tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51885188244647779782024-02-12T06:44:31.097+07:00Writing...Just because!After 20 years in PR I decided it was time to...just write. Now, I am a published, award-winning author, developmental book editor, author mentor and partner publisher (www.ocpublishing.ca). I post thoughts on my writer's journey and share my experiences as an author, editor and publisher and highlight the books of authors I am publishing. I welcome guest bloggers and do author interviews. Enjoy my blog and feel free to comment.Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-28953338532961823962023-07-29T03:35:00.019+07:002024-02-03T21:12:23.046+07:00Zeffy Hits the Tour Circuit<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIjXFsE3pvvwZZgy5PMbQp6E21TSjxmGiElevn4611KVq1Gq62ZH336i9rVR2cI_3pEXXtYCRd4t9B6KjUxhF0HoYsE9ISS8pVZwsWzL-xOb-ahbtjWJzs3uEzJEg-YmCImUtzHtw7iwyM0iwTKVwEsXjYi-1USM6pqzxmoMKDBHDf_KqH54eVc3GKzE/s612/Zeffy_cover_72dpi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIjXFsE3pvvwZZgy5PMbQp6E21TSjxmGiElevn4611KVq1Gq62ZH336i9rVR2cI_3pEXXtYCRd4t9B6KjUxhF0HoYsE9ISS8pVZwsWzL-xOb-ahbtjWJzs3uEzJEg-YmCImUtzHtw7iwyM0iwTKVwEsXjYi-1USM6pqzxmoMKDBHDf_KqH54eVc3GKzE/s320/Zeffy_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />With just a little over two weeks to go to the launch of Zig Zag Zeffy, written by Barbara Ann Miller and illustrated by EM Gales, we're spooling up for the virtual book tour. Lots of folks have already hopped on the band wagon (and some have posted) but it's not too late if you want to join the tour. Just email or message me and let me know.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is where the tour has been and where it will be heading:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">June 12 - Mary Lanni Reads - on <a href="https://youtu.be/bfUcnFcLj5w" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5614424697" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">July 1 - <a href="https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2023/07/upcoming-releases-for-summer-and-fall.html" target="_blank">CanLit for Little Canadians</a> - summer watch list</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">July 31 - Maeve, on behalf of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/667725235384531" target="_blank">Atlantic Book Reviews</a> - enthusiastic reading!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 1-7 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange/posts/pfbid0fd6Uihp7kaQ6yRrhyJ55qqvrxpBrJ5mdcNjzaih4CrJHovAqJZAug7N5FBEno3KDl" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange</a> Author Spotlight</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 4 - <a href="https://lisahaselton.com/2023/08/04/interview-with-childrens-author-barbara-ann-miller/" target="_blank">Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 5 </span><span style="font-size: large;">- </span><a href="https://miramichireader.ca/2023/08/zig-zag-zeffy-by-barbara-ann-miller/?fbclid=IwAR0d6kxADh0G8hpw7f6Z-ZZ321EFUHSbkzWsUwWxIdicU4Rvcyqqp1EdUqQ" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">Miramichi Reader</a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 8 - Terri Protelli's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvshTl_A6Kc/?fbclid=IwAR0fEBmjtf3hxIE9gEGmxsEwnYFPQX3__SPR0cN5J-ZhshFRurBi2zjrG1M" target="_blank">Bookly Matters</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 10 - <a href="https://ajkormon.com/blog/book-reviews/book-review-zig-zag-zeffy-by-barbara-ann-miller" target="_blank">AJ Korman's Blog</a> - Children's Books and Literature - Bringing Stories to Life</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 15 (launch day) - interview on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AehZstSpDBc&lc=Ugw2yk3BIEx0cpe597Z4AaABAg" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a>, presented by OC Publishing</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">August 16 - interivew on <a href="https://thesoulfulleaderpodcast.com/2023/08/15/114-intentional-leadership-shaping-future-generations-w-barbara-miller-zeffy/" target="_blank">The Soulful Leader Podcast</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">September 21 - <a href="https://www.theindieview.com/2023/09/21/indieview-with-barbara-ann-miller-author-of-zig-zag-zeffy/" target="_blank">The IndieView</a> - author Q&A</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're interested in reviewing <i>Zig Zag Zeffy</i> or interviewing the author, email me at anne@ocpublishing.ca. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We will be celebrating the launch with a special summer interview on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ocpublishing" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a> on release day, August 15th at 4 p.m. (Atlantic time) and at an in-person <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/704646738073016" target="_blank">launch party</a> on August 20th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 321 Main Ave, Halifax, NS. To get your very own copy, it is available locally (in Nova Scotia) at <a href="https://www.woozles.com/" target="_blank">Woozles</a>, <a href="https://dartmouthbookexchange.ca/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Vickery-House-Books-100083003995552/" target="_blank">Vickery House Books</a>, and you can pre-order now on <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/zig-zag-zeffy/9781989833377-item.html?ikwid=zig+zag+zeffy&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=03abcb5de89d3389e1401023b8a83736" target="_blank">Chapters/Indigo</a> and from most online retailers (like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zig-Zag-Zeffy-Barbara-Miller/dp/1989833373/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E6FJLXUJS2HF&keywords=zig+zag+zeffy&qid=1690570005&s=books&sprefix=zig+zag+zeffy%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C100&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zig-zag-zeffy-barbara-ann-miller/1143608475?ean=9781989833346" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>; for our UK friends at <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/zig-zag-zeffy/barbara-ann-miller/9781989833346" target="_blank">Waterstones</a>; Aussie friends can get it at <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/zig-zag-zeffy-barbara-ann-miller/book/9781989833346.html" target="_blank">Booktopia</a>; and more!). It can also be ordered in to your local bookstore by giving them ISBN number 978-1-989833-34-6 (for paperback) or ISBN number 978-1-989833-37-7 (for hard cover). Learn more about the author and her book, and about OC Publishing at <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca">www.ocpublishing.ca</a></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRORnNYnWKHaV75uaGxDxvq_ms4WDCGW0rQfpkSeD_KH3aIbnFkx8ldwkCH9zCht0olWYDURR8m6H5bWSoORexrIzOo_MFQZIYArI1EmP84J9UvrXKXaumqWqI9zrlm5y6XfWWNyQqIEbPJ7lfkcq_aWegqSOa2wyaC5jwufIMeeC0e1dtRoZt3xz9L0/s3600/24-BarbAndZeffy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRORnNYnWKHaV75uaGxDxvq_ms4WDCGW0rQfpkSeD_KH3aIbnFkx8ldwkCH9zCht0olWYDURR8m6H5bWSoORexrIzOo_MFQZIYArI1EmP84J9UvrXKXaumqWqI9zrlm5y6XfWWNyQqIEbPJ7lfkcq_aWegqSOa2wyaC5jwufIMeeC0e1dtRoZt3xz9L0/w266-h400/24-BarbAndZeffy.jpeg" title="Barb and Zeffy" width="266" /></a><br />Barb & Zeffy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-43894251377301489752023-06-17T00:40:00.004+07:002023-06-22T20:18:51.228+07:00Lifetime Child and Youth Advocate Launches First Children’s Book <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L7P4VvmofebXZt53GAYyIPPaHZfxgwQ5Oyj0XUM4_rMsJCYlnqU15NUP59ss4Mbkz_b7_qmJ0qWG83h0quSCsHRCcziGfW2iH43AYZAL1LI-eVyjEfkX01Lmn5UH7Ds3x69uYAgUJPRZi81BpggyzlQYsBlcClAjk_atpZ90P51III55gel_gu20/s816/978-1-989833-34-6%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L7P4VvmofebXZt53GAYyIPPaHZfxgwQ5Oyj0XUM4_rMsJCYlnqU15NUP59ss4Mbkz_b7_qmJ0qWG83h0quSCsHRCcziGfW2iH43AYZAL1LI-eVyjEfkX01Lmn5UH7Ds3x69uYAgUJPRZi81BpggyzlQYsBlcClAjk_atpZ90P51III55gel_gu20/s320/978-1-989833-34-6%20cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I recently had the pleasure of beginning work on a book project with one of my best friends. We taught pre-school together in the early 80s and developed a bond over our love of children that expanded into our outside lives and continues on to this day. We also share a love of animals, and on August 15, my friend, and Halifax-based author, Barbara Ann Miller, will launch the first in a series of children’s books, <i>Zig Zag Zeffy</i>, that will teach themes such as inclusion and self-esteem. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> “This wonderful early childhood book keeps the young reader’s attention as the love develops between a puppy and his Hu-Mom,” said Marg MacDonald, Recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (2021). “The descriptive and fun story flows well, and is accompanied by colourful illustrations, providing many opportunities for teachable moments.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Zig Zag Zeffy</i> is a heart-warming story of a Hu-Mom who adopts an energetic, fun-loving Puggle named Zeffy. It's a rhyming narrative that follows the pair as they develop an unbreakable bond. </span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz1ZrK_e7BCPxrNzB9eIig4ooRy5yscc1f8axwdA8yKj91suRFl4mkETR-PWde-ma8LqEXsRuPNtW1Rlcg9ugV6QMFvHBuYjZpN8bERCHniP5qHyNW0ap7Nx_0umtEUR7q2-7UeMvTe37pu8Kn3lRfplbNWYkFaAQnETZHwuzOF6l8FqR7cuZO8o4/s3600/24-BarbAndZeffy.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz1ZrK_e7BCPxrNzB9eIig4ooRy5yscc1f8axwdA8yKj91suRFl4mkETR-PWde-ma8LqEXsRuPNtW1Rlcg9ugV6QMFvHBuYjZpN8bERCHniP5qHyNW0ap7Nx_0umtEUR7q2-7UeMvTe37pu8Kn3lRfplbNWYkFaAQnETZHwuzOF6l8FqR7cuZO8o4/w213-h320/24-BarbAndZeffy.jpeg" title="Barbara Ann Miller" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara Ann Miller & Zeffy</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">“The story came straight from my heart as this little fur baby brought both happiness and havoc into our home!” said Miller. “I hope readers enjoy seeing Zeffy adapt and grow as he explores the world along with the feelings that go with his different experiences.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The author also hopes that parents and teachers will help young children identify their own feelings as they journey along with Zeffy and think about times they too were scared, missing someone, being mischievous, learning new skills, and being loved. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Miller has a particular passion for children’s literature and has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount Saint Vincent University. She spent over three decades working in the non-profit sector beginning her career with a primary focus on early childhood education and administration, followed by a lifetime of working and volunteering with children, youth and families from around the world, developing and leading community programs in child care, youth services, immigration, employment, and social justice. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Zig Zag Zeffy is available for pre-order now from most online retailers, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zig-Zag-Zeffy-Barbara-Miller/dp/1989833373/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VUM9VFH9YGQD&keywords=zig+zag+zeffy&qid=1686751200&s=books&sprefix=zig+zag+zeffy,stripbooks-intl-ship,94&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon US</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Zig-Zag-Zeffy-Barbara-Miller/dp/1989833373/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TQ8NK5L3WFIC&keywords=zig+zag+zeffy&qid=1686751412&s=books&sprefix=zig+zag+zeffy,stripbooks,90&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Canada</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zig-Zag-Zeffy-Barbara-Miller/dp/1989833373/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FUXF5AR5SR4C&keywords=zig+zag+zeffy&qid=1686751668&s=books&sprefix=zig+zag+zeffy,stripbooks,139&sr=1-1" target="_blank">UK</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zig-zag-zeffy-barbara-ann-miller/1143608475?ean=9781989833346" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, and more, and can be ordered into any local bookstore. Learn more about the author on the <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/barbara-ann-miller.html" target="_blank">OC Publishing website</a>. </span></div>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-10782994247512340322023-04-23T23:00:00.011+07:002023-07-29T04:08:58.861+07:00The Rogue Scorpion is on Tour!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbWn8C3AF6aUsTI1I6cqd86TMnEVjV1BhtvLluWQGED62HmiHuHchmTQLh63SQTpbrdr470dYElmRdFoxgiFVAsU3pDQIJtvNBchHTX14ie6jRysAd_Ie1Nt1K_Jk8F0gUk30s_LQ7LIE9zgYSxo43Q9LBBko9C_ZKgGy4FEKT1iQoW8LZU4dHfG4/s940/Happy%20Launch%20Day!.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbWn8C3AF6aUsTI1I6cqd86TMnEVjV1BhtvLluWQGED62HmiHuHchmTQLh63SQTpbrdr470dYElmRdFoxgiFVAsU3pDQIJtvNBchHTX14ie6jRysAd_Ie1Nt1K_Jk8F0gUk30s_LQ7LIE9zgYSxo43Q9LBBko9C_ZKgGy4FEKT1iQoW8LZU4dHfG4/w400-h335/Happy%20Launch%20Day!.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Congratulations to Lynda Faye Schmidt whose third novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Scorpion-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833330/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1681737950&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Rogue Scorpion</a>, released April 23, partner published by OC Publishing. We also published her first two novels together, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B08RY64JPL?ref_=ast_author_mpb" target="_blank">The Healing</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B09Q7L1TRX/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=kuqeE&content-id=amzn1.sym.22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_p=22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_r=144-8804193-8177331&pd_rd_wg=q8MNt&pd_rd_r=6e2081ee-59e7-40bd-b6df-e374745dd70a&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" target="_blank">The Holding</a></i>, as well as a guided journal that pulls excerpts from those books as writing prompts, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Healing-Companion-Journal/dp/198983325X/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=QwCH9&content-id=amzn1.sym.22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_p=22f5776b-4878-4918-9222-7bb79ff649f4&pf_rd_r=144-8804193-8177331&pd_rd_wg=houCI&pd_rd_r=e90ad39e-8e4c-4b34-bd57-58241ad0d58c&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" target="_blank">The Holding and The Healing Companion Journal. </a> <p></p><p>Advance readers loved The Rogue Scorpion.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm6INB9XgP7QC5Y_PToZsfjepQOUhvqxesQti4na2ihZtZ-dlRBtEpPcF4hkeWdSi7oX5OkmeAPtQ1nzcTL7hay9Ys7G3MjK8lEwN-sv04dkoQ-lEeYtzAeAqOBXGD_-cIGx2o-TTpVL26tJGQdgVSZaG0YEE6mxryGrhiCPBWkmqxt7kDnSHw02LC"><img alt="" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="936" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm6INB9XgP7QC5Y_PToZsfjepQOUhvqxesQti4na2ihZtZ-dlRBtEpPcF4hkeWdSi7oX5OkmeAPtQ1nzcTL7hay9Ys7G3MjK8lEwN-sv04dkoQ-lEeYtzAeAqOBXGD_-cIGx2o-TTpVL26tJGQdgVSZaG0YEE6mxryGrhiCPBWkmqxt7kDnSHw02LC=w658-h521" width="658" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our virtual book tour is well underway and we're excited that interest in Lynda's emotionally impacting, character-driven novels, and the author herself, is building. Here's the tour line up. We will update the links as reviews and interviews are posted and new ones are added!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.tranquiloretreat.com/blog/2023/1/15/fiction-based-on-real-life-events" target="_blank">Tranquilo Retreat</a> with Lyndi Allison - author interview - January 15</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6hlIXLvMks" target="_blank">Your Authentic Purpose</a> on Fit for Joy with Valeria Koopman - author interview - April 6</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/author-book-tag-lynda-schmidt/?fbclid=IwAR1M8dKCTEPfRqbUnEli29mVzKaITDRosA9AoRUuUgey7RjYd--P3548oXc" target="_blank">Laura's Books & Blogs</a> with Laura Smith - author interview - April 21</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/ocpublishing" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a> presented by OC Publishing - author interview and launch celebration - April 25</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@USAGLOBALTV/featured" target="_blank">The Corner Bookstore </a>on USA Global TV and Radio - author interview - April 27</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@misslizsteatimes" target="_blank">Tea Time with Miss Liz</a> - interview - April 27</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.theindieview.com/2023/05/28/indieview-with-lynda-faye-schmidt-author-of-the-rogue-scorpion/" target="_blank">The IndieView</a> - author Q&A - May 28</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-rogue-scorpion" target="_blank">Readers Favourite</a> - review - June 24</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rookwoodediting.com/" target="_blank">Rookwood Editing </a>- review - July newsletter </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thebookcommentary.com/review-preview/1053/the-rogue-scorpion" target="_blank">Book Commentary</a> - review - July 28</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://readingnook84.wordpress.com" target="_blank">The Reading Nook</a> - author Q&A - coming soon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're interested in a review copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Scorpion-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833330/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1681737950&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Rogue Scorpion</a> send me an email anne@ocpublishing.ca. It's available from most online retailers or you can ask your local bookstore to order a copy in for you using the ISBN 9871989833346 and feel free to review on Amazon and Goodreads too :) </div><br /><br /><p></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-48208007142031034912023-03-07T23:51:00.005+07:002023-03-08T00:09:24.787+07:00Exploration of Authentic Identity Interwoven in Plot of The Rogue Scorpion<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Scorpion-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833330/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678208229&sr=1-1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCd90Jv7DU2c-nL5w7UM2PhFchEx2rt5IHsQEDHJv1-AprL9JQ9aU_6wTJZ5rY4242IFUAnAEsY4Zy5ZZuw4Qnl-TErISdsfPjZyuB0oNq-WSu3FDsfFG3jId-6SbHYqiosFp6Yj6xLbucoz2Q-TN3DMWozq6ujzFj9rSBfD8JfqlU8VbtpN_xANA/w250-h400/RogueScorpion_cover_72dpi%20w%20quote.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Canadian author, Lynda Faye Schmidt, launches her next women’s literary fiction, <i>The Rogue Scorpion</i>, on April 23rd in partnership with OC Publishing. This will be the third novel we've published together. <i>The Healing</i> was published in 2021, and <i>The Holding - Prequel to The Healing,</i> came out in 2022. As with her previous books, Schmidt’s latest novel takes the main character, Isabella, on a journey to find inner strength along the path to true love. Will Isabella discover the spiritual fulfillment she is searching for? Or, will a series of challenging events cause her to stop trusting forever? </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>“<i>The Rogue Scorpion</i> had me captivated from the first page to the last page,” said Karen Dean, bestselling author of <i>We Are Unbreakable</i>. “Lynda Faye Schmidt weaves so much emotion and adventure in her storytelling that you can’t help but wonder what will happen next.” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>The Rogue Scorpion</i><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> is the story of Isabella Ricci, an artist with an adventurous spirit and a deep desire to uncover her purpose. Her resilience is challenged after a traumatic event in Thailand. Later, she finds out her father is unwell and returns home to Winnipeg, but it isn’t long before her searching takes her to Vancouver Island. There, a dysfunctional relationship stifles her dreams and Isabella takes flight once again.
In Panama, Isabella learns to trust her intuition. Her life begins to shift, from a constant series of battles, into flow. She discovers the spiritual depth she yearns for and finds love where she never expected it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>The author says the inspiration for <i>The Rogue Scorpion</i> came to her just days after the launch of her first novel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> <span> </span>“I was in my home in Panama, about to settle into bed with my journal, when I saw a live scorpion for the first time in my life, clinging to the folds of my drapes,” said Schmidt. “From that moment, the story began to reveal itself in bits and pieces, as is my process. Early on, I knew I wanted my main character, Isabella, to undertake a meaningful spiritual exploration while uncovering her authentic purpose. As Isabella’s personality evolved, I realized she was struggling to accept the love she felt towards her best friend, Catalina." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>Schmidt says she saw the story that unfolded as an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and judgments around gender and sexual identity. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> <span> </span>"As with all of my writing, <i>The Rogue Scorpion</i> poses questions about love and what it means to be a complex thinking and feeling human being.” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>The Rogue Scorpion can be ordered into any local bookstore by ISBN number (978-1-989833-33-9). Pre-orders are available now from most online retailers including: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Scorpion-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833330/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678208229&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rogue-scorpion-lynda-faye-schmidt/1143012075?ean=9781989833339" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-rogue-scorpion" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-rogue-scorpion-lynda-faye-schmidt/book/9781989833339.html" target="_blank">Booktopia</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-rogue-scorpion-lynda-faye-schmidt/19697848?ean=9781989833339" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span> </span>Originally from Alberta, Schmidt is currently living and writing in Panama. She does a regular blog at </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Musings of an Emotional Creature.
To learn more about the author and her books, visit </span><a href="http://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">www.lyndafayeschmidt.com</a><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">. For more about the publisher visit </span><a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">www.ocpublishing.ca</a><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeN0174Rb8LiAOLi_l-jGyTZz60NryIxhqkNtay2lcos-EG31xPo_oUJKsJGaS2r_lOP-hiA2ZqzzwpvX6Q-vfPIpBu1esQAM_A3BS6r7IGeADLohGka9TPdbeuwzq8NjvjmM9AVMjzBAoEN_3PDbjPd4r9YoQjRJ_LevjlArjpEt2vNJiMP1G7VD/s2071/83-LyndaSchmidt-Edit%20(crop).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="2071" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeN0174Rb8LiAOLi_l-jGyTZz60NryIxhqkNtay2lcos-EG31xPo_oUJKsJGaS2r_lOP-hiA2ZqzzwpvX6Q-vfPIpBu1esQAM_A3BS6r7IGeADLohGka9TPdbeuwzq8NjvjmM9AVMjzBAoEN_3PDbjPd4r9YoQjRJ_LevjlArjpEt2vNJiMP1G7VD/w400-h386/83-LyndaSchmidt-Edit%20(crop).jpg" title="Lynda Faye Schmidt" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Lynda Faye Schmidt</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-66495229730802144132023-02-24T02:07:00.005+07:002023-12-12T22:09:12.499+07:00Nurse! A Memoir Getting Rave Reviews<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Nurse-Memoir-Francene-Cosman/dp/1989833306/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1677179132&sr=1-1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83gw82x6FAvvvRAb-1oAsdtKFFK5l4qiNlCNiM7iObYtKfj05nizym2be1njEaEql8S-YYHRa2FpJESjKPsvGfB7sWbthe3fZBRWi2NahmEavRHjQtndUKxuOBNNW-yBLsR7SaGc13ty0mtwN4bKC1IjbhtAjlN4w-deu3Kwt_P2dlRwhM9z86SqX/w250-h400/Nurse_cover_72dpi.jpg" title="Nurse! by Francene Cosman" width="250" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />With so much going on in health care these days, it's no wonder that Francene Cosman's Nurse! A Memoir is still in the spotlight. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Francene did her nursing training at the Saint John General Hospital in the early 60s when hospital-based, hands-on training was the norm. She feels that it's timely to share her story as a catalyst to discussions on revisiting that model as one way to address the nursing shortages the industry is facing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Nurse! A Memoir launched on the 60th anniversary of her graduation and the author felt that it was important to write her story for historical preservation. The Saint John General Hospital has been torn down, as have many other buildings from Francene's early years so she felt the time was right before all was forgotten. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After a long and rewarding nursing career, and after raising her family, Francene began a long and illustrious political career that spanned several years and included being appointed president of the Provincial Status of Women, and a stint as deputy speaker of the Nova Scotia legistature. Now in her 80s, she's still an active community advocate and can be found volunteering her time at the Scott Manor House in Bedford, NS. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here are some of the stories that have run and reviews that are pending about this timely memoir by a political icon:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">September 19, 2022 - <a href="https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/lifestyles/the-book-shelf-cb-cartoonist-kate-beaton-found-harshness-and-humanity-working-in-the-oilsands-100774419/ " target="_blank">Launch announcement </a>- The Book Shelf (Allison Lawlor), Chronicle Herald</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">September 20, 2022 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiR1kVRtaoQ&t=978s" target="_blank">Author interview</a> on The Author Journey </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">September 22, 2022 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LanasAtlanticBookLoves/photos/a.275173616244254/1505529193208684/" target="_blank">Book Review</a> - Atlantic Book Reviews</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">October 6, 2022 - <a href="https://halifax.citynews.ca/all-audio/the-todd-veinotte-show/the-todd-veinotte-show-october-6-12pm-5897782" target="_blank">Author interview </a>- The Todd Veinotte Show - Halifax City News 95.7</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">November 14 - 20, 2022 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange/photos/a.1412791105634527/3345578545689097/" target="_blank">Author Spotlight</a> on the Dartmouth Book Exchange</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">November 18, 2022 - <a href="https://tj.news/greater-saint-john/102007360?ref=rss" target="_blank">Book Review</a> - The Saint John Telegraph Journal (Emma McPhee)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">November 25, 2022 - <a href="https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/opinion/thinking-out-loud-with-sheldon-macleod-history-teaches-us-many-lessons-100799611/" target="_blank">Author interview</a> - Thinking Out Loud with Sheldon MacLeod</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> (Saltwire Network)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">March 16, 2023 - <a href="https://lisahaselton.com/2023/03/16/interview-with-memoirist-francene-cosman/?fbclid=IwAR3bMhJpkiK1zKYuACJrpQ041P-IrVCeXuVwbxD2lEDzMK7yKF0XQCyyBxM" target="_blank">Author Q&A </a>- Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">April 6, 2023 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EEmF4cCUJo" target="_blank">Author Interview</a> - Tea Time with Miss Liz</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">April 7, 2023 - <a href="https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2023/04/nurse.html" target="_blank">Book Review</a> - Canadian Bookworm</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">May 27, 2023 - <a href="https://allanhudson.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-story-behind-story-with-author_27.html" target="_blank">Author Q&A</a> - South Branch Scribbler</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">September 19 - <a href="https://jeyranmain.com/2023/09/19/nurse-a-memoir-by-francene-cosman-book-review-1553/#more-31364" target="_blank">Book Review </a>- Review Tales</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">TBD - The Miramichi Reader</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">TBD - Featured book - The Gloss Book Club</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">TBD - Book Review - Maryann Writes</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For more information on Francene's book visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca/francene-cosman.html">www.ocpublishing.ca/francene-cosman.html</a>.</span></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-86810830302121211462023-02-16T02:53:00.007+07:002023-05-15T20:22:09.458+07:00Issue of Child Marriage Gathers interest with new Teen Novel<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we approach launch day for <i>Shanti Fights for Her Rights</i> by Marcia E Barss, on February 21st, interest is growing in learning more about the ongoing illegal practice of child marriage in rural India.</span></p><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPeF_Zh2Q80vASYbxthHe2fexhS6LrvUo7dKC74NYWRP0NO-IYJCpAlFVzCZzCCPnRgiaBAeq36xt_1M6imC-E4d4n7O_yZ-rHDxPTtxmIKPA2g5gU8Gs3LRCjUDARd7vqGuPPWkxfMVzZm5QsuBizRDUyoAxEyUDlkTVF1RrajyHZ3H3eIJJm7FHO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="936" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPeF_Zh2Q80vASYbxthHe2fexhS6LrvUo7dKC74NYWRP0NO-IYJCpAlFVzCZzCCPnRgiaBAeq36xt_1M6imC-E4d4n7O_yZ-rHDxPTtxmIKPA2g5gU8Gs3LRCjUDARd7vqGuPPWkxfMVzZm5QsuBizRDUyoAxEyUDlkTVF1RrajyHZ3H3eIJJm7FHO=w560-h122" width="560" /></a></blockquote><table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3hoYfZ9oZD4cfkn1z5KW0gSxep7v_YJ2s1BFZVaCC-U8IqUlndInkZWgOdj2barNSC0RK0nYmSbkM69wRWmdEOPWQObNwnaNM4M09G3CtBu1zpOw4uiTyMdyKgntif1vQ61ITfV622Pjz-ikMGXCgvTwOg-vqBQMoSuzFdMlXyRRXEJ8_9ZrSaQT/s576/Shanti_cover_72dpi.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3hoYfZ9oZD4cfkn1z5KW0gSxep7v_YJ2s1BFZVaCC-U8IqUlndInkZWgOdj2barNSC0RK0nYmSbkM69wRWmdEOPWQObNwnaNM4M09G3CtBu1zpOw4uiTyMdyKgntif1vQ61ITfV622Pjz-ikMGXCgvTwOg-vqBQMoSuzFdMlXyRRXEJ8_9ZrSaQT/w400-h640/Shanti_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Shanti-Fights-Rights-Marcia-Barss/dp/1989833322/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CZU69SF5E5JS&keywords=shanti+fights+for+her+rights&qid=1676471731&s=books&sprefix=shanti+fights,stripbooks,83&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>The story is told from the perspective of fourteen-year-old Shanti, who lives in a village in Eastern India where her parents work in a rice field. She attends school 40 km away. When Shanti's mother gives birth to another daughter, her father says she will stay home to help care for her sister and prepare to marry soon. <p></p><p>The author spent her childhood in India and recently returned to visit people she knew and places she had lived. She stayed with friends at Bridge of Hope that works with girls determined to get an education, despite the immense challenges. This inspired the book, which tells a fact-based, fictionalized story from personal experience, interviews, and in-depth research. </p><p>Learn more about the author at <a href="http://marciabarss.com">marciabarss.com</a> and order your copy of Shanti Fights for Her Rights at <a href="https://amzn.to/3K5M4Ck">https://amzn.to/3K5M4Ck</a>.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to reviewers and interviewers who have joined our virtual book tour. Follow the coverage of Shanti Fights for Her Rights by Marcia E. Barss:</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p><a href="https://writers.ns.ca/" target="_blank">Writers Federation of Nova Scotia</a> newletter, announcement, January 17</p><p>The Chronicle Herald <a href="https://saltwire.pressreader.com/the-chronicle-herald-provincial/20230204/page/31" target="_blank">Book Shelf by Allison Lawlor</a>, book review - February 4</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ocpublishing" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a>, author interview - February 21</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange/posts/pfbid0hqKsqRX6ZJC2Me7bmr72HZSMQspPG8sVB2HZbP8rCMvs9dF2hNr5mD3N7KzFdqNAl" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange,</a> author spotlight - February 21-27</p><p><a href="https://energyrae.com/2023/04/04/shanti-fights-for-her-rights-marcia-e-barss/" target="_blank">Rae's Reading Lounge</a>, book review - April 4</p><p><a href="https://atlanticbooks.ca/" target="_blank">Atlantic Books Today</a>, book review by Abena Green - date TBD</p><p><a href="http://www.midwestbookreview.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Book Review</a> - date TBD</p><p><a href="https://miramichireader.ca/" target="_blank">Miramichi Reader</a>, book review by Holli Corbett - date TBD</p><p><a href="https://jeyranmain.com/" target="_blank">Review Tales</a>, book review - date TBD</p><p><br /></p><p>We will update with new links as the posts go live and add new reviewers and interviewers as they join in. Visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca">www.ocpublishing.ca</a> for more information on our authors and our hybrid publishing model. </p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-3388856774558711892023-01-26T02:44:00.001+07:002023-01-26T02:44:35.507+07:00Teen Novel Highlights Issue of Child Marriage in India<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jYs4XEf0wjRNdksdjY3hUfD3AN2whaQ7U5GDaPna4zaPAaElRN3gGXyiZ7ZMtF4MS-WJ3cCEDPiQ1OJH8K4CamJajNWLFDml75NFQC7UtsbSWy-FG7NppDHcQ8QD1woRAvCOsAotpp8jZGJuFmKeuHjeGKtdE-yiIyZGJQJoUvQskDhILfv1h2hC/s576/Shanti_cover_72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jYs4XEf0wjRNdksdjY3hUfD3AN2whaQ7U5GDaPna4zaPAaElRN3gGXyiZ7ZMtF4MS-WJ3cCEDPiQ1OJH8K4CamJajNWLFDml75NFQC7UtsbSWy-FG7NppDHcQ8QD1woRAvCOsAotpp8jZGJuFmKeuHjeGKtdE-yiIyZGJQJoUvQskDhILfv1h2hC/w250-h400/Shanti_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />The latest novel from Halifax-based author, Marcia E. Barss, <i>Shanti Fights for Her Rights</i>, is a fictionalized story based on the reality of the ongoing illegal practice of child marriage in India. It releases on February 21, partner published by OC Publishing.<p></p><p>“Girls in rural India face many challenges because parents are not interested in investing in the education of their daughters,” said Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, Founder of Tharuni, a non-profit in India working towards the empowerment of adolescent girls. “I have stopped many child marriages, but sometimes we don’t know the difficulties girls go through with their families. I am sure those who read this beautiful story will realise the ill effects of child marriages and try to support girls.” <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>The story follows fourteen-year-old Shanti who lives in a village in eastern India, where her parents work in the rice fields. She attends school in a town forty kilometres away and hopes to become a teacher. But while she is home on vacation, her mother gives birth to another girl. Shanti’s father declares she must leave school to care for her baby sister. He also makes plans for Shanti to be married as soon as possible, despite the law against girls under eighteen being forced into marriage. </p><p>“I wrote this story to encourage and support girls in claiming their right to an education,” said Barss, who lived in India most of her childhood. “Educating and empowering girls is the impetus to ending child marriage.” </p><p>A few years ago, Barss returned to India, visiting people she knew and places she had lived. She stayed with friends at Bridge of Hope, an NGO that includes a residential program for children from rural communities, vocational training, and a medical center. Marcia’s experiences in India and talking with girls who were determined to get an education despite challenges, provided inspiration for this book.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>Advance reviews:</p><p>“Shanti features a feisty yet sympathetic and relatable main character, a compelling plot, and lots of authentic detail about the challenging lives of girls and women in rural India. This timely and well-written story will have readers cheering Shanti and her friends on, as they fight for their rights to an education and an end to child marriage. Just like me, both children and adults will love and learn from this heartfelt book!”</p><p>Vivien Gorham, author of Touch of Gold and Spirit of Summerwood</p><p>“A beautifully detailed, suspenseful story about a young girl fighting to free herself from an impossible situation. Shanti’s courage in standing up for her rights against the culture of her community and her family’s wishes helps other girls do the same and shows how one voice can make a difference.”</p><p>Jacqueline Halsey, author of Piper</p><p>Shanti Fights for Her Rights is now available for pre-order online on <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/shanti-fights-for-her-rights/9781989833322-item.html?ikwid=shanti+fights+for+her+rights&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=3bb5a2ea602761fe12adee9a2cc7499e" target="_blank">Chapters/Indigo</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shanti-Fights-Rights-Marcia-Barss/dp/1989833322/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HOE83WN0QTX0&keywords=shanti+fights+for+her+rights&qid=1673389589&s=books&sprefix=shanti+fights+for+her+right%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C89&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon </a>and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shanti-fights-for-her-rights-marcia-e-barss/1142873801?ean=9781989833322" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, and can be ordered by any bookstore, book seller, library or other retailer from the Ingram catalogue or directly through OC Publishing. For more information on the author and her books visit <a href="http://marciabarss.com">marciabarss.com</a> and for more on OC Publishing visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca">www.ocpublishing.ca</a>. </p><p><br /></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-58563746416409413742022-12-08T02:55:00.004+07:002022-12-08T02:57:30.174+07:00Retired Senior’s Home Manager Finds Joy in Writing & Illustrating Children’s Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcviYHj6SjXK8dH8LSfaONhMRN6SE-TS1EneretMZBz6bTdIUArEm58sS6nmOTaeYBRYXgTqiqJe0u0VaHuFhDmAGyXKCXitApMmN6_vvzaHJdgiBcVnwi9YXCRgFnPP6Mgmvi6u_Yy9i1iAl9e_cjr6uofsitBpuBrqXkBEgoi2BGC3GutWO8I8IU/s792/OrangeKitty_cover_72dpi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcviYHj6SjXK8dH8LSfaONhMRN6SE-TS1EneretMZBz6bTdIUArEm58sS6nmOTaeYBRYXgTqiqJe0u0VaHuFhDmAGyXKCXitApMmN6_vvzaHJdgiBcVnwi9YXCRgFnPP6Mgmvi6u_Yy9i1iAl9e_cjr6uofsitBpuBrqXkBEgoi2BGC3GutWO8I8IU/s320/OrangeKitty_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On December 1, we had the great pleasure of releasing Halifax-based author/Illustrator E.M. Gales' first children's book, <i><a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/orange-kitty-and-the-mouse/9781989833292-item.html?ikwid=orange+kitty+and+the+mouse+parade&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=c41951671a1d11e58631e72735edf9b0" target="_blank">Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade</a></i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After spending twenty years working with seniors, creating programs and day-to-day activities that utilized art, music, and dance, Gales decided to retire early to work on projects that have been on the back burner. A recent move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia was a way to re-invent herself and become the children's author she'd always dreamed of being.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Writing and art have always been my joy, but like for many people, life takes us in many directions and work we love often gets sidelined," said Gales. "When I retired, I wanted to live the work I have always loved - poetry, writing, and illustrating. The Orange Kitty series is but the beginning."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIox1oi6m-jdZqrXpWAcQoZyk3Z1Z4LdcUJcUnLvuvv94ffKIY_On4EQUkBoRxOOzrDwFrTWLihCvHe1tz20_VRoLP-l2_5Pj8l1ZTIqChlIuJgZdrut2_FklMGc2-zZSGnxRath72OB4hfcNAELXv2oLY22yx1pe7p879RDkugV1PS3UCX7swOJg/s2504/headshot%20cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="2310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIox1oi6m-jdZqrXpWAcQoZyk3Z1Z4LdcUJcUnLvuvv94ffKIY_On4EQUkBoRxOOzrDwFrTWLihCvHe1tz20_VRoLP-l2_5Pj8l1ZTIqChlIuJgZdrut2_FklMGc2-zZSGnxRath72OB4hfcNAELXv2oLY22yx1pe7p879RDkugV1PS3UCX7swOJg/w295-h320/headshot%20cropped.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E.M. Gales</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gales' first book in the planned series, is a playful, colourful, vibrantly illustrated, counting and rhyming picture book about a sleepy cat that snoozes through a lively parade with fifty-five marching, cheering, trumpeting, baton-twirling mice. Each dramatic page brings increasing numbers of little furry performers, from ONE marching maestro, through to the final FIFTY-FIVE mice, spilling onto the page in a joyful splash of fun and frolics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Full of cheeky mice and rhyming verse, it's a fun introduction to numbers," said author, Nicola Davison. "Kids will want to count every mouse in the vivid, intricate illustrations. <i>Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade</i> is sure to become a bedtime favourite."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/orange-kitty-and-the-mouse-parade-e-m-gales/1142298288?ean=9781989833292" target="_blank">Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade</a></i> is available from most online retailers and locally (in Halifax, NS) at <a href="https://www.woozles.com/" target="_blank">Woozles Books</a> and Chapters. Learn more about the author and her books at <a href="http://www.elizabethmgales.com/">www.elizabethmgales.com/</a></div><br /><p></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-72285123938038525252022-11-27T03:08:00.008+07:002022-12-25T03:56:24.387+07:00Lily's Egypt Adventure Virtual Book Tour Gets Underway<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1-YOMa5o78eyceiw4nqgj7cgE6uigVjwfuWdoXy4FYNMHEVRMwWEgFvFb4mfNn9vuudBof1jgXUoYP9Q_rKXOtfzPdAmgrVAp2bY1YZXmPiPCd2IvJe-RyTe0cNSD2sisW3tF7uovYUHhILKRjPs-w9nykkelPP1amipZ0QJUAIOfBypIbaklblw/s2842/Cindy%20Tingley.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2842" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1-YOMa5o78eyceiw4nqgj7cgE6uigVjwfuWdoXy4FYNMHEVRMwWEgFvFb4mfNn9vuudBof1jgXUoYP9Q_rKXOtfzPdAmgrVAp2bY1YZXmPiPCd2IvJe-RyTe0cNSD2sisW3tF7uovYUHhILKRjPs-w9nykkelPP1amipZ0QJUAIOfBypIbaklblw/w221-h308/Cindy%20Tingley.jpg" title="Cindy Tingley" width="221" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy Tingley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Recently we released <i>Lily's Egypt Adventure</i>, the third in Cindy Tingley's first chapter book, children's bible story series, Lily the Donkey's Adventures. What a great time of year to be reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, as the story of the life of Jesus is told from the perspective of a feisty little donkey named Lily and a menagerie of animal friends, through their heart-talk.<p></p><p>In this book, Lily and The Holy Family depart Bethlehem in the dark of night to escape King Herod's Clutches. After crossing the desert, they arrive in Egypt and the adventure unfolds as new and old animal friends join the entourage and learn and share lessons of love, kindness, and forgiveness. </p><p>Our virtual book tour is underway now and we invite you to join in, read and listen to the reviewers who have come on board, and like and follow their blogs and vlogs.</p><p>If you're a reviewer and would like to participate, please contact me at anne@ocpublishing.ca.</p><p>Here's the line-up for the tour:</p><p>The Author Journey - November 1 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJxKNP37ooY&t=2s" target="_blank">Author Interview </a></p><p>A Storybook World - <a href="http://www.astorybookworld.com/2022/11/lilys-egypt-adventure.html" target="_blank">launch promo</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Lilys-Egypt-Adventure-Cindy-Tingley/dp/1989833268/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KIUBNI6AJ1WP&keywords=lily%27s+egypt+adventure&qid=1669492799&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjM4IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=lily%27s+egypt+adven%2Cstripbooks%2C131&sr=1-1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLGV3Zn6LTXxG4bYc0W5p34xTtpxBHlYdqeZqw3ymxNQ0GPSWZF0b4lhlI1t1Zo1zyJiZ1lxye1P0qFlvn0meVv08rn3APYrkJmVglwwqT9LzKWucAqVXt2703fyBKaE9G5aQveuUF7HFiFBUpPXerJGle4wkZIdlKKnvjURTBDCj2l54qa4hya1U/s320/Lily%20cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><p></p><p>Dartmouth Book Exchange - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange/photos/a.1412791105634527/3351358711777747" target="_blank">Author Spotlight</a> - November 21 - 27 </p><p>The IndieView - <a href="http://www.theindieview.com/2022/12/01/16522/" target="_blank">Author Interview</a> - December 1</p><p>The Phantom Paragrapher - <a href="http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com" target="_blank">book review</a> - December 10</p><p>Pages & Paws - <a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/2022/12/13/sweet-childrens-story-celebrates-the-season/?unapproved=5335&moderation-hash=99ee75cd56a6cebb016428d86d77de21#comment-5335" target="_blank">book review </a>- December 13</p><p>Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews - <a href="https://lisahaselton.com/2022/12/21/interview-with-childrens-author-cindy-tingley/" target="_blank">author interview</a> - December 21</p><p>Laura's Books & Blogs - <a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/love-hope-forgiveness-overarching-themes/" target="_blank">guest post </a>- December 23</p><p>Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - date TBD</p><p>Jennie Reads - <a href="https://jenniereads.com" target="_blank">book review</a> - date TBD</p><p>Julia Picks - <a href="https://juliapicks1.com/" target="_blank">book review</a> - date TBD</p><p>Links will be updated as posts go live so check back regularly! Learn more about the author and her books at <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/cindy-tingley.html" target="_blank">www.ocpublishing.ca/cindy-tingley.html </a></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-9101653962719454212022-10-29T03:10:00.001+07:002022-10-29T03:15:37.395+07:00New Release in Bible Story Series Extols the Power of Love and Kindness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JxknboL4LHBVBi82N3_9QuNvp7rPms7jR_VujYG1Bz0pq4PDytkyYHA8juLVY6xUzlQbcqLVcgEPcZuDvaPnEWCZAB4Mzltw8-JMT4mb0JhvUk0j2ao_zJO4nBMRZ7I3cwoXwrt6quGpZeYYpTTT2rdibDN5l101R4fREnu8-G-eR-3axGx1DDYb/s2550/Lilily_Chptr4_Draft2_3July2022_COLOUR_COVER.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JxknboL4LHBVBi82N3_9QuNvp7rPms7jR_VujYG1Bz0pq4PDytkyYHA8juLVY6xUzlQbcqLVcgEPcZuDvaPnEWCZAB4Mzltw8-JMT4mb0JhvUk0j2ao_zJO4nBMRZ7I3cwoXwrt6quGpZeYYpTTT2rdibDN5l101R4fREnu8-G-eR-3axGx1DDYb/s320/Lilily_Chptr4_Draft2_3July2022_COLOUR_COVER.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />On November 1, OC Publishing will launch the next in author Cindy Tingley's bible story series for children, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Lilys-Egypt-Adventure-Cindy-Tingley/dp/1989833268/ref=sr_1_2?crid=GF3EETOJCGXE&keywords=cindy+tingley&qid=1666987369&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjE3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=cindy+tingley%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><i>Lily's Egypt Adventure</i>.</a><br /><p></p><p>Former Sunday school teacher, Darcy Gillis says, "Tingley speaks to the heart of all readers with a message of hope, freedom, and how all creatures great and small can be transformed by the power of God's love."</p><p>In this book, the third installment in the series of first chapter books, Lily the donkey continues her travels with the Holy Family as they depart Bethlehem in the dark of night to escape the clutches of King Herod who has put out a decree to execute all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two (known as the Massacre of the Innocents).</p><p>After crossing the desert, they arrive in Egypt and <i>Lily's Egypt Adventure</i> unfolds as new and old animal friends join the entourage and learn and share lessons of love, kindness, and forgiveness.</p><p>"I think young readers will relate to my main character, a feisty carrot-munching donkey who began the series with low self-esteem and now feels more confident as she learns more about the power of love," says Tingley.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjjs3pi-969Lu4dTCGpzvDUCEbi3mtUO63N5q8blrdIF4unM-1UqiQLsG4w5qawcCTreOtVI8zTbLleldQTc9nKPld8g9oKLBCuKYF0VmLYyKTj6ffSBZadKmokCeYGB04pJeyAyfQZ-7SFmWNDg3WVaWDBYE4Mxrxs6h7jYXRpsqY5JGNZir9rTs/s2842/9780995284166%20author.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2842" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjjs3pi-969Lu4dTCGpzvDUCEbi3mtUO63N5q8blrdIF4unM-1UqiQLsG4w5qawcCTreOtVI8zTbLleldQTc9nKPld8g9oKLBCuKYF0VmLYyKTj6ffSBZadKmokCeYGB04pJeyAyfQZ-7SFmWNDg3WVaWDBYE4Mxrxs6h7jYXRpsqY5JGNZir9rTs/s320/9780995284166%20author.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Cindy Tingley <br />photo credit: Marc Geuzinge</td></tr></tbody></table>The Lily the Donkey's Adventures series is available from most online retailers and can be ordered into any local bookstore. The first two books in the series are <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Lilys-Secret-Cindy-Tingley-ebook/dp/B08HKQ85LR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GF3EETOJCGXE&keywords=cindy+tingley&qid=1666987398&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjE3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=cindy+tingley%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><i>Lily's Secret</i> </a>and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Lilys-Desert-Adventure-Cindy-Tingley/dp/1999015614/ref=sr_1_3?crid=GF3EETOJCGXE&keywords=cindy+tingley&qid=1666987398&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjE3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=cindy+tingley%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Lily's Desert Adventure</a></i>. The author will be celebrating the launch of her latest book on November 1st on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ocpublishing" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a>, livestreamed at 4 p.m. (ADT) on the OC Publishing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ocpublishing" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ocpublishing" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelouiseoconnell/" target="_blank">LinkedIn profile</a>, and on November 8th at 7 p.m. in person at <a href="http://www.rockinghamunited.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Rockingham United Church</a> (12 Flamingo Dr., Halifax, NS).<p></p><p>For more information on Cindy and her books, visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca/cindy-tingley.html">www.ocpublishing.ca/cindy-tingley.html</a>.</p><p><br /></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-71521586761863317322022-09-15T01:29:00.015+07:002023-03-02T23:11:18.901+07:00Charlie and the Tire Swing Goes on Tour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Tire-Swing-How-Began/dp/1989833233/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1663179292&sr=1-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxZM17HCB7f3Pz3es7njlmw3C1cdy12tHpjFEB0XCms2lJjgCuM12EYYOqigXesPJ3tEcjOCYzIIUtarLKW2mXDbKdXjBoPd6OfqPYYZHUL8xgFOr5bAR8_ltwXPPgzL0xxBdFKYVl49rRqkm6NBwRh9DEXuBPB9F-_GNoK9uM9n8csMSKbV0hIoi/w320-h320/Charlie_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>*Updated October 10th...</div><div>Happy September! So hard to believe summer is over. That means that fall is right around the corner and the launch of our next children's book, <i>Charlie and the Tire Swing</i>, written by Diann Floyd Boehm and illustrated by Judy Gaudet, is coming. It releases on October 8th and our virtual book tour will begin on September 26.<p></p><p>It's a beautiful intergenerational story told from the perspective of a little boy named Charlie, and his Grandpa Jack. Over a cup of hot chocolate Charlie's grandfather tells the story of how he planted an acorn with his own grandfather, Charlie's great-great-Grandpa George, and how he tenderly cared for it and watched it grow, from one season to the next. He shares that over the years, as the acorn grew into a mighty oak tree, how each generation enjoyed the shade of the tree, climbing it, reading under it, and gathering together as a family around it. It's a story of growing strong family ties, of sharing stories from generation to generation, and of appreciating nature, and the simple things in life, like swinging on a tire swing!</p><p>Thanks to the reviewers who have hopped on board the tour. If you'd like to join us, just <a href="mailto:anne@ocpublishing.ca">message me</a> to request a review copy.</p><p>Here's the line-up so far:</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSznrbJwTtZ5TaGW7cbX8e3LEULdy8miVIHV2bHY9fWm6ikqcpIDHyArq0Sg-XFjcygtCihnhAkha56OiCmboAIii3xG6IkSgbgcRf0TzeJypthPH_5GNy1zZwC-w61WQ33KBA-ewkZ3c7_NchQ_t3UnVB86mitz0LQqccikd_j9Qps7HgodY-rEz/s419/diann%20seastingcolorful%20bloue.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSznrbJwTtZ5TaGW7cbX8e3LEULdy8miVIHV2bHY9fWm6ikqcpIDHyArq0Sg-XFjcygtCihnhAkha56OiCmboAIii3xG6IkSgbgcRf0TzeJypthPH_5GNy1zZwC-w61WQ33KBA-ewkZ3c7_NchQ_t3UnVB86mitz0LQqccikd_j9Qps7HgodY-rEz/s320/diann%20seastingcolorful%20bloue.jpeg" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diann Floyd Boehm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>September 25 - <a href="http://www.astorybookworld.com/2022/09/charlie-and-tire-swing-by-diann-floyd.html">A Storybook World </a></p><p>September 26 - <a href="https://www.booklymatters.com/charlie-and-the-tire-swing/" target="_blank">Bookly Matters</a></p><p>September 28 - <a href="http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/2022/09/vbt-charlie-and-tire-swing-diann-floyd.html" target="_blank">The Phantom Paragrapher</a></p><p>October 3 - <a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/charlie-and-the-tire-swing/" target="_blank">Laura's Books and Blogs</a></p><p>October 7 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=156416267027868&set=a.154721107197384" target="_blank">Atlantic Book Reviews</a></p><p>October 9 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97aP2aXed8" target="_blank">Mary Lanni Reads</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97aP2aXed8" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5035086532" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.</p><p>October 11 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AmsG83GBA0" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Make sure you follow these blogs and we'll update the links to the reviews and interviews as they post. <i>Charlie and the Tire Swing</i> is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Tire-Swing-How-Began/dp/1989833225/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/charlie-and-the-tire-swing-diann-floyd-boehm/1141546265?ean=9781989833223" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/charlie-and-the-tire-swing/9781989833247-item.html?ikwid=charlie+and+the+tire+swing&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1#algoliaQueryId=b72eb715a0bba34e0c5d12653a962832" target="_blank">Chapters/Indigo</a>, and many other online retailers. For more on the author and her books visit <a href="http://www.diannfloydboehm.com">www.diannfloydboehm.com</a>. Learn more about OC Publishing at <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca">www.ocpublishing.ca</a>. Happy reading!</p></div>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-9621770851463441672022-09-08T02:53:00.002+07:002022-09-08T02:53:30.402+07:00Nurse! A Memoir Launches in Celebration of Author’s 60th Anniversary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Nurse-Memoir-Francene-Cosman/dp/1989833306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QBRLSVNMK14Z&keywords=francine+cosman&qid=1662580351&s=books&sprefix=francene+cosm%2Cstripbooks%2C207&sr=1-1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdwAmi2WUq2Zs2dAakwHXCMMRgI3s3VdcJnzdWW3eIO3rzNvK1XutjaYcWfwYBZWLbmqH2tQ_CpM39q-cdpapSghepe9FrKlgrdecCEDbJtAi6Nku4Z2ACRos5AK-2UIhkxIbzoLoWjNvDKLf7rQi6SyWsLpfzBSkjBBjgtb4z0W5GHgHr3q4xNcw/s320/Nurse_cover_22-06-27.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The next title coming out from OC Publishing is written by a woman who spent the early years of her professional life as a nurse and, after raising her children, making history in Nova Scotia Politics! On September 23, we will launch Francene Cosman's memoir, <i>Nurse! </i>in celebration of the 60th anniversary of her graduation from the Saint John General Hospital nursing program. The milestone follows shortly after she was awarded a Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal.<p></p><p>To say we're thrilled to be partner publishing her memoir is an understatement! Francene felt it was timely to tell the story of her nursing training in the 1960s, a reflection on how training was done in the past, as the spotlight on healthcare increases, and demand for change intensifies.</p><p>"Given the chronic nursing shortage it may be time for a dialogue about how nurses receive their education," said Cosman, "and to examine a return to early hospital training on the job, a model that worked well."</p><p>Cosman feels that nursing provided strong foundational skills that underpinned future political involvement. A long political career ensued, first as a county councillor, then the first mayor of Bedford, NS. She was appointed president of the provincial Status of Women; four years later she chaired the task force on the concerns of women and became the executive director of the Liberal Party. In 1993, she was elected to the NS Legislature and became deputy speaker. In her second term of office, she was appointed to Executive Council as Minister of Community Services, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister of the Status of Women. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn5tQ2LhfnVMKDss0aFaeKT__I38uIhOu2L9vyHMcGULW_PwPNltnST66kLWn-iE4Ie2igQiOG1tVWCTHHojiOEKRxqFNwFLGqaLdg2m2IH3fQEistTcFiSS7GUwnrJnohwCWkI_G_lOA-RQ9WzOAoDGEmrz8JbBAItUIiZCIEMXla9gQnSaeydBF/s793/francene%20cosman%20headshot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="793" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn5tQ2LhfnVMKDss0aFaeKT__I38uIhOu2L9vyHMcGULW_PwPNltnST66kLWn-iE4Ie2igQiOG1tVWCTHHojiOEKRxqFNwFLGqaLdg2m2IH3fQEistTcFiSS7GUwnrJnohwCWkI_G_lOA-RQ9WzOAoDGEmrz8JbBAItUIiZCIEMXla9gQnSaeydBF/w320-h315/francene%20cosman%20headshot.jpeg" title="Francene Cosman" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francene Cosman</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Nurse! A Memoir is available from most online retailers and can be ordered into you local bookstore on request. For more information visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca/francene-cosman.html">www.ocpublishing.ca/francene-cosman.html</a>.</p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-76031158934669220532022-03-18T01:55:00.021+07:002023-02-16T22:03:59.935+07:00Virtual Book Tour for The Holding - prequel to The Healing, by Lynda Faye Schmidt<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgThU4PVbQ_TKvVN_y9TQzviqUrdmJNbQ0tB25WPuJtbQQJjgULIaod91MyeFkARV-WNLwp2e3WwRsOzFbRBcOF1kmpIdkY9g7rO2LsAxTSIqYj9j7u-9JzxY37vxsi4YKbYowCZWGv1Kit0leU7EnAW1uHKMB_R10bo5nolTsK88zCuozjGfaX9Qas=s576" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgThU4PVbQ_TKvVN_y9TQzviqUrdmJNbQ0tB25WPuJtbQQJjgULIaod91MyeFkARV-WNLwp2e3WwRsOzFbRBcOF1kmpIdkY9g7rO2LsAxTSIqYj9j7u-9JzxY37vxsi4YKbYowCZWGv1Kit0leU7EnAW1uHKMB_R10bo5nolTsK88zCuozjGfaX9Qas=w200-h320" width="200" /></a></div>Lynda Faye Schmidt's <i>The Holding</i> - a Prequel to <i>The Healing</i>, launched on April 23rd as a #1 New Release on Amazon and rave reviews that keep coming! Below is the line-up of some of the bloggers and reviewers who have joined in on the virtual book tour. Feel free to visit their blogs and take a look-see and we'll update the links as the tour progresses. If you're a reviewer and would like to join the tour, email me (anne@ocpublishing.ca) and I'd be happy to send you an ARC!<div><br /></div><div>February 21 - <a href="https://fitforjoy.org/blog1/2022/2/14/discovering-rediscovering-amp-redefining-the-meaning-of-healing-and-love" target="_blank">Fit for Joy</a> - a preview, Discovering, Re-discovering & Re-defining the Meaning of Healing & Love</div><div>March - <a href="https://fitforjoy.org/mustreadbooks" target="_blank">Fit for Joy </a>- listed as a "Must Read Healing Book" </div><div>March 21 - <a href="https://thelilycafe.com/2022/03/21/guest-post-family-is-the-foundation-of-resilience-by-lynda-schmidt/?fbclid=IwAR12yN-Q-UyZj-5Xh5YZioRx9WKvJ1L7n62-USNQckg7LMUVlAboYnzeIn4" target="_blank">The Lily Cafe</a> - author guest blog - Family is the Foundation of Resilience</div><div>April 20 - <a href="https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-holding-review.html?fbclid=IwAR0o4FGZG4MPrh4G0gEux7IS1xr0GSqIokllcGKYTaaiqucZFWLt0Tw451g" target="_blank">Words from the Heart </a>- book review - "A story woven with hope and healing"</div><div>April 22 - <a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/rock-of-resilience/" target="_blank">Laura's Books & Blogs</a> - author guest blog - Rock of Resilience and Scars that Fortify</div><div><span style="text-align: left;">April 23 - </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iti-XlVBZcU" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a> presented by OC Publishing - author interview</div><div>April 23 - <a href="https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/2022/04/there-can-be-miracles-power-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Words from the Heart</a> - author guest blog - There can be Miracles: The Power of Faith</div><div>April 25 - May 1 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange</a> - author spotlight</div><div>April 25 - <a href="https://booktrib.com/2022/04/25/experience-one-mothers-life-and-wisdom-in-the-holding/?fbclid=IwAR1SjEHrSAnjJPzZjAflj-CAMhOA_MRfIa6odv0thgpVydnW1lBhJtLes_U" target="_blank">Book Trib</a> - book review</div><div>April 25 - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6924367682213478400/" target="_blank">Author Talk</a> with Aimee Ravichandran- author interview</div><div>May 26 - <a href="https://www.thebookcommentary.com/view-book.php?id=573%2F&fbclid=IwAR0_tgt_0tO0Jaw5jmw9fKlR6a4dkq_mBiSDWHz86EpUo46AzRLCp4xM1AE" target="_blank">The Book Commentary </a>- book review</div><div>Sept 5 - <a href="https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-holding/1" target="_blank">Reader's Favourite</a> - book review</div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Holding</i> is available<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B09Q7L1TRX/ref=sr_1_2?crid=U5TQXE8OWTPM&keywords=lynda+faye+schmidt&qid=1647542659&s=books&sprefix=lynda+faye+schmidt%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C68&sr=1-2" target="_blank"> now</a>, in both paperback and ebook with the ebook at a launch special of 99 cents! Learn more about Lynda on the <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/lynda-faye-schmidt.html" target="_blank">OC Publishing website</a> or on her author website <a href="https://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com/" target="_blank">www.lyndafayeschmidt.com </a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVZGJshGsybByo0YBgjaO-J_2YCs3EzgOIKxJL08zjaUCvhR7Uc212kDgTwYxZfIF0mq2iW-EuPYDqek5N-tClCtTz5emPk3Fj0KxHhruimEZjcqzWf0aQ4Mq4ha9Sy0hxeJMmFAJjdk5Wc7nv8FWu7k2LdTTmb-QX9BlvGs9_hqjaibSs9UsuCZJg=s3116" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="3116" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVZGJshGsybByo0YBgjaO-J_2YCs3EzgOIKxJL08zjaUCvhR7Uc212kDgTwYxZfIF0mq2iW-EuPYDqek5N-tClCtTz5emPk3Fj0KxHhruimEZjcqzWf0aQ4Mq4ha9Sy0hxeJMmFAJjdk5Wc7nv8FWu7k2LdTTmb-QX9BlvGs9_hqjaibSs9UsuCZJg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-80231184321221930282022-02-04T21:37:00.002+07:002022-02-04T21:39:40.270+07:00Father-Daughter Bond in Prequel Sets Foundation for Protagonist's Resilience and Self-Healing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2tITxcY4q12qiK2I0JCbyds5mU362j399hddVMxCdQjAMUR-YK5tGDjzjU6x6jlPGm2x-9PJVUivx1IAHKXoMdB-AZ4i915HbzLTX5_67Gks6j7Ai78Lil_PTLAm2KJd1O6gbn15UaH9MW6JhFpqxNoOtN1kPTjaJLddpgbhw_qs5Ad3Zlfbt3b4X=s576" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2tITxcY4q12qiK2I0JCbyds5mU362j399hddVMxCdQjAMUR-YK5tGDjzjU6x6jlPGm2x-9PJVUivx1IAHKXoMdB-AZ4i915HbzLTX5_67Gks6j7Ai78Lil_PTLAm2KJd1O6gbn15UaH9MW6JhFpqxNoOtN1kPTjaJLddpgbhw_qs5Ad3Zlfbt3b4X=s320" width="200" /></a></div><br />Studies have proven that the bond between a father and daughter has a direct impact on a child's future emotional well-being. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Prequel-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833160/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1643984802&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Holding</a></i> (a prequel to <i>The Healing</i>) by Lynda Faye Schmidt, launching April 23, chronicles the early years of protagonist Cate Henderson's life, setting the stage for the drama that unfolds in both novels. <p></p><p>"Lynda Faye Schmidt invites readers into a close examination of a life filled with troubles and triumphs. While Cate's journey holds surprises, what we ultimately see is how her scars fortify her," said Alison DeLory, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Prequel-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833160/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1643984802&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><i>Making it Home</i></a>.</p><p><i>The Holding,</i> based on real life experiences of the author, takes us back to the beginning, where Cate is born in a small prairie town in Canada, six weeks premature. The heart of this novel is the relationship that develops between Cate and her father, William, and how a father's devotion can instill a powerful sense of resiliency.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVTAFzlrisbfG3Pxj_0Bm0zBVQHDpWwWzA5fjlQ2W6YFiHmqWtTkjRAjmWbkGMhQqSnPOARy8cjHs7zwWOSQrcGEjY4DhYk0_cy0muGE_VbxJrK1AvKfbEPU5YyXKVxxSFF-nPQTpAHlUi8WKKKx2-tvp90Sk9RiHN4RzugndFX92KvOn1Vtdr94t_=s2816" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVTAFzlrisbfG3Pxj_0Bm0zBVQHDpWwWzA5fjlQ2W6YFiHmqWtTkjRAjmWbkGMhQqSnPOARy8cjHs7zwWOSQrcGEjY4DhYk0_cy0muGE_VbxJrK1AvKfbEPU5YyXKVxxSFF-nPQTpAHlUi8WKKKx2-tvp90Sk9RiHN4RzugndFX92KvOn1Vtdr94t_=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynda Faye Schmidt</td></tr></tbody></table>"I'm delving into some very difficult situations here based on true events from my childhood - sexual trauma, bullying, and rape. It was difficult writing it but also therapeutic. I tried not to downplay the trauma but I wanted to transform it into the focus on how love really gives you the resilience to get through those things."</p><p>The author says that one of the core reasons she was able to rise above and be a joyful and optimistic person was because of the love of her father. Her strong faith is also a guiding principle in her continual healing and personal growth. </p><p>"I'm a deeply spiritual person but I hope what I write is approachable for all. Sharing different beliefs and being able to respect one another is the key to acceptance."</p><p><i>The Holding</i> is now available for pre-order on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Prequel-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt/dp/1989833160/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1643984802&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-holding-lynda-faye-schmidt/1140837783?ean=9781989833162" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, and <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-holding/9781989833179-item.html?ikwid=lynda+faye+schmidt&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1#algoliaQueryId=4a69745f1b8dc03b495179a7cd87a3d0" target="_blank">Chapters/Indigo</a>. Learn more about the author and her books on her <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/lynda-faye-schmidt.html" target="_blank">OC Publishing page</a> or on her author website, <a href="https://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com/" target="_blank">lyndafayeschmidt.com,</a> and follow her blog, <a href="https://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com/myblog" target="_blank">Musings of an Emotional Creature</a>.</p><p>Note: If public health guidelines allow, Lynda will be doing a cross-Canada book tour with in-person book<br /> signings during launch month in April with stops in Victoria (April 1-9), Vancouver (April 10-14), Calgary (April 15-17), Winnipeg (April 18-22), Halifax (Apri; 22-30), and Toronto (May 1-4).</p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-10375437006493395912021-11-26T01:26:00.000+07:002021-11-26T01:26:00.014+07:00Holiday Launch Planned for Late Author's Second Children's Book<p> We are saddened by the recent passing of the very vivacious, funny, gorgeous, and talented author, Jackie Arnason. Last year, at the age of 87, we published her first Children's book, <i>Hambone-Why Pigs Have Curly Tails</i>. After a brief illness, Jackie passed away in September of this year, while we were well-underway in the publishing process for her second book, <i>Timothy Titus Terrance O'Toole and the Dragon. </i>With the support of her family, we pressed on and will launch her book in December. </p><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4miEWto7FMQ6IUv7mfalr-nzKtiUbeN4egulIZJErGfI123Zd6hoDGu_JMjrPDLexZ5GYqMhYqaUqDgype3gIj8WpsQLQ5s5AcbXV5tQgsjXOiApU2ZcJtjbOnzNTkDnzJxWNCa3shQ4/s2048/jackie+%2528new%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4miEWto7FMQ6IUv7mfalr-nzKtiUbeN4egulIZJErGfI123Zd6hoDGu_JMjrPDLexZ5GYqMhYqaUqDgype3gIj8WpsQLQ5s5AcbXV5tQgsjXOiApU2ZcJtjbOnzNTkDnzJxWNCa3shQ4/w240-h320/jackie+%2528new%2529.jpg" title="Jackie Arnason" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie Arnason</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A beloved story-teller to all those who knew and loved her, with the publishing of her first book, and now her second, a lifelong dream has been fulfilled. Her legacy will live on in the lessons and magical stories she shared through the years.</p><p>A prairie girl, born in a small town in Saskatchewan, Jackie's childhood years in the 'Dirty Thirties' were hard but the local library became her haven where she escaped into worlds she could only dream of growing up in Regina. She read voraciously from a young age and made up stories to entertain her younger brothers and sisters.</p><p>Her love of storytelling continued when she had children and then grandchildren. Here was a captive audience, so she continued to create fanciful stories that included gentle and imaginative ways of teaching life lessons. <i>Timothy Titus Terrance O'Toole and the Dragon</i> is a story of acceptance, tolerance, kindness, and giving back that was written to encourage a childhood friend of her daughter Barbara's, named Timmy, who felt shy and anxious about going to kindergarten.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg156EPe7Rq04bizi12LAE7GY4RtiBM8rfRI9GYl-GRNE_hAYAlkmzaYpmqJ27XINnznxG8xddpNu4TyNIXdr8JRzNx6Vg5GYxL0GHOFzae-j00zFBGYjQJi7lu5MMeBGnrY9rX-xTad1Y/s815/timothy+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg156EPe7Rq04bizi12LAE7GY4RtiBM8rfRI9GYl-GRNE_hAYAlkmzaYpmqJ27XINnznxG8xddpNu4TyNIXdr8JRzNx6Vg5GYxL0GHOFzae-j00zFBGYjQJi7lu5MMeBGnrY9rX-xTad1Y/s320/timothy+cover.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>"We always felt so special when Mom would write a story just for us or made it relatable to our lives. We appreciated her creativity and admired her life-long dedication to writing of all types. We are so grateful to now be able to share some of her stories beyond just our family, especially now that we are missing her presence day to day," said Trish Krause, Arnason's elder daughter who was inspired to pursue her own career in writing.</p><p>Learn more about the author at <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca/jackie-arnason.html">www.ocpublishing.ca/jackie-arnason.html</a>. </p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-38060586675551154172021-10-06T01:30:00.013+07:002021-11-26T09:15:07.462+07:00Virtual Book Tour for Rise! A Girl's Struggle for More<p>As we near launch day on October 20th of Diann Floyd Boehm's YA historical fiction, Rise! A Girl's Struggle for more, we're excited to share the stops on the virtual book tour. Diann is also doing in-person author events and book signings, including a pre-launch preview party at the Drumright Historical Society Museum tonight (October 5th) at 6 p.m. If you're nearby Drumright, Oklahoma, drop by and say hi and pick up a signed copy. Proceeds will go to the museum.</p><p></p><p>The live previews with Diann and with Rise! being noted as a 'hot new release' on Amazon, it's a great spring board to our virtual tour participants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNztGDA4wTh4ft_LJKq9M_pNa-JiybE1lZDn66A2fItgvgOz5VzggQi_pHdKrb0mMjj3mKHdlCNJoGwv0vgctGxljy6RYf2HOBkqtPUS3eCAb0gmgMxO20_8KaNjDrHcb2nvvvT3iiDI/s576/Rise_cover_72dpi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNztGDA4wTh4ft_LJKq9M_pNa-JiybE1lZDn66A2fItgvgOz5VzggQi_pHdKrb0mMjj3mKHdlCNJoGwv0vgctGxljy6RYf2HOBkqtPUS3eCAb0gmgMxO20_8KaNjDrHcb2nvvvT3iiDI/w250-h400/Rise_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><p>October 11 - <a href="https://sarahbutland.com/blog/2021/10/11/rise-a-girls-struggle-for-more-by-diann-floyd-boehm/?unapproved=3971&moderation-hash=ca38fe0769a0a342b9b5f6b541bba0c8#comment-3971" target="_blank">Sarah Butland, Imagination Captured</a> - book review</p><p>October 12 - <a href="http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-best-gift-ever-5-star-review-for.html" target="_blank">Bring on Lemons</a> - book review</p><p>October 20 - <a href="http://www.theindieview.com/2021/10/20/indieview-with-diann-floyd-boehm-author-of-rise/" target="_blank">IndieView</a> - author Q&A</p><p>October 20 - <a href="https://baronessbooktrove.com/rise-a-girls-struggle-for-more-by-diann-floyd-boehm/" target="_blank">Baroness' Book Trove</a> - book review </p><p>November 4 - <a href="https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/2021/11/guest-post-with-diann-floyd-boehm.html" target="_blank">Words from the Heart </a>- guest post</p><p>November 5 - <a href="https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/2021/11/rise-girls-struggle-for-more-review.html" target="_blank">Words from the Heart</a> - book review</p><p>November 17 - <a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/historic-inspiration-diann-floyd-boehm/" target="_blank">Laura's Books & Blogs</a> - guest post</p><p>November 25 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZvZBuSRHEw" target="_blank">Mary's Reviews</a> - book review on YouTube and on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4356125436" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjr3BEicg2GhXtUaYHz0tBTCkleVOFpTn2KY7V92xqqDGuq32xs289eZ166tXofDmlJ0hUUUKt6Wb7C_Am4gjoYy3x3nYC4UVvDH9bB3qEAdbOOHptXDyI4lIqFmplbNAF5zXFYRdvfY/s488/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjr3BEicg2GhXtUaYHz0tBTCkleVOFpTn2KY7V92xqqDGuq32xs289eZ166tXofDmlJ0hUUUKt6Wb7C_Am4gjoYy3x3nYC4UVvDH9bB3qEAdbOOHptXDyI4lIqFmplbNAF5zXFYRdvfY/s320/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Diann Floyd Boehm</td></tr></tbody></table>Make sure you visit and subscribe to each blog so you don't miss the reviews! As more reviewers and bloggers join the tour we'll update the schedule here. Learn more about Diann and her books at <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca/diann-floyd-boehm.html">www.ocpublishing.ca/diann-floyd-boehm.html</a> or at <a href="http://diannfloydboehm.com" target="_blank">diannfloydboehm.com/ </a><p></p><p><br /></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-33096498193648264732021-09-03T00:10:00.006+07:002021-09-03T00:13:26.211+07:00Award-Winning OC Publishing Author from Texas Writes Edgy Coming-of-Age Story<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnZ11huCNYLsP58qygTr46mWg-Qtm4-xh5HgcpbwczfZR6UHOHZjP7d-Q4du3rxHxWQK-AJVhEqi2VNtRS6U8sjy270xJxviyOtV6pKPZDzKd7_rLsNbi505MkuAFKyWEopKpxizIbI/s576/Rise_cover_72dpi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnZ11huCNYLsP58qygTr46mWg-Qtm4-xh5HgcpbwczfZR6UHOHZjP7d-Q4du3rxHxWQK-AJVhEqi2VNtRS6U8sjy270xJxviyOtV6pKPZDzKd7_rLsNbi505MkuAFKyWEopKpxizIbI/s320/Rise_cover_72dpi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The next title releasing from <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca" target="_blank">OC Publishing</a> will be author, Diann Floyd Boehm's, first YA novel, <i>Rise! A Girl's Struggle for More</i>, an old fashioned, historical family drama, launching on October 20. Set in 1920s Oilton & Drumright, Oklahoma, and Chillicothe, Missouri, it is a sweet, yet edgy (think Laura Ingalls meets the "It Girl"), coming-of-age story based on the real life of the author's grandmother.<p></p><p>"When I first heard some of the incredible stories of my grandmother's life, I just knew I had to write about her," said Boehm. "She had watched all her brothers go off to college and when she asked her parents if she could go too, they told her she should get married."</p><p>As the story goes, this didn't sit well with Ruby Pearl! She felt she was just as smart, maybe smarter, than her brothers.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Book blurb</span></b></p><p>Ruby is mature beyond her years, born at least a decade too soon. Growing up in a family of nine children in Oilton, Oklahoma, with her nose constantly in a book, she's the girl who would rather read than can tomatoes.</p><p>Ruby studies hard to make good grades, while her parents humor her. They encourage the courtship with her beau, Arthur, who they expect will be their son-in-law when the two graduate from high school. Ruby has loftier goals than that. She admires her momma and big sister, Rilla, the "CEOs of the household," and hopes to have children and a home of her own to manage someday, but first things first!</p><p>Ruby's story unfolds amidst the backdrop of a horse and buggy town welcoming his first motor cars. She becomes a pioneer for girls her age, following the inspiraiton of the suffrage movement, breaking all norms, defying tradition--and her parents--to become a truly independent woman.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inspiration</span></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NcIIuDu812xPEYIFpgQegy5_4So_5C-ICYUd24p0nm2HIGaHB3ii2c4e855B8m89sEsyV5UfV-j8PguCopNFFvnzAxojfkarQZlsBUpzkkDeFJqJ6cyBsux-2L6GPwmxzdm6VgjC4GQ/s488/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NcIIuDu812xPEYIFpgQegy5_4So_5C-ICYUd24p0nm2HIGaHB3ii2c4e855B8m89sEsyV5UfV-j8PguCopNFFvnzAxojfkarQZlsBUpzkkDeFJqJ6cyBsux-2L6GPwmxzdm6VgjC4GQ/s320/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diann Floyd Boehm</td></tr></tbody></table>"My grandmother's stories were so inspirational...here was a girl who was going to do everything she could to be independent, even it it meant standing up to her parents," said Boehm.<p></p><p>The plot brings plenty of twists and turns. "I heard stories of roughnecks and gangs trying to take over the town and my great-grandfather's role in keeping them all in line," said Boehm. "There was enough real-life drama in my family stories, I didn't have to make up any of the really dramatic scenes."</p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pre-orders and Launch Parties</span></b></p><p><i>Rise! A Girl's Struggle for More</i> is available now for pre-order on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Struggle-Diann-Floyd-Boehm-ebook/dp/B096L7FP5T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23YC4CEV38ZNL&dchild=1&keywords=rise+a+girl%27s+struggle+for+more&qid=1630601925&s=books&sprefix=rise+a+girls%2Caps%2C201&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/rise-a-girls-struggle-for/9781989833124-item.html?ikwid=rise+a+girl%27s+struggle+for+more&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=69a42a6ab7d1342d4e39faa2f60607f5" target="_blank">Indigo/Chapters</a> and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-a-girls-struggle-for-more-diann-floyd-boehm/1139629091?ean=9781989833117" target="_blank">Barnes &<br /> Noble</a>. There is also a <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-a-girls-struggle-for-more-dyslexia-friendly-edition-diann-floyd-boeym/1139706444?ean=9781989833131" target="_blank">dyslexia-friendly edition</a> available at Barnes & Noble. Or ask your local bookstore to order it in for you. Pre-launch preview parties will be held in Drumright and Oilton the first week of October. For more information <a href="https://www.diannfloydboehm.com/contact/" target="_blank">contact the author</a>.</p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-26857089384065767562021-07-28T01:10:00.017+07:002021-12-16T02:01:54.885+07:00By the Light of the Cresent Moon Virtual Book TourOn August 26th, we will launch Ailsa Keppie's much awaited memoir, <i>By the Light of the Crescent Moon</i>. On the same day we will launch her virtual book tour, featuring the blogs below joining the tour with reviews, author Q&As and guest posts. Visit and follow these blogs and make sure you follow the tour. As the posts go live we will update the links here to go direct to the tour post.<div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to the following bloggers & podcasters who have joined the tour:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dartmouthbookexchange/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange</a> - author spotlight - August 23-26</div><div><a href="http://www.theindieview.com/2021/08/26/indieview-with-ailsa-keppie-author-of-by-the-light-of-the-crescent-moon/" target="_blank">The IndieView</a> - author Q&A - August 26</div><div><a href="https://sarahbutland.com/blog/2021/08/26/by-the-light-of-the-crescent-moon-by-ailsa-keppie/" target="_blank">Sarah Butland's Imagination Captured</a> - book review - August 26</div><div><a href="http://youtube.com/c/ocpublishing" target="_blank">The Author Journey</a> with OC Publishing - author interview - August 26</div><div><a href="http://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2021/08/guest-post-by-ailsa-keppie-author-of-by.html" target="_blank">Canadian Bookworm</a> - guest post by Ailsa Keppie, Why I Wrote My Memoir - August 27</div><div><a href="https://tillie49.wordpress.com/2021/08/28/reposting/" target="_blank">Just Reviews</a> - book review - August 28</div><div><a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/" target="_blank">Storeybook Reviews </a>- guest post by Ailsa Keppie, The Voice in My Head - August 29</div><div><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/2021/08/31/interview-with-writer-ailsa-keppie/" target="_blank">Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews</a> - author Q&A - August 31</div><div><a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/life-as-a-sister-wife/" target="_blank">Laura's Books & Blogs</a> - guest post by Ailsa Keppie, Life as a Sister Wife - September 1</div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LanasAtlanticBookLoves/" target="_blank">Atlantic Book Reviews</a> - book review - September 2<span> </span></div><div><a href="https://anchor.fm/life98/episodes/Ailsa--a-Western-woman--faces-the-joys-and-challenges-of-submerging-herself-into-Islam-e16m7b5" target="_blank">It's Definitely Going to be Emotional</a> - author interview - September 6</div><div><a href="https://www.helpmesara.com/2021/12/one-womans-journey-into-another-culture-and-back-home/?utm_source=HelpMeSara+Subscribers&utm_campaign=a774517845-HelpMeSara+Newsletter+%E2%80%93+September%2C+2020_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1ac28e4118-a774517845-1392818416" target="_blank">Help Me Sara</a> - December 14</div><div><a href="https://thegirlybookclub.com/" target="_blank">The Girly Bookclub</a> - date TBD</div><div><a href="https://myquestionlife.com/blog/" target="_blank">My Question Life </a>- date TBD</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sign up to follow these blogs and podcasts so you don't miss the tour posts! Share with your friends too. For more information on the author visit <a href="http://www.ocpublishing.ca">www.ocpublishing.ca</a>. If you're interested in reviewing <i>By the Light of the Crescent Moon</i> on your blog or on Amazon or Goodreads, message me or email info@ocpublishing.ca for an ARC.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-CzGX4ZiAG4ZGKGTVoy5bFnNItC9DdgonhSXRaxXNNwwvsUDrKEf_srvVmhWa_f9w3uAlLVn_ygsFhfkd8nMKS5jgaHhA6oundxh2T1S1X2eA-jx5o7CHeUg6oAgUTDK-otpp96BvpE/s301/Ailsa_final-15-colour.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-CzGX4ZiAG4ZGKGTVoy5bFnNItC9DdgonhSXRaxXNNwwvsUDrKEf_srvVmhWa_f9w3uAlLVn_ygsFhfkd8nMKS5jgaHhA6oundxh2T1S1X2eA-jx5o7CHeUg6oAgUTDK-otpp96BvpE/s0/Ailsa_final-15-colour.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ailsa Keppie, Author</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></div>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-78491343728810189102021-07-03T21:59:00.003+07:002021-07-03T21:59:43.874+07:00Annapolis Valley Author’s Memoir a Transcultural Odyssey from Circus Performer to Muslim Wife<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDGXI1YOoojuWSVR-euJfAS75GktOHiwVNCsA41OTnfIZFTPYQWtkKS2IW-AvBUsoFD4kol3eItzZmsL6Tm6NMJCSehjhDY8eklXwe-XCC_fvUzyIdf8h9culbJibQ_1acZ_nwg1d_Ik/s2048/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDGXI1YOoojuWSVR-euJfAS75GktOHiwVNCsA41OTnfIZFTPYQWtkKS2IW-AvBUsoFD4kol3eItzZmsL6Tm6NMJCSehjhDY8eklXwe-XCC_fvUzyIdf8h9culbJibQ_1acZ_nwg1d_Ik/s320/cover.jpg" /></a></div><br /> I'm thrilled to announce that the next book coming out from <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/" target="_blank">OC Publishing</a> is a 'lyrical and sultry' memoir by Annapolis Valley-based author, <a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/ailsa-keppie.html" target="_blank">Ailsa Keppie</a>. <i>By the Light of the Crescent Moon</i> will launch on August 26 (Women's Equity Day). In her memoir, Keppie shares her story of falling in love with a fellow circus performer, converting to Islam, moving to the Middle East, and taking on the role of a pious wife.<p></p><p><i>By the Light of the Crescent Moon</i> is Keppies eighteen-year odyssey that begins when she dons a burka for the first time and truly commits to embracing her husband's culture; from moving to his home country of Morocco, to learning his language.</p><p>"Ailsa' book is a page-turner. The story of a young woman's growth into adulthood, from her Nova Scotia childhood through a period of self-searching that led her to convert to Islam and learn both safety and invisibility behind the hijab, to welcome four daughters and even a second wife into the marriange, is unusual and compelling," said psychologist Dr. Leslie Ann Costello.</p><p>Keppie wrote her memoir after returning to Canada as a way to process what was a difficult period in her life.</p><p>"When I talked to friends and family about my experience they wanted to know more about it," said Keppie. "They would say to me, 'You became Muslim? You wore a burka? You moved to Morocco and had another wife?' I realized that it was an unusual experience and people wanted to know more about it."</p><p>Keppie also said she felt a need to go back and find meaning from the struggle she'd had over those years.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsYH36-gnKse2O_bLTOCJZyHVpxsfd5lYLg7qxKvKpxrBSpaJg6nIUzMdvdqCqJXay30qDMimq7w439o_IQdRF2aYR9sKD4_ORbEgcJltEUGJx3-_WUXtCuOlelduk5R50JpYQAL_64A/s301/Ailsa_final-15-colour.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsYH36-gnKse2O_bLTOCJZyHVpxsfd5lYLg7qxKvKpxrBSpaJg6nIUzMdvdqCqJXay30qDMimq7w439o_IQdRF2aYR9sKD4_ORbEgcJltEUGJx3-_WUXtCuOlelduk5R50JpYQAL_64A/s16000/Ailsa_final-15-colour.jpeg" title="Ailsa Keppie" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ailsa Keppie, Author</td></tr></tbody></table>"I'm not really sure why I converted but the draw to Islam was part of finding a sense of belonging. You put on hijab and suddenly you're a member of a community," said Keppie who was 25 at the time. "And there was kind of a spiritual connection involved in the love story. It became entwined for me - the spiritual path and the love path, which made it all the more difficult to get out."</p><p>As the story progresses, cracks appear in her relationships. We are drawn to her inner struggle, often seeing the folly of her choices, but championing her to prevail. Torn between her inner voices of duty, shame, longing, and hope, she is determined to find the light that will get her through darkening times.</p><p>By the Light of the Crescent Moon is available now for pre-order on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Crescent-Moon-Ailsa-Keppie/dp/1989833098/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ailsa+keppie&qid=1625323766&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/by-the-light-of-the-crescent-moon-ailsa-keppie/1139526560?ean=9781989833094" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> and<br /> <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/by-the-light-of-the/9781989833100-item.html?ikwid=ailsa+keppie&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=31dfc622a8306f6957f9ea6eecfb9c21" target="_blank">Chapters/Indigo</a>. For more information visit www.ocpublishing.ca. Learn more about the author and her current life as an intimacy educator and somatic healer at <a href="http://www.pleasureforhealth.com/about-ailsa-keppie">www.pleasureforhealth.com/about-ailsa-keppie</a>. </p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-14529303874126784172021-07-03T21:34:00.000+07:002021-07-03T21:34:45.169+07:00The Author Journey with Author, Advocate & Journalist, Janice Landry<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NZghTSs8R08/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/NZghTSs8R08" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-60433195769008698012021-04-09T03:47:00.016+07:002023-02-16T22:07:52.320+07:00Virtual Book Tour for The Healing Begins April 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7cnFMR-Dhj2lYeDjSh5LHw8KpiwtE8TYYZ2OgaS7RWkKqqFpMZ8anza_EWggjZpGX3BGGW5bvxm3rxUzLRvQrudLLUIHDanR8gW34R91I_QOCJWCW5pe-QLd6hmM_wzCz8Zml-NTTIo/s1200/OC+%257C+The+Healing+-+Publishers%25E2%2580%2599+Weekly+ad+-+Billboard+Final+-+72DPI+-+Updated.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1200" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7cnFMR-Dhj2lYeDjSh5LHw8KpiwtE8TYYZ2OgaS7RWkKqqFpMZ8anza_EWggjZpGX3BGGW5bvxm3rxUzLRvQrudLLUIHDanR8gW34R91I_QOCJWCW5pe-QLd6hmM_wzCz8Zml-NTTIo/w400-h190/OC+%257C+The+Healing+-+Publishers%25E2%2580%2599+Weekly+ad+-+Billboard+Final+-+72DPI+-+Updated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As we approach launch day for Lynda Faye Schmidt's novel, <i>The Healing</i>, a women's fiction/family drama based on the author's life, we're excited to announce the blog tour schedule and introduce you to the bloggers and book reviewers who have joined the tour.</p><p>The tour begins on launch day, April 23rd. Take a look, follow these bloggers and make sure you visit on the tour dates indicated (check back regularly for updates):</p><p>Pre-Tour - March 2 - <a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/expat-author-shares-healing-journey-in-her-first-novel/" target="_blank">Thrive Global </a>- pre-launch announcement </p><p>April 16 - <a href="https://fitforjoy.org/guests1/2021/4/15/lynda-schmidt" target="_blank">Fit for Joy</a> - pre-launch podcast interview with Lynda</p><p>April 23 - <a href="http://www.theindieview.com/2021/04/23/indieview-with-lynda-faye-schmidt-author-of-the-healing/" target="_blank">IndieView</a> - author Q&A with Lynda</p><p>April 24 - <a href="https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2021/04/guest-post-by-lynda-faye-schmidt-author.html" target="_blank">Canadian Bookworm</a> - featuring a guest blog by Lynda, "What Inspired Me"</p><p>April 26 - <a href="https://dartmouthbookexchange.ca/elementor-4364/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Book Exchange</a> - author spotlight</p><p>April 29 - <a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/2021/04/review-the-healing/" target="_blank">Storybook Reviews</a> - review</p><p>May 4 - <a href="https://www.helpmesara.com/2021/05/healing-from-the-inside-out/?utm_source=HelpMeSara+Subscribers&utm_campaign=d8a818fe8c-HelpMeSara+Newsletter+%E2%80%93+September%2C+2020_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1ac28e4118-d8a818fe8c-1366802481" target="_blank">Help Me Sara</a> - podcast interview</p><p>May 13 - <a href="https://myquestionlife.com/make-time-for-authenticity-an-interview-with-author-lynda-schmidt/?fbclid=IwAR3eNVc1lF94dVr9gFYPT3GGdbE3Ny1jKL8Yu7Z0Rgz3rFpcgAsQoEY4Vo4" target="_blank">My Question Life</a> - review and author interview</p><p>June 30 - <a href="https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-healing/1" target="_blank">Reader's Favorite</a> - review </p><p>As new bloggers come on board we will update our tour stops!</p><p>Make sure you tune in to the live launch celebration on April 23 at 5:00 p.m. Atlantic time from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ocpublishing" target="_blank">OC Publishing FaceBook page</a>. We'll talk with Lynda about her author journey and be giving away copies of <i>The Healing</i>. </p><p>*After note... if you missed the live Author Journey broadcast celebrating the launch of Lynda's book, you can watch the recording on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkmlbx3ktYE&t=1295s" target="_blank">OC Publishing YouTube channel</a>.</p><p>To learn more about Lynda Faye Schmidt visit the author's website at <a href="http://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com">www.lyndafayeschmidt.com</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocbmUEN4QzEpE-Pyzdvu494eI_Ppz2BONlMZ_NxBSQmBm4qh-xshECqthbG8np1VpKaSjipAPJZScGu5LNqOEdG4xVgiRN43QO2ll_alOV3qJo76cjmE48aKozsjj0qoQVoaGi9OPPes/s2048/lynda+head+shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lynda Faye Schmidt" border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocbmUEN4QzEpE-Pyzdvu494eI_Ppz2BONlMZ_NxBSQmBm4qh-xshECqthbG8np1VpKaSjipAPJZScGu5LNqOEdG4xVgiRN43QO2ll_alOV3qJo76cjmE48aKozsjj0qoQVoaGi9OPPes/w320-h291/lynda+head+shot.jpg" title="Author, Lynda Faye Schmidt" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-6877360355868816272021-02-03T02:18:00.004+07:002021-03-25T01:08:39.526+07:00Canadian Expat Author to Launch Novel, The Healing - A Positive Pivot During COVID Lock-Down <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWK0Z2cqzIK7nzHd1ws6SsHTPdgSpeifgfz-zUwX_YAo1N5z08VgTXdeaYZ_3PBOgG5tovLSJKibnv0a6FMnqtUh7Ux6diKaPHSPt6mWjxr2EV79ZwpRPRVWlninGVtzLaIzZayaCENw/s594/72+dpi+NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWK0Z2cqzIK7nzHd1ws6SsHTPdgSpeifgfz-zUwX_YAo1N5z08VgTXdeaYZ_3PBOgG5tovLSJKibnv0a6FMnqtUh7Ux6diKaPHSPt6mWjxr2EV79ZwpRPRVWlninGVtzLaIzZayaCENw/s320/72+dpi+NEW.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />Amidst travel restrictions and lock-downs, Canadian expat author, Lynda Faye Schmidt, completed her novel, <i>The Healing</i>, that will launch on April 23, 2021.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Embracing the forced solitude of the pandemic, Lynda isolated, along with the rest of the world, and committed to completing her novel, a women's fiction/family drama based on her own life, in an effort to heal her own emotional wounds and put an abusive past behind her.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Synopsis</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Based on true events, <i>The Healing</i> is the story of Cate Henderson who, after twenty-six years in an abusive relationship, sets out on a quest to find healing. Cate packs up eerything she owns and leaves Calgary on an odessy westward, to Vancouver Island, where her ever-present journal, and the abundance of nature become the foundation of her self-recovery. She yearns for something deeper and then, when she isn't looking, she finds love with the solid and virtuous Ethan. Cate thinks his stead-fast love is what she is searching for, but soon realizes she needs to do her own work, that love for herself is the key.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With echos of <i>Eat, Pray, Love</i>, <i>The Healing</i> is a raw and vulnerable exploration of human resilience. At times both painful and uplifting, it's a story of about love, examining motherhood, partnership, grief, expectation, and optimism, and the journey inward to self-love.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One early reviewer, Anne Pybus, registered psychologist with the Canada College of Psychologists, says <i>The Healing</i> is, "One woman's powerful journey of transformation. A lesson to us all to set anchor, to rise again and again, and not be swallowed into the belly of profound trauma."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Born in a small town in Saskatchewan, Lynda lived in Calgary, Alberta for almost 30 years. After three-and-a-half years on Vancouver Island, she moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was there when the pandemic hit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyrap3lQ7TAQRqJegCOJcSD2y-R40ucxlHCCIh5wil7Xd9LsDc0ioxprGBsHYkGXuckqmufwjvuVeIa-kuo2VbeIhFAdELaVgquLlDxkyAgbCVAUQzJT5sgZhM2kh-uGk0nXr_Uf22cY/s2048/lynda+head+shot.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyrap3lQ7TAQRqJegCOJcSD2y-R40ucxlHCCIh5wil7Xd9LsDc0ioxprGBsHYkGXuckqmufwjvuVeIa-kuo2VbeIhFAdELaVgquLlDxkyAgbCVAUQzJT5sgZhM2kh-uGk0nXr_Uf22cY/s320/lynda+head+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Lynda Faye Schmidt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lynda says the writing helped her stay centred while in isolation in Riyadh amid heavy lockdowns and curfews. At times it felt heavy, especially when planned holidays came and went, leaving her unable to see her family. "There were days when it knocked me off my feet." She admits that despite the challenges, "COVID is by far not the worst year that I've had."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">An eternal optimist, Lynda hopes her message to trust the process of life and live with mindfulness resonates with others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Healing is available for pre-order on <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Lynda-Faye-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B08RY64JPL/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lynda+faye+schmidt&qid=1612292817&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon,</a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-healing-lynda-faye-schmidt/1138556193?ean=9781989833063" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-healing/9781989833063-item.html?ikwid=lynda+faye+schmidt&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=b847c05781019631e661b0dceb8641a2" target="_blank">Indigo/Chapters</a> and other global online retailers and can be ordered into local bookstores. Learn more about the author on her website at <span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.lyndafayeschmidt.com">www.lyndafayeschmidt.com</a></u></span></span></div></div><br /><p></p>Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-1173913426722192882020-12-09T02:53:00.001+07:002020-12-09T02:53:59.843+07:00Children's Author Launches Moonling Adventure on December's New Moon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG39KVjml32MjH-iM0vborluUol1gawNco0QNoiv2CN-3OuzBWOPzvKDShspeMkv0FZtWhxdZyVTIuhH4fo_6O985qtrHiJdxyexQIGhiOVrCz2wsgBetqzm2JfDz18u2Bsk9WOT2Wsc/s2048/moonling+1+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG39KVjml32MjH-iM0vborluUol1gawNco0QNoiv2CN-3OuzBWOPzvKDShspeMkv0FZtWhxdZyVTIuhH4fo_6O985qtrHiJdxyexQIGhiOVrCz2wsgBetqzm2JfDz18u2Bsk9WOT2Wsc/w320-h320/moonling+1+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On the new moon, December 14, we will be launching Houston-based author, Diann Floyd Boehm's fifth children's book (the fourth in the <i>Little Girl in the Moon</i> series), <i>Moonling Adventures-The Serengeti</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"In this adventure, exciting things are happening in Tycho Town," said Diann. "When I do classroom visits, so many kids ask me, 'Isn't there a Little Boy in the Moon?' So, in this book, we introduce the Little Girl in the Moon's best friend, the Little Boy in the Moon, and their smart Moonling dogs, Shadow and Lola." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Moonling Adventures-The Serengeti</i> is the first Moonling Adventure and the second time that Diann has teamed up with her daughter, Katherine Louise Boehm, to create the illustrations and design for her books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Diann hopes that the book will inspire young and old to visit their nearest observtory and enjoy the wonders of space and Earth's beauty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The author will be planning several launch celebrations in the New Year so visit <a href="https://www.diannfloydboehm.com/" target="_blank">her website</a> and sign up for her newsletter for updates. We will also feature Diann on the next <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8r_JRE6YXoG9xvm_1Dv-g?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Author Journey, presented by OC Publishing</a>, on launch day, December 14, at 5 p.m. Atlantic time. Join us live on the OC Publishing Facebook page and enter the draw for a chance to win a 3-book set of The Little Girl in the Moon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Moonling Adventures-The Serengeti</i>, is available now for pre-order on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonling-Adventure-Serengeti-Adventures/dp/1989833055/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=moonling+adventures&qid=1607456846&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonling-adventure-the-serengeti-diann-floyd-boehm/1138134769?ean=9781989833056" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>.</div><br /><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVv_uR_Z30iqDGFPtyUInLmacEvCakWprFus_wWHZNdicLWyQ2KOx6FRXyyzxEivR191Eq3OcnguYAbbE-DDbmnGTz1JO7VdKGc9PpUo7D7g0AJyaCU9ra0yxTH33p7TPz1mO7bkVELA/s488/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVv_uR_Z30iqDGFPtyUInLmacEvCakWprFus_wWHZNdicLWyQ2KOx6FRXyyzxEivR191Eq3OcnguYAbbE-DDbmnGTz1JO7VdKGc9PpUo7D7g0AJyaCU9ra0yxTH33p7TPz1mO7bkVELA/w315-h320/diann+new+headshot+1.jpeg" title="Author, Diann Floyd Boehm" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Diann Floyd Boehm</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-29426502600009394332020-06-24T22:37:00.001+07:002020-06-29T23:21:14.217+07:00Virtual Book Tour - Rachel Bohem's I Am NOT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7_vNV16e5Kc1kwe3x__DPlIm0OSaaEGjBLVB5YNSCzOaWMhR-NJohAzswuzSth4qb-RIM9Sjsf0BpXqPit1Xc4wEMZ7iiawFQsCM9mBs14jSE3dq6OpKJ6nzsL7qFLvgPJJ2UPKn0fM/s1600/I+Am+Not+cover+72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7_vNV16e5Kc1kwe3x__DPlIm0OSaaEGjBLVB5YNSCzOaWMhR-NJohAzswuzSth4qb-RIM9Sjsf0BpXqPit1Xc4wEMZ7iiawFQsCM9mBs14jSE3dq6OpKJ6nzsL7qFLvgPJJ2UPKn0fM/s320/I+Am+Not+cover+72dpi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This Friday we will be launching Rachel Boehm's 'Brutally Honest' memoir, <i>I Am NOT!</i> We had always planned to do a virtual book tour but that would have been combined with some in-person events with the author... until the pandemic hit. So, we 'pivot' and do what we can. Rachel will be doing a <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-not-book-launch-tickets-105814163010" target="_blank">vitural launch party</a> sponsored by ALX Community and Alexandria Living Magazine and you are all invited to join! It will be June 26 (which is also International Self-Esteem Day) at 6 pm (Eastern time).<br />
<br />
The virtual blog tour will begin on launch day and will be ongoing so, any bloggers who would like to join in, leave a comment below or send me an email at anne@ocpublishing.ca.<br />
<br />
Here's where Rachel will be featured in the coming weeks, along with links to other articles that have been posted pre-launch. We will update as new bloggers/reviewers come on board!<br />
<br />
<br />
Make sure you visit these blogs and sign up for their updates!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I Am NOT! by Rachel Boehm - Virtual Book Tour schedule:</b><br />
<b>Upcoming - </b><br />
<a href="https://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/2020/06/interview-with-journalist-turned.html?fbclid=IwAR0htNAujq90nR8HafFXbunOoQBBYoHuvFVq6s9xSRC7-pD5kLI0DgJKOyk" target="_blank">Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews -</a> June 26<br />
<a href="https://coffeewithlacey.com/2020/06/29/blog-tour-stop-i-am-not-by-rachel-boehm/" target="_blank">Coffee with Lacey</a> - June 29<br />
<a href="http://www.theindieview.com/2020/06/29/indieview-with-rachel-boehm-author-of-i-am-not/" target="_blank">The Indie View</a> - June 29<br />
<a href="http://madelinesharples.com/about" target="_blank">Choices - Madeline Sharples</a> - June 30<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-launch posts - </b><br />
<a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/self-compassion-and-determination-can-rebuild-self-esteem-inspire-the-hero-within/" target="_blank">Thrive Global</a> - April 3<br />
<a href="https://alexandrialivingmagazine.com/lifestyle/local-author-transforms-pain-into-empowerment/" target="_blank">Alexandria Living Magazine</a> - June 17<br />
<a href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/to-live-your-best-life-let-go-and-forge-anew/?fbclid=IwAR0hSaK2MYC6XTemADO0gNvwaZiCfEdcwgKps6x3jljBXIlZZhPW0sMYGAs" target="_blank">Thrive Global</a> - January 11<br />
<br />
Here's one that doesn't relate to the book launch but is a great piece about Rachel's passion for helping others live a healthy lifestyle!<br />
<a href="https://thegwlocal.com/rachel-boehm-a-powerhouse-and-a-role-model/" target="_blank">The GW Local</a> - April 23<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188518824464777978.post-40329123242779520842020-06-01T00:08:00.002+07:002020-06-01T00:08:18.076+07:00Regina Author Releases First Children’s Book at Age Eighty-Seven<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_pTvzUzl5UxtIIrmEJBnLsoWr9dmp0Z6eiOzEMPVM95ZlKYeKtHURvb9PfYUIp6eacpJr_iFuNZsW5OsvdnN_WgMXk8wSBCS_b55JGJI4u1tjfUBdgyU3RhQjOgKJAHK-j-4X8wNwnE/s1600/hambone+front+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="930" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_pTvzUzl5UxtIIrmEJBnLsoWr9dmp0Z6eiOzEMPVM95ZlKYeKtHURvb9PfYUIp6eacpJr_iFuNZsW5OsvdnN_WgMXk8wSBCS_b55JGJI4u1tjfUBdgyU3RhQjOgKJAHK-j-4X8wNwnE/s400/hambone+front+cover.png" width="395" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">In celebration of Book Lovers Day, Regina-based author, Jackie Arnason, will launch her first children’s picture book, <i>Hambone – Why Pigs Have Curly Tails</i>, on August 9, 2020, partner published with OC Publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The tale is one of many that Arnason made up for her children more than 50 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I started making up stories way back when I was a little girl,” said Arnason. “But when my children were very small I would be putting them to bed and they would ask me to tell them a story. An idea would just pop into my head and away we’d go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Even though it’s a long time in the making, Hambone’s message is still relevant today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Hambone, with some friends along the way, shows us that when we work together and show kindness to others we can all help each other on our journeys,” said Laura Shepherd, a literacy/numeracy specialist in Regina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When Arnason was a little girl growing up in Regina in the “Dirty Thirties” she was the eldest of seven children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIaRqGMWVlSA2VJ_2TH2RElwWj0NGJwK4PGexZndanMZNblZm7V26L5Ag2V2t2vqyOL9Z2O72VHYyC8mlSAYrIjiHG3Fe_ulT_llb5SW8qHuj7YaolrPT81-Jbw0Dq-b_BWcV9_LJu-w/s1600/jackie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIaRqGMWVlSA2VJ_2TH2RElwWj0NGJwK4PGexZndanMZNblZm7V26L5Ag2V2t2vqyOL9Z2O72VHYyC8mlSAYrIjiHG3Fe_ulT_llb5SW8qHuj7YaolrPT81-Jbw0Dq-b_BWcV9_LJu-w/s320/jackie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author, Jackie Arnason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Reading kept me out of mischief,” she said. “We didn’t have much but I would escape to the library and spend hours … I read about three books a week. My mission was to read all the books on the shelves, from A to Z.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Arnason’s grandmother </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">wrote articles for The Atlantic and her grandfather was a contributor to the 37<sup>th</sup> edition of Webster’s Dictionary. She says she learned her love of words from him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I would sit on his lap, we would read the dictionary and we would pick out words and I would learn their meanings,” said Arnason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">There is always a gentle life lesson or a moral to each story that she tells. In <i>Hambone</i>, she says, “I want readers to realize that no matter how crazy your dream is, if you work hard enough, it can come true. And, on your way to realizing your dream, there may even be a special twist in the end and your dream will be better than you could even imagine. In short; be kind to others, believe in your dreams and don’t be a bully.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Arnason grew up in Regina and during her professional life worked as an office administrator for various businesses, her most memorable being the Saskatchewan Centre for International Languages where she ran the translation service. As a new author, she has joined the Wascana Writer’s Guild and the Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild. <i>Hambone</i> will be available to order through online retail stores such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Chapters/Indigo and through local book stores. For more information visit </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ocpublishing.ca/jackie-arnason.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.ocpublishing.ca/jackie-arnason.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Anne Louise O'Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17466905565637673954noreply@blogger.com1