Bunnies and Celebrations

Tomorrow is International Rabbit Day, a day set aside each September to promote safe, caring, and healthy environments for both pet rabbits and rabbits in the wild. I have never had a rabbit as a pet and I don't have any experience with them but I definitely think they are flat-out adorable! Who doesn't love a bunny?

Source: Wikimedia Commons

So in honor of Rabbit Day I am listing my favorite rabbit rescues for this week's Friday Faves. This gives me the perfect excuse to share cute bunny pics while also promoting great rescues.

1.) Best Friends Animal Society

Writing for Best Friends as a volunteer literally changed my life and I am always eager to tout this amazing organization located in Kanab, Utah. Someday I hope to be able to visit there, and The Bunny House will definitely be on my list of must-sees. Check out the video below for a peek at The Bunny House and Rescue Village.



2.) The Buckeye House Rabbit Society

This is the Ohio chapter of the national House Rabbit Society organization and they do everything from rescuing rabbits to educating on rabbit care to recommending bunny sitters. This is an all-volunteer group and they do amazing work for the bunnies in our state.

This is Rikki, the bunny currently featured on the Buckeye House site. Click his picture or name for more information on this little doll.

Rikki

3.) EARPS - Exotic Animal Rescue and Pet Sanctuary

EARPS is located in Indiana and focuses on the rescue of pocket pets and other nontraditional pets such as birds, reptiles, and, yes, rabbits. EARPS is run entirely by volunteers and they are a selfless group of people.

Casey is one of the little cuties currently waiting for a home with EARPS. Click on his name or picture for more information.

Casey

4.) Pampered Pets Animal Rescue 

Pampered Pets operates around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and is another all-volunteer organization. While they rescue cats and dogs as most rescues do, they also take in rabbits, and even have a special "bunny lady" among their volunteers. PPAR was started by three loving and caring women and they are a wonderful bunch of people.

Lady Di is one of several rabbits currently in their care. Click on her picture or name for additional information.

Lady Di

5.) Stray Animal Adoption Program

The Stray Animal Adoption Program, based in Newport, Kentucky, rescues primarily dogs and cats but they also take in rabbits. This is another dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly around the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area to find new homes for pets in need.

Snow White is one of the rabbits currently waiting for her home with SAAP.

Snow White

Do you have or have you ever had a pet rabbit?  Clancy and I love seeing our rabbit neighbors when we walk in the morning. They are very active in the woods near our home and I think they are too cute for words.

I had an experience earlier this week that made it very easy to think of what I'm celebrating this week for Vikki's Celebrate the Small Things weekly hop.

A church in my neighborhood runs a food pantry and I drove past the church earlier this week during one of their distributions. It was very disturbing to see how many people were lined up outside the church waiting for food. The line was out the door and extended into the church yard.

This was a sobering sight, especially as this is a very small pantry that only serves residents in our immediate area. It's upsetting to know that so many in our neighborhoods are in need and at risk of going hungry.

So this week I'm celebrating that I have a job that pays my bills and provides me with health insurance. I'm able to put food on my table and a roof over my head. I've never had to go hungry. I'm extremely grateful to be able to say all of these things.

I hope you've had lot to celebrate this week and have a wonderful weekend ahead.

Please stop by here tomorrow for a guest post from the wonderful S.K. Anthony, whose debut novel Kinetic was released today!! Woo-hoo SK! :)

And finally, thanks to everyone who has already signed up for my The Ghosts of Aquinnah cover reveal! If you would like to help share the pic & blurb any time during the week of 9/30, please sign up below.

The Ghosts of Aquinnah Cover Reveal

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Michael Di Gesu and I have been putting our heads together for the past few weeks and he's worked his own special brand of magic again to create an amazing cover and blurb for The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Now we can't wait to share both!

We are planning the reveal for Monday, September 30 and I would really appreciate some help getting the word out about my cover. I know it's short notice, but if you are able to share the cover any time during the week of 9/30-10/5 I would be so grateful!

If you are interested please just sign up on the Linky List below and I will get the all the info to you as soon as possible. Thank you!

The Martha's Vineyard Ghost Ship and Untethered Realms

As I count down to the release of my upcoming novel The Ghosts of Aquinnah in December I am going to share stories of haunted places, ghosts, and unexplained phenomena that catch my interest.

If you followed my blog during the 2012 A-Z Challenge you may remember I shared some stories of haunts here in my hometown of Cincinnati. I have always loved these kinds of stories and thought it would be fun to share more in preparation for the release of my own ghost story. :)

Up first is a mysterious ship that was found at the setting of my novel, the cliffs of Aquinnah on the island of Martha's Vineyard.

In December, 1804, Ebenezer Skiff, the keeper of the Gay Head lighthouse (which sits atop the cliffs), discovered an abandoned ship near the shore shown in the above picture. The ship had no captain and no crew, and not a soul aboard, but it did have a hold full of cargo. There were no signs of life and no bodies were recovered.

I love stories like this because it's fascinating to me to imagine what could have happened to the crew and anyone else who may have been on board the ship. In fact, it feels like it could be a great starting point for a novel. ;)

The lighthouse keeper Mr. Skiff posted a notice about the ship in the New York Gazette in January, 1805. This notice is now posted on the Save the Gay Head Lighthouse site, which is where I learned about the ghost ship. I admit I can't really make heads or tails of what Mr. Skiff is writing about, but it's interesting to read this bit of Aquinnah history.

The Ghost Ship of Gay Head

I am also posting on the Untethered Realms blog today and sharing a story of my own experience with possible ghosts and things I can't quite explain. Visit our UR site here for my post.

And if you haven't entered my September giveaway yet and would like to, check out the rafflecopter entry form below.

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Taking the World by Storm Party and W4WS

There's a big party going on in the blogosphere this week, as Alex J. Cavanaugh is celebrating the release of the third volume in his Cassa trilogy, CassaStorm, on Tuesday, September 17. Congratulations, Alex!! We know this book will be just as successful as the first two and our favorite Ninja will have another hit on his hands.

Here is the scoop on this must-read:

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” 
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera

Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019

$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Goodreads

Book trailer

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh  

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh

It's also the third Monday of the month which means it's time for another edition of Writers4Writers. This month's spotlighted writers are Cherie Reich and Helen Ginger.

To learn more about this great monthly event visit the W4WS page here. And to get tweets and other information to help spread the word about Cherie and Helen visit their blogs.

Congratulations, ladies!

13th Floor Cover Reveal and Friday Celebrations

I'm taking a break from my Friday Faves this week to shine the spotlight on the amazing cover for The 13th Floor Collection by the super-talented Christine Rains. The 13th Floor stories are must-reads for anyone who loves paranormal tales and it's great to see them all together in this complete set. So without further ado, here is Christine's cover and all the info on the collection.

Title: The 13^th Floor Complete Collection

Author: Christine Rains

Genre: paranormal romance

Release date: October 13^th, 2013

Blurb:

Six supernatural tenants

Living in a haunted apartment building

On a floor that doesn't exist.

Six novellas telling their tales.

A retired demon acquires a price on his head.

A werewolf is hunted by her pack.

A modern day dragonslayer misses his target.

A harpy challenges Zeus for the soul of the man she loves.

A vampire is obsessed with a young woman he can't find.

A banshee falls in love with someone who's death she has seen in a vision.

And a sweet ghost must battle a primal monster to save them all.

All the stories take place at the same time intertwining their lives together on the 13th Floor.

Author Bio:

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she is having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has eight novellas and twenty-one short stories published.

Website: http://christinerains.net/

Blog: http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinerains

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@CRainsWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4017568.Christine_Rains

Congratulations to Christine!! If you're looking for a great read, you won't go wrong by checking in with the residents of the 13th Floor.

And now for this week's Celebrate the Small Things hop, hosted by Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author.

This week went by in a blur but I've had some great things to celebrate.

1. I got the proof of my cover for The Ghosts of Aquinnah and I LOVE it! It's perfect and captures the mood and atmosphere of the story better than I ever could have hoped. Seeing the cover has made me even more excited for the release and I can't wait to be able to share it soon.

2. I am still over the moon about my new blurb for Polar Night written by the wonderful Michael Di Gesu. Michael is such an amazing talent and an absolute joy to work with. I highly recommend his services!

3. I FINALLY got started on my sequel to Polar Night and actually got some writing done. This actually isn't the first time I've started, but every other time I've been totally uninspired by everything I've written and ended up deleting my pages in frustration and disgust. This time truly feels different and I think I'm on the right track this time, so I'm super excited about that.

So it's been a great week and it's also been fun to be able to share covers and posts from my friends Cathrina, Sheena-kay, and Christine this week.

Finally, just a reminder that my September Giveaway is in full swing and you can enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Also, Polar Night is on sale at Smashwords for 10% now through October 6. Use coupon code DK46V to get the discount.

Happy weekend, everyone!

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Sacrifice HER Cover Reveal

I'm so excited to be participating in the cover reveal for Sacrifice HER by Sheena-kay Graham today. Congratulations, Sheena-kay!!

Here's the awesome cover and all the info on the book.


The day has finally come. Time to reveal the cover of Sacrifice HER. Be amazed.

Title: Sacrifice HER

Author: Sheena-kay Graham

Goodreads: Sacrifice HER

Release Date: December 2013

Summary: When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of Gore. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.

Author Bio: Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen, or in her bed, or reading/writing/on the laptop...again in her bed. Mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity to wow the masses.
 

Links

Website: http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448863.Sheena_kay_Graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheenakayGrahamAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/queendsheena

Cover Design:

Image of woman with flowing hair (purchased): © Transfuchsian | Dreamstime.com

Cover Designer:  Langao @ http://fiverr.com/langao

And for a final bit of wow factor. Look at what I got for free without asking.

Writing a Paranormal Thriller by Cathrina Constantine

Today I'm turning the blog over to my friend Cathrina Constantine, author of the recently released thriller Wickedly They Come, for a post about her decision to write a story in the paranormal genre. Welcome and thanks for being here, Cathrina!

Why did I write a paranormal thriller?

Foremost, I’d like to state I take great pleasure in reading a variety of genres, I love them all. However, when I stroll through a book store, I’m initially drawn to middle grade and young adult books, especially novels with a supernatural or fantasy undertone. My debut novel is a thought-provoking Paranormal Thriller; Wickedly They Come is geared toward older adolescence and adults due to a quantity of dark and gritty elements.

I confess—I have a penchant for the inexplicable, and at a young age have been enamored with mystical happenings. Mainly because I truly believe in ghosts or spirits that are both good and wicked. And the existence of heaven and hell wholly surrounds us; I tend to identify this reality as a subliminal dimension or realm.

Many people are freaked-out when it comes to paranormal oddities, yet, I’m fascinated. Witches, sorcerers, wraiths, ghouls, fairies, dragons, hobbits, elves, and on and on, whether they subsist or did exist is a source of speculation.

With my whole heart, I believe in God and His glorious angels! Angels to guard, guide and protect humans! Documentation and inconceivable occurrences in regards to Gods angels are endless.

We must never overlook or be deceived by the depraved angels condemned by God. Impious Lucifer and his cohorts cast from heaven, and Wickedly They Come—

Teaser:

Something dripped on Seeley’s shoulder. Then a wet dribble skimmed her cheek and landed on Jordan’s arm. There, she could see that the wetness was bright red. Raising her head and sucking in her breath, Seeley gawked at a mammoth pentagram embedded into the rocky dome. The five-pointed star sparkled mysteriously in the flickering light, and a planked balcony bordered the elevated fortification.

Seeley craned her neck and peered directly upward, her bloodcurdling scream split the air. “Oh my God! Oh my God!” Violently, Seeley cried, “Jack—what have they done?!” Her knees buckled.

Wickedly They Come Buy Links:

Black Opal Books

Amazon

Barnes &Noble

Smashwords

Constantine’s Bio:

Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two happy-go-lucky Labrador Retrievers and two cats. She is excited for the release of her debut novel, WICKEDLY THEY COME published by Black Opal Books. Constantine is represented by The Belcastro Literary Agency, and is extremely happy to be working with Sharon Belcastro and Ella Marie Mohan Shupe. When not with her family, baking, crafting, reading, or stationed at the computer writing, you will find her walking in the backwoods with her dogs, conjuring up a new tale.

You can find Constantine here:

http://www.facebook.com/cathrina.constantine.3.

www.cathrinaconstantine.com

www.cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

www.goodreads.com/cathrinaconstantine.com

Twitter: @cathconstantine

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