Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Realms Faire Thunderclap and a Visit from Tara Tyler


Hello, all! I'm hunkered down in my writing cave and trying very hard to finish my WIP before the year is up, so between that, the day job, and getting ready for an out-of-town family wedding I'm taking another short blogging break. But first I just want to share that M.Pax has set up a thunderclap campaign for the Realms Faire and we would all appreciate it so much if you would consider supporting the campaign! As of this writing, we only need 27 more supporters until we hit the magic number of 100. If you would like to support us just click on the picture above or visit the campaign here. Thank you in advance! And thank you to everyone who has already supported the Faire. I am so excited to be part of it this year.

With that I am turning the blog over to my buddy Tara Tyler, who is visiting as part of the blog tour for her latest release Simulation. I hope everyone enjoys what is left of September and I will see you in October for the IWSG. Take it away, Tara!



Scary Future?

Julie and I got to have lunch with Michael DiGesu this summer and it was fabulous! We found out that Michael is actually a tough New Yorker under his sweet blogging personality.


We talked about a lot of things, and one of the topics that stuck out to me was how scary our future looks. I don't know if it's just me being overprotective of my kids and seeing more bad in the world, or if there really is more bad in the world!

Take the lack of enforcement of "minor" laws in New York recently. Have you heard about the girls walking around naked! What's wrong with them? Where is their modesty? And how can anyone feel safe with all the direct threats and violence aimed at police? I don't blame them for keeping their distance from some major crime areas. Not to mention the terrorist threats and protected undocumented immigrants - I'm more concerned about the ones who commit crimes and get away with it. It's as if no one needs to be held responsible for their actions anymore!

Remember when they used to blame bad behavior on rock n roll? Then they blamed video games. Now it's the internet. But the real blame is acceptance. We all need to be stricter parents and more responsible members of society. More respect gets lost with every new generation...

All we can do is keep trying. It's a tough battle with temptations around every corner and at the touch of the screen. I just hope and pray I've done enough to help my kids be a positive influence and productive citizens.

And I can't leave on a sour note, so here are some positive ways to help open kids' eyes to the world around them:
Volunteer at homeless shelters
Do a community buildup project
Do a fundraiser for a cause, but see the cause
Visit a hospital
Do chores for elderly or shut-ins
Visit a nursing home

If you have any suggestions for helping boost a brighter tomorrow - do share!

Thanks for letting me rant, Julie.
I had an awesome time hanging out with Jules at the Imaginarium Creative Writing convention a couple weeks ago. We had a pleasant surprise meeting Jay Noel, too! Julie's so down to earth and funny.I'm glad I know her in person!


SIMULATION
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.

As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.


Available Now!
Amazon ~~ Barnes & Noble ~~ Kindle


Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.


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10 comments:

  1. Already joined the Thunderclap.
    You're right that people aren't held accountable for their actions anymore.
    Our church has many outreach programs and that's a great way to do good in the world.

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  2. How awesome to meet other bloggers/authors.

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  3. Best of luck with your WIP, Julie! Not surprised you feel the need to take a blogging break. That's a lot to juggle all at once!

    And I agree about people needing to be more respectful, Tara. It's shocking to see how little people are sometimes. I do feel like we're simply more aware of the badness in the world, though, thanks to the internet and such, and that things haven't genuinely gotten worse. (Or maybe this is a rare moment of me being optimistic. LOL.)

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  4. I can't believe September is almost over!

    Enjoy your blogging break, Julie. I hope that writing cave is stocked with plenty of wine and chocolate. :)

    Great suggestions for boosting positivity in the world, Tara. :)

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  5. Good luck with your WIP and enjoy your blogging break. The future is scary. I'm doing my very best to raise a wise and compassionate individual. I have him go through his room every December and give away stuff to charity. We also give to food banks and I explain to him why we do so. Hopefully it's sticking!

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  6. I don't know if I should give you a high five or a hug. People always think that since my first training was in social work, that I operate under this pity everyone mentality. Nope. I believe all humans are capable of great things, when they learn they must be accountable for their own lives. Let's be honest, life stinks for so many people. Too many people have been through nightmares. The only difference in becoming a victim or a victor is how the person sees their life. If they take the reins, they're capable of so much. If they lament and point fingers, they'll stay where they are.

    I agree with you 100% on all counts. Though, I do think, as a society, we are slowly improving, but the press won't allow us to ever see that. And I totally blame the press for putting police officers in harms way. They sensationalize things for their own ratings. It's sad.

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  7. It was a good rant, Julie. :) And good suggestions to end it off.

    I signed up for the Thunderclap!

    Grats to Tara!

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  8. Hi Julie and Tara - I joined the Thunderclap - good luck. Have fun at the wedding ... and yes we need to lead by example in all we do - the butterfly effect. Cheers and good luck to you both - Hilary

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  9. Hi Tara,
    It is a much scarier world. My only suggestion is to give kids the answers that they seek, or send them in the direction for those answers. The big questions like why are we here, what is our purpose. For some that is religion, I'm not recommending that we look to others for those answers, but within. As parents we should guide our children to the spiritual side of life. The search for truth is individual, but some guidance is essential. Right now it's the materialistic side of life that is winning, but the satisfaction, the answers all lie in the spiritual. At least in my opinion.
    Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on.
    Congrats on meeting Michael, he's a such a lovely individual!
    Oh, and your book!!!! So COOL!

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  10. I'm still jealous you all got to meet. :P

    The state of our world scares me, too. :(

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