Interview with Author, Melissa Keir

 

Hello Everyone,

Please welcome, author, Melissa Keir to my blog today.  Today, you'll have a chance to learn about Melissa as I ask her questions about her life.  Her books are lovely and deal with every day issues that all of us can relate to. 

Thank you Sandy for having me on your blog. I love visiting with you and reading your blog each week. You have some interesting posts on things that are really important in the world around us.

Bio:

As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing.  She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC.  Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars.  She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time.  She’s always keeping busy.  Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

 Q. Melissa, when did you decide to get serious about writing?

 

A. I decided to get serious about writing about a year ago. I was working as a book reviewer for Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and had just begun working as an editor for a new publishing house when some other authors suggested that I write my own stories. It’s been a wonderful experience.

Q. What genre do you write?  Are there any other genres you would like to try writing?

 

A. I write contemporary romance, short novellas. I love to write the shorter stories that are perfect for e-readers and allow the reader to read them while sitting in the doctor’s office or at their child’s soccer game. We live in such a busy time, I like to think that people can read a story at any time of the day.

I would love to write paranormal romance or horror romance. I know that second one sounds like a strange combination but I’m seeing more and more stories that cross the lines of what we think of as traditional romance.

Q.  Do you have a set time of the day to write?

 

A. I don’t have a set time to write. Usually I try to fit it into my busy schedule. I’m an elementary school teacher which takes up a large part of my day. I also am co-owner of a publishing house, so I do all the formatting and work for that in my spare (laughs) time. Writing seems to fit in when I can. I’m really looking forward to the summer when I have more time for writing.

Q. Where do you get your ideas for your stories?

 

A. I like to get my ideas from the world around me. I might have a dream that I can use a piece of or overhear a conversation that I can use. Mostly I take from what I know and experience. My stories come from things I know about like divorce, blended families and small towns. These are all experiences I’ve lived through.

Q. What is the most difficult to write: the beginning, middle or end?  Why?

 

A. For me the middle is the hardest. I know how the story is going to begin and end, but getting to the end from the start is where I struggle. Sometimes the characters like to throw a wrench into the story and other times, I get stuck.

Q. Which appears first when contemplating a new project: A character, the plot and/or the title?   

A. The title is certainly last. Plot and characters are sometimes simultaneous. I can have a plot idea and then the characters fit it, or sometimes the characters come with the plot.

Q.   Okay, let's try a couple of fun questions:  Do you have a bucket list of things you want to do in this life?

A. I do have a bucket list. Mostly they aren’t written down but things I want to do. Because of my family medical history, I’ve never expected to live to be 80 or 90. My mom passed away at 55 and so I’ve always tried to live life to the fullest now. Becoming a published author was one of my bucket list items! One of the things I’d like to do is travel to Europe.

Q.  Are there any places you would like to visit some day?

A.  My husband’s family is all Scottish decent, so I’d love to see Scotland. My family is from England. In fact there are still streets and pubs with my family name on it. I’d love to see them. I’d love to see Hawaii and the Dakotas. Traveling is a big dream of mine!

Q.   Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself, Melissa?

A. I grew up dreaming of being an actor or singer and used to put on plays in the basement for my mom. But that dream wasn’t meant to be. I have huge stage fright, although I did perform in some plays in junior high. I’ve always wanted to drag race funny cars. There is something about the speed and the control of a fast car that makes my heart race. As I tell my students, I’m not done yet, maybe someday I’ll do it!

Now to learn about Melissa's story, Three's a Crowd. 

Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir

Blurb:

For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

 EXCERPT #1:

Sipping a glass of ice water while I waited, I looked forward to seeing Chloe. We’d been co-workers and friends for years.

When Chloe walks in, I watch as all the men’s heads turn to stare as she approached our table. Her beauty always drew gazes and left me feeling like a weed planted next to a stunning flower.

After Chloe and I make a bit of small talk and order, I ask the question I’ve been dying to ask since I ended our phone call. “What is going on, Chloe? What can I do to help?”

“Mike’s quit his job at the college and decided to open his own catering business and the stress of having no money coming in is taking its toll on us. All we do is fight. I can’t stand that I have no say in how our money is spent. Would you believe he bought a delivery truck for his business but hasn’t even gotten the brakes fixed on my car?”

“I’m sorry, Chloe. What does Mike say when you talk to him about this?”

“He really doesn’t understand. He has stars in his eyes about what the future holds and can’t see what’s happening right in front of his face. My salary is the only thing paying the bills. With the way Mike’s spending money, it’s going out as fast as it’s coming in. You know, Lissa. You’re so lucky to have Alex. He’s a wonderful provider. What I wouldn’t give to have him back in my life.”

Ouch. Chloe’s words hurt. I knew Alex was a wonderful husband, but he was mine now. Was she really indicating she wanted him back?

“Alex is a fabulous husband, father, and friend. I’m lucky to be his wife.” Needing to establish my territory, I made sure to point out Alex was mine.

“Yes, he is. I’d give anything to have him back. Just to make it clear, if you ever hurt him or let him go, I’m going to be right there to pick up the pieces. After all, we have a child together. We’ll always be in each other’s lives.”

“Well, Alex is very happy and I’ll do anything to keep him that way.”

The rest of lunch passed in a blur. I couldn’t keep my mind off her ultimatum. Maybe Chloe was just reacting to all the problems in her own marriage by lashing out at me. I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. However, all I wanted to do was to escape the original lunch from hell and get home to Alex to reassure myself of his love. For me.

Excerpt #2:

“Hi, honey. I’m home.” I called as I entered the house. The boys were spending the night with their father but I could see Alex was on the phone and he quickly waved me toward him. Sitting down next to him on the couch, I listened patiently, curious as to what was going on.

“Yes, I suppose we can switch days for Joe to come over. I’m sorry things are that way at your house. Joe’s always welcome here. Just let me know what I can do to help.” Chloe. Frowning, I listened for more. “Mike seems like a great guy. If you two are having issues, maybe you can talk to a counselor or something. Let me know what I can do to help. I’m always willing to listen. Bye.”

“What’s going on? Your conversation seemed pretty edgy.”

“She and Mike are having issues. She thinks he might be having an affair. She wants us to get Joe early and maybe keep him a few days extra so she can spend some time with Mike and try to talk things through. She doesn’t want to put Joe in the middle. You know how he feels about Mike.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. She mentioned the stress to me at lunch yesterday but nothing about an affair. I didn’t want to bring it up to you or share things I shouldn’t. The boys love spending time with him and it’ll be good for Joe to spend more time with you.”

Alex put his arm around me and kissed me softly. “You’re wonderful, Lissa. I know this will take more work on your part, but I really appreciate how you’re willing to do anything for my son.”

“I love Joe, you know that. But honestly, I’m worried about something. Chloe seems to want to rely on you for support. I don’t want you to get caught in the middle of their issues. The other day at lunch, she told me how much she still cares for you and warned me away from you. It was uncomfortable.”

“Lissa, I love you. Not Chloe. You have nothing to worry about.” Taking my face in his hands, he kissed me deeply and made me forget all of my worries. “Let me show you how much you mean to me.” Alex picked me up and carried me to the couch. Undressing me slowly, he worshiped my figure with his mouth, making me cry out in passion. Then he moved me to our bed and showed me again, this time with his hard body, just how much he loved me.

This is what readers are saying about Melissa’s books:

Amazon 5 star review for Second Time’s the Charm- “Such a sweet and heart warming story. As I read it, and the details unfolded, I was engrossed to see if that I thought was going to happen, would really happen.” – Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author.

Barnes and Nobel 5 star review for Protecting His Wolfe- “Great read. I couldn't put it down. I really liked the characters, especially Betsie and the Pigg brothers. A love story with suspense and surprise.” – Anonymous

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Threes-a-Crowd-ebook/dp/B00CTCDHVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368974389&sr=1-1&keywords=melissa+keir

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/threes-a-crowd-melissa-keir/1115320553?ean=2940016615738
All Romance Ebooks:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-three039sacrowd-1185386-148.html

Melissa loves hearing from readers!

www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir

Melissa, it's been a pleasure having you here today.  Thank you for visiting with me and you're welcome to come back any time. 

Thank you Sandy. I appreciate you having me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure visiting and I hope people will let me know what is on their bucket list as well! I certainly could use some more ideas!  For one person who adds to my bucket list, I'll give away a PDF of Three's a Crowd.

Have a great week everyone and come back next weekend. 

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

  

 

Belvoir Winery is a Ghostly Place

Belvoir Winery

 

A few weeks ago, we visited a winery because I saw it advertised on the SyFy channel.  I couldn't believe it was so close to us. It was fun to visit the bar for a wine tasting, cheese and crackers and historical information about this place.  We visited the rooms, looked at pictures and walked around outdoors. You can do this any day for free except for the cheese and crackers do cost, but it's very minimal. 

Belvoir Winery located in Liberty, Missouri has long been known as one of the most haunted locations in the Midwest.  The winery is going to be on Ghost Hunters, the SyFy channel June 26th at 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  For those who would like to watch the show at the winery check their website to find out about tickets.  http://www.belvoirwinery.com

There are many events you can attend at Belvoir Winery for those who enjoy all things paranormal:

Boo's and Booze - This event offers the opportunity for people to learn about the history of this property started by the Odd Fellows while learning more about wines and the paranormal.  Nick Spantgos, their lead paranormal investigator at the winery, shows guests the tools used during the investigations and will answer questions you may have about paranormal activity at the winery and other places.  Event includes cheese/crackers, chocolates, tasting of all wines, and a souvenir glass to take home with you.  Tickets are $35.00/person.

Evening Paranormal Investigation - Evening is a five hour interactive experience with a paranormal investigative team.  You accompany paranormal investigators in small groups to various locations on the site.  The team will bring out gear for you to use during the investigation.  You're also welcome to bring your own camera, video camera, audio recorder, etc. to record your own evidence while on site.  Evening investigations are from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $50.00/person.

All-Night Paranormal Investigation - This event is for the diehard paranormal fans.  All-night events are held to allow you the experience of a full investigation at the winery.  Like the evening investigation, you can bring your own gear, or you can use gear provided by the team.  Tickets are $100/person.  These tickets are limited so you need to lock them in as soon as possible. 

 You might even want to have a wedding there for those of you more adventurous folks.  Smile!

More information about these events can be found on their website.  http://www.belvoirwinery.com  

The dream of the property being turned into a vineyard started 15 years ago, when the first vines were planted.  The name Belvoir is French for beautiful view.  After Dr. John L. Bean and his wife, Marsha saw the beautiful vistas they wanted to turn the Odd Fellows Historic District into a unique event location. 

The initial renovation involves the basement and first floor of the Administration building.  The basement is being converted into the wine processing facility for the vineyard.  The first floor will be the event and business hub of the winery.  In addition to three dining rooms, the first floor also contains a wine tasting bar, a deli/ice cream shop and a library.   

 

Here is a bit of history about the Odd Fellows:

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is one of the largest fraternal and benevolent orders in the United States.  The chief purpose of the order is to give aid, assistance, and comfort to its members and their families. 

IOOF is a secret society, and has its own system of rites and passwords.  The first lodge was organized in Missouri in 1835 and incorporated in 1843.  Where the winery and its buildings stand today, there was a hospital, orphanage and old folk's home.  It was one of the first of its kind in Missouri.  More fascinating history can be found at the website: http://www.belvoirwinery.com

For those of you interested in history, paranormal and all things unique you might want to plan a visit to the Belvoir Winery.  If you can't make the trip the next best thing would be to visit the website. 

See you next weekend, folks. 

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

 

 

Contest! Wounded Warrior's Project! My Birthday!

Hi Everyone,

As you can tell by the subject line, we're covering a bunch of things today.  I have invited my friend, Stacey Joy Netzel, to my blog today, so be sure to read everything she has to say.

Romancing Wisconsin June Promo:

For the past two years, I’ve donated the royalties from one of my books for the entire month of December to a charity. In 2013, I’m switching it up and splitting it up to benefit more than one charity in a couple different months.

This June I’m donating 25% of my net royalties for the Romancing Wisconsin Volume I Holiday Boxed Set. It includes Mistletoe Mischief, Mistletoe Magic, Mistletoe Match-Up, and the exclusive bonus story, Mistletoe Rules.

Holiday stories in June, you ask? (and even if you didn’t, pretend you did) Well you see, the first story is actually Christmas in July at the zoo, so I’m just a month early on that one. Plus, these heartwarming stories will make you want to celebrate Christmas any time of the year—and Santa Butch is a treat you don’t want to miss. Best part of all, your purchase (or gift to someone else) not only gets you the boxed set, but you’re helping out a great organization that helps the men and women injured in the line of duty to their country.

In December 2012, I donated to a local no-kill animal shelter because my heroine in Mistletoe Magic runs an animal rescue. Reader generosity allowed me to write Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary a check for a little over $6000. But then I felt a bad because Janelle’s hero Mark is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, and he deserves to be spotlighted, too.

So for this round I’ll be donating my royalties for RWVI to the Wounded Warrior’s Project to help US veterans injured in the line of duty.

For the first six days of June, I’ll have the Romancing Wisconsin Volume I Holiday Boxed Set on sale for $0.99. Yes, you read that right, less than a dollar! Regular price is $4.99, so it’s a great deal, plus you get the exclusive bonus story.

If you’re reading this after June 6^th, the price will be back to $4.99, but remember, my donation will keep adding up through the entire month of June, so please still consider picking up a copy. US veterans and I will thank you!

Get yours today—or gift a copy to someone: Amazon US UK CA, BN, Kobo, Apple

Then keep track of the number of copies sold on my blog! www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com I’ll keep a running total on the sidebar and do an update at the end of the month. You can check out excerpts there, too.

Going on the honor system, leave a comment letting me know you bought or gifted a copy of the Romancing Wisconsin Boxed Set, and I'll enter your name to win an ebook copy of my award-winning romantic suspense, *Lost In Italy*. (If you buy a copy AND gift to a friend/s, you can have an entry for each copy of the RW Boxed Set. Just let me know how many.)

Again, thank you very much for your generosity! Feel free to share this with friends on any of your social networks.

Stacey Joy Netzel

Okay, now, I'm going to add my two cents worth.  My birthday is tomorrow, and since I like getting presents I decided to give some.  One lucky person who buys Stacey's volume will win digital copies of all three of my Odyssey Mysteries, The Catalyst, Addiction and The Deceived.  Another person will win a copy of A Fool's Fool. 

Remember this is a worthy cause.

Thank you see you next weekend.

Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

Memorial Day Tribute

What do you do on Memorial Day?  In our family, we always went to the cemetery to place flowers on all our relatives' graves.  We meet cousins, uncles, aunts and friends doing the same thing, and we would stop to visit and reminisce about the people we knew.

After the cemetery, we went to my favorite uncle's house for a picnic and to play soft ball or touch football.  He cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs on the outside stone grill he built while my aunt and all the other women of the family made up the potato salad, baked beans, etc.

Last of all, we made home made ice cream.  Yay!  Nothing could be better than this ice cream and it was so much fun to make and was delicious. 

We always think of our veterans on Memorial Day, too.  My favorite uncle, Uncle Ray, was a veteran of WWII, so we always place a flag on his grave to honor the patriot he was.  This reminds me that we need to help our veterans, and here is one way to do it without any cost to you other than time. Go to this site and click on the blue button at The Veterans Site and help a homeless and hungry veteran get a free meal.  http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/tpc/ERV_052213_VET_m  This is the least we can do for our men and women fighting in foreign wars.

These days many people don't visit their loved ones who have passed because they're too busy, which is kind of sad.  They don't know what they're missing by not going to the cemetery.  There's so much history there.  Our family goes back centuries in the small town I grew up in, and it's lovely to stroll through the stones seeing the members of our ancestry.

Remember those who have gone before you and hope some day someone will recall you when you die.  I know those who are young think they will never die, but if you had a friend your age die you know it can happen at any age or time.  Memorial Day is the day to honor those who have gone ahead of us.  I will be visiting my small town cemetery on the 27th.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day, and I'll see you next week. 

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com

What Bills are being passed in Your State?

Do you pay attention to what your state legislature is doing?  Rarely does anyone pay attention to what is going on in their state.  Do you know they pass rates to raise our heat bills in summer and raise rates for our electric bills in winter?  People usually don't even notice it happening.

Where is the news media when this is going on?  Oh, they tell you about it once or twice, but that isn't nearly enough to reach everyone.  Then again who cares about the heat bill when it's 90 degrees out?  Why do you think the utilities companies try to pass rate hikes in the opposite season you're affected by them?  It's because they don't want you to notice.

There was a bill Ameristar and other casinos were trying to get passed in Missouri to extend credit to gamblers while they are at the casino, so they won't have to stop playing when they run out of money.  Fortunately, this bill was voted down this time.  We really need to watch for another bill to be presented because this wasn't the first time the casinos in Missouri tried to pass a similar bill.  They will definitely try again.

Have a nice weekend, and I'll see you again soon. 

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com   

Being a Teacher in 2013

Hello Everyone,

The Twelveth is Mother's Day, and I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day.  Today, I want to dedicate my blog to teachers, and I know many of you are mothers, so I hope your day is special.

Today, I invited a teacher, Melissa, to blog about being a teacher in this day and age.  Teachers are told they make too much money and don't do enough to teach the children in their classes, so I'm hoping this blog will be an eye-opener for some of you. 

Melissa makes less than $45,000.00 a year after working in her school for twenty years.  The floor is yours Melissa.  Let's educate some of these people who may be willing to listen. 
 

Being a Teacher in 2013-

When I was growing up, I lived within bike distance of my grandparents and saw them every week. We went to church each Sunday and I knew everyone who lived on my street. I could play outside until way after dark and didn’t worry about getting in trouble. Teachers were respected. If you didn’t do what they said, you got paddled or detention and got it again when you went home and your parents found out.

Today teaching is different. I’m speaking in generalized terms. I understand that there are a lot of different situations out there. But I want to speak from what I’ve experienced as a teacher for the last twenty years.

School is a service industry today. Parents have the option in many places to select a school of choice. They can decide where they want their children to go as long as there’s room. Schools earn money for each student so more students equals more money. Teachers are only as good as their students’ test scores or performances. Children with learning or developmental delays are mainstreamed in the regular education classroom for the benefit of all students. Most of the students belong to two working parent families and spend a long day with before and after school care. Evenings they participate in karate, soccer, dance, and piano. Our society has changed and most children don’t play outside using their imaginations but sit in front of video games or movies. They aren’t read to and some don’t even have books in their homes. Church and neighborhoods are distanced from families as our busy lives take over our time. All of these things lead to the state of teaching in 2013.

Teachers must please not only the students, but the parents and the administration. We work to establish positive relationships with our students’ families, making ourselves available evenings and weekends to their questions or concerns. A teacher doesn’t want to have a family leave because of them. It would be held against their job performance. Most schools have a curriculum based on the state or national standards, yet teachers feel the need to teach to the test so that students’ performances are at the optimal level, or else face the loss of their salary or their job. Even some teachers have been found cheating because of this.

In the classroom with inclusion, students may be at so many different learning levels. Each child must have a differentiated lesson based on where they are and their learning style. So a teacher must plan muliple lesson plans for each concept. Small groups are pulled for optimal learning, and students who are struggling can be missed if they don’t speak up. Not only do teachers teach math, reading, writing, science and social studies but we must teach the hidden curriculum of how to get along with others, manners and procedures. These concepts used to be taught in church or your extended family but with so many children living in isolation in front of the TV, they miss out on how to negotiate differences or accept no for an answer.

Punishment is a thing of the past. Teachers can’t take away a child’s recess or keep them after school any more. With children in daycare or busing situations, parents aren’t able to pick children up. Administration has also set down regulations about this because if a parent is upset, they might leave and that means the money walks too. Teachers are sued because they make a child stay back on a field trip because the parents didn’t bring the carseat which is a law. The thinking at schools is CYA (cover you’re a$$) and make everyone happy. So if there are no consequences for the behavior, then the behavior persists and the teacher loses respect.

All of these things have caused a huge change in education, yet I don’t have the answers to correct the situation. A big part of it has to come from changing society and that’s nearly impossible. Teaching shouldn’t be a service industry where people complain if their child isn’t doing the work or learning. As another teacher used to say, “I can lead the horse to water, but I can’t make him drink.” Some days I do a huge song and dance to get students engaged. I write letters to my students all summer long and spend a large amount of my own money to get things for my students and classroom. My evenings and weekends are consumed working on lessons and keeping data on my students’ learning. I’m a highly requested teacher because of all the things I do for my families. I love my students. I adore being a teacher because of the kids. I’m willing to put my life on the line for my students. Yet, I’ve had a student come at with me with a downspout from off the building and throw a chair at another student. I’ve been bitten and hit. I’ve had parents threaten my life. Teaching isn’t the easy job people think it is. It has changed and not for the better.

Melissa, I have heard horror stories from other teachers besides yourself and even from substitute teachers.  One teacher friend in my area retired early because a student stabbed her with a pencil (20 years ago or more), and this student and their friends made my friend fear for her life.  A substitute  high school teacher, I know quit because the students didn't listen, or respect her.  The students didn't respect each other and the girls called each other 'Ho's.  The boys laughed and horseplayed around in class.

Thank you for being with me today, Melissa.  I hope some day our teachers can be educators again instead of babysitters.

Okay, folks, have a great week, and I'll see you next weekend. 

Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

Contest at Romance Books 4 Us and Brenda Novak's Auction for Diabetes Research

May Flowers Contest at Romance Books 4 Us

For this contest go to Romance Books 4 Us website at http://www.romancebooks4us.com and join in.  Contest started May 1st and end May 28th. 

List of Prizes:

1.  Grand Prize:  $50.00 gift card for Amazon/Barnes & Noble - Your choice

2.  E-book of reader's choice from romance author, JC Szot

3.  E-book copy of Mother's Day Babies from romance author, Mona Risk

4.  Digital copy of Conquering Passion from Romance author, Anna

     Markland

5.  $15.00 All Romance E-bookstore Gift Card from romance author, Raine 

     Delight

 

6.  $10.00 Secret Cravings/Sweet Cravings Gift Card from Secret Cravings

      Publishing

 

7.  Two ebook copies of Profile of Evil (two winners) from romance author,

      Alexa Grace

8.  Autographed print copy of Capital Bride from romance author, Cynthia

     Woolf

 

9.  E-book copy of A Matter of Trust from romance author, Sandy Loyd

10.  Two autographed print books - Intertwined and Savor Me Slowly (two winners; one book each) from romance author, Gena Showalter

Also, I would like to tell you a bit about the Brenda Novak auction for diabetes research.  This NY Times author started this auction years ago when her young son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and she has continued the auction even though her son is grown.  This auction offers huge items to bid on and every cent goes to diabetes research.  This year the goal is to reach over a million dollars.  Go to http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/ to learn more and to bid.

Have fun doing this contest and the auction everyone.  See you next weekend.

Huge hugs to all of you who read my blog every week.

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com