Monday, June 17, 2013

Fabulous Features & Favors

Coming Attractions

Authors Tyrean Martinson and Cathy Bryant will stop by soon for a forum on self-publishing. Tyrean's YA fiction, Champion in the Darkness, made its debut in February. The Way of Grace, Cathy's third book in the Miller's Creek series, was released last fall. Hope you can join us as these smart and savvy writers share their insight.
 
Alex Cavanaugh joins us in September when his third book, CassaStorm, is released. There's never a dull moment when Alex is in the house, so be sure and stop by to soak up some of Alex's wit and wisdom.

We'll also hear from Ann Gabhart, Cathy Gohlke, Jody Hedlund, and Sarah Sundin, whose new books hit the shelves before the close of 2013.

If you're a fan of The Emotion Thesaurus (And if not, you might want to be - read my review here), then you'll be excited to know that authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are working on two new Character Trait books on Attributes and Flaws. This is good news for writers of all genres. Will keep you posted on the details.

Oh No Volcano! is a new app, coming soon to an iPhone near you. How do I know about this? The Creative Director of the project is my son David Lange (so pardon me if I plug it:). If iPhone apps are your thing, hop over the Oh No Volcano Facebook page and check it out.


The Favor


On May 16 I signed a contract with Helping Hands Press for an e-book about homeschool learning co-ops. If you aren't familiar with what a co-op is, it's when homeschool families meet for cooperative learning and activities.

The lovely and talented Diane Estrella of That's What I'm Here For, is helping coordinate a blog tour, and we are looking for bloggers to participate. Might you be interested?

There are no set rules; posts can range from a blurb to a spotlight, interview, review, or similar feature. I will supply links, bio, and picture, and to make it even easier, I've a set of stock questions/answers if you are short on time or inspiration. 

Here are the details:

Title: Homeschool Co-ops 101

Release Date: On or about August 15

Projected Blog Tour Date: August 15 – 30

Synopsis: This book is for parents who are thinking about starting or joining a homeschool learning co-op. It provides info ranging from co-op benefits and getting started to scheduling, organizing, finances, resources, helpful hints, and more. Also included are ready to use, hands on unit studies for grades K-12, suitable for co-op and/or family use.  Author Karen Lange offers insight from over sixteen years as a homeschool parent, co-op coordinator, support group leader, and homeschool consultant. Whether co-oping with a small or large group, HC 101 offers insight and encouragement. 

The Giveaway:  A copy of the book and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

If you can help, that would be great! If you cannot join in or do not feel like this is a good fit for your blog, please know that I understand, and that you won't offend me! :) Either way, if you know anyone who would be interested, feel free to pass this info on.

Kindly let me know in the comments or email me at karenelangeATgmail.com if you'd like to participate. Thank you! :)

FYI: I am taking a break till July 1. (I want to avoid being a saboteur as discussed in last week's post. If you missed it, click here.)

What exciting things does your summer hold? Have a great week! 

Happy reading and writing,

Karen




Popcorn photo: Stock Exchange

34 comments :

  1. Oh, Karen. Have a wonderful blogging break. I know you've got big, important stuff to do (you sure do), and I wish you Godspeed as you tackle it.

    Congratulations on your talented and creative son. "Plug" away, mother. That's what we get paid the big bucks for, right?

    Smiling and waving,

    R.

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  2. Hi Karen! Sure, I'd love to be a stop on your blog tour. Let's connect through email.

    Have a wonderful blogging break!

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  3. Hi Karen,

    My daughters and I participated in a homeschool co-op years ago. Your book sounds wonderful and I'd love to be a part of the blog tour!

    Wishing you all the best (and enjoy your blog break)

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  4. Rhonda,
    I am plugging away, or writing away, anyhow! :)

    Susie,
    Thanks so much! Will be in touch! :)

    Ruth,
    They are great, aren't they? Thank you very much! I'll email you soon. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. Love to see you supporting your talented son - what is a Mom for if not to let everyone know what good kids she's had? Looks like a lot of good stuff coming up.

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  6. Some great guests lined up!
    Karen, my blog is always open to you.

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  7. Woot woot! This is getting REAL exciting!!!

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  8. Annie,
    Yes, I agree - it's part of being a mom! :) Well, someone has to do it. :)

    Alex,
    Yes, there are, and that Alex guy, well, he promises to be an interesting guest. :) Thanks a bunch!

    Diane,
    Yes, it is getting exciting! And now, back to writing...:)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  9. I am reading and sewing this summer and am well immersed in both. It keeps my hands and mind busy in these slow, dog days of summer. Enjoy your break!

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  10. Wow, Karen, lots of information. Thanks.

    Enjoy your break.

    This summer I hope to accomplish lots of projects around the house, increase freelance writing, and continue working my three part-time jobs! woo hoo!

    Susan

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  11. I'll participate in the blog tour Karen/Diane, it's an honor!

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  12. Hi Karen - you have got lots going on haven't you .. so pleased for your book and good luck with that tour - there's lots of home-schooling in the States isn't there ..

    Then all those authors coming by .. excellent news - cheers Hilary

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  13. Wow! Lots of exciting things ahead here on the blog and for you in general!

    Have a great break!

    And I would be HAPPY to host you on my blog. :)

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  14. You have a lot of events lined up on your blog Karen. Enjoy your break.

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  15. Karen, Wow, you are a wonder. I'd love to have you stop by my blog on your tour. It would be an honor!

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  16. Sally,
    Sounds like you are enjoying your summer! Have fun! :)

    Nas,
    It is! And busy too! :)

    Susan,
    Lots of things happening around here! :)

    Marja,
    The honor is mine! Thanks so much! :) Will be in touch.

    Hilary,
    Always something going on; it keeps me out of trouble! lol Thanks so much! :)

    Jennifer,
    Yes, it will be a busy summer! :) Thanks so much - I'll get in touch with you soon.

    Rachna,
    Good things galore, that's for sure! Glad you came by! :)

    Susan S.,
    Thanks! I think I am running on caffeine these days...:) LOL Thanks so much for your offer; the honor is truly mine!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  17. You've definitely earned a blogging break. We look forward to your return :)

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  18. Wow! Thanks for the shout out, and all these awesome updates! I would love to host you on part of a blog tour - just give me a date! Mid-August through September is looking fairly open - although I think I'm hosting Alex sometime in there too. :)



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  19. It would be my pleasure to host you on my blog. I'd love to post an author interview and get to know you a little better, my friend. :-)

    Your son's app looks awesome. I'd like the page, but I'm not on FB anymore. But I will spread the word! My husband and brother download game apps all the time, so I'll keep them posted on this one.

    Be in touch about the blog tour. The honor is mine. Be well...

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  20. I'm looking forward to being a part of your blog-tour. I trust you can tie up all the things for your book release.

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  21. Keith,
    Thanks so much! Enjoy your weekend!

    Tyrean,
    You are most welcome! The post will go up soon. :) Seems like all the cool kids are hosting Alex, right? LOL

    Janette,
    It'll be fun to stop and see everyone! Thanks for your support! :) Thanks too, for checking out David's page. Much appreciated!

    Cecelia,
    I am looking forward to stopping by your place! Trusting as well, thanks so much for your encouragement! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  22. Lots going on!

    Enjoy your break, Karen.

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  23. No plans for summer...no summer where I am! We're into winter here in Chile.

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  24. Sorry I'm so late to the conversation. As you know, I'm in for the blogging tour. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  25. Karen, I'm so happy I found your blog! I see we have many of the same friends. :)

    I was homeschooled for six years and my husband and I are taking the leap of faith to begin homeschooling our oldest this fall. She will be in third grade. Our second daughter (1st grade) will start staying home in a couple of years, and our three-year-old twin boys will "help" their older sisters whenever possible. :)

    I would love to be on your blog tour. I write historical fiction and my blog is dedicated to Minnesota (my home state and the setting for my novels), history and faith. I'd love for you to stop by and say hello. My email is gabriellevan@hotmail.com. Please email me with details. Looking forward to reading your book!

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  26. Talli,
    Yes, it's been a busy year! How is that sweet little baby of yours doing? :)

    Joy,
    Ah, yes, I forgot about that! Hope you are staying warm! :)

    Susan,
    You are not late, and even if you were, it's better late than never! lol :) Thanks a bunch!

    Gabrielle,
    I'm glad you found my blog too! It's great to meet you! I am sure your homeschooling endeavors will go well. :) Will hop over to your blog. Thanks also for following!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  27. Enjoy your break! I'm going to be on vacation that week in August. :(

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  28. Have a good break! I have a friend who homeschools all 7 (!) of her children. She is also a writer and this will be right up her alley, so I'll pass the word along.

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  29. Lynda,
    Thanks so much! Will be in touch soon! :)

    Lydia,
    No worries at all! Thanks for thinking of me. Have a great vacation! :)

    Lisa,
    Thank you, have been getting a bunch done on the book! :) Thanks for passing the word!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  30. Hope you get a lot of action on your homeschool co-op.

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  31. You are one busy lady. You deserve a break. Enjoy!

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  32. Nancy,
    Thanks so much! Have a good weekend! :)

    Donna,
    Yes, it has been a busy month. More busyness to come! :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!