Love is in the air...

Happy Cupid Day!

Time to spread some love... a few of the authors of FIRST LOVE, IWSG Anthology #7 would like to share some lovely thoughts about how they and/or their characters romanticize Valentine's Day!

Delicate Delights from Sylvia Ney

In 1912 Louisiana at the turn of the 20th century, postcards became a popular way of sending Valentine greetings. So, it's very likely they would have sent their loved ones something like what you see here. They also traded flowers, fat red hearts full of chocolates, heart-shaped cookies and cakes, stick candy, and even nuts. As socialites, the main characters in PAPER FACES, James and Helen would be extremely busy on Valentine's Day. They would have held a themed party that included dinners with favors, sweet treats as mentioned above, plus the exchange of those cards. However, they would also have found some private time to celebrate just the two of them.

Love at Third Sight by Templeton Moss

For me, Valentine’s Day is Jack Benny Day because one of my all-time favorite comedians was born on February 14th, 1894. And here is a favorite true life love story concerning this star of stage, screen, radio and television:

    It all started in 1921 when Zeppo Marx invited fellow vaudevillian Jack Benny to a Passover seder for his for fourteen-year-old cousin Sadie. The young girl desperately tried to appear grownup and kept fawning over Jack, who was twice her age and found her attentions embarrassing. 

    Five years later, they were set up on a blind date. Sadie was about the most beautiful girl Jack had ever seen, and he didn’t make the connection to the annoying young seder. Sadie remembered Jack and treated him coolly. When Jack found out where she worked, he went to see her every single day. But she told him he had to buy something if he wanted to hang around, so he bought stockings from her each and every day, helping her set all-time sales records for her department. Finally, they were married, and Sadie asked her new husband if he remembered attending a seder with Zeppo Marx.

    “I’ll never forget it,” said Jack. “There was some silly little girl…all dressed up in her sister’s clothes.”

    “That silly little girl is your wife, Jack.”

Timeless Romance by Melissa Maygrove

Mr. John Harding is the hero of MY HEART APPROVES. He would do the same as any wealthy man in 1865 and order an exquisite Valentine's Day card from The New England Valentine Company run by Esther Howland. Mr. Harding would spare no expense choosing a card with lines of verse as well as ribbons, hidden doors, and layers of gilded lace. It would cost an entire dollar, but John wouldn't care. He would happily purchase it and present it to his beloved Adelaide on a moonlit terrace at Lindmoor, his Portland estate.

Sweets & Snuggles with Kim Elliot

My husband knows me better than anyone, which is why I suspect he’ll give me a dozen assorted Krispy Kreme doughnuts for Valentine’s Day. For his gift, I usually bake a batch of his favorite shortbread cookies cut into heart shapes with strawberry jam centers. Our gifts may sound like a lot of sugar, but we have to share with the kids too. After putting the little ones to bed, we’ll order from our favorite sushi place, cuddle on the couch, and watch Star Trek: DS9. I love being married to a fellow nerd!

Love Every Day from Denise Covey

When you're in a loving relationship, Valentine's Day is every day, not just one day of the year. My characters have never celebrated Valentine's Day, perhaps because I don't, but at WEP (Write...Edit...Publish), an online writing community I co-run, we always offer a prompt in February which can be an ode to Valentine's Day... or not, depending on the writer's attitude to romance.

We hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day

Be with those you love and show them love every day!

via GIPHY

Voyagers Author Beth Anderson Schuck and a Labor of Love

Today our blog showcases 

Beth Anderson Schuck, 

the author of "The Orchard" 

published in the

2020 IWSG anthology

Voyagers:  The Third Ghost. 

Beth is sharing her current WIP,

a middle grade historical novel 

with the working title 

Alma’s Recipes for Life.

A Labor of Love

by Beth Anderson Shuck

     I have been working on a middle-grade historical fiction manuscript since I retired a few years ago. The story is based on my Norwegian grandmother’s teen-age years, which occurred in the early years of the 20th century. I have combined her life events with my research on the setting and time period in Marshalltown, Iowa where the story takes place. It has been a labor of love to bring her story to light. 

     I have always loved historical fiction especially stories set long ago and those involving women taking on new roles in society for their time period. I suppose I believe in the adage that if you don’t understand history, you are doomed to repeat it. Thus, it seems reading about history even via fictional works, is a great idea for young people.

 

     The setting for the story allows me to showcase some topics that still challenge our society today and so I hope this personal story will resonate with readers. Child labor and the accompanying lack of formal education and the challenge for new immigrants to assimilate while retaining their ethnic identities are some of the issues I raise in the manuscript. It includes some adult themes such as death and a bit of romance so I would call it upper middle grade appropriate, for ages twelve to fourteen. 

     The story focuses on Alma, my paternal grandmother as she experiences working as a cook for a wealthy family. At age 13, she quits school to work full time, as her family needs money. Her employers, the Sowers live a life very different from hers and she compares their experiences with her own.  Alma begins to realize her parent’s preferences for her differ from her own goals especially as her world expands via her work. Through the story, Alma determines how to balance her family’s beliefs with her own and what she wants to carry forward into her adult life.

Beth's Grandparents, Frank and Alma, in their Easter Finery

Photo Courtesy of Beth Anderson Shuck

     There is a tragic element to the story as Alma’s younger sister dies from tuberculosis, (TB). During this time period, TB was endemic in some urban areas often affecting the poor. Treatment prior to antibiotics was isolation often at a sanitarium. To avoid sending their young child away and to avoid the stigma associated with the illness, the family hides the diagnosis. This, of course creates issues for Alma. 

     My grandmother’s sorrow from these events wasn’t evident or even known to me, her youngest grandchild. I appreciated her love, of course, and her baking, sewing and sense of humor. My grandfather grew up just a few blocks from her and was friends with her brothers. He was a ‘railroad man’ from an early age. He won Alma over after a long courtship and they were married for 74 years! He plays a role in the story, as does a ruby ring they gave me when I turned thirteen. It was a special ring my grandfather gave to Alma’s sister as a birthday gift. Since she died young, it was returned to Alma and she chose me to have it.  I treasure the ring and the story behind it. 

     I’m in final editing mode with the help of my critique group and hope to shop the manuscript in 2021.  The current title is Alma’s Recipes for Life as her recipes play a role in the storyline and I’ve included them as part of the manuscript.

Alma's Recipes, Ring and Spices

Photo Courtesy of Beth Anderson Shuck

Bio

Beth Anderson Schuck is a retired librarian who believes reading can take you anywhere.  She writes historical fiction featuring willful female characters. Being in nature whether hiking, birdwatching or gardening makes her whole.

Visit Beth at Instagram | Twitter 

* * * * * * * * * *

Coming on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 . . .

Would you like a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents?  Well, you're in luck, because on January 20, 2021 the Insecure Writer's Support Group will be hosting its next Twitter Pitch.  Come back next Wednesday, IWSG Day, to get some great information on twitter pitching from IWSG founder and science fiction author Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Till next time ~
Fundy Blue 

* * * * * * * * * *

If you haven't read Beth's short story "The Orchard" 

in VOYAGERS:  The Third Ghost, you can find it here.

You can order a copy of
VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost 

at the links below.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95

EBook 9781939844736 $4.99

Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure /
Fantasy & Magic

Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/  - Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

"The Orchard" ~ A mystical story with young protagonist Nels, 

whose magical powers connect her to nature in rugged, remote Utah.

Congratulations and Some Questions

Congratulations to all the IWSG members who entered this year's anthology contest.  You're all winners for submitting an entry.  It will be great fun to see what our members have done with the science fiction genre and dark matter theme.  Look for the winners to be announced toward the end of the year.


                    

Now comes the judging!  The IWSG administrators will create a shortlist of the best stories, and the shortlist will be sent to the official judges to pick the winners.  The IWSG has a wonderful slate of authors, agents, editors, and publishers as judges this year:  Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King.   I don't envy them the task of picking the winner.

The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, in the next IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. Somewhere out there among our IWSG members is one lucky author who will share the honor earned by Yvonne Ventresca and previous winners Gwen Gardner, Jen Chandler, and L.G. Keltner, that of having his or her story grace the cover of the anthology. 

                                    

I was likely the least experienced writer of all the winners in Voyagers.  During the last eight or nine months I have climbed up a very steep learning curve. Along the way I received a lot of help from my fellow anthology authors, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and L. Diane Wolfe.  One of the best results of being featured in the anthology was my opportunity to work with Diane as my editor and publisher.  I have learned so much from this amazing person, and I am beyond grateful.  I was so green I didn't understand what she needed from me to collect my first royalty check.  But I'm a quick study and rectified that hole in my knowledge right away.

But, as a newly-published author, I still have questions.  I'm hoping this post will generate some answers:

1.  Do you, as an author, have a domain name?  Where is the best place to get one, and are there any pitfalls in choosing a name and in choosing a place to purchase your domain name?  Do you have to pay the fee annually?

2.  What is the best place to set up an author's website?  Is it possible to do this yourself or should you invest in having it done professionally?  What do you think are the most important things to include on your author's website?

I know that I could hunt this information down on the internet, but I'm tired of slogging around in the wilderness; I'd like some in-the-trenches guidance from IWSG members.  I'm sure I'm not the only one with these questions.  Any information would be much appreciated!

Lost in the Wilderness

Western Nova Scotia

August 5, 2018

© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue

All Rights Reserved

And for any of you procrastinators out there who are finishing up your entry for this year's contest,

YOU STILL HAVE A WHOLE WEEK!
Woo Hoo!

Pinterest

Our next post will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 IWSG Day. 

Stay healthy and well until then!

Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

* * * * * * * * * *

Reviews of Voyagers:  The Third Ghost:

1.  Check out lots of reviews and ratings at Goodreads.

2.  Excerpts from Amazon reviews:

"It's been a long time since I've read a collection of various genre stories that had me so overwhelmed with emotion at the end, and the fact that it's a middle-grade collection still boggles my mind."

"What do slave ships, ghosts, time travel, Pompeii, WWII, aeroplanes, and the Iron Curtain have in common?  They all appear in this absolutely fantastic collection of short stories by the Insecure Writer's Support Group."

"The amazing thing about themed anthologies is that, while there's a single theme, the stories are incredibly varied. In the case of Voyagers: The Third Ghost, not only are the stories varied, but each is well-crafted and engaging... All take the reader on a short, but rewarding journey."

You can order a copy of
VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost 

at the links below.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95

EBook 9781939844736 $4.99

Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure /
Fantasy & Magic

Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/  - Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

In the Spotlight: L.T. Ward ~ Author of "Return to Cahokia"

Over the past nine weeks, the IWSG Anthology blog has featured posts

from nine of the authors in Voyager: The Third Ghost.
Our author today is, last but not least, L.T. Ward.


L.T. Ward on her short story "Return to Cahokia" ...

Before January 2019, I was not a writer. I had been a stay-at-home mom with four children, working part-time in marketing. My eldest, a teenager, had come home one day the previous December and told me that her dreams of becoming an actress were stupid. Before my frustrations at her dismissing her aspirations settled in fully, I asked her why she felt that way. She explained that everyone in her life said it was foolish, lacking pragmatism, and that she should focus on a more reliable future. When I said acting made her happy and that I supported her in her creative goals, she said it didn’t matter and couldn’t be done.
I asked why. She said because no one in her life ever did anything they wanted, just what they were expected to do, especially me.
That set me off, because NO ONE, not even me, was allowed to convince my children they didn’t deserve to go big with their lives.
So I started writing.
For my first novel, I had researched Cahokia Mounds, the pyramids located outside of St. Louis, MO were fascinating. To see them firsthand, I took my children to visit the mounds during a vacation. The pyramids were beautiful and the history there, rich. I wanted to learn more, but found there was a lot of missing history as the city had demolished so much of the land during urban development. I went home inspired and a little sad, but the images and feel of the sites wouldn’t leave my mind.
Back home, I started a second novel, completed it, then tried to figure out my next step. Both novels needed heavy editing, but I wasn’t ready to tackle that. Yet, I had found in writing what I saw my daughter has when she is on stage--satisfaction. I googled “insecure writer help” and found The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It was everything I needed to push me in my aspiring writing career.
The IWSG put out a call on Facebook for their upcoming middle grade anthology. The theme for The IWSG Anthology was Historical-Fantasy/Adventure. Both of my novels were young adult fiction, but they each maintained speculative fiction. I still had that needling idea about Cahokia Mounds from my visit so I decided I had to write a short story to submit.
To begin writing, I thought back on what had inspired my novels. Weather. I live in an area fraught with erratic weather. I’d seen the damage of floods, F5 tornados, and violent winters. Mother Nature is powerful and magnificent. Each season, I’m in awe of the effects the sky has on the land and people below. Weather isn’t common small talk because it’s convenient; it’s because we all care about it. During long walks, I watched the skies, felt the winds, and the idea for “Return To Cahokia” grew.
To my extreme surprise and thrill, my very first short story will also be my first publication. The story and its creation are very near and dear to my heart, which adds to my joy at its upcoming release.
An added bonus: My eldest has resumed her big dream aspirations.

The Birdman Tablet

The Birdman is etched on a lot of the artwork and pots that have been found at Cahokia.

Cahokia Mounds State Park, Collinsville, Illinois, USA 

Photo by L.T. Ward

Blurb 

Will Tonalli, her mother, and her siblings, Warm Weather Gods, complete their spring journey back to Cahokia, and what will happen if they don't?

Excerpt from "Return To Cahokia" 
by L.T. Ward ... 
“Tonalli, my daughter,” my mother calls, “have you prepared yourself for our journey?”
“Yes, Mama,” I tell her. Mama knows my siblings and I are all ready for our return to Cahokia. It has been nearly eight months since our last visit, and we are--literally--bursting with anticipation to return.
Since our departure from our summer home, my family has traveled long distances over the earth, until we reached the dark, chilly waters in the east. We rode the clouds south, toward the warmer climates, as is our duty as the Warm Weather Gods. We spent our winter lounging and resting over the lands, providing the luxurious humidity and heat our people need. Wintering over the southern lands, they reward us with offerings of their bountiful harvest. Cocoa is my favorite, but my mother, Yolotl, loves the offering of guava.
But now, spring is nearing and we get to finally return to our favorite home.
“Come along, Tonalli,” my mother says. I follow her obediently, walking carefully atop the clouds. My father, Yaxkin, never joins us. He has to remain behind to lighten the days, reflecting his warmth to his brother, Metztli, to brighten the nights. Mama will guide us, though. My many siblings and I will make the journey every spring to Cahokia without Papa, but he will visit as best he can. He usually makes time several weeks in the late summer, just before we prepare our eastward trek to the sea. And he will join us for the Arrival Celebration.

Bio

LT hails from the Land of Corn,
otherwise known as Central Illinois,
where weather inspires her literary works. 

When not writing speculative fiction
shorts and novels, she spends her days
raising a brood of plague monsters
(a.k.a. her children) as well as
satisfying her never-ending thirst
for knowledge through reading,
meeting people, and first-hand life experiences.

Twitter

Coming on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 . . .

Our authors will share their favorite middle grade books.

* * * * * * * * * *

Upcoming Blog Interviews and Virtual Tours:

1. March 16 - Yvonne Ventresca http://bookshopwithstaceyhoran.libsyn.com/bookshop-interview-with-author-yvonne-ventresca-episode-063

2. May 4 - June McCrary Jacobs https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/

3. May 6 - C. Lee McKenzie, Author https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

4. May 6 - Literary Rambles – Natalie Aguirre https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

5. May 11 - Juneta Key https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

* * * * * * * * * *

The release date for VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost 
is May 5, 2020,
but purchase links are available,
and you can preorder a copy now.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95
EBook 9781939844736 $4.99
Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic
Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press


Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

In the Spotlight: Beth Schuck ~ Author of "The Orchard"

Over the coming weeks, the IWSG Anthology blog will be featuring posts

from each of the authors in Voyager: The Third Ghost.
Our author today is Beth Schuck.


Beth Schuck on her short story "The Orchard" ...

My interests in camping and genealogy may seem like an odd pair for inspiring a short story. Both influenced development of "The Orchard." Using a historical setting creates challenges for the characters, which in turn allows their personalities to shine. I have researched my Scandinavian heritage and discovered prior relatives who had forest-related occupations. Norwegian immigrants often immigrated to the American West and found work in orchards or lumber camps. This was the spark for Nels, the young protagonist, with magical powers that connect her to nature. Camping allows me to appreciate gorgeous, rustic places. When visiting, I imagine what life was like in pioneer settlements. I wonder how women made their way in difficult circumstances with few life choices. That was my motivation for creating Della, the narrator. Staying in Capitol Reef National Park inspired me to learn more about the history of the Junction area, now Fruita, Utah. The orchards were planted by the pioneers and are still thriving today. The uncertain conditions of rural existence in the early 1900’s fascinate me. How did families exist, isolated and with limited resources? They had to learn to rely on each other to survive. That challenge, two capable female protagonists, and my belief that nature can connect us in magical ways launched "The Orchard."

Fruita Schoolhouse Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah, United States. Photo by Beth Schuck

Blurb 

Can Nels, with her magical connections to nature, and Della help each other survive in a remote area of Utah over a century ago?

Excerpt from "The Orchard" ... 

She readied herself, balancing her body weight back on her heels. Nels swung the ax and whack rang out in the orchard. The wind whistled in my ears and the pine trees amplified the sound. It seemed almost musical. I swayed awkwardly with the wind.
After a few swings of the ax, Nels stopped to rest. She cocked her head and wiped her brow with her sleeve, pushing her short bangs straight up in the process.
That girl needs a bath, I thought. Just then Nels startled and almost fell over backward.
I heard a moaning sound: noooooooo… It seemed to be the wind again and I glanced at the darkening sky. Storms were definitely coming. 
Nels picked up the ax and began another swing, when boom! Lightning flashed and thunder clapped loud and close. I flinched and bumped my head on a tree branch. Ow, that was close.
“Nels, let’s go,” I yelled. I picked up the hem of my long skirt to make running possible. Turning to tear toward the barn, the nearest shelter, I glanced back at the girl. She seemed frozen. Had she been struck by lightning? Sheets of rain fell as dark clouds moved over the sun and surrounded the trees.
Nels put her face up to the sky to face the torrent. She howled, sounding more like a coyote than a human.
“Owwooo, don’t tell me what to do!”
She slung the burlap sack over her shoulder and picked up the axes, one in each hand.

Bio
Beth Anderson Schuck is a retired
librarian who believes reading can
take you anywhere. 

She writes historical fiction featuring willful female characters. 

Being in nature whether hiking,
birdwatching or gardening makes her whole.

Instagram| Twitter

Coming on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 . . .

Next up is L. T. Ward who shares her backstory for "Return to Cahokia," a tale featuring Tonalli, a young Warm Weather God, who embarks on a spring journey with her mother and siblings back to Cahokia.

* * * * * * * * * *

Upcoming Blog Interviews and Virtual Tours:

1. March 16 - Yvonne Ventresca http://bookshopwithstaceyhoran.libsyn.com/bookshop-interview-with-author-yvonne-ventresca-episode-063

2. May 4 - June McCrary Jacobs https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/

3. May 6 - C. Lee McKenzie, Author https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

4. May 6 - Literary Rambles – Natalie Aguirre https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

5. May 11 - Juneta Key https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

* * * * * * * * * *

The release date for VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost 
is May 5, 2020,
but purchase links are available,
and you can preorder a copy now.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95
EBook 9781939844736 $4.99
Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic
Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press


Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

In the Spotlight: Rebecca Douglass ~ Author of "A World of Trouble"

Over the coming weeks, the IWSG Anthology blog will be featuring posts

from each of the authors in Voyager: The Third Ghost.
Our author today is Rebecca Douglass.


Rebecca Douglass on her short story "A World of Trouble"

Starting with a true story ... My IWSG Anthology story, "A World of Trouble," began with history. Not just any history, but personal, family history. Quite a few years back, I set out to write what amounted to a novelized biography of my grandmother. Grandma’s life was pretty interesting: born in 1900 in Nebraska, in 1904 she and her family fled vile weather and farming conditions, ending up in the Spokane area. Four years later, the family moved across Washington State by covered wagon. That’s right. In 1908, my grandmother and her family’s "relocation service" was to put a cover on their farm wagon, hitch the buggy to the back of that, harness their draft horses to the whole rig, and drive some 150 miles over rough dirt "roads." It wasn’t the Oregon Trail—but it always amazed and fascinated me that they traveled like that. It was a story that cried out to be shared. Writing a story based in true events turned out to be hard. Real life isn’t usually as dramatic as fiction, and it seldom holds together in as neat a plot curve. I struggled with "Grandma’s book" for years, each iteration moving farther from her life as I knew it, until I renamed the characters, took the basic framework of her stories, and began to construct a real novel. I still don’t have one I’m happy with, but turning it fully into fiction gave me the freedom I needed to write strong stories. "A World of Trouble" is part of that story-world. The germ of the idea was a story my grandmother told me once, about her dad deciding that it was worth driving the whole family 20 miles up the river to see a real live aeroplane. But while I loved that Great-Granddaddy thought that was important enough to take a day off working, nothing really happened. I had to take that story-nugget and invent a real story. What Mattie Scott did isn’t much like anything Grandma ever did (or at least, it’s not like anything she ever admitted to me). In fact, the air show turned out to be the least important part of the story, as Mattie’s adventure got her into "a world of trouble." My take-away from the project is that the best story will happen when you take the seeds you’re given—and let your imagination loose on it. I kept the thing that delighted me—and gave my character the chance to do what she would do, unconstrained by any need to keep to the facts. The result is a story I am proud to have in the IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost.

Bio

Rebecca Douglass grew up
in Idaho, Arizona, and Washington states,
and now lives and writes
in California. 

Her imagination resides
where it pleases,
in and out of this world.

Her passions include backpacking, hiking, books, swimming, biking, and moderately adventurous travel. 

Rebecca has two grown sons and a husband with whom she travels. 



Rebecca is the author of the delightful Ninja Librarian books, as well as a picture book for outdoor families, a mystery series for the parents, and her middle-grade fantasy, Halitor the Hero. After more than seventeen years working at the library, she has retired still without learning all the secrets of the Ninja Librarian.

Blog| Facebook| Twitter| Amazon

Wikimedia

Rebecca is truly out of reach today, as her post is published. She has set sail for Antarctica. Assuming she doesn't die of sea-sickness, she'll be back on land and back to the internet in a couple of weeks. Feel free to leave comments, and Fundy Blue will respond to them. And likely, Rebecca will check in with her post once she is back.

Coming on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 . . .

Next up is Beth Schuck who shares her backstory for "The Orchard," a tale in which Nels, the young protagonist, has magical powers that connect her to nature.

* * * * * * * * * *

Upcoming Blog Interviews and Virtual Tours:

1. May 4 - June McCrary Jacobs https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/

2. May 6 - C. Lee McKenzie, Author https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

3. May 6 - Literary Rambles – Natalie Aguirre https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

4. May 11 - Juneta Key https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

* * * * * * * * * *

The release date for VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost 
is May 5, 2020,
but purchase links are available,
and you can preorder a copy now.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95
EBook 9781939844736 $4.99
Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic
Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press


Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost