A Sci-Fi/Fantasy Boxset Giveaway by Kitty Bucholtz
December 9, 2024 by Kitty Bucholtz in category Writing tagged as boxsets, fantasy, fantasy romance, giveaway, It's Worth It, Kitty Bucholtz, Sci-fi, Urban FantasyIt’s been a long time since I participated in a group promo, but I’m finally doing one through BookFunnel. My second one actually. I was thrilled to be able to sit with Jack from BookFunnel when I was at the Author Nation conference last month as he explained some things I didn’t know how to do. Hence, my second author promo!
It’s not as hard as I thought it’d be though it is a bit of work that I have to plan out. For instance, the rules for this one include mentioning the month-long giveaway at least twice in your newsletter as well as posting about it on three social media platforms twice a week for the four weeks. That’s more promo than I usually do in a month! But it’s probably helping me create better promo habits. Haha!
If you’ve been thinking about doing a BookFunnel group promo, give one a try! You can do it! It’s worth it!
And if you like sci-fi and fantasy novels, click here to check out all the free boxsets being given away during the promo.
In addition to the free books, the host of this giveaway loves gift-giving, so here are all the other things you can win between now and December 25 — a winner every day! [Note: I’ve cut and pasted what the host sent us so you can see how easy it can be to share all the information if you have a great host!]
Enter the “25 Days of Boxsets” Giveaway to be 1 of 25 winners to win AMAZING holiday gifts, incl:
- e-books, hardcovers, and paperback books!
- Amazon Kindle Fire tablets
- Gift cards
- Kindle Unlimited subscriptions
- Amazon Prime subscriptions
- Audiobooks
- Reader-centric stocking stuffers
- Super cool holiday gifts, and more!
ALSO, ONE LUCKY *GRAND PRIZE* WINNER WILL WIN A “CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE” MEGA GIFT SET, INCL:
- A drink maker (coffee, tea, soda, or hot chocolate) + supplies
- A snack maker (mini donuts, mini waffles, popcorn, or s’mores) + supplies
- A hobby supply set (for writing, reading, art (drawing/painting) or manga/comic creating), and,
- A “stay cozy gift set (a wearable hoodie blanket, cozy socks, cozy slippers).
** There’s 1 Grand Prize Winner and 25 Runner Up Winners, but ALL ENTRANTS GET A *FREE* ENTRY PRIZE: 25 sci-fi and fantasy e-book boxsets! **
**Share on social media to get EXTRA entries and to increase your chances of winning!**
0 0 Read moreBirthday Wishes
November 30, 2024 by Dianna Sinovic in category Columns, Quill and Moss by Dianna Sinovic, Writing tagged as holiday story, short fiction, writing
Today was her birthday, but her closest friends were busy, so Nicole took herself out to dinner. The Purple Potted Plant was her favorite restaurant for special occasions, and this year qualified as one: her fortieth.
She tamped down the urge to feel self-pity. She had no one to join her to mark the date; her ex certainly wouldn’t, and apparently, no friends felt strongly enough to share a birthday meal with her.
The waitstaff showed her to a table that overlooked a bustling street in Doylestown. Her birthday coincided with the start of the holiday season, and already giant, fake snowflakes hung from the lamp posts. They were another reminder that she needed to make plans soon to avoid being alone at Christmas. Daniel, her ex, would be with his new wife and their three-year-old.
Pulling herself back to the present, Nicole studied the menu. The chicken looked tempting, but the gnawing in her midsection was for something more than food. This milestone year was just the latest in a life she’d spent wondering who she really was. Adopted at as an infant, she had no memory of her biological mother. She craved details—any details. But the woman she called mother, the woman who’d raised her, had no interest in that.
“Isn’t it enough that you’re here, loved by us?” Brenda had said when Nicole begged her to tell what she knew. “No need to dig up a painful past.”
Nicole placed her order and asked for a glass of pinot grigio. Staring out the window, she watched the passersby, envious that they all had places to go. The swish of a moving chair drew her attention back to the table.
“Mind if I join you?” An older woman in a tailored, cloth coat stood there. “You seem like you could use a friendly smile.”
Taken aback at the woman’s forwardness, Nicole started to say no, but then shrugged. What the heck; it was better than moping alone in the crowded restaurant. “Of course. Please sit.”
“I’m Judy,” the woman said. “Pleased to meet you.” She removed her coat and sat down with a sigh. “It’s been years since I’ve eaten here.”
“I’m Nicole. What brings you here tonight?” Conversation was just what she needed, Nicole thought. Judy, in her dark pants and russet sweater, was a welcome distraction.
Judy’s smile grew warmer. “It’s my daughter’s birthday.”
“Oh?” Nicole smiled back. “How fun. It’s my birthday, too. But,” she paused, taking in the room full of chatting people, knives and forks clinking against plates, “shouldn’t you be with her to celebrate?”
“Oh, she’s near enough,” the woman said. “She has her own life now.”
Without really meaning to, Nicole mused aloud about her life—the pluses (she had a successful career as an editor) and the minuses (her failed marriage to Daniel). She shared her joy at finding the perfect hill on her morning walks to watch the sunrise and her disappointment over the loss of yet another friend who’d moved away. Then she put down her fork, feeling her face flush.
“How rude of me,” she said. “I’ve been talking about myself this whole time. I’m so sorry.” She usually deflected conversation back to the other person rather than talk about herself. What had gotten into her this evening? She picked at the food on her plate, no longer hungry.
Judy had barely touched her own food, seeming content to just listen to Nicole, offering a murmured “I see,” “That must have been difficult,” or “Interesting” from time to time.
Changing the subject, Judy said, “Since it’s your birthday, tell me, if you could alter anything in your life, what would you wish for?”
Nicole didn’t hesitate. “To know who my mother is. I mean, Brenda adopted me as a baby, and she and Paul, my adopted dad, love me, and I love them, but not knowing who gave birth to me brings me sadness even all these years later.” After that passionate response, Nicole caught herself. Was she really that starved for attention that she had to bring all of their talk back to her? “What about you?” she said. “What would you wish for?”
The older woman’s smile was bittersweet. She stood, pulling on her coat. “I’ve got to go now.” She slipped her bag over her shoulder. “To answer your question, though, if I could wish for anything, it would be to watch my daughter grow up. Fate didn’t grant me that. Instead, I missed all the milestones, I missed watching her turn from child to adult, but I’m so happy to see she’s turned out well.” She winked. “Even if she needs to trust in herself a bit more.”
Judy turned away just as the server arrived to clear the table. When Nicole looked up a moment later, the older woman was gone. Had the wink meant what she thought it did? She watched for Judy out the restaurant window, hoping to see her pass by on the sidewalk under the streetlights, but she didn’t appear.
“Happy birthday,” the server said, placing a slice of chocolate torte in front of Nicole. Edible confetti lay sprinkled over it, topped by a miniature flag printed with Best birthday wishes!
“I didn’t order this,” Nicole protested, although she was touched by the effort. “It’s fine, though. I’ll pay for it. You can bring the check for both of us—” She stopped. The place setting opposite her showed no sign that anyone had been there, the flat wear still wrapped in a cloth napkin.
The server chuckled. “Both of you, huh? But here’s another odd thing. I don’t remember bringing your check, but our system shows that your meal has already been paid for. You’re all set.”
Some of Dianna’s stories are in the following anthologies.
Attention Writers!
November 25, 2024 by Kidd Wadsworth in category Infused with Meaning by Kidd Wadsworth, Writing
Attention Writers!
The Lyrical Language Lab is having a Rhyming Poetry Contest for kidlit. The theme is “Winter Wanderings: Nature Poem.” Your submission must not exceed sixteen lines (excluding the title) and be suitable for elementary, middle grade, or young adult readers. Submissions are being accepted now through December 8th. For more information, please go to:
Happy Writing!
—Kidd
0 0 Read moreWe Have Liftoff!
November 15, 2024 by Renae Wrich in category WritingI’m thrilled to announce that my second book, Mac and Cheese in Outer Space is officially available! The book was published last week. Unfortunately, early November in an election year is not the greatest timing to be putting a new book on blast. On the other hand, it provided me more time for a soft-launch with family and friends. Big shout out to my Mom, whose quilting friends are purchasing the book in record numbers. You’re the best, Mom!
I’m super excited to share this book with the world. It would not have been possible without my daughters, who also inspired my first book, Mac and Cheese, Please, Please, Please. Soon after MCPPP was published, they begged me to write a book about mac and cheese in outer space. I immediately blanked. How do I write a book about macaroni and cheese in outer space? In the years that followed I let the idea marinate slowly, visiting it like an old friend from time to time. It finally came together earlier this year and I could not be happier with how it all turned out.
I partnered with my previous illustrator, Winda Mulyasari, and I’m in so awe of her process and her ability to take my ideas and turn them into magical illustrations. Asking someone to illustrate the planet Mars holding a bowl of macaroni and cheese that looks like Flaming Hot Cheetos, is not for the faint of heart.
Wondering where the mac and cheese journey will go from here? My kids have already supplied the idea for the next mac and cheese book. Here’s a hint- Bring your sunscreen.
Mac and Cheese in Outer Space is available now on Amazon.com.
Please visit www.renaewrich.com to learn more.
0 0 Read more‘Sisters at War’ chosen for Sunday Remembrance Fiction at KOBO by Jina Bacarr
November 11, 2024 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat, Writing tagged as Army, RemembranceDay, RemembranceSunday, Soughnut Dolly, Veterans Day
I love this fabulous painting outside the Salvation Army Building in Tulare, CA re: the photographer © Karinoza – Dreamstime.com
.————–
Sunday in the UK was #RemembranceSunday.
According to Merriam-Webster, Remembrance Day is the Sunday closest to November 11 and in Great Britain is ‘set aside in commemoration of the end of hostilities in 1918 and 1945’.
I’m honored Sisters at War was chosen for #Remembrance Sunday Fiction on KOBO.
2 sisters at war with the Nazis… and each other https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/sisters-at-war-2
from BoldwoodBooks
In my story Justine is the victim of sexual assault by the SS. ‘Sisters at War’ explores wartime sexual assault and how it affects the lives of Justine and Eve Beaufort in Wartime Paris.
——————–
Back in the day, I served with the U.S. Army Special Services in Livorno, Italy. My job was to make coffee and play pool with the troops, set up entertainment and gourmet restaurant tours.
And make cookies.
I whipped up hundreds and hundreds of cookies. Chocolate chip.
And doughnuts, too. I got help from the mess hall sergeant, a bespectacled guy from the Midwest who let me commandeer his big pots and huge ovens. Along with my Italian liaison, Maria, we’d cook up hot doughnuts and top them with powdered sugar we got from the PX, a sweet favorite with the boys.
Those were the days.
So on this Veterans Day here in the US, I think about all the Doughnut Dollies who help bring our servicemen and women a touch of home.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize the amazing effect my time with the service affected me. I had some difficult times, like being assaulted on the street by a thug and my pants ripped, also in an elevator (story for another time), but I had some heartbreaking and soulful times, too.
Like the sisterly bond I developed with another American girl on base that lasted far beyound my time there, the wonderful Italians I worked with who took me in like I was family and taught me about music and photography and how to properly eat pizza.
I drew on these experiences when I started a series of historical novels set in Wartime Paris about the brave women who fought in the French Resistance.
I want thank the brave servicemen and women who have served our country. If you were stationed in Livorno and dropped by the service club once upon a time and saw a girl with long hair from California handing you a cup of coffee, it was me.
PS — For fun, I put on my old uniform with U.S. Army Service Clubs patch.
I lost the hat years ago somewhere in Italy.
Who are the Beaufort Sisters?
They’re beautiful
They’re smart
They’re dangerous
They’re at war with the Nazis… and each other.
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