Monday, February 29, 2016

New Book Cover for Joselyn Vaughn's Climbing Heartbreak Hill, This Week on the J.Q. Rose Blog

Hello and Welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog. Happy Leap Year Day--February 29th. Do you know this day only comes once every four years (like the U S Presidential elections?) 

I hope you're having/ had a great day. I am because I'm revealing the new cover for Joselyn Vaughn's Climbing Heartbreak Hill, one of the books in the Meddlesome Matchmakers series. Each book in the series is a stand-alone story, but they are tied together because ladies,  the Meddlesome Matchmakers, have something to do with getting couples together. You'll giggle as you read through the entertaining, sweet romance books by Joselyn Vaughn. 

Climbing Heartbreak Hill by Joselyn Vaughn
The Meddlesome Matchmakers Series
Back of the Book:  Climbing Heartbreak Hill by Joselyn Vaughn
A Meddlesome Matchmaker Novel
Professional runner, Ryan Grant, blows out his knee training for another attempt at the Boston marathon and the dreaded Heartbreak Hill. Ryan retreats home, not looking for anything more than a fast recovery, but he finds solace in the arms of his tax preparer, Tara Mansfield.
Tara’s cheerleading career ended abruptly and she faces an upward climb beating the stereotype as dumb blonde in her new calling as an accountant. Framed with defrauding the IRS during the last weeks of the tax season, Tara’s tentative confidence is shaken, but Ryan coaches her in ensnaring the true perpetrator. She cheers him on in discovering his identity as a coach rather than an athlete.
With the help of the junkyard king and a mechanical bull, can Tara and Ryan find the courage to climb Heartbreak Hill together?



Other books in the Meddlesome Matchmakers series:  Hauntings of the Heart  and Sucker for a Hot Rod

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This Week:
Wednesday, March 2--Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop--Join in the fun as writers from all genres discuss their insecurities and offer advice and support to fellow bloggers. 

Romance Readers Want to Know Series
Thursdays on the J.Q. Rose Blog
Thursday, March 3--Romance Readers Want to Know Series features author Mickie Sherwood. Come back to find out the most frequently asked questions from Mickie's readers. You can ask a question about Mickie's writing by placing it in the comments box. She'd love to hear from you. Thanks.


Thursday, February 25, 2016

Romance Readers Want to Know: Helen Henderson, Giveaway



Romance Readers Want to Know Series
Thursdays at the J.Q. Rose Blog
On Thursdays the J.Q. Rose blog will feature a romance author who answers the most often asked questions from their readers. You'll meet new writers and learn more about your favorite authors and their latest books. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to leave a question for the author. Prizes will be awarded to lucky commenters.
Please welcome our romantic fantasy author Helen Henderson. She participates in historical re-enactments and in archaeological digs. I'm sure they're all fodder for her imaginative stories. Helen will be giving away a pdf of the novella, Magic and Steel: Mt’wan Comraich to a lucky commenter who leaves a note as to why he/she loves dragons. The winner will be selected after 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 28. 

Romance Readers Want to Know: Helen Henderson
 

Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

While I would say Glyn of the newly-released Hatchling’s Mate, my heart says my favorite character remains Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon. The tale of Ellspeth and the archmage, Lord Dal, is told in Windmaster, the first book I ever had placed under contract so there is a sentimental aspect. However to be honest, the ‘why’ is more complex, like the character herself. Despite being a female, Ellspeth was an experienced fighter. She also had an artistic side in that she was a skilled musician. A skilled leader she was respected by the men who served under her. The pain of losing one sent Ellspeth on the vengeance trail.

I always wanted some special ability and in Ellspeth’s case, besides the musical talent, she is an untrained mage whose powers remained to be awakened. Having reached the point in life where decisions have had to be made and the results lived with, the decision that Ellspeth has to make resonates with my soul. She is determined to make her own destiny, but fate decrees otherwise and she has to decide between the sea, magic... or love.


What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in the name of research?

Among the more unusual places I’ve obtained information are at air shows and historical battlefields. (Yes, I do know a little something about the subject of battlefield archaeology and have participated in digs using both traditional screen and trowel and the new-fangled metal detectors). Although the previous events allowed me to be inconspicuous, not all the places I’ve researched were suitable for modern clothes. To fit in at historical reenactments, I’ve donned fatigues and hoop skirts, though not at the same time. One night while walking in period garb through rows of small white tents on a Revolutionary War battlefield and watched the mist rise from the hollow, it felt like I had been transported back in time.


What do you love best about being a writer?

Writing provides escapes from the cares and pressures of everyday life. Although a character may be thrown in a dungeon or wounded in battle, there is always the belief in the back of your mind that the good guys will win.

And a secret. Writing can be very cathartic. Having a bad day? A sword fight dispatches the annoyance, even if it is done by proxy and no real harm befell a real person. Or if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning sword and armor, call up a dragon. They love to ‘accidentally’ squish bad guys.

All jokes aside, being a writer allows me to hang out with mages, warriors, magical equines and dragons. Who wouldn’t love that?


Hatchling's Mate by Helen B. Henderson
Mt’wan Comraich - Bodyguard to a lady dragon shifter threatened by a former suitor, 
Kedar dared not fail in his duty—or more dangerous, love the Lady Mairin Alidryer of the Dragshi.


BLURB: Hatchling’s Mate

Talann’s future was far from assured. Although the son of two dragon lords, none of the old ones sang a welcome at his birth. And now years later there was still no sign of the awakening of a twinned dragon soul. From his birth, it was expected he would marry the only other child born to the dragon shifters, the Lady Lexii Beylnea. However, fate had other intentions. Talann and Lexii could not stand to be together.

Haldric hated all shifters but one—Lady Lexii, whom he meant to possess at any cost. His one tool to achieve both his goals meant risking all. Although his uncle, known to his followers as the Parant, possessed the ability to turn men and women into his willing slaves, the older man was as apt to turn on friend as foe.

Pledged to protect Lexii until the dragon lord’s intended mate appears, Glyn must fight to keep hidden the secret no one could never learn.

Destinies collide as fate decrees secrets be revealed and plans of men and dragon lord alike twist in the web of time. Freedom of the skies comes with a price.

Buy Links:

Kobo 

About Helen:
A former feature-story writer and correspondent, Henderson has also written fiction as long as she could remember. Her heritage reflects the contrasts of her Gemini sign. She is a descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation fligh
Fantasy author Helen Henderson
Tour guide to imagination and the stars
t engineer. This dichotomy shows in her writing which crosses genres from historical adventures and westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romantic fantasy, she is the author of two series: the Dragshi Chronicles and the Windmaster novels.

Find Helenon the web at:

Thanks so much for being my guest, Helen. Your fantasy books sound fantastic! 

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Books We Love 
My publisher, Books We Love, is offering a variety of great e-books for 99 cents including my mystery/romance, Deadly Undertaking. But time is running out. The sale is only during February and remember this is a short month. So be quick to make your selections. Scroll down the home page of BWL to find all the e-books on sale. Here's the link.

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Readers, if you have a question for Helen, leave it in the comment box. She's especially interested to learn how you feel about dragons!! And remember, each comment will be entered into the drawing to win a PDF copy of her fantasy, Magic and Steel.




Monday, February 22, 2016

Cover Reveal for Joselyn Vaughn's Hauntings of the Heart, Tidy Tidbits for Writing and Living, This Week

Happy Monday and Happy Birthday greetings to our first President, George Washington!


So excited to start the week off sharing the new cover for Hauntings of the Heart by Joselyn Vaughn. Hauntings is one of my favorite stories by Joselyn, and I've read them all!  This talented author is my friend, crit partner, and a dedicated runner. Her imaginative stories are now in a series entitled Meddlesome Matchmakers. All the stories are filled with her humor and warm storytelling style. (And believe me, she has the skills to help others make their stories sparkle and shine. I'm so blessed to be in a group of writers who are so encouraging and supportive.)


Hauntings of the Heart by Joselyn Vaughn
Sweet Romance


Hauntings of the Heart by Joselyn Vaughn
A Meddlesome Matchmaker Novel

Back of the Book: When lost love shows up on your doorstep, what do you do?  Minnie Schultz slams the door in his face. She and Gordon Anderson have a history—close to ancient history, given the fifty years since their last encounter. After all that time, it might seem like water under the bridge. But the water pours from the plumbing in Minnie’s bed and breakfast, the Lilac Bower, uncovering all the secrets and heartache between them. With the help of some paranormal investigators, an Elvis impersonator and a couple of nosey friends, can Minnie and Gordon find the future they were meant to have?

Buy Link: Hauntings of the Heart by Joselyn Vaughn


Other books in the Meddlesome Matchmakers series: Climbing Heartbreak Hill and Sucker for a Hot Rod

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Tiny Tidbits for Writing and Living


  • With Presidents' Day this month and Washington's birthday today, do you know who was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C.? Thomas Jefferson
  • A handful of ice cubes in the garbage disposal breaks up grease and keeps it clean. Turn on the disposal and run cold water. Add orange, lemon or lime peels to ward off odors.
  • A strawberry isn't actually a berry, but a banana is. (I couldn't believe this little tidbit either, but I found this article from the Stanford Alumni magazine to back up the statement. Go figure.)

# # #
Romance Readers Want to Know
Thursdays on the J.Q. Rose Blog

This Week:
Thursday, February 25--Author Helen Henderson answers questions from her readers and will answer questions about her writing asked in the comments. AND a lucky commenter will win a pdf copy of her novella, Magic and Steel. Please come on over for the Q & A.




Thursday, February 18, 2016

Readers Want to Know by Barbara Meyers, Giveaway


Romance Readers Want to Know Series on the J.Q. Rose Blog
Hello and welcome. I'm thrilled to be a guest at Penny Estelle's blog today talking about Childhood Experiences shaping our lives. After reading Barbara's guest post here and asking her questions, please hop on over to visit with Penny and me and leave a comment to win the drawing for an e-copy of  Deadly Undertaking. Thank you.
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Romance Readers Want to Know Series Guest-- Barbara Meyers

 On Thursdays the J.Q. Rose blog will feature a romance author who answers the most often asked questions from their readers. You will meet new writers or enjoy learning more about your favorite authors and their latest books. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to leave a question for the author. Prizes will be awarded to lucky commenters.
Please welcome our multi-published author, Barbara Meyers, who pens contemporary fun beach reads. Her books are great escapist fiction. You can enter to win a copy of her newly-released Fantasy Man by going to her blog post here and commenting. I think the title of her blog tells us a lot about Barbara's writing and outlook on life--Romancing the Funny Bone. 

Readers Want to Know by Barbara Meyers

Where do you get your ideas?
An idea can literally come from anywhere. It can be a snippet of conversation. A setting. Something you see. Something from your own personal experience. I started a book simply because a thirty-something friend shared a story about a date that went on longer than she expected. She said, “By then I’d used up all of my dating talking points.” I thought that was hilarious. There had to be a story there. I’m currently working on that one. Another idea came from walking in my neighborhood at night. I had a flashlight, but there is a woodsy section that is extra dark between streetlights. I thought “What if….” something rushed out of those woods and attacked? That story turned into one called Animal. Look for its release from Samhain Publishing spring 2017.
How many books have you written?
That’s always kind of a hard question to answer because readers don’t make a distinction between published books and unpublished ones. I’ve written more books than I’ve published, that’s for sure. But published? Two from Avalon; four self-published (one under my pen name AJ Tillock); six from Samhain Publishing. That’s twelve total with two more scheduled for release.
Are you the author? Did you write all these?
When I’m sitting behind a table with all my books on display and I’m asked something along these lines, it makes me smile. Yes, I am the author. Yes, I did write all these books.
About Barbara:
Barista by day, romance novelist by night:  When not writing
Author Barbara Meyers
fiction, Dr. Seuss-like poetry (for adults) or song lyrics, Barbara Meyers disguises herself behind a green apron and works part-time for a world-wide coffee company.
Her novels are a mix of comedy, suspense and spice and often feature a displaced child.
Barbara is still married to her first husband, has two fantastic children and one almost perfect dog.  Originally from Southwest Missouri, (she blames her roots in the Show Me state for her somewhat skeptical nature) she currently resides in Central Florida.

Connect online with Barbara Meyers:
Web Site:  http://www.barbarameyers.com 
Blog: http://barbmeyers.wordpress.com/blog/
Facebook Author Pages: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraMeyersAuthorPage
https://www.facebook.com/AJTillock/?ref=tn_tnmn
Samhain Author Page:  
https://www.samhainpublishing.com/author/210/barbara-meyers 
Amazon Author Page:  http://amazon.com/author/barbarameyers
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/barbmeyers1/
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/barbmeyers   
Twitter: @barbmeyers and @ajtillock  
Twitter URL:  https://twitter.com/barbmeyers

Fantasy Man by Barbara Meyers
Spicy romance
One lie of omission could turn her wildest dream into a world of hurt.
FANTASY MAN BUY LINKS


Go to Barbara's blog to enter to win an e-copy of her newly-released Fantasy Man

You're welcome to ask Barbara a question about her writing. Leave a comment below with your question or just say hi. Thank you.









Monday, February 15, 2016

Presidents' Day, Campaign for President, Killing Lincoln

Mt. Rushmore photo courtesy of samandale
freedigitalphotos.org
Can you name all four presidents who are chiseled in stone in this monument?

Hello and welcome!
In the US, today is Presidents' Day to honor our presidents. Originally the holiday was Washington's birthday, February 22, then combined with Lincoln's birthday to become Presidents' Day.

Here’s a fun fact from USA Today: Even though William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan were born in February, too, Presidents' Day never actually lands on a president's birthday (all of their actual birth dates are too early or too late), according to the History Channel.

We are in a history making presidential campaign this year. Gazillion-aire Donald Trump and his all out, no holds barred method of campaigning is resonating with some Republican voters. Mild-mannered governor of Ohio, John Kasich, is trying to be the nice guy and stay out of the brawl among Cruz, Rubio, and Trump.

I was rooting for former Hewlett-Packett CEO Carly Fiorina before she finally had to give up the campaign. She wasn't my favorite because she is a woman. She has the credentials, the real experience of leading a huge corporation (and afterall the president of the USA has to be a smart leader and business person), but she didn't have enough backers to pull her through to the finish. 

Running a campaign for president is one hurdle after another. Fighting the big dogs can wear you down. You have to keep in mind the reason for even wanting to be president because with all the name-calling, lies, and media hopping, it would be easy to say forget it. Trying to please everyone is an impossible task. 

One of my favorite quotes from my personal favorite president, Abraham Lincoln,  is:


My question to each candidate is why. Why do you want to be President of the United States? And don't give me some canned promises. I want to hear you say it straight from your heart.
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I grew up in the Land of Lincoln, Central Illinois, along famous Route 66. I've admired Honest Abe since I was a school girl. If you want to read a book to find out more about him and his time, I recommend  Killing Lincoln. Eye-opening information for me. Take a peek at it, download a sample, and/or purchase by clicking the book cover below. Thank you.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Happy Valentine Weekend, Romance Readers Want to Know: Romantic Suspense Author Kris Bock, Giveaway

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine Weekend!


Romance Readers Want to Know
Thursdays on the J.Q. Rose Blog
Hello and welcome to the new series, Romance Readers Want to Know. On Thursdays the J.Q. Rose blog will feature a romance author who answers the most often asked questions from their readers. You can find out about new writers or enjoy learning more about your favorite authors and their latest books. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to leave a question for the author. Prizes will be awarded to lucky commenters.

This week I am happy to welcome romantic suspense author Kris Bock. Kris is offering an e-copy of Whispers in the Dark. This story features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. Read on after Kris' article to find out more about the story. Be sure to leave a comment to enter the drawing. Winner will be drawn after 9 pm EST on Sunday.


Romance Readers Want to Know from Mystery/Romance author Kris Bock

How does setting inspire your romantic suspense novels?

All of my romantic adventures are set in the Southwest. For example, in my romantic suspense Whispers in the Dark, my heroine is an archaeology Masters student working at the fictional “Lost Valley.” This site is closely based on Hovenweep National Monument. Located on the southern border between Colorado and Utah, these ruins were left behind by the ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi. It’s a smaller site than some, but that’s part of its charm. You can hike and camp without crowds.

The lonely location allows for an almost Gothic atmosphere – mysterious lights in the canyon, spooky moaning sounds, and plenty of people hiding secrets. My heroine, Kylie, finds more than she bargains for, of course – including mystery, danger, and new love. She also falls in love with the Southwest, as I did after moving to New Mexico more than a decade ago.

In Counterfeits, painter Jenny Kinley has spent the last decade struggling in the New York art world. Her grandmother’s sudden death brings her home to New Mexico, but inheriting the children’s art camp her grandmother ran is more of a burden than a gift. How can she give up her lifelong dreams of showing her work in galleries and museums? Her choice is complicated by meeting up with old friends, including dreamy Rob Caruso, the camp cook and all-around handyman, who of course has secrets. Jenny and Rob face midnight break-ins and make desperate escapes, but the biggest danger may come from the secrets that don’t want to stay buried.

I’ve been at many writing retreats at a music camp near Jemez Springs, New Mexico, and that inspired the children’s art camp which the heroine inherits in my book. I hiked in the surrounding area and took photos and notes to capture the setting. (See my Pinterest pictures.) The remote location provides for excellent action scenes and complications like limited cell phone service. I made it an art camp because I felt I could capture an artist’s persona after my time at Rhode Island School of Design.

Who do you imagine is your ideal reader?

My romantic adventures should appeal to fans of “lighter” romantic suspense, along the lines of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Nora Roberts. In fact, Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog said, “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s ‘Moonspinners’, and Kris Bock used all the things I love about this genre.” (Full Review)

You’ll find plenty of action and a sweet love story, but not the gritty violence and explicit erotica of some modern romantic suspense. I also tried to bring the New Mexico scenery to life – gorgeous sunsets, dangerous monsoon storms, and everywhere you turn a plant or animal that wants to scratch, bite, or sting you. Armchair adventure travelers are welcome!


About Kris:
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt
Author Kris Bock
paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. Read excerpts at
www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.
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Whispers in the DARK by Kris Bock
Romantic suspense
Back of the book:Whispers in the Dark by Kris Bock:

Archaeology student Kylie Hafford craves adventure when she heads to the remote Puebloan ruins of Lost Valley, Colorado, to excavate. Romance isn’t in her plans, but she soon meets two sexy men: Danesh looks like a warrior from the Pueblo’s ancient past, and Sean is a charming, playful tourist. The summer heats up as Kylie uncovers mysteries, secrets, and terrors in the dark. She’ll need all her strength and wits to survive—and to save the man she’s come to love. 

Whispers in the Dark, romantic suspense set in the Four Corners region of the Southwest, will appeal to fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell.

Amazon 


Click the book cover below to read a sample and/or purchase Counterfeits by Kris Bock.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Books We Love 99 Cent Sale, Tiny Tidbits for Writing and Living, This Week

Hello and welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog. 


February 99 Cent Sale
from Books We Love

Books We Love February 99 Cent Sale

A Valentine Deal for You:


Books We Love, my publisher, is spreading some Valentine Love to readers this month by offering my mystery, Deadly Undertaking, for 99 cents!   In fact BWL has quite an assortment of great reads for 99 cents this month. I hope you'll have a chance to hop over there and grab a few for you and your valentine!



My stories always have a bit of me and my world view in them. After reading Deadly Undertaking, I'm sure you'll know how I feel about legalizing marijuana and my concern about the epidemic of Alzheimer's disease grabbing our world  Entertainment is always a key in my books,  so there are quirky characters and humorous moments in my stories. I hope you get a giggle from your reading.

Don't you love the book cover by Michelle Lee? Lauren Staab is inviting you to enter her world of romance, mystery, and paranormal elements. Happy reading!


Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose
Romance-Mystery-Paranormal
Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose

My latest  mystery, Deadly Undertaking, was a lifetime in the making. My main character is Lauren Staab who is the daughter of a funeral director. I'm the daughter of a funeral director too, so many of the elements in the story are taken from my life experience. But, let me clarify. The story is fiction, so you can bet not all of the mess Lauren gets into is actually from my real life.

I mean we never actually found a murdered man in the garage of the funeral home. I never had a boyfriend who treated me like Chip DeYoung treated Lauren. I never actually took love advice from a shadow man. Hmm, now that I think of it, I guess there’s not much about my real life in there except I did dust the caskets in the casket room and set up flowers for visitations and funeral services.

When you read the story, you’ll have to decide if what I’m telling is from my experience or just made up for your entertainment.

Back of the Book:
Lauren Staab knew there would be dead bodies around when she returned home. After all, her family is in the funeral business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home. Still, finding an extra body on the floor of the garage between the hearse and the flower car shocked her. Lauren’s plan to return to her hometown to help care for her mother and keep the books for the funeral home suddenly turns upside down in a struggle to prove she and her family are not guilty of murdering the man. But will the real killer return for her, her dad, her brother? Her mother’s secrets, a killer, a handsome policeman, and a shadow man muddle up her intention to have a simple life. Welcome home, Lauren!

To download a sample or purchase, click on the links or book cover below. Thank you.



Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1H72tvV



This Week:
Romance Readers Want to Know Thursdays on the J.Q. Rose blog
February 11--Author Kris Bock answers questions readers want to know about her writing process.
Please join un and enter to win the drawing! Thanks.


Tiny Tidbits for Writing and Living:
  • HTML Code for a link Have you noticed how signatures in forums and emails have the pristeen name of their site links instead of an ugly string of letters and numbers as a link? Here's the secret to how you get that on your signature--a bit of html code. Thanks to the University of Southern Florida for providing this information.

Fill in the information with your website URL and then the actual title of the site

<a href=“http://Internet URL goes here.”>Title the visitor sees.</a>

Code example:  <a href=“mailto:webmaster@rcma.org”>Contact Us</a>


Comes out as Contact Us
Writers Chatroom


  • Writers Chatroom If you're a writer and looking for a great chat room filled with new writers and experienced writers, you would enjoy visiting the Writers Chatroom on Wednesday nights from 8 PM -10 PM. The first hour is a topic driven chat and the second hour is free chat. On Sunday nights, 7 PM - 9PM, Audrey Shaffer interviews a guest author in a moderated chat. Participants are allowed to ask questions and interact with the guest. Last night, I am thrilled to say I won the door prize graciously provided by author Sheila Lowe, Poison Pen. I can't wait to read this mystery/suspense novel, Book One in the series, Forensic Handwriting Mystery.
  • Read a Book in the Bathtub Day--February 9

Click the book cover below to find out more about the book, download a sample, and/or purchase.





Thanks for visiting. Do you read in the bathtub???

Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) Blog Post: Now About That AI! #IWSGbloghop

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