Monday, November 23, 2015

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!



Hi everyone,

Looking for that special gift for Christmas?  How about e-books?

The Georgia Series, Book 1 and Book 2 are available until the end of the year for $0.99 cents Canadian, and $0.74 cents American sites.

Here's the cover blurb for each book:


Recently separated from a cheating husband, a 
pregnant Georgia leaves her home to spend a 
month with a childhood friend in Yukon
Territory. Her stay takes an abrupt turn when she is
kidnapped by bankrobbers.  She escapes into a 
vast area of north western British Columbia,
 known as ‘the last frontier’. Against all odds,  
Georgia is forced to makedecisions to endure 
the cold, harsh winter. 

Will she make the right choices to not only ensure her survival but that of her unborn child? 

THE ROAD OF ADVERSITY LEADS TO EMPOWERMENT



It’s been five years since Georgia Charles survived a winter lost and alone in the wilderness. After a whirlwind life of celebrity, Georgia wishes to settle into a quiet lifestyle as her daughter begins school. But everyone wants a piece of her; a boyfriend, who tests her new found sense of confidence and trust; a surprise visit from her ex-husband’s widow that turns her world upside down; and a stalker determined to make her his own.

Can Georgia overcome her fears of commitment and accept love again? Should she say yes to Julie’s life-changing request that will affect so many lives? And what of the stalker?



REDEMPTION, FORGIVENESS AND THE KNOWLEDGE
THAT A FAMILY IS NOT BORN FROM BLOOD,
BUT FROM LOVE AND RESPECT

Available in PDF, Kindle, & Nook formats

Also, available in paperback.

Visit me on my Facebook Author page. Click Here.


Friday, November 20, 2015

SHORT STORY - SHADOW OF SMOKE

Hi everyone.

If you enjoy crime/suspense stories, I have a short story on Amazon. It was available for free but that promotion is over. It is available as an ebook for .99 cents.



Sage Brooks is a strong, indepedent woman working on a project with a deadline. She takes time away from the office to finish her work. What happens next is far from the tranguility she's seeking. This is a thrill story of crime and suspense that ends with a twist.




Yesterday it hit amazon's Top 100 list for Fiction and Literature #43, Crime #85, and Mystery, Thriller and Suspense #19. So exciting.

Don't miss the samples at the end of the story for my novels, Winter's Captive and Chasing Georgia, of The Georgia Series.




Click HERE to purchase your copy now.


Thursday, November 19, 2015

LIVING LIFE WITHOUT GUILT


It's a time when exciting things are happening, not just for me but for other people in my life.

On top of the 'good times' in my life, the world has suffered more death and terror at the hands of extremists. As someone who has a 'public' life, I felt guilty talking about the positives and successes in my life, while others are suffering. The effects of extremist acts in our global world doesn't just affect the families and friends of those injured or lost. Nor does it only affect the locality where these acts occur.

The effects are long-reaching and are an assault on humanity, on all of us as a global society. What I achieve personally seems trivial compared to what is happening to me as a citizen of the world. So writing here about my latest book release etc left a bad taste in my mouth and I felt guilty crowing to you all.

Guilt was foremost in my mind. After all, I do care about humanity and what happens to us as a society. However, I came to realize that first of all, there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop terrorism. There is nothing I can do to help the victims and their circle of family and friends. And, there is nothing I can say except to express my disgust and give my condolences. I was born in a democratic country and live in a beautiful part of the world where I am free to believe and live my life as I wish. I don't have to run from uniformed soldiers working for a dictator or hide from weaponed radicals.

As the week wore on from last week's crisis in Paris, my disgust grew in a different direction. I understand that people react to fear in different ways so my words here aren't to condemn anyone. What I can't accept are people who condemn a culture of people as a whole when it is a misled, disenfranchised, narcissistic group who use religion to carry out barbaric acts of terror and killing.

I was dismayed to hear someone say that Islam was not a peaceful religion. I was disgusted to hear a republican say only Christians should be allowed to immigrate into the US. I was equally disgusted to hear of violent attacks on innocent immigrants. This is how religious wars get started that really have nothing to do with religion.

Personally, I don't belong to a religious group. I consider myself a spiritualist and try to live my life by the golden rule, 'One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself''. My problem with religion is that as soon as you belong to one religious culture, you've pissed off another group of people and their culture. Many wars in the world's history have been fought in the name of religion and a lot of people have suffered. On the other hand, I do not condemn those who do belong to a religion. If you study any religion, the basic core is based on love and peace for your fellow man.  I'm lucky enough to live in a democratic society that allows freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I cherish that right and would like to believe that I respect others rights.

The problem lies in ourselves. As a whole, we are a caring, supportive society.  However, fear and hate are created by people, not religion. This has been a fundamental fact since the beginning of humanity. And the nature of the war that is being fought today in our world knows no boundaries. It can hit anywhere in our small global community.We can't allow a small percentage of barbaric terrorists control over our lives, making us live in fear and more importantly, turning us against each other and those who may have different cultural beliefs than our. We can't allow them to change our quality of life and tarnish the joy we experience in our lives.  Otherwise, they will win and they may not take over the world but they will hold the world hostage.

I've come to realize that I have nothing to feel guilty about. The guilt should be theirs.







Tuesday, November 3, 2015

CHASING GEORGIA, THE GEORGIA SERIES, BOOK 2

After a year that feels like I've lived a life-time, Chasing Georgia, The Georgia Series, Book 2 is now live. I'm so pleased to offer this book to those who have been waiting for it. 

When Winter's Captive, Book 1 of the series was being written, I had no idea there was a Book 2 in my future. Not until Book 1 was completed and I realized Georgia had taken on a life of her own with more to do and say. There are three elements to Book 2. Here is the back cover blurb by way of explanation.



Back Cover:


… from the Author of Winter’s Captive, the Georgia Series, Book 1


It’s been five years since Georgia Charles survived a winter lost and alone in the wilderness. After a whirlwind life of celebrity, Georgia wishes to settle into a quiet lifestyle as her daughter begins school. But everyone wants a piece of her; a boyfriend, who tests her newfound sense of confidence and trust; a surprise visit from her ex-husband’s widow that turns her world upside down; and a stalker determined to make her his own.

Can Georgia overcome her fears of commitment and accept love again? Should she say yes to Julie’s life-changing request that will affect so many lives? And what of the stalker?



REDEMPTION, FORGIVENESS AND THE KNOWLEDGE
THAT A FAMILY IS NOT BORN FROM BLOOD,

BUT FROM LOVE AND RESPECT

Chasing Georgia is available in Ebook and Paperback formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other fine retailers. Your local bookstore can order it in for you as well.

Hope you all enjoy the new book!

Here's a link to Amazon

Visit me on my Facebook Author Page!


Thursday, October 22, 2015

HALLOWEEN BOOK RELEASE PARTY!

JOIN ME  FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 4-6 PM PST
TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF 

CHASING GEORGIA, BOOK 2 of THE GEORGIA SERIES 


Click HERE to join the online fun!



GET TO KNOW THE AUTHOR, ASK 
QUESTIONS, GAMES, PRIZES.

SEE YOU ALL THERE

Monday, October 12, 2015

SMOKE SCREEN UPDATE

Hey everyone. Here I sit with egg on my face. Further to my post offering my short story for free, I have taken it down. I discovered that I published an earlier draft copy with errors which leave the story confusing and making no sense. 

I deeply apologize to those who took the time to download it for my lack of diligence. Thank goodness I offered it for free. I will republish it at a later date. Thank you all for your support. 








Visit me on my Facebook Author Page.

Keep on keeping on reading.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

SHOULD WRITER'S HAVE A 'BRAND'?


Last month my publisher, Fountain Blue Publishing put on a one-day writers' workshop online. Whenever I participate in these workshops, I always learn something new about writing and marketing. One of the topics we covered that day was 'Branding'. 

This is a term I am well familiar with, having worked in municipal government. We had a series of meetings regarding the branding of our village to not only increase tourism, but to attract people to move to our small town.

Branding is used for businesses as well to market their products.

But for writers?

What I learned from my workshop was that when I market my books, I'm not only selling products (my books), I'm also selling myself. Therefore, I need a brand. Something my readers will come to recognize as me. Something that says I follow this author and let's see what new books she has released.

The Georgia Series books have a recurring character in them--a raven called Feathers. He plays a role in the lives of my characters. In section breaks in the books, my publisher uses the raven to separate them. The Raven is important to indigenous people and to my story. He represents intelligence, is a creator and a healer. All of these qualities are found in my heroine, Georgia Charles. These are the qualities of an empowered woman.

A lot of thought and playing around in Print Shop went into the creation of a raven as my logo. Today, I have released the final logo that represents my books and my brand. Visually, I love that the Raven is looking through a portal from the mortal world into the spiritual realm. This logo says all I want it to say and I am proud to embrace it as my brand. 

Please feel free to leave your comments.

Keep on keep on writing!

Visit me HERE on my Facebook Author Page.

Friday, August 21, 2015

***CHASING GEORGIA EBOOK 50% OFF***

The continuing story of Georgia Charles. 

I'm so pleased to announce that the EBOOK for Chasing Georgia, the Georgia Series, Book 2 is available from now until release date at 50% off. You can order your copy for only $2.99. (When the book is released on October 23rd, your book will be available. Purchase your copy now to take advantage of this great price.) Need a little taste of what you're buying? Here's a copy of the back cover blurb:




… from the Author of Winter’s Captive, the Georgia Series, Book 1


It’s been five years since Georgia Charles survived a winter lost and alone in the wilderness. After a whirlwind life of celebrity, Georgia wishes to settle into a quiet lifestyle as her daughter begins school. But everyone wants a piece of her; a boyfriend, who tests her new found sense of confidence and trust; a surprise visit from her ex-husband’s widow that turns her world upside down; and a stalker determined to make her his own.

Can Georgia overcome her fears of commitment and accept love again? Should she say yes to Julie’s life-changing request that will affect so many lives? And what of the stalker?



REDEMPTION, FORGIVENESS AND THE KNOWLEDGE
THAT A FAMILY IS NOT BORN FROM BLOOD,

BUT FROM LOVE AND RESPECT


Click HERE to purchase your ebook now.

***************************************************
AND

Winter's Captive, the Georgia Series, Book 1 EBOOK
is also available at 50% off.

Click HERE to purchase your ebook now.





Wednesday, August 19, 2015

***COVER REVEAL***

Today, I am so excited to reveal the cover for Chasing Georgia, Book 2 of the Georgia Series.



After three months hiatus from my writing world, I finished the final galley edits for the manuscript and it is back with my editor. This Friday, August 21st, presales will begin for Chasing Georgia. The ebook will be available at 50% off until the release date of October 23rd, 2015.

Winter's Captive, Book 1 of the Georgia Series will also be available in ebook form at 50% off.

Stay tuned for more info when the presale begins.

Meanwhile, head over to my Facebook page and enter my contest there for a free ebook copy of Chasing Georgia. All you have to do is like the post, then post how many ravens you see in the comments. The contest is open til end of today and a winner will be chosen tomorrow. (The ebook copy won't be available until the release day October 23rd, but don't worry. we'll see you get your copy :).)

To enter the contest, click HERE.
Good luck to all.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

The question of the day! And the one my followers have been asking me of late.

My last post was March 13th. Ten days later, March 24th, my husband and I headed to Kamloops to the hospital where he was scheduled to have a stress test. That was the day that changed our lives. He had been having some issues. Mostly as an avid walker, he found himself with a tightness in his chest, no pain, no shortness of breath, just a tightness that forced him to slow his walking and distance capability.

We were forced to walk two blocks uphill to the hospital due to parking, or lack of, which caused him some distress. Once in the facility, they did an ECG, refused to do the stress test, and admitted him into emergency. One day later he was transported to Kelowna General Hospital and we found ourselves in ICU, scheduled for quadruple bypass surgery. 

I can't say enough about the nurses and doctors in the cardio general ward and ICU. They are a wonderfully knowledgeable, caring, and efficient team who not only looked after my husband, but took care of my needs, putting me up at the Cancer lodge beside the hospital with three meals a day for my two week stay, and access to my husband's room 24/7.

On April 8th he was discharged and we returned home He is recuperating as well as can be expected and if our story ended there, I would have had a lot of time to get back to my writing and my blog. 

Uh-uh! We've had our home up for sale for three years, not an unusual length of time for this remote area. Wouldn't you know it. Three days after we returned home from Kelowna, someone wanted to buy our house. Normally I would have asked for at least sixty days, but under the circumstances, I asked for ninety. However, closure depended on the buyer having access in forty-four days. Six weeks! 

After waiting three years to sell, we weren't going to pass up the opportunity and signed the papers. 

So where have I been, dear readers? Home, nursing my husband who can't do a thing to help with the move, decluttering, packing, and cleaning. And, making trips to the Island to find a new home which has exhausted my husband. Another worry in itself, since rest is an important component to his recovery.

Meanwhile, my editor sent me the final proof for Chasing Georgia, Book 2 of the Georgia Series a month ago. I have worked on it a little but cannot find the time to fit it into my chaotic life at the moment and when I do, focusing on it has been elusive. 

Overwhelmed! That's the word of the day! My life is not my own at the moment but this is only an explanation not a complaint. In two weeks we will have relocated to the BC west coast from the BC interior and life will fall into place.

My husband has been given a new lease on life. One that we don't take lightly and we have a new place to live; a cottage on the ocean with a view to inspire my writing world. 

We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to. 

I'll be back.

Keep on keeping on writing!

Visit me HERE on my FB Author Page

Friday, March 13, 2015

SQUIRREL MAFIA HIT THE GROUND AND RUNNING!

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting fellow author, Sharon C. Williams, and her COVER RELEASE FOR, Squirrel Mafia. Welcome, Sharon. This post is now yours.


Sharon C. Williams:

We tend to think of squirrels as cute furry creatures that scamper around playing while looking for nuts. Yet I’ve a different outlook on these rodents from Hades.

As an animal lover, one who’s owned by eight birds, I’ve had
the opportunity to observe a group of squirrels around my home here in the suburbs for the past year. The experience I’ve gained gives a whole new meaning to the words ‘little darlings’.

I offer you a unique perspective of the furry friends entangled within our everyday lives. Their antics and shenanigans have earned them the name of the Squirrel Mafia. This book chronicles my ongoing battle with these pesky little critters.

Squirrels are furry and adorable animals that come from Hell. They give us the illusion they’re cuddly, and full of sugar and spice and all that is nice. Well, if you want that kind of story you might want to put this one down.

Growing up in Northern Maine, I honestly don’t recall seeing squirrels around me. My life could have been preoccupied with things that mattered more, like being a kid and spending time with family. Granted, the weather in Maine is harsh during the winter months, which can last a good portion of the year,

Wildlife, though, is plentiful in this region with moose, bear, and deer. Between the different hunting seasons, one would think people would notice squirrels running around. As numerous and hardy as they are, one would logically think that even a region
as cold as Maine would be full of them.

Perhaps they didn’t bother me back then. I still would have been under the misconception that they were cute. Perhaps my memory is just lapsing, or I’m just in denial.

Yeah, that’s it, denial!

Lesson learned—squirrels can make you forget.



Sharon is a native of New England, raised in Northern Maine.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. She is also owned by a flock of eight birds.


She has a B.S. degree in Chemistry, but is currently disabled, so writing keeps her busy. She tends to lose all track of time. The world could be coming to an end, and she would be oblivious to it. When writing, she envisions the scenes in her head, and tries
to imagine the reality of what is written down on paper. Different options, scenes, and problems are noted on the side in case she can use them later.

Sharon tends to write by long hand as the flow works better for her this way. Her bookshelf consists of works written by Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Bentley Little, and James Patterson. The best advice she has ever received about writing was to write about what you know. Her first thought was, “Yeah right,” but it really is that easy. A writer just needs to know a little tidbit to turn it into a short story, and soon enough, there’s a book.

Sharon loves to read, sketch, take pictures, walk, exercise, go to the movies, and listen to music. She is a budding bird watcher, and knits on the side. She is a huge sports fan of baseball, basketball, hockey, and football.

Two of her short stories were published in the anthology, Cassandra’s Roadhouse. Her children’s book, Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure, has been published by  Fountain Blue Publishing. Several of her short stories are also featured in the recently released anthology, Dragons In The Attic.

***

Thank you, Sharon, for guest hosting today and telling us about your new release, Squirrel Mafia.  You've piqued my interest. Good luck with your new book.

To learn more about Sharon and her books, visit her at the following sites:

Social Media Links:  http://www.newenglandmuse.com/

Facebook:















Thursday, March 12, 2015

ABC ... EASY AS ... 123, THE LETTER 'D'

Today is 'D' day. The word of the day is 'Dialogue'.
(My continued journey of novel writing tips from A-Z)

di·a·logue
noun

1   A written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing
2   a:  a conversation between two or more persons
     b:  an exchange of ideas and opinions 
     c:  a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution 
3   The conversational element of literary or dramatic composition 

***
Dialogue is an integral part of any story. It is a multi-purpose tool that should do some or all of the following:
1        Reveal something about the character and the relationships between characters.
2        Help to move the story forward.
3        Increase the tension between characters or of the story line.

Action:
A key element to writing good dialogue is to break it up with action. The reader needs direction in order to visualize a scene. Otherwise, the dialogue would be boring. In Winter’s Captive, Georgia confronts her cheating ex-husband. The sample below reveals elements of each character but doesn’t move the story forward.

 “Have we moved on? Have you?”
“How can you ask if we moved on? I presumed you did that a year ago. Now you’re asking me? I don’t think Julie would be too happy to hear this conversation.”
“This has nothing to do with Julie. It’s about you and me.”
 “You really are something. There is no you and me. There hasn’t been for a long time. And I’ll tell you something else too. It’s about you and only you,”
“How can you say that? I’m trying to communicate with you about how we feel. I want to know what you’re thinking.”
“Where was the communication when you left me? Where were you when I tried to figure it all out? When I doubted myself as a wife and a woman? I’ll tell you where, with Julie, right where you wanted to be. You never gave me an explanation or showed any concern for my feelings then. You shut me out and even refused to talk to me. It’s your feelings we’re really talking about here, because you’re confused. You never even asked to see your baby until I pushed it on you. You haven’t even asked me her name. I’ll tell you what I’m thinking, Colin. You’re a whiffle bird.”  
“A what-bird?”
“A whiffle bird ... he flies in ever decreasing concentric circles, faster and faster, the circles getting smaller and smaller, until finally--he flies up his own ass.”
 “I guess I deserved that, didn’t I? I know I’ve been a shit to you. I couldn’t talk to you because I didn’t know how. And then there was Julie, telling me I had to make a clean break. She was so jealous and insecure. I felt like I was being pulled in opposite directions. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“That's my point. Again, it’s about how you felt,”
“You’ve changed. You were never this ... aggressive before.”

Here's the same sample with action and thought:

Colin stared at me for a long moment. “Have we moved on? Have you?”
“How can you ask if we moved on? I presumed you did that a year ago. Now you’re asking me? I don’t think Julie would be too happy to hear this conversation.”
“This has nothing to do with Julie. It’s about you and me.”
My mouth dropped open. “You really are something. There is no you and me. There hasn’t been for a long time. And I’ll tell you something else too. It’s about you and only you,” I said, my anger rising.
“How can you say that? I’m trying to communicate with you about how we feel. I want to know what you’re thinking.”
“Where was the communication when you left me? Where were you when I tried to figure it all out? When I doubted myself as a wife and a woman? I’ll tell you where, with Julie, right where you wanted to be. You never gave me an explanation or showed any concern for my feelings then. You shut me out and even refused to talk to me. It’s your feelings we’re really talking about here, because you’re confused.” I was wound tight. All my pent-up anger released. I stood up and leaned towards him. “You never even asked to see your baby until I pushed it on you. You haven’t even asked me her name. I’ll tell you what I’m thinking, Colin. You’re a whiffle bird.”  
“A what-bird?”
“A whiffle bird ... he flies in ever decreasing concentric circles, faster and faster, the circles getting smaller and smaller, until finally--he flies up his own ass.”
Colin stared at me, a look of shock on his face, and I stared back defiantly, hands on my hips. After a long silence, he started to smile.
“I guess I deserved that, didn’t I? I know I’ve been a shit to you. I couldn’t talk to you because I didn’t know how. And then there was Julie, telling me I had to make a clean break. She was so jealous and insecure. I felt like I was being pulled in opposite directions. I’m sorry I hurt you.” Colin took my hand in his.
“That's my point. Again, it’s about how you felt,” I said, shaking my hand from his.
“You’ve changed. You were never this ... aggressive before.”
I gave my shoulders a shake and turned towards the water. “Let’s walk.”

Big difference, right? By adding action, we’ve moved the story along and added tension to their encounter by showing body language and thought.

Dialect:
The most important thing to remember when depicting dialect in dialogue is to be consistent. This is a very tricky element to express. If you have a character with a southern states drawl or a Native American dialect, etc., it is extremely difficult to carry their dialogue with the right inflection throughout the entire story. It was suggested to me by my editor to choose some key words that reflect their dialect and use them consistently throughout the story. The dialogue will ring true to the reader and they will buy into it. But only if you are CONSISTENT.

In Winter’s Captive, Book 1 and Chasing Georgia, Book 2 (to be released in April), two words I chose to indicate that Nonnock was an indigenous native, were references to her Peoples and when she talked of nature as the Mother or Mother Earth.

For all of you writers out there:
Keep on Keeping on Writing!

Visit me at: www.facebook.com/june.bourgo

Saturday, March 7, 2015

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY TRIBUTE

To end my two week tribute to women in recognition of International Women's Day tomorrow, March 8th, Winter's Captive, The Georgia Series, Book 1 E-BOOK IS FREE today and tomorrow.

What better way to recognize women than to read a story about one woman's struggle to survive in a harsh, northern, winter wilderness and her journey to empowerment.

Click HERE to get your copy in Kindle, Nook, or PDF formats. Just follow the instructions once you get there.

Thank you for your support and recognition of women in our society.



Visit me HERE on my Facebook Author Page

Thursday, March 5, 2015

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8, 2015

For the past ten days, I've been posting on my Facebook Author page, tributes to different women who have made contributions to our world  or lives that made a difference. 

Here are the highlights:


1. MARTHA MUNGER BLACK (1866-1957)

Adventurer, Member of Parliament
First woman Member of Parliament from the North


A pioneer during the gold rush years in the Yukon, she was the inspiration for Georgia Charles in my novel, Winter's Captive. Georgia fashioned a doll named Martha as her focal point during childbirth. If you wish to read more about this amazing woman follow the link below for a bio of Martha Munger Black. http://bit.ly/1EQteUw

2. IRENA SANDLER
1920-2008
Died at the age of 98


Irena Sandler got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumber. She courageously smuggled babies in her tool box and carried larger children in her sack. She also trained her dog to bark when the Nazi soldiers were near, which muffled the sounds of the crying children. She helped save more than 2,500 children & was eventually caught & tortured. Sandler was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize but was not selected. She kept the name of all 2500 children and tried to match them to their families after the war. Most of the children's families had been killed.

3. BLACKWELL, ELIZABETH
1821–1910
A PIONEER IN WOMEN’S MEDICINE
1ST FEMALE PHYSICIAN IN UNITED STATES
American physician, b. England; sister of Henry Brown Blackwell. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree, which was granted (1849) to her by Geneva Medical College (then part of Geneva College, early name of Hobart). With her sister, Emily Blackwell (1826–1910) who was also a doctor, and Marie Zackrzewska, she founded (1857) the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which was expanded in 1868 to include a Women's College for the training of doctors, the first of its kind. In 1869, Dr. Blackwell settled in England, where she became (1875) professor of gynecology at the London School of Medicine for Women, which she had helped to establish. She wrote Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women (1895) and many other books and papers on health and education.

4.  Michaëlle Jean
The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean (2005-2010)


Social Activist, journalist, documentary filmmaker, governor general and secretary general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (presently in a 4-year term).
Michaëlle Jean was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1968, fleeing the dictatorial regime of the time.
After studying comparative literature at the Université de Montréal, she taught Italian in the Université’s Department of Literature and Modern Languages. During her studies, Ms. Jean worked for eight years with Quebec shelters for battered women, while actively contributing to the establishment of a network of emergency shelters throughout Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. She later ventured into journalism and became a highly regarded journalist and anchor of information programs at Radio-Canada television and CBC Newsworld. She is married to Jean-Daniel Lafond and they have a daughter, Marie-Éden.
Michaëlle Jean was the 27th governor general of Canada, from September 27, 2005, to September 30, 2010.

5. & 6.  CHRISTINA AGUILERA  VIDEOS THAT INSPIRE AND EMPOWER WOMEN



7. THOMPSON, NORMA
INT'L WOMEN'S DAY FINAL TRIBUTE: is to a woman who’s not famous or infamous. She isn’t a scientist, a political or religious leader, mountain climber, or a survivalist of abuse or physical trauma. But she has the job of heroine in my books. She didn’t ask for this role. It came to her by default, only because she was the only sibling out of four who lived close by and was there to be caregiver to first my father, and then my mother. She’s my sister, Norma Thompson. The rest of us siblings can rest easy, knowing she’s there to handle the financial affairs of our 92-year-old mother, her needs outside of the care home, and the emotional issues when our mother just needs someone to hold her hand and assure her all is well. With health issues of her own, which have at times made it difficult for my sister, Norma has never shirked this huge responsibility. She has weathered the upsets, the bitterness, the whining, the crying, and dealt with the arguments she had no answer for that come with our mother's Dementia, and has at times been quite exhausted. I’ve experienced my sister’s feelings of guilt when she wanted to run away and forget it all. But she didn’t. For her dedication as our mother’s caregiver, not out of duty but out of love, I honor her on Int’l Women’s Day. She is my heroine.



IN THE SPIRIT OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, WINTER'S CAPTIVE, BOOK 1 OF THE GEORGIA SERIES WILL BE OFFERED FREE FOR MARCH 7 & 8. USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO CLAIM YOUR COPY, WHICH WILL BE ACTIVATED FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. MEANWHILE, CLICK HERE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR (ME). 



Tuesday, January 6, 2015

TAHLTAN NATION - PROGRESSIVE AND GREEN ENERGY MINDED

Hello everyone. Welcome to the new year. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Sending you all wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2015.

I just read an article about the Tahltan Nation. This indigenous band lives in north-western British Columbia in an area known as the last frontier. This land is rich for hydroelectric projects. On December 12th, 2014, he BC government released $500,000 in funding for the Tahltan Nation to invest in the AltaGas Volcano Creek renewable energy project.

It was a great day for the Tahltan people as it is the first time they've been able to take a large stake in a new development in their territory. This project is one of three in the Tahltan lands.

I have always felt a connection to native culture and spirituality. This area in BC is where I chose to write my first novel, Winter's Captive, The Georgia Series, Book 1. The native spirit in my story is Tahltan and I chose to weave some Tahltan lore and cultural beliefs into the novel. 

Quote from the article: 
As well as allowing for investment, the IBAs provide jobs and
training opportunities for our people while also making sure Tahltan people are involved in enviornmental protection and monitoring. 

I'm happy to see that the Tahltan people are progressive and business-minded in regards to their land development, but will not abandon their traditional beliefs of protecting mother earth, the creator. The Tahltan's have found a way to help their people, satisfy big business, and protect their lands. I, for one, would hate to see the balance of nature compromised for big money.

In my story, my reference to the Tahltan people is to the old ways of life which are no longer sustainable. I don't want to read future fiction stories like mine, that refer to mother nature as she once was, but no more. 

My belief is that the only way to close the gap between indigenous people and big business is to respect their culture, and even if one doesn't agree with their way of thinking, at least understand it from an organic perspective. The Tahltan Band is not the first band to work with business and as time passes, we are seeing more amalgamations between first nations and municipalities, provincial and federal governments, mining companies, hydro projects, and community forests. It's very encouraging for the future of all our youth.  

Perhaps all businesses wishing to develop the rich lands of British Columbia should have indigenous people on staff to keep them environmentally accountable, whether on first nations land or not. It has to be about more than just money. We can all take a lesson from indigenous people on that score.

We are all citizens of mother earth, and it is the responsibility of all of us, not just indigenous people, to protect her.

What's your opinion on this controversial issue?

Here's a link to the article if you wish to read it: Click HERE.

Winter's Captive is available in paperback and e-book formats. 


Click HERE for Amazon.com listing.

If you wish to subscribe to my email list, please see side bar.

For all you writer's out there, keep on keeping on writing.