Book signing "Shrinking Forward" at Michabou book store

An interview with Anne Holly, a contemporary romance novelist.

INFO:

Current Location: Ontario, Canada

Upcoming release:
Strings Attached,
Wild Horse Press,
May 31, 2010

Good for the Goose (Xmas erotica short), Wicked Nights,
November 19, 2010

Already released: Waking Kara (paranormal erotica short), Wild Horse Liquid Heat, Oct 2010



Main Website: http://www.anneholly.webs.com/

Erotica Website: http://annehollyerotica.weebly.com/index.html

Blog: http://anneholly.blogspot.com/

Publisher: http://www.the-wild-horse-press.com/

Book Teaser Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCZSTLoSvxY

Twitter: http://twitter.com/anneholly2010

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Holly/140519945969686

Waking Kara on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Kara-ebook/dp/B0046ZRL2K

(Excerpts, photos and more bio info, etc, can be found on Facebook, blog and website.)


How do you describe your work?

Well, I am primarily a romance writer – contemporary romances, with some sensuality. Recently, I have done some contemporary and paranormal erotic, which was a stretch for me, but they turned out ok. So, I describe myself as a romance writer, who occasionally does erotica!

My writing itself… Either erotica or romance, I’d say it’s all about the characters, as I am fascinated with character motivation and internal struggle. So, my work is not plot driven so much – no averting alien invasions and things. Just thinking and writing about what makes people do what they do, and that’s sometimes a sad thing, and also often a funny thing. And I love it!

Tell us about Strings Attached, your first full length release.

My first full length release comes out in 2011 from Wild Horse Press, and is tentatively scheduled for May 31, 2011. The novel is a contemporary romance set in Manitoba, Canada, and in Australia. It revolves around the themes of loss and healing, and the risk in having a marriage end badly and deciding to try again. And, of course, about irresistible attraction, and the power of love to force us out of our protective shells. In it, Josie, an optimist, must bring the damaged Theo back to life, and the results are often funny and often poignant.

What did you learn from writing Strings Attached?

I made a very serious study of romances before and during the writing of Strings – the flow and expectations of the genre. This piece was a freshman piece, so I was careful to learn from the great romances, which I had always read and enjoyed. With Strings, I learned how to love the characters and respect their lives, and then how to produce a story that people would appreciate.

What is a difficult thing about writing for you?

Actually, oddly enough, the writing is the easy part! The other stuff – researching publishers and, most of all, doing promotion – that is the difficult stuff. But, I am learning, one step at a time. Making the most of the web, and learning to do book trailers, and doing interviews, and blogging… All of it takes a lot of time and effort, which is difficult when you have a small child and “real life” work to do, as well.

What new projects are you working on these days?

Right now, I am gearing up for NaNoWriMo, which will be a complete new full length romance written entirely in the month of November. I took a week or two off in late October to work on some other (non-fiction) stuff, and to rest up for NaNo, but that is my new focus now. I finished three short pieces in Sept-Oct, so a rest was important there to refresh my writing batteries. In December, I will be working ahead for Valentine’s Day.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Philip Roth once said something to the effect that hobbyists wait for inspiration, while professionals just get up every day and go to work. I think this is wonderful advice! Hoping for inspiration to strike, or that calm and quiet time, just results in a lot of waiting. If you want to write – Write! Once I start writing, even if I don’t feel like it, it usually starts to flow after a few difficult paragraphs.

Anne Holly, Author: Interview with Nathalie LeBlanc

Anne Holly, Author: Interview with Nathalie LeBlanc: "'Smaller creatures have moved mountains. Size is no limitation! One's own will decides what one is capable of doing!' Nathalie wanted ..."

Anne Holly, Author: Topical Tuesday: Parenting and the Writer

Anne Holly, Author: Topical Tuesday: Parenting and the Writer

Anne Holly, Author: Shrinking Forward: The Magic Coat Series by Nathal...

Anne Holly, Author: Shrinking Forward: The Magic Coat Series by Nathal...: "Step into the spectacular world of Fairmont Island and experience a story of friendship and adventure. Shrinking Forward is a fantasy novel..."

BRILLANT NEW FANTASY NOVEL OFFERS FREE POSTER

Shrinking Forward: The Magic Coat Series by Nathalie M. Leblanc

Step into the spectacular world of Fairmont Island and experience a story of friendship and adventure. Shrinking Forward is a fantasy novel featuring two young girls who, in the exploration of a “haunted house”, are drawn into another world to embark on an adventure to save the Mystical Flyers from the captivity and enslavement to the evil wizard, Edgar.

Edgar has destroyed Fairmont Island, which was once ruled by the faerie Queen Marina. The elderly Edgar is obsessed with finding The Book of Faeyess, which explains how the Magical Flyers can live so long and he must find it soon because of his advancing age.

Against the highest odds fighting an evil wizard and snorgals creatures. In a magical place, where a single deed turns Samantha into a hero, and finds her true self, finding out amazing information that changes her life forever. With her heart set on finding her true self, she is about to discover something more amazing than she could have ever read or dreamed up.

Free Poster Offer: In Chapter Eight, when the girls encounter Edgar, what was he carrying? The first 50 readers to send this correct answer this question will receive a poster of the cover, autographed by the author, Nathalie M. Leblanc. Send answer to contest@SassySunflowerBooks.com. Be sure in include name, address, phone number and where you purchased your copy of Shrinking Forward. Only one poster will be given per house hold.

Title: Shrinking Forward

Author: Nathalie M. Leblanc

Publisher: Sassy Sunflower Books

ISBN: 978-0-9811504-5-1

Page Count: 240

Juvenile Fiction: $12.95 CDN -- $12.35 US

Buy at: amazon.com, amazon.ca or barnesandnoble.com

Read with me!

Shrinking Forward
        
          Prologue
FAIRMONT ISLAND

High at the top of a blackened hill, a tall dark wizard stood with his arms raised upward. The wind swirled, pulling at his cloak and whipping his long grey hair about. Amid the sounds of vicious screeching and terrified cries, his lips moved at a rapid speed, mouthing incantation after incantation. Only those who his words could reach and control could hear his evil spells. It was war, as no one had ever seen before. The wizard called forth hundreds of dragons to darken the sky with their fiery breath and brimstone to aid him in his dark war. Down and down they swooped, scorching the land and its creatures. Armed with swords and small circular shields the Mystical Flyers fought bravely, keeping the evil wizard and his minions at bay for as long as they could.

Alas, it was not enough.

The land was littered with smouldering ruins as far as the eye could see. The bodies of the dead lay on the ground and the cries of the wounded filled the air as the wizard commanded his minions to sort them into cages.

“No!” screamed Queen Marina, as she cautiously flew, weaving her way through tangles of skirmish. “This cannot be happening!”

Dragons descended, one after the other in a seemingly endless line from the sky to pursue her, until they created a tight V-shaped formation around her. Though her exhausted wings were caked with mud, Marina pushed herself as fast as she could.

The huge creatures flanked her on every side, closing in and finally forced her to fly into a small cage. Shrieking, the dragon to her left whipped its tail around, and knocked Marina between the wings, causing her to fall to the ground.

Stumbling as she landed, Marina heard the heavy door slam shut. Quickly, she got to her feet and raced to the side of the cage. She wrapped her hands around the sleek bars composed of solid silver. Strange symbols were inscribed on them, stretching from the top of the cage to the bottom. A quick check and a pull on the tips of her wings satisfied Marina that she was intact.

Frantically, she looked about, growing more afraid by the minute. Placed in rows, alongside her cage, were dozens of larger cages containing thousands of other Mystical Flyers. She looked up, beyond the cages and saw nothing but a scorched, war-stricken land. The countryside, once beautiful and filled with vibrant people, was now scarred from the mighty battle and forever painted with the taint of war. The cries of her people and the smell of her burning home were permanently imprinted into Marina’s memory.

Though the tears that started to blur her vision threatened to flow, she fought them back, telling herself that she must not break. Marina searched wildly for a way in which she could possibly free her people. They were in desperate need. She tried many times to escape by casting a spell but nothing seemed to work. All around her, hundreds of Mystical Flyers flew through the air as fast as they could, trying to flee from the wizard’s minions. They cried out to their queen, in fear and desperation.

The Mystical Flyers resembled small humans being. In elegant medieval-style clothing with light brown, butterfly-like wings made of varying sizes. The height of each individual ranged from two to four feet high, roughly the size of young human children. Their noses and ears pointed at the tips, much like elves in fairy tale stories. Imprisoned in silver cages larger than the one Marina stood in, thousands of Mystical Flyers were crammed into them with barely enough room to move. More dragons materialized, descending from the sky and setting everything ablaze with their jets of fire. Soon the whole island was in flames and all hope seemed lost to its inhabitants.

Rowlen grabbed the bars of the cage he stood in and craned his neck to speak to his queen in the neighbouring cage. “Many Mystical Flyers have died from these devastating tree fires, my Queen. They are chewing up thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes, our people are dying,” he reported dimly.

“Queen Marina! Queen Marina!” called Marafae, from another nearby cage. “We’ve got groves of trees coming down in flames. I’ve never seen anything like it!” She looked around her cage wildly. “It’s like a hurricane of destruction! What are we going to do?” she cried.

“It’s hot.” whispered Annabelle, somewhere behind Rowlen.

“I can’t breathe…” Emmelia gasped, in another cage. Annabelle and Emmelia both started to cough.

“Everyone,” Queen Marina yelled. “we must be strong! We must stand together as one!”

Queen Marina felt helpless in the enchanted cage. Normally, nothing impeded the movement of any of the Mystical Flyers. Each of them was accustomed to flying through the air and floating through solid objects. The evil wizard, Edgar, had put a trapping spell on the cages so strong that, even acting as one, they still could not escape.

All colour disappeared from the landscape, turning it grey and bleak. Only shouting and the crackling of the fire floated through the air. The smoke blocked the sun and for a moment, the day became night. Queen Marina bent her wings around her body and used them as a mask to help her breathe. All Marina wanted to do was break loose from this battlefield, with the rest of her Mystical Flyers unharmed.

“Can this really be happening?” thought Marina. Her beautifully coloured sandals and delicate dress were now black with soot and torn in several places. None of the other Mystical Flyers could help her, nor could she help any of them. Despair crept over Marina her face, once fair, was now pale and haggard as her wild, dark eyes filled with a hopeless terror. She paced the cage back and forth, her gaze fixed not on the other Mystical Flyers but on the creatures ripping apart the heart and soul of Fairmont Island. She then burst into a loud, frustrated cry and banged her fists on the bars.

“Who has done this to us?” she cried. “Who shall pay dearly for this uprising?”

As if in answer to her question, the clouds parted and a massive dragon descended from the sky, bearing the dark wizard on its back. It landed on the top of her cage, curled its terrible, enormous claws around the edges of the roof and took off again taking the small cage with it. Queen Marina was off to an unknown destination and an unknown future.

If you enjoyed the prologue you’ll love the novel!

By Nathalie M. Leblanc

Review of Strategies for Happiness How to Achieve Happiness Potential

Reading this book has inspired me. In many ways it has lifted my self confidence, in which helped me focus on the many positive things in my life. To go forward in life you must first learn to forgive the person or people that have hurt you during your path of life.

Otherwise walking through life will be heavy and many shadows are cast from you. Leaving you in the darkness of depression, which is lonely and allowing the person or people in the past win in victory, they did not just hurt you the day of the incident... they hurt you each and every day you carry the burden on upon your shoulders. Read Strategies for Happiness by Donna L. Hedley, Bre and learn how to achieve the happiness you deserve! I will always keep her book as a reminder and a symbol that I deserve to be happy and to never allow others to bring me down!

http://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Happiness-Achieve-Your-Potential/dp/0981150403/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281879878&sr=1-1

Press release

PO Box 67106, 421 Richmond Road, Ottawa ON K2A 4E4 Phone: 613-799-1017 Email: info@SassySunflowerBooks.com

BRILLANT NEW FANTASY NOVEL FOR TEENS RIFE WITH UNIQUE CHARACTERS, INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS, AND ENCHANTING IDEAS Shrinking Forward: The Magic Coat Series by Nathalie M. Leblanc For Immediate Release Company: Sassy Sunflower Books

Website: http://www.sassysunflowerbooks.com/

Contact: Donna Hedley Phone: 613-799-1017

Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA – 15 August, 2010

Step into the spectacular world of Fairmont Island and experience a story of friendship and adventure. Shrinking Forward is a fantasy novel featuring two young girls who, in the exploration of a “haunted house”, are drawn into another world to embark on an adventure to save the Mystical Flyers from the captivity and enslavement to the evil wizard, Edgar.

Edgar has destroyed Fairmont Island, which was once ruled by the faerie Queen Marina. The elderly Edgar is obsessed with finding The Book of Faeyess, which explains how the Magical Flyers can live so long and he must find it soon because of his advancing age. Against the highest odds fighting an evil wizard and snorgals creatures. In a magical place, where a single deed turns Samantha into a hero, and finds her true self, finding out amazing information that changes her life forever. With her heart set on finding her true self, she is about to discover something more amazing than she could have ever read or dreamed up. “The book has a powerful message for young people” says Sigrid Macdonald, a book coach, manuscript evaluator, and author. “Smaller creatures have moved mountains. Size is no limitation! One’s own will decides what one is capable of doing! If you’re looking for suspense, action, a classic battle between good and evil, and a dab of romance, this delightful book will not disappoint.”

Nathalie M. Leblanc was born in Sarnia, Ontario. After graduating from Heritage College in Social Sciences majoring in Psychology, Nathalie decided to pursue her dream to write fantasy novels for readers aged nine to ninety-nine. Shrinking Forward is the first book in a trilogy entitled ‘The Magic Coat’.

As a parent of four adorably energetic children, she sees the value of teaching morals, self-confidence, and co-operation through the written word. Nathalie said “I started writing when I was pregnant with my first child and now she is nearly nine years old. She has read my first novel Shrinking Forward. She was so excited to find out what happened next she bugged me for a week to read book two called Fading Away. After a week of bugging me she won! I love her excitement on her face every morning waking up and wanting to know what happens in the next chapter! After all, one of my main reasons for writing my novels was for my children.”

The book is beautifully illustrated by Lorinda Loucks, a traditional and digital artist specializing in illustration and concept art. Lorinda received a BFA in Studio Art from James Madison University and is actively pursuing work in the fields of illustration and concept design. Open to all varieties of art, she has participated in a variety of projects including: game design, book work, film projects and more. For more information about Lorinda, check out her website at www.lorindaloucks.com .

Book Details Title: The Biography Workbook Author:

Nathalie M. Leblanc

Illustrator: Lorinda Loucks Publisher:

Sassy Sunflower Books

ISBN: 978-0-9811504-5-1

Page Count: 240 Juvenile Fiction: $12.95 CDN -- $12.35 US

Website: http://www.nathaliemleblanc.com/

This book can also be bought at http://www.amazon.com/ or
http://www.amazon.ca/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

About Sassy Sunflower Books: Sassy Sunflower Books vision and mission is to help anyone with the writing, publishing and promotion of their books. At Sassy, we provide a wide variety of services from book publishing, desk top publishing, web design and IT training.

Sassy Sunflowers is a company is that is positive, upbeat and partner focused in its approach to servicing the general public, large corporations, small businesses, students or anyone who wants to share their story.

Bookmark for Shrinking Forward

Cover art done by Lorinda Loucks http://www.lorindaloucks.com/index.html

My challenge!

 When I first started writing 9 year ago... It started with a short story a memory of a story I wrote in grade school. At the time my boyfriend Mike now my fiancée. (We’re getting married next May 23rd) We have been together 12 years now and would have gotten married earlier but we were busy with having our four adorable energetic kids.

Mike wanted to write a novel! So I did the research for him.

Before I had children I never stayed in the house at all always enjoyed to be out in nature. I went hiking, biking, rollerblading. My best friend Cassie and I would go down to the river a watch the swans. I actually got to sit with them they were so used to me.

When I became too round in the belly to bike. I sat in the chair and watched Mike working on his computer. That's when I decided that I needed a new hobby because I would now be in doors a lot more!

So that's when Mike made me a challenge! He challenged me to make my short story into a novel! I took the challenged! Of course because I not the type of person to back down from that kind of challenge! :)

First, I started with reading every book in my category, I could get my hands on. Examples: The never ending story, An acceptable time... I have a chest full upstairs. Also I read anything I could find out the net. Then I stop reading or looking at anyones writing style for a couple of years to create my own style of writing.

I wrote what I thought a novel should be and tried to get published. I was rejected many times at first! LOL. But instead of getting upset I got even! I just kept bring it up another level! (You see many writers start with getting published in magazines and short stories) I want to stay focused on my novel. So with many rejects and many attempts to perfect my writing skills... I turned to facebook and started net working with many other authors, illustrators. I watched all my new author friends! And studied under them. :)

(I had tried 2 other illustrators before I could find one I could work with and see my visions) Lorinda Loucks has done my book cover and many illustrations within the novel itself.

Finally, I found Donna with Sassy Sunflower books. She loved my novel! :0 and she taught me many things!!! She had a long list of things for me to do as the style, formatting and of course she wanted me to write more! LOL

WOW, there is a lot of formatting, and editing with writing a novel! It is about 70,500 words long. The last 10 day before submission I only slept 4-5 hours a night! LOL. Lots of work, therefore lots of ice mocha coffees! Owen being only 2 likes to get up early.

But sometimes in life you have to push yourself to reach another level!

When you read my novel you will see I have a BIG imagination. It’s a whole world and story that I invented.

As for writing with 4 kids, well honestly this is the way I relax. I write when they are busy and I also write when they are sleeping. I like to live within the pages of my novel and escape from reality.

This whole process took me about 9000 hours! 1000 hours per year for the last 9 years. (Mike counted!) Hehe... "I thought I would go with the never give up approach!" Besides I couldn’t let Mike win I was on a dare! LOL

I started writing when I was pregnant with my first child Meagan and now she is nearly nine years old. She has read my first novel Shrinking Forward. She was so excited to find out what happened next she bugged me for a week to read book 2 called Fading Away. After a week of bugging me she won!

She started reading one chapter every morning to me. I quickly found out that was a wonderful way to edit! And excellent bonding time with her. I love her excitement on her face every morning waking up and wanting to know what happens in the next chapter! After all one of my main reasons for writing my novels was for my children.

Shrinking Forward - Two Reveiws

Enchanting, attention grabbing, even for those who have never read children's fantasy books. Definitely worthy of the "next big thing" to hit the world of literature and entertainment.

Muffy Price

     Shrinking Forward is a fantasy novel featuring two young girls who, in the exploration of a “haunted house”, are drawn into another world to embark on an adventure to save the Mystical Flyers from the captivity and enslavement to the evil wizard, Edgar.

     In their adventure the girls face overwhelming obstacles in the (now grey and colourless) land of the Mystical Flyers, but in the end they prove that no matter how small they may be, they can accomplish anything with enough determination and a bit of wits.

     The world that the girls are cast into is brought to life by Nathalie Leblanc's vivid imagery and detailed descriptions. Some of the more fantastic elements of the world are given new names to bring them a unique touch that few other authors employ.

     One of the most striking features of the narrative is the villain, the evil wizard Edgar. Near the beginning of the story the reader is given a brief glimpse into Edgar's castle, and it is revealed how terrible this man truly is – he is mean, quick to anger, and obsessed with one thing: he is searching for “the book of Faeyess”.

     Edgar is convinced that possession of this book will unlock the secret of eternal life for him, and he is also convinced that the Mystical Flyers know where it is. This is why he has taken over their kingdom and enslaved them. On the whole the character is well-developed and truly makes the reader think that he is a despicable person. Edgar adds a very “human” element that often represents the forces of evil in fantasy settings, and although he follows a number of the common features of villains in fantasy novels, he does it so well that the reader will smile every time he bellows one of his villainous one-liners.

     Overall, Shrinking Forward is an enjoyable read, and readers of all ages will find something that will make them smile in reading it. I look forward to the next instalment in Nathalie Leblanc's “the magic coat” series.

Barry Wheatley

http://www.amazon.ca/Shrinking-Forward-Nathalie-M-LeBlanc/dp/0981150454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280358021&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Shrinking-Forward-Nathalie-M-Leblanc/dp/0981150454/

Now available at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

Trip to home depot

Today, as we were looking at the plants at home depot, Olivia saw that they left the hose on with the sprayer attached, lying on the floor unattended. Thinking quickly she picked it up and pointed it at the first home depot employee she saw. The lady’s eyes widened in surprise! Just as she was about to turn it on and soak the lady, she noticed everyone watching her. Hehe, so she decided to be a good girl, put the hose down and got the hell out of there.

Flying down the stairs

Hearing an odd sound shuffling coming down the stairs, I quickly run over to see the commotion.

I saw Olivia flying down the stairs on a large inflatable swimming tube, she slid right down on our long flight stairs and crashed into the wall! That's a very high slide for a little four year old girl.

I asked if she was ok, thinking she may have hurt herself. Olivia only laughed and was tickled about how much fun she just had!

Drunken Stranger entering my house?

Happy Canada Day!?

We just finished having a wonderful brunch next door. Champagne, chocolate crepes, bacon, eggs and more... Then a pool party what a wonderful way to start the day! After a few hours we went home to relax on our front patio with our kids and friend guy.

A lady comes up and joins us, plays with Olivia hair then opens my front door and walks right in!? Interesting! Wait a minute here! What? Have we even met before!? LOL.

Oh yes, I did see her at the party we were just at only a half an hour before. She just made a mistake entering the wrong house. No harm was done.

She stood in shock as she looked around in wonder. She quickly scanned around the rooms now in front of her. As the thought of where am I hit her mind!? She left the same way she came in. She was stunned and confused, “now full well knowing she entered the wrong house!”

Too funny! I asked her if she was enjoying the Champagne. A huge smile creep upon her face as her check turned a little red. She responded with YES! And mumbles something about it being enjoyable!

We could only giggle! And say Cheers, Happy Canada Day.

Frugalfranny

Casssie hooker is one of my best friends how has helped me with editing and support of writing my novel “Shrinking Forward”. She has her own website called Frugalfranny.ca. It about going green for healthy housekeeping!


Check it out!http://frugalfanny.ca/

Lorinda Loucks

Lorinda Loucks is the illustrator of my novel

“Shrinking Forward” she did a fantastic job on

the cover and the many pictures within it!

Her website is http://www.lorindaloucks.com/

My novel “Shrinking Forward” will be available on

Amazon in about 4 weeks from now.

Ottawa just had a huge earthquake!

We just had a 5.5 earthquake! It lasted about a minute and a half (108 seconds - according to google). Our house shook enough that Mike and I each ran and grabbed a kid and stood under a sturdy archway.

Having battled earwigs earlier, Olivia kept asking if a giant earwig was shaking the house......

Book cover lastest version

 http://www.amazon.com/Shrinking-Forward-Nathalie-M-Leblanc/dp/0981150454/

Money see Monkey do!

Two year olds can cook?

Owens first attempt at making his own rice cereal. Owen has watched me make his rice cereal for a while now and yesterday he figured he would make an attempt at doing it by himself.

I guess it really isn't a bad thing that he tried to copy me and make his own cereal.

He selected a large plastic cup to use. (I normal put 1 tbsp. of dried rice cereal with his milk. He loves it that way!) Owen added 4 cups of dried cereal then water from our automat water dispenser. He managed to carry the large cup full of slop into my office without spilling.

Wanting to show me he was a big boy making his own food.
He then quickly took one large gulp of the mushy mess and started to cry as the dried cereal filled his mouth. The shocked look on his face that his recipe was awful was priceless!

Needless to say, when I went into the kitchen it was a little messy. LOL.

This summer’s new novel “Shrinking Forward” available on Amazon in about 5 weeks!

Shrinking Forward
By Nathalie Leblanc

The vile wizard Edgar has destroyed Fairmont Island, which was once ruled by the kind and benevolent Queen Marina, a faerie. After Edgar destroyed her beautiful homeland, and set fire to the trees, he deposed the queen and imprisoned her people, the Magical Flyers. Like tiny human beings with wings, or elves, the Flyers lost their happy days and were cruelly incarcerated in silver cages, and physically forced into helping the notorious wizard rebuild Marina's castle to his liking. The elderly Edgar is obsessed with finding The Book of Faeyess, a tome that explains how the Magical Flyers can live so long -- a book like no other, this mysterious and elusive work carries the secret to the mystery of longevity. And Edgar must find it soon to prolong his life, which is coming to an end because of his advancing age.

One day shy of 13 Samantha is insecure about her position in the family. Her two brothers are biologically related to their father but she is not. Her father favours the boys and they tease her mercilessly. To add insult to injury, she has entered puberty, struggles with acne and low self-esteem, and her family has forgotten her birthday! What a perfect time for Samantha to take off on an adventure with her best friend Catherine.

The two girls explore a haunted house, find a magic coat, and suddenly discover a passage into another world where although they are only in seventh grade, they are in charge of saving Marina and the Mystical Flyers. The fate of Fairmont Island lies in their young hands.

Shrinking Forward is rife with unique characters, innovative concepts, and enchanting ideas. The book has a powerful message for young people: “Smaller creatures have moved mountains. Size is no limitation! One’s own will decides what one is capable of doing!” Marina tells the girls. If you’re looking for suspense, action, a classic battle between good and evil, and a dab of romance, this delightful book will not disappoint.

Reviewed by,Sigrid Macdonald.She is a book coach, a manuscript evaluator, and the author of three books. She resides in Ottawa, Ontario.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/sigrid_macdonald.html

Footsteps above the attic door!?

At 9pm last night, in a panic Meagan ran out of her room into mind. She told me she heard footsteps above the attic door! I didn’t know what to think after this. I told her to say in my room with Owen. Then I closed the door behind me as I left the room. I went to the attic door that led to the roof. I also heard odd footsteps and creaking above the attic door. Next, I counted all the kids to make sure they were all in their beds, like they were supposed to be. When all four kids were accounted for, I went quickly to get Mike whom was working downstairs at the time.

I told him Meagan and I could hear footsteps above the attic door! He immediately went upstairs to investigate. He too could hear strange noises! But what was it? While I stood watch, he quickly went to get a large flashlight and ladder to climb up and inspect the inside of the attic.

Mike raddled the door, making sure if he opened it a raccoon or some kind of wild animal wouldn’t fall right on his face.

So I waited… and waited.

At the top of the ladder, he slowly lifted the old wooden door, while I held a large flash light, Mike looked around the room. He had his hand ready for attack. But he didn't see anything. He popped he head all the way up into the attic, inspecting everything.

Nothing moved about or was disturbed.

What had we heard for the last twenty minutes then? Maybe it was the ghost in our attic or was it just creaking sounds of an old house setting down for the night?

We now have two good sturdy locks on that door!We went to the brick and got Mike a computer chair with the credit we had there. Were both tired also! I can’t seem to wake up today. I think I will hit the hay early again tonight!

Leap frog on beds at the Brick!

Today we went to the Brick to ask them once again to fix the couch we bought from them! We purchased an extended warranty package. Which I have to say was an excellent idea on Mike’s part! After 2 hours of shopping around and waiting for response. Olivia was very bored. The sales lady said Olivia could go play on the beds. My four year old Olivia took full advantage of the situation and decided to go bed jumping. She went from one side of the room and bounded herself all the way to the other, in a long row of ten beds! Olivia thought it was the greatest thing in the world. The best part about going to the Brick today. Clearly, Olivia jumping on the beds. VERY FUNNY!!!
http://www.thebrick.com/

Caught red handed! Embarrassing Moments…

Meagan tried to take my home cordless phone to school today! Thinking it could work just like a cell phone, when it’s just a regular phone! LOL. She called her grandmother from the bus stop! Which it did work from that distance, since it’s only across the road. Luckily, Grandma called back because she wanted me to know that Meagan had my phone. She got caught when the phone was ringing. It would have been an interesting day without a phone to use!

Super deep hole in my back yard!

2008-05-31
Meagan and Joyce wanted to dig the deepest hole ever in our backyard. When I asked them, why were they digging such a deep hole? “They claimed that if they dig far enough they will reach China.”

Trapped in the darkness

Night and day brought nothing but pain, for the light was everywhere. It hunted her, tortured her, and drove her to hide beneath the safety of her thick blankets. Even then, she felt it worm it's way in toward her, like an evil spirit wanting to burn her skin; sizzling her flesh, like an egg frying for breakfast in the early morning.
The brightness hid everywhere. It was so hot that it felt as though it could burn a hole right through her head. The numbers on her stove clock glowed in a brilliant heat that seemed to beam outwards, like an arm with a lit match. Taunting her... hunting her... ready to cook her for lunch.
With every step she took, darkness needed to surround her. There was only safety in the shadows, but it brought a sadness upon her soul that crept up into madness. Another day... Still, light tried to penetrate her, burning her, igniting her on fire as if she deserved to be burned alive. Invisible burns cover her entire body; only she could see them.
“HELP ME!” she cried, allowed.
Nobody answered... mocking laughter and giggles echoed her mind.
“That’s a bit extreme!” one voice answered.
“Wait... time will make it go away,” said another.
Why did they laugh at her suffering? Did they enjoy her pain?
No one believed the light hunted her, brought insanity upon her soul. It invaded her mind, like an army invading an enemy country. She was transformed into a shell, her soul floating away from her.
The morning sun was her worst enemy, as she fought to see. Her body and mind wouldn’t allow the light to come in...Her eyes were forced to weld shut. The light brought her blindness, a total darkness that spread out around her.
Another day, the battle was lost... Walking around in her castle, little beams of light chased her from one room to the next. Sunglasses were worn for protection, and she moved her head quickly to avoid the light, trying to stay in the shadows and darkness. Making sure the light wouldn’t catch her. She waited, hoping it wouldn’t cook her alive today. Her tears may have fallen from heaven... but her body was burning in Hell.

Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality Issue cause by Quebec fires

May 31st 2010. This morning smoke filled the air in my house. Wondering what was going on, I quickly opened the back door to see where it was coming from!? I could see a few ashes floating in the wind. We closed all our windows to prevent more smoke coming into the house, which only helped a little. I went outside to see if a nearby house was on fire. Wanting to make sure it was safe to send my kids to school today! Smoke and smog filled the air.
Thankfully, there are no nearby houses on fire. Walking about I quickly learned the air here in Ottawa is filled with smoke and smog from the forest fires in Quebec. Unfortunately, these fires had been started by lightning storms on Tuesday night.
When reading the Ottawa Newspaper online this morning I found out there are 1,400 people forced from their homes because of forest fires near the Wemotaci First Nation in central Quebec. There are a total of 57 fires burning in Quebec, including 14 that are considered out of control. So far, 90,000 hectares have been hit with the blazing fires.
Meagan and Joyce where scared of breathing in the smoke. So they put their sweater over their mouth and nose to use it as a mask at the bus stop today. Hopefully the forest fires are put out soon! According to the Ottawa Newspaper we may be living at least 1 week in the smog and smoke filled air.
That's nature.

I am getting published with Sassy sunflower books!

These are three of my favorite poems which I have written.

Exhaustion
Fatigue lingers through every cell,
and dries you up like an empty well.
Looking through clouded eyes,
doing things you despise.
under pressure to perform,
trying to avoid a terrible storm.
Needing to stay awake,
there’s no way to take a break.




For the love of Coffee
My coffee says good morning,
otherwise my head would be soaring.
A nice caffeine boost,
to stop my screws from being loose.
so my eyes go wide,
when I go outside.
It quickens my step,
without a regret.





Mothers delight
I love you like the sunset,
ever since we first met.
The golden yellow sun that settles in the night sky,
makes me feel like I can Fly.
Smears of a pinkish colour,
It’s a delight to be your mother.
Three little stars visible in the dimming light,
while I hold you tight.
Beautiful pink sunset,
please don’t fret.
Clouds lit by the setting sun,
The day is almost done.

A mother’s nightmare

A mother’s nightmare

It was mid-afternoon October 31st when I put 6 month old Owen in his swing and sat 2 year old Olivia down to watch cartoons and eat their cookies. I went into the kitchen to unload the dishwasher, and not even two minutes had pasted before I put the plates away and went to check on them. Owen was in his swing, looking down at the cookie he had dropped... but Olivia was nowhere to be seen.
‘Wonderful,’ I thought to myself. Calling her name a few times proved fruitless. The house was silent. Figuring she was up to no good, I ran upstairs to check in the bathroom and bedrooms, leaving Owen safely in his swing. I checked all the rooms on the upper level, and still couldn’t find her.
“Ok,” I said aloud. “If she’s not on the main floor or upstairs, she must be in the basement.” As I went downstairs again, I called her name softly, and was still not answered. The gate leading to the basement squealed a bit as it opened, and I carefully picked my way down the treacherously steep and narrow staircase that led into two small rooms. By now, 5 minutes have passed, and I was getting nervous. Why was she not answering me? Where could she be? Was she hurt? Olivia wasn’t in either of our two basement rooms. Could someone have come in and taken her without me noticing?
Time was ticking by, and I dashed back upstairs, almost yelling her name franticly. Only Owen’s gurgling was heard in the otherwise quiet house. I yanked open every cupboard in the kitchen, looked behind every piece of furniture, tore apart the pile of laundry that was lying on the couch, and then ran back upstairs for a better look there, calling her name louder each time. When that proved useless, I checked the empty front yard quickly, and then ran to the back of the house and searched the back yard.
Still nothing...
Back in the living room, Owen was still sitting in his swing, happily oblivious to everything that was going on around him. Panic set in as I ran around the house, searching nook and cranny I could think of. By this time, I was envisioning the worst: that someone took her, or that she had hit her head and couldn’t answer me. 20 minutes had gone by since I first noticed she was missing. This time as I dashed around the main floor, I picked Owen up out of his swing and headed back toward the front door. There, I threw open the door and yelled her name as loud as I could.
Across the street, my neighbour was out in his yard. I yelled to him that I could not find my two year old girl anywhere. Within minutes, there were 5 more people searching the area for her. I closed the door and continued to search the house. I put Owen in his playpen, where he was safe and happy. I dashed about; flinging clothes, blankets, towels, and other loose things about, hoping to find her under them. This time, on my way down the stairs leading to the second floor, I knocked my husband’s framed diploma to the ground, where the glass smashed into a million little pieces.
I ignored the glass for the moment, and reached for the phone in the kitchen to call my husband and tell him what was happening. At this point, I was getting ready to call the police. I picked up a now-crying Owen and walked back outside. One of the men who had come to help me find my baby told me to calm down, but I was so panicked that I can’t even remember what I said to him. All I knew was that I couldn’t find my little girl!
After a few moments outside I walked back into the house and into the living room. Suddenly, there was a shuffling sound of coats and boots sliding against each other in the front closet, and Olivia pulls herself out from underneath them all. She hid under the far shelf and buried herself under piles of jackets.
With a mixture of relief and anger that only a mother could come up with, I picked her up to avoid all the glass that was still on the floor, and placed her on the couch. I quickly opened the door, still keeping Olivia in my sight, and told everyone that I had found her, and to thank them for helping. Next, I called my husband and told him the news. It seems my little girl was playing Hide and Seek for at least 30 minutes without telling me!