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Fiction, Food, and Foolishness
FIVE ON FRIDAY***IRENE HAMILTON
Today I’m so happy to introduce you to one of my cyber Canadian friends, Irene Hamilton. She and I belong to the same on-line writing site, where we review each other’s work. Her brand of “naughty” humor will leave you rolling in the aisles. I especially love the risqué scrabble game the members of the retirement center, Senior Lodge of Brothers and Sisters play in her stories.
Take my word, Irene is a HOOT!!!
Thank you so much, Irene for taking part in my Five on Friday.
Now for her five selected questions and answers, and don’t forget to see and purchase her books listed at the link below, and watch her book video!
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I enjoy visiting other countries and getting to know people from different cultures. I live in a city of 60,000 in northern Alberta, Canada and this is where I want to be. We have four distinct seasons; the cost of living is reasonable and travel opportunities easily accessible.
What is your favorite thing to do during your spare time, besides writing?
I enjoy knitting, walking, renovating and hanging out with friends and family.
What is the one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood…and why?
My strongest memory is going to Saturday afternoon matinees with my sister. The memory has stuck with me because of the ice cream cone that was included in the outing. One Saturday my finger got caught between the sliding theatre doors. I almost lost that finger and every time I look at the scar I still see the fear in my sister’s eyes. We didn’t get to see the movie that day…off to the hospital for stitches.
What is your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is angel food cake, loaded with real whip cream.
Do you belong to a critique group?
I’ve belonged to the present critique group for several years and have learned and shared writing and personal experiences with awesome men and women.
What’s the best advice you can give a new writer.
Never give up on yourself. If you take a break from writing for any reason, stay in touch with other writers. Nothing can take the place of awesome friendships, sharing ideas, and enhancing the work of others.
More about Irene:
Irene was born Gladys Irene Byrnes in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. She and her hubby Ken hang out with grown children, grandchildren, friends and animals. She began her life with a stubby pencil clutched in her raised fist and she will die the same way. Early retirement from several exciting business ventures allows her time to write novels and screenplays. She has completed three novellas, available on Amazon:
Humor, generously laced with racy components is her preferred genre.
All three novellas are available on Amazon:
GLADYS TRIPALONG’S PRIVATE JOURNAL
Gladys Tripalong’s Private Journal is the first of the Gladys Tripalong series and takes us back to the year 1983, where it all began. The wacky life of (single mom) thirty-four-year-old Gladys provides side-splitting entertainment with her enthusiastic zest for life, the terrors of raising her son, and tripping through questionable career choices, including driving a get-a-way car. Hilarious schemes and unexpected romance guarantees a wild ride.
GLADYS TRIPALONG KIDNAPPED
Warning: If you hate humor with a racy component, don’t read this book.
What does this novella offer?
>Sex in a tree >Cross-dresser ranch hand >Naked Picnics >Senior Chaos >Skunkape and Princess Firestarter
Heads Up
The story is about the people who live, love, lust, lie and laugh at the (fictitious) Senior Lodge of Brothers and Sisters. Ongoing is a scrabble game restricted to words of sexual connotation and cheating is encouraged.
Contact Irene at: [email protected]
Watch Irene’s video here: http://youtu.be/ULllGJF2Leo
FIVE ON FRIDAY****EDDIE HANCOCK
Born with Spina Bifida, Edward Hancock II says he was always a dreamer. These dreams became a reality at the age of 10 when he wrote what he considers to be his first short story. By the age of 14, Hancock developed a deep love for writing poetry. By 19, he was a staff member of the Kilgore College Ranger Yearbook and Flare newspaper. Edward Hancock II is a graduate of Sabine High School and Kilgore College. While in attendance at Kilgore, Hancock was Assistant Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the Ranger Yearbook, for which he won more than 20 awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. He is a member of the Northeast Texas Writers Organization (NETWO), the East Texas Writers Association (ETWA) as well as the East Texas Christian Writers and others. He is also a speaker for hire, regularly speaking to children’s and disabled groups on such topics as “life with no excuses” and “never give up on a dream”. His hobbies include reading, traveling, genealogy research and movies. He currently lives in Gilmer, Texas with a house full of four-legged children.
http://www.amazon.com/Edward-Hancock-II/e/B007IL8KR4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1417915976&sr=8-2
If you could snap your fingers and make one thing happen, what would it be and why?
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I’d have an endless supply of money so that I could finally take care of my mother and give back to all the people who’ve helped me along the way.
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If you could choose your last meal, and you weren’t in prison, what would it be?
Either my mom’s thanksgiving feast or simply an endless supply of chocolate in its various forms…
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Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks?
I keep Facebook open when I am writing. I will occasionally post random thoughts throughout the day or take a few minutes to answer an email. For some, this would be a distraction. For me, it clears the cobwebs, refocuses me and, ultimately, it leads to more production because I’m not sitting there distracted by the thought of what am I missing in the outside world. I always have a connection and that, to me anyway, is soothing.
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What makes you laugh?
This will sound vain, I suppose, but oh well. I make me laugh. I find many comedians funny. I’ve seen many funny movies and been around many funny things that have happened. But I make me laugh and I think that’s important for a person who is single and lives life in relative solitude. (Aside from 2 dogs and 2 cats of course! LOL). Not everyone gets my sense of humor and that’s okay. I learned long ago that, if I’m laughing, that’s all that matters.
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Who would you choose to play the two lead roles in your book, if it was made into a movie?
My lead characters are a married couple. I actually have picture folders on facebook of potential characters to play each of them. For Alex Mendez, either Jay Hernandez or Jon Seda. For Lisa Mendez, there would be several I’d like. Evangeline Lilly for one. Ashley Greene maybe. Just today, I came across Leighton Meester. She’s got the look and she’s from Texas, where the stories are set. She could well be the winner.
I want to thank Eddie for taking part in Five on Friday! Please check out his novels on the link listed above. One of his books may be perfect for someone on your Christmas list!
12 Indies of Christmas Blog Hop and Giveaway Dec. 12-23
Hey Y’all, come back each day and check out some great authors and register for the prize giveaway. On December 22, I’ll be posting a Christmas Short Story to celebrate the season!
December 12th – Zane Sachs
December 13th – Kira Adams
December 14th – Chess Desalls
December 15th – Kai Strand
December 16th – Zoe Dawson
December 17th – A.G. Porter
December 18th – Joy Penny
December 19th – Mary Waibel
December 20th – Cynthia Witherspoon
December 21st – K.K. Allen
December 22nd – Ann Everett
FIVE ON FRIDAY****ACCOMPLISHED AUTHOR, CARYL McADOO
Today, I am thrilled to have the most accomplished author I know personally…Caryl McAdoo! She’s been on both ends of the publishing spectrum and everything in between. Having been contracted with Simon&Schuster, she’s also published with a small press, as well as Indie published. I take every opportunity to learn from her!!
I never read an author’s questions and answers until I get ready to post them, and I thoroughly enjoyed Caryl’s. I know you will, too!
Thank you, Caryl for taking part in Five on Friday! :+)
Caryl’s Bio:
With eleven titles released by five publishers, Caryl McAdoo now enjoys being a ‘Simon & Schuster’ author with her historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN set in 1832 Texas. In September 2014, book two HEARTS STOLEN set in 1844 debuted. It features Levi (teen from VOW) as its hero Texas Ranger. The novelist also edits, paints, and writes new songs. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fourteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. She hopes that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to all their readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.
Caryl’s Five on Friday questions and answers:
What is the most romantic thing a man has ever done for you? Have you put it in a book?
My husband Ron, my best friend since we were sixteen (48 years ago), got me a rock for my anniversary. To anyone else, it probably looked like an ordinary rock, and I suppose it truly was, but he made it so special. He carved a heart on it. And inside the universal symbol for love, he carved Ron + Caryl! He gave it to me on an anniversary when dollars were as tight welded bolt. I thought he did good!
Do you remember your first kiss? Care to elaborate?
My first kiss came on New Year’s Eve (I wonder how many got their first kiss on that stroke of midnight excuse to kiss it up) at the Starlite Roller Rink on Harry Hines Boulevard when I was twelve. Oh, dear. That was too young! J Hmph, didn’t think so back then! The boy—I can’t even remember his name—came skating a lot and I thought he was a dreamboat.
If you could snap your fingers and make anything happen, what would it be and why?
Now Ann, I know that this is supposed to be some syrupy answer about peace on earth, and if I got more than one snap—actually, you didn’t limit me—I would snap for world peace. I would snap again for abortion to be forever banned. But being totally honest, I would also snap for a house keeper/cook combination to work at my house for the rest of my days. I’d surely enjoy that!
Where were you when JFK was shot?
In the eighth grade at Crockett Junior High in Irving, Texas. In Speech. We were having to give presentations and the announcement was made during my talk. They dismissed school and I stayed home for the next few days.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Only God writes in stone, the rest of us re-write.” I love it. I went to Google to see who said it and they said “I” did! Ah ha ha ha ha And speaking of laughing – YOU make me laugh with your awesome quick wit, Ann Everett. I giggle all the way through your books!
Above are just two of Caryl’s beautiful book covers. She has more!!! See and purchase all of Caryl’s books here:
http://www.amazon.com/Caryl-McAdoo/e/B00E963CFG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
FIVE ON FRIDAY***Galand Nuchols
Help me welcome children’s author, Galand Nuchols. She is the author of numerous children’s books, and they make great stocking stuffers for those kids on your list. So please take time to look them over, then head over to Amazon and purchase! Link listed below.
Dragons for Kris, and Dragon Hatchling, deal with emotional abuse and bullying in school and at home.
Second Chance and Leroy’s Chance are set in Kilgore, Texas when the Discovery Oil Well brought in by Dad Joiner in 1930. The idea of a novel for young adults came to me when my eighth grade class visited the Kilgore Oil Museum in Kilgore, Texas. Dad Joiner and his stubborn belief that oil lay beneath the drought stricken land set fire to my imagination.
Two Bloods is a long short story or a short novel set in East Texas frontier days. Ralph Windsong is feared and hated by the whites but is not accepted by the Indians either. What will he do when he receives word his white, half brother may be dying?
Now Where Did That Come From?, just recently published, is an anthology of short stories with a paragraph or two following each tale explaining where the seed for the story originated.
All of Galand’s books are available on Amazon in paperback and ebooks. Buy here:
http://www.amazon.com/Galand-Nuchols/e/B00IXJD98K/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1416518168&sr=1-2-ent
Galand is a retired teacher, a career she loved. Her other interests include travel, writing stories and novels for children and young adults. She lives in Northeast Texas with her husband, Tom. She’s an active member of Northeast Texas Writers’ Organization, where she chairs their annual short story contest.
Take a look at Galand’s answers to her chosen five questions. I love her quotes!
What is my greatest fear?
Snakes – big ones, little ones, poisonous and non poisonous. My brain knows there are beneficial snakes but my heart and feet don’t believe it.
What are my favorite quotes?
I especially like Helen Kellers’ Statement. I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Another quote is from Zig Ziglar’s book of Favorite Quotations. The author is not listed. Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.
What is my favorite dessert?
Chocolate anything. Chocolate cookies, brownies with that yummy layer of creamy chocolate sandwiched between the top and bottom, Rocky Road ice cream, dark chocolate candy bars. You get the message.
Do I write in silence or listen to music?
I write in total silence except for the sound of a fan blowing on me when I’m having hot flashes. People walking through the house, dogs barking, husband talking on phone, husband banging around in kitchen etc. rips at my brain like claws on a cat.
What is the best advice I ever got?
Mother shared the advice she got from a high school teacher. Be not the first by whom the new is tried, nor the last to lay the old aside. It was about fashion, but can be applied to many aspects of life.
What is the best advice I can give a new writer?
Read, read, read. Immerse yourself in the genre you wish to write in and for the audience you write for. Read about writing, character development, dialogue, creating scenes. Read the newspaper, the Bible, popular novels, biographies. A wise person continues learning all his/her life.
FIVE ON FRIDAY***Jeff Leitch
FABULOUS FIVE ON FRIDAY TO YOU! TODAY I AM THRILLED TO FEATURE ANOTHER CANADIAN AUTHOR. JEFF LEITCH IS WRITING PARTNERS WITH ROY DIMOND, WHO I FEATURED A FEW WEEKS BACK. TOGETHER, THEY HAVE PENNED SAVING OUR PENNYS.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE ANSWER TO HIS LAST QUESTION. BE SURE AND CHECK IT OUT…ALONG WITH HIS BOOK…. AND DON’T FORGET TO TRY FOR THAT $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD BY LEAVING A COMMENT!!
![Pennyscover-DimondLeitch[1]](http://www.anneverett.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Pennyscover-DimondLeitch1.jpg)
Jeff Leitch lives with his family in Maple Ridge, a proud community at the base of the majestic Golden Ears Mountain in British Columbia, Canada. Honored to be a teacher in his native Coquitlam, British Columbia, Jeff’s passions include his wife Linda, their three kids, Amanda, Matthew and Adam, his Dad and Mom (always), brothers Greg and James, in-laws Pauline and Joe, his teammates,
colleagues, friends, and the countless stories they all share.
You can find him at any sporting venue or live theatre, with coffee in hand, cheering and coaching those who display courage and dare to chase greatness. Along with writing occasional articles for local papers, Jeff’s current restlessness has him dreaming of many more novels, while writing at least one musical hit as he goes beyond the three chords he knows on his acoustic guitar.
Roy Dimond’s Blog
http://roydimond.tripod.com/
Jeff Leitch’s Blog
http://jeffleitch.wordpress.com/saving-our-pennys/
Link to purchasing Saving Our Pennys on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Our-Pennys-Roy-Dimond/dp/1618071122/ref=sr_1_1/188-8803821-1231466?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412553962&sr=1-1&keywords=Saving+Our+Pennys
#1. Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks?
Before I answer Ann, I would just like to Thank-you on behalf of Roy and myself for doing this interview. We love the idea behind ‘Five on Friday.’ Odd or interesting writing quirks? You could say so. Anytime I am writing during the creative process, I imagine the computer keyboard is a grand piano, or an electric keyboard. I will then load up a music playlist on the computer and visualize I am “center –stage” in a concert. I am Billy Joel entertaining the masses or whatever musician is inspiring me at the time. The songs may not even have a piano or keyboard in it – but the keys I hit pound away to the rhythm and the harmonies of the moment and the creativity flows. And yes there is a “Thank-you! Goodnight!” echoed when the desk lamp turns off. Gotta leave ‘em wanting more…
#2. Who would you choose to play the two lead roles in your book, if it was made into a movie?
Great question! Roy and I have talked about this as we have always seen Saving Our Pennys as a fantastic movie script. I imagine Matt Damon as the teacher trying to find his way, and his Scottish mentor as the great Sean Connery. How incredible would it be to have two of the best ever to hit the silver screen to honour this story? I get chills thinking about it.
#3. What is your favorite thing to do during your spare time…besides writing?
Besides writing, I love lifting a scalding hot coffee with my wife and the hockey parents at the local rink, or raising a glass with them in the evening post-game. There is nothing quite as special as watching your kids chase their passion, and sharing that bond with others.
#4. If you could choose your last meal, and you weren’t in prison, what would it be?
I’m going with the prime rib smothered in gravy with a sidecar of the hottest horse-radish you could imagine. Add mixed steam vegetables with a side order of prawns, coupled with garlic potatoes and caesar salad. Bring on the ice-cold pints of Canadian Ale to savour the magic. Sharing this experience with family and friends would make it perfect.
#5. What’s the best advice you ever got…doesn’t have to be about writing.
Don’t complain about the results you didn’t get for the work you didn’t do. (Thanks Mom and Dad.)
Ann Everett, Best Selling Author
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{I hope you enjoy this sweet, short-story romance!}