Showing posts with label Four For Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Four For Friday. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday is Thanksgiving. It's also Make Your Own Head Day. Feel free to combine those two holidays any way you see fit, and if you're feeling particularly artistic, by all means take photos and send them to me.

Right now, I'm neck deep in the first draft of my new novel, Halcyon Dream, and frantically trying to get to 50,000 words or more by midnight on Saturday. I'm fairly confident I'll make it to the finish line this year. When the first draft is complete, I'll print the whole mess out and then put it away until January. When I look at it with fresh eyes, I'm sure I'll shake my head quite often, wondering what the heck I was thinking when I wrote it. For now, I just want to get done so that I can enjoy the Christmas season. By enjoy, I mean pulling my hair out every time I think of all the things I need to do. In any case, I'm not there yet.

I've been thinking about what's in store for this blog in 2014. As soon as I figure it all out, I'll let you all know.

The Four for Friday feature was fun, but I'd like to do something new next year.
The Fun Facts feature needs a new theme for 2014. I think I have an idea, but we'll see.

Coming up with fun and interesting posts can be difficult during the best of times, but I find I sometimes devote more time to the research for a post than I do to my manuscripts. The most writing I accomplished in 2013 was my 50,000 NaNoWriMo words. I've noticed a number of blogger/writers with the same concern. I may cut down on the frequency of my posts so that I can be more productive with my writing in 2014.

I'm interested in how you all cope with blogging and writing, especially if you work a full-time job.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm thankful for each and every one of you, and to wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day.




Friday, November 22, 2013

Four For Friday--Sheila Deeth

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Sheila Deeth from her novel, Bethlehem's Baby






I’m called David, which is pretty cool ‘cause there was a great king called David once, not like that Herod the Great guy my granddad keeps complaining about. King David, he was the sort of king that knew stuff and did stuff and won great battles and all that, and people wrote about him and still sing songs. And he was a shepherd, just like me. So I’m proud to be a David, and one day I think I might grow up to be a king.

  1. The thing I’m most thankful for is my dad, ‘cause lots of my friends haven’t got dads. The Roman soldiers killed ‘em when that evil King Herod told them to, just ‘cause they didn’t think he should be king. And he shouldn’t really be king ‘cause he’s not even one of us. He’s a… Idu… Idiot… I dunno; my granddad could tell you though. He knows that sort of thing.
  2. The best part of a Chanukah meal is remembering how we kicked out the Greeks. Granddad says it was our finest hour. He says we’re going to kick out the Romans one day too and that’ll be our even finester hour. Me, I’m going to be a famous warrior and help and then they’ll let me into the Temple so they can crown me king.
  3. I wish the people in my family were more like kings and royalty though. I know it’s cool to be a shepherd like King David, but King David wasn’t just a shepherd was he? He got to live in a palace and all I get is a tent full of brothers and sisters and my granddad bossing us about.
  4. Temperatures are getting cooler; that means we have to keep the fires burning at night. And Granddad, he just complains and complains and complains. He says his cloak’s not warm enough and the fire makes too much noise and we kids keep disturbing him. But honestly, it’s Granddad keeps disturbing us, except… That’s not Granddad. The whole sky looks like it’s on fire and it sounds like somebody’s singing. I got to go and see!



You can find more of the Five-Minute Bible StoryTM Series on the publisher’s website: http://capearagopress.com/Five-Minute.html





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Friday, November 15, 2013

Four For Friday--Kim Curley

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Kim Curley

Her character, Erin is from "Faith" a short story that appears in Earth's End









Erin grew up near Charlottesville, Virginia. A homeschooled child, Erin excelled in all of her classes and tested highly in sciences. While her father, Glen Hunter, spent his waking hours at the Leander McCormick Observatory studying astronomy, Erin focused on genetics and the study of DNA. Although she never officially obtained a degree, Erin is a geneticist. Since the upheaval of the earth, Erin has diligently shared her science skills with the remaining survivors, called Lemurians to insure a healthy, and safe, future for mankind.

1. The thing I’m most thankful for is my new, extended family! They have been a joy and inspiration to me through the most difficult time in my life. Besides losing both parents, and the near destruction of the earth, we had many dark days. But, the Lemurian’s gave me focus in what I need to do today, and they reminded me to keep faith and hope alive for a better tomorrow.

2. The best part about the Thanksgiving meal is the harvest, which is year ‘round now! My favorite food is the strawberries. They’re as big as your hands and oh, so, sweet!

3. I wish the people in my family were more… I don’t wish for my family to be anything more than what and who they are. I love them dearly! They’ve given me courage through diversity, and unconditional love at all times.

4. Temperatures are getting a bit cooler, that means harvesting and gathering seeds from plants to continue propagation. Although it sounds like all we do is work, this is down time for us. This is an opportunity to relax a bit in the evenings, visiting with family and friends, both near and far. 


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Friday, November 8, 2013

Four For Friday--Alice Ayden

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Alice Ayden from her Ausmor Plantation Series

The winner will get their choice of a Kindle copy of BEAUTIFUL WHISPERS or MISSING 6.








I’m Jane Austen. No, not that Jane, but I am a huge fan! My last name just happens to be Austen, and my mom named me Jane after her favorite aunt. I live with my family on a working Virginia Plantation that’s been in my family since before the Revolutionary War. There are plenty of secrets at the Plantation: spirits roam the halls, there’s a hidden cellar, a killer might be lurking, one of my aunts hates me, my cousin is a twirloholic, and I can’t seem to remember the handsome handyman that’s just come back – that’s because I tripped on the stairs (I think) and lost the last 6 months of my memory.

1. The thing I’m most thankful for is...

Definitely my family. They put up with all my craziness (and I have a lot of it with the pesky amnesia, I’m convinced someone’s following me, and I keep having flashbacks to a cellar). I’m always grateful to my cousins (Evan and Lillia) who have my back, my cat, Fanny Dingo, who watches over me, and for being able to live in such an amazing house.

2. The best part about the Thanksgiving meal is...

That my aunt, Bitty, didn’t cook any of it. She thinks she’s a cook, but I don’t consider chocolate covered cauliflower a delicacy. Luckily, Mrs. Hodghes is the best cook, and she likes me so we always have amazing food. Plus tourists like to visit to see how the family celebrated back in the day.

3. I wish the people in my family were more...

I wrote many versions for this answer, but ended up chucking them all. For all the bugaboos, I wouldn’t really change any of my family. My cousin, Lillia, twirls, my other cousin, Evan, is the smartest person I know, Mrs. Kiness protects, Grand Maeve has never met a man she couldn’t tempt, Uncle V is obsessed with Canada, Aunt Bitty tries to poison everyone every year, but I wouldn’t be who I am without any of them.

4. Temperatures are getting cooler, that means...

Fires in the fireplaces which only scares Mrs. Kiness more because she thinks every pop is one of the spirits haunting her. It also means hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows, fudge, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered... Wait, I’m suspecting a theme here.

________________

Please leave a comment and tell us which book you would like if you are the winner!



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Friday, November 1, 2013

Four For Friday--Jennifer Chow

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by the beautiful, Jennifer Chow from her novel, The 228 Legacy.





My name is Silk Lu, and I’m 55 years old. I’m from Taiwan (raised in Taipei, but then I moved to Kaohsiung). Now, I live in this town called Fairview, near Los Angeles. I have one daughter, Lisa, who is too Americanized. I also have one granddaughter Abbey, the pride and joy of my existence.

1. The thing I’m most thankful for 

is freedom. I escaped Taiwan during the crazy time when we transitioned from Japanese to Chinese Kuomintang rule. I love how the United States gave me a fresh start. Nobody knew my background, and I could deny it myself. I could start fresh, without my past haunting me…or so I thought.

2. The best part about the Thanksgiving meal is

—actually I don’t like the traditional American meal. What is the big fuss over a huge, bland bird baked in the oven and smothered with butter? Personally, I’d prefer a nice dish of steamed fish, served with a soy sauce concoction and garnished with ginger and scallions. There is nothing that compares with fresh seafood, and I should know—I used to live near a port in Taiwan.


3. I wish the people in my family were more

appreciative of the Taiwanese culture. I’m doing the best that I can, trying to teach them the language and customs. My daughter never seemed to catch on, but at least my granddaughter is making an effort, and I can see a lot of potential in her.

4. Temperatures are getting cooler, that means that it’s time for 

the fall foliage to come in. Fairview has real maple trees in this nice neighborhood in town. I’ve always wanted to take a little break from my vineyard work to marvel at the beautiful colors on the trees.

_______________

Jennifer J. Chow, an Asian-American writer, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Social Welfare from UCLA. Her geriatric work experience has informed her stories.  She lives near Los Angeles, California. To learn more about Jennifer and her novel, please visit her website.


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Friday, October 18, 2013

Four For Friday--Willa Blair

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 



Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Willa Blair from her new novel, Highland Seer.








My name is Donal MacNabb, arms master and husband to Ellie, Laird MacKyrie.  People will tell ye I'm a skeptic. 'Tis true I used to trust my five senses and little else - until I met the Lathan Healer. I didna trust my his laird’s fascination with the healer he brought home from the invading army, but I came to believe her talent was real.  So when I met Ellie MacKyrie, her Sight wasna quite as hard to swallow as the fact that she was laird of her clan and wanted me to be her consort. Other than my skill with a sword, I had nothing to offer - no lands, wealth or armies. But Ellie became my soul. With her, I found my true home and learned to trust my heart as well as my senses.

1. The spookiest thing that ever happened was on All Hallows many years gone.  I heard a banshee scream. There are those who will say I heard a wildcat or an eagle.  I heard a banshee.  When ye hear one, someone near to ye is going to die. My sister’s husband died that night of the fever that took my sister a day later. Aye, the banshee screamed twice.

2. When I was younger, I wanted to be a warrior and to fight for my clan.  I became one - a bloody good one. I’ve fought for my clan and my adopted clans many times over the years.  And the lads I’ve trained to fight with fists and weapons are still alive today.

3. I used to think if I were wealthy, I would improve the clan’s weapons and defenses.  Now that I am, I'm doing that, and seeing to the welfare of the bairns left fatherless by the King’s folly at Flodden.  

4. My favorite food?  I dinna think I have one.  I’ve spent years traveling and fighting and I’ve learned to eat just about anything when hungry.  I enjoy an ale by the fire on a cold evening, and a wee dram doesna go amiss.  Lately, I’ve developed a liking for MacKyrie whisky.  Fortunately, we have a good supply of it.

_________________

Willa Blair is the best-selling and award-winning author of Scottish romance with a paranormal twist, set in the 16th century Highlands, when the old ways, and old talents, still shaped events. If you'd like to learn more about Willa and her books, visit her blog.


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Friday, October 11, 2013

Four For Friday--Andrea Buginsky

This week's post is by another returning author--Andrea Buginsky! I LOVE when an author requests another spot on my blog. 

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 



Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is from Andrea's new novel, Destiny






My name is Elena Baxter. I’m sixteen. I grew up in a normal household in America’s heartland, but I’m very different from other girls my age. I guess you could say I’m kind of an outsider. Where other girls talk about boys, makeup, and fashion, I prefer to talk about books, life, and the world around me. I’m very close to my family, and I love the tight bond we have with each other.

When I learned the truth about myself on my Sweet Sixteenth, my whole world changed. But I finally found a place I feel I belong, and have made some wonderful friends, the best ones I’ve ever had. My new world has started to open up so many possibilities for me. It’s very scary, but liberating at the same time. I think I’m finally beginning to blossom, and I know that what I could become is greater than anything I have ever thought of.
1. The best Halloween costume I ever wore…

ironically, a witch. I had always wanted to dress as a witch, knowing that Halloween was all about them. When I was thirteen, my mom finally decided I was old enough to portray one. We got a great black robe, a witch’s hat, and a broom. I covered my face with green makeup, donned my costume, and went trick-or-treating. It was the best Halloween ever!

2. When I was younger, I wanted to be a…
 


teacher. I love school and studying, and I love books. My dream was to become an English or Literature teacher, and teach kids to love books as much as I do.

3. If I were wealthy, I would want to…
 


Donate to charities all over the world. There are so many causes that need our help, and I’d want to help as many of them as I could.

4. My favorite candy is…
 


Anything chocolate!

________________

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. “The Chosen,” a middle-grade fantasy novelette was her first book, and was followed by “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. “Nature’s Unbalance” is the second story in THE CHOSEN series. Andrea is currently working on another series: a YA fantasy. Her books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Remember to visit her website and sign up for Andrea’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of her exciting events.



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Friday, September 20, 2013

Four For Friday--Christine Fonseca

This week's post is by a returning author--Christine Fonseca! I LOVE when an author requests another spot on my blog. 

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Christine Fonseca from her new novel, Dominus





Aydan, the UnHoly, apprentice to Azzaziel, slave to Lillith and the one true love of Nesayiel, the heroine of the Requiem Series.

"I knew the moment I met my love that my life could have no ending but tragedy. But I did not understand that I would be the cause of the tragedy - all of it. Victim to my own youth and impulsivity, I tortured and killed those I was meant to protect - all in the name of vengeance. I allowed my pride to dictate my actions and enslaved myself to the very evil I vowed to eliminate. Until Nesy returned to my life and I again felt hope.
But some sins you can not recover from, and some sacrifices should never be made. My actions - and those of my Master Azza - set a chain of events in motion that can't be undone. No matter how much I want love, no matter how much I am willing to sacrifice, no matter how much redemption may cost I have but one future - one fate that awaits me...
Death." 

 1. The one thing I love/hate about the Fall is…

One thing I LOVE about fall - the cooler weather. There is a general serenity that is reminiscent of Celestium. Of course, we have no seasons there. But somehow Fall here in the Sound makes me long a little more for home.

2. Bonfires make me feel…

Like the flames of Infernum are licking at my skin. I hate them. Everything about them. I just keep seeing Aydan consumed by flames every time I even think about a bonfire!

3. I think football is…

Um...yea....I don't get it. Seriously. I mean, I understand what it is, I just don't get it! 

4. I had a teacher once who was…

I never really had teachers - I had a Master. Mikayel. He is tough and unyielding. He forces me to face the truth about myself - something I seldom "want" to do. It is hard - very hard - being his apprentice. But I owe him my life a thousand times over. He has earned far more than my fealty and respect.

_________________

Christine is the author of Transcend and the Requiem Series in YA Fiction, and Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids and the upcoming Girl Guide in nonfiction.

If you'd like to learn more about Christine Fonseca, check out her Website.




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Friday, September 13, 2013

Four For Friday--Melissa Foster

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Sisters In Love. Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's post is by Melissa Foster from her Love in Bloom Series.

When I first began writing Danica’s and Kaylie’s story, I felt like I’d met a group of new friends, and I knew that they were too special to let go after just one book. In book three of the Snow Sisters you will begin to meet the Bradens, a family of six hot, wealthy, and lovable siblings. The Bradens will be joining the Snow sisters in this light, fun, and sexy series—Love in Bloom—and I hope you fall in love with Danica, Blake, Kaylie, Chaz, the Braden siblings, and all of their friends, just as I have. -- Melissa



My name is Danica Snow. I'm a big sister and a Big Sister, a licensed therapist, and a little too practical at times. I always make reasonable and appropriate decisions, even if a bit boring. My go-to food after sex is red licorice, though I don't have a need for it very often. I'm the opposite of my sister, Kaylie, but I'm ready for a change. 

1. The one thing I love/hate about the Fall is…

I love the freshness of the fall. The changing of the leaves and the dip in temperature is a sweet reminder that when things begin to feel dull, something new and exciting is just around the corner. 

 2. Bonfires make me feel…

Young and alive. 

3. I think football is…

A silly game, but I do love to see those muscle-bound men in football pants!

4. I once had a teacher who was…

Always interested in what I didn't write in my essays. She used to ask me to tell her "more" about my subjects and characters.
________________________________

Would you like to learn more about Melissa? Visit her website



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Friday, September 6, 2013

Four For Friday--Kristi Dake

It has been awhile since I've had a Four For Friday post, but now that the summer is over, I'm filling in the rest of the year with exciting guests. 

Are you an author? Would you like to do a post with me? E-mail me at deestan62 @ gmail.com. I'll be sure to schedule you in.

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guests choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! 

This week's guest is up-and-coming filmmaker, Kristi Dake. The Rafflecopter prize is a DVD copy of THICK HEART--as soon as it's released!






Kristi Dake is an aspiring storyteller, using film as her main platform. She enjoys writing comedy films with strong lead female characters. Kristi went to Montclair State University, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking. She was also presented one of the Filmmaker of the Year Awards at her graduation. 'Thick Heart' is her first film that she will be presenting in festivals. 



Kristi recently finished filming "Thick Heart"--short romantic comedy about a plus size woman's ongoing journey toward self acceptance which was successfully funded through Kickstarter. Please take a minute and watch the trailer:




Hey there, my name is Courtney Daniels. I'm not really the type of person who likes to talk about myself, but I will give it a try. I really like cats, but I'm allergic, so unfortunately I can't really own any. I work at a telemarketing office and I hate it. Having this job makes me wonder why people are so rude to someone they don't even know. Plus, the girls that I work with are the worst. You know those types of people that think they're the best people on earth even though they're really not? Well that's what I have to deal with every day. When it comes to boys, none of them even look in my direction. It's probably because I'm a big girl, not the kind of girl you would see on the cover of a magazine. That's why I tried online dating. There's a bigger selection of guys who could potentially like my shape.. I just don't really post pictures that show the neck and down. All I really want in life is to be loved and treated like a decent human being that can look past my exterior. 

1. The one thing I love about the fall is...

What I love the most is the fact that I can wear layers. It's officially hoodie weather! I get to feel more comfortable with long sleeves and pants. I'm not really a fan of showing too much because I know people are probably judging.

2. Bonfires make me feel...

Warm. Obvious answer, huh? I mean in the welcoming sort of way. It reminds me of when I was a kid, being a Girl Scout on our annual camping trips. That was probably the only part of my life where I felt included. I was just like everyone else: young, scared of the dark, happy, innocent and naive. The second thing bonfires remind me of is my best gay friend from when I lived in Pennsylvania: Rob. He would always put on these bonfire parties where you would bring something you want to burn. I remember this one girl burned the wig she wore while she had cancer. She was so glad to be cancer free.

3. I think football is...

Pretty boring. I think you need an abnormal level of testosterone as a girl in order for you to enjoy it. The best part of it would probably be how attractive some of those men are, their bodies are perfection. 

4. I had a teacher once who was...

An asshole. Pardon my French! He was just all sorts of rude. He was my 8th grade teacher. It was gross because he always looked down the girl's shirts, and asked some girls to stay late after class. It was obvious what he was doing. One day, I accidentally wore something a little provoking. My mom was doing the laundry and it was the only shirt I had. I couldn't help it that my boobs were the biggest in the class at the time! He asked me to stay late after class that one time. I refused, and then told me that I will never succeed in life and called me fat. He was the first real bully I ever dealt with. 




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Friday, July 12, 2013

Four For Friday--Laura Vosika

Four For Friday is a weekly feature where guest authors choose one of their own characters to complete four sentences. 

Don't forget: you need to click on the Rafflecopter tabs or else your entries won't count! AND if we reach 100 entries, I'll give away one copy of each book, so tell your friends to enter!

This week's post is by Laura Vosika, from her series of novels, The Blue Bells Chronicles.





Shawn Kleiner has it all: money, fame, a skyrocketing career as an international musical phenomenon, his beautiful girlfriend Amy, and all the women he wants--until the night Amy has enough and leaves him stranded in a Scottish castle tower.
He wakes up to find himself mistaken for Niall Campbell, medieval Highland warrior. Soon after, he is sent shimmying down a wind-torn castle wall into a dangerous cross country trek with Niall's tempting, but knife-wielding fiancee. They are pursued by English soldiers and a Scottish traitor who want Niall dead.
Thrown forward in time, Niall learns history’s horrifying account of his own death, and of the Scots’ slaughter at Bannockburn. Undaunted, he navigates the roiled waters of Shawn’s life-- pregnant girlfriend, amorous fans, enemies, and gambling debts--seeking a way to leap back across time to save his people, especially his beloved Allene. His growing fondness for Shawn’s life brings him face to face with his own weakness. 

1. When I see fireworks…

Shawn:love fireworks!  They take me right back to when I was a kid, with my dad.  We'd have these huge barbecues every Fourth of July and go see huge fireworks displays and listen to orchestras.  It's where I first heard the 1812 Overture.
Niall: We haven't got fireworks in 1314.  I never saw any in your time. What are they?
Shawn: Oh, maaaaan!  You're missing out big time.  Fireworks are the best.  Explosions in the sky!  Colors, lights! 
Niall: Do you think it's something the Laird could figure out how to build if you tell him how it's done?
Shawn: I'm not sure a woodworker is really equipped to do fireworks, but yeah, let's go down to that secret bat cave of his...
Niall: Yes!  You tell him how it's done, we'll find everything we need, he can figure things out!

2. My favorite food on the BBQ is…

Shawn: Barbecues are my thing!  Back in the twenty-first century, I would invite the whole orchestra over, and everyone I knew.  They'd come with their kids and families, there'd be music, I had this really great album, Best Hits of the Mandolin or something, and nobody liked it.  For a bunch of musicians, they don't know good music.
Niall: What's this barbecue thing? 
Shawn: Seriously?  Man, dude!  You're missing out!  We're going to have one in the courtyard at Glenmirril this summer.  Tell the Laird to get his cooks on it.  It's when you cook your brats and burgers over a fire instead of in the oven.
Niall: Our cooks cook everything over a fire.
Shawn: Face palm.  Yeah.  Well, this is different.  You have lots of beer.
Niall: We have ale with every meal.
Shawn: Look, we're veering off the question here.  My favorite food is...everything.  But the burgers have to have everything on them.  Everything!  So just go with what do you like best cooked over an open fire?
Niall:  Eel.  There was this time one of the men caught eel in the loch...best thing I've ever tasted!
Shawn:  Ew!  Eel?  Seriously?
Niall: They didn't tell you that's what was served at dinner last night?

3. When I want to cool off from the summer heat, I…

Shawn: Jump in a lake.  Minnesota has 15,000 to choose from.  Or I crank up the A/C.
Niall: A/C?
Shawn: Yeah, did you notice the hotel was always cooler than outside, when you were in my time?
Niall:  No.  I was a little more concerned about trying to save my country and everyone I know and love at Bannockburn, actually, than noticing temperatures.  Here, if I have time to think about cooling off, which I usually don't, I would go down to the bat cave.  Or there's a hall up on the third floor that catches the breeze off the loch better than any others.

4. The last time I put on a bathing suit…

Niall: What's a bathing suit?  You have suits for bathing in your time? 
Shawn: Bathing swimming, not bathing bathing.
Niall: A suit for swimming?  No, I've never had such a thing.  I don't swim.
Shawn: I wouldn't, either, if I had to share my swimming space with the Loch Ness monster.  Last time I put on a bathing suit...there was this girl....uh...well, never mind.  That was last summer.  Next time I put on a bathing suit is what matters.  I'm going to take Amy and my son to a beach, and teach him how to swim just like my dad taught me.
_________________________________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Vosika, author of the Blue Bells Chronicles, is also working on several other novels and a non-fiction book on raising a large family.  Other publishing credits include an essay in Glamour magazine.
Laura grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America's east coast. She earned a bachelor's degree in music, and master's degree in education, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, private music instructor, and school band director.
LINKS:
Blue Bells of Scotland:
The Minstrel Boy:
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