BLOGWORDS – 30 June 2018 – NEWSLETTER – a little birdie told me

30 June 2018

Edition VIII

 

 

 

Bird Call

HALLLOOO!!! Tell me who you are and where you’re at!

 

The Bird House Book Club

What I am / have been reading!

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Beneath the Surface by Lynn Blackburn

A Sparrow at Terezin by Kristy Cambron

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

Echoes by Kristen Heitzmann

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Façade by Pepper Basham

Bayou Justice by Robin Caroll

 

What are you reading?

 

Friends of Authors Society

Who knows the best way to show your love for your favorite authors? (I’m one, right? Your favorite?) Besides the obvious of buying and reading my books, leaving a review on Amazon tickles their calculations and formulas and moves my books up in their ranks, which in turn means more peeps see my books, which means more peeps are likely to buy them.

There are other things you can do, as well. Suggest my books to your library or book club. Tell your friends, buy gift copies to give to your friends. Heck, tell ME how much you love ‘em!

 

 

Robin E. Mason, Author and Artist – Facebook Page

FIVE HUNDRED LIKES, ya’ll!!!  WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!! And a big thank you!!!

 

 

Robin’s Readers Flock

(still) New on Facebook—a group just for my readers!! Fifty members and growing! And we’re having fun!

I appreciate every one who has read or will read my books, and this group is for you!

“This group, as with my blog and website—and my writing—are all about community and family. It is a place to gather to chat and discuss my books, but also to become better acquainted and to encourage and pray for one another.”

If you’re interested, gimme a holla! I’d love to have you as part of my Flock!

 

Robin’s Nest, Stories by Design

Executive decision—the blog is on summer break, aka R&R, through August. Perhaps some mini-reviews, and I already have the fellas lined up for Manly Man July Interview Blitz in August, so there’s that at least…

 

Seasons, the Series

IT’S DONE! COMPLETES! FINIS!!

All four books are released and out in the world!!

 

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

 

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.

 

The Long Shadows of Summer

The Tilting Leaves of Autumn

The Silent Song of Winter

The Whispering Winds of Spring

 

 Seasons is ONE | GIANT | STORY, told by four main characters, each with their own contribution and perspective to the story. One set of characters, one fictional setting, one timeframe to research (1912 – 1913.) Get your copies today:

http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
Or email me for your signed print copies! $20 each

 

New Writing Genre…

…CHILDREN’S STORIES!

Something I’ve noodled with for a while, and when neighbor kids started asking me for a story, well, I set my digital pen to the task. The Adventures of Charley the Horse is a mid-grade story.

 

 

Coming in 2019

FourSquare, the Series

Book 1, One for the Price of Two, in which twins Bethy and Mere are so identical their parents can’t even tell them apart. In a departure from the dark tone that creeps through my earlier stories, One for Two ventures into RomCom—quite the change-up for me!

 

The Steppe House

And in another effort I’ve not attempted, I will attempt to juggle two serieses. (is that a word?) The Steppe House. is a literary tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright. The house in the story—the Steppe House—is fashioned after Mr. Wright’s Falling Water House. Built into the side of a mountain, each of seven (I think) levels is home to a different family, each with their own story. It’s set in the 1940’s, a la Dame Agatha Christie, along the lines of Ten Little Indians (And Then There Were None,) and there is a character named Francis Llewellyn Wiggins; beyond that, I don’t know much about it at all. And in yet another new trick for this author, Agnes Renaldi, daughter of Mercedes Renaldi of The Long Shadows of Summer. In her forties and married now, to architect Alan Steppe, Aggie is a former opera star and childless.

 

BUT FIRST…

A Christmas novella, The Key on the Christmas Tree.

* not the final cover

I started this story a while back as part of a series, The Key, and have a short story, The Key in the Mailbox, included in an anthology by my friend, Mary Blowers, Blood Moon, and can be found on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Anthologies-Heart-2/dp/1511811897/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

All in the Family

HOLLA!! After 20+ years working restaurant business, my oldest son, Doug, has a new job in a new field! Hello nights and weekends OFF!!!

Son #2, Russell, is a biker. He has ridden in the Ride for a Cure for a couple of years, and will be riding again this summer. The link for anyone who would care to donate (or share) is:

 

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?idb=1450210931&df_id=35220&35220.donation=form1&FR_ID=10937&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=13229140&PROXY_TYPE=20

 

My poor daughter, Maggie, has had a most horrific struggle with asthma complicated by allergies and, sadly, smoking; I have read / heard that is the single most difficult addiction to break! She’s had a few set-backs, but she is really making the effort to be smoke free!

 

The Knewbie Kneebie, Part 2

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be recovering at home. One of my besties, K, will be staying with me for a few days and after she leaves I’ll have help coming in every day as well as home PT for the first few weeks.

 

 

Manifesto and Author Tag

The manifesto short version is,

“Stories for Christians to see or remember the ugly effects of the lies of the enemy, and for unbelievers to see the beauty of the Truth of the Word of God.”

And my author tag:

“the battle for identity, one story at a time.”

 

Chatcha’ll next time.

Got questions? Email me at robinemason212@gmail.com.

Here endeth Edition VIII of

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http://robinemason.com

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https://twitter.com/amythyst212
http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108929134414473292325

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

 

 

 

“the battle for identity, one story at a time”

 

 

 

#Blogwords, #newsletter, A Little Birdie Told Me, Roll Call, Bird House Book Club, Friends of Authors Society, Robin E. Mason Facebook Author Page, 500 Likes, Robin’s Readers Flock, Seasons, the Series, The Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of Spring, The Whispering Winds of Spring, Children’s Stories, The Adventures of Charley the Horse, Coming in 2019, FourSquare, The Steppe House, The Key on the Christmas Tree, All in the Family, The Knewbie Kneebie, Manifesto and Author Tag

 

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BLOGWORDS – Monday 25 June 2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – KNEWBIE KNEE-BIE #2

SPECIAL EDITION – KNEWBIE KNEE-BIE #2 or ON KNEE SURGERY and BEING IN HOSPITAL ON MY BIRTHDAY

 

The battle for identity…          

            … one story at a time.

 

 

Except that it’s not my birthday this time. Or maybe it’s the birthday present that keeps on giving.

 

‘Cause it will. Being able to walk NORMALLY for the first time in my life?? I’d call that a gift tantamount to a miracle. Nah, let’s just call it what it is—a MIRACLE.

By this time tomorrow I will be in hospital and in the operating room.

By noon, I’ll be in recovery or on my way to my own room. And by late afternoon, they’ll have me on my feet for the first try at taking a step!

Do you know how excited this makes me? How happy I am to finally be having this surgery???

 

All this to say that, combined with my recent year-long writing frenzy, the blog will be on actual break through August. Other than my July Man Blitz, which has been deferred to August this year, and reviews as I am able, my time will be devoted to rest and recovery—both the Knewbie Knee-bie and my brain!

 

 

“Maybe you have to know the darkness to truly appreciate the light.”—Madeline L’Engle

 

 

#Blogwords, Special Edition, Robin E. Mason, Knewbie Knee, Summer Break, #R&R, July Man Blitz, #kneereplacement, #arthroplasty, #osteoarthritis, #greermemorialhospital, #steadmanhawkinsofthecarolinas, #cinderella, #watchmerun

 

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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 19 June 2018 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAÇADE by PEPPER BASHAM

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAÇADE by PEPPER BASHAM

 

THE BLURB:

A reclusive academic who would do anything to save her brother. A reluctant spy who’d risk is life to save the woman who broke his heart. Olivia Rakes has almost mythic observations skills when it comes to facts, figures, and details, but she stumbles through matters of the heart. When her brother goes missing over German-occupied France, Livy enlists her services with a group of search-and-rescue spies, who not only thrust her toward espionage, danger, and deceit, but the most frightening of all…romance. Agent Christopher Dawson has avoided Livy Rakes since she broke his heart three years ago. Which is probably for the best, since, as a British spy, he could very well die any day and pursuing a romantic relationship is not on the agenda for him. But when the search for his best friend brings them together on a secret mission, the heart takes on a mind of its own. In a world where war changes the rules of life and love, can Christopher and Livy work together to complete their rescue mission before the enemy catches them first.

 

THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW’s Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. In December 2016, her third historical in the Penned in Time series, The Thorn Healer – released with a 4 1/2 star review from RT and a Top Picks rating. You can get to know Pepper on her website, http://www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:

Oh my goodness! Spies and pilots and agents. Oh my! Search and rescue, and cleverly hidden weapons and disguises.  Oh mercy!

Ms. Basham has served up a tasty dish of a story, eloquent with her words, and gripping with her plot. She takes the reader right into the 1940’s England, and occupied France. The tension of war—and of love drawing the reader page after page.

Livy’s cluelessness of all things romantic was both endearing and frustrating—and all too real for this reviewer. Christopher’s assumptions, an all-too-common human foible—and the heart breaking result. Both of them with the drive and purpose of their mission, and ultimately of their hearts.

Ms. Basham weaves the frisson of war and the frisson of love into a beautiful fabric.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS:

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Façade, Pepper Basham

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BLOGWORDS – Saturday 16 June 2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – 500 FACEBOOK PAGE LIKES on MY AUTHOR PAGE

SPECIAL EDITION – 500 PAGE LIKES on MY FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE

“The battle for identity…        

            … one story at a time.”

 

Oh, just a little celebration mode!! Did you read that?? FIVE HUNDRED LIKES on my Facebook Author Page!!!

 

“I’ve been thrown in the deep end.  Of a deep ocean.  In a tidal wave.  And all I want to do is write my stories.  (Well, and get people to read ‘em… )  Write a bio, they say.  What do you want to know?  I write, that’s what I do.”

 

That was 11 April, four years ago. That was the blog, which came along on the heels of my Author page. My first profile pic is dated 4 November 2013. And now I’ve reached a BIG.FAT.MILESTONE!

 

I floundered with the blog in those early days, and I fumbled around with my Author page as well. Unsure what to post, my poor little page was more neglected than tended. I shared and posted what I had in hand (digitally speaking.) My favourite and best design images, and then as Book #2 was coming along, I shared memes and posts about the release.

 

Tessa’s first cover and her revision. And her third version.

 

My book signing for Tessa was 30 October 2014, and I posted my first meme in December. Sales and specials, and new cover designs. My first NaNoWriMo.

 

I posted images of the website when I launched it, and the blog birthday celebration.

 

I started sharing posts from other authors, and networking. I shared blog posts, both mine and others—which is now in the 30 – 50 range! Writing milestones and celebrations and excerpts.

 

facebook author page – 500 likes celebration

 

If you haven’t already, head on over and give me another LIKE!

 

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Robin.E.Mason/

 

 

“Maybe you have to know the darkness to truly appreciate the light.”—Madeline L’Engle

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Special Edition, 500 Likes on My Facebook Author Page!

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BLOGWORDS – Saturday 16 June 2018 – SPECIAL EDITION – GUEST POST – THE AFTERMATH, A WRITER’S LIFE

 

“My world came to an end the day I jumped off Versailles.”

 

SPECIAL EDITION – GUEST POST – THE AFTERMATH, A WRITER’S LIFE

            * as written for http://readingismysuperpower.org/2018/06/16/guest-post-and-a-giveaway-robin-e-mason-the-seasons-series/

 

 “The comforting words of dearest friends are a soothing balm to a jagged soul.”

 

 

Have you ever wondered what authors do when they finish a new book? Well, I’m here to tell ya. For this author, at least.

 

Mentally, I crash. Well, physically, too. ‘Specially this last series—I mean, come ON! Four books in one year?!?!?!? What was I thinking?

Okay, okay, let me ‘splain. Writing is an intense journey, hard work and hard deadlines, even for Indies such as myself. Research and hyper attention to detail, especially for the OCD-er ones. (like moi) And when it’s over, it’s not unlike the release after a rigorous work-out. Or a hike up Mount Everest… Or childbirth. And there is post-authorum letdown, if not depression.

Truly, I feel rather at odds, staring at ALL.THE.THINGS I have neglected these past months. And in my case, this time at least, the ten days remaining (at the time this post goes live) before major surgery. Which, by the way, was deferred till after the writing got did.

So now that this story is finished, and wrapped up in a pretty cover, what does the author’s brain do? Why, we noodle around with notes and ideas for our next story, of course! Or stories, as the case may be.

In my case, I’ve two new series’ swarming around, both of which took root some years ago. Kid stories, something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and a mid-grade series for my granddaughters.

 

The notes from Seasons will soon be tucked away and replaced with notes for the next series, files on the laptop will be set up—truly, I’ve already started that endeavor.

But the non-writing stuff, that’s what’s begging my attention. Basic housekeeping #hangsheadinshame, neglected and languishing projects #Imanartisttoo, and the rearranging of furniture to accommodate post-surgery recovery.

 

Perhaps the hardest and yet sweetest won “task” is nothing. And by nothing I mean doing nothing. Truly, I adore sitting on my front porch, watching the trees be trees. Watching the birds flit about, and squabble. Watching the kids on my block ride their bikes as the race and carry on great adventures.

 

It feels strange, this sitting, half-idly, thinking about all the stuff to do and not having the stress and pressure to get it done. Methinks it’s part of the creative cycle, not so unlike a rigorous exercise routine. Warm up, bust it for a while, cool down; warm up, bust it for a while, cool down; warm up…

 

Not so unlike life in general. Our days fluctuate between work and family, obligation and pleasure, high pressure and down time.

That down time is rather like recovery after surgery. I failed to allow for that two years ago after my first knee replacement, and had to adjust my book deadline. This time, I’ve blocked out the rest of the summer for recovery. And reading. You didn’t think I’d be totally idle all those weeks, did you?

Even Father God takes a day of rest. And He’s God. He doesn’t get tired, He never slumbers or sleeps. But He is our example and He says to take a day of rest. Or two. Or ten. “Be still and know,” He says. Basically, rest. Chill out. You’ve done well, now it’s time to kick back and enjoy.

So, the aftermath of writing for this author? I be chillin’. I be kicked back. And I sure be enjoying.

 

 

““Mercedes?” I could barely breathe. I didn’t remember this woman. The name only tumbled in my mind, tugging at memories I couldn’t see. I don’t know how but I knew I could trust her. Still…”

 

 

““NO!” My throat raw already, my scream was jagged and panicked and desperate. “No!” I didn’t want to see it, I didn’t want to remember… Not this. I didn’t want to remember this.”

 

 

#Blogwords, The Aftermath, A Writer’s Life, Special Edition, Guest Post, Reading is My Superpower, Carrie Schmidt, The Whispering Winds of Spring, Seasons Book 4

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BLOGWORDS – Thursday 14 June 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY on THURSDAY – FEATURED BOOK– PAINTING ON THE POND by SHARON LEWIS KOHO

WREADING WEDNESDAY on THURSDAY – FEATURED BOOK – PAINTING ON THE POND by SHARON LEWIS KOHO

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/slb-tours-events-landing-page/the-painting-on-the-pond-series-tour         

THE BOOK:

Series: The Painting on the Pond
Genre:  New Adult, Fiction, Suspense
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: Re-release on April 11, 2017

An intriguing plot meshes the past and present into a story that takes David Young down a path he never imagined in this crisp, clean mystery novel. City-born artist David Young has traveled a difficult journey during his twenty-seven years. It has finally taken him to a spectacular valley in the Pacific Northwest. Settled in a comfortable cabin he is free at last to explore, paint, and create the future of his dreams. However, a mysterious woman’s disappearance, a haunting legend, and unsettling dreams unnerve David, threatening his hopes and plunging him into the most formidable struggle of his life. While he is engulfed in mystery, adventure, and romance, an unseen hand draws him to his destiny, and into the rugged wilderness of Alaska.

Book 1: GOODREADS | AMAZON

Book 2: GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

THE DEAL:

 

THE AUTHOR:

Sharon Lewis Koho grew up on a small ranch near the town of Inkom, Idaho. Her beloved father died when she was five years old, and she and her siblings were reared in humble circumstances by a hard-working and courageous mother. In her youth, Sharon discovered she could create any world she wanted to visit, or any story she wanted to be a part of by climbing high in the trees bordering her cherished ranch. Daydreaming there amid songs of birds, rustling leaves and the babbling of the nearby creek, inspired many wonderful stories. Sharon married Bill Koho from Nampa, Idaho in 1967, and they were married thirty years until his death in 1997. She is the proud mother of six children. Although she is a Licensed Practical Nurse by profession, she has had much more experience in creating and telling stories. Her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys visiting, traveling, camping, reading, writing, swimming, and any adventurous idea that pops into her head.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GIVEAWAY:

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE

 

THE TOUR:

Tour Landing Page

June 11-Jorie Loves A Story (Review, Book 1)
June 12-Paulette’s Papers
June 13-Singing Librarian Books
June 14-Robin’s Nest
June 15-
June 16-Remembrancy
June 18-
June 19-
June 20-Reading is My SuperPower
June 21-Jorie Loves A Story (Review, Book 2)
June 22-Why Not? Because I Said So! 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Painting on the Pond, Sharon Lewis Koho

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Seasons Series by Robin E. Mason-Blog Tour and Giveaway

this has got to be the funnest interview i’ve done!!! come check it out!!

Captive Dreams Window

Welcome to the Seasons series (by Robin E. Mason) Blog Tour and giveaway, hosted y JustRead Publicity Tours!

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Welcome Colonel and Ms. Mason

BRUCE:  Good afternoon, Birdie Girl.

rem:  Good afternoon, Mr. Rochester. So nice to see you again.

BRUCE:   Why don’t you call me Bruce. Leastways for now.

rem:  Well, all right then, Bruce. Welcome. I do enjoy chatting with you.

BRUCE: I know so little about you, and you sit here so mélancolique, mon amie. Please, tell me a little about yourself!

rem:  I’m an oddball in a bunch of oddballs. LOL, I’m 59 and act 12 (no really). I’ve three grown kids and three beautiful granddaughters, and four kitty babies. Besides my writing, I sing and play the piano, I danced and directed the dance team at church for a few years, I paint and draw, and I’m an…

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