CONTEST: "Your Chance To Win A FREE Autographed (ARC) Advanced Review Copy of: BLOOD LINES by Kathryn Casey"

~CONTEST~

For your chance to win a FREE, AUTOGRAPHED Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of:

BLOOD LINES by Kathryn Casey



To win your chance
for the FREE, AUTOGRAPHED
Advanced Review Copy (ARC),
all you need to do
is answer the following
question CORRECTLY:



"What is the title
of the sequel to
BLOOD LINES
by Kathryn Casey,
that is scheduled
for Fall 2010?"

HINT: Visit Kathryn Casey's site here!



The contest ends at midnight on Sunday, 03 January 2010. The WINNING NAME will be selected from all the correct entries received. (Please be sure to include your email address or the url for your blog with your entry, so that we can get in contact with you in the event that you are the winner.) Best Wishes to you all!

Please submit your entries here




IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CONTEST ENDS at midnight on
Sunday, 03 January 2009.
(contest limited to U.S. participants only.)




Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.

Cynde



Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"One Lovely Blog Award!"

I would like to thank Pamela Maclean of From Barbies to Words for presenting me with a very special award for my blog. It is the:

"One Lovely Blog Award!"





According to the rules of the award, I am now supposed to identify fifteen (15) blogs whom I think are worthy of receiving this wonderful award, then I am supposed to post the nominees on my site, and then notify each of them individually.

Fifteen seems like so many for me to be giving this award out to, when I believe the whole point is to identify the "few" that stand out in my mind. Furthermore, I want to make sure that my nominees know that I am absolving them of the responsibility of having to select that many, because that means a potential total of 225 more nominees being generated on top of the 15 that I would have had to select. As you can see, a thing like this could get way out of hand in no time at all, especially when there is more than one award going around, and I want this to be a blessing to my nominees, and not a burden. So I am giving my nominees permission to nominate only five (5) of their most deserving blogs for the "One Lovely Blog Award!"






And here are the blogs and blog owners that I have chosen to become the recipients of the "One Lovely Blog Award!" :

1. Author 101 et al from A Book Inside—How to Write and Publish a Book


2. Carma Dutra from A LOOK AT CHILDREN'S WRITING through Carma's Window


3. Diana Black et al from Bookland Heights


4. Mayra Calvani from Mayra's Secret Bookcase


5. Michelle McLean from Michelle McLean's Writer Rambings

Congratulations to my nominees and I hope you realize what an inspiration your blogs have been to me. It was a really tough decision to have to narrow it down to only the five (5) selections this time, but I think that it made me truly evaluate their sites closely and think about what I had learned from them. It was fun!




Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.

Cynde



Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"Cynde's "Sunday Sensation" Book Review!"

It was not originally on my schedule of "Upcoming Events" to review the book that I'm reviewing today, but when I read an excerpt of it following "meeting" the author on Facebook, I was compelled to do so.

The book to which I am referring is, "SINGULARITY", written by Kathryn Casey.

Kathryn is a former magazine reporter, the author of five highly acclaimed true-crime books and this was her first attempt at a fiction novel. She has been featured on numerous radio interviews and has also appeared on such shows as: Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Grace, Montel Williams, A&E and Court TV. She and her husband reside in Houston, Texas with their schnauzer, "Max".



The story centers around protagonist Sarah Armstrong, a Texas Ranger profiler who is one of the few female rangers in Texas. Not only does she have to work twice as hard to prove herself, but she is also a newly-widowed, single mom to a growing eleven-year-old daughter who was having a hard time adjusting to the death of her father.

When Sarah is called in to profile a case, she is met with opposition from some of the "good ole boys". While they go off on a tangent of their own, she is in a race for time to prove that her theory is correct--all before they convict whom she thinks is an innocent women and a serial killer is allowed to run loose, killing over and over again.

Meantime, the psycopath committing the murders and then posing the bodies in grotesque ways, decides to set his sights on Sarah and all she holds dear.



The characters in this thriller are full-bodied, three-dimentional, likable, and believable. I found myself genuinely caring about some of them and downright hating a few of the others, and that's the mark of a really good book.

In some sections of this book I was literally on the edge of my seat, skipping over entire paragraphs, hoping to find answers, but I quickly dragged myself back to where I had left off so that I wouldn't miss a single word.

There were a couple spots in the story that were a tiny bit predictable, but that's what added to the charm of this book, because life is predictable, too. By contrast, right after I thought I had the thing all figured out, it took a turn, and things were not at all as they seemed.

Kathryn's writing style is very pleasant. Her eloquent use of descriptive phrases and words made me forget I was reading while I lost myself in the story, being carried away as if I were a character within it myself.



In summary, I would say that this is an excellent book and I loved it. It's an easy read, I enjoyed it and I am so glad that there will be another Sarah Armstrong mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who also loves Patricia Cornwell books, like I do.

If you would like to learn more about Kathryn Casey, please visit her website here.



Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.

Cynde



Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"Upcoming Events at Cynde's "Write Stuff" Blog!"

For those of you that aren't aware of the fact that I've been having trouble with my laptop for quite some time now, you may be interested to know that it's now out for repair. And...it's seriously overdue! I feel totally lost without it, too.

I wanted to let you know that I'm doing great with my Holly Lisle writing course. It's amazing. Also, the following is just a brief list of what you can expect in the weeks to come on my blog. (I'm on my way to the doctor this morning, so I can't spend too much time on this):

• A book review of "Wake" written by Lisa McMann.


• A book review of "Fade" written by Lisa McMann.


• A book review of "One Wish" written by Leigh Brescia.


• A book review of "Hate List" written by Jessica Brown.


• An update of how my brother, John S. Bond's book, "BLOOD KIN", is doing.


• An interview with guest author, Allan Mayer, who wrote the amazing book, "TASTING THE WIND".

Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.

Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

Exciting Writing News!

Well, I have finally decided to take the plunge and change my life! My writing life, that is. I have enrolled in Holly Lisle's "How To Think Sideways Career Survival School", and I got in just under the gun. You see, she won't be letting anyone else sign up to be in this course until next year because she wants to be able to " have the time to get involved in discussions" and "to brainstorm with students". She also wants "to play an active role in each class that comes through" and "to be relaxed and present on the boards". I think that is a reasonable request as well as an added benefit for anyone taking the course and I can't wait to dive right it.

I started exploring everything just yesterday, including downloading all the materials she has for us and I don't mind telling you how excited I am. I started reading the first lesson and I had to go get my husband and read it to him! I don't remember ever being so motivated about my writing before and it's as if my mind has become a sponge. Holly Lisle is a great teacher and she seems to know where to help you tap in to your subconscious mind—your Muse—to get it to come alive. Imagine: me, actually having a Muse of my very own!

If you'd like to know more about Holly Lisle's writing courses, just click on the banner in the sideline on the right, or the one below:



Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"What's-Up-Wednesday Book Review!"

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reading one of the best books that I have read in quite some time. It was engaging; the characters were believable, complex, and likable; the story was very poignant; and there was an even an exciting murder mystery hidden inside this compelling story that puts a very real face on the problem of the abuse of helpless patients in mental institutions by their caregivers.

The book is "Tasting The Wind" written by Allan Mayer.


On the evening of Christmas Eve, in a Victorian Mental Institution, two patients (Eddie and Andrew) with severe learning disabilities watched as another patient helplessly died, choking to death on his own vomit, after having his hands tied to his bed crucifixion style by a nasty, abusive nurse (Della Cahill) in a fit of rage.

When the nurse came back later and realized what had happened as a result of what she had done, she cleaned up the mess and locked Eddie, the only witness that she thought was capable of uttering a word against her, in what was called "The Punishment Room." Then, after a short investigation, the whole thing was written off as an accident, even though they suspected (with no proof) that the nurse may have been responsible for the incident.

Ten years later, when a man named Martin Peach (the protagonist of the story) comes to take a job at the mental institution where Eddie and Andrew are still living, things finally start to happen.


As coincidence would have it, the nurse who left under the cloud of suspicion all those years ago has now returned to fill the position of Manager and Martin's boss at the newly-formed institution.

Immerse yourselves in the intrigue as Martin and his co-workers try to fit together the clues they uncover and solve the mystery of "Tasting The Wind" before Eddie and/or Andrew become one of Della's next victims. TRUST ME...you won't want to miss this awesome book!





Here's a video of the Prologue for this book—it's really great!

For more information on "Tasting The Wind" and its author, visit Mr. Mayer's official website here and his blog here. His website contains author interviews, publishing tips and other goodies that are very useful—you'll really enjoy it there.




Until next time...stay safe, stay well and may God bless you all.

Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:

Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"My Blog Has Received Another Award!"

"“Boredom is a disease of the mind and psyche, an insidious disease. It not only takes the joy out of life, but the creativity as well. No one of God's children should ever be bored with life.”
Unknown Author






I was surprised by one of my followers last week and I want to share my news with everyone. Angie Lofthouse from the wonderful blog, Notes From The Writing Chair, gave my blog The Kreative Bloggers Award!" (see above) I was both thrilled and honored.







I want to publicly thank Angie for thinking of me; I'm deeply touched and hope that I am worthly of such an award. Thank you, Angie!





I now have the pleasure of nominating seven (7) bloggers that I believe are also worthy of this wonderful award. But before I do, let me post the rules that go along with this award.


The rules are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.


2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.


3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.


4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting. (below)


5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.


6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.


7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

Here are the seven (hopefully) interesting things about myself:

1. I have a twin sister named Sande and we look just alike--and we used to be triplets.


2. My first husband was a twin, and his twin brother wanted to marry my twin sister. Thankfully Sande say "no" or we both would have made huge mistakes.


3. Sande and I also have another set of twin sisters named Barbara & Beverly. They are older than we are and are half-sisters, but look enough like us to be full sisters.


4. I used to be engaged to my husband's older brother. This is a sad story: Dana (my fiance) was killed in a car accident while we were engaged. The story ends happily in a different way because my husband and I are very happy together and we believe that Dana (who is in Heaven now) is happy for us because he loved us both very much.


5. My twin and I sing harmony together at weddings and church functions, etc. It's like our voices were made for each other!


6. Dion (my husband) and I ride on his 1973 Honda CB750 motorcycle together on weekends, and it's one of our favorite things to do.


7. I have written skits, songs and little stories since I was a little girl, and not until I was married have I had the chance to be able to pursue my dream. My husband has been a tremendous encouragement. How cool is that? I'm finally living my dream!

The following are the Bloggers that I have nominated:

1. I Write Therefore I'm Happy!


2. More Than Words


3. Murderous Musings


4. Tales of Extraordinary Ordinariness


5. The Kill Zone


6. The Writer's Porch


7. Two To Write

Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all.

Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:
Cyndes's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"LOOK: My Brother's Book, "BLOOD KIN" For Sale At BORDERS!"

Monday, 31 August 2009 would have been my brother, John S. Bond's 62nd birthday, so my husband, Dion, my sister, Carol Lee Harris (the editor and "mastermind" for the publishing of the book for my brother, posthumously) and I thought that it would be the perfect day to have the Borders Bookstore in Ithaca set up the display for his book, "Blood Kin". The Sales Manager at the store, Linda Hendrix, even came in on her day off to accomodate us, (what a sweetheart!) so everything went very smoothly!



Carol Lee brought both soft cover and hard cover copies of "Blood Kin" with her, and we are hoping that his book will sell out and need to be replaced before our scheduled return to town next month. Wouldn't that be great?

Dion took a couple of pictures to show you what the book looks like on display, plus here's a close-up of the one with the "Borders Local Author" sticker on it. I think that it turned out really great! Hopefully, the next time that I report on my brother's book, I'll have some more good news for you.



Quote for the day: "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." Truman Capote

Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all.

Cynde

Please check out my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!

"Did You Miss Me? Well, It's TINKERBELL's Fault!"

Did you miss me? Well, I certainly have missed you! I have been so busy, and I have lots of news to catch up on, too.


The only reason that I haven't been online is because: "Tinkerbell" (my laptop computer) has been extremely naughty! She refused to cooperate with me--at all! And then when she did decide to, it was only for an hour, here and there. She was driving me crazy!

I finally had to have the "Doctor" look at her, and he prescribed some medications that have worked wonders on her, shall we say, "attitude", and she is feeling much better now.



After I get situated and all of my photos downloaded, I'll try to get some more postings done in the next few days so that I can catch up on some of what has been going on.

I am amazed at how helpless I felt when I didn't have a laptop available to use. How did I become so dependent on one? I'm wondering--do all of you out there feel the same way as I do? I wish you would leave me some comments and tell me one way or the other and if you have an interesting story to tell along those lines.

Also..."Tinkerbell" just asked if she could leave a message for all of you and I said, "yes". Here is her message to you (and to me) for messing up my computer and interrupting my blog for three weeks:



"Awww...Your apology is accepted, "Tinkerbell". Right, guys? Now...let's try to put this episode behind us and we'll all try to do better, OK? But...if you do it again, I'll have to replace you. Understood, "Tinkerbell"? Alright then. Great!"



Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all.

Cynde

Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!