorite getaway. However, readers who are meeting these likable characters for the first time will not find themselves lost as Whiteside and Proell do an admirable job of peppering in any necessary backstory without overpowering the story flavor. Fans of Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schultz will enjoy Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder with its similar tone, pacing, and characters you want to coffee klatch with or, in the case of the sisters, chocolate martini with! Both Nicole and Emma are easy to like, and the authors balance their personalities and points-of-view as the chapters shift between each woman. Readers who are drawn to cozy mysteries looking for familiar flavors (tropes) will find many of them included: amateur sleuths, a no-nonsense policeman who would rather leave the sleuthing to the professionals, a red herring or two, a small town, and many more. The sisters (and readers) get a taste of salty, sour, sweet, and savory as they work through the menu of suspects and dish out some justice to the person cooking up all the trouble. A deliciously entertaining read for anyone who devours cozy mysteries! Don’t miss out on Nic’s prize-winning cornbread recipe at the end of the book! Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. EXCERPT OF CORNBREAD, RIBS & MURDER “Care for a celebratory chocolate martini?” Grinning, Emma attempted to arch one questioning brow, similar to the dramatic effect she’d seen in movies, but both shot up. Nic chuckled. “Do you really need to ask?” In silent agreement, they’d set a course to the Azul Saloon when a piercing scream rang out. Emma startled, then froze. “What the heck?” Nic grabbed her hand clawing into the skin enough to make her flinch, then gulped and, noticing her pained expression, released her grip. “Sorry.” The scream set a fire under the desk manager’s feet who darted from the reception area. “For an older man, Oliver Stonewell sure can move.” Emma hustled after him, sprinting across the lobby, curious about what she might find at the source of the wretched scream. Nic kept pace at her side, hand flat against the top of her hat, holding it steady. As they closed in on the administrative office corridor, another longer scream morphed into a painful yowl. “Hellllp.” The agonized cry tripped along Emma’s spine like jagged nails scratching at her skin. She raced past Jillian’s empty office. Following Oliver, she veered into the second open doorway and halted with a gasp. Oh my God. She’d seen the raw ugliness of death before, yet it didn’t prepare her for this—lots and lots of blood blossomed across the man’s shirt. She clapped a hand to her mouth stifling a cry. Unexpectedly light-headed, dots floated across her vision. Teetering, she caught the door jamb. Her legs steadied, but her stomach threatened to revolt. “Aw, jeez,” muttered Nic, echoing the horror coursing through her shaky body. AUTHOR INFO & LINKS: After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce Proell retired to create her own tales. As an award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. Visit here at her website: https://joyceproell.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. She writes children’s books under the pen name, Brenda Sue. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes. Visit Brenda at https://www.brendawhiteside.com or https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GPJR7 Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX #cozymystery #bookstagram #cozymysteryseries #cozymysteries #mystery #cozymysterylover #booklover #murdermystery #mysterybooks #books #cozymysteryauthor #cozymysterybooks #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookish #authorsofinstagram #reading #writersofinstagram #cozies #cozy #cozymysteryreader #amwriting #kindleunlimited #booksofinstagram #bookaddict #mysteryseries #bookstagrammer #kindle #cosymystery #bibliophile

If you're a book lover who can't get enough of literary discussions, author interviews, and reading recommendations, podcasts are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of literature. But with so many choices, it can be hard to narrow in on the best and brightest to help you build your TBR pile. Whether you're looking for book reviews, behind-the-scenes insights, or fascinating discussions on your favorite novels, there's a podcast out there for you. Here are ten of the best podcasts for readers to explore: Top 10 Podcasts for Book Lovers 1. The New York Times Book Review Dive into the world of literature with The New York Times Book Review podcast. Hosted by the editors of The New York Times Book Review, this podcast features interviews with authors, book recommendations, and discussions on the latest literary trends and releases. 2. Book Riot Book Riot is a treasure trove of bookish content, and their podcast is no exception. Tune in for lively discussions on a wide range of literary topics, including book recommendations, genre deep dives, and author interviews. With a diverse lineup of hosts and guests, there's something for every reader on Book Riot. 3. The Guardian Books Podcast Get your literary fix with The Guardian Books Podcast, featuring interviews with authors, book reviews, and discussions on the latest news and trends in the world of literature. From fiction to non-fiction, this podcast covers a wide range of genres and topics. 4. The Literary Salon Hosted by author Damian Barr, The Literary Salon is a must-listen for book lovers. Each episode features in-depth interviews with acclaimed authors, discussing their latest works, writing process, and literary inspirations. With a mix of humor, insight, and wit, The Literary Salon offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of writing. 5. Borrowed Produced by The Brooklyn Public Library, Borrowed puts a unique twist on the literary-oriented podcast. This narrative series revolves around some superhero librarians, neighborhood stories, and what it really means to be a free, democratic place in today’s changing world. Listen to stories told through the lens of libraries as they serve their communities during natural disasters, the challenges of homelessness, and NYC’s fraught relationship with trash. 6. The Librarian Is In Join the librarians of the New York Public Library on The Librarian Is In for lively discussions on books, culture, and more. With a mix of book recommendations, author interviews, and literary banter, The Librarian Is In is the perfect podcast for book lovers looking to expand their reading horizons. 7. Overdue Overdue is a podcast that explores the books you've been meaning to read. Each episode, hosts Andrew and Craig discuss a different book, ranging from classics to contemporary bestsellers. With humor, insight, and a touch of irreverence, Overdue is a fun and entertaining podcast for book lovers of all ages. 8. Reading Glasses Hosted by Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara, Reading Glasses is a podcast for book lovers looking for reading recommendations, bookish advice, and discussions on all things literary. With a focus on diverse voices and genres, Reading Glasses offers something for every reader. 9. What Should I Read Next? Hosted by Anne Bogel, What Should I Read Next? is a podcast that helps readers discover their next great read. Each episode features a different guest discussing their reading habits, favorite books, and literary preferences, with Anne offering personalized book recommendations based on their tastes. 10. The Penguin Podcast Produced by Penguin Books, The Penguin Podcast features interviews with authors, musicians, and other creative minds. With a focus on storytelling and creativity, this podcast offers insight into the creative process and the world of literature. Bonus Book Podcasts Many of the podcasts above feature traditionally-published authors. The following bonus podcasts shine a well-deserved spotlight on some must-read indie books and their authors. Check them out! 11. Emma Palova: Author Podcast Show (Authors Unbounded Podcast Channels) and For the Love of Books Meet Indie and small press authors who pour out their hearts in their books as they marvel at the world around them on Emma Palova's Author Podcast Show with Authors Unbounded Podcast CHannels. Let them inspire you, turn your dreams into reality, and unleash your imagination, boundless, free. Host Emma Palova, who you may also know from her podcast For the Love of Books, speaks with a lively assortment of scribes on her show. The podcast features indie and small press authors, and their events with bonus special episodes about book marketing. 12. Indie Reads Aloud If you love listening to books, swing by Indie Reads Aloud, a terrific podcast hosted by Diana Kathryn Plopa. Featuring a wide variety of genres, you'll find something for every member of the family as Diana sits down with each author for a delightful chat before inviting the authors to read an excerpt from their latest work. Whether you're looking for book recommendations, author interviews, or discussions on the latest literary trends, these ten podcasts (plus our bonus suggestions) are sure to delight any book lover. Tune in to explore the world of literature and discover your next great read! #bookpodcasts #bookstagram #books #bookpodcast #bookpodcaster #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #authorinterviews #readersofinstagram #podcasts #newpodcast #authorstoriespodcast #bookreviewpodcast #ifyougiveagirlalaptop #inspirationintheeveryday #bookinterviews #newpodcastshow #newpodcasts #bookstagrammer #newpodcastepisode #newpodcaster #newpodcasters #newbookreleases #reading #booklover #booklovers #bookworms #newbooks #bookworm #book

Woo hoo! Summer is finally here! Okay, okay. So, I know summer doesn't officially begin until June 20, but a majority of the kids are out of school, and THAT means it's time for fun and games! What better way to kick off the fun than with National Gameshow Day! National Gameshow Day is celebrated on June 1st each year, honoring the exciting and competitive spirit of games. This day is a tribute to the joy and challenge that games bring, whether on television or—for us book nerds—within the pages of a book. Literature has its share of engaging stories where games play a central role in the plot and we've chosen to celebrate the day with you by sharing some of our favorite titles and invite YOU to "get your game on" with By the Book, our own literary-themed game show below. Finding Some Gameshow Fun in Books The game's afoot... Interestingly, most readers attribute this familiar phrase to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. But while the famous sleuth DID utter this phrase in The Adventure of the Abbey Grange, it did not originate at 221B Baker Street. In fact, savvy readers might recognize the line from none other than William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I, as it is spoken by Henry Percy, the Earl of North Umberland. Shakespeare or Sherlock, many books contain a "games" theme to help you find gameshow fun. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Genre: YA Dystopian In Suzanne Collins' dystopian novel, "The Hunger Games," the eponymous deadly competition is a televised event where tributes must fight for their lives, exploring themes of survival and societal control. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Genre: Sci-Fi/YA Dystopia Ernest Cline's science fiction novel "Ready Player One" centers on a virtual reality game called the OASIS, where players embark on a quest filled with 1980s pop culture references to find an Easter egg that promises immense wealth. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy In "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card, a young boy named Ender Wiggin is trained through increasingly complex war simulations to prepare for an alien invasion. These novels, among others, highlight how games can serve as powerful narrative devices, driving character development and thematic exploration. Celebrating National Gameshow Day at Home To celebrate National Gameshow Day, book lovers can create their own literary-themed game show at home. This could involve trivia questions about famous novels, authors, and literary characters, or even a "Jeopardy!"-style board with categories like Classic Literature, Modern Bestsellers, and Famous First Lines. Or try your luck at our online trivia game below! Gathering friends or family for a fun and educational evening can bring the spirit of game shows into the living room, celebrating both a love of books and the excitement of friendly competition—without having to volunteer as tribute. #libri #love #literature #bookobsessed #library #libros #readingtime #amreading #author #b #bookstore #bookrecommendations #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #fiction #bookworms #romance #novel #libro #libridaleggere #lovebooks #bookgram #readmorebooks #igbooks #leggere #kindle #bookloversofinstagram #kindleunlimited #booklife #bookreader #trivia #trivianight #quiz #fun #facts #triviatuesday #didyouknow #triviagame #triviaquestions #quizzes #knowledge #quiznight #trivialove #funfacts #games #quiztime #movies #quizzing #quizinstagram #movietrivia #questions #triviatime #quizmaster #triviathursday

We all get a little lost sometimes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had a map to show us the way? Explore new directions and, perhaps, find new destinations for your life's journey in One of the Most Expensive, Iconic & Kinetic Maps of Australia in the World, a memoir-style book from Jose Tugaff Amoloria and Amazon Best-Selling Author Lourdes Villena Amoloria. Enjoy an excerpt from this unique title, and join in the giveaway below! Book Details: One of the Most Expensive, Iconic & Kinetic Maps of Australia in the World by Jose Tugaff Amoloria and Lourdes Villena Amoloria Genre: Nonfiction/Memoir Publication Date: January 15, 2024 Synopsis: Dream without fear. When dreams are nourished with faith and actions, dreams bloom into realities. Jose, a self-taught artist, had no formal training in art, no scholastic qualifications, and had very challenging life experiences as an international sailor, chef, watchmaker, and stone mason. How can one be multi-skilled and pass international standards without proper educational training? This book will make you rethink how adversity, grief, and loss can cause so much pain, and yet, these life challenges can facilitate creativity, and be transformed into gifts and blessings for a meaningful and productive existence. Get inspired by faith and determination that changed the course of life, and be entertained by the unconventional ways Jose educated and equipped himself with skills to achieve dreams and goals. The one-of-a-kind masterpieces in this book and Jose's life are testimonials that creativity can really transform lives. Miracles do happen, and anyone can manifest miracles if they sincerely believe in themselves and in the intervention of the unseen power of the Supreme Creator. Excerpt from One of the Most Expensive, Iconic & Kinetic Maps of Australia in the World Creativity means many things to many people, but the most common understanding is that creativity happens when someone creates something unique, new, artistic, beautiful and often valuable, an enhancer to our lives. No doubt, creativity is one great way to win in life’s arena of challenges. The reality is people have different kinds of creativity, and children can be very creative as they do not know the limitations of their imagination. There are adults, too, who are determined to create what has never been done before, hence perhaps Einstein’s famous quote, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there will be to know and understand.” Jose’s creativity started to manifest when his father encouraged him to make his own toys out of some spare watch parts and other odd pieces he had kept. His school projects were also a great outlet for his growing creativity. Nonetheless, this creative influence almost got lost when he had to deal with his mom’s passing and pursue his own life traveling around the world as a sailor. Author Bio: Jose Tugaff Amoloria is a man of multi-talents and skills. He is a professional watchmaker who had mastered most phases of watches: mechanical, automatic, quartz technology and modern watches. He created one-of-a-kind kinetic masterpieces made of collectible time pieces and watch parts, enhanced with microlights. He became a chef, and was personally taught a French masterchef's family secret of French liquored ice cream. Jose mastered stone masonry in record time. His experience in watch repair helped him to gain a feather touch to accomplish his masonry works. He is also an avid martial art practitioner of arnis, a Filipino martial art, and he is also a second-dan black belt in Karate, with a champion's trophy to prove it. With so many other skills and abilities, Jose thanks God for the gifts and talents given to him. Email: jjamoloria@gmail.com Lourdes Villena Amoloria is an Amazon international best-selling author for her book Kiss From an Angel: How to Turn Your Grief Into a Gift From Heaven, published in Sydney, Australia, 2014. Lourdes holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications from La Salle, Bacolod City, Philippines, with a post-graduate in counseling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in Sydney, Australia. Lourdes is on a mission to help others find the gift behind their grief, help with mental health issues, and live more productive lives with faith, self-responsibility, and love in action. Email: lourdesvillenaamoloria@gmail.com Author Links: Website: https://lourdesvillenaamoloria.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylifemypricelessmasterpiece LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lourdes-villena-amoloria-b92025a2/?originalSubdomain=au Goodreads Giveaway: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/388642-one-of-the-most-expensive-iconic-and-kinetic-maps-of-australia-in-the-w Purchase Links: Amazon https://amazon.com/dp/0228895901 Walmart https://www.walmart.com/search?q=9780228895909 Booktopia https://www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?keywords=9780228895909 Rakuten Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/one-of-the-most-expensive-iconic-and-kinetic-maps-of-australia-in-the-world #nonfiction #bookstagram #books #fiction #reading #booklover #nonfictionbooks #book #bookworm #bibliophile #bookish #bookstagrammer #memoir #bookreview #booksofinstagram #author #readersofinstagram #booknerd #read #bookaddict #writersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #poetry #instabook #literature #selfhelp #bookrecommendations #nonfictionreads #bookshelf #novel #giveaway #excerpt #goodreads #Australia

"Nobody who loves dogs will be able to resist [this] book! A magnificent love story!" - Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, International bestselling author of Dogs Never Lie About Love and When Elephants Weep Book Details: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden by Barbara Lampert Genre: Dog Memoir Publication Date: November 13, 2023 Synopsis: In her dog memoir Happy Harry: A Magical Golden, psychotherapist Barbara Lampert, a lifelong dog lover, tells the story of her beloved Golden Retriever, Harry. Like her first dog memoir, Harry's story comes from her mostly uncensored daily journal and takes place in Malibu, California. Harry was a genuinely free spirit - wild, and very wolf-like. Did all this contribute to his being exceptionally happy? Perhaps. Harry was not only the happiest being Barbara's ever known, happy to the very core of him, but also the bravest. More than once in his life, Harry had to face true adversity, and each time, Barbara would look at him in wonder, not fully understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy. Harry literally pranced through life, with a joyous attitude that made being around him like magic. Barbara fell in love with Harry. And as you immerse yourself in Harry's story, it's likely you will too! Happy Harry is unforgettable! Excerpt for Happy Harry I call Harry my calendar dog. Exquisite face. That’s what drew me to him when he was nine weeks old. Sounds superficial, but I thought his face was extraordinary. And this sounds superficial too, but I’d hoped his face would stay as gorgeous when he grew up. Well, it has. But you know, no matter what he turned out to look like, I knew I would love him tremendously. What’s inside Harry is amazing! Harry is the happiest dog I’ve ever known. Genuinely happy, from the core of him. Mostly with a ball game. Harry can’t wait for the moment when he can go out to play. The first few years with Harry were insane. He was a maniac, wouldn’t listen. Particularly when he was out of the house on a walk or at the big field at the nearby school. We tried every kind of leash and harness. We enlisted a dog trainer. Nothing worked. But little by little, he’s getting better. Still pays scant attention when we’re out of the house, but at least I don’t have the feeling he would run away. Though he’s never off leash when we’re out. Never! Those first years were so chaotic with him that I was resigning myself to the possibility he might be a sociopath, because he seemed to not care about rules, listening, or consequences. I needed to accept him as he was. But now, at six, Harry has become incredibly devoted and loyal. Our wild wolf has settled into his pack. I’m at work right now and can’t wait to get home and see Harry. Give him lots of kisses, get his over-the top joyful greeting with a soft toy in his mouth. Seeing Harry brimming with enthusiasm makes me so happy! I love him so much! Harry’s adapting… But more than that, he’s still so joyful. His abundance of happy energy is so wonderful to be around. He’s still putting stuffed toy rabbits and balls in his mouth, particularly when he’s really happy. Still comes to me with even more enthusiasm and his head held even higher than usual when I say, “Hey Harry.” I love saying that to him, and Harry seems to love hearing it. I only use the “Hey” with Harry. It’s special, just for him. Something I started saying to him a few years ago. To me, it’s a way of emphasizing how cool Harry is. Yes, Harry is really cool, in the true sense of the word. Unafraid, carefree. Still. Dogs are such special beings. I swear a big reason they were put on this earth is to teach us how to be. Book Review Let's face it—life can be "ruff." But sometimes, an inspiring spirit comes along that makes the journey easier. For Barbara Lampert, that spirit was Happy Harry. Today, Inkspired gives a book review for this delightful dog memoir. Lampert’s book opens with an unwritten invitation—an invitation to sit a spell in her garden (which, I’ll admit, I would love to visit IRL) and share in the unbridled joy showered upon the world daily by a rambunctious and effusively happy Golden Retriever named Harry. The book, though drawn largely from the pages of Lampert’s own journals, feels more like a friendly conversation between friends—tales over a tall iced tea perhaps. Simple joys. And that brings us to the underlying theme that quietly ripples beneath Lampert’s stories of Harry’s obssession with his favorite ball, his playful interactions with his brother, Barney, and his antics with a cat named Oreo. Joy. What readers can take away from Happy Harry is the gentle reminder of how to squeeze the joy from life. Live each day to the full. In fact, overflow it. An easy, inspiring read that will appeal to pet lovers and anyone who may need a little light to help kindle their joy. Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange for a fair and honest review. Author Bio: My passion is dogs! I’ve had dogs most of my life and hope to have at least one by my side always. Dog energy is the best! I’m the author of two dog memoirs: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and before that Charlie: A Love Story. Each about one of my Golden Retrievers. (I told you dogs are my passion!) I’m a psychotherapist, licensed for over thirty years, specializing in relationships. I was a flight attendant for nine years. And taught sociology at several universities. I have two master’s degrees and a doctorate. Gardening is another love – not as much as dogs, but right up there! I see my garden as a work of art and garden as much as possible in my free time. I love being in nature. I  live in Malibu, California with my husband David and, you guessed it, our two wonderful Golden Retrievers, Oliver and Henry. Author Links: Website: https://www.happyharryamagicalgolden.com/happy-harry-a-magical-golden Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMTXK538 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.lampert.50/ and https://www.facebook.com/barbaralampertauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barbara.lampert5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaralampert1/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbarbaralampert/

In a world where fitting in is prized, it can be devastating to feel like an outsider. Author Monica Buchanan gives readers a poignant look at suffering and survival in her new book Outsider: Making Sense of My Journey As a Survivor. Read a complimentary excerpt here and take a chance at a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card in the tour-wide giveaway. Book Details: Outsider: Making Sense of My Journey as a Survivor by Monica Buchanan Publication Date: October 23, 2023 Genre: Memoir Synopsis: Monica Buchanan grew up in Jamaica. She revisits her lived experiences of abuse and neglect in early childhood and her younger adult years. Buchanan takes the reader on a palatable path that allows for reflection on one's own life. She writes about her survival journey, while looking through descriptive lens, she carefully details how exposure to early childhood abuse and neglect within her family helped form patterns, influenced choices, and shaped decisions in her adulthood. By chronicling familial stories, the roles of parents, siblings, and community, she employs a story-telling and meaning-making approach, that is both painful and entertaining. Even though as a young child I was told I was the problem, I knew intuitively that I did not cause all my problems. I now know that what happened to me within the context of familial (and other) relationships had a name--emotional abuse and neglect. Growing up I wished there were more people and resources that could help me make sense of my life as I struggled with low self-esteem, insecurities, felt lost, craved attention, and an overall sense of not belonging--I felt like an outsider and desperately wanted to be on the inside. Buchanan reaffirms that: childhood experiences of abuse and neglect does not mean one has a commutable life sentence of pain and suffering. It does not matter where you are on your healing journey, you can set that stuff aside and reclaim your life. This book is for anyone who grew up in a toxic, abusive, and unhealthy home environment where they felt like they did not belong within the family unit. It is also a book about making changes, forgiveness, and letting go. EXCERPTS Chapter 1 Emotional Abuse and Neglect Experience has taught us that we have only one enduring weapon in our struggle against mental illness: the emotional discovery and emotional acceptance of the truth in the individual and unique history of our childhood. - Alice Miller Impact of Early Childhood Emotional Abuse and Neglect When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I do not know when or where I first heard this saying, but these days my life is lemons. Not the ripe, luscious, bright yellow lemons we often notice in the grocery store from afar, but sour, bitter, bad-tasting ones—a whole lot of them—and there is no sugar to sweeten the lemonade I am making, so I just must swallow the bad tasting, intolerable concoction. I took the childhood garbage I ingested into adulthood. When and where did I learn to swallow this stuff and keep it down? I did not learn it as an adult; I learned this behavior as a small, innocent, and unsuspecting child. For many of us, the traumas and dramas of our early childhood experiences have turned us into survivors. Merriam-Webster says a survivor is “A person who continues to live after an accident, illness, war, etc.” A more specific definition is “Someone who can keep living or succeeding, despite a lot of problems.” The second definition certainly applies to me (and most other survivors of childhood abuse and neglect). Those earlier events have altered our psychological and emotional state in adulthood. We grow up to be adult children who are not fully “alive” but rather, we endure an existence where we appear to be living a full life but are just getting by; we are surviving. Author Bio: MONICA BUCHANAN has a PhD in psychology, as well as a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies. Buchanan is semi-retired, after a long and rewarding career in counseling, psychotherapy, and coaching, she now follows her passion and live a purposeful lifestyle. She continues to be enthusiastic and committed to development of strength-based community resources for adults and youths from marginalized and under-served communities, thus she remains an active volunteer. She focuses on mindfulness and relaxation and loves to read, write, garden, and take long meditative walks. Author Links: Website: https://www.monicabuchanan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_monicab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicabuchanan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonicabuchanan Twitter: @TheDrBuchanan #memoir #bookstagram #nonfiction #books #author #writersofinstagram #writer #booklover #book #bookworm #authorsofinstagram #reading #bookreview #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bibliophile #writing #bookish #love #nonfictionbooks #poetry #biography #booknerd #autobiography #booksbooksbooks #memoirs #writers #bookaddict #goodreads