Choices Meant for Gods

For those on your list who love Fantasy novels and Dragons!

Sandy Lender is offering a contest to win a FREE copy of her book, Choices Meant for Gods. For details check out Author Island or Sandy's Blog.

n the high fantasy novel Choices Meant for Gods, not even the gods noticed when Chariss was born with the mark of The Protector. Now she and her wizard guardian seek shelter from a mad sorcerer in a household not just full of secrets and false hope, but watched by the god who will unwittingly reveal her role in an impending war. When an orphan sets aside a lifetime of running and fear to accept the responsibilities of guarding an arrogant deity, can she face the trials in the prophecies she uncovers? And will Nigel Taiman of her latest refuge dare to use his dragon heritage to bind her to his estate or to help her in her duty?
 
 Pick up your copy of Choices Meant for Gods at a local Barnes & Noble or order it online today!

Sandy Lender began writing stories as soon as she learned to string words together on the page. As a child, she entertained the folks in her great grandmother's apartment building in Southern Illinois with tales of squeaky spiders and mice picking berries, and then won awards with short stories and writing projects as she moved through the elementary and high school systems in the St. Louis area. It was apparent that a career in journalism was her calling, and she found herself proofreading, editing, and (finally) writing for trade publications after she graduated from Truman State University in Missouri. Now she writes in Southwest Florida where her love of sea turtles and all things related to the Gulf waters keeps her imagination growing. Her fantasy novel Choices Meant for Gods is now available from ArcheBooks Publishing. You can get information about grammar and writing from her blog at www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com.

A Grave Injustice

This is a new title put out by ArcheBooks and written by Prudy Board -

A Grave Injustice: A Grave Injustice  ~ When GI Karl von Brett is murdered while training at Buckingham Gunnery School in Fort Myers, FL, his death is ruled suicide and he's labeled a saboteur. Aching for revenge, he haunts a local reporter until his murderer is brought to justice and Karl's name is cleared. In the meantime, the reporter finds
herself in grave danger because the murderer, now a wealthy pillar of society, is alive and well and determined to kill her to stop her from finding out the truth.  Hardcover. 348 pages. $28.99

A Grave Injustice is author Prudy Taylor Board's 18th published book. A native of Florida, she sets her mysteries and horror novels in the settings she knows and loves.

Blood Magic ~ by Matthew Cook

I met Matt at Context in Ohio when we sat on a panel together. You can see him in the panel picture on my web page. He was kind enough to give me his new book, Blood Magic, released by Juno.

This book would make a great gift - to yourself or others. Please take a moment to read the information on it and then visit Amazon.com to find out more.

Blood Magic is the story of Kirin, a young necromancer who can summon “sweetlings” - zombie-like minions that she looks upon with the same love and
affection as a mother for her offspring – from the bodies of her fallen foes.  Over the course of the novel, we see the events that formed her unique (and troubling) world view, as she avenges the death of her twin sister and abandons the safe, well-planned life her family planned for her, embarking on a new life as an Imperial scout and trapper.  There, she meets Lia Cho, a young elemental mage, who gives her a new perspective on life.   When her new home is invaded by the inhuman Mor, a race of powerful subterranean beings that have warred with humanity in the past, Kirin must use her dark power in defense of life, and in doing so, is faced with a terrible choice.


Matthew Cook was raised in Washington D.C, educated in illustration and
photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and lives in Columbus, Ohio.  Blood Magic is his first published novel.  The sequel, Nights Of Sin, is due out in August of 2008, also from Juno Books.  He is currently editing an urban
fantasy novel, set in modern-day Chicago.

Christmas Gift Alternatives

The rush to buy gifts for the people on your list is in full swing. Instead of tossing all of our American dollars at the massive Sweat Shop that's China...Allow me to make a few suggestions on how to keep our dollars here and help promote our own economy and businesses.

Consider giving the gift of a book.
Books are always in good taste, be they a cookbook or fiction or how-to. Throughout December I'll be highlighting different books and alternatives for you, so stay tuned.

Consider giving the gift of art.
Instead of the same old ties and junk that breaks a month after Christmas...consider local artists and their work. Whether it's a painting, a photography print, sculpture or clay pot - giving the gift of an original work of art made from the hands of people in your very own 'hood' will warm the heart faster than a gidget swiped up at Walmart.

Consider giving the gift of film.
Most movies are produced here in the States or our neighbor, Canada. Consider giving the gift of a DVD, particularly one that's produced locally. Support your Indy Film companies and find a truly unique film to give to your friends and family.

Consider Crafts.
Don't forget that this is the time for craft shows! Visit your local craft show or shop. You can find everything from handwoven hats, mittens, comforters, quilts and wood products galore.

Consider Neighbors.
Most people have a hobby or a small cottage business. Don't be afraid! Get in touch with them and ask if you can purchase some of their goods for gifts. If you know a neighbor who makes quilts or sweaters - ask! If you know a local artist who creates paintings, photos, pots or writes books - get a hold of them. Chances are they would be glad to sign the gifts you purchase from them - making the gift YOU give a custom, one of a kind thing!

These are but a few of the many ideas you can impliment that will make the Holidays something special to everyone. Make gift giving an art form instead of a 'one stop swiping spree' at your local outlet for China Goods (aka Walmart and the other purveyors of junk goods).