1. I LOVE GYMNASTICS Before I knew there was a name for turning cartwheels, hand-springing, and flipping over Monkey Bars—I was that kid. I also loved to swing as high as I could, let go, and FLY. My favorite place was in the highest tree I could climb, until I reached the precipice that …
Interview with Drummer
Drummer, is the Shirley family’s lovable dog and a beloved secondary character from Defiance on Indian Creek. I thought his fans might enjoy learning more about him. I had to coax him out from under the porch with the fatty pieces of my steak. He licked his lips and sat in front of me. Thank …
A Whole New Side of the American Revolution
I’m pleased book one in the Dangerous Loyalties series, Defiance on Indian Creek, is being used by educators for use in Literary Arts and Social Studies curriculums. As I researched Daughters of the American Revolution Patriots, Mary Shirley McGuire and her papa Michael Shirley, a whole new side of the American Revolution unfolded and begged …
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Another Addicted Reader
Defiance on Indian Creek, continues to lure readers into the intriguing story of thirteen-year-old, Mary Shirley, who lived in western Virginia at the dawn of the American Revolution. I received this sweet email from a new fan. "I wanted to let you know that I started reading your book as soon as we got home. …
Unwritten Melody Blog Tour Stop
A warm East Texas welcome! I'm happy you stopped by for today's blog tour featuring, Unwritten Melody by Tessa Emily Hall. After reading the story blurb and my review, click on the link to enter a chance to win her awesome prize pack! Learn about Tessa and follow her blog tour schedule to learn more …
Dragons of Jade: A Review and Author Promo
Clean YA Fantasy with a hint of Romance Description:  There’s no such thing as dragons. Of that, Jade Delaney was sure. She may not have known who she was or where she came from, but at least she had a plan for her future. All that changes when a dragon summons her back to the world …
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C. S. Lakin: Professional Help
While in the process of writing my first novel, I followed an agent’s blog who warned those wishing to query her not to, unless the manuscript had been professionally edited. She offered a list of recommended copy editors. From this list, I chose C. S. Lakin. From her website, Live, Write, Thrive, Lakin offers a …
Upheaval and Turmoil
Shirley descendants recorded Mary's date of birth as 17 February 1762. As I contemplated writing a fictional novel about her life, it occurred to me that she turned thirteen in 1775. That eureka moment led to the question, how would a young teen girl cope with the upheaval of her papa being away, fighting Indians? …
THE TRUTH BE TOLD…
My Dangerous Loyalties Series, is a fictional account of Mary Shirley and her family's lives during the American Revolution. It’s set in Western Virginia shortly before Mary’s real life 13th birthday on February 17, 1775. The Shirley family really did live on 527 acres of Indian Creek land. These posts will reveal their non-fiction story, …
Wanting to Win a Sandwich
As I write this, it's another hour wait for those who began gathering outside Schlotzsky's before 7am. The first 100 people to purchase a 6-pack of Cinnabon rolls get a free small Original sandwich for a year! So, because I happened to be awake before 7, I started a pot of coffee, gathered extra water, …
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