Thursday, February 28, 2013

Refreshment for the Mind


With all of the little things that happen in life every day, it is nice to be able to stop, step back, and look at the things that truly matter. That bright eyed, contagious smile of a child that listens to a sea shell and hears the ocean, the giggle of a baby that just learned to play, or the unexpected bunch of wildflowers picked just for you on the way home - even though they make you sneeze..

They are many things in life that we take for granted. Today we need to stop and take a look at all the wonderful things there are to enjoy each and every day. This is a day to think about those that have rare diseases and disorders, like POMC. While most of us have never gone through this, thus the word "rare," take a look at those that are.

You will find that the vast majority of them are happier and more aware of the good things of life than the rest of us. Nater is such a happy little boy, overall. Yes, he has bad days, but he doesn't let them KEEP him down. How much can you learn from this four-year-old boy? Maybe we should find out. 

Post a comment, just to say "hello"...
Let Nater know that he is not alone in the vastness of his ocean.
Show him what an ocean of friends looks like!
To read more about Nater, check out:
Truly One in a Million: The Story of a Boy as the Only Person in the US with This Rare Genetic Disorder

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Literacy is Life!!


Today I am excited to introduce our guest:
Mrs. Mora da Silva,
Director of the Charlotte Adult Learning Center
Charlotte County, VA.


Without the ability to read, writers like myself would be useless.  Words are found everywhere.  Even if you know the language that doesn't mean you can read it.  Just because you can make the sounds doesn't mean you understand it.  Literacy is life!  Without being literate, a person doesn't have the chance to live life... they just exist.  Help others learn.


Ann:  Welcome Mora. It is great to have this chance to talk with you.  I know that you have a very busy schedule. To start off with, I'd like to find out what it is that the Adult Learning Center's mission is.

Mora: To improve adult literacy and foster lifelong learning in and around Charlotte county one student at a time

Ann:  That sounds like a huge task. How did you get involved with this line of work, and what training did you receive?

Mora: I have a master’s in reading education from UVA.  There I trained to be a reading specialist, but I also had ten years experience prior to that working at an arts nonprofit in McLean, Virginia. Since I started at the center, I have been to lots of workshops at different conferences around the state that have helped me do my job better.

Ann:  I have to admit that I'm surprised at how much goes on behind the scene.  What is the biggest struggle that you have faced in the battle for Literacy?

Mora:  No non-profit builds its capacity without careful maintenance of its data, meaning keeping accurate student, volunteer, and donor numbers. Building a good reputation in the community by compiling, studying, and reporting our data to our stakeholders has been a very important project for me and I thank Donna Dilts for helping me get all those monthly hours in the database.

Ann:  As a volunteer tutor, I have begun to see, first hand, the extent of this problem.  What advice would you give to those out there that have friends and family that have difficulties with literacy?


Mora: Find a local literacy provider at the Proliteracy.org website and take this person to them for free tutoring. You can also become a trained tutor and help them yourself. The importance of being literate is not to be underestimated---we are talking about human potential.



Ann:  What are some of the outreach programs that your organization participates in?

Mora: We try to have a presence the Charlotte County Festival every year, at the Charlotte Primary Care children’s health day, and at other festivals. I often speak at club and town council meetings. Our board of directors is comprised of local government, school, and business leaders.


Ann:  Now, with all programs, funding is one of those topics that is vital even if not the most enjoyable.  If I understand correctly, the Adult Learning Center is not directly government funded.  You rely heavily on donations from the community.  How does that impact your work?

Mora: We receive some funding from the county. The rest of our income comes from grants and donations. It is not easy running a school on such a limited budget, so I have to make fundraising a part of my daily work, whether it’s soliciting donations, planning fundraisers, marketing, or even writing thank you letters. Thankfully the Charlotte Adult Learning Center is powered by volunteers who cannot be thanked enough for their commitment to the students.


PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!


Ann:  What are some of the exciting achievements the Adult Learning Center has been able to enjoy since you have been working there?

Mora: We have increased our hours of operations from 15 to 33 per week since I began coordinating. We have also increased out student numbers from about 60 to 180-190 per year. We have a beautiful books store, a new carpet in the main classroom. We just had fiber internet put in last month to replace the antenna we had before. There are lots and lots of achievements every year---the small and the large. When a student is able to read a book for the first time, read a passage of the Bible to his congregation for the first time, write an e-mail to his wife, understand how to calculate a discount---these are major accomplishments. But to me, the most exciting is to see a student get his or her GED. That is so rewarding.


Ann:  Do you have any upcoming events or benchmarks that you have for this next year that you would like to share?

Mora: I am training tutors all spring to help with the final push for our GED students wanting to get their certificates before the test changes in 2014. Tutors can also help with our low level students.

Ann:  As members of the online community, how can our readers get involved?  What do you want them to know?

Mora: Anyone wanting more information can look at our website www.charlotte-learning.org. For those that want to unleash their inner teacher, call me and I will tell you more about upcoming tutor trainings. We also take used books for our bookstore. If you want to teach a class, let’s talk.

Ann:  While people can follow your Center specifically at http://www.facebook.com/CharlotteLearning?fref=ts  and www.charlotte-learning.org, what are some other websites you would recommend?

Mora: I have added many good websites to our website---so please go there. One of my favorite websites for learning math is khanacademy.org.

Ann:  Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us today.  There is a lot of ways that people can get involved.  Literacy is such a major element in our daily survival.  I feel that awareness is one of the ways to reduce illiteracy in the world.  I hope that you have enjoyed our visit as much as I have.

Mora: Yes I have! Thank you Ann, and thank you for being a literacy tutor.

Ann:  I'm loving it.  I have learned so much from helping others. 




Monday, February 25, 2013

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Too Many Plates???

 Unofficial plate juggler...

I am not sure if I have too much on my plate or if I'm finally finding out what size my plate is.  Or maybe I am just trying to grab too many plates.... However it is, I am both enjoying and dreading this.  I think it is a good fear though because I'm not letting it stop me from accomplishing my goals.  

Perhaps I simply need to sample everything at the buffet of life to find out what I like the most.  My problem is that I just realized it is an all-you-can-eat buffet!! LOL  

We will see.  I will share.  Life will happen... and I want to be a part of it, not just watch it go by.  Yes, I jumped in head first, but I have my supporters around me that are there for me whenever I need them.  I will not fail unless I let myself... so I WILL NOT FAIL.

Whatever health problems I have are simply obstacles.  They are not barriers if I don't let them become that.  I have the control.  It is control only over myself, but that is all anyone can ask for.  Yes, I have hard times, but who doesn't.  I will use those times to learn, to grow, to become more and better.  

 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Unplanned schedule stop ;)

OK.   Something happened at today's regular scheduled stop.  So, we are taking a detour for the day.  That is fine.  Detours are always popping up in life.

One of my new friends has stepped up and done a spotlight for me.  Check out her site!!
http://raveneastereggs.tumblr.com/

Today I posted a banner for our Creative Writing Club on Facebook.  If you become a member, you can also use the banner on your personal page, blog site, whatever... to link back and promote the club.  We have had a great response so far and I hope it will continue. 


We have a lot of projects going on and would love to have more participants.  Snow Flower Publishing is accepting submissions for two anthologies (proceeds to go to the continuation of the Creative Writing Club - Charlotte Adult Learning Center)



Become involved and improve you own writing while helping others!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Rambling...

I had an epiphany the other day.  I feel like I have been trying to make my blog posts what I feel others want to read instead of just listening to my own voice and writing what I feel.  

If I can't ramble on at my own blog (named Rambling Voices In My Head) then where can I???  Yeah, that is what I thought too!  :-P 

So, I have promised myself to be myself.  If people like me, they like me.... If they don't, it's their loss... LOL 

My resolution for this year is to stand up for my own voice more.  I am good at standing up for my loved ones... and don't mess with my kids or grandkids, but somehow have allowed my own voice to be silenced.  My opinions and thoughts may or may not be popular, but they are mine.
Your opinions and thoughts may or may not be the same as mine, but that is our right.
We have the right, and I hope the ability, to agree and disagree without judgement.  

It is called free will for a reason.
The best things in life are free, but that doesn't mean it has to be easy.  

Yes, I know that I may contradict myself at times.  Feel free to call me on it if you want.  But I have the right and more than enough ability to be confused at times... unsure of my own view of the world.  I learn and grow every day.  That is part of life.  While I may not change as a whole, I am influenced every day by my own experiences, just like everyone else.  

Life isn't always wonderful, but it is what it is and I'm glad I have it to share with my family and friends.

Thank you for following today's rant.  You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives.  (You can follow my blog tour if you like.  The schedule is to the right.)





Wednesday, February 13, 2013

GIVEAWAYS!!!

Check out Today's GiveawayS!!!  

The first person to get the correct answer each question wins the full book.  Read book one before book two comes out!!!
All answers are within the free sample of
 Tunuftol's Fortress of Light: 


1st E-copy giveaway of 
Tunuftol's Fortress of Light

What is their caseworker's real name?








2nd E-copy Giveaway of 
 Tunuftol's Fortress of Light

What was written on Krissa's t-shirt when she first met Pin?

 3rd E-copy Giveaway of
Tunuftol's Fortress of Light

 What is the name of the store Grandma Athey got her spices from?



In Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1)...
A young girl, Krissa, and her little brother, Micah, find themselves in the care of "Grandma" Athey. Their new friends, Pin, and her twin brother, Khevin, join forces to unravel Krissa's questions. Krissa has become The Chosen One and is drawn into a mission against an evil faction that usurped the throne from Khevin's family. With a group of friends accumulated from school, Krissa learns to control her new found powers and follow her dreams to a world they all fled from as small children.

NOW...
This brave band of spectacular friends must go on a horrendous journey to remove all threats to the newly reclaimed throne. They will discover amazing new truths and face heart wrenching choices. Who are the Philo birds singing about? How will their song play out in the lives of these young people? Will it all be for nothing??

What People Are Saying:

"Wow! I really liked book 2! ...The book had so many great aspects and changes in the characters... excellent!" said Jodie Pierce, author of The Vampire Queen.  "Better than the first book and I didn't think that was possible."

"Must have second book... Already addicted." -- Heather Latsch

Monday, February 11, 2013

Guest blogger Jamie Ruff : TO WRITE …

TO WRITE …

I don’t think it comes as a surprise to many that writing is hard.
I worked in journalism 23 years, and 20 of those years were … well …
fun. (The last three years I’m going to chalk up to penitence for some
life choices or as a lesson to move on to a new career and a new life,
but that’s a story for another time.)

I’m being honest when I say that the last few years of my career were
brutal, but I’m being equally honest with I say that I thoroughly
loved most of my time as a reporter and I do not regret going into the
field.

There is no job as much fun or with as much variety as being a
journalist. I remember one day I spent the morning in a field talking
to a farmer about how the drought was affecting his corn crop and that
afternoon following the governor around and learning about
nanotechnology. I was able to fly in a stunt plane … participate in
the Great Peanut Tour bicycle ride in Emporia … float down the James
River as part of the Batteau Festival … accompany the U.S. Army on
training exercises at Fort Pickett.

Of course, there were also moments when I had to watch the human drama
unfold at its most painful: talking to the family of murder and
accident victims, and sitting through murder trails as the distressing
details of what happened are revealed.

Certainly, journalism is not for everyone. The pace of the work is
breakneck and it is considered one of the most stressful jobs you can
have, but even if you do it briefly – and considering the pay and the
hours, that would be my recommendation – the skills you would acquire
would benefit you a lifetime. I’m not just talking about writing, I’m
talking about being able to analyze, synthesize and convey
information. These are skills that serve you not just in journalism,
but in life.

One of the main advantages of being a journalist is that -- if your
goal or dream is to be a writer – it’s one of the few ways you’re
guaranteed to make some money and get to practice the craft at the
same time. Trust me, I know. I’ve been writing fiction books the last
few years. Writing them, not selling them – though I know that will
come soon. (By the way, creative writing and journalism are very
different, but writing is writing and, anyway, the more you are
exposed to the more it helps your creativity.)

Strengthening my writing was just why I even started taking journalism
classes. When I went to college, I had every intention of writing
history books. Then I knocked the dust off some history journals as I
did research for papers. It didn’t take long to realize that these
journals were dusty because the reading is dull, boring and
pretentious – written for academics with no intention or interest in
public consumption. But what’s the point of putting the time and
energy into research if you’re going to produce a work so boring only
a few people care enough to read it? Once I started taking journalism
classes I realized I had a knack for it. Actually, being a reporter is
a lot like writing books. In fact, read any nonfiction book and you’ll
see the footnotes are full of references to newspaper and magazine
articles. The old saying is true: journalism is the first rough draft
of history.

These are skills that serve you not just in journalism, but in life.
But even if you decide not to be a writer, good, strong, clear writing
gives you a leg up on the competition. You see, ultimately, everything
comes down to being able to write – to convey your thoughts and the
ideas of others.

Writing is hard, but being a writer – now that’s fun!!!

                The End

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Nowhere To Run Blog Tour!!





Nowhere To Run
Stephanie Carovella series #1
Crime/Thriller
Goodreads


Book Description:
A dominatrix is murdered; her body displayed in a show of dominance. An actress is found dead beneath the Hollywood sign. There’s a murderer roaming the streets of Los Angeles and he’s having far too much fun to stop.

Stephanie Carovella is a woman of fire and ice. She left her career, her friends and her home town of LA but she couldn’t outrun the demons of her past. When she is lured back by the death of her best friend she enters a world where no one’s safe.

Can Stephanie find her friend’s killer or will she discover that she has nowhere to run?


Prologue Excerpt:
Angeline closed her eyes, her breathing shaky. With tears sliding down her cheeks, she slowly counted to ten. She clutched the kitchen knife in her hands, the handle slippery with her own blood.

This time he’d kill her. Of this, she didn’t doubt, but she also knew she wasn’t going to go down without a fight. She’d fight him to the very end.

She swallowed convulsively. How could he have found her? After all this time, how could he have possibly known where she was? She’d been so careful in covering her tracks - in erasing any trace of her past.

Her eyes flew open, hearing his heavy footsteps. Slow and steady, they moved along the polished, wooden floorboards. She crouched further down in her wardrobe, a silent prayer tumbling from her lips. She prayed for all her past sins, praying for anything to get her out of this nightmare.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she shakily wiped away the tears wetting her cheeks. Never again would she see her friends. Never again would she hold them close and let them know how much they meant to her. How much she loved them. They were the closest she had to a real family, but now she would never get the chance to say her goodbyes.

She gasped, panic rippling through her. Stuffing a fist into her mouth, she bit down hard, a sob escaping from her. Stephanie! She had to warn Stephanie. She had to warn her to stay away; to stay where she was safe. If he had found her then it would only be a matter of time before he found Stephanie too.

Hearing his footsteps moving towards her, she froze, her heart pounding rapidly. She could almost taste her own fear. This was the end for her. She was going to die. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to fight him off. He was strong – so much stronger than her.

Straightening her back, she took a deep breath. No more was she going to let fear rule her. Even while there was a part of her terrified of dying, another part of her was completely at peace with it.

Once it was done, he wouldn’t be able to scare her anymore. No more would she put up with the terror of never knowing when he would strike. He wouldn’t be able to hurt her anymore. She knew this. She’d finally be free; free from the hell he’d put her through. And, the truth was, she was tired. She was so tired of looking over her shoulder all the time.

She exhaled, hearing his footsteps stop. They started again, as he entered her bedroom. She watched him from the cracks of her bedroom closet, holding her breath in, fearing he could hear every sound she made – fearing he could hear every breath she took.

“Sweet Angeline, you’re being very naughty. Come out wherever you are. You can’t hide from me forever, my darling Angel,” he sang, spinning around the room.

Her grip on the knife tightened. She waited, her heart racing, watching the closet door handle slowly turn.

As soon as the door opened she pounced, a raw scream ripping from deep within her throat.  Adrenaline surged through her as she tackled him to the ground.

She clawed at him, fury driving her. She raised the knife above her head, bringing it down in a vicious thrust.

He parried the thrust, catching her arm before she could make contact with his body. His other hand shaped into a fist, slamming into her jaw. He smiled coldly, watching her slump unconscious to the ground.

“I’m sorry my sweet Angeline. I didn’t really want to do that, but you left me with no choice.” he whispered, tenderly stroking her blonde hair.

“You wondered why I wanted you, my Angel. You’ve got spirit. You’re a fighter. I like that in my woman.”

He lovingly ran his hands over her body. “You’re the key. You’re what will bring her back to me. It’s why I chose you,” he whispered, gently caressing his lips against her cheek.

Straightening up, his expression turned cold. He slid the knife blade across her cheek, drawing blood.

He spoke to the silent room. “Now, it’s time to get this party started.”


The Author
About the Author:

Nina D’Angelo is a freelance writer and photographer. After graduating from Deakin University in 2005, with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Public Relations, Nina briefly worked in P.R. Not satisfied with her profession, she returned to freelance writing. Since graduation from University, she has written her own TV series, produced a music show for three seasons, worked for several music magazines and her photography was published in Aqua Pulse.

In 2012, she decided to take the plunge into the fiction world and started writing her debut novel, Nowhere to Run. Nowhere to Run is the first novel in the Stephanie Carovella series. Its release date is February 14th 2013.

Nina has already started working on her second novel – and the second in the Stephanie Carovella series. Nowhere to Hide is slated for an August release. Nina also plans on releasing her third novel in December 2013, which will be part of the Live and Let Die series.

Links:
Official Website
Facebook
Twitter- @janinedangelo
Goodreads


Today's Other Stop:

February 9th

Paula Phillips
http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/



Tomorrow's Stop:

February 10th

Melissa Lynn Simmons
http://lissalynnsreviews.blogspot.com/

Fangs A Lot Blog Hop

More than an Indie writer, Jodie Pierce has been published both the traditional way and self-published!  With a collection of 8 books so far (5 traditional & 3 indie) this author not only writes great stories, she writes with passion.

As a freestyle writer that keeps busy with multiple projects, Jodie is understandably excited about her latest release, Demise of the Vampire Queen.  It is the final piece to her amazing Vampire Queen trilogy and came out in November 2012. 

The Vampire Queen
is a fast paced story of self-discovery and intrigue.  Jodie Pierce has a unique look at the world of vampires and her writing keeps you reading in order to discover what happens next.  She keeps you guessing right until the end about who is good or evil.  Each character seems to have their own agenda and secrets.

With one turn after another, the suspense of mounting secrets makes the reader have to know more.  Who is telling the truth?  Who has more to hide?  Who is manipulating whom?  And what really is the truth?  These questions only grow along with the story!


While the characters are sexy and alluring, it seems to me more of a mystery/thriller.  It isn't a long book, but that makes you want to know what will happen next, to know more about the characters -- begging Ms. Pierce for more and she sure delivers!





Once you read the first book, you will be hooked.  Check out The Vampire Queen trilogy for yourselves, and keep an eye out for her upcoming releases.
can be reached at:
thevampirequeen1@gmail.com        twitter.com/vampiregds

www.jodiepierceauthor.blogspot.com    www.vampiricallyrical.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/jodie.pierce.14         www.facebook.com/jodie.pierce779

www.facebook.com/authors.authority    www.facebook.com/vampirelyrical

www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/Sink_Your_Fangs_In

www.goodreads.com/user/show/5216941-jodie-pierce

www.linkedin.com/pub/jodie-pierce/25/357/b22

www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/thevampirequeen

www.authorsden.com/jodielpierce    www.thevampirequeen1.weebly.com
http://www.blogaholicnetwork.com/profile/TheVampireQueen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abAql94HrHA



Don’t forget to check out the next stop in
The Fangs A Lot Blog Hop

Check the event site for future dates

Friday, February 8, 2013

Secret Revealed!! Blog Tour Schedule!!!!




Secret of the Shielded not-so-secret Blog Tour

Feb. 9th - Mar 9th
Cover Reveal & Book Release:

Secret of the Shielded
(Tunuftol Book 2)
by Ann Snizek

These guys are awesome and I'm so thankful that they are helping me with my blog tour.  I hope that you follow each of the stops.  (Can you guess that I'm excited??)  LOL  I will add the cover when it is revealed... TOMORROW!!!!!



Schedule

Feb 9th - Cover Release/Promo
Jodie Pierce
thevampirequeen1@gmail.com
www.jodiepierceauthor.blogspot.com

Feb 10th - Character Interviews - Pinelopi "Pin" Hillard
Emily Walker
www.selfpublishordie.com
authoremilywalker@gmail.com

Feb 11th - Guest Blogger
Jamie Ruff
www.jamie35.wordpress.com
ruffjamie@gmail.com

Feb 12th - MY BIRTHDAY!! (I'm 21 again) - Giveaway/Promo
Heather Andrews
http://heather-andrews.blogspot.com/
andrewsheath@aol.com

Feb 13th - Author Interview
Cinthia Koeksal
www.cinthiakoeksal.blogspot.com
Cinthia.Koeksal@gmail.com

Feb 14th - Promo (Valentine's Day)
Andrea Coventry
Andi’s Book Reviews
http://andisbookreviews.blogspot.com
andrea.coventry@gmail.com



Feb 15th - Interview blurb/synopsis/excerpt
Julia Hendrix
asyouwishreviews@gmail.com
http://asyouwishreviews.blogspot.com/

Feb 16th - Book Spotlight
Anna Dase
sadase98@gmail.com
http://www.rbtlreviews.com/

Feb 17th - Guest Blogger
Melissa M. Ringsted
thereforyou.melissa@gmail.com
www.thereforyoumelissa.blogspot.com

Feb 18th - Character Interviews - Lonnie Gonzales and Sealey Kemp
Tallulah Rose
http://tallulahrose.wordpress.com
tallulahrose8@yahoo.com

Feb 19th - Promo
Julie Holmes
www.novelnexusreviews.blogspot.com
j-g-holmes@hotmail.com


Feb 20th - Promo & donation book giveaway!!!
JM Schroder
jennieschroder@ymail.com
http://www.daughtersofeden.blogspot.com
www.JennieSchroder.wordpress.com

Feb 21st - Review
Jamie Turner-Norton
jamienorton@k-kdesigns.com
www.Krystalclearbookreviews.wordpress.com

Feb 22nd - Promo
Penelope Anne Bartotto
sassylucylootoo@yahoo.com
http://-libraryendofuniverse.blogspot.com


Feb 23rd - Author Interview
Publicist Justin Steckbauer
justin@redadeptpublishing.com
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/686384/justin_steckbauer.html

Feb 24th - Guest Blogger
Felicia Tatum
fmtatum21@gmail.com
www.feliciatatum.com


Feb 25th - (Surprise!) Blogger's choice
Tamara Beard
Tamara’s One Stop Indie Shop
http://theindieshop.blogspot.com/
tamara_beard@yahoo.com

Feb 26th - Review
Deborah Carney
dc@bookgoodies.com
www.bookgoodieskids.com

Feb 27th - Literacy interview/guest on this site!!
Mora De Silva
http://www.facebook.com/CharlotteLearning?fref=ts
http://www.charlotte-learning.org/
Feb 28th - Promo
Cheree Crump

Mar 1st - Review
Sabina Bundgaard

Mar 2nd -
Zed Whisper

Mar 3rd - Promo
Zee Hayat
Zeebooks Blog

Mar 4th - Author Spotlight
Jennifer Martinez

Mar 5th -
Jodie Pierce

Mar 6th - Author Interview
Deborah Carney

Mar 7th - Review
Mandee Mc Dizzle

Marcy Rachel


Mar 8th - Promo/Trivia Giveaway & Scavenger Hunt!!
Ann Snizek
Goodreads Blog

Mar 9th - Release Day!!!!
Ann Snizek
The Rambling Voices In My Head




Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Marcy Rachel’s Colorful Indie Blog Tour




Marcy Rachel’s Colorful Indie Blog Tour
My Tour Date: February 6th
Marcy Rachel Designs


The Graphic Designer
HOW IT STARTED
In 2011, for NaNoWriMo, Marcy Rachel didn't finish what she was writing. Instead, she decided to make MOCK covers for other authors that were writing to inspire them to finish. After that, people loved what she was doing and they told her that she should sell her covers. Marcy took up on their word and now has her page Marcy Rachel Designs. ♥ Every November is a reminder of why she started doing this -- indie authors. Marcy keeps her prices very low by keeping Indies in mind. Not only does she make book covers, but also design other things.

ABOUT MARCY
Marcy takes pride in her work and will work with you until you are satisfied with the art.  It's always been said "Don't judge a book by its cover" and, although this is very true, a nice book cover can catch the eye of more readers.  Marcy will always use her skills to her highest to provide you with the best cover she can possibly give you so you can be satisfied. Along with being a freelance designer, working for anyone who needs a great cover, Marcy Rachel is also the official graphics designer of AltWit Press.

About Marcy, From Marcy-
“Since my teenage years, I always liked to look at paintings and sculptures. I loved visiting museums. When I went to college, I enrolled as Chemistry major due to lack of knowledge about degrees and programs offered. I failed Chemistry and moved to Business Administration, where I finished my degree as an Administrative Assistant. While in college, I found out that I could’ve pursue a degree in arts but it was already too late. When I was doing my internship, I discovered a TV show that I loved. I met other fans and learned about fan fiction and graphic design. This was my first encounter with graphic design and video editing and I loved it. I started doing it and taught myself some Photoshop and Movie Maker and I’ve been doing it ever since. Supporting the amazing indie community, whether it be a book cover design, a banner, a logo or even a bookmark is my constant ambition. They are the reason that I now I have my “indie business”, Marcy Rachel Designs.

So this is me, Marcy Rachel, providing just a little insight into how I was inspired and why I design.”

HOW SHE DOES IT
Marcy Rachel Designs obtains most of her resources from stock photo web sites.  She first looks on websites that have been researched and that have images that are completely free.  Unfortunately, most of these websites do not offer good quality pictures worthy of being in a book cover or any design.  This is when she turns to paid images, though royalty free, trying always to find a website where the cost of the graphics is low compared to others.  The cost of these images depends on which, and how many images she ultimately uses in the creation of your cover and/or design.  The cost of the images is paid by the client and it's not included in the labor of creating the cover.  You will always have the option of choosing a less expensive (or more expensive) image. Marcy must have your approval on all the images before finalizing the cover.

PRICING
E-Book covers start at $50! For a full list of services and prices, please visit her website!

REVISIONS
Most cover designers only allow a few revisions.  Marcy Rachel Designs has been allowing unlimited revisions, but this takes a lot of time and it's not fair to other people she am working with simultaneously; it slows down her turn-around time for everyone.  SO, now she is offering 10 free revisions.  Additional revisions will incur in a $5.00 fee per revision.

She will be sending you drafts of the cover as you guys go along and make changes; feel free to suggest any changes you think might make the design better and she will try them!!

WHAT IS NEEDED FROM THE CLIENT
Most authors send a synopsis of their book and/or the first two chapters so that Marcy can get an idea of the concept to portray.  Sometimes an author will send her the whole book and allow her to scan it for exciting scenes to get her imagination going. That’s totally up to you! Some pitch in some ideas they already have so she can work with those as well.

*A note about content: Marcy does not read pornographic material in preparation for designing a cover.  (Romance novels are ok, even if it has sex scenes, but not actual pornography.) She can use images that depict artistic nudity, but none that portray hate or cruelty towards animals or people.

WHEN THE DESIGN IS CREATED
Marcy Rachel works as quickly as possible, often working nights and weekends to complete a commission.  If you have a deadline coming up and need a cover as soon as possible, let Marcy help you out!

WHAT WILL THE CLIENT GET
Marcy Rachel Designs will supply you with two cover files for the web; one for Amazon Kindle's with the new size requirement (2500px on the long side) and a smaller size to use as thumbnail.  If you need a custom size, please let her know before work begins. She will include this file size on your package at NO cost.  When the design is final, Marcy Rachel Designs owns the rights of the final design and will use it to promote her work.  If you want full ownership of the rights, it will require an additional fee.

QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS??
If you have any questions or comments for Marcy, don’t hesitate to contact her at any of the links below or e-mail her at contact@marcyracheldesigns.com

CONNECT WITH MARCY RACHEL DESIGNS

Keep following the tour and check out Tomorrow's Stop!!
Ren Reidy
www.alittlebitofrnrreviews.com

Friday, February 1, 2013

Blogging, Press Releases, and Announcements

Alright!!!!  So much has been going on lately.  I have a lot of projects going on at the same time.  I'm surprising myself, and most likely those who know me well enough.  The surprising thing is that the more I have going on, the more ORGANIZED I'm getting!!!  Yes, "organized" is now part of my vocabulary... I looked it up... LOL

Here is a list of the Writing Projects I have going on right now:

Two blog tours that I'm organizing (semi-organized anyway...lol) to release two books in March (Secret of the Shielded & To Eris - Human)

I am co-authoring two short stories and wrote an independent short story (found in My Rambling Anthology of Teasers ) for a charity anthology In Vein being collected by Jodie Pierce - author of The Vampire Queen {www.vampiricallyrical.blogspot.com} (one with a single co-author, the other with 2 co-authors)  These are not only my first attempts at writing vampire stories, they are also my first attempts at collaborations!  Let me tell you it isn't easy!!  Fun, educational, time consuming, stressful, exciting, confusing.... did I say stressful????  (Don't be fooled.  I'm loving it, but it's still overwhelming!)

I also have my first independent anthology just released.  My Rambling Anthology of Teasers is available for free as a sample of my work.  People don't buy what they don't know, and they can't know if they don't read... or have a friend read.  For the most part, these short stories are ones that I am continuing to develop into full length stories.  So, they are "Teasers" for me to test the waters with.

There are a few other short stories that I have started.  If there is an idea, there is a story starter... I'm sure not all will amount to much.

I am working on editing The Jewel of Nirel (Tunuftol Book 3)
I'm still writing The Sword of Israj (Tunuftol Book 4) and For: Giva De Vine (Payton Chronicles Book 2)

I'm a volunteer tutor at the Adult Learning Center and facilitate a Creative Writing Club there and on Facebook.

My newest "big" project is: writing Adult interest level stories at low reading levels.  I am looking for contributors to this and it can be as simple as an idea or as much as an actual story.

I'm participating in a few blog tours -- for others, mostly authors: (not counting my 2)

Marcy Rachel's Colorful Indie Blog Tour
Fangs A Lot Blog Tour
Nowhere To Run Blog Tour
Thunderous Blog Tour
Tasting Never Blog Tour

These are just in the next four weeks...

I'm editing/formatting a book of poetry by another author through Snow Flower Publishing.

AND I have two blogs going:
This one (The Rambling Voices In My Head ) and Goodreads Blog

I'm reading at least seven books right now, most for reviews that I've promised.  Then life has to keep going and confusing me.  I have to find time to eat and sleep and not stink, home-school our youngest two, spend time RELAXING with the family (not always easy by the way), and deal with my disabilities/health issues.

While I LOVE all this writing, I hope that my family, friends, and other readers will bear with me as I also learn how to have my blog look decent.

I THINK I CAN BREATHE NOW... IF I DON'T TAKE TOO LONG.  ;)