Shinobi News: July 6, 2013. Happy Birthday to Me – and You!

Happy Birthday to me! I don’t usually make a big deal of my birthday, but this year I’ve got an unusual number of things to celebrate. Among them: my novel debuts in exactly ten days! And, since it’s my birthday, I’m giving someone ELSE a present – an early copy of CLAWS OF THE CAT! You can enter to win in one of two ways: either leave a comment on this post or comment on one of my Facebook posts that links to this post (either on my personal page or on my author page). Entries will stay open until midnight

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A Review of BLOOD TANGO

I recently finished reading BLOOD TANGO, the newest mystery release from Annamaria Alfieri.* Short review: Highly Recommended. One of the best and sharpest mysteries I’ve read in several years. It’s not an easy thing to write a novel which includes Eva Duarte. “Evita” entered the popular culture decades ago through the musical which bears her name, and the historical record alternately lionizes and vilifies the woman who loved and married Argentinian President Juan Perón. Even those of us who have read her history often find her difficult to understand … and the thought of trying to fictionalize her in any realistic

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An Author’s Declaration of Independence

July 4 has always had special significance for me. First, it’s close enough to my birthday that Independence Day fireworks can double as birthday fun (and, really, who doesn’t like a pyrotechnic birthday?). More importantly, I value the freedoms my country offers. I have the right to speak my mind, to believe what I choose to believe, and to pursue the dreams of my heart. Not all people have these rights, and I am grateful for them (and for the men and women whose courage under fire both earned and protect those rights – I thank them for their bravery

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Congratulations to the Comment Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered the comment contest during the month of June – both here and at Heather Webb’s blog BETWEEN THE SHEETS! We had such fabulous turnout that I actually added a third ARC to the giveaway! And so, with no further ado, here are the winners! The winner of the ARC for comments on Spann of Time blog is: Leslie Miller! The winner of the ARC for comments on Between the Sheets is: Kim Rendfeld! And the winner of the third ARC – which was an additional drawing from all of the comments on both blogs

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How to Avoid Writing Scams

In summertime, authors go to conferences, finish projects, and turn their focus to pitching and publication. Some will opt for traditional houses. Others will take an independent road. But all authors – regardless of publishing path or experience – can be vulnerable to scams. As we move through the “summer conference and selling season,” here’s a reminder about a few things to watch out for*: Regardless of the career path authors choose, every writer (published, aspiring, or otherwise) needs to be wary of scams. Authors are most susceptible to scammers before publication, but even represented authors should tread carefully and

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June In Retrospective on the Reef!

As always, my first post of the new month offers some of the best shots from the previous month on my little reef. Among this month’s highlights: Ghillie the seahorse watching me as I watched him/ Emperor Maximus Angryfish I keeping a watchful eye out for shenanigans. Wilson the urchin wearing a suction cup “hat” that he picked up to use as camouflage. Emo the clownfish hiding out in his host anthelia, but keeping an eye on the Hawaiian sun coral in case there’s food to steal. And, finally, Ghillie  passing a reflective moment on the powerhead: All things considered,

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July Monthly Observances, 2013

July is upon us, in all its thermonuclear-temperatured glory. For those of you not too wilted to celebrate, remember that July 2013 is official: Air-Conditioning Appreciation Month (and boy, do we appreciate it here in Sacramento, where summer temperatures often make you look for the guy with the pitchfork.) National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month (Pro tip: don’t combine them. Ice cream fares somewhat poorly on the grill.) Smart Irrigation Month (When it’s this hot? Forget the lawn. Water ME.) Cell Phone Courtesy Month (Remember to tell SIRI “thank you!”) and, on a more private — but all-inclusive

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