Sunday, April 10, 2016

Today, I am reblogging for a friend. Please share.
From Scott Borgman

The BORGman Collective


This won't be a long blog, so I hope you'll take the few minutes to read it. I try to do what I can to help support other authors, causes, charities, local area fundraisers... just to name a few. On April 30, 2016, I'll be taking part in Walk MS: Marshfield. And I would like to ask for your support.
 
 
Having been diagnosed with MS myself late last year, this is something that I am doing - not only because it's a for a good cause, but because I know personally how it has affected both myself and those closest to me. There is no cure for MS. Much of the disease is not even understood because of how randomly it effects those of us who have it. How random? Anywhere from a few months to ten years or more between 'fits' as we call them.
 
It's a waiting game, more or less. You wake up every morning and go about your day as you always do, but in the back of your mind, there's the thought: Is today the day another fit is going to strike?
 
I found out I had MS rather brutally. What started with tingling in my fingers one day, which I initially assumed had been because I had simply slept weird, spread to my palms within a day. A few days later, my left leg went dead. I literally had to drag it around. Walking was nearly impossible. It lasted for almost a month before the fit ended and I could walk normally again. For now.
 
You see, there are several different forms of MS that have been discovered. Mine happens to be Progressive Relapsing MS. The simple explanation for PRMS is that it gets progressively worse with each recurring fit. Which means the next time it hits, it will likely be as bad or worse than the last fit. Each fit leaves a permanent scar on the brain, kind of like a sick, demented 'I was here' tag. The MRI that I had done revealed that it had not been the first fit for me - it had been the seventh. 
 
So I'm taking part in Walk MS: Marshfield while I can, because the next time it hits, I may not get the use of my leg back, or worse. No one - not even my specialist, who has studied and devoted the last twenty years of his life to studying the disease and trying to understand it - knows what will happen.
 
MS is like lightning during a thunderstorm. Others like me who have MS know the lightning will strike, but none of us know when, or what will be affected. That's what makes it such a difficult disease, not only for us but for our loved ones. 
 
My wife, Nyki, has formed a team of us who will be walking on April 30, 2016 in Marshfield, WI. As I'm a Star Trek geek, I came up with our team name, The BORGman Collective (I thought it was rather clever!)
We would like to raise funds for the National MS Society, which is what this walk is for. Any donation you make goes directly to them.
 
From left to right:
DeAnna, Michael, Jhessica, Scott, and Nyki Borgman
Here is the link, which will take you to the team page:
 
 
I hope you will make a donation, no matter what amount, and help spread the word. Bloggers: please reblog. Tweeters: please blast the Twitterverse. Facebookers: please click that share button.
 
As an author, my job is to bring out the emotions of my readers. I hope I have succeeded in that endeavor with this blog. Thank you everyone.


All My Best,

Scott A. Borgman

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Thursday, April 7, 2016

TODAY'S FEATURE

RELEASE DAY
FOR

On-the-Job Training
by 
Jordan Buchanan




On-the-Job Training was never sexy…until now.

He wasn’t a billionaire with a dungeon full of toys; he was the Dom she’d always wanted.
She wasn’t a wide-eyed young innocent she was the submissive he’d always needed.

For everyone who thinks they’re not young enough, rich enough, or thin enough to have a hot, sexy, BDSM romance—here’s a story of D/s in the real world.

At 42, John Mackenzie finds himself starting over. He lost his beloved wife to cancer. His mentor and partner in their architectural firm suffers a stroke and dies soon after. Jacqueline Deane, the not-so-grieving widow, makes no secret she has designs on John. His exit strategy includes opening a private office in the guest cottage at his home. With new business coming in faster than he ever imagined, John soon needs to hire an assistant.

Laura Benson is an empty-nester, her only child in college halfway across the country. Happily divorced, she’s looking for a more fulfilling job and dreaming of the kind of passion she’s known only in the romance novels she reads. When a mutual friend puts her in contact with John, she jumps at the opportunity for change.

During the interview, each feels a spark, and John hires Laura on the spot.  After fighting their growing attraction to each other as long as they can, they begin to explore building a Dom/sub relationship that works for them. There’s only one problem distracting the couple from the euphoria of their new relationship. Someone is altering John’s job orders and substituting dangerously substandard materials and forging his signature on them. Before disaster strikes, John begins his search for the culprit while Laura contends with the platinum blonde shark—Jacqueline Deane. 

On-the-Job Training is a BDSM-themed romance serial released in four episodes: Orientation, Probation Period, Performance Review, and Permanent Position. WARNING: This title contains explicit sexual content and is intended for adults only. 













Jordan Buchanan was born and lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia most of her life. Now residing in northern Michigan, she misses the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, but living in the home state of the mighty Detroit Red Wings helps ease the pain.

Jordan writes erotic romance with both heart and heat. She has published the short story collection, 4Play, the novel, Xander’s Garden. Her current project is the serial romance On-the-Job Training; the first episode, Orientation, is now available on Amazon.

When she’s not reading, writing, or watching hockey, Jordan spends quality time with her charming husband, three young Labrador mixes, and two older, and a quite disgruntled cat.

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/JordanBAuthor/?fref=ts
Twitter https://twitter.com/jordanbwriting
Amazon author page   http://www.amazon.com/Jordan-Buchanan/e/B00TY06PLK


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Friday, April 1, 2016

Today's featured author is

Barbara Chioffi


I'm doing something I usually do not do...promoting myself. I've been writing all my life... poems, journals, venting, etc. Last year, I made the acquaintance of an author I admire. Julie Nicholls  encouraged me to write a story for publication, and after months of  consternation, Angel Mine found its way to Amazon. My story had positive reviews. The comments received were appreciated and suggestions were heeded. I'm working to improve with each book. 

There are so many aspiring to be successful, and the sheer number guarantees many outstanding authors will get lost among the hundreds of thousands. I know many of those writers, ones whose words shine from the pages, making me smile as I read them. These writers I treasure, making sure I have their books on my kindle to read again and again.

So for what it's worth, here are my books so far. I hope, someday, to be among those whose writing I love. All covers done by Julie Nicholls.

Angel Mine



Jeza is a gorgeous redhead with a broken heart. One afternoon, she meets a handsome stranger at a local gun range and the sparks fly. Instant attraction results in a hot romance, but trouble looms on the horizon. Her former abusive boyfriend returns to reclaim her with dangerous intent. 18+



Lycan Heart (formally Lycan Love)







Julia Monroe has been wandering all her life, from one foster home to another, then one job to another. She meets a wealthy man, Robert Flannery, who becomes her employer. His son, Justin, is attracted to Julia and reveals himself to her; first as his wolf persona, then in his human form. As their relationship develops, Julia learns more about the secrets the Flannerys hold, ones that will lead to love, friendship, and danger. Recommended for 18 and older.



Trickery





How about a little bait and switch? Three horror tales, each with a twist, three shifters with their own brand of terror. SILK, THIRSTY, and PREY will definitely keep you guessing. Intended for 18+.



Dark Lycan...released March 16, 2016





Tara Bentley has experienced much in her life. Losing her father while still in high school, she finds herself faced with a stepfather a year later. When she finally accepts him, rapid developments threaten to unravel her existence.

Attending a dinner with her parents, Tara meets a young man who proves to be a danger. She awakens in the woods, remembers being with him, but the rest eludes her. Found by a handsome shapeshifter, she is returned to her family.

Jared, her rescuer, begins to court her, and soon, they are in a loving relationship. Revelations come to light, involving her true heritage. These bring joy but also danger to her, as well as to Jared and his family.

Faced with the knowledge that her attacker is still at large, Tara must either decide to embrace her true nature to protect those she loves, or risk losing them.

18+ due to mature content.

EXCERPT


After sitting with the same people for the second night in a row, Tara excused herself. Needing a break from the boredom, she stood on the balcony, elated to be alone. Lost in the scents of autumn, the night sang to her. It was comforting, like a warm blanket.
As she enjoyed the silence, Cody walked out a second door to stand nearby, interrupting the solitude. “Beautiful, isn’t it? I never tire of this view.”
“Yes. It’s gorgeous this time of year.”
“There’s a garden below with some dwarf sweetspire. Let’s take a look.” Cody suggested.
Tara sighed inwardly. She really wanted to be alone, but she didn’t like being rude to anyone. It seemed safe enough. After all, there was a gathering for dinner only a short distance away, and she was curious. Nodding, she followed Cody down the stairs to the patio.
He pointed to a large, colorful plant. “Tara, this is a beautiful sight in the spring. It’s green with white flowers.”
“Is this its fall color?” She touched the rich magenta leaves.
“Yes. It’s wearing its autumn coat.”
Tara smiled, appreciating his sense of humor.
“I was born and raised in this area,” Cody said. “There’s nothing like the mountains this time of year, anytime really. When the morning mist rolls down the hills, it’s magical.”
Lights from the first-floor foyer were shining, and Tara found herself relaxing with his friendly conversation. Pointing to a statue a distance away, he said, “This is the original owner of the inn, Winston Durham.”
Walking over to get a better view, she took her small camera from her purse to snap a picture.
“Hey, get one of me,” Cody said.
They both laughed as he mugged for the shot, standing in front of a bank of sweetspire at the base of the statue. Laughing, she forgot the warnings she felt before and leaned over to read the inscription on the statue. Cody moved, standing behind her.
Before she could make a sound, he grabbed her and covered her face with a cloth. Dropping the camera, she tried to scream, struggling in his iron grip, but he held her firmly in place. She felt dizzy, her struggles grew weaker, and she lost consciousness.


A heartfelt thanks to Julie Nicholls for your guidance and friendship. You can find her here:




 






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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Give a warm welcome to

KARINA KANTAS




Karina has published eight books and 30 other publications. She is the author of the popular OUTLAW series, thrillers involving outlaw motorcycle clubs. I'll share that in a moment. But first, this is her latest, Illusional Reality. 




Nobody expects to stare death in the face only to find out your entire life is a lie. Rescued by Salco, marketing executive Becky finds herself in an unknown magical world filled with happy people that try to forget their land is on the brink of destruction.

Becky, now Thya, soon learns none of this was an accident, and the council of Tsinia are certain her union with Darthorn’s son, Kovon, will create peace. Although her future has been planned out, she gives her heart to another.






Amazon link:


Book trailer



And now for Karina's Outlaw Series

In Times of Violence    


Huntress


Lawless Justice


Road Rage



Other books by Karina

Stone Cold


Heads and Tales***short stories


Undressed***flash short fiction, poetry, and prose



As you can see, Karina is a prolific writer and one that you will love getting to know.

Find her here:



 Twitter  @KarinaKantas

You Tube channel 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjOMQORvQpEzLbC4u_RQO1e3j64KGNFAc


Make sure to become acquainted with this lovely lady and her books.








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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

I'd like to introduce a friend of mine.


Ian Thomas Malone

I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing one of Ian's books, Five College Dialogues, and was impressed with his intelligence. I reviewed several of his books to follow, the latest being Five High School Dialogues. He continues to pave the way for students, giving them valuable insights into sometimes difficult waters.
Ian Thomas Malone is an author and yogi from Greenwich, CT. He is a graduate of Boston College where he founded The Rock. He is the grandson of noted Sherlockian scholar colonel John Linsenmeyer. Ian has published thousands of articles on diverse subjects such as popular culture, baseball, and social commentary.


His favorite things to post on social media are pictures of his golden retriever Georgie and his collection of stuffed animals. Ian believes firmly that “there’s more to life than books you know, but not much more,” a quote from his hero Morrissey. When he’s not reading, writing, or teaching yoga, he can probably be found in a pool playing water polo. He aspires to move to the Hundred Acre Wood someday, though he hopes it has wi-fi by then.
Today, we celebrate his latest creation, Dead Batteries Tell No Tales, released on March 25.




Synopsis

Public transportation is a new experience for Amber. So is not having access to a cell phone. Luckily, a classmate named Jason is there to help. During their travel, Amber quickly learns that her perspectives on life aren’t quite the same as her peers. As they make their way home, they try to break down the foundation of their social structure in this exciting prequel to Five High School Dialogues.


EXCERPT

Act I – Bus Stop


Amber arrives at the bus stop in a state of disarray as she tries to convince her nanny to pick her up before her phone dies. Jason is seated reading a book while he takes an interest in the loud nature of Amber’s conversation. Amber looks to Jason for help, as she is rather clueless with regard to public transportation. 

  

Amber: Carmen, I don’t know when the bus is coming. Or even if it’s coming. It’s awful. You don’t understand how long it’s been since I had to ride one of these things. Well, maybe you would understand if you listened to a word I said. But you need to come get me. No, I can’t manage. I’m going to get lost. You know that. Ugh. Stop. I’m scared. Well, I could be. You’d never know. What do you mean you have errands to run? Do them tomorrow. Father won’t care. He only cares about me and you must make sure that I’m all right. That should be your number one priority. It is the only thing that matters. Hold on, my phone is making beeping noises. Crap. Carmen, can you hear me? Carmen? Ugh, dead battery. Stupid father didn’t get me the upgrade when it was first available. I told him these phones need to be replaced every year because the battery never lasts. Now look at me. Can I borrow your phone? I need to make an important phone call?

 Jason: I don’t have one, sorry.

Amber: What do you mean you don’t have one? Is this like when someone asks you for a stick of gum and you lie because you don’t want to give them one? It’s not funny. Please let me use it. This is serious.

Jason: I was being serious. I don’t have a cell phone.

Amber: How is that even possible?

Jason: It’s simple really. I’m a freshman. I don’t need one. There’s a payphone a few blocks down that way, but I’m pretty sure it’s out of commission. 

Amber: What is this, 2008? I got my cell phone in 7th grade. Everyone who’s anyone has one.

Jason: Well, I don’t so I don’t know what to tell you. I know plenty of people who don’t. My friends that do don’t have the fancy kind like the one you’ve got there.

Amber: Well, then how do they go on Instagram?

Jason: What’s that? Oh, isn’t that the picture website?

Amber: You’re kidding right?

Jason: Yes. 

Amber: What?

Jason: I thought that was what you might want me to say. I’m joking, I know all about it. Here let me dig my phone out of its gold encrusted case. Oh dear. I must have left it in my other backpack. The one with the diamonds.

Amber: I’m so confused.

Jason. Backtrack then. To the website with the pictures and those things that make them look all fancy. Like a Photoshop for cell phones?

Amber: Oh dear God!

Jason: Am I mistaken?

Amber: It’s not a website. It’s an app. You look at it on your phone. There’s a difference.

Jason: Can you look at it on a computer?

Amber: You can look at it, but you can’t post anything unless it’s from a cell phone.

Jason: So what’s the difference?

Amber: Clearly not something you could ever understand. This stuff is important to know.

Jason: If you say so. Names are important too. Mine’s Jason.

Amber: How am I supposed to remember that?

Jason: It’s not a particularly unusual name. The J’s aren’t particularly well represented. Guess one of those and you’ll come close enough. There’s no one else around anyway.

Amber: No, I mean, how am I supposed to remember who you are?

Jason: I don’t follow.

Amber: You see, if you had a cell phone, I could put your number in and look at your photos and text you and then in a couple weeks after the memories of this bench were in the distant past, I could still remember who you are. A lot of work goes into remembering someone and you’re not making it easy with your lack of technology, mister.

 Jason: Or you could just remember that we go to the same school and that we once sat on a bench together. Does that make sense?

Amber: How do you know we go to school together?

Jason: I’ve seen you around. Don’t look so surprised.

Amber: Stalker much?

Jason: Whatever. At least I don’t need to use a cell phone to remember a face.

Amber: I don’t need one, it just makes things easier. Psh. Wait. Do we have a class together? 

 Jason: I don’t know. Why don’t you check your phone?

Amber: I can’t. It’s dead.

Jason: I was joking


Other Titles in The Dialogues Series include

Five College Dialogues
Available Now

Five More College Dialogues
Available Now

Five High School Dialogues
Available Now

Dead Batteries Tell No Tales
A Prequel to Five High School Dialogues
Available Now




How can readers contact Ian
or find out more about his work?


Author Website: ianthomasmalone.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ianthomasmalone

Twitter: twitter.com/ianthomasmalone

Instagram: @ianthomasmalone

Tumblr: ianthomasmalone.tumblr.com

Google +: https://plus.google.com/115213608583036757605/posts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=153032355&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itmalone/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8510012.Ian_Thomas_Malone

TSU: https://www.tsu.co/ianthomasmalone



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Friday, March 25, 2016

********FEATURE FRIDAY********

Check out this new emag that features many of our Indie friends. I'm in it with my short story, Moxie, and a blurb for Dark Lycan, my latest release. This link will take you to a page where you can download the emag. It's beautifully done.








Here's a link for the blog for Fantasy World emag, where you can see past issues and sign up to receive email notifications and/or posts. This, too, is a treat for the eyes.



Subscribe today.

Peace,
Barb




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