LEFT HANDERS DAY

Hi, it's Monday again. Welcome to Left Handers Day! Yes, that's right. So raise your  hand if you are left handed.

I cannot. I'm right handed, but when I ran across this holiday, I had to mention it. My sister is left handed. My husband was too. I kind of see what it was like for them. I remember when my sister started school, Mother talked to the teachers and told them not to try to change her to a right hander. She liked her the way she was. They didn't. But it was not easy for her. She survived, however.

Sometimes I try to write with my left hand. Impossible. Can't read a word of it.

I discovered some interesting facts that I did not know on this website, however:

http://holidayinsights.com/other/lefthand.htm

Right handed people operate in the left side of the brain.

Left handed people operate in the right side.

Lefties are called "southpaws". This was used in baseball to describe a left-handed pitcher. (I've heard southpaw used but never knew where it came from.)

Only about 10% of the population are left handed.

During the 1600s people thought left handers were witches and warlocks.

All Polar Bears are left handed. (You always wanted to know this, didn't you.)

You can read more at the site.

I found this very interesting. Must share it with my sister. She may not agree with me.

Happy Reading!

REVIEW OF IT HAPPENED ON DUFFERIN TERRACE

Quote for the week: Writing simply means no dependent clauses, no dangling things, no flashbacks, and keeping the subject near the predicate. We throw in as many fresh words we can get away with. Simple, short sentences don't always work. You have to do tricks with pacing, alternate long sentences with short, to keep it vital and alive.... Virtually every page is a cliffhanger--you've got to force them to turn it.
― Dr. Seuss

Monday, a new week. I hope you all (yes, I'm a southerner) had a great weekend. I have another review for you. Remember the cover reveal we did for Melanie Robertson-King? Well, I read her novel this weekend and would like to share my thoughts with you.

IT HAPPENED ON DUFFERIN TERRACE

By Melanie Robertson-King

In Author Melanie Robertson-King’s latest novel, IT HAPPENED ON DUFFERIN TERRACE, I met a cast of characters that I will not soon forget. Each one has special needs that touched my heart and had me hoping that life would turn out right for them.

First, there’s Serenity Layne, a business lady, whose boss gives her a new assignment to visit the department store chain, Jonathans, and study each store. She is to see which ones are doing well and which ones are not. If she does a good job, she might get a raise, a promotion, or even a partnership. Who could refuse a deal like that?

Enter a dog, a man, and a boy and her whole life changes, even more so than just the possibility of a better job.

The author has created delightful characters that are so real, they might be your next-door neighbors. I found myself crossing my fingers that all would work out for Serenity and also for her new friends. I cannot resist an adorable dog. Or a ten-year-old boy. You have to love them.

IT HAPPENED ON DUFFERIN TERRACE is a gentle story, with what I had hoped was a happy ending. And then…Melanie Robertson-King throws in a big, big, question that changes everything. At least in my mind. Now, when does the next book come out?

Buy Links:

 kindle

Kobo Canada

Kobo US

IWSG AUGUST

A new month has arrived and with it another Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh is the founder of The Insecure Writer's Support Group.

His awesome co-hosts for the August 1 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!

Every month we have a question. It's optional.

The question for August 1st is: What pitfalls would you warn other authors to avoid on their publication journey?

Good question. I'm thinking. I'm thinking. 

When I first started writing, years ago, I knew nothing. I began with magazine articles for children's magazines, which were fun. They got published; I received a check; all was great. When I decided to write novels, I thought I'd write a story, send it to a publisher, and would soon have a book. I learned pretty quick that it took much longer to have a book published than a magazine article. So I would say avoid the pitfall of thinking your precious book will be published in only a few weeks. Sometimes, maybe. But, usually not.

Another pitfall to avoid. Back in the beginning days, when I finished writing a story, I thought it was perfect. Yeah, right. No one told me about critique partners, beta readers, and editors. I did not know any authors to advise me. So I wrote the perfect story, sent it off, and discovered it was not perfect after all. It needed lots of editing. And eyes other than mine looking at it. So another pitfall I fell into was thinking I did not need help. Avoid the pitfall of doing it all yourself. Get others to read your work. They'll catch things that you miss.

And another pitfall to avoid: Never give up. Don't get discouraged. Keep writing. That's what you do, right?

I'm looking forward to reading your pitfalls to avoid.

Happy Reading.

REVIEW OF CHRYS FEY'S NEW BOOK

Quote for the week:  “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Welcome! Thank you for stopping by. I am delighted to share Author Chrys Fey's latest book with you. You may have heard about it or not. Whichever, enjoy your visit.

Look at those sparks flying. Yours will be too once you read this book. My thoughts.

WRITE WITH FEY

10 SPARKS TO GUIDE YOU FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION

By Chrys Fey

Hundreds of books to help writers on their journeys to publication have been written. Each one I’ve read has given me valuable information that I’ve used through the years. I just finished reading Author Chrys Fey’s new book WRITE WITH FEY-10 SPARKS TO GUIDE YOU FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION, and, in my humble opinion, it is one of the best. The author has covered just about every topic a writer could want and need to know. Whether you’re starting out in your writing career or have been around for years, like me, you most likely will find exciting new information to guide you down that crazy path called publication. Or if you’re published and looking for ways to promote your work, you’ll find that, along with other valuable information, here, as well.

For example, the author talks about story essentials, a book’s steps from beginning to end, how to bring your characters to life, and so much more. She discusses “Editing a Book,” and I’ve marked some of those comments to help me with my work. Another thing I’ve done is create a “Style Sheet” that the author suggests. With my terrible memory it will be a life saver I’m sure.

I could go on and on about how Chrys Fey’s book is helping me discover new ways to promote my work and to create interesting characters, but you’ll get all the great details when you read the book. She has inspired me to try new ideas. Why not? We’re never too old or too young to learn.

I highly recommend this book if you are an author or hope to be an author someday. It may have the answers to your questions. Happy Reading.

COMPANY AND REVIEWS

Quote for the week:
“When you think things are bad,
when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad...
you should do what I do!
Just tell yourself, Duckie, 
you're really quite lucky!
Some people are much more...
oh, ever so much more...
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

Hope you had a great weekend. I did. My youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter came for a visit. It's been a long time since I saw them.  They're likely in the air this moment, or soon will be, on their way home. (This was 2 PM Sunday) So Dr. Seuss' quote about being "lucky" (for having such a lovely family) applies to me. Does it to you, as well?

On the other side, I'm not so happy with a book seller. I'm not complaining, just telling it like it is. My once-upon-a-time favorite book store, where I purchased a lot of books and posted many reviews, deleted all of my reviews, without telling me they did or explaining why. I wrote a letter asking for an explanation. Five days have passed with no response, so I have little choice. And this is for those of you that I have posted reviews at this store, those are gone, even my verified purchases. I may stop reviewing. Not sure. If I keep on, they'll be posted at Barnes and Noble, Library Thing, and Good Reads, like they are now, as well as on my blog. I'm not happy with them and will close my account. Yeah, that won't break their bank account, but I will feel better.

Now, smile. It's not the end of the world. Remember Dr. Seuss with the right attitude. I do think they're rude for not answering my mail. Their privilege.

Enjoy the week. Stay cool. We're still having temperatures in the hundred plus degrees. 108 at the moment. I'm thankful for air conditioning.

Happy Reading!

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY

Welcome to a new week. Hope your weekend was awesome. Yesterday, July 15 was National Ice Cream Day. I had no idea there was such a thing, but since ice cream is one of my favorite desserts or snacks I had to check it out, even a day late.

In 1984, the late President Ronald Reagan, who really liked ice cream, designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. This is one holiday I shall enjoy participating in. I discovered oodles of places Online to get "free" ice cream that day. Good deal. 

When I was a kid money was tight and my dad often made our ice cream in an ice cream churn similar to this. It took awhile, but the end result was worth the wait.

Do you enjoy a dish of ice cream now and then, or everyday?
What is your favorite flavor?
My favorite is vanilla, topped with chocolate syrup, in an ice cream cone. I'd show you a picture, but I already ate it. Yummy!

Have a great week.

Happy Eating, um, I mean reading.

IT HAPPENED ON DUFFERIN TERRACE COVER REVEAL

Thanks for stopping by on this lovely Friday. I have a treat for you today, so relax and enjoy a new novel by Melanie Robertson-King that's just out.

I love this cover. It looks like so much fun.

Author Melanie Robertson-King brings you the “It Happened series...”

Miracle on 34^th Street meets Sleepless in Seattle…

Toronto business consultant, Serenity Layne, knew the only person she could depend on was herself. Married to her career, she has no time for other pursuits and life’s intangibles.

Widowed for three years, Roger Scott, a data security specialist in Quebec City, is a single parent to his ten-year-old son, Adam.

On a day out on the Plains of Abraham with their black Labrador retriever, Roger’s cell phone rings incessantly. Adam has played matchmaker and put his father’s profile on a number of online dating sites.

The week before Christmas, Serenity is heading up a series of meetings after a six-month study of the Canadian retail chain, jonathans. After an unpleasant encounter with one of the store managers, she escapes from the boardroom of the Château Frontenac Hotel, only to be bowled over by Roger and Adam’s dog.

Guilty over the accident, Roger invites Serenity out for a drink by way of apology. Over the course of the week, and spending time together, feelings long dormant for Roger are re-awakened. At the same time, emotions foreign to Serenity fill her with contentment and happiness.

Will the couple get their happily ever after?

It Happened on Dufferin Terrace is the first book in the It Happened series, a set of sweet, contemporary romances by author, Melanie Robertson-King. If entertaining and heartwarming romances are for you, then you'll fall in love with this entry in a light, romantic series set in picturesque Canadian locations.

SPECIAL PRICE! Pre-order now for only $0.99/£0.99.

BUY LINKS

kindle

Kobo Canada

Kobo US

EXCERPT

The following morning, six months of gruelling work came to fruition. In the Place d’Armes conference room, Serenity turned on her MacBook Air with the PowerPoint presentation and ensured the projector functioned. In addition to the electronic copy, the hard copies she made in Montreal for the jonathans participants were placed them in front of each chair.

This was the first time her superior sat in on one of her meetings, making her more nervous than normal. Did he not trust her judgement?

Scheduled to start at ten a.m., a number of attendees were still missing. The time function on her Fitbit indicated three minutes to go. The managers had to arrive soon or her boss's trust in her abilities would be shattered. A brief assessment of her leather-bound notebook confirmed the time and date.

Gradually, men in three-piece suits, shirts and ties straggled in. They nodded at her as they took their seats. During her visits to the outlets across Canada, she came together with them. All were friendly and cooperative. Some stores performed well, while others struggled.

The head of jonathans made his entrance. Well over six feet in stature, with a stocky frame, his imposing size commanded respect and attention.

“Good morning,” she said.

The man acknowledged her with a nod of his head and moved to the head of the table.

Now, she and the other attendees waited for her missing employer and one last jonathans employee.

“We’ll give them another five minutes then we’ll start. In the meantime, feel free to look at the documents in front of you.” She lingered by the chair used by the director of the Vancouver location and smiled.

The door burst open, eliminating the opportunity to speak with the gentleman. In the gap stood the man from the Yorkville Avenue outlet, as unkempt as the first time she met him. When he looked up, his eyes bulged, and his jaw dropped. “You’re the hard-nosed, jumped up high and mighty who made trouble. You’re the reason we’re having this powwow,” he snapped.

The hairs on the back of her neck bristled. Coat plucked from the rack, she darted out the door putting on the garment on the fly. The man busted her straight away. No way could she head this meeting now. Where was Martin Thacker? He would have stood by her.

She left the hotel, turned right, and scurried through the arched vehicular entryway on Rue Saint Louis. From there, she stumbled to the boardwalk running adjacent to the spectacular architecture and overlooked the St. Lawrence River and the town underneath.

Snow, packed down from shovelling and plowing, made the boards slippery. High-heeled shoes were inappropriate for the conditions, but escaping that room was paramount.

Why did she allow that man to antagonize her? Any other time, any other meeting and she would have let comments like his roll off her. This action was out of character.

Struggling to maintain her balance, she picked her way to the hand rail. At least she had gloves in her pockets. After extracting the knitted mittens, she pulled them on her hands and tried to regain her composure so she could go back to the meeting. She would have to create an excuse for her sudden departure.

Arms resting on the bannister, she took in long, slow breaths. Each time she exhaled a puff of steam formed in front of her.

About to go back into the warmth of the hotel’s conference room, she let go and turned. A massive black dog charged at her with a man and a boy in pursuit. The ear flaps of the man’s trapper hat resembled wings. Stretched out horizontally, how he managed not to take flight astounded her.

"Tori, bad girl. Halt.” The man shouted commands to the canine, but the animal was oblivious to them.

Before she had an opportunity to react, the black Lab launched itself in the air and hit her square in the chest knocking her to the ground. The impact sent her eyeglasses flying and they crashed on the granite ledge beneath the handrail. The child dove for them but couldn’t get a proper grip. His fingertips brushed the frames and her eyewear skittered away from him on the icy rock and vanished.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

https://melanierobertson-king.com

Melanie Robertson-King has always been a fan of the written word. Growing up as an only child, her face was almost always buried in a book from the time she could read. Her father was one of the thousands of Home Children sent to Canada through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland, and she has been fortunate to be able to visit her father’s homeland many times and even met the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) at the orphanage where he was raised.

It Happened on Dufferin Terrace is Melanie’s seventh book.

Thanks for letting us know about your latest novel, Melanie.

Happy Reading!