2018 Goal Adventure

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Good Day & Happy New Year I am  looking forward to 2018

2017 not the best year, but not the worst year either. It was a year of identifying the changes I need to achieve future goals. Change takes huge amount of time, research and dedicated work to make it happen. I am so glad I can move on to implementing the change hopefully in 2018 and see some positive results.

First thing I am doing is setting goals, not resolutions. When you set resolutions often it results in depressing failures. But working towards goals pushes us to achieve and this can lead to fabulous new adventures.

My first goal of my writing career is to find an outstanding children’s literary agent. I truly believe after 10 years of being in this business and published by independent publishers, winning awards, great reviews, and emails from fans, that my books would be best sellers if I was contracted with a children’s publisher. Sadly the majority of children publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. So you must have a literary agent.   I currently have 5 finished magical realism adventures, that ignites children ages 7-12 imaginations as they fly on the back of Matthias the dragon.  They meet and learn that preconceived notions of creatures and people are not what they seem. Most folks are interesting and enjoy adventures too. Adults that have read my stories have told me they are taken back to their childhood and are reminded of the imaginary adventures they thought of when they were young.    Pure pleasure. The adventures are currently magical realism illustrated chapter books, which could be made into graphic novels for children. I add some Icelandic folklore and cleverly hidden life learning messages as children learn about the Icelandic hidden people.

Book 1: James Saves the Moon–  James, a young boy, sees the moon sitting on the mountain in Iceland. He decides he must touch the moon. Along the way, he meets Syvok, who calls on his friend Matthias a dragon to fly them to the top of the mountain.  The moon is stuck, and the three must work together to release it, without ending up in space themselves.

Book 2: Helga Returns– James adventure begins with a footprint. He once again calls out to his Icelandic magical friends, Syvok and Mattias to discover what it means. He will find Helga the troll who left the footprint. James follows Helga to Yamas, the troll village. Will they be left on a glacier or when the earth tremors will they save the Guardian Troll from danger? Will Syvok and Matthias reach James in time to save him?

Book 3: Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland–  26 days of Yuletide adventures.  Matthias the dragon knocks on James window and is whisked away to meet the Icelandic 13 Santas.  Christmas Cat gets James in serious trouble and he must go home. Tomfoolery happens as the Yule Lads visit  James every evening 13 days before Christmas. One yule lad must be saved when he falls into a crevice. Fires, dancing, and fireworks to say goodbye to the Icelandic hidden folks at the end of the yuletide season.

Book 4: Amongst the Clouds– James and Syvok 4th adventure has a new mystery floating about. Jame is curious to explore the iridescent cloud. All the colors of a rainbow glow,  surely there are new adventures as the dragons soar. Come along and meet new friends and old enemies. Dragons, cats, old hag and more. Join the adventures up in the sky and help the wizard find her magical key before old Hag steals the magical travel cloud.

Book 5: Sleigh Ride– Santa’s reindeer broke his sleigh! James and Syvok get whisked away to help save the day with Mattias, the dragon. The threes stop at the Yule Lads home to deliver their sleigh to the North Pole.  Along the way they are delayed by a polar bear, searching for her cub, who is floating on a block of ice in the arctic ocean. They must help, but will this delay Santa Claus?

All the above books are Amazon currently. Amazon Wendy Nystrom

 

 

Book 6: Magic Carousel: This book is in the editing stage.  James and his family are planning a trip back home to Minnesota. James is once again whisked away to Helga’s cave. He is given a mission to find a magic carousel at the zoo and see if a mermaid and ogre who went missing a long time ago and turned to stone are on the carousel. Syvok the Icelandic elf/fairy travels with James to Minnesota. They have many comical adventures while vacationing and find the carousel. With the help of all his Icelandic friends, sisters, and carousel caretaker, they work together to bring the mermaid back home. But what about the ogre? How long can they all keep the travel tunnel open?

I am also working on a novel called the New Moon Brethren. This story is magical realism set in Portland, OR. The new moon brethren is a secret society with regional headquarters that were set up on mother earth to take out the dark one regime so that all of mother earth creatures can live out in the open again.  It opens with Blaze the dragon waiting for her team to assemble. Their mission to bring a wolf changeling and her young daughter in, to be protected. The mission does not go as planned. Blaze and her old troman friend lose their mates but save young Isabelle, who may one day become an important leader at the New Moon Brethren. The dark one Delray, who was created, 1000 years ago by mistake due to a poor decision of his dragon mother, wants to bring Isabelle into his regime. She holds the DNA to create the next clan that can control earth. The novel is about halfway done.

A little about author Wendy Nystrom. I grew up in St.Paul, MN and have many adventures at different locations the last 25 years. I started writing epic magical fantasy stories for children while living in Iceland in 2005.  My son looked out the window and saw the moon sitting on the mountain. He then told me he was going to climb the mountain and touch the moon. That evening I dreamed about him going on the adventure and in the morning I was handwriting the story.  One evening while watching the moon on the mountain, changed my life. A key turned and unlocked my imagination.  I have been dreaming and writing adventures since that magical night in Iceland. I earned a BA in urban planning at Texas State University. I am married and have 3 wonderful adventurous children. I have lived many places MN, TX, ID, CO, Iceland, WV, MI. I have held many different job positions, management, customer service, sales, security, and now writing. I have visited classrooms and inspired children to write, as well as participated at a  childrens writing conference. I have been placed on organizations boards in my community

I have been told by many that my writing is original and outstanding. I am a talented storyteller and looking forward to working with someone who can move my writing career forward. I am easy to work with, open to ideas and love learning new things.  I know a little about a  lot of things.

If you are interested in contacting me, my email is wendysbookcase@gmail.com

Thank you for dropping in today. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you.  WB

Magical Realism Adventures Chapter Books Ages 7-12 by Wendy Nystrom

http://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Nystrom/e/B0064V1T0O

https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

 

 

What If Adventure

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One of my favorite blogs is https://theblabbermouthblog.com/ by Linda Epstein. Her and guest post are witty, engaging and informative. Last week she announced she was done blogging. This announcement kind of bummed me out for a couple of days. Then it reminded me of how she enlightened me about the business of writing and one of her guest post changed my outlook about writing, and life. The title is “Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?” by Joe McGee.

What if?  What a great question.This question opens up our imagination, thinking and leads to problem solving plans.  I am incorporating this in to my life, writing and interactions with people. The next time I have the privilege of being in a classroom, conference, presentation, meeting, helping with homework I will ask what if. I have also began using it as I write.  This question is a guiding tool for nearly anything and we don’t even realize it that many of us use this  question while pursuing objectives or goals. What if the moon is sitting on a mountain? I know  when I was writing my first book back in 2005 after my son noticed the moon on the mountain in Iceland. I asked this question what if frequently when writing the story.

James Saves the Moon

I recently ran into a teacher who invites me to her classroom,  at the grocery store. While we were waiting in line, I informed her of my favorite writing blog and the post I mentioned above. “What If” She loved the idea also, and informed me she will use the what if tool in her 4th grade class.

When my children are struggling or frustrated with school work, I am going to ask what if you could solve it. I think this will calm them down to think about using another approach rather than thinking they are not smart enough.

What if you enjoy the adventure the day brings you? I hope you enjoyed the What If  adventure today.

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB Magical Realism Adventures Chapter Books Ages 7-12 by Wendy Nystrom

http://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Nystrom/e/B0064V1T0O

https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

Magical Realism – Fabulism Adventure!

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Today I began a journey reading a post about what agents have been asking for and discovered two genres I have never heard of.  Magical Realism and Fabulism. So I googled them and discovered what the genres mean.

Magical Realism – a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

is a style of writing or painting which sometimes describes dreams as though they were real, and real events as though they were dreams. 

a style in 20th-cent. literature and art that depicts fantastic or magical characters or occurrences in an otherwise realistic presentation  a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

Fabulism – (literature) A form of magic realism in which fantastical elements are placed into an everyday setting.

I was like WOW! My writing fits these genres! I am a Fabulist, who uses magical realism.  No wonder kids and adults can relate and enjoy my stories. My children’s series for ages 7-12 are magical adventures set in the here and now.

Where would your imagination go if you saw the moon on a mountain and you decided to touch it? What happens if you discover a huge footprint and your fairy friend and dragon and show you whose foot it belongs too?How cool to have a dragon knock on your window and take you on a wild adventure and talk via telepathically. You look at a unusual cloud and wonder what could be hidden inside. You are whisked away on dragons back to help legendary yule tide characters. What happens when a troll takes you inside a mountain? I truly enjoy that my writing releases children’s imagination and reminds adults the adventures we had letting our imaginations run wild as children. 

My novel New Moon Brethren that I am working on, is not urban fantasy. It is Magical Realism also set in the here and now city environment with a secret society of all of Mother Earths thinking creatures, humans, gnostics, dragons, tromans, changelings, fairies etc working together to fight the dark ones regime so Mother Earth can find balance again. As a author I am lucky, I can have imaginary friends (muses)and travel with them and not be considered mentally ill.

As I continue on my quest to find an agent, two new words will be added to my query letter Magical Realism and Fabulism or Fabulist. Award winning of course!

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

Imagining and Dreaming Future Adventure!

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I googled, dragon imagine the possibilities, and this wonderful graphic popped up. I don’t know the artist, but this is enchanting and beautiful.

Imagining and dreaming about the future. What it would be like to see children’s eyes light up after reading one of my books and telling me their stories. What if an agent emailed and said I love your imagination. I want more, let’s get to work on opening children’s imaginations so they can soar. Children publisher’s will fight over your stories.
Looking at my various query letters and notes. Wondering how I grab the imagination of a literary agent. Let them know when the dragon knocks at your window the imagination flies with the dragon on a wondrous adventure. Children need their imaginations to be allowed to fly.
Getting ready for when many agencies and publishers open back up in September, asking for submissions. Well that is where my imagination adventure flew today.

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

 https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

 

Imaginary Friends Adventure

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Good Day Folks,

I was looking up children’s literary agents and discovered one with the same first name as my childhood imaginary friend. So I sent her a query. I have not heard anything back yet, which is ok that is how this business works. Then I saw a advertising for a new show where an adult’s imaginary friend comes back in her life. This imaginary friend is weird looking muppet thing and speaks loudly. I thought how strange.

This also made me think of my childhood imaginary friend Suzie. She did not look like a muppet or speak loud ever to me. She was a little girl like me and we usually whispered, when others were around. We could communicate telepathically of course. She had long dark brown hair. When in my room alone we chatted in normal tones. Oh we had so much fun playing with my toys, kitchen set or taking care of my gerbil. We also enjoyed being outside. One of the best things we did together was follow along and listen to books with my record player.

Did any of you have a record player when you were a kid? I had a player like the picture. Our two favorite record books was Wizard of OZ and Peter Pan. Oh Suzie and I had so much fun together. Then when I was 6, my brother came home from the hospital a wonderful day, I was so happy to get a brother. Suzie was gone. Funny thing is I was not sad. Actually I did not think about her after my brother came home.I guess she went to play with another lonely child. I do have fond memories of her.

Now that I am a writer, I seem to have many imaginary friends. My favorites is Blaze the dragon and Carolyn a human. They helped me during a medical issue three years ago. When resting Blaze would visit me in my dreams and fly me away to her mountain retreat to heal. It was wonderful. It was an enchanting place built high up the mountains with beautiful views. In the back there was a patio that led to a mountain lake. We played cards and chatted in the library and when I rested on the lounge seat she would gently place a blanket on me while I read and napped.  They tell me stories and we are working on a novel about the New Moon Brethren. A new character is talking with me occasionally Isabelle or Izzy. She is a child that Blaze adopted after her parents were killed by the Daray the dark one. Occasionally I have to listen to him as well. He has big plans to take over mother earth.

Now my children’s series, ideas came from my son and I would dream the stories. It was like watching a tv series.

My son had an imaginary friend named Logan until his twin sisters were born. I remember seeing him looking at the mirror and talking with Logan, when he was 2. I asked him who Logan was and he said his friend. Would not tell me anything else about Logan.

Well I hope this agent is interested in my work. I really look forward to one day working with an agent who  can sell my work ,have great advice and good conversations.

Did you have a imaginary friend? Do any of your children have an imaginary friend?

Well that is my adventure story today. Hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

Many Many Adventures more than writing!

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Good Day Folks,

I always say I need to blog every week but seem to have so many things come up. I will try to get better at letting you know what my latest adventure is.

ac promo 1First my publisher Anchor Group Publishing has my book 4, Amongst the Clouds on sale this month. This adventure is for ages 7-12. What could be hidden in a cloud? Epic Adventure of Course. http://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Clouds-James-Syvok-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00LV3Y8CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454610403&sr=8-1&keywords=amongst+the+clouds

Wow, I have been busy. I am still editing book 6 working title Magic Carousel. Sure is a fun adventure. I introduce two new characters,Tina and Timothy.

Mermaid_Tina  Ogre_TimothyI also been editing and writing my novel New Moon Brethren. I had to take a break from my writers group, rather bummed. But just not enough time for it right now. 

I was asked by Big Rapids Festival of Arts to organize an Authorpalooza Event for them. What a a fun adventure it has become. 40+ authors are coming February 20th to Big Rapids 1pm to 4PM. Plus classic book characters will be wandering around to interact with you. Thanks to Ferris State University Theatre Students. 12506484_10154417437838056_1951026028_n

This is going to be a fun event. We have a month full of art activities. If you are in the area here is Festival of Arts website. Check out the booklet with all the Art Activities. http://www.brfota.org/

Authorpalooza is on page 59. I have an event page here is the link for it. https://www.facebook.com/events/1107965342554486/.  This has been a blast organizing.

I am also looking for a children’s literary agent. Been sending out many queries. Gotten a few rejections, The rejections have been much nicer than 10 years ago. So I am getting better.  I do hope a agent will want to work with me in the near future, so I can dedicate more time for writing.

I also started a Facebook Weekly Children’s Author Spotlight from the FB group Kids Read-Author Promo Group. I put up the dates and authors sign up for a spotlight. Then for a week folks have the opportunity to get to know children’s authors and their book, experiences etc. Check them out and interact with the authors. We love to chat, answer questions with folks.

January 31 – February 6 PJ LaRue https://www.facebook.com/events/928039850567166/

February 7 – February 13 Lori Moore https://www facebook.com/events/627162244088797/

February 14 – February 20 Margretchin Chantal  https://www.facebook.com/events/931170276930005/

February 21 – February 27 Janet Balletta https://www.facebook.com/events/574408682712211/

 

Recently, I have become involved with keeping our water safe. Joined a group who right now are trying to stop an injection well go active in my county. An oil and gas company wants to dump toxic waste from their oil fracking and drilling activities. So I have been educating myself on the issues and going to many meetings and writing many statements and speaking up to our public leaders about how dangerous it really is.  At an EPA Public Hearing, a tear jerking moment. A few HS Students  spoke and asked us adults to protect the water for them and the future.

Of course taking care of my family needs takes priority. Now with three teenagers in the house, we have many drama adventures. Fun fun!

Well you are up to date on things. Just a reminder I currently have 5 children epic adventure illustrated chapter books available for kids ages 7-12. Hope you enjoyed my many adventures. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB WendyBookcaseLogo

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https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

Author Shelby White’s Ouija Board Adventure!

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Good Day Folks,m

How many of you played with a Ouija Board. I look forward to this book from Anchor Group Publishing author Shelby White. Ouija Board. Check it out now only 99 cents for a limited time on Amazon.

Ouija_Board_flat

Synopsis:

Alycia and her three best friends buy a Ouija board for some late night entertainment, they come in contact with something that defies all reason. They find themselves faced with questions that would make others run in fear. Delving into this frightening unknown, they soon discover they are dealing with a force more powerful than they could possibly understand.

Enlisting some knowledgeable help on supernatural entities, they are introduced to a world they never thought existed.  As they try to maintain the normalcy of their summer break and figure out how to rid themselves of this other worldly being they realize their lives will never be the same and that some games aren’t meant to be played with. 

Amazon link for Ouija Board

About the Author Shelby White

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Shelby White was born and raised in Northern California.  At a very young age she fell in love with the arts and began writing short stories for fun in her spare time anywhere she could.  As time went on she found her passion in Television and Film and the art of storytelling. She was fascinated with the stories, the lives that characters lead and the way that each story could be told. She soon found a way to combine her interests in high school writing film reviews for the local newspaper.  This love of writing and expression through TV, Film and eventually in college working behind the scenes in theatre led her to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Communications with a minor in Film Studies from the University of California, Davis.  Shelby currently resides in Northern California where she continues to write and pursue the creative world around her.

Stay up to date on Shelby White’s Adventures:

www.facebook.com/swhitewrites

www.shelbywhiteonline.com

Twitter, @swhitewrites

Hope you enjoyed the getting to know Anchor Group Publishing Author Shelby White, and check out  her new book  The Ouija Board. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure day brings you, WB  WendyBookcaseLogo10672063_696445830440443_7679188720990872076_nhttps://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

 

Author Judith Wade’s A Mermaid in Whitecap Bay Adventure.

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Good Day Folks,

Today’s adventure, I have the honor to introduce a new talented author at Anchor Group Publishing. Judith Wade/ aka  Loraine Hudson. Her book A Mermaid in Whitecap Bay is now available.  Love mermaids. Looks like a fabulous adventure.

 

http://anchorgrouppublishing.weebly.com/
presents
A Mermaid in Whitecap Bay
by Judith Wade
http://amzn.to/1NV2SIK
Runner Jennifer Miller tries to ignore the mysterious happenings down at Whitecap Bay. 
 She has other things to worry about—a new school, new friends and an upcoming track
meet to name a few. But why is Darrell Hanley spending so much time at the beach, and
what are the strange things he keeps carrying back and forth? When Jennifer’s curiosity
gets the best of her and she follows Darrell, she finds more than she bargained for. There
is a mermaid trapped in the Bay, and Darrell and Jennifer, along with Jennifer’s
unruly dog, Tyrone, embark on a quest to free the mermaid before she is found or worse.
  Can they win this race against time?
MEET THE AUTHOR

Loraine Hudson lives and writes in Eagle, Michigan. She enjoys writing middle grades chapter books, and has published five titles under her pen name,  Judith Wade:  A Mermaid in Whitecap Bay (2011); Faelen, the Horse from the Sea (2009); Mermaid Dreams (2006); The Mermaid’s Gift (2004); and The Secret of Mermaid Island (2003).   She is also the author of numerous short fiction pieces,  including  “My Mother’s House,” in A Cup of Comfort for Families Touched by Alzheimer’s;  “The Birthday Mirror” in Patchwork Path: Treasure Box; and “The Starting Line,” in A Cup of Comfort for Horse Lovers.  Two of her short pieces about her equine adventures were also published in Down the Aisle Stories (downtheaislestories.com), and she has dabbled in poetry with “Wind Visiting” published in River Poets Journal.  She is a member of “Writing at the Ledges,” an active writer’s group in Grand Ledge, Michigan, and has contributed short fiction pieces to the group’s three anthologies.   She is often at her most creative when she is taking her ex-racehorse out for an amble through the woods.
Loraine also writes under the pen name Judith Wade.

Stalk Loraine/Judith
Hope you enjoyed the getting to know Judith Wade, and her new book A Mermaid in Whitecap Bay. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB
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Amelia & The Secret of Stoney Manor, by Michelle Jetton Adventure!

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Good Day Folks,

I am pleased to announce Michelle Jetton’s exciting adventure. Her debut novel has released Amelia & the Secret of Stoney Manor. Check out the adventure details below.

 

Anchor Group is proud to introduce 
Michelle Jetton 
and her debut novel
Amelia and the Secret of Stoney Manor
 
 
Genre:  Young Adult Paranormal
Release Date:  November 6, 2015
Published By:  Anchor Group Publishing
 
Amelia is truly not your average girl and neither is her story.Abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by an overly-protective grandmother,

Matilda, Amelia is confined to the grounds of her childhood home, Stoney Manor. 
Amelia meets Matthew Fairchild, the new boy in town, and quickly becomes 
infatuated with him. Soon Amelia discovers things aren’t always what they seem
in the little town of Cave Spring, Ga.On her 16th birthday, life as she knows it changes. Her grandmother confesses to her that she and her family are witches and the Darkness is after her for her family’s power. Along with her friend, Luna, she embarks on a journey to discover who she really is.

Can she protect her family from the Darkness? Is maintaining her relationship with her new boyfriend Matthew even possible? Can she uncover her family’s secrets or will they remain in the dark forever?

Amazon link for Amelia-Secret of Stoney Manor

 
 
Meet The Author 
 
 
Michelle Jetton is a mom to an amazing, comical, dancing, baseball playing, wanna-be superhero. She currently resides in Georgia with him and her wonderful fur babies.For as long as Michelle can remember her mind would see stories from things in her everyday life. From making radio shows on her grandparents’ radio to writing scripts for her friends, her passion for writing has only intensified and grown. Recently signed to Anchor Group Publishing, Michelle feels beyond blessed and thankful to them for loving Amelia and giving her a chance to introduce her to the world.

She currently co-writes a website (www.michellejetton.com) in which they feature an Author, Artist, or Photographer of the Month, as well as various other things.

Stalk Michelle on  FACEBOOK      Join her Fan Club      Join the Anchor Group Fan Club
Hope you enjoyed the release information for Author Michelle Jetton’s book Amelia & The Secret of Stoney Manor Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

Abby & The Mystic Dancers by L.C. Miller Adventure

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Good Day Folks,

So honored to announce the release of  L.C Millers debut novel Abby & The Mystic Dancers.  Check out all the details below.

 

Anchor Group Publishing is proud to present

 L. C. Miller’s debut novel, 

Abby and the Mystic Dancers.

 
 
 

Title:  Abby & The Mystic Dancers


Author:  L. C. Miller


Published November 9, 2015By Anchor Group Publishing


Genre:  Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy

As the product of a forbidden alliance between the elemental Mystics and the wand carrying Wielders -two distinct, often feuding, magical realms -acceptance is something fourteen-year-old Abby has fought with for the last four years. When an alliance is formed between the Mystic Dancers and the Wielder’s, Abby is given the chance to live with a Wielder’s family and attend Wielders Academy of Magical Arts. In order to do so, she first has make three promises to the Mystic Dancers leader … Tell no one she’s half Mystic, that her father is a Wielder who is also a wanted criminal, or that she can transform into anything she wants.Her day-to-day life of secrets, school work, and dancing is interrupted when her mother’s murder case goes to trial. The Mystics believe they finally caught the killer, who happens to be the father of one of Abby’s new friends. Abby has a choice to make – reveal her secrets, or let a man she knows is innocent go to prison

Meet The Author

 

I have loved reading since I was old enough to do it. I started writing in my down time in 2006 and have been doing it ever since.Reading, writing, and hanging out with my family are some of my favorite things – along with hot chocolate and pizza (not together, of course).

With a bachelors in Accounting, writing has been a great way to unwind and let my imagination fly.

Stalk L. C. Miller on