tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50256061758744417282024-03-05T02:45:36.695-05:00Realms of Thoughton Fantasy, Writing & Children's LiteratureN A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-16290106480625777022011-11-14T05:21:00.000-05:002011-11-14T05:21:00.115-05:00Building Believable Magic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhria_VOMLhYLC0GlvQg_O7lFsLzdkq3unitJviQZSf7Nn_3Blkb_tWklPK6rGsf7uYyoaB_tCof7X9NeBsa4JW8ixMQsDgqc_R_PulCjc6SPhE4ipjwjSD1c-X0vVQNJDQ9QEXlevsS63i/s1600/Believe+in+Magic.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673574011805274162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhria_VOMLhYLC0GlvQg_O7lFsLzdkq3unitJviQZSf7Nn_3Blkb_tWklPK6rGsf7uYyoaB_tCof7X9NeBsa4JW8ixMQsDgqc_R_PulCjc6SPhE4ipjwjSD1c-X0vVQNJDQ9QEXlevsS63i/s200/Believe+in+Magic.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Children have been raised to believe in fantasy – Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny, and fairy tales galore. What is the attraction? Why do we enjoy the fantastical realm? I think one reason is the fairy tale ending, “they lived happily ever after”. These five little words bring a warm cozy, safe feeling. After all, don’t we strive to find our very own “happily ever after” in real life?<br /><br />In most fantasy stories, there is not an easy magical answer to every trivial problem – true magic needs what all good stories need…conflict. There also needs to be a real chance for the hero of the story to fail, after all, if he can simply magic his problem away, where is the suspense of the story? The reader needs to feel compelled to feel the adventure as they enter the magical realm and join the hero on his magical quest. One sense the author must develop in a work of fantasy is the sense of wonder – stretching your imagination to places it may never have traveled before, then going beyond those limits to expand into the vastness of the “what if”. It stirs feelings within us, a familiar recognition of a realm where anything is possible and you must expect the unexpected. In this world logic is stretched, tested and redefined. Often, along the way the champion will have to face fantastical beings often with their own magical powers and qualities.<br /><br />In my fantasy series, Kylie (the writer of the group known as the <a href="http://destineers.com/">destineers</a>) keeps a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destineers-Journal-Fantasy-Nations/dp/0557040264/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8s=books&qid=1242081532&sr=8-1">journal</a> as a chronicle of the group’s adventures. It is filled with entries about all the magical beings they encounter. Later volumes will address their magical lessons and recounting of the legends they witness in the making. But, for now, those stories are being categorized and recorded by ghost writers in the <a href="http://cybrarie.com/">Cybrarie</a>. For updates about the series and new postings in the forum or book review blog, join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Destineers/52669842838?ref=ts">Destineers’ Fan Page</a>. Check out Kylies' journal about the creatures of fantasy they encounter in the Netherscape in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destineers-Journal-Fantasy-Nations/dp/0557040264/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320978067&sr=8-1">The Destineers’ Journal of Fantasy Nations</a> available on Amazon; autographed copies available through the <a href="http://cybrarie.com/">Cybrarie</a> or here.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://hub.tm/?EjhLO"><br /><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /><br /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-32412472368717336562011-11-11T06:34:00.001-05:002011-11-11T06:34:00.314-05:00Celebrate the Fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5lszKgbJLv3Z1bijrKDnCA-QBbh-_abyz7HKlIbRUY4nBZHRGYtRdm44-i5dQeA8C7nj_A6YXJxGroQh_vVvcUkUnhO065whUA-RcdVa_INRppcSroj9mrO-tjm00N7Z0j_fYFKQ-Cu/s1600/If+Wishes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673586275404371746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5lszKgbJLv3Z1bijrKDnCA-QBbh-_abyz7HKlIbRUY4nBZHRGYtRdm44-i5dQeA8C7nj_A6YXJxGroQh_vVvcUkUnhO065whUA-RcdVa_INRppcSroj9mrO-tjm00N7Z0j_fYFKQ-Cu/s200/If+Wishes.jpg" /></a> What a wonderful surprise to find out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9">If Wishes Were Fishes</a> has jumped way up in the ratings on Amazon! This book was so much fun to write and explore the possibilities of the "what if" as a young boy tries to puzzle his way through a weekend with his grandparents. JT loves visiting them, but they seem to have their own secret language. The young boy tries so hard to do everything they ask but hysterical misunderstandings happen all weekend long. This book will have you and your children giggling at their failure to communicate. The illustrations by Ginger Nielson are absolutley perfect. This In celebration we're sharing a coloring page from this fun tale. <a href="http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/children-page-4.php">4RV Publishing</a> is having a holiday sale now through December 5 - check out Wishes and all the other great children's books on their site! If you would like your copy autographed I am more than happy to send you a personalized autographed bookplate.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 407px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 443px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673585133438752450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh5n6kft6e70CzxqA25LQ_SSp_2_00uMltiwZ7EIOBAwyDk46V7a-IxiEw5EXXk4p-LGRqPu4xq-wZRMd7Qe8ZZOipti9VYOf-xvD13pfXXL6o5vBr1b8FFcdYe-KPIFZR2IvUq23IYJC/s400/Shake+a+Leg.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-63287260769811746412011-06-30T05:00:00.005-04:002011-06-30T05:00:04.805-04:00Random Thoughts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVDRU5np64NxJCtIIf9e7Y_xMCIJ8eRPNASY9-4D_Y8JPQ0zlgYWbcqv9JftfumlLpI7lf_G8vjNBoyaaIVQwd4KTQ07kBMFkZVln1wzUUCFB3v6ychJy6dgzNNTKSrsAaK6FmIK5j9nQ/s1600/Random+Thoughts.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622721884008295346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVDRU5np64NxJCtIIf9e7Y_xMCIJ8eRPNASY9-4D_Y8JPQ0zlgYWbcqv9JftfumlLpI7lf_G8vjNBoyaaIVQwd4KTQ07kBMFkZVln1wzUUCFB3v6ychJy6dgzNNTKSrsAaK6FmIK5j9nQ/s200/Random+Thoughts.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>My passion is ...my family. I can't imagine life without any of them...yes, even the dogs!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>My parents always told me ......if you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Everyone has feelings and feelings are very fragile. This is a valuable life lesson. Words are important. They can wound deeper than anything you can physically do to a person, the wounds are so deep they are often unseen. I know this is sometimes a very hard thing to remember - life can come at you fast and sometimes words get blurted out, but remember the flip side of that coin is also true - words can also inspire someone and lift them higher than they have ever been before. It all goes back to "it's not so much what you say, as it is how you say it." It is the thought, the feeling and emotion behind the word that gives it so much strength. </div><br /><div><br />My childhood ambition ...To write books! I love to write, to meet my characters and help them tell their stories. I feel like characters in a story need to be multi-dimensional. You need to really know your character, not just in the moment, but on a personal level, what has led them to this moment ~~ how they became who they are and how they react, in order to tell their story well.<br /><br />My favorite memory ...there are so many to choose from, I couldn't possibly say. I have been blessed. This is very true. I have so many good memories from early childhood right up to now; choosing one to be my favorite would be like trying to select my favorite snowflake~~ they are all so beautiful and unique, how can you possibly choose? Why I write ...it's a great creative outlet. I love to write...many genres...many ideas. I read somewhere that you should, every so often, write something that is outside of your comfort zone ~~ maybe something in a different genre. It tests you and stretches you and gives you a different perspective to look at and write about. What I am reading/watching/listening to ...ahhhh.....that is ever changing (lol).</div><br /><div><br />My first full time job ......was working with autistic and schizophrenic children. That was awesome, life altering. You can really make a huge difference in someone’s life if you just take the time to care and show them you care.<br /></div><br /><div>My best moment ...was becoming a mother ~~ how can you possibly top that?....well, okay, my son's graduation was pretty awesome too! I have never felt so much pride before ~ you know how they say you are so full of pride you feel like you could just burst...I had always thought that was an exaggeration, but it's true! My inspiration ...definitely my son. I hope someday to be able to live up the image he has always made me feel that he had of me.<br /></div><br /><div>Are you playing along in our little game? Mention "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-ebook/dp/B00522P3WQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1308971391&sr=8-3">If Wishes Were Fishes</a> by NA Sharpe, illustrations by Ginger Nielson, is now available on Kindle and Nook" wherever you leave your cyber footprints and let me know when and where you posted any you will be entered in a drawing for a prize pack - the better the book's ratings get on Kindle and/or B&N the bigger the prize packs. How much of a buzz can we create? Just a thought...</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://hub.tm/?EjhLO"><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-50843947711970897982011-06-29T05:00:00.006-04:002011-06-29T05:00:09.985-04:00The Important Thing is Not to Stop Questioning...What If???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YQB_sR-MedwIInUcxO3PS69ThzrteaRyJiXIMJztQmfFV_GM1LEeiHZgUSbDLtPGJiS2bW02cplBDXVh3ZKFkR1Yig9TLxmlrtpz0-4Y4u94s2e5kOUxhA0uoBDUTFvVXLe5Q037Xjha/s1600/QuoteEinstein-Universe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 673px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 425px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622674756958839202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YQB_sR-MedwIInUcxO3PS69ThzrteaRyJiXIMJztQmfFV_GM1LEeiHZgUSbDLtPGJiS2bW02cplBDXVh3ZKFkR1Yig9TLxmlrtpz0-4Y4u94s2e5kOUxhA0uoBDUTFvVXLe5Q037Xjha/s400/QuoteEinstein-Universe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><em>Did you get that? "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. The important thing is not to stop questioning." This is one of my all time favorite quotes. Think about these words from one of the greatest minds there ever was. I think he must have been a writer at heart to say not to stop questioning..." in other words, "what if...." ahhh--a writer's mantra. What a philosophy Einstein had. I think it bears reflection; just a thought…</em><br /><br /><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-88667611062891741222011-06-28T05:00:00.016-04:002011-06-28T05:00:05.634-04:00Looking for a Good Book This Summer?<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>Now available on Kindle and on Nook:</strong></span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Looking for some great suggestions for your summer reading? Here are suggestions you might enjoy on your digital devices:<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TsOsfbnzoYv2TAe2XLvAjIYaxGzRUKs_-cXsgkIHzff-34kGOQQGN8gMR0RZSylLzzK0bFRViX-OPsTkPNLkqqh0Zu8mwC8X-ZOFK6rSFHy2JhWcQMEecdlaXo_vjUG6x08ZG0In5s7m/s1600/If+Wishes+%25284RV%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622010363201385138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TsOsfbnzoYv2TAe2XLvAjIYaxGzRUKs_-cXsgkIHzff-34kGOQQGN8gMR0RZSylLzzK0bFRViX-OPsTkPNLkqqh0Zu8mwC8X-ZOFK6rSFHy2JhWcQMEecdlaXo_vjUG6x08ZG0In5s7m/s200/If+Wishes+%25284RV%2529.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-ebook/dp/B00522P3WQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1308971391&sr=8-3"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">If Wishes Were Fishes</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">by NA Sharpe, illustrated by Ginger Nielsen</span></strong><br /><strong>Reading Level Ages 4-8<br /></strong><em>If Wishes Were Fishes</em> is a hilarious picture book that will appeal to the young and the young at heart.<br />JT Trumanowski is a six-year old with a BIG problem…his grandparents! How do you survive a whole weekend alone with them when you do exactly what they say and still end up in so much trouble?!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Prayer-ebook/dp/B005208M08/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308972599&sr=1-1"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A Wish and a Prayer</span></strong></a><strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpc1ZuSMh0iUzm8c4Dw78IiDnOqbkJE5m3vu2uvwxCSvUh2To_FJcDt1PUlRPvNB6ehXhPi1sSXgMJOmCRJE8c7tNYBuhP1DnIp406jK84vDQj7UCNCqM1mO97KZtMhD7wNAQxmpj9unM/s1600/A+Wish+and+a+Prayer.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 153px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622008193576093394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpc1ZuSMh0iUzm8c4Dw78IiDnOqbkJE5m3vu2uvwxCSvUh2To_FJcDt1PUlRPvNB6ehXhPi1sSXgMJOmCRJE8c7tNYBuhP1DnIp406jK84vDQj7UCNCqM1mO97KZtMhD7wNAQxmpj9unM/s200/A+Wish+and+a+Prayer.jpg" /></a></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">by Beth Bence Reinke, </span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>illustrated by Ginger Nielsen</strong><br /></span><strong>Reading Level Ages 4-8<br /></strong>When Jason's parakeet flies out the window and is lost, he wishes on various objects in hopes of bringing his pet home. But is there something better than wishing? A story that gently teaches children the difference between wishing and praying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIGv8nmne1J_w2JEmX4O-xRMHVd95Jb48IrM3RahpENDyHqHdZdSD-wg2tQcfj2c8uQbevqv8YnPPpTWmP1pgAewdkLWqkcu43nyu1KcNJShd6gBsyXn2IuAD9PqydUW4d5CKmAGxUaYz/s1600/Aldric+and+Anneliese.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622007371461405378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIGv8nmne1J_w2JEmX4O-xRMHVd95Jb48IrM3RahpENDyHqHdZdSD-wg2tQcfj2c8uQbevqv8YnPPpTWmP1pgAewdkLWqkcu43nyu1KcNJShd6gBsyXn2IuAD9PqydUW4d5CKmAGxUaYz/s200/Aldric+and+Anneliese.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aldric-Anneliese-ebook/dp/B0051UTX2U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1308973639&sr=8-2"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Aldric & Anneliese</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong> by Harry E. Gilleland Jr. </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><br />Aldric & Anneliese is a tale of nation building, kings, knights, fair ladies, battles won and lost, triumph, betrayal, tragedy, revenge, redemption, and great loves It is a story for the ages.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><br />Are you playing our game? Don't forget to mention <em>If Wishes Were Fishes</em> is now available on Kindle and Nook to be entered for a chance to win an autographed copy! Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. Please help me get the word out - mention it on Facebook, on Twitter, in a blog ...or maybe you'll have other ideas to help me spread the word through cyberspace. Tell me on the blog <a href="http://nasharpe.blogspot.com/">Realms of Thought</a>, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nasharpe">Facebook</a>, or on Twitter @nasharpe when and where you mentioned it. You'll get an entry for each place and each time you mention <em><strong>If Wishes Were Fishes is now available on Kindle and Nook</strong> (double entries for anyone that purchases a copy)</em>. Contest runs through July 25 and the winners will be announced on July 26. Please help me build a buzz. I really appreciate your help in getting the word out - lets have some fun! </div></div><br /><a href="http://hub.tm/?EjhLO"><br /><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /><br /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-44307611371236079782011-06-27T05:00:00.004-04:002011-06-27T05:00:03.998-04:00Let's Play a Game!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMyET63TzmAEPdfa_IWZC-bnZ218ts1Ca5msfnlfiTZu10hTMbseAlXa7R6bcAkzUJK6AmMugk47sLK9bJjRNC80O4XndMlDNUt9APomhu2o7-jZRC-8_Gp3YTCLefRLntUo61OHvzpn/s1600/lets+play+a+game.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622714347415206770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMyET63TzmAEPdfa_IWZC-bnZ218ts1Ca5msfnlfiTZu10hTMbseAlXa7R6bcAkzUJK6AmMugk47sLK9bJjRNC80O4XndMlDNUt9APomhu2o7-jZRC-8_Gp3YTCLefRLntUo61OHvzpn/s200/lets+play+a+game.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div>I have an idea. Let’s play a game! My picture book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-ebook/dp/B00522P3WQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1308971391&sr=8-3">If Wishes Were Fishes</a>, illustrated by Ginger Nielson, was recently released into the digital world on both Kindle and Nook and now its time to spread the word. I thought I’d like to ask my virtual friends and family to help me by playing a little game. Are you in – do you want to play? (Please say yes!!) </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyi0VjL0TWNi6XgqIwfj2nV9BCaWb7ojbEA1dL-XCdjDboV8fI-6_BaeWE9NG1WVpIBb2w03jj64VjcoTUdHhxp9_337M68v2ZfgHtBUw5MRMyBZWKoKuGVzkNNxHtBY_Q-otqs40crpaU/s1600/If+Wishes+%2528GN%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 194px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622683157981283778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyi0VjL0TWNi6XgqIwfj2nV9BCaWb7ojbEA1dL-XCdjDboV8fI-6_BaeWE9NG1WVpIBb2w03jj64VjcoTUdHhxp9_337M68v2ZfgHtBUw5MRMyBZWKoKuGVzkNNxHtBY_Q-otqs40crpaU/s200/If+Wishes+%2528GN%2529.jpg" /></a><br />I want to spread the word – really get it out there so I am asking my dear friends to simply mention it: on blogs, on Facebook, Twitter, in any social networks or groups you may be in, I don’t know…be creative! Please help spread the word about the new digital release and let me know where you have posted to help get the word out into the cyber-realm – each posting translates into an entry for autographed books and other goodies! Simply mention “<em><strong>If Wishes Were Fishes </strong>by NA Sharpe and Ginger Nielson is now available on Kindle and Nook</em>” – it’s that simple. Each mention gets an additional entry; mention the contest to get more friends playing and you get double entries into our little contest – purchasing a copy (either paperback or digital) will get you five entries. Posting a review of the book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble will also get you five entries! The bigger we can get the buzz, the bigger the prizes will get. If we can get the Kindle and/or Nook ratings up into the top 100 children’s books will additionally win you a gift card of your choice of Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Please help me get the word out – tell me on my blog <a href="http://nasharpe.blogspot.com/">Realms of Thought</a>, on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nasharpe">Facebook</a> page, or on Twitter @nasharpe when and where you mentioned <strong><em>If Wishes Were Fishes</em></strong> <em>is now available on Kindle and Nook. </em>Contest runs through July 25 and the winners will be announced on July 26. Please help me build a buzz. I really appreciate your help in getting the word out - lets have some fun!<br /><a href="http://hub.tm/?EjhLO"><br /><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /><br /></div></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-40770340819297289052011-01-04T04:45:00.000-05:002011-01-04T04:45:00.371-05:00New Releases in Children's and Young Adults Books<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyNDOGntimJmVpITvsf2wHKRhGXx0KsGCUI8JQp1duXZedI8mkQzyQSArE1nwfqh3SLohixQ84_2LbQdbaDlduyBjigXGkTMA1FdT6G-3K0IMBvYaFWayCAnLsQvjGucukuk9i2_8_Awn/s1600/Witch+%2526+Wizard++The+Gift.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557432537540912258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyNDOGntimJmVpITvsf2wHKRhGXx0KsGCUI8JQp1duXZedI8mkQzyQSArE1nwfqh3SLohixQ84_2LbQdbaDlduyBjigXGkTMA1FdT6G-3K0IMBvYaFWayCAnLsQvjGucukuk9i2_8_Awn/s200/Witch+%2526+Wizard++The+Gift.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Wizard-The-Gift-ebook/dp/B00499BTTO/ref=pd_nr_b_3?ie=UTF8&s=books">Witch & Wizard: The Gift</a><br />James Patterson (Author), Ned Rust (Author)<br /><div><div>Product Description<br />When Whit & Wisty were imprisoned by the wicked forces of the totalitarian regime known as the New Order, they were barely able to escape with their lives. Now part of a hidden community of teens like themselves, Whit and Wisty have established themselves as leaders of the Resistance, willing to sacrifice anything to save kids kidnapped and brutally imprisoned by the New Order.</div><br /><div>But the One has other plans in store for them: He needs Wisty, for she is "The One Who Has the Gift." While trying to figure out what that means, Whit and Wisty's suspenseful adventures through Overworld and Shadowland lead to a jaw-dropping climax and conclusion: the highly-anticipated fulfillment of the heart-pounding opening prologue of book one... The Execution of the Allgoods.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJ8doE50Mgui3HuBLJVy7kRGkmT3fNE6guOlG0-_eYc8VNhdkz6zW9AmndN0m_47rc4s8mZPNzVcwGJSb734PBsLL7fB6cf-RHoXpFggsdTGrJKzEoTYubLAipEDq8eF5XBGbZhJEJlth/s1600/Sapphique.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557432311495181186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJ8doE50Mgui3HuBLJVy7kRGkmT3fNE6guOlG0-_eYc8VNhdkz6zW9AmndN0m_47rc4s8mZPNzVcwGJSb734PBsLL7fB6cf-RHoXpFggsdTGrJKzEoTYubLAipEDq8eF5XBGbZhJEJlth/s200/Sapphique.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sapphique-Catherine-Fisher/dp/0803733976/ref=pd_nr_b_13?ie=UTF8&s=books">Sapphique</a><br /></div><div>By Catherine Fisher<br />Product Description<br />In the dark Prison of Incarceron, the prisoners tell tales of a legendary man – Sapphique, the only inmate ever to escape. There are hundreds of tales of his exploits, but are any of them true? Did he even exist?<br /><br />Attia and Keiro certainly think so, and when they hear that a crazy magician called Rix is using Sapphique’s lost Glove in his magical act, they’re determined to steal it. Meanwhile, out in the Realm, Finn is not finding being a Prince easy, and he’s tormented by doubts about his own identity.</div><div><br />I wanted to explore all our uncertainties about ourselves in this sequel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Incarceron-Book-1-Catherine-Fisher/dp/0803733968">Incarceron</a>. Who are we? Can we do the things others expect of us? And can we ever escape ourselves?<br />Expect the terrors of the Ice wing, a chain-gang, a duel, a masked ball, and the fearful anger of the Prison as it prepares to abandon its inmates to darkness and death forever.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-20596187623150384462011-01-03T05:07:00.001-05:002011-01-03T05:07:00.218-05:00We Are Here to Change the WorldThis weekend I had the privilege of seeing Michael Jackson’s performance of<br />Captain EO at the Walt Disney Studios. It reminded me of what a talented individual he was and the message he always tried to share with his audiences. I have found a copy of the video on you tube – if you have a few minutes I highly recommend watching. The epic song “We are Here to Change the World” is in the 2nd part of the video – As Michael says, “We're on a mission: In the everlasting light that shines - A revelation Of the truth in chapters of our minds: We are here to change the world.”<br /><br />I love the hope and the message – what a great thought for the New Year.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AstW05bDiQU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AstW05bDiQU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l2Zt-57Cg0U?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l2Zt-57Cg0U?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-32039159431399748982011-01-01T00:20:00.000-05:002011-01-01T00:20:00.047-05:00Auld Lang Syne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNl5ZdfQntHLruoOhVJV0M09jm7VZI7LWXjJPP0FJwD-AhXWCORAs9071fqjNCYSyLgSoM0L2mGNsLEaW_W2BUOYABOmoAqd9pspPcQ07rOMfMuoe7KR8a_OgYhbZtSLtk_iUz9NC28lZ/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557078639208489042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNl5ZdfQntHLruoOhVJV0M09jm7VZI7LWXjJPP0FJwD-AhXWCORAs9071fqjNCYSyLgSoM0L2mGNsLEaW_W2BUOYABOmoAqd9pspPcQ07rOMfMuoe7KR8a_OgYhbZtSLtk_iUz9NC28lZ/s200/Happy+New+Year.jpg" /></a> At the stroke of midnight many cultures sing the song "Auld Lang Syne." Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind that song and the tradition of singing it on New Years? Early versions of the song came from medieval Scotland... the Gaelic lyrics reflected hope, companionship, and the uncertainty of life. The phrase "auld lang syne" translates literally to "old long ago," and is meant as a nostalgic reference to so-called good old days. The first published version of the lyrics was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in the 1700s. It wasn't until the 20th century that the song gained popularity as an anthem to the New Year. <div><br />That being said, come on…you know you want to join in for a verse or two! </div><div><br />Should old acquaintance be forgot</div><div>And never brought to mind?</div><div>Should old acquaintance be forgot,</div><div>And auld lang syne! </div><div><br />The new year brings us hope for peace,</div><div>A new day for mankind,</div><div>Where we can all live hand in hand</div><div>And leave all hate behind. </div><div><br />For auld lang syne, my dear.</div><div>For auld lang syne.</div><div>We'll take a cup of kindness yet</div><div>For auld lang syne. </div><div><br />When dreams they seem so far away,</div><div>Your soul can feel so low.</div><div>But love is never far away;</div><div>Your heart won't be alone. </div><div><br />Let's make a world where people care,</div><div>A world that knows no fear,</div><div>Where we can open up our hearts</div><div>And hold each other dear. </div><div><br />Our children grow, they need to know</div><div>The Future's theirs to hold.</div><div>If we can teach them how to love</div><div>Then the world can carry on.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For auld lang syne, my dear.</div><div>For auld lang syne. </div><div>We'll take a cup of kindness yet</div><div>For auld lang syne.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Have a wonderful New Year everybody - filled with love and joy, health and hope, and prosperity for all.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-3543269279770840432010-12-26T02:48:00.002-05:002010-12-26T02:48:00.429-05:00'Twas the Day After Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUwARsSgnyTGRln0a-_kNoajSWfORktjg1kVV_RT1TmpkZU20lZeQWjROArnybHa8egIO4282Ebl3GBxM51IiTCXtqANfHmiUCf4NEIEUGk1tJ3eUPn06BmtWc112mSZ1HNK8zqr_5_xQ/s1600-h/Day+After+Christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419560506730885154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUwARsSgnyTGRln0a-_kNoajSWfORktjg1kVV_RT1TmpkZU20lZeQWjROArnybHa8egIO4282Ebl3GBxM51IiTCXtqANfHmiUCf4NEIEUGk1tJ3eUPn06BmtWc112mSZ1HNK8zqr_5_xQ/s200/Day+After+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">The Day After Christmas Lament</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeHO-yzCtCvLklQl1jROjuiyBIuE9uo7Wt2kYR7QqgBPYF4Xhg5PJUqW7LU6UVd4BkJ6IILgEAgogIxfLrHRxpuoemobJizf69N6TLXCj6nd6yBRH-lvTAeJMydmTOd4LtBsO7SvK1K12/s1600-h/Mouse+sleeping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419579665885722178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 88px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeHO-yzCtCvLklQl1jROjuiyBIuE9uo7Wt2kYR7QqgBPYF4Xhg5PJUqW7LU6UVd4BkJ6IILgEAgogIxfLrHRxpuoemobJizf69N6TLXCj6nd6yBRH-lvTAeJMydmTOd4LtBsO7SvK1K12/s200/Mouse+sleeping.jpg" border="0" /></a>Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,<br />every creature was sleeping, even the mouse.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew5fgqtTLAQQe2DGnQx62sRaPVLRuMZw2MCQ_C6xELgdhHBE1A2xikji5MKrJJELAwJjIRMDi5YrVPTRbwQeiufYmroeCz1fvKOlXj22VHLBq4a09_eXHjMh1dazBQCeecu4D6EEG6vTU/s1600-h/broken+toys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419565876942005090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew5fgqtTLAQQe2DGnQx62sRaPVLRuMZw2MCQ_C6xELgdhHBE1A2xikji5MKrJJELAwJjIRMDi5YrVPTRbwQeiufYmroeCz1fvKOlXj22VHLBq4a09_eXHjMh1dazBQCeecu4D6EEG6vTU/s200/broken+toys.jpg" border="0" /></a>The toys were all broken, their batteries dead,<br />Santa passed out with some ice on his head.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-ZdgxzNf_7e7bKDnVGbcsXBPdRd74pSxbxY-CSzlkUXkzGSZXrwsA_JsWgV-E12TjtBKpAL-4qeRrxPqohRXNn61SBMZ8nCb_-3hTNxJqykRJj7UQtZsnWs1W9i42_Fz_1MsUw3BlGWV/s1600-h/snoring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419573574585903506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 77px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-ZdgxzNf_7e7bKDnVGbcsXBPdRd74pSxbxY-CSzlkUXkzGSZXrwsA_JsWgV-E12TjtBKpAL-4qeRrxPqohRXNn61SBMZ8nCb_-3hTNxJqykRJj7UQtZsnWs1W9i42_Fz_1MsUw3BlGWV/s200/snoring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wrapping and ribbons covered the floor,<br />while upstairs the family continued to snore.</div><br /><br /><div>And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,</div><div>went into the kitchen and started to clean.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7T43s_XJ7vy_hVPhQdMxYYaDDc9hvhkCXaQOy0mtjSuepAcXnhHRVi7LGkuEvVafFfybqyo-alYqhO6oKJpm2FNRLD6Mo82WmfAJkYWKevpX9cV4iAGZQVfTlPgbKXJcqG-xNa9SfnS8/s1600-h/sink+full+of+dishes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419568417032180770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 111px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7T43s_XJ7vy_hVPhQdMxYYaDDc9hvhkCXaQOy0mtjSuepAcXnhHRVi7LGkuEvVafFfybqyo-alYqhO6oKJpm2FNRLD6Mo82WmfAJkYWKevpX9cV4iAGZQVfTlPgbKXJcqG-xNa9SfnS8/s200/sink+full+of+dishes.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,<br />I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.</div><br /><div>Away to the window I flew like a flash,</div><div>tore open the curtains and threw up the sash.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMpizx6tpS4I_w4TVTSCZ6O7jyB6hJPIZco4DBfkEckDVDCKzvo2FLVLATsMW1Qs47HkBP4P_9uxmJv4fI8-m1IUlvtZzHIaEtVUXaGi3t13CWsdHjbTLX9VjPlvefXxfP71C2K8R9MJH/s1600-h/mail+truck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419577910207149458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 70px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMpizx6tpS4I_w4TVTSCZ6O7jyB6hJPIZco4DBfkEckDVDCKzvo2FLVLATsMW1Qs47HkBP4P_9uxmJv4fI8-m1IUlvtZzHIaEtVUXaGi3t13CWsdHjbTLX9VjPlvefXxfP71C2K8R9MJH/s200/mail+truck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />but a little white truck with an oversize mirror.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FBDg0JnCuDUv9TdWLQiSj-s0A3WadSRWka-E_-qH4iODQ7oOM63Mfm4WxR6cUzrQeTJ0p4wOGDAZ2YHQHkNS3Ac3qhHBvpm21AdHw23PV_90hLraedF6P5RJ0M4RmoB4VVeIfkCXCeGB/s1600-h/mailman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419572407726798818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 71px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FBDg0JnCuDUv9TdWLQiSj-s0A3WadSRWka-E_-qH4iODQ7oOM63Mfm4WxR6cUzrQeTJ0p4wOGDAZ2YHQHkNS3Ac3qhHBvpm21AdHw23PV_90hLraedF6P5RJ0M4RmoB4VVeIfkCXCeGB/s200/mailman.jpg" border="0" /></a>The driver was smiling, so lively and grand,<br />the patch on his jacket said US POST-MAN.</div><br /><br /><div>With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox,<br />then quickly stuffed them into our box.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE37rVlA8Sr0bxXmgiFViEeff_ZpGmLKmkMJOo8efe2nXWnzTj1v1xIZaJPTcUuEV0FOEtbuEZ1dcad7aNXnMiSJTq3hPxmW4RUK9j3ZzlqKQq9PY4HTvFAojTJAyeOE27QyVQA_7B1t-/s1600-h/envelopes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419578407041951538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE37rVlA8Sr0bxXmgiFViEeff_ZpGmLKmkMJOo8efe2nXWnzTj1v1xIZaJPTcUuEV0FOEtbuEZ1dcad7aNXnMiSJTq3hPxmW4RUK9j3ZzlqKQq9PY4HTvFAojTJAyeOE27QyVQA_7B1t-/s200/envelopes.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Bill after bill and still they all came,<br />whistling and counting he called them by name.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6_ib8tya_H_TCiX2ZHaSoYi_eGV0rBHPkYlV93JKA5kYzqPS1g-cM6Qa3IK9CoBBlSnaLXUdorxQ8iZS8PJ_FlmWkn8in9EhORuDiITg0848Zn7g2noSDZPemCAZ7Yz4SJ1MyW5NzaMS/s1600-h/bills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419578916913157586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6_ib8tya_H_TCiX2ZHaSoYi_eGV0rBHPkYlV93JKA5kYzqPS1g-cM6Qa3IK9CoBBlSnaLXUdorxQ8iZS8PJ_FlmWkn8in9EhORuDiITg0848Zn7g2noSDZPemCAZ7Yz4SJ1MyW5NzaMS/s200/bills.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now Dillard’s, now Broadway, now Penny’s and Sears,<br />here’s Levitz and Target and Macy’s….all here.<br /><br />To the top of your limit, every store, every mall,<br />now charge away, charge away, charge away all!!<br /><br />He chuckled and whistled as he finished his work,</div><div>he filled up the box, then turned with a jerk.</div><div><br />He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,<br />driving much faster with just half of a load.</div><br /><br />Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ1DHDtiwDpdC1YpwTfzSVBD2hQPgEkq26JQuOfJVnxTVuIiVfH79cKX32qiuj93O43O3K1uMAFonBCmzao1TA7OocYVl9mLA_y_9vJHgTPE16SSeL9h-1kfTVze2Z1R3z6PSTWVsa8AT/s1600-h/Mailman+goodbye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419581809716164738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 69px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ1DHDtiwDpdC1YpwTfzSVBD2hQPgEkq26JQuOfJVnxTVuIiVfH79cKX32qiuj93O43O3K1uMAFonBCmzao1TA7OocYVl9mLA_y_9vJHgTPE16SSeL9h-1kfTVze2Z1R3z6PSTWVsa8AT/s200/Mailman+goodbye.jpg" border="0" /></a>“ENJOY WHAT YOU GOT….YOU”LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-10092385936365657802010-12-20T03:43:00.003-05:002010-12-20T03:43:00.489-05:00Books Make Great Stocking Stuffers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuYgojZ6eV_MTGXPp5Vanpgms_kn4et4YAl2TMJk-niIAgcZI39XpjpgvUq3Gqti3aPjzvo1z4DIGO2Du0ns02aMsnmgWeEsBJbFA0VumWske5CfocBpYUl-3l7ycGn82TsyWyw4mxV8G/s1600/If+Wishes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552575877910371602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuYgojZ6eV_MTGXPp5Vanpgms_kn4et4YAl2TMJk-niIAgcZI39XpjpgvUq3Gqti3aPjzvo1z4DIGO2Du0ns02aMsnmgWeEsBJbFA0VumWske5CfocBpYUl-3l7ycGn82TsyWyw4mxV8G/s200/If+Wishes.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU42JXRozvd4k8zZlC6fYIlZR1G7t9-dA_JQ_8366vmcC7Kr0qtcOAGkTqGTtxhf7pxL0-DAL8Co7Cw9O0V_HwCPKLrx7Oi2hFac97uIQnoJI1PI6_a91hfqV9JiBHQz_aGHMNTvK8eTY/s1600/holiday+special.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552575635007847202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU42JXRozvd4k8zZlC6fYIlZR1G7t9-dA_JQ_8366vmcC7Kr0qtcOAGkTqGTtxhf7pxL0-DAL8Co7Cw9O0V_HwCPKLrx7Oi2hFac97uIQnoJI1PI6_a91hfqV9JiBHQz_aGHMNTvK8eTY/s200/holiday+special.jpg" /></a> Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer for a young one on your holiday list? <strong><em>If Wishes Were Fishes</em></strong> now at a special price for last minute shopping: only $8.50 plus shipping for this cybil nominated picture book.<br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><br /><div>If Wishes Were Fishes is a hilarious picture book that will appeal to the young and the young at heart.<br /><br />JT Trumanowski is a six-year old with a BIG problem…his grandparents! How do you survive a whole weekend alone with them when you do exactly what they say and still end up in so much trouble?!<br /><br />JT adores his grandparents and is thrilled to be invited to spend the weekend with them. He tries hard to follow their requests to a “T” with one disastrously humorous result after another. “Why can’t they just say what they mean?” he wonders. Talk about a failure to communicate! Join JT as he discovers people may mean what they say, they just don’t always say what they mean…clearly. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-4956932480177744412010-12-14T03:33:00.000-05:002010-12-14T03:33:00.307-05:00Christmas Holidays Rules of Eating<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLlBuXmnmua7qIqNXlGlgWTd3yF-CBXsSMpi0CaHbzIbrLOvPj3IefXQGsntIUHVudqUz7ay0Vsr1-v4OAuJoxuoMJ_g67ca34QHLibZCw6rZg2RD6JeJffxvVdA4lZfXpZcO2RCKcIzG/s1600-h/Christmas+party.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419547937265149186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLlBuXmnmua7qIqNXlGlgWTd3yF-CBXsSMpi0CaHbzIbrLOvPj3IefXQGsntIUHVudqUz7ay0Vsr1-v4OAuJoxuoMJ_g67ca34QHLibZCw6rZg2RD6JeJffxvVdA4lZfXpZcO2RCKcIzG/s200/Christmas+party.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I found this last year on the internet and thought it was definitely funny and worth sharing...enjoy!</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">10 Rules of Holiday Eating</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezVpI1s0cAXAC0wnwNlFrLM0HHwp_rzU94KxgLeGvgQo5qIXhbeOG70SG9pIUBnW_NM2XlLHFi6WBJek3RWaAr89kkosCMiszPQ8nPmXRVBjYSA0N_MpCBpD-KhJfp1d7SSzwA4qX7Vh-/s1600-h/Rum+Balls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419548068563634642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 87px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezVpI1s0cAXAC0wnwNlFrLM0HHwp_rzU94KxgLeGvgQo5qIXhbeOG70SG9pIUBnW_NM2XlLHFi6WBJek3RWaAr89kkosCMiszPQ8nPmXRVBjYSA0N_MpCBpD-KhJfp1d7SSzwA4qX7Vh-/s200/Rum+Balls.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMHQmPQ6HwU3cWHNZ6O1bjyGVpJwSm-R9ddkDaTt7PqJMPpI4bG6D9XveoXNLLZo_axrYMstRVPUGMrb9KmJnOsRJZiESHbDawRKDm3TG5waLmEFHFUnkWeii92ZuxxQFX2-b5R_q6dht/s1600-h/Eggnog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419548330181616818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 88px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMHQmPQ6HwU3cWHNZ6O1bjyGVpJwSm-R9ddkDaTt7PqJMPpI4bG6D9XveoXNLLZo_axrYMstRVPUGMrb9KmJnOsRJZiESHbDawRKDm3TG5waLmEFHFUnkWeii92ZuxxQFX2-b5R_q6dht/s200/Eggnog.jpg" border="0" /></a>2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think.It’s Christmas!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hSYhhVWRmgmf9vq_xrZhPtC_P0OLjTKIQq_LLAh77octbK8kX2U4cH3MUC9vRFn7zGZVU6Y9tjVshfGq2eDAhyphenhyphen6OyZePNbLCF1kZ_LKUC9ltFbMJ4G2MWoXLu5vhgMaEthR2-d33W3m5/s1600-h/Gravy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419549125459685346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 117px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hSYhhVWRmgmf9vq_xrZhPtC_P0OLjTKIQq_LLAh77octbK8kX2U4cH3MUC9vRFn7zGZVU6Y9tjVshfGq2eDAhyphenhyphen6OyZePNbLCF1kZ_LKUC9ltFbMJ4G2MWoXLu5vhgMaEthR2-d33W3m5/s200/Gravy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. <a href="http://www.makecookingeasy.com/holidays/christmas-eating-rules.php/attachment/turkey-and-dressing-mashed-pot-and-gravy" rel="attachment wp-att-86"></a>Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57miemOc6xkNVA1WlmJmzonCe8QB52n7WBnIRWyvCZa8mqnPJ2bSI1MU5eCWHUe-7wAS7EsEK4Y5b1ddQXz1G9g64Q5UGbfBZCzfESgI78hlgbvWXhuhtGKcut4e0RdEj-17Llk8It0pR/s1600-h/Sports+car.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419549647200321330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57miemOc6xkNVA1WlmJmzonCe8QB52n7WBnIRWyvCZa8mqnPJ2bSI1MU5eCWHUe-7wAS7EsEK4Y5b1ddQXz1G9g64Q5UGbfBZCzfESgI78hlgbvWXhuhtGKcut4e0RdEj-17Llk8It0pR/s200/Sports+car.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj040AlVyKiwbjfj1Q3SgrGm6Lo9EGAZvSxkGofRYgQAjN32gRI-gYZ4eMvFdGS9gYiX7q99C6rxklCQWWyT1uu01RJhGIzA3GtSy-NRGUSofq0q_KuovBtpnIYIFCiMiLuCmN4CrOUCagR/s1600-h/Mashed+Potatoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419549328845620562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj040AlVyKiwbjfj1Q3SgrGm6Lo9EGAZvSxkGofRYgQAjN32gRI-gYZ4eMvFdGS9gYiX7q99C6rxklCQWWyT1uu01RJhGIzA3GtSy-NRGUSofq0q_KuovBtpnIYIFCiMiLuCmN4CrOUCagR/s200/Mashed+Potatoes.jpg" border="0" /></a>4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAyV8_j5E6ioIKCNPv-8P4TaW2YPIrMW1cxrH0r6RDEwiNKNrWhj2yxC0-cVq89HYHPAZQDVRWzrfTPUPobd8Zbcp1DM7dpJ3oDYQ2OEr-RtT5bYYI9QFajl0jZ1HkwLjt-UF9Tlwl_z4/s1600-h/No+Late+Knight+Snacking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419552905912729074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 78px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAyV8_j5E6ioIKCNPv-8P4TaW2YPIrMW1cxrH0r6RDEwiNKNrWhj2yxC0-cVq89HYHPAZQDVRWzrfTPUPobd8Zbcp1DM7dpJ3oDYQ2OEr-RtT5bYYI9QFajl0jZ1HkwLjt-UF9Tlwl_z4/s200/No+Late+Knight+Snacking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGrA2y6gjbXlJOhzFdefHrB0ITkQVVRCrXDYNjB_5Zv3MHJqI-IUuRstOiTdJAbGNlA1AWx-eh-9HeKcoAiJzRQi5HoI3hSahIASU82XHNJNUNFcZi4OB2eHpfXv9An04GD7TqayrMLcY/s1600-h/Exercising.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419553695005864866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 94px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGrA2y6gjbXlJOhzFdefHrB0ITkQVVRCrXDYNjB_5Zv3MHJqI-IUuRstOiTdJAbGNlA1AWx-eh-9HeKcoAiJzRQi5HoI3hSahIASU82XHNJNUNFcZi4OB2eHpfXv9An04GD7TqayrMLcY/s200/Exercising.jpg" border="0" /></a>6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfIiSJiMTYVsLHdpXhbYk47jFAxZckPHY9DJkztKu5D2P63GdBlaMY04VVMh0dYd6pLFd5qOfljUCfqUVQTI6c1wUUYJLQtUtHSQh5LbruPFz5xm3p9ntlAsWR0TknBYgFi4RKIgz0Igs/s1600-h/Christmas+cookies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419553908161999810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 86px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfIiSJiMTYVsLHdpXhbYk47jFAxZckPHY9DJkztKu5D2P63GdBlaMY04VVMh0dYd6pLFd5qOfljUCfqUVQTI6c1wUUYJLQtUtHSQh5LbruPFz5xm3p9ntlAsWR0TknBYgFi4RKIgz0Igs/s200/Christmas+cookies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisUkFC7r_kDwRYNGgGe65Dawc1r1GnYvoBUsKQjrJDzGsE-beoqy0B2dldVDpe0CZdtaIP-z1EnX4W-xd2B0vR9iSa1mXeY2tR-FrAbCbMe-GxJ9agjKfp9Q_6zKvQ6rYMURxX6wLx6AQ/s1600-h/Pie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419554271124955634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisUkFC7r_kDwRYNGgGe65Dawc1r1GnYvoBUsKQjrJDzGsE-beoqy0B2dldVDpe0CZdtaIP-z1EnX4W-xd2B0vR9iSa1mXeY2tR-FrAbCbMe-GxJ9agjKfp9Q_6zKvQ6rYMURxX6wLx6AQ/s200/Pie.jpg" border="0" /></a>8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2F2Ptq7F-BCodD9wkud2vj48bKz0Uh2r6NQ5idN9_hInCOhZVt-7Y2TivCHCfDaRPS3k4zsONULRUv-jw-g7pad5q96ihPNscBjfCJvzCXht4_DNb8YWyZzOLnkZYk_SeisWmvfbH3y3/s1600-h/Fruitcake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419554506052874018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 76px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2F2Ptq7F-BCodD9wkud2vj48bKz0Uh2r6NQ5idN9_hInCOhZVt-7Y2TivCHCfDaRPS3k4zsONULRUv-jw-g7pad5q96ihPNscBjfCJvzCXht4_DNb8YWyZzOLnkZYk_SeisWmvfbH3y3/s200/Fruitcake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgXKimUsyosu8C6jxTnrknQu4elFNH5fH5UUniPyN9tfz7QlrbLx_bjdvcU-GNPawepHdddIspTWAY6sLycHkNzXFx2rfzgUYnIhoaJbknLFaLC9ahN6SZ6pb2eAEPgg1jgKmqV0TZaYK/s1600-h/LOL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419555083120843746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 71px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgXKimUsyosu8C6jxTnrknQu4elFNH5fH5UUniPyN9tfz7QlrbLx_bjdvcU-GNPawepHdddIspTWAY6sLycHkNzXFx2rfzgUYnIhoaJbknLFaLC9ahN6SZ6pb2eAEPgg1jgKmqV0TZaYK/s200/LOL.jpg" border="0" /></a>10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read these tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419556580797765714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGibcbvD-aAT6T3GrxfK6mya4oUTTAHh0nTih0IBp0Z4Bp7qqwKhxWtCBhZWcjXcekWGpTc18etdf9DMJ2Lccc4Z_GR9aV1i0j1LRTnJdk439UEtGXN-ZSX3oGX7iXaCkReU7OEuhv0WKP/s200/Most+Wonderful+Time.jpg" border="0" /><br />Remember this motto to live by:“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO-HOO what a ride!”</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
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http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-77996307505402419502010-10-14T03:00:00.005-04:002010-10-14T03:00:02.456-04:00Who's Your Favorite Literary Fictional Character?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYBbYGhWWOsrsQ1f-DfdDw4NR-mfTVQVvITMb6tbTu5DhCT817VeDM7QYrW75EUtcR-GTuEPzvfcTFvyXlSJS65KiYy_5hnjukxvbhJLL3suQCad2vGtyWRJy2Awm0JUD9Fp4ciR6A8w2/s1600/kidlit.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 102px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526439050169640706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYBbYGhWWOsrsQ1f-DfdDw4NR-mfTVQVvITMb6tbTu5DhCT817VeDM7QYrW75EUtcR-GTuEPzvfcTFvyXlSJS65KiYy_5hnjukxvbhJLL3suQCad2vGtyWRJy2Awm0JUD9Fp4ciR6A8w2/s200/kidlit.jpg" /></a><br /><div>When you are reading a novel, what characters inspire you? Do you revel in the security of a favorite (although possibly cliched) stereotype? Are you looking for a hero - someone to place on a pedestal and revere? Maybe you prefer someone you can more easily identify with, a character that is real and flawed? Perhaps you like to pep up your characters to be a notch above the normal average Joe.<br /><br />I write books for children through young adults. Lately my focus has been in the genre of fantasy. Look at some of the more popular works throughout time - Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Alice as she journeys through the looking glass, and, of course, one of this generation's popular boy wizards - Harry Potter. What do these timeless characters have in common? The authors of each of these works have brilliantly developed characters their audience can truly embrace. Characters that step off the page, grab their reader's hand and take them on an adventure they won't forget. Who are some of your favorite characters in literature today?</div><div></div><div> </div><div>The Netherscape is a realm filled with fantasy characters. Why not click over to <a href="http://destineers.blogspot.com/">The Destineer’s blog</a> to see which characters they are talking about or head on over to the <a href="http://cybrarie.com/">Cybrarie</a> for today’s lesson?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-20237847552435433752010-10-13T03:00:00.004-04:002010-10-13T03:00:02.033-04:00A Writer's Journey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRp0bgAlRwv55c9CbXSOm-0rRDRWonw5CCtOlKFMSAV6yaW6WhEIpzYw1RAusCtn9x7MUuUGs3uY1IV9_HqQWvoB6Z_jajhBcvinP7OFGVRciBxdCVZFXaGZvRpbwHPWFPU_NutYSHsh/s1600/Kylie+avatar.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526188636033162114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRp0bgAlRwv55c9CbXSOm-0rRDRWonw5CCtOlKFMSAV6yaW6WhEIpzYw1RAusCtn9x7MUuUGs3uY1IV9_HqQWvoB6Z_jajhBcvinP7OFGVRciBxdCVZFXaGZvRpbwHPWFPU_NutYSHsh/s200/Kylie+avatar.gif" /></a> As fiction writers we make an incredible journey. It begins with envisioning a book concept and developing believable characters with precisely the right voice for telling the tale. We nurture the concept and characters and tweak them till they are just right. After much preliminary work we begin the actual art of storytelling - putting it all on paper, hopefully in a manner that engages our readers bringing them happily into the fictional world we have created - immersed and enthralled in the tapestry of the story threads. The tale is written, rewritten, polished and edited until we feel it is finally ready for submission to the ever elusive publisher.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The task of researching publishers that are looking for the particular type of work we have created, coming up with a "can't miss" marketing plan, querying said publisher and nervously awaiting their response is an arduous task. Will our story be embraced, or will we receive the infamous letter of rejection? Anxiously we wait to hear - it can be days, weeks, even months before the verdict of the publisher's interest or decision to pass is made known to us. The wait is grueling. If the publisher is interested, will a partial manuscript or the entire manuscript be requested? Once again, you find yourself playing a waiting game, repeatedly checking your mailbox and hoping for the offer of a contract. Only time will reveal the publisher's final decision to embrace your work or decline it leaving you to begin the publishing search again. </div><br /><div>Finally, your labor of hard work and love has been accepted by a publisher...and there are more edits and polishing that take place. At long last it is beginning to look like your dream is about to become a reality. Soon you will be able to hold your book in your hands, and, more importantly get it to your readers - the fans that will embrace your story and clamor for the sequel.<br /><br />I’ve been very fortunate with two books to my credit – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destineers-Journal-Fantasy-Nations/dp/0557040264/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286663135&sr=1-1">The Destineers’ Journal of Fantasy Nations</a>, a young adult guide book to the members of the fantasy nations and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9">If Wishes Were Fishes</a>, a humorous picture book teaching kids people may mean what they say, they just don’t always say what they mean…clearly. To find out more, please visit my author's <a href="http://nasharpe.com/">site</a> or my fantasy site, <a href="http://cybrarie.com/">the Cybrarie</a>. </div><div><br />I am so excited – this is one of my favorite weeks of the year – when the Muse Online Writers Conference takes place. I am like a kid in a candy store - there are publishers and agents in attendance wanting to find out about your current work, many wonderful writers, editors and illustrators from all over the world to network with and so many wonderful workshops to participate in. Bookmark my blog and check back often to see some of the things I learn from these wonderful classes. Hope to see you here often! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-53649212376666602102010-10-12T03:00:00.005-04:002010-10-12T23:14:15.908-04:00New Release Tuesday in the Realms of SciFi and Fantasy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk87g19HRnlIHTXZi27L8e5aypxjXVObkl9xZDi8ccWsqtorGNqrLH-o24QuRnfToU7bVasyWL7xEmjMKy7JpxD-1L3S-cIulKWRZgXU9gxnnSHGRBqNevDpx24W_AWR0z_vyYtgR4noJ/s1600/Star+Wars+The+Force+Unleashed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 83px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523801985336286258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk87g19HRnlIHTXZi27L8e5aypxjXVObkl9xZDi8ccWsqtorGNqrLH-o24QuRnfToU7bVasyWL7xEmjMKy7JpxD-1L3S-cIulKWRZgXU9gxnnSHGRBqNevDpx24W_AWR0z_vyYtgR4noJ/s200/Star+Wars+The+Force+Unleashed.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Force-Unleashed-II/dp/0345511549/ref=pd_nr_b_59?ie=UTF8&s=books">Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sean-Williams/e/B001I9VX8A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Sean Williams</a><br />Product Description<br />As ruthless apprentice to Darth Vader, Starkiller was mercilessly schooled in the ways of the dark side, commanded to exterminate the last of the purged Jedi Order, and groomed for the ultimate Sith power play: assassination of the Emperor. He served without question, killed without remorse, and lost his heart without warning to beautiful Imperial fighter pilot Juno Eclipse, never suspecting that he was just a tool in the schemes of his masters—until it was too late to escape their lethal betrayal.Juno mourned Starkiller as dead...but now he is back, purged of all memories and programmed to kill. And as fate brings Juno and Starkiller closer to reuniting, with Darth Vader determined not to lose his assassin a second time, they will both have to make a stand. The prize is freedom. The punishment for failing will be eternal enslavement to the dark side of the Force...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQwVOAdhS24Sm-wLrSvYx_5b64hgBnrBSaHg-qJmYFKINwbPqgfNYqZQqpZ_tWZm7Tyu8rcidEU7oJt01ojwjpYHmuScZw_N-1QBfk8KG6o1UR0nfAWM-5hKi-YJbjJFmoExVuzmRGaP3/s1600/Fable.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 70px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523801610197190706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQwVOAdhS24Sm-wLrSvYx_5b64hgBnrBSaHg-qJmYFKINwbPqgfNYqZQqpZ_tWZm7Tyu8rcidEU7oJt01ojwjpYHmuScZw_N-1QBfk8KG6o1UR0nfAWM-5hKi-YJbjJFmoExVuzmRGaP3/s200/Fable.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fable-Balverine-Order-Peter-David/dp/0441020062/ref=pd_nr_b_49?ie=UTF8&s=books">Fable: The Balverine Order</a> by Peter David<br />Product Description<br />The days of magic and adventure are fading away, giving way to the age of industry and science. As the aged last Hero sits upon the throne of Albion, two friends-the privileged Thomas and his loyal servant, John- set out for the East in search of a legendary beast: the vicious, rarely-seen balverine. But their desire for adventure may be their ultimate undoing-because their quarry has just found them...<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-27177249955245654912010-10-11T03:00:00.005-04:002011-06-25T01:29:11.943-04:00Building Believable Magic in a Fantasy Book<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvRV785XIzV9TRspYLrv8kOG5ZQWo9LknfzfPK4g4kMmTtXZ4LlZS0vQ7fhBNoKD0oDmxvRu6G4Pc3GASULk_YtOSWu8Dr0Kw3VYM4x5Avxvf7pQBA70ot_qdFOHmi5rsH2ZV2N-pKRjY/s1600/Believable+Magic.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 129px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526433179066246050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvRV785XIzV9TRspYLrv8kOG5ZQWo9LknfzfPK4g4kMmTtXZ4LlZS0vQ7fhBNoKD0oDmxvRu6G4Pc3GASULk_YtOSWu8Dr0Kw3VYM4x5Avxvf7pQBA70ot_qdFOHmi5rsH2ZV2N-pKRjY/s200/Believable+Magic.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Children have been raised to believe in fantasy – Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny, and fairy tales galore. What is the attraction? Why do we enjoy the fantastical realm? I think one reason is the fairy tale ending, “they lived happily ever after”. These five little words bring a warm cozy, safe feeling. After all, don’t we strive to find our very own “happily ever after” in real life?<br /><br />In most fantasy stories, there is not an easy magical answer to every trivial problem – true magic needs what all good stories need…conflict. There also needs to be a real chance for the hero of the story to fail, after all, if he can simply magic his problem away, where is the suspense of the story? The reader needs to feel compelled to feel the adventure as they enter the magical realm and join the hero on his magical quest. One sense the author must develop in a work of fantasy is the sense of wonder – stretching your imagination to places it may never have traveled before, then going beyond those limits to expand into the vastness of the “what if”. It stirs feelings within us, a familiar recognition of a realm where anything is possible and you must expect the unexpected. In this world logic is stretched, tested and redefined. Often, along the way the champion will have to face fantastical beings often with their own magical powers and qualities.<br /><br />In my fantasy series, Kylie (the writer of the group known as the <a href="http://destineers.com/">destineers</a>) keeps a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Destineers-Journal-Fantasy-Nations/dp/0557040264/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8s=books&qid=1242081532&sr=8-1">journal</a> as a chronicle of the group’s adventures. It is filled with entries about all the magical beings they encounter. Later volumes will address their magical lessons and recounting of the legends they witness in the making. But, for now, those stories are being categorized and recorded by ghost writers in the <a href="http://cybrarie.com/">Cybrarie</a>. For updates about the series and new postings in the forum or book review blog, join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Destineers/52669842838?ref=ts">Destineers’ Fan Page</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://hub.tm/?EjhLO"><br /><img title="" border="0" alt="TweetIt from HubSpot" src="http://twitter.grader.com/assets/img/tweet-it-button.jpg" target="_new" /><br /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-25040803180004694162010-10-05T03:00:00.003-04:002010-10-05T03:00:06.938-04:00New Release Tuesday in the Realms of SciFi and Fantasy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XhyphenhyphengCeXo8khTlxEikA7OHT5c5g3ZADWgPtFE-I4f9AdpSEN3IwUAqc04DDTEIDqHxUlQTFGxAVAzdxVTHxmLSp5nsX4CCOxOAyZcx4SJOu-nbqGMzZGtWe_BNDjDm3Kr66bewFgkKGGD/s1600/Gauntlgrym.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 83px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523800291974731666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XhyphenhyphengCeXo8khTlxEikA7OHT5c5g3ZADWgPtFE-I4f9AdpSEN3IwUAqc04DDTEIDqHxUlQTFGxAVAzdxVTHxmLSp5nsX4CCOxOAyZcx4SJOu-nbqGMzZGtWe_BNDjDm3Kr66bewFgkKGGD/s200/Gauntlgrym.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gauntlgrym-Neverwinter-Book-R-Salvatore/dp/0786955007/ref=pd_nr_b_18?ie=UTF8&s=books">Gauntlgrym: Neverwinter, Book I</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/R.A.-Salvatore/e/B000AQ3YFC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">R.A. Salvatore</a><br />Product Description<br />Drizzt joins Bruenor on his quest for the fabled dwarven kingdom of Gauntlgrym: ruins said to be rich with ancient treasure and arcane lore. But before they even get close, another drow and dwarf pair stumbles across it first: Jarlaxle and Athrogate. In their search for treasure and magic, Jarlaxle and Athrogate inadvertently set into motion a catastrophe that could spell disaster for the unsuspecting people of the city of Neverwinter—a catastrophe big enough to lure even the mercenary Jarlaxle into risking his own coin and skin to stop it. Unfortunately, the more they uncover about the secret of Gauntlgrym, the more it looks like they can’t stop it on their own. They’ll need help, and from the last people they ever thought to fight alongside again: Drizzt and Bruenor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crave-Fallen-Angels-Book-2/dp/0451229444/ref=pd_nr_b_20?ie=UTF8&s=books">Crave (Fallen Angels, Book 2)</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/J.R.-Ward/e/B001H6OGQA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">J.R. Ward</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVosZswKPp_7afoo1KsnELMXOh7ZqbEWbJypINutp1ux_HEdJTWEPW-HQyrxYwHaVJNS7Iq-1hdjhcspCY7ozOIi5pRg3MqLR-JuHOxS7yqiJRSHp9Mo5mi3A_Rm7VJDxnlK-q4FFTIFV9/s1600/Crave.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 77px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523800006967896930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVosZswKPp_7afoo1KsnELMXOh7ZqbEWbJypINutp1ux_HEdJTWEPW-HQyrxYwHaVJNS7Iq-1hdjhcspCY7ozOIi5pRg3MqLR-JuHOxS7yqiJRSHp9Mo5mi3A_Rm7VJDxnlK-q4FFTIFV9/s200/Crave.jpg" /></a><br />Product Description<br />Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds- barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose. Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGf0SSz0TSu5-6A47bZDlgDXi-x9zEWUK6Swy2mNwWnB7U3jm1FTWRq0sH5vaUBFGCMklnzBsCl40OxAEdc6n48LzCXm_Z21Pai3FKu95kohsOGSo5VTZ8H8qvdsygBHsjSOPIxjim-dy/s1600/Intrigues.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 77px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523799712093573842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGf0SSz0TSu5-6A47bZDlgDXi-x9zEWUK6Swy2mNwWnB7U3jm1FTWRq0sH5vaUBFGCMklnzBsCl40OxAEdc6n48LzCXm_Z21Pai3FKu95kohsOGSo5VTZ8H8qvdsygBHsjSOPIxjim-dy/s200/Intrigues.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intrigues-Collegium-Chronicles-Valdemar-Novel/dp/0756406390/ref=pd_nr_b_47?ie=UTF8&s=books">Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles (A Valdemar Novel)</a> by Mercedes Lackey<br />Product Description<br />"Spellbinding storyteller" (Rave Reviews) Mercedes Lackey continues her epic Valdemar series. Magpie is a thirteen-year-old orphan chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar and taken to the capital city, Haven, to be trained as a Herald. Like all Heralds, Magpie learns that he has a hidden Gift-the Gift of telepathy. But life at the court is not without obstacles. When Mags is "recognized" by foreign secret operatives whose purpose is unknown, Mags himself comes under suspicion. Who are Magpie's parents-who is he, really? Can Mags solve the riddle of his parentage and his connection with the mysterious spies-and prove his loyalty-before the king and court banish him as a traitor? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
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http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-63421136462731620662010-10-04T03:00:00.004-04:002010-10-04T03:00:07.232-04:00Fantasy Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZkumOW3a7NHWKCzGhMy9cKpI12hQDoDDRA-XlPNrBxe5526StFdaGfFiF5XIMLFPwv4fsq16E_GVminAFjnXEzCT3wL4UzCC7rBpB6BHozGjfuB7B8YuU56YtIvDL9zipUy2IK9tiXge/s1600/books+alive3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524008489782908066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZkumOW3a7NHWKCzGhMy9cKpI12hQDoDDRA-XlPNrBxe5526StFdaGfFiF5XIMLFPwv4fsq16E_GVminAFjnXEzCT3wL4UzCC7rBpB6BHozGjfuB7B8YuU56YtIvDL9zipUy2IK9tiXge/s200/books+alive3.jpg" /></a><br /><div>With great excitement I watched the JK Rowling interview that recently aired on the Oprah Winfrey show. I am a huge fan of her work. As we all know, I love to immerse myself in the world of fantasy – and her books are some of the best of this generation. The mere thought of the possibility of books 8, 9 and 10 were like catnip to me, the muse was flowing and my own beloved Netherscape (and another current work in progress) sprang to life. The words flew easily and it felt wonderful. In case you haven’t seen it – here’s part one – it’s a great interview well, worth the time to watch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnHVy_50IIE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnHVy_50IIE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
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http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-82999455761615411872010-08-31T03:00:00.000-04:002010-08-31T03:00:02.456-04:00New Release Tuesday in the Realm of Children and Young Adult Literature<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1okRGUL1EK1rAlfr4CanQU8MfTRQOymOUgcT2PC-3dAuxBl_5YvzjIIBNXGMGKwDOuyARl7C3FaBKXh7Ari3Ze3B6u_NVnROIRaXeHQu7AbvlcNYJcNslQS9HkGvar8Y4-b16GQfywd2/s1600/39+clues+book+10.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511054458034806946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1okRGUL1EK1rAlfr4CanQU8MfTRQOymOUgcT2PC-3dAuxBl_5YvzjIIBNXGMGKwDOuyARl7C3FaBKXh7Ari3Ze3B6u_NVnROIRaXeHQu7AbvlcNYJcNslQS9HkGvar8Y4-b16GQfywd2/s200/39+clues+book+10.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, it's back to school season and what better way to celebrate than to look at newly released young adult and children's books?<br /><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/39-Clues-Book-10-Gauntlet/dp/0545060508/ref=pd_nr_b_6?ie=UTF8&s=books">The 39 Clues, Book 10: Into the Gauntlet</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Peterson-Haddix/e/B000APJ6Y6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Margaret Peterson Haddix</a><br />Throughout the hunt for the 39 Clues, Amy and Dan Cahill have uncovered history's greatest mysteries and their family's deadliest secrets. But are they ready to face the truth about the Cahills and the key to their unmatched power? After a whirlwind race that's taken them across five continents, Amy and Dan face the most the difficult challenge yet- a task no Cahill dared to imagine. When faced with a choice that could change the future of the world, can two kids succeed where 500 years worth of famous ancestors failed?<br />Product Details<br />Reading level: Ages 9-12<br />Hardcover: 176 pages<br />Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (August 31, 2010)<br />Language: English<br />ISBN-10: 0545060508<br />ISBN-13: 978-0545060509 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nLcoj1iYNepx_xEca7MZMo9NIiOr11amtnl8KqOMiGVKXj2f5vf1fCMNYWHLDxsh6RhpIFaT3TZ2nokYrp6zBcNXNyy-3Avj9xg5yfvbZ_v4c-50N_zKQPtYxeH0CoxgExttUPFny1fP/s1600/Halo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 83px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511053911838278466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nLcoj1iYNepx_xEca7MZMo9NIiOr11amtnl8KqOMiGVKXj2f5vf1fCMNYWHLDxsh6RhpIFaT3TZ2nokYrp6zBcNXNyy-3Avj9xg5yfvbZ_v4c-50N_zKQPtYxeH0CoxgExttUPFny1fP/s200/Halo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Alexandra-Adornetto/dp/0312656262/ref=pd_nr_b_25?ie=UTF8&s=books">Halo</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexandra-Adornetto/e/B003TU8RIK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Alexandra Adornetto</a><br />Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone—especially herself—from the Dark Forces.<br />Is love a great enough power against evil?<br />Product Details<br />Reading level: Young Adult<br />Hardcover: 496 pages<br />Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (August 31, 2010)<br />Language: English<br />ISBN-10: 0312656262<br />ISBN-13: 978-0312656263<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKpKZYKkvyjwIhkrsVnHBIcZBs0dpfkvu5BEaueMFKN3QvPVnm_r72L2W1rveq9ws8Ak7EadlHgVk5RuhFzvZB77qhxyxSRvx8qAWkYroAZelGl43Cc69wmseSvb1mWUfrX9lSG6C3xe9/s1600/The+cloud+searchers+(amulet).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 99px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511053541547020386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKpKZYKkvyjwIhkrsVnHBIcZBs0dpfkvu5BEaueMFKN3QvPVnm_r72L2W1rveq9ws8Ak7EadlHgVk5RuhFzvZB77qhxyxSRvx8qAWkYroAZelGl43Cc69wmseSvb1mWUfrX9lSG6C3xe9/s200/The+cloud+searchers+(amulet).jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Searchers-Amulet-Kazu-Kibuishi/dp/0545208858/ref=pd_nr_b_31?ie=UTF8&s=books">The Cloud Searchers (Amulet)</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kazu-Kibuishi/e/B001HCU3NE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Kazu Kibuishi</a><br />Product Description<br />In the third installment of the thrilling Amulet series, Emily, Navin, and their crew of resistance fighters charter an airship and set off in search of Cielis, a mythical city believed to be located on an island high above the clouds. The mysterious Leon Redbeard is their guide, and there's a surprising new addition to the crew: the Elf King's son, Trellis. But is he ally or enemy? And will Emily ever be able to trust the voice of the Amulet?<br /><br />Product Details<br />Reading level: Ages 9-12<br />Paperback: 208 pages<br />Publisher: GRAPHIX (September 1, 2010)<br />Language: English<br />ISBN-10: 0545208858<br />ISBN-13: 978-0545208857 </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUrIm6LlQgVxkHr66yOdNSZt5RJsl7Wo_MYbUMbtFAiZ6YWpaEqJ7fUIbaieEvSKJy2RKoc9XgmQMamffTf4iozPG9u85g9e50QVl-LHRqD4dVypbvKQP8basEIwMWKTSXck86ErKMfS2/s1600/Missing+Golden+Ticket.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 82px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511052790355972098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUrIm6LlQgVxkHr66yOdNSZt5RJsl7Wo_MYbUMbtFAiZ6YWpaEqJ7fUIbaieEvSKJy2RKoc9XgmQMamffTf4iozPG9u85g9e50QVl-LHRqD4dVypbvKQP8basEIwMWKTSXck86ErKMfS2/s200/Missing+Golden+Ticket.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Missing-Golden-Ticket-Splendiferous-Secrets/dp/0142417424/ref=pd_nr_b_90?ie=UTF8&s=books">The Missing Golden Ticket and Other Splendiferous Secrets</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roald-Dahl/e/B000AQ0WGQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Roald Dahl</a>, Quentin Blake<br />In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket loves chocolate. And Mr. Willy Wonka, the most wondrous inventor in the world, is opening the gates of his amazing chocolate factory. Charlie just needs one golden ticket, and Mr. WonkaÕs delicious treats could all be his. . . . But whatÕs missing? Who is Miranda Piker? And did Mr. Wonka really invent a Òspotty powderÓ that would keep kids out of school? Find out in the top-secret chapter that was taken out of the original book!<br />Product Details<br />Reading level: Ages 9-12<br />Paperback: 128 pages<br />Publisher: Puffin (September 2, 2010)<br />Language: English<br />ISBN-10: 0142417424<br />ISBN-13: 978-0142417423<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
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http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-23180065319435255002010-08-30T03:00:00.003-04:002010-08-30T03:00:01.334-04:00If Wishes Were Fishes Tour Wrap-up And the Winner Is......Well, all good tours must come to an end. Before I announce the winner of the giveaway, I would like to thank all of my wonderful hosts from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9">If Wishes Were Fishes</a> virtual tour.<br /><br /><div><div><div>I humbly thank you for all your support and kind things you had to say about me, my wonderful illustrator, <a href="http://www.gingernielson.com/">Ginger Nielson</a> and our book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9">If Wishes Were Fishes</a>.<br /></div><br /><div>For anyone who may have missed out, please visit and support these wonderful blogs!</div><div>Aug 16 Nancy Sharpe </div><div>Realms of Thought <a href="http://nasharpe.blogspot.com/">http://nasharpe.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div>Cybrarian Book Reviews <a href="http://cybrarianbookreviews.blogspot.com/">http://cybrarianbookreviews.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Aug 17 Lori Calabrese </div><div>Lori Calabrese <a href="http://loricalabrese.com/blog">http://loricalabrese.com/blog</a> </div><div>The Examiner.com <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner">http://www.examiner.com/x-7597-Childrens-Books-Examiner</a><br /><br />Aug 18 Beverly Stowe McClure </div><div>The Story of a Writer <a href="http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/">http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Aug 19 Paula Phillips </div><div>The Phantom Paragrapher <a href="http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/">http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Aug 20 Beth Reinke </div><div>Beth’s Book Basket <a href="http://blogs.bethbencereinke.com/bethsbooksbasket/?p=78">http://blogs.bethbencereinke.com/bethsbooksbasket/?p=78</a><br /><br />Aug 23 Kelly and Jean Abandoned Towers<br />Crystal Wizard<br /><br />Aug 24 Penny Ehrenkranz </div><div>One Writer’s Journey <a href="http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/">http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Aug 25 Steph Burkhart </div><div>Romance Under the Moonlight <a href="http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/">http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Aug 26 Christy Condoleo<br />Chris Condoleo's Blog <a href="http://chriscondoleo.wordpress.com/">http://chriscondoleo.wordpress.com/</a> </div><div>Eppy's Creations<br /><a href="http://www.eppyscreations.com/apps/blog/entries/show/4573898-welcome-n-a-sharpe-">http://www.eppyscreations.com/apps/blog/entries/show/4573898-welcome-n-a-sharpe-</a></div><br /><br /><div>Aug 27 Donna McDine </div><div>Write What Inspires You <a title="http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/" href="http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/">http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/</a><a name="_MailAutoSig"></a> </div><br /><div>Y'all are the best! Thank you <strong><em>very</em></strong> much.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykz5O7OwWtR7-35IFqh7hIWJmarKAsuajrMw0tEEBEVBuGZBfWDgqfEf_GBzu9mddeGqgS_6z8IGuWzrFjFs9I8ScldwsRGLLp1x-qQJW_uaGugEUqWWZu363B_2RkqkeAhhqqKihATTG/s1600/And+the+winner+is.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 111px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510991276570231682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykz5O7OwWtR7-35IFqh7hIWJmarKAsuajrMw0tEEBEVBuGZBfWDgqfEf_GBzu9mddeGqgS_6z8IGuWzrFjFs9I8ScldwsRGLLp1x-qQJW_uaGugEUqWWZu363B_2RkqkeAhhqqKihATTG/s200/And+the+winner+is.jpg" /></a>And now....may I have a drumroll, please? The winner of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Wishes-Were-Fishes-Sharpe/dp/0982588674/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276408460&sr=8-9">If Wishes Were Fishes</a> giveaway is...: Beverly McClure! Beverly getI need your snail mail address please to send you the If Wishes Were Fishes tote bag, book (of course), Wish Fish neckalce and other goodies! Congratulations!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
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http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5025606175874441728.post-517685278250905912010-08-27T03:00:00.000-04:002010-08-27T03:00:07.016-04:00If Wishes Were Fishes Visits Donna McDine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fZJgl_PiGC8G5Kz_kT294evO1yXzRNfpPg5kV-cId6nd0xMbrn3KnmQAvm6VDe3G60ZBSbNo_FbroiCY7DuStwGJa3FHNNb-bCF_3jkYdNfFPsUhyAjUB_L7_cSyk3BZkz1r5sQPMJ3G/s1600/Donna+McDine.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509919532450008530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fZJgl_PiGC8G5Kz_kT294evO1yXzRNfpPg5kV-cId6nd0xMbrn3KnmQAvm6VDe3G60ZBSbNo_FbroiCY7DuStwGJa3FHNNb-bCF_3jkYdNfFPsUhyAjUB_L7_cSyk3BZkz1r5sQPMJ3G/s200/Donna+McDine.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br />Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, will be published through Guardian Angel Publishing as well as her second book, The Hockey Agony. McDine’s interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. Learn more at <a href="http://www.donnamcdine.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.donnamcdine.com/" target="_blank">http://www.donnamcdine.com/</a> sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a FREE e-Book Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews, <a href="http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/">http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/</a>, and <a href="http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/">http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/</a>. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit us also at
http://NASharpe.com
http://Cybrarie.com
http://Destineers.com</div>N A Sharpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535316802416841336noreply@blogger.com0