tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9405156747454511102024-03-13T19:29:56.407-07:00Have Imagination, Will Write - Author Melissa BuellAuthor Melissa Buell's random and frequent musingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-13901903219137292262017-06-16T14:12:00.001-07:002017-06-16T14:12:51.475-07:00It's Summertime Once Again!Hello friends of the interwebz! Can you hear the birds chirping? Can you feel the sun shining? That's right...It's SUMMER!<br />
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As a full-time teacher, I am incredibly happy for summer vacation. I need time to refresh and renew, especially after final exams and writing report card comments.<br />
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As a part-time author, I am ECSTATIC to have time to brainstorm new story ideas, edit old stories, and contemplate future ventures in publishing. #SummerAuthor<br />
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I've had a contemporary YA story sitting in my computer for quite a while now and need to do something with it. I have a half-baked idea for a YA fairy tale in a writing journal that I actually need to start typing up to see if it grows into anything else. I have a couple of picture book ideas that I can noodled around some more. And then there's the epic rewrite of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE that Jessica Grey and I started a few years ago and haven't completed. I really want to work on that one.<br />
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On my summer reading schedule, I have a few new books to read for the next school year (specifically, a King Arthur story that is suitable for 7th graders). I picked up a copy of DOCTOR THORNE from the library and I'm looking forward to that because I enjoyed the mini-series so much.<br />
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We don't have any big vacations planned but we'll have a few "stay-cation" trips around Southern California. (I really really really want to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios with my kids.)<br />
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How are your summers shaping up? Any books that you recommend for me to read?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-72633471181328715402017-01-19T16:06:00.000-08:002017-01-19T16:06:01.265-08:00HWJ: Will You Be Mine?Hello friends!<br /><br />
It's time for another book from the ladies of HOLIDAYS WITH JANE!<br />
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When we first came up with this idea, we decided that we would each take one of Jane Austen's novel (she wrote six and there were six authors*) and write a holiday themed story inspired by the novel that we picked/were assigned.<br />
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Our first anthology of short stories was CHRISTMAS CHEER.<br />
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After that, readers were asking us, "What holidays are you going to highlight? Is this going on forever?" We answered the first question with:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SPRING FEVER</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRICK OR SWEET</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SUMMER OF LOVE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THANKFUL HEARTS</span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">and our newest....</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">WILL YOU BE MINE?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Book Release is very soon! (I'll keep you posted!)</span></div>
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(Aren't the covers AMAZING?! Thanks to Victoria Austen-Young for such great work!)</div>
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The answer to the second question is...we didn't want to "go on forever." There aren't *that* many holidays that are interesting enough to base a story on. (Arbor Day? I don't think so.) It's bittersweet that we're done writing but we have these amazing collections that we can share.<br />
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The order that I wrote my stories for HOLIDAYS WITH JANE were:<br />
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"Mischief and Mistletoe" (NORTHANGER ABBEY) - <u>HWJ: Christmas Cheer</u><br />
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"Whine and Wineries" (SENSE AND SENSIBILITIES) - <u>HWJ: Spring Fever</u><br />
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"Emma Ever After" (EMMA) - <u>HWJ: Trick or Sweet</u><br />
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"Twice Upon a Sea" (PERSUASION) - <u>HWJ: Summer of Love</u><br />
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"Construction of a Heart" (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) - <u>HWJ: Thankful Hearts</u><br />
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"Concealed Spark" (MANSFIELD PARK) - <u>HWJ: Will You Be Mine?</u><br />
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I'm going to write about how I approached writing each of these stories next week. Some were easy and some were hard. And one was absolutely horrid during the process but I <strike>think</strike> hope it was successful.<br />
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~~~More about WILL YOU BE MINE? during our book release week extravaganza!~~~</div>
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*Kimberly Truesdale contributed to the first three books. Nancy Kelley contributed to the last three books. Jessica Grey, Jennifer Becton, Cecilia Gray, Rebecca M. Fleming, and I contributed to all six collections.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-62257942299930677092016-11-28T15:30:00.000-08:002016-11-28T15:30:03.627-08:00Interview over at Becton Literary!We just released the fifth book in the HOLIDAYS WITH JANE series, THANKFUL HEARTS and Jennifer is showcasing the various authors on her blog. (Thanks!!)<br />
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The wonderful Jennifer Becton, multi-genre author of the thriller series <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/thrillers/" target="_blank">SOUTHERN FRAUD</a> and the Austenesque <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/personages-of-pride-and-prejudice/" target="_blank">PERSONAGES OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE</a>, interviewed me for her blog.<br />
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<a href="http://bectonliterary.com/meet-the-holidays-with-jane-writers-melissa-buell/" target="_blank">Read the interview here.</a><br />
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You can <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/books/" target="_blank">check out Jennifer's books here</a> and l<a href="http://bectonliterary.com/my-story/" target="_blank">earn more about her here</a>.<br />
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And you can still read THANKFUL HEARTS even though Thanksgiving is over. (It's still November, right?) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Thankful-Cecilia-Gray-ebook/dp/B01M5HSYE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480371435&sr=8-1&keywords=holidays+with+jane" target="_blank">Pick up the paperback or the Kindle edition on Amazon.com.</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-28867173556882886352016-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002016-11-04T07:48:23.468-07:00Thankful Jar...and ALL THE FOOD<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Thankful-Cecilia-Gray-ebook/dp/B01M5HSYE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478200056&sr=8-1&keywords=holidays+with+jane" target="_blank">Holidays with Jane: Thankful Hearts</a></span><br />
(ebook available on Amazon.com. Paperback coming out soon!)<br />
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It’s time for crisp weather, colorful leaves, and a Thanksgiving feast. The authors of the Holidays with Jane series bring you Holidays with Jane: Thankful Hearts with six modern-day adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels. Join your favorite heroines around the fire with a cup of hot apple cider for heart-warming takes on these classic stories.<br />
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"The Construction of a Heart"<br />
by Melissa Buell<br />
Elizabeth Bennet credits the success of Bennet Homes to her close-knit family, however dysfunctional they might be. The Meryton Chamber of Commerce calls on local businesses to host the annual All-Town Thanksgiving Feast. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is paired up with pretentious businessman Will Darcy of Pemberley Estates, her main rival in the construction business. Will Elizabeth be able to fill up her Thankful Jar this year?<br />
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In my short story for <i>HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: THANKFUL HEARTS</i>, I reimagined PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen. If you've read my blog at all or you know me IRL, you know that PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite novel. Do you know how hard it is to reimagine your favorite novel into a short story?! It's hard, guys. The struggle is real. But I got through it with copious amounts of coffee, tea, and brownies at Panera Bread. I owe much to the wisdom and enthusiasm of Jess and Rebecca. (Thank you!)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">In my story, I write about a "Thankful Jar" and also about food. Lots of food.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">THANKFUL JAR</span></b></div>
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I love the idea of a "Thankful Jar" for the month of November. Every day, write down one thing (or several!) that you are thankful for and add it to your jar. On Thanksgiving, read the things you are thankful for as you eat your Thanksgiving feast. Some might be silly, some might be romantic. I want to remember that we have so many blessings and much to be thankful for. Will you start a Thankful Jar this year?</div>
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">ALL THE FOOD!</span></b><br />
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One of the many things to be thankful for at Thanksgiving is the FOOD! (Am I right?) My mom's family is from the Midwest, which means we have all of the best food. Butter. And gravy. More butter. We've added different dishes over the years as my generation has learned to cook and bake but we always have the old standbys: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and PIE.<br />
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Oh, pie. I love pie at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Especially with Reddi-Whip. (Homemade whipped cream is great but Reddi-Whip is awesome.)<br />
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We always have pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Sometimes there's a random apple pie or cobbler thrown in. My sister-in-law told me about five years ago that she saw a recipe from Paula Deen for Pumpkin Pecan Pie. My seester and I both don't love pumpkin pie so we were excited at the idea of something different without being too weirdly different. I found the recipe and I've been making this pie for Thanksgiving ever since.<br />
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/paula-deens-pumpkin-pecan-pie-266260" target="_blank">Link to Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pecan Pie recipe</a><br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/4melissabuell/holidays-with-jane-thanksgiving-food/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/4melissabuell/holidays-with-jane-thanksgiving-food/" target="_blank">Link to Pinterest Board of "Holidays With Jane: Thanksgiving Food</a><br />
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Now that you've read about being thankful and pie, here's an excerpt of my story! (And keep reading because down below is the Rafflecopter link for the giveaway that I'm hosting!)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">EXCERPT:</span></b><br />
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"The Construction of a Heart"<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The first time they had met
was at the Chamber of Commerce “Salute to Summer” mixer at the end of August.
Elizabeth, Jane, and their younger sister Lydia were scheduled to take turns
manning the Bennet Homes booth that evening. Elizabeth and Jane took great
pride in setting up an attractive booth at each Chamber event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As she and Jane approached the booth just before the
mixer began, it was obvious that someone had ignored the schematic that
Elizabeth herself had developed that kept similar businesses from being next to
each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The table in the booth next to them was overloaded with
glossy tri-fold brochures, plastic scale models of houses, and a laptop with a
gallery of high impact photos flashing on the screen. Sterling silver trays
held macarons and chocolate tarts while urns with gourmet coffee burbled away.
A Lucite sign proclaimed “Pemberley Estates Welcomes You!” in purple letters. A
blond man and a brunette woman were chatting quietly outside of the booth,
gesturing towards the coffee urns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Elizabeth glanced over at her humble homemade lemon
squares and peanut butter cup brownies with chagrin. The blue gingham
tablecloth and collection of white porcelain cake plates looked charming along
with their framed photos of houses they had rehabbed into a “Bennet Home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Charming
compared to classy? No</i>, Elizabeth shook her head. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They can make fun of my booth but I’d rather be personal and homespun
than fake and plastic any day. I need to make the best of the location and meet
our new competitors.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial";">“Are you ready to meet our neighbors?” Elizabeth
whispered to Jane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The blond man in front of the Pemberley Estates was
already making a bee-line towards them. He extended his hand with a friendly
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hello, I’m Chase Bingley,” he said as he shook the hands
of both sisters. “We’re new in Meryton and so happy to be a part of the mixer.
It was gracious of the event coordinators to include us.” He gestured behind
him. “This is my sister, Carla Bingley.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Carla
Bingley strode over and looked down at Elizabeth and Jane with a haughty
expression. “Nice to make your acquaintance,” she stated in bored tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">“Our
booth is right next to yours,” Elizabeth said with a determined smile. “Bennet
Homes. Feel free to have a lemon bar or brownie. They’re homemade,” she added
when she saw Carla’s mouth twitch unpleasantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">“How
delightful!” Chase said as he stepped forward to pick up a brownie. “I don’t
know the last time I had a homemade treat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“That’s
because I have better ways to spend my time,” Carla murmured just loud enough
for Elizabeth to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“Would
either of you be available to introduce me to the other vendors here?” Chase
asked, his eyes fixed on Jane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Elizabeth smiled as she stepped behind the table. “I have
the first shift at the booth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m available,” Jane said shyly. “We can start with
Mayor Lucas. He just arrived.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Carla, be sure to introduce Darcy, won’t you?” Chase
asked as he walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And Darcy
is…another sister? I hope she takes after Chase, not his sour faced sister,
Carla.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial";">The community room was slowly filling up with guests
from the Chamber of Commerce and Elizabeth put all thoughts of Pemberley
Estates and their employees away as she handed out business cards and treats. A
dark haired man with dark, brooding eyes walked toward her booth during a lull.
Elizabeth checked her phone and was unsurprised to see that Lydia had texted
her that she would be late for her shift. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Elizabeth
turned to replenish the cake plates with baked goods and found the dark haired
stranger standing in front of her booth, looking at each framed photo
carefully. He glanced up as if he felt her eyes on him. He nodded at her and
said, “Will Darcy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">She
deposited the fresh brownies on the plate and replied, “Will Darcy do what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">“Will
I do what?” he asked, a confused expression in his chocolate brown eyes. “No, I
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am</i> Will Darcy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“Oh!”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I thought you were asking if Darcy would do
something. The Bingleys have a sister named Darcy…” At the look on his face, Elizabeth
knew she had made a mistake. “Wow. Never mind. I assumed a sister when Chase
said to introduce ‘Darcy’ to me. It’s one of those
guys-call-each-other-by-their-last-name things.” She smiled and stuck out her
hand. “Let’s start over. I’m Elizabeth Bennet of Bennet Homes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Will Darcy of Pemberley Estates,” he stated as he shook
her hand in a brief but firm handshake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, you are our friendly competition,” Elizabeth said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There’s not much of a competition,” Carla drawled as she
stalked over to where Will stood. “We build designer houses. You paint old
relics.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We do more than ‘paint old relics’,” Elizabeth said,
struggling to keep her cool. “We revitalize homes that need some love. We match
up our customers with the best home for them. We partner with our customers to give
them their forever home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Carla waved a well-manicured hand through the air
dismissively. “Take a page from Pemberley’s book and knock the wreck down. It
saves time and money. Not to mention removes an eyesore from the community.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is that Pemberley Estates marketing tagline? ‘Removing landmarks
one at a time.’ That’s not going to work well here in Meryton. We are all
devoted to preserving our history.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mayor Lucas and the zoning commission just approved our
proposal to build on the old bowling alley site off Route 1.” Carla’s dark eyes
gleamed. “We’ll be putting up our model homes in no time.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“I
wouldn’t call the bowling alley a landmark, exactly,” Elizabeth admitted. “But
I’m still disappointed that the zoning commission would not want to rehab it
into something else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“You
are opposed to new buildings?” Will asked. “Isn’t that antithetical to your
construction company?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Elizabeth
chuckled. “I’m not opposed to new buildings. That would be the kiss of death to
any construction business. We are happy to build anything our customers want. I
personally prefer a building with a history. Old buildings have such character
and charm to them. I don’t want to haphazardly knock them down just to make
room for something plastic and shiny. Steel is great for girders but for a
family room? Not so much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Will
Darcy quirked up one eyebrow. “You obviously feel very passionate about this.
Excuse me.” He took out his phone and walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well, that was awkward. Was it me or was it him? I’m
pretty sure it was him. If only Jane was here to evaluate it. Though she most
likely would have said that he was self-conscious</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial";">. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It doesn’t
matter. We’re not likely to have much to do with Pemberley Estates. </i>She
glanced over to Carla Bingley preening in front of her booth. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not that I want to.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*-*-*-*-*-*</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Giveaway time! Check out the Rafflecopter below.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/eaa9ceca89/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="eaa9ceca89" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_08qrkawf">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-54150469707072977082016-11-01T15:48:00.000-07:002016-11-01T15:48:07.380-07:00Thankful for a new book!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Holidays With Jane: Thankful Hearts</i> is now available!</span></div>
<br />
Be sure to check out all of the bookish fun coming your way in the next week. <a href="http://indiejanepress.com/" target="_blank">Indie Jane Press </a>(publisher of the Holidays With Jane series) is hosting a <a href="http://indiejanepress.com/uncategorized/introducing-thankful-hearts/" target="_blank">week of festivities</a> which includes a readalong on Twitter with author Jennifer Becton & Melissa Buell (myself) and giveaways from all of the HWJ authors. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> has lots of info.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtWWGOcacC0/WBinxPJmNBI/AAAAAAAAOvU/3gVBYcYg0QwPl2XV0zPIJztBqSLd5hfLgCLcB/s1600/HWJ%2BThankful%2BHearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtWWGOcacC0/WBinxPJmNBI/AAAAAAAAOvU/3gVBYcYg0QwPl2XV0zPIJztBqSLd5hfLgCLcB/s1600/HWJ%2BThankful%2BHearts.jpg" /></a></div>
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Check out the links below for the awesomeness!</div>
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Tuesday 11/1 – <a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/blog-2/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jessica Grey</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Wednesday 11/2 – <a href="http://nancykelleywrites.tumblr.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nancy Kelley</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Thursday 11/3 – <a href="http://www.authormelissabuell.com/blog" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Melissa Buell</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Friday, 11/4 – <a href="http://fairyjane.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rebecca M. Fleming</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Saturday 11/5 – <a href="http://www.ceciliagray.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cecilia Gray</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Sunday 11/6 – <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/blog/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jennifer Becton</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
Monday 11/7 – Winners Announced</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-37754228129600842322016-09-26T08:16:00.000-07:002016-09-26T08:16:19.869-07:00Winner of "Fall Into Austen" giveaway!Thank you to all who entered to win the Amazon.com gift card. The winner (chosen by random.org) is...Heather Sebastian! I have emailed the winner.<br />
<br />
Please enjoy our *free* book right now: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Trick-Kimberly-Truesdale-ebook/dp/B015LFRO3E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1474902807&sr=1-1&keywords=Holidays+with+Jane+Indie+Jane+Press" target="_blank">HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: Trick or Sweet.</a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxLYOcBL-3o/V-k7YPGIpnI/AAAAAAAAOuU/vLAvbdXPjF0YZsrhnNgWKvJN9H5ObdawwCLcB/s1600/HWJ-%2BToS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxLYOcBL-3o/V-k7YPGIpnI/AAAAAAAAOuU/vLAvbdXPjF0YZsrhnNgWKvJN9H5ObdawwCLcB/s320/HWJ-%2BToS.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
There's more fun on Indie Jane Press. Be sure to check out the <a href="http://indiejanepress.com/" target="_blank">blog posts</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Facebook posts</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEOjBSLFgk/V-k7p1tOJzI/AAAAAAAAOuY/yCsTKGW2rSYJ-HiZEzHh1lU3iYMGw6pxwCLcB/s1600/IndieJanePress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEOjBSLFgk/V-k7p1tOJzI/AAAAAAAAOuY/yCsTKGW2rSYJ-HiZEzHh1lU3iYMGw6pxwCLcB/s320/IndieJanePress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-88145388360666671322016-09-23T15:04:00.002-07:002016-09-23T15:04:35.029-07:00"Falling" in love with Austen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkGahnDEhAQ/V-WjcXkvHZI/AAAAAAAAOjM/FWhBCgMAfqspousjrx1vswwr7URyfKPxACLcB/s1600/fallintoaustenad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkGahnDEhAQ/V-WjcXkvHZI/AAAAAAAAOjM/FWhBCgMAfqspousjrx1vswwr7URyfKPxACLcB/s320/fallintoaustenad.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">To kick off our Fall into Austen event, our collection Holidays with Jane; Trick or Sweet is FREE for your kindle September 22 – 26. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Trick-Kimberly-Truesdale-ebook/dp/B015LFRO3E" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Snag a copy on Amazon.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Falling" in love with Austen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">PRIDE AND PREJUDICE was my first Jane Austen novel that I
read and it has remained my favorite Austen novel <b>and</b> my favorite novel
of all time. (I’m saying this as an English teacher who majored in English
literature that loves to read in my free time.) Why does P&P remain my
favorite, even after a dozen readings? Is it the romance between Elizabeth
Bennet and Mr. Darcy? Is it the sweetness of Jane? The country/city life
compared? The fact that it is set in England? The answers to all of these is
yes and no. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I mean, of course I love all of the above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is goes deeper than that. It’s the varied
themes of the novel. Finding true love and not giving up on it. Finding out
that we are proud and prejudiced in so many ways. Our families are a part of
who we are. Being confident in the role we have been placed in. THERE ARE SO
MANY THEMES. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My AP English class just finished this novel and it was an amazing
transformation. They started the novel with 0 students liking the story. They
thought the premise was absurd. They hated every character. Slowly, as they
read more, as we discussed more, as they thought more, they began to dislike it
less. By the end of the novel, they all cheered when Elizabeth and Darcy <b>finally</b>
got together. Of course, there were remarks like, “Why couldn’t they just have
gotten together in the first few chapters?” My response, “That would be a very
short book. And you wouldn’t have cared about the characters and what happens
to them.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we read, we make an investment into those characters. That’s why
we yell at books when our favorite characters make “stupid” choices. It’s why
we dress up and host Jane Austen tea parties. It’s why my friends and I write
modern adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels. It’s why we take those “Which
Austen heroine are you?” quizzes. It’s why we all wanted Austenland to be a
real place after reading the novel. Jane Austen knew the human heart and she
knew human imagination. She combined them in magical ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s easy to fall in
love with Austen’s writing. You’re in good company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**Giveaway** One person will win a $10 Amazon.com gift card! Fill in the Rafflecopter info below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Be sure to check out all of the cool stuff on the <a href="http://indiejanepress.com/" target="_blank">Indie Jane Press site</a>. You can enter to win a Starbucks gift card and a free copy of our newest book!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We will also have some fantastic giveaways starting September 22, as well as fun blog posts to keep us falling into Austen all weekend long.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here’s our posting schedule!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9/22 – Kick off Post and NEW BOOK REVEAL – <a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/blog-2/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jessica Grey</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9/23 – “Falling” in love with Austen – <a href="http://www.authormelissabuell.com/blog" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Melissa Buell</a>9/24 – Making a Mansfield Perk Approved Flat White – <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/blog/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jennifer Becton</a>9/25 – Austen, Magic, and a Modern Teenage Darcy – <a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/blog-2/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jessica Grey</a>9/26 – <a href="http://fairyjane.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #24890d; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rebecca M. Fleming</a>9/27 – WINNERS POSTED HERE on indiejanepress.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope you’ll join us for this fun event!</span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d0080f3b11" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0080f3b11/" id="rcwidget_nb3mvt5u" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-76549028676311098362016-06-18T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-18T03:00:37.912-07:00Curious World - HMHThere's an app called "Curious World" from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It's for the iPhone and iPad.<br />
https://www.curiousworld.com/<br />
<br />
Here's the the link to the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/curious-world-early-learning/id994556645?mt=8<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRb3SqF4qRM/V2Qo6lJjk4I/AAAAAAAAOY8/R_sock8ZsJoFEQ449KGksBVvxeLRnjmPgCLcB/s1600/CG_CW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRb3SqF4qRM/V2Qo6lJjk4I/AAAAAAAAOY8/R_sock8ZsJoFEQ449KGksBVvxeLRnjmPgCLcB/s320/CG_CW.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px;">
Description</h4>
<div class=" " itemprop="description" style="background-color: white; color: #898989; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; height: auto; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;">From Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a leader in classroom education for over 100 years - start your child’s learning journey with a FREE TRIAL and get unlimited access to nearly 1,000 fun and educational books, games, and videos, perfect for your child’s discovery or family time! Designed for kids ages 2-7, Curious World brings you: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Over 500 fun and educational games, videos and books</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Favorite characters like Curious George and Gossie</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• New activities added every week</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• A safe and ad-free environment</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Content curated by early learning experts across key learning areas</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• A personalized experience based on your child’s age</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Games, videos and books are curated by early learning experts across the following key learning areas:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Science</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Math</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Literacy</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Executive Function</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Creative Expression</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Social & Emotional</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Family & Community</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Health & Wellbeing</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Subscription details:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Curious World is free to download with access to select content and features.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">With a Curious World subscription, you will receive:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Exclusive access to unlimited games, videos and books – new content added weekly!</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• A personalized experience for your child</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Ability to create up to 5 child profiles</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• Access to the Parent Dashboard to track your child’s activities</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">• A safe and ad-free learning environment</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.curiousworld.com/sign-up/freetrial" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">FREE 7-DAY TRIAL</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-6061523967361251842016-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:002016-06-17T09:37:46.093-07:00Updates and such...Hey there!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agWy6ecYrKI/V2QmAGOL0JI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/1_aXIKvz8fIUTX2RfhfwcdN-MryjXg5OQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agWy6ecYrKI/V2QmAGOL0JI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/1_aXIKvz8fIUTX2RfhfwcdN-MryjXg5OQCLcB/s320/IMG_6994.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's June and school has officially been out for two weeks. That means I get to sleep in (for an extra hour or so) and spend a lot of time with my boys. I'm working on a setting up a steady writing schedule this summer. This has been difficult in the past because MY CHILDREN ARE AT HOME. Even if I put the "Writer Cave" sign on my door, they still knock. And I answer. Because parenting and being present for my kids is more important than writing. So...I need to find a way to write AND keep them occupied.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, we have an awesome public library in city. I can bring my laptop into the children's library and write while my sons play "learning games" on the computers, gather up books, do them summer reading program fun, and READ. It's a win-win.<br />
<br />
<i>Here's a recap of some favorite things that I've read/watched/done these last few months.</i><br />
<br />
AUTHOR PANEL<br />
I was part of the "B-Fest" at Barnes and Noble, Fullerton. I was on a panel with <a href="http://www.legendsoferin.com/blog.php" target="_blank">Meadow Griffin</a> (author of LEGENDS OF ERIN) and <a href="https://noblevalerie.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Noble</a> (author of THE ENERGY CRUSADES). Thank you to Jen Loomis for making this an awesome event!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3352KDLIt0/V2QmUnOQ8nI/AAAAAAAAOYY/SKb_VKQV8UMsunD6b8pIoiwN6i_78cFpACLcB/s1600/IMG_7153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3352KDLIt0/V2QmUnOQ8nI/AAAAAAAAOYY/SKb_VKQV8UMsunD6b8pIoiwN6i_78cFpACLcB/s320/IMG_7153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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WATCHING ON AMAZON PRIME<br />
"Doctor Thorne" - produced by Julian Fellowes. It's a four episode mini-series, similar to BBC adaptations of Jane Austen novels. My sister-in-law told me about this show and I'm SO happy! It was fantastic.<br />
<br />
"Doctor Who" - seasons 4, 5. I'm rewatching "Doctor Who" with my teenager. It used to be on Netflix but left! Sad day. But we found it on Amazon Prime! Yes!<br />
<br />
"Lark Rise to Candleford" - I just started this series and I like it already. It's fairly obvious that I'm a Angliophile. I don't think about it until I'm saying things like, "These earbuds are rubbish. Throw them in the bin." I've been reading a fair amount of British novels, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
MOVIE THEATRE<br />
"Captain America: Civil War" - Of course. Cap is my favorite Avenger. This movie. AMAZING.<br />
<br />
"Love and Friendship" - The movie adaptation of Jane Austen's story "Lady Susan." I saw this with a friend who is also a Janeite. It was so funny and perfect. Austen's wit was sharp when she was young.<br />
<br />
<br />
BOOKS<br />
HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: Summer of Love - We have another short story collection out! It's wonderful to read the stories that my fellow authors have written. Jennifer Becton started to do a read/tweet along with the stories. I joined in. Hang out with us on Twitter! #holidayswithjane<br />
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An assortment of books. Now that's it's summer, I'm starting to read books for the next school year. (A teacher's work is never done!) I'm considering adding FRANKENSTEIN to the AP English 12 class. I would also like to teach FAHRENHEIT 451 this year. I'm also looking at my "To Be Read" pile that has stacked up over the last school year. I need to do some fun reading. :-)<br />
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WRITING<br />
I'm still formatting Book 3, THE CURSED BLESSING, to be in paperback. I thought I had it all done...and then discovered that all of the italics were stripped out. HOW?! I have no idea. So, I've had to go back and read the whole book again and add italics to all of the thoughts my main character has. THERE ARE A LOT OF THOUGHTS. I will *hopefully* be done today. Then I will be able to get it to CreateSpace and work on all the other aspects of publishing it.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v4BsirFQA0/V2Qm_6u0AGI/AAAAAAAAOYs/AIRb69FrkTUeyjRh3rCzfUQiKLqfgrs2QCLcB/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v4BsirFQA0/V2Qm_6u0AGI/AAAAAAAAOYs/AIRb69FrkTUeyjRh3rCzfUQiKLqfgrs2QCLcB/s320/3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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New writing? Yes, I hope to have something new. And soon! I have a finished story that I need to revisit. I have a fairy tale that I need to finish outlining. I have another fairy tale that is just an idea right now. Perhaps while I am on vacation this summer...<br />
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Enjoy your time this summer! I know that I will.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-38221886501098478762016-06-08T10:14:00.001-07:002016-06-08T10:14:27.562-07:00Holidays With Jane: Summer of LoveA new book is out in the wild! The fourth book from Indie Jane Press is now available:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-baITS3PRU/V1hRXZXNdSI/AAAAAAAAOXU/YVRorF8qxgYc7nPPQfeNR19bQ2PUtSMYACLcB/s1600/13247728_10209616424546033_9143905515315026060_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-baITS3PRU/V1hRXZXNdSI/AAAAAAAAOXU/YVRorF8qxgYc7nPPQfeNR19bQ2PUtSMYACLcB/s320/13247728_10209616424546033_9143905515315026060_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Summer-Melissa-Buell-ebook/dp/B01GQFYC0Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465326473&sr=8-3&keywords=holidays+with+jane" target="_blank">Available on Kindle (and Kindle app) now</a>. Paperback will be out soon.</div>
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For all of the blog posts about it, visit the <a href="http://www.indiejane.org/uncategorized/holidays-with-jane-summer-of-love/" target="_blank">IndieJane.org site</a>. We're hosting a giveaway and have a music playlist for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane/" target="_blank">Holidays With Jane on Facebook</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDAwODBmM2IzM2MzZWQ4ZDBjMjMyNTIzMjg1ZDQ1Ojk=/?" target="_blank">Giveaway on Rafflecopter</a><br />
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Happy summer, friends!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-41451197658398305822015-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:002015-10-08T08:16:17.705-07:00Pinteresting Fall Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=940515674745451110" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=940515674745451110" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlwMKWAAx70/VgLGU3ZQX_I/AAAAAAAALxY/ZztopHLoA18/s1600/HWJ_TS_Names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlwMKWAAx70/VgLGU3ZQX_I/AAAAAAAALxY/ZztopHLoA18/s320/HWJ_TS_Names.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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In preparing to write my newest short story for the HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: TRICK OR SWEET collection, I <strike>wasted hours browsing Pinterest</strike> researched fall crafts that Emma could make for the Fall Ball fundraiser. There are a few that would certaininly be regarded as "Pinterest fails" if I tried to accomplish them in a short amount of time with a small budget. (I mean, really, who can afford to make some of these crafts?!)<br />
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SO...here are a few things that I was able to make using either 1.) items I already own OR 2.) inexpensive items from the dollar store.<br />
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I saved some glass soda bottles because I'm that girl who saves glass bottles for *possible* future craft projects. (It drives my husband batty but I remind him that we're saving money!) ;-) I saw this very cute craft idea using glass bottles and spray paint.<br />
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Pinterest Inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLNSGDppTok/VhZ9UQrR9xI/AAAAAAAAMyk/Q5gB2MpvTmI/s1600/IMG_5467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLNSGDppTok/VhZ9UQrR9xI/AAAAAAAAMyk/Q5gB2MpvTmI/s320/IMG_5467.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/A93cjQAQgPsHd4Oy4c0AAAA/<br />
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Melissa's Creation:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnO0sDykiII/VhZ9bK4pZWI/AAAAAAAAMys/RTr3y3d5jzc/s1600/IMG_5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnO0sDykiII/VhZ9bK4pZWI/AAAAAAAAMys/RTr3y3d5jzc/s320/IMG_5462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So...I didn't look at the reference pic before I spray painted. And I don't eat candy corn so I forgot what the color design was. Grrr. It's fine. Really. What I learned: Possibly try out different shades of orange and yellow?<br />
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I also save old pickle jars, jam jars, etc. for craft projects. I had this candle jar from the dollar store. I spray painted the outside with "pumpkin orange" and wrapped raffia around the top. I stitched a few fake autumn leaves together and then hot glued the bundle to the raffia. *Be sure to glue the leaves and the twine away from the top edge of the jar!* You don't want it to catch on fire, right? (That would surely be the end to my crafting days, guys.)<br />
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Melissa's Creation:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvakOojMlts/VhZ9xp9D6_I/AAAAAAAAMy0/8Dy1kxti3bU/s1600/IMG_5464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvakOojMlts/VhZ9xp9D6_I/AAAAAAAAMy0/8Dy1kxti3bU/s320/IMG_5464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. :)</div>
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In "Emma Ever After", Emma "borrows" Knightley's drill and makes some cute centerpieces.<br />
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Pinterest Inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqxDiU7PhXo/VhaIalEUWnI/AAAAAAAAMzE/P-qut3bY_us/s1600/2910e06b2ab1ab4bf0fe0b00c7d2e6cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqxDiU7PhXo/VhaIalEUWnI/AAAAAAAAMzE/P-qut3bY_us/s320/2910e06b2ab1ab4bf0fe0b00c7d2e6cb.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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Melissa's Creation:<br />
IT DIDN"T HAPPEN. Crafting fail, guys. Lack of time on this project. Maybe I can get a few more hours in my day? Please?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alvg65FzD4w/VgLGb_-92fI/AAAAAAAALxg/CHnwExEAQvk/s1600/BlogHopHWJ.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alvg65FzD4w/VgLGb_-92fI/AAAAAAAALxg/CHnwExEAQvk/s320/BlogHopHWJ.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Trick-Kimberly-Truesdale-ebook/dp/B015LFRO3E/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1443022484&sr=1-2&keywords=holidays+with+jane">HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: TRICK OR SWEET</a> published by Indie Jane Press is available now for Kindle reader/app and will be soon available in paperback. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We're also hosting a blog hop! Here's your clue for the blog hop giveaway: <b>AUTUMN LEAVES</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>See the rest of the blog hop schedule at IndieJane.org <span id="goog_1417407640"></span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-9715116807111192462015-09-24T10:14:00.003-07:002015-09-29T08:22:55.000-07:00Halloween Costumes FTW!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alvg65FzD4w/VgLGb_-92fI/AAAAAAAALxg/CHnwExEAQvk/s1600/BlogHopHWJ.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Alvg65FzD4w/VgLGb_-92fI/AAAAAAAALxg/CHnwExEAQvk/s320/BlogHopHWJ.png" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Trick-Kimberly-Truesdale-ebook/dp/B015LFRO3E/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1443022484&sr=1-2&keywords=holidays+with+jane" style="line-height: normal;">HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: TRICK OR SWEET</a><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;">published by Indie Jane Press is available now for Kindle reader/app and will be soon available in paperback.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 22.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Halloween costumes</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was young, my mom made the costumes for my brother, my sister, and me. I distinctly remember the bunny costume I wore for kindergarten. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="602px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/9hpmcrHWC4MELwXy72X0gLwq-ZjNhgFkzhYCip3HMtgAAvbgC2CFSHSRFLu4HQ4j9F65T_QcjMn2fs_-2svnKgEae8h4srEl7IkUT3-DrmGV4eOToF225NCu4kSAIn7UZq0=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="290px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px;">I *kinda* knew how to sew as a kid and teenager but didn’t really know how to machine sew well until I was pregnant with my oldest son. My mom taught me how to sew and I’ve made many, many items since then. Some of my favorite (and most difficult items) were Halloween costumes! Here are a few of my favorites.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Little shepherd boy for VBS</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="604px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/R6HoR5l5EfirB_UwGsga8cDTP37s1C37E21q5iX8KKjS7pIVQcW1ra0EyOK0QvP6tJOY3Zutw5GmWwoMI1MO7NKMO1CD80E0UXG9RhX8moEV54An9QLaWn06KdhM-hKvtg=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="453px;" /></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jack Sparrow! This is one of my favorite costumes that I’ve made. My son was totally in love with pirates for years. He wore his Halloween costume for his birthday party. This is his pirate birthday party at age 5. The buttonholes on the vest, though... I might have cried making them. No joke. (And that pirate ship cake. Hours of labor.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="453px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Fs7oE6-FUiJ7VqMjKHlQyprHKDY9p1f0EPyao85XB5UDWSEzfUdvgUKMtHkjlYQyKzVs5TBcL7f3wsIjFtBbRJ-_5IwMrt7i6DGWVf4E2GyT0QyXfWaU90pYB5AhphXDjMk=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="604px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="453px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5VhEa1PK5aFV3oPwzWaFd4o_pmXwYnDGL7LeppHk5omxWawv7HnHUg3QL9kyKLK9f2ITTk_kN89px2OB-XNgsdpUZffmiS2GF2_wekCdQKm4MEVKY6JxLf_ZHkltLSX1Lw=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="604px;" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The whole piratey family at C’s birthday party.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve assembled costumes for parties with items from thrift stores over the years. I have a blog post on my Austenesque ball gown I made from a thrift store dress. </span><img height="266" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/300341_2413411570785_927526336_n.jpg?oh=a27804a1a5677085ee3879d4ba174350&oe=56A5DE00" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uPm0jIddbbPMrLtb3gi2COpxI_kYIHi_PLgOliduFAYH6EviDx5_HbKXAoDAVG5sVcZ0uQnyUAI0FNgwxQgM89-5QQ1WlSY6cTl-XxnMqYex-AjwPNvAkVZ98rEz58LhsqA=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="400" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Costuming for “Alice in Wonderland” at the school I teach at. I made the Queen of Hearts costume last year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="851px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_k8VdzVaevW37dFFHC1BjWQV7OEodnhD84AeqDehwK5azSY-cnX7ABfxQ03Tly3w_ljXhJ_yISLTXt3bgCSpBwUGNYqa5sagL9-eoclZ-GmFg2xf8LExGrO4WjWZZqYE=s1600" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624px;" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Queen Elsa costume for my niece. This was made WITHOUT a pattern because I’m crazy. (And they didn’t make the pattern for it until about 2 weeks after I finished the dress.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What are some of your favorite costumes that you have made or worn?</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>BLOG HOP!</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Collect the clues and enter our giveaway at Indie Jane!</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Clue: What was my Halloween costume when I was in kindergarten?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: x-large; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><a href="http://www.indiejane.org/austen/hwj-trick-or-sweet-blog-hop-schedule/">See the rest of the blog hop schedule at IndieJane.org</a></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-35237358873187330262015-07-09T17:05:00.000-07:002015-07-09T17:05:00.065-07:00Writing TipsI have a friend who recently asked me for some writing tips that I wished someone had told me when I started writing. Here's what I sent back to him. What do you think? Agree? What are some tips that you would pass on to a new writer?<br />
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<span id="yiv5178335695yui_3_16_0_1_1436307736334_11963">So...thoughts on being a writer...</span></div>
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<span id="yiv5178335695yui_3_16_0_1_1436307736334_12657">-I wish someone had told me how many drafts go into writing a story. There's the first draft and you rejoice that it's done! And then you read it and wish someone had told you what a terrible writer you are. A friend talks you off the ledge and then you revise and rework the story. You re-read this second draft. It's not so awful. Maybe you can still save it. Seven drafts later, you're pretty happy with the story you've written. Writing is an act of passion. Editing is an act of patience. </span></div>
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-Not everything you write will be published. And that's okay. I've heard of people who have never shown anyone their first attempts at novel writing. </div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436307736334_14908">-Make sure to have a support group of readers/editors that will tell you the truth. It's a great thing to have friends to encourage you and listen to your plot twists and character shenanigans.</span></div>
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<span id="yiv5178335695yui_3_16_0_1_1436307736334_13560">-Write a story that you want to read. If you don't, you'll hate it each time you read through it. But don't write something so precious that any attempts to change it / edit it will lead to you self-combusting.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436307736334_14917">-Write what you know. This is a tried and true fact. If you don't know about xyz, it will show on the page and the reader will know that you don't know what you're talking about. Pause the writing, research the time period / clothing / weapons / readings of mass spectrometers, and then continue writing with confidence.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-17509887118070925572015-07-07T17:03:00.000-07:002015-09-29T08:23:46.548-07:00Austen Tea at Mysterious GalaxyI happily hosted an Austen inspired tea party at <a href="http://www.mystgalaxy.com/" target="_blank">Mysterious Galaxy bookstore </a>on June 27. It was so much fun! We ate scones, drank tea, and talked about Jane, her books, pop culture, reading, and many other topics. It's wonderful to get out and meet other Austen fans.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kArWlDxb4A/VZxkW6WiAkI/AAAAAAAAI74/kW3kCvCR8dE/s1600/jane_austen_tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kArWlDxb4A/VZxkW6WiAkI/AAAAAAAAI74/kW3kCvCR8dE/s400/jane_austen_tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank you to Maryelizabeth at Mysterious Galaxy for allowing this to happen and to all of the JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) friends who came out to the tea. I hope you enjoy your copies of HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: SPRING FEVER.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiGK9tzN1k/VQsj5z9CAfI/AAAAAAAAI1I/m4yqHJ4syKc/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiGK9tzN1k/VQsj5z9CAfI/AAAAAAAAI1I/m4yqHJ4syKc/s320/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Available online now!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Spring-Fever-2/dp/0692436448/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1436312954&sr=8-2&keywords=holidays+with+jane">Amazon.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holidays-with-jane-jessica-grey/1121851621?ean=9780692436448" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-88210684030442399082015-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:002015-04-21T15:30:01.011-07:00Free Kindle Book!The first book in my YA fantasy trilogy, THE SEVENTH BLESSING, is now *free* on Amazon.com for a short time! Hurry on over and pick it up. And, you know, read it. Love it. Tell your friends about it. All that good stuff. <3<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZXWARyR8kg/VTas8GtYq1I/AAAAAAAAI3M/i_j6-P4rrSk/s1600/TSB_Cover2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZXWARyR8kg/VTas8GtYq1I/AAAAAAAAI3M/i_j6-P4rrSk/s1600/TSB_Cover2015.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Blessing-Tales-Gymandrol-Book-ebook/dp/B00W5W2996/ref=zg_bs_7006663011_f_21" target="_blank">Link to Amazon.com</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-49939061749739251302015-04-16T12:20:00.000-07:002015-04-16T12:55:25.572-07:00Kindle Edition: THE CURSED BLESSING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>THE CURSED BLESSING</b></div>
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Book 3 in The Tales of Gymandrol series</div>
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Hi friends!</div>
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I'm happy to say that all of my YA fantasy books are <a href="http://amzn.com/B00W6EK08U" target="_blank">now available on Kindle</a>, including the 3rd book in the series, THE CURSED BLESSING. Here's a bit about it!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Can a rebel princess break the curse before it breaks her? </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the youngest daughter of King Edric and Queen Chrissy of Lagola, Holly’s blessing ceremony is anything but ordinary. Her blessing—or curse—condemned her to keep her word or otherwise face dire consequences. The result forced her to grow up as an honest, forthright girl, making her an anomaly with courtly life. </span></div>
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Now sixteen, Holly would rather spend her time camping, pulling pranks, and perfecting her archery skills with her brothers instead of dressing up and attending royal balls. In hopes of changing Holly into more of a lady, King Edric takes both Holly and her brother, Rowan, to visit the neighboring country of Shald for Prince Donovan’s birthday celebration. But things go awry when Holly disguises herself and enters the archery tournament Prince Donovan has hosted in order to determine the top ten archers for his dangerous quest to save his kidnapped sister. Holly ranks within the top ten and because of her cursed blessing, she is forced keep her word by joining Prince Donovan, Rowan, and a crew of other worthy gentleman on a treacherous quest to seek the missing princess. </div>
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But upon gathering leads for Prince Donovan’s missing sister, Holly and the crew stumble upon dark happenings that threaten the peace in the north of Shald. Holly must find a way to cope with her growing feelings toward Prince Donovan, unravel the darker mystery of the north, and, perhaps, seek to save not only a princess, but an entire country. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Full of adventure, romance, and magic, THE CURSED BLESSING is the final installment in Melissa Buell’s Tales of Gymandrol trilogy. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00W6EK08U" target="_blank">And all of The Tales of Gymandrol are available on Kindle for only 99cents!</a></span><br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-79636711880409914162015-03-19T11:12:00.000-07:002015-03-19T15:40:36.133-07:00HWJ: Weddings!I love, love, love weddings! I've helped out with quite a few wedding for family and friends. Here are some of my favorite things about the most recent wedding that I helped out with. I drew inspiration from the location for my short story "Whine and Wineries" that is in Holidays With Jane: Spring Fever.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IutCC4Pyfwo/VQsOoA-7k0I/AAAAAAAAI0k/Pffvmz0HWU4/s1600/eoswine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IutCC4Pyfwo/VQsOoA-7k0I/AAAAAAAAI0k/Pffvmz0HWU4/s1600/eoswine.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIAiY8Cx_XA/VQsNnY0QXaI/AAAAAAAAIz8/nNQvgHY6bPA/s1600/wedding_patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIAiY8Cx_XA/VQsNnY0QXaI/AAAAAAAAIz8/nNQvgHY6bPA/s1600/wedding_patio.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0T051pye1zs/VQsOoFr-jhI/AAAAAAAAI0g/9Qb3UZotdls/s1600/wedding_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0T051pye1zs/VQsOoFr-jhI/AAAAAAAAI0g/9Qb3UZotdls/s1600/wedding_cake.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special request wedding cake - Irish Cream Wedding Cake!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YmMhupcXYI/VQsNnV6nZtI/AAAAAAAAI0A/pf9_P2rzkgw/s1600/cupcakes_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YmMhupcXYI/VQsNnV6nZtI/AAAAAAAAI0A/pf9_P2rzkgw/s1600/cupcakes_wedding.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW5RVpHthjA/VQsNoE2mcMI/AAAAAAAAI0I/Hz8FldVPMus/s1600/wedding_pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW5RVpHthjA/VQsNoE2mcMI/AAAAAAAAI0I/Hz8FldVPMus/s1600/wedding_pic1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Similar to Elinor in my story, I love helping with weddings. Like Marianne, I love taking photographs. Like Meg, I love baking cupcakes. I split up bits of me into my characters. A wee sprinkling of Melissa. ;-)</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy an excerpt from my story...</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Elinor gaped at the
hive of activity on the green space in front of the winery the next morning.
Marianne jogged in place next to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Let’s go, Ellie,” Marianne urged, stretching her arms
out. “I want to get this run in before it gets too hot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “It never gets too hot here,” Elinor replied, her eyes
focused on the people streaming in and out of the main building. “Didn’t you
hear what Cousin Jack said last night at dinner? That’s what makes it such an
excellent place to grow wine grapes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Hello, girls!” Jack’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings,
called from the double doors into the tasting room. “Come on up here!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “No, Ellie,” Marianne groaned. “Didn’t we get enough of
her last night?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> Elinor ignored her sister and joined Mrs. Jennings. She
took in the sight of the tasting room overflowing with buckets of flowers,
yards of tulle, and rows of candleholders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Is this the wedding you mentioned last night?” Elinor
asked Mrs. Jennings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> Mrs. Jennings’ eyes glittered. “Yes, isn’t it going to be
amazing?” Her face darkened. “Now if my wedding coordinator, Winnie, would only
show up, that would be fantastic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “I can help you until she gets here,” Elinor found
herself saying. She felt Marianne pinch her arm and she winced. “And Marianne
will be happy to help me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “You girls are lifesavers!” Mrs. Jennings exclaimed,
clasping them to her ample bosom. “Winnie was in charge of the flower
arrangements and the decorations. Her husband is the photographer so we were
able to book it as a package for the bride and groom. Oh, I see the catering
truck has just arrived. I have to go meet them and tell them to use the
elevator at the basement level by the Cave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> She bustled away as Marianne scowled at her sister. “Why,
Ellie? You don’t have to save everyone, you know. We were all set for a run and
then getting settled in the house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Just think of the bride, Marianne,” Elinor insisted.
“That poor girl will show up here soon and see all of this. How would you
feel?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “We’ve never done a wedding before,” Marianne protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “We have helped Mom with enough Junior League luncheons,
Ladies’ Teas, and Christmas parties to know what to do. And don’t forget all
the wedding shows Rosa would watch while she was cooking. We can do this. We
owe this to Cousin Jack for his hospitality to us. And it would make Mom
happy,” Elinor added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Fine,” Marianne grumbled as she lifted a handful of
tulle from the tasting counter. “But you owe me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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*~*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UW075I8/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_awdm_gKScvb1PPA1PR" target="_blank">Buy the Kindle version of HWJ: Spring Fever now!</a></div>
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For more Holidays With Jane fun, check out <a href="http://indiejane.org/">IndieJane.org</a> and "like"<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane?ref=br_tf" target="_blank"> our Facebook page</a>!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-2707583268273945632015-03-17T02:00:00.000-07:002015-03-17T10:44:11.476-07:00Sense and Sensibility Film Adaptations<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Holidays With Jane: Spring Fever!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG7BOn8FEhQ/VQhnvzoFHII/AAAAAAAAIzk/at1fNH2ckII/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG7BOn8FEhQ/VQhnvzoFHII/AAAAAAAAIzk/at1fNH2ckII/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Anticipated release date: 3/18</div>
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From Indie Jane Press</div>
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<br />
The story that I adapted into a modern tale was Jane Austen's SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.<br />
I've read this book five or six times. (Maybe more?) It's one of my favorites and for good reason. STRONG characters! I love the stark contrast between Elinor's sense (reason) and Marianne's sensibility (feeling). There are many film adaptations of S&S. My favorite for years was the Emma Thompson version (it won her an Oscar for best adapted screenplay). Several reasons this version is fantastic can be explained in gifs.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfmIVeWABPo/VQc9plGCCRI/AAAAAAAAIyc/3SRefiL_W1g/s1600/ss_brandon_marianne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CfmIVeWABPo/VQc9plGCCRI/AAAAAAAAIyc/3SRefiL_W1g/s1600/ss_brandon_marianne.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSh1V2s5bRQ/VQc9p_FXPhI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Iqu2xA9nPDk/s1600/SS_hugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSh1V2s5bRQ/VQc9p_FXPhI/AAAAAAAAIyg/Iqu2xA9nPDk/s1600/SS_hugh.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGYojd-cmIk/VQc9qGyi83I/AAAAAAAAIys/BsXT2xnCfP0/s1600/SS_hughgrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGYojd-cmIk/VQc9qGyi83I/AAAAAAAAIys/BsXT2xnCfP0/s1600/SS_hughgrant.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alan Rickman, Hugh Laurie, Hugh Grant. All in one movie. Awesomeness.</div>
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I just watched the new S&S produced by BBC as a TV mini-series in 2008.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzhtkIEuW-4/VQc_V3lC5SI/AAAAAAAAIy4/OX7hhk9tedo/s1600/BBC_ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzhtkIEuW-4/VQc_V3lC5SI/AAAAAAAAIy4/OX7hhk9tedo/s1600/BBC_ss.jpg" /></a></div>
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I *loved* the casting in this series, for the most part. Namely, Edward Ferrars. Willoughby looks very devious in this adaptation and it's not very believable that Marianne would fall for him. She would want a romantic guy, not a bad boy. Now Edward, on the other hand, is the perfect romantic hero.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9_MQjfA55M/VQdAoStAQ6I/AAAAAAAAIzE/f4bCluCwf_w/s1600/SS_edward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9_MQjfA55M/VQdAoStAQ6I/AAAAAAAAIzE/f4bCluCwf_w/s1600/SS_edward.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
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What version is your favorite? Or do you like a completely different adaptation of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY?</div>
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Hop on over to my fellow authors' sites all week to see what Austenesque films they love!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-36398860270781466262015-03-16T13:49:00.004-07:002015-03-16T13:49:53.611-07:00Holidays With Jane: Spring Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHF7XtL0Ko8/VQdB2cj0imI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ur2-kTWnGFc/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHF7XtL0Ko8/VQdB2cj0imI/AAAAAAAAIzM/ur2-kTWnGFc/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-SpringFever-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Winter’s almost over and Jane Austen’s got a case of spring fever! The authors who brought you Holidays With Jane: Christmas Cheer return to bring you six modern retellings of Austen’s classics. So put up your parasols and prepare for sunshine, smiles, and, of course, happily ever afters.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: SPRING FEVER</strong></div>
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Anticipated release date: 3/17</div>
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“Extra Innings” – A Persuasion Story<br />by <a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Jessica Grey</a><br />Annie Elliot still regrets breaking off her engagement to minor league baseball player Rick Wentworth ten years ago. Now he’s back in town coaching the team she works for and stirring up feelings she’d rather forget. Will Rick and Annie get a chance to hit a walk-off home run or will they strike out in Extra Innings?</div>
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“Miracle at the Abbey” – A Northanger Abbey Story<br />by <a href="http://www.ceciliagray.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Cecilia Gray</a><br />Kathia, paranormal investigator extraordinaire, is out to prove her hometown Abbey is a bona fide miracle site—even if its sexy owner-slash-handyman Henry is dead set against it. Kathia and Henry square off and settle the score that’s been brewing since high school in this contemporary Easter retelling that ends with a Miracle at the Abbey.</div>
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“Whine and Wineries” – A Sense and Sensibility Story<br />By <a href="http://www.authormelissabuell.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Melissa Buell</a><br />After their father dies, the Dashwood girls must make room for their half-brother John and his wife Franny in their Hollywood Hills home. When Franny’s brother Edward shows up unexpectedly, Elinor finds a new friend.But any dreams of something more are crushed when the girls have to move far away to Barton Winery. There Elinor begins her new life as a wedding coordinator. Her first challenge? Bridezilla Anne Steele’s spring wedding. When Anne’s sister Lucy reveals a secret that changes everything, Elinor must sort through the lies to find the truth of her feelings and hope for her future.</div>
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“Emma’s Inbox” – An Emma Story<br />By <a href="http://fairyjane.blogspot.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Rebecca M. Fleming</a><br />Emma Woodhouse keeps her finger on the pulse of Hartfield, Georgia through a series of texts and emails full of hometown gossip and romantic intrigue. In Hartfield, nothing ever changes: people fall in love (sometimeswith a little help from her), get married, and life goes on in the same comfortable way. But when hometown favorite Frank Churchill returns unexpectedly, the whole town develops a case of spring fever. Though a master at maneuvering the love lives of those around her, Emma finds she needs some advice of her own—and her family and friends are happy to fill her inbox with all the help she needs.</div>
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“No Vacancy at Mansfield Motel” – A Mansfield Park Story<br />by <a href="https://kimberlytruesdale.wordpress.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Kimberly Truesdale</a><br />Fanny Price runs Mansfield Motel, the family business in sunny South Florida, mostly on her own. But she dreams of following in her Uncle Thomas’s footsteps and becoming a marine biologist. She plans to talk to her cousin Eddie about her dreams when he comes home for Spring Break. But when he brings along Henry and Mary Crawford, trouble starts to brew. Fanny watches her precious future begin to slip away. With everything on the line, will Fanny finally speak up for herself? Or will she be stuck running Mansfield Motel for the rest of her life?</div>
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“Lydia Reimagined” – A Pride and Prejudice Story<br />by <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Jennifer Becton</a><br />When reformed party girl Lydia Bennet receives an invitation to her ex George Wickham’s destination wedding, she accepts with the intention of showing him exactly what he gave up when he dumped her. But no amount determination can change Wickham’s view of Lydia, especially not when circumstances conspire to make her look even more like a party girl than ever. And then there’s her sudden attraction to old college friend Kyle “Denny” Dennison…. Now that Lydia has reimagined her whole life, will she be able to forget the past and open her heart to the future?</div>
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All of the authors are SO excited to share these stories with you! If you are a reader / reviewer and would like a digital copy to review, please follow the link below to a Google form.</div>
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<a href="http://goo.gl/forms/oSDng9KB5e" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #00b7f3; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Book Review Request</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-73253881656286224242014-12-17T12:41:00.001-08:002014-12-17T12:41:43.614-08:0012 Days of Christmas Cheer Winners!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12 Days of Christmas
Cheer giveaway winners!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was an overwhelming amount of people who
simply wanted books or the Jane Austen bling that <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Becton</a> created.
Thank you for all of the entries! Here are the list of winners. If you have
been contacted, please respond back so we can send you the prize. (If you won
an ebook, it will be sent to your email address that you entered the giveaway
with.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Jane Austen Bling” - Nicole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Pride and Prejudice” DVD - Anita Y <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PRIDE AND PREJUDICE hardcover book - Justine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Starbucks card - Alisha H, Linda R <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Various ebooks
- Luthien84 , tgruy, Mary P<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Delicious chocolates - Maureen C <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fabulous books - Marie R, Beulah,
Donna R, bn100, Anne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember that HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: CHRISTMAS CHEER
is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Christmas-Modern-stories/dp/1503366472/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418248590&sr=1-1&keywords=holidays+with+jane">both
Kindle and in paperback</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p>And books make awesome gifts! Here are a few from my fellow authors:</o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://bectonliterary.com/historical-fiction/charlotte-collins/" target="_blank">CHARLOTTE COLLINS</a> by Jennifer Becton</o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Dear-Sophy-ebook/dp/B008IC3IH4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1358283633&sr=8-2" target="_blank">MY DEAR SOPHY</a> by Kimberly Truesdale</o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Attempting-Elizabeth-Jessica-Grey-ebook/dp/B00B3OEUJO" target="_blank">ATTEMPTING ELIZABETH</a> by Jessica Grey</o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-76225874284614036502014-11-14T10:42:00.001-08:002014-11-17T11:28:19.738-08:00Holiday Movie Fest! Hosted by "Holidays With Jane" authors<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ugly Sweater and Christmas Movie Party!</span></div>
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My fellow authors and I all *love* the plethora of cheesy, adorable, super-sacchrine Christmas movies on ABC Family, Hallmark Channel, Netflix, etc. They are somewhat predictable but we really do love them!<br />
<br />
And...there are some of us who believe that "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie, so it will be included on the list. We have a plan to have a movie fest between all of us (even though we are separated by many miles!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lds4LkaC7FQ/VGZKxBxAVFI/AAAAAAAAIs4/zRZJQEXk3EE/s1600/die-hard-christmas-jumper_150282-fli_1386251891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lds4LkaC7FQ/VGZKxBxAVFI/AAAAAAAAIs4/zRZJQEXk3EE/s1600/die-hard-christmas-jumper_150282-fli_1386251891.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Join our online Christmas Party!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Saturday, November 22</span></b></div>
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We'll wear tacky Christmas sweaters, eat yummy treats, make cute ornaments, and watch sappy movies. Instagram or tweet a pic of yourself wearing your fanciest/tackiest Christmas sweater and you'll be entering into our "12 Days of Christmas Cheer" giveaway! (See Rafflecopter entry form below.) I'll be heading to my local thrift store to find a sweater, preferably with puffy snowmen on it. Or Rudolph with a blinking nose. Whatever I find/make, it will be epically adorable/horrible.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tYWgvr5bJ8/VGZKqme-lZI/AAAAAAAAIss/ZCGOlqnVGOU/s1600/ugly-christmas-sweaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tYWgvr5bJ8/VGZKqme-lZI/AAAAAAAAIss/ZCGOlqnVGOU/s1600/ugly-christmas-sweaters.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mn8HJOVW_k/VGZKqaGVPRI/AAAAAAAAIso/Sw68Ykm1p08/s1600/Ugly-Crazy-Lighted-Christmas-Sweater-Ideas-For-Girls-2013-2014-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mn8HJOVW_k/VGZKqaGVPRI/AAAAAAAAIso/Sw68Ykm1p08/s1600/Ugly-Crazy-Lighted-Christmas-Sweater-Ideas-For-Girls-2013-2014-13.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
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Join us as we live tweet the movies we are watching on the 22nd. (We'll give a countdown on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> as to when we'll each start a movie. Use <b>#holidayswithjane</b> on your tweets/Instagram so we can see what you're saying.)<br />
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Watch your DVDs, TV, DVR, Netflix, Amazon Prime...whatever!<br />
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OR!!! You can borrow movies from your local library! Be sure to reserve your copy early.<br />
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<u>On Netflix:</u><br />
"The Mistle-tones"<br />
"Christmas Crush"<br />
"A Christmas Kiss"<br />
"Desperately Seeking Santa"<br />
"Christmas Bounty"<br />
"Christmas Cupid"<br />
"12 Dates of Christmas"<br />
"All I Want For Christmas"<br />
"A Princess For Christmas"<br />
<br />
<u>Hallmark Channel:</u><br />
"One Starry Christmas"<br />
"The Nine Lives of Christmas"<br />
"A Cookie Cutter Christmas"<br />
"Northpole"<br />
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<u>Amazon Prime Instant Video</u><br />
"Christmas Crush"<br />
"Elf"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwcah7_72AQ/VGZL5Fqu2TI/AAAAAAAAItE/BQ5kze-Ga5g/s1600/snowmanlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwcah7_72AQ/VGZL5Fqu2TI/AAAAAAAAItE/BQ5kze-Ga5g/s1600/snowmanlove.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Other movies on our list</span></i><br />
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<b>"Die Hard"</b><br />
"If You Believe"<br />
"White Christmas"<br />
"Meet Me In St. Louis" - Judy Garland sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"<br />
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And, of course, you can purchase a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Christmas-Jennifer-Becton-ebook/dp/B00OZ2RLOW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1415825743&sr=1-1&keywords=holidays+with+jane" target="_blank">HOLIDAYS WITH JANE: Christmas Cheer </a>and snuggle up with a cup of hot cider (or cocoa or coffee) and visions of Mr. Darcy/Wentworth/Henry Tilney/your fav Austen hero will dance in your head. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We will be picking winners for the Rafflecopter giveaway below. There will be 12 winners (though possibly more if we have more prizes!). We tried to go with the 12 Days of Christmas song for our theme and threw in some Austenesque fun. If you have a preferred prize, include that in your blog post comment. :)<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0080f3b6/" id="rc-d0080f3b6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-38680686076781032552014-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:002014-11-03T08:12:38.597-08:00Mischief and Mistletoe: Modern Austen Short Story<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Mischief and Mistletoe: Modern Austen Short Story</i></span></h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, yay! The book is released! We are so excited to share the book with you.<br />
Published by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndieJanePress" target="_blank">Indie Jane Press</a></div>
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Here's the gorgeous cover, made by the talented Victoria Austen-Young.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsQ/uY64n_1Qxek/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Jane-Christmas-Jennifer-Becton-ebook/dp/B00OZ2RLOW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1414597952&sr=8-5&keywords=holidays+with+jane" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy now on Amazon!</span></a></div>
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My short story is based on NORTHANGER ABBEY. Jane Austen wrote NA as a tongue-in-cheek response to the Gothic romance/horror novels of the day. The heroine, Catherine Morland, is obsessed with reading these novels and they scare her and fill her head with nonsense. She has the opportunity to travel to Northanger Abbey and she imagines it to be a setting from one of her Gothic novels. In the Austen novel, Catherine is from Fullerton, a small village in England. I live in Fullerton, a city in California. I knew that I had to write this book because of that connection. :-) I've read NA three times and I like it the more I read it. (The first time I read it, I didn't really understand it to be a type of satire, poking fun at the popular gothic novels of the time. I read it again in college and my professor is an expert at Victorian literature. She was able to make the book understandable and therefore, awesome.)<br />
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<a href="http://cdn2.crushable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Northanger-Abbey-Book-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.crushable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Northanger-Abbey-Book-Cover.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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In "Mischief and Mistletoe", Cate is still a pastor's daughter who has had a sheltered life. I gave her an occupation - she "thrifts" clothes from yard sales and thrift stores and makes them over into awesome clothes and sells them on a website. She gets to travel to Santa Barbara (instead of Bath) and meets Henry Tilney. He was a fun character to write. In the original, he is attentive to Catherine but not super flirty. I wanted to keep him the same in my short story.<br />
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All of the "gothic novel" references in my book, including "The Mystery of the Mirror", are from my own imagination. (Those were fun to make up.) I wanted Cate to be likeable, a bit naive, but not annoyingly so. I love Christmastime and I threw in a few of my own personal Christmas memories into the story. (My mom makes the best chocolate pixie cookies! I'll post the recipe later.)<br />
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And if you're wondering, yes, I have thrifted clothes in costumes. One of my favorite projects was making over a dress for a Jane Austen costume party. <a href="http://haveimaginationwillwrite.blogspot.com/2011/09/melissa-ish-monday-sept-26.html" target="_blank">Here's my blog post on it</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89EQ-1ESskY/ToEb0T7FrUI/AAAAAAAAAZM/0zAztbHugUw/s400/CMPPParty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89EQ-1ESskY/ToEb0T7FrUI/AAAAAAAAAZM/0zAztbHugUw/s400/CMPPParty2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>GIVEAWAY</b></div>
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We have a giveaway to celebrate the release of the book.<br />
We'll also be celebrating with a "12 Days of Christmas Cheer" as we get closer to Christmas. Lots of fun, presents, and Austenesque shenanigans coming your way!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0080f3b4/" id="rc-d0080f3b4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
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<b>BLOG HOP</b></div>
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You can hop on over to the other authors' blogs for the week.<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, October 27 – <a href="http://www.indiejane.org/" target="_blank">Indie Jane </a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, October 28 – <a href="http://bectonliterary.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jennifer Becton</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, October 29 – Melissa Buell</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, October 30 – <a href="http://fairyjane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca M. Fleming</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, October 31 – <a href="http://ceciliagray.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Cecilia Gray</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday, November 1 – <a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jessica Grey</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday, November 2 – <a href="http://kimberlytruesdale.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kimberly Truesdale</a></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-21fd190f-42f9-1951-e8d2-92c1ce630b4f"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, November 3 –<a href="http://www.indiejane.org/indie-jane-press/holidays-with-jane-christmas-cheer-giveaway-winners/" target="_blank"> Indie Jane post to announce giveaway winners</a></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And if you're wondering which Austen heroine you're most like, you can take <a href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/07/jane-austen-quiz/" target="_blank">this quiz!</a><br />
For more Austenuesque quizzes, here you go!<br />
<a href="http://www.janeausten.co.uk/jane-austen-quiz/" target="_blank">Test Your Knowledge</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-81853138337266149252014-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:002014-10-27T10:29:19.586-07:00Indie Jane News!<br />
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<a href="http://www.indiejane.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Indie-Jane-Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.indiejane.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Indie-Jane-Header.png" height="125" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Indie Jane is back from summer hiatus with exciting news!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.indiejane.org/giveaway/holidays-with-jane-christmas-cheer-book-launch-and-giveaway/" target="_blank">Link to "Holidays With Jane: Christmas Cheer" post</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-48535270575913664042014-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:002014-10-22T14:10:15.433-07:00Holidays With Jane: Christmas Cheer - Cover Reveal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsM/lXLDhi_YSDQ/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHTdbNy8iU0/VEf63wiQz5I/AAAAAAAAIsM/lXLDhi_YSDQ/s1600/HolidaysWithJane-ChristmasCheer-KINDLE.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Scheduled release date: October 28</div>
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Check out updates on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysWithJane" target="_blank">Facebook page - Holidays With Jane</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Six talented authors make your Christmas lights twinkle with these modern-day adaptations of Jane Austen's novels. Curl up with some peppermint tea and enjoy something special in your stocking this holiday season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The Work of an Instant</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Jennifer Becton</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">When Frederick Wentworth's ship docks at the Navy base in Charleston just in time for Christmas, Anne Elliot feels torn between desire to see her former fiancé and fear of rejection. Will taking a risk end in humiliation or give Anne a second chance with her first love? To find out, all she has to do is turn around and face him.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Mischief and Mistletoe</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Melissa Buell</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Thrifty designer and secret Gothic novel enthusiast Cate Morland gets the opportunity of a lifetime to plan the costumes for the upcoming Dickens' Christmas Festival. There she meets Henry Tilney who shows an interest in more than Cate's costume designs. Mistaken by Henry's father as a rich heiress, Cate is invited to stay with the Tilney family at their estate. Will Henry feel the same for Cate once he discovers she is a seamstress paying her own way through design school?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">A Tale of Three Christmases</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Rebecca M. Fleming</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">When their father dies, leaving their brother everything, life changes radically for the Dashwood girls. Librarian Ellie and musician Marianne have their work of course, but what about teenage Maggie? Maggie only has her writing—a surprising saving grace that helps her chronicle the ups and downs of life, love and family in this tale of three Christmases.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">With Love, from Emma</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Cecilia Gray</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">A visit to Emma Gold's flower shop can save a relationship but a date at Lance Knightley's bar can take that relationship to the next level, so who should be considered Heartfield, Oregon's resident romance expert? Emma and Lance square off at their best friends' wedding to settle the score. Sparks fly as bets are made and favors are won in this contemporary Christmas retelling, recounted With Love, from Emma.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It's a Wonderful Latte</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Jessica Grey</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Evie St. Laurent can always count on three things: being single during Christmas in Los Angeles, her job as manager at Mansfield Perk, and Frank Nakatomi, her best friend and coworker, cheering her up when she's down. But when the glamorous Piper siblings come to town and sweep everyone off their feet, what Evie thought was sure in her life starts slipping away. It will take some Christmas magic and the help of a very special angel named Jane to help Evie see that the love she's been waiting for has been there all the time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Pride & Presents</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">by Kimberly Truesdale</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Liz Bennet wants to make this Christmas the best that Longbourn Community Center has ever had. When basketball superstar Charles Bingley shows up to volunteer, it looks like that just might happen—even in spite of his unhelpful friend Will Darcy. But when everything starts to go wrong and Longbourn itself is in danger, Liz must set aside her pride and ask for help. Then she'll discover that the best presents are the ones you never expect.</span><a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23435339-holidays-with-jane?ref=ru_lihp_lk_rv_1_mclk&uid=1949579168#" style="background-color: white; color: #215625; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">(less)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940515674745451110.post-22579065293521656512014-10-14T12:41:00.000-07:002014-10-21T13:24:45.259-07:00Feeling some Christmas Cheer!I'm very happy to report that some super cool Janeite friends and I are coming out with a short story collection just in time for the holiday season! We each took a Jane Austen novel, modernized it, shortened it, and added some Christmas cheer to it. :-)<br />
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Back story to the short story collection. A family member was in the hospital and I desperately needed some happymaking in my life. I was thinking about what makes me happy. Christmas and writing came together in my mind. I called Jessica Grey and said, "Hey, what do you think about writing a Jane Austen Christmas story together?" That quickly swirled into all the Austen novels and calling up amazing writing friends to add to our Christmas writing fun. All this to say that you never know where inspiration will come from! (And my family member is much better now!)<br />
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My book was NORTHANGER ABBEY. My short is called "Mischief and Mistletoe." If you know Catherine Morland, you'll understand the mischief portion. Mistletoe, because, obviously, Christmastime and...it also starts with "M". I'm a big fan of alliteration. Below is one of my favorite quotes from NORTHANGER ABBEY. It helped inspire me to send Cate away from home. I'll write more about that later.<br />
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The other authors are:<br />
<a href="http://www.authorjessicagrey.com/">Jessica Grey</a> - My co-conspirator, YA fairy tale author, and writer-of-other-amazing-books!<br />
<a href="http://www.ceciliagray.com/">Cecilia Gray</a> - YA author of "The Jane Austen Academy" series!<br />
<a href="http://bectonliterary.com/">Jennifer Becton</a> - Austenesque author and thriller writer!<br />
<a href="http://kimberlytruesdale.wordpress.com/">Kimberly Truesdale</a> - Austenesque author and fellow English teacher!<br />
<a href="http://awordsworth.blogspot.com/">Rebecca M. Fleming</a> - One of my first bookish friends on the interwebs! We both share a love of Anne of Green Gables and hobbits. Rebecca is a blogger and a librarian. This is her first published work.<br />
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As we get closer to the release date, we'll have fabulous giveaways and fun blog hop things. We're all about the Christmas Cheer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06582771248232087353noreply@blogger.com1