We all know brave when we see it. The firefighter rushing into a burning building. The bystander pulling the injured from a battered car before it ignites. A soldier facing the uncertainties of battle. Voices speaking up for what is right. The list goes on. There are many deserved accolades for the brave heroes in our world. However, most of us, perhaps all of us, experience our own brand of bravery in everyday life.
Continue reading “B is for Brave”Category: write-brained scribbler
A is for Archeology
Okay, people, this is the first in my alphabetically triggered blogs, in response to the gauntlet cast down at my feet. (For more, see the “Challenge Accepted” blog recently posted.) So, after some consideration, I decided to write about Archeology.
Whoa. Archeology? Why? Certain readers, those who know me after a fashion, may be thinking, “that came out of left field.” But others, those who know me best, are well acquainted with my love of history, historical places, watching documentaries about delving into the past, the careful hunting for artefacts (another “A” word) at places of historical significance, staring open-mouthed at the plethora of YouTube videos on the subject, and yada, yada…
Continue reading “A is for Archeology”Challenge accepted!
Recently, my post regarding the interview with Karen Katchur was liked by, among others, an author named Elske Howeler. I went over and looked at some of her blogs and was quite intrigued by a task she had assigned herself, writing a blog a day using the letters of the alphabet, in order. I commented and told her I wished I’d thought of it myself. She responded with a suggestion I do one as well (not using her alphabetical topics, of course).
Well, Elske, the gauntlet has been thrown and I have picked it up! This should be a lot of fun. Thanks so much for the idea. I’ll begin with A in March. Fresh month, fresh start.
Unlike Elske’s posts, each of mine will not be confined to a writing related topic. I’m going to go for a broader scope, because I definitely don’t think I could stick to the writing topics the way she has. Check back to find out if I see this challenge through or fail in the attempt!
Holiday “feels,” anyone?
It’s that time of year and, as an author, I do have to try to sell my books, but it’s much more than a monetary thing. I believe in these stories and their ability to lift the spirits, and that’s what the holidays are all about, yes?
Connor Falls Christmas is a family-friendly–indeed, family-oriented–series with a touch of light romance, a healthy dose of holiday “feels” and set in the fictional small town of Connor Falls, Pennsylvania. If you read any of them, let me know what you think. I love feedback!
And while we’re on the subject of Christmas, is that moose/tree/heart garland in the picture at the top not the cutest? I’m going to have figure out how to make that and post about it!
What’s This?
The audiobook for The Shadows We Make, that’s what!
It’s been a fabulous voyage for me, writing the Shadow Journey series as Jo Allen Ash, and it’s not over yet. Book four, In Darkness We Break, will be released next year and books one through three (The Shadows We Make, The Thrice-Gifted Child, The Sleeping Myth) are available now in paperback and e-book, as well as upcoming special edition hardcover with illustrations. Because of the interest in these characters, there is also the possibility of another journey for them, after they have completed this one.
But the most recent and exciting trip (for me, anyway) has been that of creating the audiobook for book one, The Shadow We Make. I had the pleasure of working with Mary Hildebrandt as she wonderfully narrated the tale, bringing the characters to life. I know, I know, this is a rather brief post, but now that the moment has come and the audiobook is available to the public, I wanted to make sure I shared the news. The news, and a five-minute sample for you all! I hope you enjoy it!
Words to Live By
It’s odd, but so often you come across quotes from writers, artists, other individuals who spend a great deal of time in thought, and you find those quotes meaningful. Helpful. Thought-provoking. Inspiring. I’ve started posting some of those quotes on Instagram, to share them with others, and on Facebook, too.
This was one from today, which I put onto a royalty-free photo from pexels.com. The photographer’s name is Yaroslav Shuraev. I found myself as inspired by the photo as by the quote. I think I might print this out to hang on my wall so I can see it every day.
Video Podcast – Meet the Author
Wow, I just realized how long it’s been since I’ve blogged on this site. I have been busy, but that’s no excuse for the last blog to have been related to Christmas but from October. That’s…ridiculous. However, I’ve had long periods without content before, although I vowed last year in January not to let that happen again. This is why New Year’s Resolutions hold no allure for me. I just CAN’T keep them.
Anyway, I am excited to share this video podcast from my interview as a guest on Meet the Author, so I figured I’d post it here. I don’t know if you can tell how nervous I was (I was actually shaking at one point–of course, that could be due to the temperature in that room, which is a long story I need not go into right now). Also, not liking to see myself in photos or on camera, I didn’t watch it myself for an entire day, but I had to in order to post it, lol. I wanted to make sure I didn’t look like an utter fool, after all. The hosts, Joan and Rob Carter, are wonderful and I’m so glad they had me as their guest.
So, if you’d like to check it out, please do, and I hope you enjoy the interview!
The Shadows We Make – Reader Question #3
As you may know if you’ve read prior posts, I invited the followers on the Jo Allen Ash Facebook page to send me questions they might have about The Shadows We Make—characters, settings, something they might be wondering about the writing process, or whatever (within reason) interested them. The third question, from D.H., is:
Continue reading “The Shadows We Make – Reader Question #3”Whew, finished!
For now. Until the next one. It’s been a challenging learning curve, but I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve made the below book trailers for the three books released this year.
Continue reading “Whew, finished!”The Shadows We Make – Reader Question #2
As you may know if you’ve read prior posts, I invited the followers on the Jo Allen Ash Facebook page to send me questions they might have about The Shadows We Make—characters, settings, something they might be wondering about the writing process, or whatever (within reason) interested them. The second question, from Bella M., is:
Continue reading “The Shadows We Make – Reader Question #2”
robin maderich - write-brained scribbler and crafter-on-the-loose 