Taking control

I have recently taken control of my book, "Mask Among The Bones", from the publisher that I was working with. As of yesterday, it is only available on Amazon. I wanted to avail myself of some of the opportunities that KDP offers. I am very interested in seeing if the lending library KDP offers will be helpful in getting "Mask" out there to more readers. If anyone has experience with the program, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about it and how it worked for you.

2012 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec

Ahh. A new wine that I have to share with you. The  2012 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec is a very affordable wine that has some of the most delightful tastes and aromas that I have experienced. Notes on this well balanced wine are aromas of fruit with tones of raspberry, black currant, cassis and fig over notes of chocolate and tobacco. If you like a Malbec, you have to give this one a go. It is out of Argentina and is a blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. One more thing; it is certified to be organic. If you can find it, I would strongly urge you to give this wonderful wine a try.

2012 OZV

Good morning. Last night we shared a very nice Zin that I would encourage you to give a try. We enjoyed a 2012 Old Zin Vines (Oak Ridge) Zinfandel Lodi. It is not at all pricy and is quite enjoyable. Notes read: "An old vin Zinfandel from Lodi's oldest operating winery that offers a robust and delicious expression of California's unique terroir. Jammy with raspberry, milk chocolate and mocha flavors, soft tannins and a supple mouth feel." While that describes it fairly well, it doesn't mention the way it lingers after each sip, lingering for enhanced enjoyment. It is not overly sweet, as many Zin's are and may appeal to the more traditional red drinkers. Please give it a try and see what you think. I like it!

The Stump Jump 2011 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

The Stump Jump 2011 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre has an unusual name and an equally unusual flavor. This Australian wine is rated an 89 by Wine Spectator and considered a smart buy.  Thanks to the expert blend of grapes, it tastes of raspberries, blueberries, spice and plums with slight floral notes and a hint of white pepper. It has a rich and flavorful taste that may not suit everyone but is well worth trying. According to one expert, The Stump Jump 2011 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre will gain added complexity if carefully cellared over the next two to five years. I'm afraid that it wouldn't make it that long here. We like it too much. Enjoy!

Writing setback

I had been researching and writing like a mad woman, only to discover that I didn't like my characters and where they were going. Consequently, I put the entire project on a back burner and started a new one that has grabbed my imagination. It is a new style of romance that I want to try.

 I have also tried out some nice new (to me) wines that I will share with you soon. Right now, I have an idea to put down, so I will write more later.

Domaine Montel Merlot from Mt. Bethel Winery

Sorry that I've been away so long. To be honest, I've been just taking it easy. I have, however, discovered a wine that many of you will not be able to find. It is an Arkansas wine from Mount Bethel Winery. Domaine Montel Merlot is a rich ruby red wine, aged up to 12 months in well seasoned American White Oak, with a spicy flavor balanced by the crisp berry flavor of the Merlot grape. I found it quite enjoyable and hope that you have the opportunity to try it. You can order it on line if you live in a state that allows import by mail. Otherwise, you will just have to visit Mount Bethel in Altus, Arkansas. During your visit, drink in the scenic beauty of the Ozark mountain while sampling the offerings of five local wineries. Oh, and while you are there, try Kelts Restaurant, located on the square in Altus. They have one of the best burgers I've ever eaten.

Writing

I've been in a zone the last few weeks, writing/re-writing/editing and accomplishing very little in the way of putting words on paper. I haven't even had time for wine and one should always make time for wine. I have, however, got one heck of a plot for the book I am working on that will transition nicely into the one I will write next.

After The Cataclysm

     My friend, Inge H. Borg, has just published book 3 of the Legends of The Winged Scarab series, a dystopian action/adventure that stands alone. Readers would benefit from having read at least Book 2 - Sirocco, Storm over Land and Sea, but Book 1, Khamsin, the Devil Wind of the Nile, does have its artifacts bridging it to its two sequels.
    
     After the Yellowstone Super-volcano explodes, the ghost ship, Lyubov Orlova, becomes a floating battleground between protagonists from Sirocco, Storm over Land and Sea. Afterthe Cataclysm, plunges straight into this desperate post-apocalyptic world. Egyptologist Naunet Wilkins and her scientist husband Jonathan flee their lawless homeland, accepting an uneasy offer from Egyptian archaeologist Jabari El-Masri, a fugitive from his own country. He was given refuge on Venezuela’s Isla Margarita, owned by the fanatic art collector Lorenzo Dominguez. Did El-Masri barter his Golden Tablets and the expertise of his American friends for his own exile? Once again, Naunet is torn between translating the ancient curses for the ruthless South American billionaire, and saving her future world from the dire prophecies. As another ill-wind blows, she finds her answer.

ebooksoda honors "Mask Among The Bones"

I am proud to announce that my book, "Mask Among The Bones", is being featured on Friday March 7th 2014 at eBookSoda, a new readers' site where they'll send you ebook recommendations tailored to your taste. It was selected in a contest from entries made by many authors in multiple genres. I consider it an honor and I hope you will take the time to check it out.

All things Bogle

We have fallen in love with Bogle wines. It's just that simple. When compared to other wines of similar varieties, Bogle seems to win every taste test. Some of my other posts have featured different Bogle variations, all very favorably. Recently, we have shared the 2011 Bogle Essential Red, the 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel and the 2011 Petite Sirah. Each wine has a wonderful aroma and rich flavors that I would compare with much more expensive offerings. I would encourage everyone to try each product that Bogle has to offer. I don't think that you would be at all disappointed. Before you ask, no, Bogle does not compensate us. I seriously doubt that they even know we exist. We just love their wines.

Free Offer and Help Request

The following was posted by a close friend, Ann Linton. Despite the fact that she is working day and night to save her shelter, she took the time to do this. If you can, Paws and Claws could use some help. Please re-post.
Thanks. Marnie
My long-time friend Marnie Robertson, co-owner of Pub Hub Books in Fairfield Bay has been a long-time supporter of pet shelters and rescues. She and husband Bob are animal lovers who, over the years, have adopted or rehomed animals in the direst need, cats and dogs that would surely have died had they not been rescued. They have also donated merchandise to various rescue fund raisers.
Marnie has published her first novel, Mask Among the Bones, under the name M. Robertson. It is a mix of many genres: adventure, suspense, good vs. evil, action, archeology, and so much more. If you are an avid reader, or have friends and family who love to read, here is a chance to help an animal hero while rewarding yourself with a great read. It is available in paperback or as a Kindle download from Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Mask-Among-The-Bones-Robertson/dp/149492806X
FREE OFFER: The first 200 people who purchase the book in either format and leave a review on Amazon, between now and June 18, 2014, will receive a FREE pair of Christmas ornaments upon request featuring pictures of your pets or favorite people, a $20 retail value. You don’t even have to pay postage if you have a US address. Outside the US, the offer is valid if you pay postage and insurance.
To get your ornaments, order and read the book, leave a review on the Amazon site, E-mail a link to your review, your mailing address, and photos of your pets or people to E-mail address PawsAndClawsPetRescue@gmail.com
Allow a few days for your ornaments to be completed, and watch for them to arrive via 1^st class mail. Any questions should go to PawsAndClawsPetRescue@gmail.com
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Please remember to cross-post to others on your mailing lists. If you belong to a book club, consider Mask Among the Bones as a future choice for discussion! If you want to ask your local library to order a copy, here are the ISBN numbers that they will need.
ISBN-10: 149492806X
ISBN-13: 978-1494928063

Enjoy!
Ann

Geyser Peak 2011 Red Blend Uncensored California

From Geyser Peak - “Uncensored was developed to push the boundaries of tradition aside. We blend non-traditional grape varieties with noble grapes to create a thoroughly enjoyable wine experience. Without the legal and traditional blending restrictions we use our palates as our guide.
Description 
Tasting Notes - Color - Deep, rich purple. Nose - Fragrant blackberry, plum, ink and spice. Palate - Soft, supple, rich, and fruity with a velvety texture and smooth caramel-tinged finish. Uncensored is designed to accompany the pleasures of daily life. Enjoy with jambalaya, steak burritos, mushroom flatbreads, a big plate of pasta, or a stacked hamburger.”
This is a great wine! We all agree that Uncensored 2011 is a wine that we will actively search for and try to keep on hand. I am not at all ashamed to present this as a hostess gift or bring it to serve with any suitable meal.

Incentive to write

I've discovered a new incentive to write on my new book(s). It's called "Being iced in and not able to leave the house." This picture was shot looking out our back door. It's beautiful to look at, but I am getting tired of the constant cold. We've had a week where the temperature hasn't gotten above freezing. We are in the South. There is a reason we live in the South. It's called warmth! I know that our weather is nothing compared with those unfortunates that live in areas where six feet of snow is the norm, but this is ridiculous. The bad news; we are expecting another Winter storm starting tonight and lasting through tomorrow night. Alaska has been warmer than we have. Someone send Spring. I am ready for it.

2007 Greg Norman Estates Shiraz

The 2007 vintage was a low yielding crop year.  A dry spring and warm summer progressed the ripening of the Shiraz and produced fruit with lovely varietal characteristics and strong levels of natural tannins.

TASTING NOTES: The 2007 Greg Norman Estates Limestone Coast Shiraz is a bright crimson color with plum red hues. The delicate but distinctive nose opens up in the glass revealing lifted aromas of cinnamon spice, light cherry wood and cedar oak characters. Additional notes of ripe cranberry, black cherry and dark plum notes on the nose lead to a medium bodied palate creating a flavor profile of rich cherry and blueberry fruit. Balanced acidity and supple tannins ensure a soft and evenly textured Shiraz.

We really liked this wine. Not at all wimpy. Tending toward the dry side, it was full of flavors and could be enjoyed with any meal or just by itself. Very nice!

Ghost Ship Lyubov Orlova--Still Afloat

I got this from my friend, Inge. I laughed because she had been talking to me about her new novel that included this very ship. For more info, check out her blog, devilwinds.blogspot.com

"Taking one last look at the Yahoo News tonight before shutting my computer down, I almost had a heart attack--well, maybe not quite. But I did scream, "It can't be! That's MY ghost ship!"

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/ghost-ship-cannibal-rats-are-swarming-over-twitterverse-2D11985346

Yes, the Lyubov Orlova is the very ghost ship I am giving a new life in my "After the Cataclysm." I surely thought she had long since slipped beneath the waves of the Atlantic and that I was free to do with her as I pleased. At least, I was right about the RATS!

I just hope she is not up to any mischief (such as crashing onto shore) before I finish my novel. Because that would surely ruin my plans for her. And they say the life of a novelist is all make-belief."

Bogle Essential Red 2010

Winemaker’s Notes:   “A compelling blend of California’s finest plantings of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, this wine surpasses all expectation for pure enjoyment and approachability. Calling on their years of experience and tradition, Bogle winemakers have delivered a wine with… RICH, enticing layers of complexity, starting with that first irresistible sip. RIPE fruit, intense with flavors of boysenberries and sweet cherries. LUSCIOUS vanilla, caressing the palate from barrel aging in American and French oak. JUICY and silky throughout, with a finish that lingers of black licorice and spicy pipe tobacco.” A very nicely crafted blend. I love it. This wine is beautiful to look at and wonderful to taste. I think that it easily compares to wines that cost three times as much. Very enjoyable.

Hoping to learn

I am hoping to learn and learn and learn from a blog hop about marketing a book. My background is as an entrepreneur in retail, always working on a shoestring advertising budget. This time big balloons and kids on bikes with flyers isn’t going to work.  Maybe I’m short-sighted, but I don’t see it happening. My favorite advertising stunt was sending two barbershop quartets, one male and one female, through a twenty plus story building as a Valentine’s Day thank you for all of our clients. It was a huge success and became an annual event. I look forward to reading and hearing about all the creative ideas others have in this strange new world.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Costal Crush Red 2011

 

If you are looking for a truly unique wine, please allow me to suggest a Robert Mondavi Private Selection Costal Crush Red 2011. The aromas from the glass fill the senses with hints of vanilla, ripe raspberries, strawberries and chocolate. A sip is followed by layers of those flavors, one after another and each one better than the last. The taster’s notes state that “The wine is fresh and light with a smooth texture. It features a juicy blend of ripe strawberry and red raspberry fruit with a hint of chocolate.” To me, it was much more. The Costal Crush Red is a blend consisting of 67% Syrah, 24% Merlot and9% Malbec. This is a truly fun wine that is wonderful with salads and light meals. If you get the chance and would like something a little different, please give this wine a try.

Finally ready for print!

I finally completed all that was necessary to have "Mask Among The Bones" ready for the print version. I utilized Amazon’s Create Space as my platform. I was dreading having to go through a new learning curve, but it turned out to be relatively easy once I got into the program. Create Space is fairly easy to use for the non-nerd. The instructions were clear. The book and cover were easy to upload. When proofing and finding errors, it was easy to correct and re-submit. I’m excited and can’t wait to see my book in print! Does anyone else have a new book coming out
on Amazon anytime soon?

Bunraku

I watched an interesting movie last night. What makes a movie a four star movie instead of a five star? Bunraku was one of the most unusual movies I have seen in a long time. Kept my attention from beginning to end. It was like a pop-up book flowing from scene to scene. All that was missing were the balloon Pows and Whams to punctuate the action. Still, something was missing. I suppose it was that same elusive something all writers seek to make their story the one. Was the flaw in the plot, the flow, the dialogue? Was that extra star still in the writer's or the director's mind and never made it to the screen. I'm afraid I do that sometimes, because I make the assumption that the reader sees what I see, hears what I hear, and feels what I feel. I forget that they have a different reference point from me. Now I have to find a way to access someone else's interpretation of my work and hope that we are on, as some might say, the same page. Just a thought.

Borsao Garnacha 2010

Last night, a few of us shared a bottle of Borsao Garnacha 2010, an interesting Spanish wine that is quite unique. None of us could nail down a good description of the flavors and aromas that we sensed, so I looked up some tasting notes. The best description that I found was roasted black cherries, black raspberries and licorice. It would really go well with some red pasta dishes but would shine with venison or range fed beef and buffalo. Borsao Garnacha is a rated, under $10.00 wine that is well worth your time. Thank you friends for bringing yet another fun addition to the tasting.

Free Kindle App

Amazon is now offering a free Kindle app so that you can read Kindle books on most Smartphones, Computers and Tablets. I wanted to make sure it worked before I mentioned it, so I downloaded it to my computer. It worked great when I downloaded my latest book, "Mask Among The Bones".. This new application will provide a valuable resource for readers and writers alike.