tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60227245301463189872024-03-13T12:13:18.405-06:00RED ISLAND: a novelFor people who like the novel, like the writer, and support Indie Authors and BooksLorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-25591493830154241232013-03-13T16:11:00.003-06:002013-03-13T16:11:32.526-06:00MOVEDHi all, I've moved to a new blog. For any updates on Lorne Oliver, Red Island, or future works come and see me. My new blog is dedicated to the genre of Mystery/Suspense/Thriller with an emphasis on Indie Authors. <a href="http://lorneoliver.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">http://lorneoliver.blogspot.ca</a>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-89075000294219159422013-01-22T23:02:00.000-06:002013-01-22T23:02:50.430-06:00Stranger In Town by Cheryl Bradshaw<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the perfect book for a one of those great evenings
when you get to sit in your favorite spot with your favorite drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a slow reader and this one went smooth
with the story flowing nicely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stranger in Town is the fourth novel staring private
investigator, Sloane Monroe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time
she is hired to find a child who was taken from the daycare play area and may
be connected to another child abduction 2 years earlier in a different city in
Wyoming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t read the other Sloane Monroe stories, and maybe I
should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt there was a lack of
description of the main character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a
fan of the reader using their own imagination, but some description can lead
your mind in the right direction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also I
was not a big fan of the ending of the mystery.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUstB0Z9nLMEO19uL34Er1_HD_04cdh5BfOYTRZ_yAVG9dJwm8p6BOEiDoxX1kC-NsGmvdeelqIf449TlmC4nsINIxO-inGBbeQO7CGzXqwaZaJ-tZYCIj4Vi7kG9bXDDEYzSqdZcQDJ5/s1600/stranger+in+town+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUstB0Z9nLMEO19uL34Er1_HD_04cdh5BfOYTRZ_yAVG9dJwm8p6BOEiDoxX1kC-NsGmvdeelqIf449TlmC4nsINIxO-inGBbeQO7CGzXqwaZaJ-tZYCIj4Vi7kG9bXDDEYzSqdZcQDJ5/s320/stranger+in+town+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All that aside it was an excellent read that I would happily
recommend and would gladly read again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I have to go back and read Cheryl Bradshaw’s other books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My rating 4 stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To read my interview of Stranger in Town author, Cheryl
Bradshaw, click <a href="http://redislandnovel.blogspot.ca/2012/08/interview-cheryl-bradshaw.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Synopsis of Stranger
in Town<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He only needed her to look away for a few seconds... <br />
<br />
Six-year-old Olivia Hathaway tiptoes down the center aisle of Maybelle's
Market, stopping once to glance over her shoulder and make sure her mother
isn't watching. But Mrs. Hathaway is too preoccupied to notice her daughter has
slipped away. Moments later, a frantic Mrs. Hathaway runs up and down the
aisles, desperately searching for her missing daughter. But little Olivia is
already in the arms of a stranger. Will PI Sloane Monroe find Olivia before
it's too late?</span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16148854-stranger-in-town"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">(</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-72776414131454375232013-01-22T21:55:00.000-06:002013-01-22T21:55:51.004-06:00A Review of TWO GRAVES by DA Graystone<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLe-m2qtiBKE5I4gxTsrt-oYUenqrirAVoSAmoP-Fu1-Mq6Wwmxxcj_1H2IWPh97wsfgWYbvm99bp0x69IltIvGOBi3o9GcxTrSS4jzfcXBXdPg9w60IpBgyb-GEbY0QnxYrrR7j1K6G9/s1600/two+graves+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLe-m2qtiBKE5I4gxTsrt-oYUenqrirAVoSAmoP-Fu1-Mq6Wwmxxcj_1H2IWPh97wsfgWYbvm99bp0x69IltIvGOBi3o9GcxTrSS4jzfcXBXdPg9w60IpBgyb-GEbY0QnxYrrR7j1K6G9/s320/two+graves+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLe-m2qtiBKE5I4gxTsrt-oYUenqrirAVoSAmoP-Fu1-Mq6Wwmxxcj_1H2IWPh97wsfgWYbvm99bp0x69IltIvGOBi3o9GcxTrSS4jzfcXBXdPg9w60IpBgyb-GEbY0QnxYrrR7j1K6G9/s1600/two+graves+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLe-m2qtiBKE5I4gxTsrt-oYUenqrirAVoSAmoP-Fu1-Mq6Wwmxxcj_1H2IWPh97wsfgWYbvm99bp0x69IltIvGOBi3o9GcxTrSS4jzfcXBXdPg9w60IpBgyb-GEbY0QnxYrrR7j1K6G9/s1600/two+graves+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">
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</a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was bullied in
school, but nowhere as bad as Preston Peterson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My bullying was more in my head than in reality, but I get how it can
make you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can understand how
someone would want to get revenge.<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Two Graves,
kind of by accident, Preston gets a taste of what it was like to strike back at
the people who liked torturing the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He got a taste for murder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he
liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I sympathised with
Preston and how he wanted to get back at the bullies from his high school years,
even though his revenge blinded him to the fact that he was killing people who
only looked like the bullies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on
Preston’s side right up until Benji.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
dealt with the sick things this killer did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cringed at the pain from one victim and I felt ready to vomit at what
he did to the reporter, but once he killed Benji I was on Lt. Mann’s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a second story
Lt. Mann, a cop who put his own reputation on the line to weed out those who would
soil the police force, had a strong hatred for the largest mafia family in
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it becomes Southside Slasher
vs. mafia hitman all bets were off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for the honest
side of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two, sometimes
four, stories going on at once it occasionally was tricky to figure out which
story I was on, but since my own novel is similar – who am I to bitch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say I was not a fan of the
ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like having a great
season finale with a flop for a new season premier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get all excited only to have it fall
flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was still a great read and
I highly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My rating is 4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-36789485682379268882012-12-16T21:38:00.000-06:002012-12-16T21:38:32.257-06:00Winner, winner - Chicken dinner<div style="text-align: center;">
I have some winners for you. All winners were picked using random.org</div>
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The four winners of the cookbook are</div>
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Stephanie Andrassy</div>
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Gale Nelson</div>
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Kim Griffin</div>
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Brittany Carrigan</div>
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The winner of the plaque and Guatamalen worry doll</div>
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Sandra Oliver</div>
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(yes this was a random draw)</div>
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by the way, nobody got Reid's name right</div>
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</div>
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The winner of naming a character in my upcoming novel Forever Screaming</div>
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Kathy Fuierer</div>
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Kathy has now named the RCMP Facial Reconstructionist, Cassandra Michaels</div>
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</div>
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I thank everyone for checking out my blog and entering contests. It was a lot of fun. I can't wait for the New Years one coming up in January.</div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-89358046862054793722012-12-09T22:39:00.000-06:002012-12-09T22:39:04.487-06:00Holiday Blog Hop<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJVttPjpsoNxi6GQt5zy4Hv4NCfqhQHsm3u8pgZwoE9CcijDEA3v6ZOFGZ04KDqCJEt1AM0tKfqlaA-tzC9PuHaFDCr2B9vEDchrOCddltDabA-TpOL3FdcZbej9OXvBrLhw0zAxMmyLZ/s1600/holiday-blog-hop-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJVttPjpsoNxi6GQt5zy4Hv4NCfqhQHsm3u8pgZwoE9CcijDEA3v6ZOFGZ04KDqCJEt1AM0tKfqlaA-tzC9PuHaFDCr2B9vEDchrOCddltDabA-TpOL3FdcZbej9OXvBrLhw0zAxMmyLZ/s200/holiday-blog-hop-1.jpg" width="131" /></a>I'm so excited. This is my first blog hop and I have really been looking forward to it. There are a lot of great authors involved with great novels. Enter the giveaways...but also really look at their books. We all work so hard. This is a great chance for us to give back to the readers and for others to give back to all of the authors at the same time.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm offering a few prizes so read through and then enter to win one, two, or all of the prizes. </div>
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Good luck!<br />
Once you are done entering my contests click <a href="http://holidaybloghop.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></strong></a> to return to the Hop</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first novel is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Island-Novel-Series-ebook/dp/B0085MGA40/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353126053&sr=8-2&keywords=red+island" target="_blank">Red Island</a></div>
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The mystery/suspense/thriller is the first in the Sgt. Reid Series</div>
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Sgt. Reid of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police </div>
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hunts Prince Edward Island, Canada's first serial killer</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19A4ct90-Co89JnKYWhyphenhyphen2ites15TiENgVsM-vuPAy6PeFasnrMhUD_rhQ-hB4OP9jIszaOQUSq_qW6o2_9K4MfruZG9EhWoMSjByW8I5V0mbDLTNyJKEE8nEa6R2mcK988o5K-GgLBczM/s1600/book+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19A4ct90-Co89JnKYWhyphenhyphen2ites15TiENgVsM-vuPAy6PeFasnrMhUD_rhQ-hB4OP9jIszaOQUSq_qW6o2_9K4MfruZG9EhWoMSjByW8I5V0mbDLTNyJKEE8nEa6R2mcK988o5K-GgLBczM/s200/book+pic.JPG" width="153" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRIZE #1</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cookbook of my favorite recipes, tips I've learned from working in restaurants, and little stories of the crazy industry. Four copies of this prize to be won.<br />
Once you do any (or all) of them send me an email with Holiday Hop in the subject line<br />
<a href="mailto:redislandnovel@gmail.com">redislandnovel@gmail.com</a></div>
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</div>
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1. Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/ChefLorneOliver" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Twitter</strong></span></a> = 1 entry </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJBEQcMkiYdxE6SRgdS9-xrUvmeM07ZgtvB5eVBWEB6-9cYB2re1-xXIzkM7hBwjlZu-kWdBASNC2DW85FFz64P3_LOS37xB4NqsufUg601keRjFQwaJzDu2EttIEstFb_cQ9Nu3V_9Jw/s1600/IWU-logo-cmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJBEQcMkiYdxE6SRgdS9-xrUvmeM07ZgtvB5eVBWEB6-9cYB2re1-xXIzkM7hBwjlZu-kWdBASNC2DW85FFz64P3_LOS37xB4NqsufUg601keRjFQwaJzDu2EttIEstFb_cQ9Nu3V_9Jw/s200/IWU-logo-cmas.jpg" width="200" /></a>2. Like Red Island's <a href="http://facebook.com/redislandnovel" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Facebook</strong></span></a> Page = 1 entry</div>
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</div>
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3. Like my author page on <a href="http://facebook.com/oliverauthor" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Facebook</strong></span></a> = 1 entry<br />
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4. Subscribe to my new<strong> </strong><a href="http://lorneoliver.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>website</strong></span></a> = 1 entry<br />
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If you've already done these tell some friends to do the same and then send me an email.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTKzRnySQlRbdB2y5kSLcGnAVRL3PgLf_CEpic578UMroTyfxOZpw04l3nWonZhJFGbftxvBe8kKOCz3_XlRNd0tRlMvEHL9bV3BcFb1u4pdFzKnI5beqgcZSyaeyndLNe6z4rNcU2qDu/s1600/prize+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTKzRnySQlRbdB2y5kSLcGnAVRL3PgLf_CEpic578UMroTyfxOZpw04l3nWonZhJFGbftxvBe8kKOCz3_XlRNd0tRlMvEHL9bV3BcFb1u4pdFzKnI5beqgcZSyaeyndLNe6z4rNcU2qDu/s200/prize+3.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRIZE #2</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inspirational coaster and Guatemalan Worry Doll<br />
The stone coaster helps keep your coffee warm or can be used as a plaque<br />
The worry doll pouch goes under your pillow to help with nightmares<br />
Red Island gave me nightmares so hopefully this helps with yours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong>To Enter:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sgt. Reid never lets anyone know his first name. Can you guess what it is?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To eliminate some names read Red Island as Cpl. Eckhart guesses a lot through its pages</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Type your guess below in the comments</div>
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all those that guess get 1 entry for the Prize #2</div>
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all those that guess correctly get an extra entry in all draws</div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRIZE #3</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Name a Character in book 2 of the Sgt. Reid Series, <strong>Forever Screaming</strong>, out Autumn 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Purchase Red Island to find out the name of the PEI town Reid and Marilyn drive through at the beginning of Chapter 29 then email the answer <a href="mailto:redislandnovel@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a></div>
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Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-17041236041625603492012-10-31T23:14:00.001-06:002012-10-31T23:14:22.972-06:00Review: Post ParcelPost Parcel is the second book by Indie writer, Kate Kulig. I enjoyed her first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bloody-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005IE566Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351746808&sr=1-1&keywords=bloody+murder" target="_blank">Bloody Murder</a>, but this second effort was a whole lot better. There were actual moments while reading this story that I thought, "ooooo the plot thickens." I wasn't planning on reading this right after reading the first book. I thought I would check out the first couple of pages just to see how it was and I was hooked. I had to read on.<br />
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In Post Parcel - Zofia at the Bloody Murder Bookstore gets a UPS delivery of a steamer trunk with a body inside wrapped in plastic. (I won't make the COD joke) "It's a considerate thriller that wraps his or her bodies in plastic."<br />
<br />
The book flows excellently taking the reader along with Zo, Michael, Feliz, and a cast of characters through the streets of New Orleans. I wanted to climb into a chair with a bug cup of bitter chicory coffee, a Po'boy sandwich, crank up the Harry Connick jr.(my New Orleans favorite), and read the book from start to finish.<br />
<br />
I can't wait for the next book in the Bloody Murder series.<br />
<br />
<strong>5 Stars out of 5</strong><br />
<br />
Memorable quotes:<br />
"Reality outdoes the imagination every time."<br />
"A geek and a laptop. It's a beautiful thing."<br />
"It's a lot easier to sell someone on a new author if you have his or her earliest work."<br />
<br />
Jerry looked at Michael. "What have you done with Zo?"<br />
Michael returned the level gave. "Would you like the list chronologically or shall I start from her toes?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parcel-Bloody-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00946TWX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351746643&sr=8-1&keywords=post+parcel" target="_blank">Post Parcel on Amazon</a>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-28403054838679597942012-10-22T16:39:00.002-06:002012-10-22T16:41:59.078-06:00Interview with No More Wasted Time author Beverly PrestonI had the great joy of interviewing author of the book, No More Wasted Time, Beverly Preston. Her book, The only bad part is that I didn't get to go to her home town of Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
Welcome Beverly.<br />
Hi Lorne! Thanks so much for having me.<br />
<br />
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LO: Tell me something about yourself and your book, No More Wasted Time.<br />
BP: I've been a Domestic Enineer, aka mom and wife, for twenty years. In January, I published my debute novel, No More Wasted Time. It's been a busy year! No More Wasted Time has nearly 50,000 downloads and has been ranked #1 in Travel on Amazon for six months. I recently, last week, completed my second manuscripts and books two and three are plotted out. The second book in the series will be published early 2013.<br />
<br />
LO: How much of your novel is drawn from real life?<br />
BP: I definitely write in my own voice. I draw inspiration from friends, relatives, and I live in Las Vegas which makes for fantastic people watching. I was lucky enough to travel to Bora Bora a few years ago. Greece and Tuscany are on my bucket list. (No More Wasted Time takes place in Las Vegas and Bora Bora)<br />
<br />
LO: From a previous conversation I remember you telling me that you wrote the fourth book before writing the second...I was wondering why?<br />
BP: Sheer dumb luck, Lorne! I removed the epilogue from No More Wasted Time right before publishing, realizing it set me up for an entire series about the Mathews/Clemmins Family. I began writing the next story in my imagination, but quickly realized that I had a big info/back story dump. So by removing the epilogue and back story it created basic plots for all four books in the series.<br />
<br />
LO: Do you anticipate a lot of changes in book 4 after writing the second?<br />
BP: No. Crossing fingers, but no. Each book is about Tess' grown children.<br />
<br />
LO: Are you going to release them close to each other?<br />
BP: All four books will be published by the end of 2013.<br />
<br />
LO: Are you able to give us any clues to the second book? Title, plot, etc.<br />
BP: I can tell you that book two is the story of Shayla Clemmins and I'm leaning toward the title Shayla's Story. The third book in the series is about Tracy Mathews. Book four is titled The Perfect Someday and it's the story of the very spicy JC Mathews.<br />
<br />
LO: I'm a chef so I have to ask, what do you like to eat or snack on while writing?<br />
BP: Apples with peanut butter, cashew clusters and chocolate.<br />
<br />
LO: If your main character Tess were to come knocking on your door, where in your home town of Las Vegas would you go? What would you do and what do you think you would talk about?<br />
BP: We would hit Starbucks on the way up to Red Rock, where we would go hiking for the afternoon, assuming it wasn't the middle of July. Then the Yard House Restaurant at the Red Rock Hotel for tasty food, great beer, and some good old rock-n-roll while chatting about...life!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_b_mLUBel6bAF4HuNPE2VZp_TPwTDOQaHufGoWbz1_iApOytg216fyHR6ZOROTEoj6vIGj8aRB47Qy6OE2uqXf0FXquAcH95bqZHBJLSBmXpiTeTkbRJuhs0kcBWkEwoTnqAY4oeelud/s1600/nmt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_b_mLUBel6bAF4HuNPE2VZp_TPwTDOQaHufGoWbz1_iApOytg216fyHR6ZOROTEoj6vIGj8aRB47Qy6OE2uqXf0FXquAcH95bqZHBJLSBmXpiTeTkbRJuhs0kcBWkEwoTnqAY4oeelud/s320/nmt.jpg" width="196" /></a>LO: My 10 year old son read the first two pages of my novel and told me it was pretty good (best review ever) and then he tried getting his Grade 5 teacher to go online and buy a copy. What do your children think of your book?<br />
BP: I have four kids ages 22, 19, 19 and 12. My nineteen year old daughter is my biggest cheerleader and helped me a lot with the writing process, including final edits. My youngest daugher gives her teachers, if we know them, my book for teacher appreciation day. Wrapped in a brown bag of course.<br />
<br />
LO: Does your husband read your writing?<br />
BP: He is not a big reader, unless it's a set of house plans, but he has read my book and LOVD it! He tells all of his friends to get it for their wives and...well, I'll just leave it at that.<br />
<br />
LO: My wife has a copy of your book so we will see what happens.<br />
<br />
Click here to check out Beverly's novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Wasted-Time-ebook/dp/B006XB6RRU/ref=zg_bs_159953011_1" target="_blank">No More Wasted Time</a><br />
<br />
<br />
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After losing her husband to a sudden heart attack, Tess
Mathews escapes to Bora Bora to lay her husband and sorrow to rest. What she
doesn’t expect is a new beginning.<br />
Tom Clemmins is an A-list actor whose life
revolves around work and an onslaught of women. He travels to Bora Bora for a
much-needed break. Tom has a few ideas of how he’ll enjoy his vacation, but love
isn’t one of them. Until he sees Tess.<br />
Reserving a private shark-feeding
excursion to scatter her husband’s ashes into the lagoon, Tess is furious when
Mr. Hollywood bribes his way onto the boat, leaving her no other choice but to
share the boat ride.<br />
Tess is torn between tremendous guilt and zealous lust
when their boat ride turns into a week full of romance and desire neither
thought imaginable. Utterly smitten with a woman for the first time in his life,
Tom casts his commitment phobia aside and whisks Tess off to Malibu where he
introduces her as his “girlfriend” on the red carpet. <br />
As the paparazzi
besiege, can Tess survive the media blitz that ensues in order to find her
second chance at love?</div>
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Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-51430424512827756202012-10-16T21:55:00.001-06:002012-10-16T21:55:38.657-06:00Review of BLOODY MURDER by Kate Kulig
Okay so I'm trying my hand at this reviewing other novels thing. If you know me intimately you know that I was never a fan of reading. Pretty stupid for a guy who wanted to be a writer since he was 10. In school I moronically (my new word - it'll catch on) prided myself on getting through English class without reading the actual books we were studying. I have since read most of those books...Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, Slaughter House 5 and so on.<br />
<br />
Since becoming a published Indie writer I have decided to read Indie authors and give some reviews. I'm starting with those that have reviewed my novel. So for my first official review....Bloody Murder by Kate Kulig.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bloody-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005IE566Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350445569&sr=1-1&keywords=bloody+murder" target="_blank">Bloody Murder</a> is the definition of a
cozy mystery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not action packed
and there is no gore, but you quickly start to care about the main character,
Zo, and you want to stick around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
made me want to curl up in a chair and read on to unravel the mysteries in this
woman’s life. Zo owns a mystery book store titled, of course, Bloody Murder in the French Quarter of New Orleans. That is the one city in the world I would like to go to so I thank Kate Kulig for taking me there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t judge books by their covers, but
I do judge books by their opening lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve never seen a crime scene contaminated by muffins before,” had me
hooked. I also then have to give bonus marks to someone who uses the line, "Nothing comes between me and good food."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I will say that the first half of
the novel is slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You learn about Zo
and all of the characters that work in and out of her Bloody Murder bookstore,
you learn about her ill-fated career in journalism and the sadness she had from
her tragic family life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you are also
witness to her growing relationship with Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you round the halfway mark you have to
keep reading to find out what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m really looking forward to reading
Kate Kulig’s second novel in this series, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parcel-Bloody-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00946TWX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350445429&sr=8-1&keywords=post+parcel" target="_blank">Post Parcel</a>, to find out what else
happens to Zo and her friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 stars out of 5</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(There are formatting errors and some spelling missteps much like the ones I have in Red Island. Seeing as I have the same mistakes there isn't much I can say about it.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
For my next review I will be reading Assaulted Souls by William Blackwell (a PEI writer)Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-6308136878760434462012-10-14T17:11:00.002-06:002012-10-14T17:11:26.418-06:00Stop Blocking Your PathI used to teach Martial Arts. It seems like so long ago, but it is still there in my memories. I mostly taught children and one of my favorite things to do was to sit them all down and have a Zen lesson. We would talk about all sorts of things. In my view martial arts was more about learning a lesson inside than learning how to do a jump sidekick five feet in the air. Though I did that to.<br />
<br />
My favorite lesson was one I got from a book written by none other than Chuck Norris. As soon as you stop laughing you can remember that God rested on the seventh day because Chuck Norris gave him permission. Ha!<br />
<br />
The lesson was this:<br />
A man had to travel over a mountain to get to the village on the far side. As he started it was a wide path, but as he walked the path up the mountain got thinner and thinner. On his left side of the path was the cliff going straight up. On his right the path dropped off and went straight down. The man felt a weakness in his knees. He continued walking as the path got thinner. <br />
<br />
Suddenly he saw another man come around the corner of the path on the way down. Both men stopped in front of each other. They looked one way and then the other. The first man knew there was no way to get around the second. He turned around and began walking back down. He felt calmer. The path got wider. He quickly looked over his shoulder expecting to see the other man, but he wasn't there.<br />
<br />
The first man stopped and turned around. Where was he? He shrugged his shoulders and started walking back up the mountain. His knees started feeling funny and the path got thinner. Suddenly the second man rounded a corner. The two of them stood before each other with no way to get around each other. The first man looked at the second's face. It was oddly familliar. He rubbed his eyes and realised the man standing before him was himself. There was no second man. There was only the first. The light dawned inside his mind and he realised the only thing getting in his way of getting up over the mountain was himself.<br />
<br />
Moral:<br />
Everyone...writers, artists, cooks, bookkeepers, housewives...have to get out of their own way. I had the fear of putting my own book out there. I tried sending books to publishers and thought, I'll do more someday. Someday. The only thing getting in your way of doing anything is your own head. How many people have I heard complain about not having a better job? How many times have I asked them if they sent out a resume and they said no? Just as many.<br />
<br />
You are the only one who can do what you need to do. If you want to have a published book you have to do the work. You have to do the writing. You have to get the editing done. You have to be the one to either send you manuscript out to publishers or get it published on Amazon or Smashwords or Kobo or whatever. You have to be the one to advertise it and get your name out there.<br />
<br />
See, Chuck Norris is one smart mother!Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-39332876822753255412012-10-10T15:52:00.000-06:002012-10-10T15:52:06.492-06:00BloggingWhen I write a new blog for my page I think of the movie Pump up the Volume. Christian Slater plays a guy who just moved to a new area so he doesn't really know anyone. Instead of walking up to someone he talks on the radio, mostly about sex and masturbation with a few deep thoughts thrown in, and at first he doesn't think he has any listeners but then it turns out he does....that's how I feel about my blog. I have 27 followers but does anyone know it's here? Did anyone miss me while I didn't have internet?<br />
<br />
Anyway, in case there is that one person out there...I'm back now and should have Internet for a little while so hopefully we can see how far I can bring this blog.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-56544588515235488422012-08-31T09:51:00.001-06:002012-08-31T09:51:58.819-06:00Interview: Cheryl BradshawI have the great honor today of talking with mystery/thriller writer Cheryl Bradshaw author of the Sloane Monroe Series. <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Thank you for joining us Cheryl. Why don’t you tell us something about yourself, where you
are from, and what you do (besides writing of course)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I grew up in California; I’m from
the town I talk about in I Have a Secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got married a few years ago and moved to Wyoming which has been a
major adjustment for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am
learning to like it here, little by little, and will be starting a new series
set in Wyoming in 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I am not writing and chasing
after kids, I like to travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
next two months I’ll be going to Alaska and Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love historical locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a big fan of Abraham Lincoln, so I’ve
been to his birth place and childhood home, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, I almost bought a framed (and
certified) strand of his hair a couple months ago for $900, but I decided that
might seem a bit too obsessive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you
regret not buying it?</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I personally am reading your Sloane Monroe series of books.
Book #4 in the series, Stranger in Town, is soon coming out. What is this one
about?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stranger in Town begins with a
little girl getting kidnapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
followed by another kidnapping several months later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sloane is hired to track down the kidnapper
when the case goes cold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Sinnerman you go noticeably darker, even the cover is
darker than the other brightly colored ones, do you think Sloane will ever be
in a dark story line again?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sinnerman was the easiest book for
me to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished it in four
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thrillers are probably more my
style than mysteries (for whatever reason it’s easy for me to write the “dark
stuff”), but I enjoy writing in both genres, and I anticipate going back and
forth between the two as I continue writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I might even veer off the path and dabble in a ghost story or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Black Diamond Death was the first
novel I ever wrote, and I was trying to find my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until I wrote Sinnerman that I got
more comfortable with my writing style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the last month I have revised Black Diamond Death and anticipate
publishing the second edition in September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am also redoing the cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
amazing what we learn as we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
publishing my first novel, I have a new editor, formatter, and cover
artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOf33lNeO-v0JLO3uKvSzc3si_F2eV3BaNWb_OSV-iQoUb4WYSnY86xdl1Rj2y-XIkFGDqecZYUb2dNbLtuSYenyIqIYIy75QYM0D-ghCOSa4Kwvq9auQGvG82LfOmJMYrPxMgY7Aj80Q/s1600/Author+Water+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOf33lNeO-v0JLO3uKvSzc3si_F2eV3BaNWb_OSV-iQoUb4WYSnY86xdl1Rj2y-XIkFGDqecZYUb2dNbLtuSYenyIqIYIy75QYM0D-ghCOSa4Kwvq9auQGvG82LfOmJMYrPxMgY7Aj80Q/s320/Author+Water+Cropped.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of writer’s base their main characters on one or more
real people. Mine, for instance is supposed to look like Bosco from the show
Third Watch but is also based on Bayliss from Homicide, myself, and a real
officer I interviewed for the part….who is Sloane Monroe?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t point my finger at any one
influence and say they are Sloane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
suppose in ways she has some of my qualities (some of my relatives are
convinced she IS me), but she is a lot different as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a fear of commitment, is codependent,
and has had a lot of life experiences I can’t relate to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to dream Sloane up and put her on
paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy seeing her evolve; she
becomes more unique and more of her own person as time goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You help other Indie Writer’s to connect with each other and
connect with audiences…why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I first started, I didn’t know
anyone, except a few traditionally pubbed authors, so I created Indie Writers
Unite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also created a blog for
writers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s so much to learn when
you are just starting out, and I wanted to pass the information on to all the
newbie writers out there who aren’t sure what they are doing at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The industry is constantly changing, and
there are a lot of things to keep up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe we all need to help each other out as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the greatest part about being an independent writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being indie published is perfect for
my OCD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being in control of
things like what the cover looks like and when my books come out, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t just look at myself like I’m
independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a publicist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve considered signing with a publisher, and
maybe one day I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all comes down
to making sure it’s the right fit for me at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see all authors the same way, no matter how
they are published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good book is a
good book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the worst part about being an independent writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There’s still a stigma attached to
it, which I hope will change one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
understand why though, to a degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve seen a wave of writers publishing books without an editor, a cover
artist, a formatter, and things that make the writer look legitimate in the
eyes of the reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping this will
change in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have any regrets about going this direction with your
writing or your books?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve never regretted publishing this
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m a chef so I have to ask – what do you like to eat and/or
snack on while writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t usually eat while I’m
writing, but I almost always have a cup of tea nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a tea fanatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were to have a snack, it would be dark
chocolate of some kind, preferably chocolate mousse or a frosted brownie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since I am keen on keeping my girlish
figure, I usually just go with the tea!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, if you were to send me some cookies or brownies, Lorne, rest
assured I’d eat them while writing. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll work on that.</span></strong></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If Sloane Monroe were to come for a visit for an evening,
what would the two of you do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Probably something practical like
dinner and a movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was playing the
role of Maddie, however, I’d try and get Sloane to do something she’d most
likely regret in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think you two would talk about?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rVkx1TUy54HxMOPunzlnf-rI_8DP7E4VTvZo0rwiKO2RUORMqhgzpSeAi_ZCpt0GYQMTHMFFxmrkOy-mVhphrM9Nz3M_CgR7sqxDJb4uVFiWtO3897RyyUdVEX63Ljl6XU53YKULR1DS/s1600/I_Have_a_Secret--Cheryl_Bradshaw400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rVkx1TUy54HxMOPunzlnf-rI_8DP7E4VTvZo0rwiKO2RUORMqhgzpSeAi_ZCpt0GYQMTHMFFxmrkOy-mVhphrM9Nz3M_CgR7sqxDJb4uVFiWtO3897RyyUdVEX63Ljl6XU53YKULR1DS/s320/I_Have_a_Secret--Cheryl_Bradshaw400x600.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sloane’s life is always
complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conversation would
either be about the case she’s working on, or her love life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the one thing you enjoy about writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I express myself better through
writing than I do in normal conversations with people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a very private person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes years for people to get to know me
on a personal level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I write, I
don’t care what I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a kind of
freedom I get from writing that I can’t get any other way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When can we look forward to Stranger in Town being out?</span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fall 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping for October, but it might be
November<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span class="body1"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">For updates on Cheryl and her books:</span></span><br />
<span class="body1"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Blog for readers: <a href="http://cherylbradshawbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://cherylbradshawbooks.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
Blog for writers: <a href="http://pimpyourbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://pimpyourbooks.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
Web: <a href="http://cherylbradshaw.com/" target="_blank">http://cherylbradshaw.com</a><br />
<br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/CherylBradshawBooks" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/#!/CherylBradshawBooks</a><br />
<br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/cherylbradshaw" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/#!/cherylbradshaw</a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-28868683653369495162012-08-25T23:08:00.002-06:002012-08-25T23:08:16.196-06:00Emotional Guest BlogSending out guest blogs is so much fun. Not only is it a marketing tool but other people who wouldn't normally see my blog get to see just how crazy I am. This blog post is about writing emotion and has a little snipit of Red Island. It is the scene which has scared me every time I take a shower.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readthatalso.blogspot.in/2012/08/guest-post-lorne-oliver.html" target="_blank">Writing for Emotion</a></div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-48055311184800434802012-08-21T20:21:00.001-06:002012-08-21T20:23:37.354-06:00The History of a Young Adult<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">YA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">YA<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Young Adult<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">YA <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">YA<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why, eh? (Sorry,
Canadian joke.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vampires,
ooooo I love vampires.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No way,
werewolves so hot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got a
haircut the other day and saw a whole lot of grey so maybe I missed whenever
vampires and werewolves got sexy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
daughter even has a T shirt that says, “Princess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather be a vampire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’d rather be undead sucking the blood out of people and watching her
entire family die as she lives on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
was her age…did I just say that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway,
I didn’t want to be a vampire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
to be Maverick in Top Gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To me
vampires are Bram Stokers Dracula and Anne Rice’s Lestat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it Lestat says, “God kills
indiscriminantly, and so shall we.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
grab whomever they chose and drain their blood until they are dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Werewolves attack without thought or discretion
and kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My novel is a suspense
thriller about a serial killer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
mind loving a vampire or werewolf is not much different than having a crush on
serial killers like Ted Bundy or Dahmer or Gacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, I will
stop that there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that YA novels
are not ALL about vampires and werewolves…right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have been in a comma the past few
years because I didn’t realise how big the YA genre was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew there was this wizard dude and I read
most of those books but then these glittering vampires showed up and some girl
up in a tree with a bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t read
the vampire one but I do plan on reading Hunger Games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Young Adult thing is huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go out on the internet thingy looking for
boog blogs and 9 out of 10 are going to be YA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the hell did this happen?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I decided to
do my research…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was
my kids age, which is 10 and 12, I can’t remember there being a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young Adult category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a new thing then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had the Hardy Boys and I knew about Nancy Drew but apparently this
genre started way back in the 1800’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
lot of classic novels fall in this genre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Swiss Family Robinson (1812), Alice in Wonderland (1865), The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), Anne of Green Gables (1908).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some say, however, that the YA genre didn’t
really start until 1951 when The Catcher in the Rye was published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mocking Bird,
The Lord of the Flies, The Narnia series, and so on, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I can’t forget The Outsiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically the Young Adult novel has been
around for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them
had nothing to do with vampires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I could be
wrong, but to me the modern though of YA novels is that they have to have
something to do with vampires or magic or fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth is they don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A YA novel is defined as a book written for
and marketed to adolescence between the ages of 12 and 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The protagonist is usually someone within
that age range as opposed to an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The unique thing that YA novels have is that they can pretty much cross
over with just about every genre there is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the books are not strictly for Young Adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as the books are well written
everyone can find enjoyment in them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">YA is a
giant entity in the book work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it
getting saturated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there still room
for more?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids have always wanted me
to write them into a story somehow. If you can't beat them-join them. The following is something that puts my old Hardy Boys books with my kids and involves something I wrote on an earlier post called Ideas Everywhere:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Kib shubud all dremy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Weev chim adone, Pawnee
whats im.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was heat and
smells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body was itchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where was he?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lone man walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His boots hit the black highway dispersing
the heat haze that hung above its surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Faded and torn jeans clung to his sweaty legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A belt buckle made of white bone seemed to
glow in the sun and heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked like
a man with a path to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each step
had a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A white shirt,
strategically stained with sweat, was open showing the muscles of his stomach
and chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A brown suede jacket hung
from his hand like a dead animal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hot afternoon sun touched his tanned skin in waves of immense heat that never
seemed to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Whetar we dogin witt
de grrr?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Frog ter, haw haw ho
haw.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What was going on?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweat ran down his
face, grew pregnant on a hard jaw line and dropped only to be evaporated into
the hot breathless air before reaching the black asphalt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His sandy brown hair fell almost to his
shoulders and was drenched in perspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tiny droplets fell and joined the others in the fabric of his shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue eyes squinted and looked forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stretched out on either
side of the long highway was a sand crusted desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cactus plants took whatever liquid they could
get from the scorched sandy earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rocks
were scattered about as if play pieces from a child’s game abandoned and
forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing close by
with the promise of shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trees
were sparse and leafless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only wind
was hotter than the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perched on a
sign, too faded to read, a black raven called out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Kid.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somewhere amongst the
rocks there was a rattling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tongue
teased his cracked lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a lone
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked alone through the valley
of death and indeed, he feared no evil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Kid, eh, quit your
damn noises.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words came through the
juicy smacking of gum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wylie blinked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought about raising his hand to wipe
something wet from his mouth, but neither hand would move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why wouldn’t they move?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wrists burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were attached to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tied?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taped?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat from a vent pointed
directly at his face blasted hot air against his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where was he?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was happening?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He closed his eyes and
squeezed his lids tight then tried to open them and focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were only pieces of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing made sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A key chain made of beads rattled off a
steering column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman’s voice sang a
country song about independence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jordann liked to
sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jordann? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A collection of air
fresheners hung from the rear-view mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A dozen or so pine trees of dark and light green, yellow, blue, and
white, a red maple leaf, a brown pine cone with a big green leaf, and one of
the Tasmanian Devil from old Looney Tunes cartoons had all done their job at
some point in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new orange pine
tree with the word coconut written on it was trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first smell Wylie got was stale sweat and
cheese crackers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He was covered from the
neck down by a tan wool blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
green stripes on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made his skin
itch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could tell his hands were tied
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t separate his
ankles from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head felt
like it was spinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
something wet and sticky on the side of his face along with a throbbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to close his eyes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where was he going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were they going to do to him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where was his sister, Jordann?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had to remember how
he got there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-8077419664509904202012-08-18T21:56:00.004-06:002012-08-18T21:56:50.745-06:00Indie Writer'sIt says right up there that I have this blog to not only put myself out there but to also help out other Indie Authors. I haven't really done much of that last part, so I am now on the lookout for anyone who wants to write a guest blog or put a short sample of their writing or come up with a goofy limeric or talk about what annoys them...it doesn't even have to be Indie writer's. I support traditionally published writer's as well or those who haven't published a thing.<br />
<br />
I might be picky about who I accept blog enteries from, and may put more emphasis on suspense thrillers but anything goes. Drop me a line and we will see whats what.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-85390232556766172772012-08-09T17:56:00.005-06:002012-08-09T17:56:55.291-06:00Meantime in CyberSpaceI gave an interview as part of the IWU July Blog hop<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.howmanydaysinayear.blogspot.ca/2012/08/iwu-interview-with-lorne-oliver.html" target="_blank">Interview</a></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-80038933026744739492012-08-07T13:26:00.000-06:002012-08-07T13:26:39.952-06:00OoopsMy Dad hated it when I said oops. I am saying it again. I, like many authors, really wanted to put my novel out there. A few people had read it and gone over it so I figured how many errors could there be. According to the latest reviewer 103.<br />
<br />
Even with those he gave me 3 stars so that's something.<br />
<br />
In responseto this I am going to stop promoting Red Island for now and get it edited. I still have some guest blog posts, interviews, and reviews coming out so I can only hope for the best.<br />
<br />
I appologize to anyone having to deal with my slack assed education. I take the blame for that one to.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-50914462757081355172012-08-03T13:59:00.001-06:002012-08-03T14:02:26.061-06:00Those Wonderful Experiences<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a fiction writer, a fiction author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lose translation of that sentence is…I
lie a lot and write it all down for others to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes fiction writers are big fat liars, liars
with their pants on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty
sure JK Rowling never flew on a broom, nobody is a real vampire, have fought
zombies, and I didn’t kill all those women that died in Red Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an alibi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a lot of fiction is based on the
experiences of the writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Without life experiences life and writing can be pretty boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The top rule in writing has always been “write
what you know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As fiction writers we
have to bend this rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to look
around the fuzzy edges and bend the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am pretty certain that nobody has been on alien planets, but look
around the main events and you will find reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A writer’s experiences are what they can put
within the confines of the fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To write with a grain of truth you have to have life experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is very little I would ever say no to
trying once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other day we were
watching Fear Factor on television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
contestants had to spin a wheel and would either have to get a tattoo, get
their heads shaved, or be tear gassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All I could think of was, “cool all the scenes I could write.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could describe the emotions that go with
shaving your head, the way the electric razor vibrates against your skull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could write about the pain of the tattoo
needle going into your skin, whether the pain gets worse or goes numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And best of all I could find a character to
put into a room of tear gas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the fire in
the eyes, the taste of the smoke when you can’t hold your breath any more,
smoke burns down your throat making you cough and spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh what I could write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think of all of the things you have ever done in your lifetime and what
you could write about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve said in
other blogs, it is the fine details that makes a story real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of all the things you’ve done, make a
list, and all that you can write about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll start,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Worked in a federal prison alongside murderers, drug dealers, and
abusers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Been lost in the Rocky Mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been lost in the Northwestern Ontario forest<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Had search and rescue training<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Seen a body pulled from a pond and pulled rapidly to a waiting
ambulance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Seen a high speed car chase in Montreal<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been in a high speed car chase<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Shoplifted a chocolate bar<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been in a fight<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Rolled a car upside down<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been in a plane, on a boat<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Taste tested blue cheese dressing every time I made it over one summer
(I hate cheese)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Saw a maggot army on the charge<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Got married on the ocean floor<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been inside a castle<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Been inside a septic tank<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Different sexual encounters<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Dealing with my children<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stephen King said in On Writing that other peoples jobs can be
interesting to people who have never done that job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of all the jobs you have ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My turn again:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Logger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Worked a beer gardens<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Security guard at a hospital, parking lot, construction area, airport,
strike area, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Convenience store clerk<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Call center<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Reporter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Writer<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Delivered newspapers in the rural area<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Worked as a cook/sous chef/chef in different types of restaurants<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can put in all the tiny details that make up a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Island is a suspense thriller so all of
those tiny characters that come in and out can somehow have experiences that I
once had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even just taking an experience
and writing about it, remembering the smells and sounds and tastes, can be a
good exercise to work on your writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have experiences, observe life, get back to writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-44448985033915824872012-07-28T16:28:00.000-06:002012-07-28T16:28:01.870-06:00Courage of a Father to Learn from a ChildIt's amazing how you go through your life trying to teach your children all those life lessons that your father taught you growing up: be polite, clean up your messes, look both ways before crossing the street, don't spit or piss into the wind...and then one day you realise those very kids are the ones teaching you the lessons.<br />
<br />
My two kids are basic opposites. My daughter is 12 and at the stage where she has to deal with hormones and her body and how people react to her body. her worst trait is that she is shy and afraid of everything. I was just like that when I was, I was about to write her age but really I was like that from age 11 and have been struggling to get out of being like that ever since. For my 21st birthday my parents wanted to take me out to a restaurant but I fought with my father because I was too frightened to go to a crowded restaurant. LShopping Malls at Christmas give me panic attacks. At 24 I started working as a security guard and got into a full blown shouting match with a parking attendant. For a few years I was able to talk to people, but had trouble going up to strangers and saying hi. Over the past few ears I have been getting better, but only when I ssaw how terrified my dauther is of going anywhere and doing anything have I started busting out of my own box.<br />
<br />
My son is 10 and fearless. When I was his age I was getting ready to climb into my turtle shell and hide out. For him you offer a chance to do something new and he jumps to the front of the line. he can run into a brand new community pool and make friends within seconds. When he was 4 he held large cockroaches in his hands at a zoo. Now he would probably try riding a lion.<br />
<br />
An overnight trip to a campground with a youth group came up and my son said, "Okay," before the question was asked. My daughter said, "no." Somehow we convinced her to go. When the time came to get on the bus my son jumped up the stairs. My daughter needed a push and then sat by the window crying hoping we would pull her out. When they got back the next day she tried to keep a blank sad face as she talked about all the things she did.<br />
<br />
And the lesson is...sometimes you have to do things that scare you or make you feel uncomfortable in order to have new experiences and blossom. I'm worried that my daughter could end up like me and be afraid of things for a long time. Writers tend to be loners. They sit in their little corners of the world giving the voices in their heads a medium to get the writers message out. They lack the courage to go out and talk to strangers or try new experiences. It is not their fault really. With all the people in their heads, who has time for reality?<br />
<br />
I probably know more writers who are too afraid to take the next step from being a writer to being a published author than I do of actual published authors. so many are worried about the rejection or getting bad reviews or not selling any books. "I want to be a published author, but the manuscript isn't long enough...its not ready yet...blah blah" If you never take the plunge you never get rejected, but you won't get accepted either. No great 5 star reviews, no selling your story and getting it out there just a pile of paper taking up space. Mailing off your manuscript is terrifying and you have to be patient, but like my son, sometimes you just have to take the leap. For me, I have been sending off stories for almost as long as I have been writing. I've had some rejection and some acceptance. The bad part about publishing online is that so many out there are doing it and it takes time to get your book and name out there. It's a courageous battle we all must take. for me I am still afraid, but I try being like my son more and more and hope my daughter will, in her own time, find her own courage.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-87720296694934375242012-07-26T12:39:00.000-06:002012-07-26T12:39:18.760-06:00Guest Bloggin' & Interviewin'The world of an Indie Author is a crazy spiral of Twitter posts, Guest Blogs and Interviews. This week I am featured twice. The first is an interview of literary questions if I were stranded on a desert island with a library. The second is a post I wrote about how the body fuels the mind. How to fight writers block you should get up off a chair and go do something. It's all a matter of getting my name out there. The secret is that I'm having a ball doing it.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
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<a href="http://andyszpuk.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/desert-island-books-with-thriller-writer-lorne-oliver/" target="_blank">Desert Island Interview</a></div>
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<a href="http://houseonbutcherharbor.blogspot.ca/2012/07/guest-blogger-lorne-oliver.html" target="_blank">The Body Fuels The Mind</a></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-27175659948708259952012-07-21T21:54:00.002-06:002012-07-21T21:54:23.064-06:00IWU Blog Tour: Melissa Smith<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a big day for my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
hosting my first blog tour and interviewing my first guest writer to my
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With us today is Melissa Smith author of such books as Cloud Nine,
Thunderhead, Fear’s Embrace, and Jealousy’s Rage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome Melissa and happy birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq2qQd3i_A9JdxLfFi08OK992l62LrIHwR7Dsi2H14usuA-o7q6SoJ-C03ZsNiS9583l4IjifWMrOTqYoXzyJAvPKnF9VihHaQT9UyftPfi02PJL1BXkHkz6nq0Fz7BgX_7uc29_ZYYGT/s1600/Melissa+Smith+bookscovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq2qQd3i_A9JdxLfFi08OK992l62LrIHwR7Dsi2H14usuA-o7q6SoJ-C03ZsNiS9583l4IjifWMrOTqYoXzyJAvPKnF9VihHaQT9UyftPfi02PJL1BXkHkz6nq0Fz7BgX_7uc29_ZYYGT/s320/Melissa+Smith+bookscovers.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Tell us a little about your
book?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, let's see...I have six available, so let me decide...
ummm...maybe... Ahh hell. I think we'll go with Jealousy's Rage :) It's a
paranormal romance about the gods of Olympus and Atlantis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">What inspired you to write this
story?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've always been intrigued by Atlantis, and while watching an episode
of the Twilight Zone had a spark of an idea and ran with it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">What do you enjoy most about
writing?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The creativity and the exploration. I love seeing what's around the
next corner :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">What do you like least about
writing?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ugh, the waiting on my editor...she takes so long! LOL, I know she's a
necessary step, but do I hate the wait!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">What type of atmosphere do you
like to write in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ex:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at a coffee show with a lot of noise, in a
closet with loud music etc.</span> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heehee ;) I write in the living room on my laptop. I have a nice big
desk that I only occasionally use. It's just so much nicer to be with my family
when I'm writing. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">If you and your main character
were to meet what would you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do
you think you would talk about?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt1HI8t0jJw_KGSZKlxlPCBsO_sOfM_r6LLDiWNNu6cMXhzarVvYZdbmX1mcEXNXNnA1df391HkReeMBsliACetN1e-7zwUw8-_0INdSkzGs7SCqJfNNxVW4R0I4Ikwb0vbEeevkQQB-A/s1600/Melissa+Smith+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt1HI8t0jJw_KGSZKlxlPCBsO_sOfM_r6LLDiWNNu6cMXhzarVvYZdbmX1mcEXNXNnA1df391HkReeMBsliACetN1e-7zwUw8-_0INdSkzGs7SCqJfNNxVW4R0I4Ikwb0vbEeevkQQB-A/s1600/Melissa+Smith+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Awe man, I would have to kick out his knees and jump on top of him!
Talk? Pfft! There would be no talking! LOL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Do you have any writing
superstitions?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">What advice would you give a
first time writer?</span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To just sit down and write. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://melissasmithbooks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Melissa's Blog</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Melissa.Smith.Books" target="_blank">Melissa on Facebook</a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Melissa__Smith_" target="_blank">Melissa on Twitter</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/e/B004SWTV6U" target="_blank">Melissa's Books on Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/melissa-a.-smith" target="_blank">Melissa's Books on Barnes and Noble</a><br />
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<br /></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-60857533499173281232012-07-20T11:50:00.002-06:002012-07-20T11:50:35.427-06:005 Questions with MeCheck out this one. I answered 5 questions having to do with writing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.richardschiver.com/2012/07/5qs-with-lorne-oliver.html" target="_blank">5 Questions</a></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-47269954450559906392012-07-20T11:47:00.000-06:002012-07-20T11:47:03.400-06:00My Guest Blog 2Did you get a chance to check out my guest blog about my love for cop shows? Why not???<br />
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<a href="http://aliveontheshelves.com/2012/06/guest-post-lorne-oliver-author-of-red-island/" target="_blank">I Love Cop Shows</a></div>Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-24924768275173632052012-07-20T11:41:00.000-06:002012-07-20T11:41:12.156-06:00Whats HappeningOn Facebook I'm a member in the group Indie Writers Unite and with them I am part of a blog tour so coming up on July 22 I will be posting an interview with Melissa Smith author of Jealousy's Rage.<br />
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I'm also starting a Facebook group Canadian Indie Authors to bring together Canadian writers so they can discuss what is going on in the Canadian Indie world.<br />
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Coming up is also a discussion between myself and Sgt. Reid, the main character of Red Island.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-44651135624095439712012-07-18T19:06:00.003-06:002012-07-18T19:06:58.286-06:00SuperstitiousI've always been told baseball players are superstitious. They would wear the same pair of socks during a winning streak or putting their pants on left leg first then right. Silly superstitious ball players.<br />
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I would never do anything that silly. Okay, sure I never sscratch an itch on my right palm because that is the hand you get money with and I always scratch the left palm because that is the hand you give money with. And I might try to get everything to equal my lucky number 13. Like my first car's license plate was ABNB 652 (6+5+2=13) but then driving home 22 hours after buying it and an ice storm I put it on its roof so I guess it wasn't that lucky. But I didn't get hurt so that is. Ha! When I say I found any way to make things equal 13 I found the way. Say your phone number was 942-2945 in the 338 area code I would sit there going through the math until coming up with 3+3+8+9+4+2-9-4-5=13 Tada!<br />
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Oh damn, I am superstitious.<br />
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Its not my fault. A lot of writers are superstitious. Some need to write in the same place, same music playing, wearing a certain hat, etc. It is all a trick of the mind. Your brain gets it that you need a Staedtler triplus ball M pen in order to get the same mojo as you had to write your first book in order to write the second. In a recent writers block stint I thought about what I would have given to be working an evening pizza shift at the Urban Eatery in Charlottetown leaning against the door with my notebook and pen. The smell of tomato sauce, the heat from the 650 degree brick oven, ahhh.<br />
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For a while there I named all of the main character's girlfriends with a name starting with the letter C. Courtney, Catherine, Casey. In Red Island Reid's wife is Hillary so no C, but it is a rocky marriage so I guess that makes up for it. On the other side I always wanted to name a main chracter Clay. Any story I started witha Clay never got finished so in my head now it will never get finished.<br />
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I also prefer to write either with pen and notebook or with the very same computer which has crashed, been erased, and now has a faulty plug. When I was looking for an agent I sent out my query 13 times before going Indie.<br />
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The trouble with superstitions is that they are in your head. Your head controls what happens. Like if you think you can't finish a story when you switch to a Bic pen, you won't. I'm sure almsot every writer has some sort of superstition. We are only human after all.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022724530146318987.post-88384766837161297872012-07-05T16:59:00.000-06:002012-07-05T16:59:00.365-06:00Summer, summer timeSo my "day job" is that of a chef at a daycare. Yes, I said chef! I'm not a cook. I make breakfast, lunch, and snack for up to 50 kids and 8 staff 5 days a week. I get to make my own menu and see what will fly with little kids. A lot of the kids are from reserves up North so they don't get as exposed to certain foods as everyone else. For instance I had the kids eating fresh fruit salad including mango and pineapple, tukey breast stuffed with a cranberry raisin sage stuffing, fresh hummus, homemade salad dressings, and homemade granola (no nuts). Oh and they love tuna casserole, tuna fried rice, and a wicked vegetarian lasagna.<br />
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But that's not what I'm blogging about. Though maybe I should blog some recipes. My job is at the college here helping those with little children better their lives. Therefore, when the college is closed so is the daycare. So basically I have been off work for two weeks. <br />
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I should be writing my second novel, but it is coming along slowly. Though I did get some fabulous info from an RCMP facial reconstructionist. I also don't have internet at home. Makes things tough for promoting an ebook and getting my name out there. I'm working my Blackberry overtime. There are times I get Twitter all over myself.<br />
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So those who are fans or friends, be patient. I promise there will be more blog posts coming soon. For instance I am interviewing Sgt. Reid, my main character. Perhaps he will let slip what his first name is. <br />
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Back to writing book two.Lorne Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02040346382556629295noreply@blogger.com0