tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84465754097216994132024-03-13T16:15:16.953-07:00Author Will GrangerWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-56175230101177276252016-12-10T13:03:00.000-08:002016-12-13T11:29:51.398-08:00Why Trump Won - It really should be no surpriseNote: This has nothing to do with policy. I am not defending any political party or candidate, but I am offering a reasonable explanation. I don't care to hear about your political persuasion.<br />
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We can look back to Ancient Greece for clues that Trump's victory was all but inevitable. In the days of Plato and Aristotle, a group of scholars called the Sophists opened private schools where they promised to teach people to be effective, persuasive communicators. They were masters of the art of Rhetoric, and taught that a speaker who used emotion, logic, and credibility would be very effective.<br />
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Looking at the election, Trump had a clear advantage over Hillary on emotion. His events were boisterous and the crowds were excited.<br />
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Hillary, with her experience, should have won on logic, but she got away from that and tried to focus on criticizing Trump. In doing so, she turned away from her strength in logic, while Trump focused on policy down the stretch. Another advantage for Trump.<br />
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Credibility was the most interesting. No one will deny that Trump has said crass, inappropriate things for years. However, the Democrats, in once arguing that "character didn't matter" in support of Bill Clinton and his <i>actions</i>, could not really argue too forcibly against Trump's words. Trump's campaign never let up on on Hilary's email scandal, and the criticism started to stick. Most polls showed that the clear majority of American believed that she was dishonest. So, this amounts to another advantage for Trump.<br />
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This gives Trump an advantage on emotion, logic, and credibility. Add to this the effectiveness of his slogan, which we all know, and it really should not be a surprise that Trump won.<br />
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In Ancient Greece, the Sophists were not always popular, but they did not care. They claimed, and proved, that they could take any side in any argument and win. They also said that they could convince any audience of the truth as they defined it.<br />
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Now, which candidate from the election does this sound like?Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-31831430458975055642016-12-08T15:35:00.001-08:002016-12-08T15:35:54.924-08:00Moving forward with my writing and AnabarIt has been several years since I worked on my writing, but I am happy to be restarting this effort. I have revised my books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481238693&sr=8-1&keywords=anabar%27s+run" target="_blank">Anabar's Run</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anabar-Rises-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B0050YYMQO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Anabar Rises</a> and have big plans for the coming year.<br />
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I made the most significant changes to Anabar's Run. The main change was to totally rewrite the beginning. I cut out roughly the first ten pages and started with an action scene when Anabar gets caught in an avalanche. I think this is a much better introduction to Anabar and his story.<br />
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I have also proofread both books and believe they are now much tighter and clearer. I enjoyed reviewing the books again and really think they are much better overall and that readers will enjoy them.<br />
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Another change will be to focus my marketing on Middle Grade readers. Maybe this comes from now teaching sixth grade English, but Anabar's story seems most suited to those readers. Twitter seems like the best social media resource for this, so I will try to reach people through it.<br />
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I also look forward to adding more to my <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anabar Series Blog</a>. The first thing will be to create a secret code with some clues and use it to occasionally post some messages from the book and other that I will create for readers. I have high hopes for my blog and think kids will really like it if they just check it out. Ultimately, I hope it leads to more sales, but I will be happy if kids just enjoy checking it out.<br />
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So there it is. A new start for Anabar and me! Finally, once I get the marketing effort going, I will start writing book three of the series, tentatively titled <b>Anabar's Night</b>. I plan to place some really difficult challenges in front of Anabar and look forward to seeing how he handles them.<br />
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Will GrangerWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-25175855207262828082014-02-20T08:33:00.003-08:002014-02-20T12:04:00.977-08:00What if our political leaders were characters from A Game of Thrones?For the past several months, I have been reading and watching the books and televisions series "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/George-R.R.-Martin/e/B000APIGH4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" target="_blank">A Game of Thrones</a>". I really like the series, and regard it as on par with The <i>Lord of the Rings</i> books and films.<br />
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I have started thinking how some of the <i>Game of Thrones</i> characters remind me of our political leaders:</div>
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Cersei Lannister - Definitely Hillary Clinton. Committed to her family regardless of their crimes and ruthless. Just not hot like the actress Lena Headey who plays the role.</div>
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Robert Baratheon - Almost a clone of Bill Clinton. Bigger than life, perhaps wise, but also careless and immoral. </div>
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Ned Stark - I struggled with this one, but I think he resembles George W. Bush. Basically a good man with a troubled past. Also not wise enough to see how his enemies were plotting against him. Still, Bush, like Ned Stark, stayed loyal to his beliefs until the end.</div>
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Varys the Eunuch - David Axelrod. Sneaky, not trustworthy, and unlikeable. It is not clear how either of them gained power.</div>
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The King's Guard - The U.S. media. Both are feared and supposedly loyal to their king - I'll get to him in a moment. </div>
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Joffrey - Clearly the same as Obama. Petulant. spoiled, overrated. Loved for his title only. A figure his foes love to hate.</div>
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I'm still struggling with naming figures who resemble The Imp, Jon Snow, Arya, Rob, and some of the others. Please send me your suggestions.</div>
Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-2908662289771948282013-09-07T05:05:00.000-07:002013-09-07T05:05:03.992-07:00Pope Francis asks for day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria9/7/2013 - The situation in Syria seems impossible. On one side, Assad is a dictator willing to have his people suffer so he can stay in power. On the other side are the rebels, but they may be allied with Al Qaeda. We cannot support them. So what do we do?<br />
We simply cannot allow these groups to use chemical weapons. They cause the most horrible suffering, and the people in Syria have suffered enough. We can't just sit back and let this continue. The U.S. has the military capability to stop this. Another problem is that <u>both</u> Assad and the rebels are reported to have used chemical weapons. So what do we do here?<br />
This really is an impossible situation with no clear answers. In fact, this is beyond our ability to come up with a solution. We must turn to God. Pope Francis recognizes the difficulties in Syria and has asked that today, Sept. 7, 2013 be <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/syria/day-of-fasting-and-prayer-for-syria.cfm" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">a day of fasting and prayer throughout the world.</span></a><br />
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Please join in praying for peace in Syria.<br />
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Please read this <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/syria/day-of-fasting-and-prayer-for-syria.cfm" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">statement</span></a> by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Richard E. PatesWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-73764948130254649462013-07-10T21:41:00.002-07:002013-07-10T21:41:45.612-07:00The pope gives us freedom with JesusIn <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nazareth-Baptism-Jordan-Transfiguration/dp/1586171984/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1373517411&sr=8-4&keywords=jesus+of+nazareth" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Jesus of Nazareth - From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration</span></a> written by Pope Benedict, he discusses the idea of freedom in regards to belief in Jesus. The Pope mentions that Jesus brought <i>"universality"</i> to this world.<br />
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I love this because I believe it shows that Jesus expressed that God loves everyone on earth, and that His message of love is for all of us. This is different from our modern messages about people, which seem to focus so much on our differences.<br />
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The Pope adds that, <i>"The vehicle for this universalization is the new family, whose only admission requirement is communion with Jesus, communion with God's will."</i><br />
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This is such a simple, positive message. Jesus, through his words of peace and love, welcomes all people. No one is exempt. Everyone can join Him. What a difference from the words we hear so much today in politics and religion.<br />
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I hope you will join me in this conversation.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-33369217463598314972013-07-07T21:40:00.002-07:002013-07-07T21:40:31.599-07:00Words from a PopeI have been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nazareth-Baptism-Jordan-Transfiguration/dp/1586171984/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373257609&sr=1-3&keywords=jesus+of+nazareth" target="_blank">Jesus of Nazareth</a> written by Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger, a challenging, but enlightening read. The first of three books on the life of Jesus, this series is worth the time to read for any Catholic or anyone else interested in learning about Jesus.<br />
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In the coming weeks, I would like to focus on a few key lines from the book. In Chapter 4 on "The Sermon on the Mount", the Pope discusses a book titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rabbi-Talks-Jesus-Jacob-Neusner/dp/0773520465/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373257913&sr=1-1&keywords=a+rabbi+talks+with+jesus" target="_blank">A Rabbi Talks with Jesus</a>, written by Rabbi Jacob Neusner. The Pope mentions how Rabbi Neusner considers about the different beliefs of Jews and Christians, but adds that Neusner does this with reverence and respect.<br />
The Pope writes, <i>"This dialogue is conducted with great honesty. It highlights the differences in all their sharpness, but it also takes place in great love."</i><br />
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This is really important for us all to think about. Sure, we humans will always have our differences, but we don't have to fight over them. I think Pope Benedict was exactly right in highlighting this point here.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-26302921815382449282012-12-07T22:09:00.000-08:002012-12-07T22:09:15.241-08:00iAi Featured Partner of the month: Benjamin X. Wretlind, author of Sketches from the Spanish Mustang <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EXUULY/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rj2XlA0twsg/UMLWbdDRFiI/AAAAAAAAAP0/4tYR_DqvmDY/s400/Wretlind1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EXUULY/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sketches from the Spanish Mustang by Benjamin X. Wretlind</span></a></b></div>
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<i>This month, I am really pleased to post about this excellent book from one of my partners at <a href="http://independentauthorsinternational.org/iAi/Welcome.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">independent Authors international (iAi.)</span></a></i></div>
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There are dreams of fire, blood, twisted metal and faint, dying cries carried on the wind.</div>
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The Artist sits at a table in a casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado. She is broken, alone, and she is waiting. She's waiting for redemption, waiting for a chance to prove she can really see through someone else's eyes. As she waits, she sketches those around her, those who keep secrets buried deep.</div>
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All people have secrets, and some of them are every bit as dark as the Artist's own. There is the immigrant looking for fortune and finding death along the way. There is the woman running for her life, desperate to hide in a small town that is, for its own sake, trying to live again. There is the angry man, jilted by his now dead wife, looking for revenge. There is the veteran who can't remember, the woman about to lose her mother, and the drunk who doesn't want to be what people see on the outside. There are more people, everywhere, and all of them have secrets.</div>
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Written as a series of interconnected vignettes, each person's story is both intriguing and magical. As the mystery of the woman's sketches unfolds, life unravels with it. This is the Artist's gift--to uncover the hidden in life. Yet gifts can be curses, and curses can be secret.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Remembering is penance.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-85380358286678300042012-11-23T14:03:00.000-08:002012-11-23T14:03:50.789-08:00Great Reading with the Next Big Thing Blog HopMy Friend <a href="http://scottswrittenwords.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-next-big-thing-one-shade-of-red.html" target="_blank">Scott Bury</a> a really excellent writer, journalist and editor, and founder of the exiting new organization <a href="http://independentauthorsinternational.org/iAi/Welcome.html" target="_blank">independent Authors international</a> has tagged me for The Next Big Thing blog hop. Scott was originally tagged by travel writer and blogger <a href="http://www.nomapnomad.com/ww/the-next-big-thing-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Autumn Birt</a>, and I am trying help get some notoriety for several great Indie authors I know.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The idea behind the Next Big Thing is to answer a set list of questions about your work in progress, then tag five more authors to do the same thing.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, here are my answers for My Next Big Thing:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">What is the working title of your book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Anabar's Night<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
Where did the idea come from for the book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">It is the third book in my series about Anabar. The first two books were
Anabar's Run and Anabar Rises. Anabar is a young man who is humble and really
nothing special. He does dream of leaving to see what the world is like outside
his isolated valley home. Along the way he encounters adventures and adversity,
and amazing success, but ultimately decides to risk thing to try to bring peace
to his land.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
What genre does your book fall under?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Action/Adventure for middle grade readers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">For Anabar, Chandler Riggs from "The Walking Dead" television
series. He does a great job of playing a strong character who may not fit the
typical physical stereotype of a fiction hero.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">When forced to defend his family agaisnt his enemy, young Anabar's biggest
battle is trying to save his humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Most likely, I will self-publish Anabar's Night, but I would definitely
consider an offer from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>traditional
publisher.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">How long did it
take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">I do not know yet as I am just gettng started. I typically write more in
the summer, so I plan to finish it by next August.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">The Ranger's Apprentice</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"> series, except that Anabar has no
magical abilities. He becomes a hero through his strenghth and determination. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
Who or What inspired you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">I wanted to tell the story of how anyone can do something great. It does
not take wealth, or royal blood, or special powers. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">What else about
your book might pique the reader’s interest?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I think readers will enjoy seeing how Anabar
struggles with maintaining his basic goodness as a person. He will have no
choice but to act harshly in order to save and protect his family, and it will
be difficult for him remain the same person.</span></b><!--EndFragment-->
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Here are the authors I have tagged for The Next Big Thing blog hop:</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Isenhoff</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/" target="_blank">Mike Poeltl</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.timothydavisauthor.com/" target="_blank">Timothy Davis</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Susanna Leonard Hill</a><br />
<a href="http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com/Home_Page.html" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello</a>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-86987065973633514962012-07-21T15:00:00.003-07:002012-07-21T15:00:21.916-07:00Featured iAi Partner this Month: Elise Stokes, author of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Available at Amazon.com" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iQ-6KX-_Qc/UAskY66sQbI/AAAAAAAAAOg/vYwwNMMcydM/s400/Cassidy+Jones.jpg" title="Read Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula and book #2, Cassidy Jones and the Vulcan's Gift." width="258" /></div>
Read Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula and book #2 of the series, cassidy Jones and the Vulcan's Gift. Available by Elise Stokes at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615377130?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615377130&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassidy-jones-and-the-secret-formula-elise-stokes/1104083532?ean=9780615377131&r=1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Barnes and Noble</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/compare_prices/14866378?book=10182347" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">other booksellers</span></a>.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-13274895498214998582012-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:002012-07-21T08:06:12.925-07:00Introducing Independent Writers InternationalI have had the great privilege to join Independent Writers International, an exciting new force in publish. <a href="http://independentauthorsinternational.org/iAi/Welcome.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Please see our website to learn about our outstanding authors</span></a> and to learn about our effort to change the publishing industry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0309TdFm4Fs/UArFSeyVqiI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/EZKJ7oI6xT8/s1600/iAi+Colophon+Circled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0309TdFm4Fs/UArFSeyVqiI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/EZKJ7oI6xT8/s1600/iAi+Colophon+Circled.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is the text from our press release:<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Authors’ cooperative venture changes the publishing world — again<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">iAi to be a symbol of quality and professionalism in publishing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A group of writers, marketers and designers unaffiliated
with publishers have banded together to create their own publishing model, “Independent
Authors International (iAi).”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The new organization,
whose members hail from across the U.S. and around the world, aims to support
and legitimize the independent author movement, and bring new voices to readers
throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">“Recently developed
technologies like e-readers and print-on-demand make it now possible for
individual writers to publish books without the resources of a large commercial
publishing enterprise,” says iAi spokesperson, Scott Bury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">“The iAi co-operative will
help professional authors by bringing together the skills and services that a
commercial publisher offers, while leaving the authors in control of their
work, at a fraction of the cost, and with a much more responsive and personal
touch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The iAi's goal is to help
its members produce quality, professional works recognized by literary agents,
publishers, booksellers, and readers. The group is a democratic, cooperative
organization controlled by its members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Membership is granted by
invitation of existing members. The group vets prospective members to ensure
they meet the professional writing, editing, and marketing standards of the
iAi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To receive the services of
the organization, members must contribute their editing, production, or
marketing skills to other members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-29661490817326699662012-07-10T12:39:00.003-07:002012-07-10T12:40:12.865-07:00Anabar's Run now 99 cents!I have decided to lower the price for my middle grade novel(ebook version) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341947590&sr=8-1&keywords=anabar%27s+run" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run to 99 cents</span></a>. I'm following the lead of wildly successful author Joe Konrath, <a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2012/07/99-cents.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">who recently dropped the price of his books to 99 cents</span></a> to stimulate more sales.<br />
I am also continuing with my promise to donate <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/2012/03/help-me-to-help-relief-bus-provide-for.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one half of my 2012 sales to The Relief Bus</span></a>, an organization that provides food and clothing to the homeless in New York City. Please continue to help me in this effort and spread the word through Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and other online sources.<br />
Anabar's run is an action/adventure story suited for children ages 8 - 12. It has excitement and a likable main character, Anabar, who has no magical powers, wealth, or royal blood. I want my young readers to see that anyone can be successful. In the end, my Anabar series contains a strong message of peace, which I think is important for young people to hear. You can learn more about Anabar and my second novel, Anabar Rises, at my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog, </span>an exciting, fun site for my readers.<br />
Finally, I want to remind my readers that they can now buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-1-Will-Granger/dp/1478115831/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341949019&sr=1-2&keywords=anabar%27s+run" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run in paperback</span></a>. This is major new development in my writing careerWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-22544460885178312852012-07-03T05:49:00.001-07:002012-07-05T07:26:43.909-07:00New Hand-Drawn Maps and Photos on My Anabar Series BlogI have just added two hand-drawn maps and some photographs on my <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog</span></a>. If you have never seen it, please take a look. Better yet, have a kid look at the blog. My books Anabar's Run and Anabar Rises are best suited for kids aged 8 - 12, and I designed the blog to be a safe, fun site for them to learn more about the books. So far, the blog has maps, photos, excerpts, posters, journal entries, and poetry. It is all original and add to the experience of reading Anabar's Run and Anabar Rises.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-6844233680250642112012-07-02T14:04:00.002-07:002012-07-02T14:04:19.861-07:00Anabar's Run Now in Paperback!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Volume-Will-Granger/dp/1478115831/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341261898&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> is now available in paperback as well as an ebook. I used Amazon's Create Space program to convert my first novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Volume-Will-Granger/dp/1478115831/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341261898&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> into a paperback. I am hoping readers will enjoy reading the book in this format.<br />
Please also check out my fun <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog</span></a> where I have lots of original features for my readers. I have new hand-drawn maps and photographs, journal entries, poems, and other details from the books. I am very proud of my blog, and feel that it is really unique.<br />
Finally, please help me <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/2012/03/help-me-to-help-relief-bus-provide-for.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">help the homeless</span></a> by purchasing Anabar's Run as either a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Volume-Will-Granger/dp/1478115831/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341261898&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">paperback</span></a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341262607&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ebook</span></a>. I'm donating one half of my profits from 2012 to support the Relief Bus, a wonderful organization that helps people in the New York City area. Please check out this <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/2012/04/one-sale-this-month-150-for-homeless.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">post where I have a link to an interview with Angel</span></a>, a very special friend I met in the Bronx in March.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-57518343093811736602012-06-15T22:57:00.000-07:002012-06-15T22:57:23.629-07:00Will Granger featured on Indie Saturday page on Randomize Me BlogI am excited to announce that I am currently being featured on the excellent <a href="http://randomizeme.net/2012/06/16/indie-saturday-author-will-granger-on-his-childrens-series-anabar-trilogy/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Randomize Me</span></a> blog Indie Saturday page. Thanks to Hope for inviting me to talk about my books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339824832&sr=8-1&keywords=anabar%27s+run" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabar-Rises-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0050YYMQO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Rises</span></a>. I was happy to have the chance to talk about my <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/2012/03/help-me-to-help-relief-bus-provide-for.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">effort to raise support for the Relief Bus</span></a>, an organization doing great things for the homeless in New York City. The blog post also includes an excerpt from Anabar's Run.<br />
<br />
In the piece, I also talk about my short horror stories featured on my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://baddreamsgranger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bad Dreams from Will Granger</span></a> </span>blog.<br />
<br />
Finally, I talk about a bit about one of the most exciting things going on in my writing career. It involves a new organization called Independent Writers International (iAi). I'll sending out a press release soon and posting a great deal of information about the organization. I really believe iAi will soon be a force in the publishing world.<br />
<br />
Please check out my feature on the <a href="http://randomizeme.net/2012/06/16/indie-saturday-author-will-granger-on-his-childrens-series-anabar-trilogy/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Randomize Me</span></a> Blog. I hope you will be a regular visitor there and enjoy the book and music reviews and even find some freebies.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-27281156842285244182012-05-31T22:42:00.000-07:002012-05-31T22:42:10.971-07:00Anabar's Run Now Available on Bibliocracy.com<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks to the great people at <a href="http://www.bibliocracy.com/e-books/childrens-ebooks/anabars-run#.T8hO2hwe5SN" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bibliocracy.com</span></a> for offering Anabar's Run for sale. I am always excited when my books become available at through another ebook vendor, especially a great source like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://Bibliocracy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bibliocracy.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bibliocracy.com's vision is to "create a unique literary community where authors and artists can promote their work and where readers will discover new talent," and they are offering many great new books from new authors. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They also provide word processing, cover art, and job search services. Whether you are a reader, writer or artist, you can't go wrong by checking out Bibliocracy.com</span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-85554360513972688862012-04-10T04:16:00.001-07:002012-06-23T20:35:46.315-07:00One sale this month = $1.50 for the homeless and AngelLast month I <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/2012/03/help-me-to-help-relief-bus-provide-for.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">pledged</span></a> that I would donate one half of my profits for the rest of 2012 for my book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334056425&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> to the <a href="http://www.reliefbus.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Relief Bus</span></a>, an organization that operates several buses that provide food, clothing, prayers, and other support to homeless people in the New York metropolitan area.<br />
I had one sale since then, and I really do appreciate it. I appreciate it for Angel, a man I met in new York in March. Angel is about 26 years old, and he is homeless. Several years ago, he suffered a savage beating from his brother, which left Angel with brain damage. He has trouble speaking and often repeats himself four or five times when he tries to say something. I remember talking with him when he was shivering on that wet, cold day in the Bronx, and I was struck by how happy he seemed. He was genuinely happy to be talking to other people and was thrilled when the folks on the Relief Bus gave him some soup and bread.<br />
You might be thinking that $1.50 is not much, but I guarantee you that Angel would appreciate it.<br />
Please consider reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334056425&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> and help me provide a bit more food and clothing to great people like Angel.<br />
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Here is a link to a video interview with Angel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st-MHRJiKuQ" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">You tube interview with Angel</span></a><br />
ThanksWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-41643082112621766672012-03-13T14:09:00.000-07:002012-03-13T14:09:46.185-07:00My short story Gladitorium Immortuous, featured in The Zombie Times!Huge thanks go to Zombie Ed and the <a href="http://Terror4fun.com/">Terror4fun.com</a> team for posting a feature for my short zombie story Gladitorium Immortuous in the March issue of their excellent newsletter, <a href="http://www.terror4fun.com/Downloads/Zombie%20Times%20-%20March%202012.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Zombie Times</span></a>. The feature is on page 12.<br />
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This is really exciting news because The Zombie Times is based in the UK, and I have been working hard to promote and sell my books in the UK. Gladitorium Immortuos is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0057HY3ZO">Amazon.com.UK</a> and also in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057HY3ZO"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">United States</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.terror4fun.com/Downloads/Zombie%20Times%20-%20March%202012.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Zombie Times</span></a> is a great looking publication, and they have everything you could ever want about Zombies from book and movie reviews to information on zombie events throughout the UK. I believe it is the best zombie resource on the InternetWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-8070080744675372142012-03-08T19:20:00.000-08:002012-07-05T11:48:35.115-07:00Help me to help The Relief Bus provide for the homelessTwo weeks ago, I was lucky to travel with a group of students on a mission trip to New York City. During the week, we worked for three days with <a href="http://www.reliefbus.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Relief Bus</span></a>, an organization that operates two buses providing food, clothing, and other assistance to the homeless. It was really great to see our students interacting with the guests who needed so much help.<br />
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Here is a video with some information about The Relief Bus:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36787486?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ce2127" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
Please check out the <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.reliefbus.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Relief Bus Website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span>They have a great staff, and they, along with their volunteers, make a positive difference in people's lives every day.</span><br />
<br />
Help me to help The Relief Bus. For the rest of 2012, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><b>I will donate one half of all my sales for my book</b></span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331262774&sr=8-1" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Anabar's Run</a> to The Relief Bus. Please check out their website and consider helping this wonderful organization. I'll post weekly updates on sales and what I donate to The Relief Bus.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Thanks,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Will</span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-76061246885913729912012-03-01T14:35:00.001-08:002012-03-01T19:17:46.522-08:00Anabar's Run reviewed on top kids book blog!Big thanks go to Erik at his excellent blog, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2012/02/23/anabars-run-by-will-granger/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This Kid Reviews Books</span></a> </span>for reviewing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabars-Run-Anabar-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004SURI5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330641081&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a>.</span><br />
Erik's blog is quickly becoming one of the most popular sites on the web to read honest, well written reviews of kid's books. Kids, parents, teachers, and librarians should definitely check out Erik's blog.<br />
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Thanks again, Erik!Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-91714610902025893842012-02-02T03:57:00.000-08:002012-02-02T12:32:18.525-08:00300 Followers!I reached 300 followers on Twitter this week at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WillGranger1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">@WillGranger1</span></a> so I thought this would be a good time to take a look at what I have done in the past year to create an online platform, or presence.<br />
<br />
First, I have my three blogs: My <a href="http://anabarauthor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Author Will Granger Blog</span></a> that you are reading now; my <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog</span></a> that features my books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SURI5S" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anabar-Rises-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0050YYMQO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Rises</span></a>; and my <a href="http://baddreamsgranger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bad Dreams by Will Granger Blog</span></a> where I feature my short horror stories <a href="http://baddreamsgranger.blogspot.com/p/deadly-path.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Deadly Path</span></a>, <a href="http://baddreamsgranger.blogspot.com/p/gladitorium-immortuos.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Gladitorium Immortuos</span></a>, and <a href="http://baddreamsgranger.blogspot.com/p/vampire-truths.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Vampire Truths</span></a>.<br />
I admit I am a bit surprised when I see all this links, but I have found that I really enjoy all this along with my writing.<br />
<br />
In addition to my Twitter account and blogs, I have been working to get established on other social media platforms like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/will.granger1?ref=tn_tnmn" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my Facebook site</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=128826961&trk=tab_pro" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my LinkedIn site</span></a>;</span> and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101701554714170138488/posts" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my Google+ site</span></a>.</span><br />
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</span><br />
I have also made some good friends online, and I add information on them later today.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-54103413067731734262012-01-23T18:28:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:34:05.210-08:00173 Downloads of Anabar's Run in 2 Days and my first time on Amazon's top 100 Free Bestseller ListSo far my current promotion to offer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SURI5S" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> for free is going very well with 173 downloads in two days for Amazon US and UK.<br />
There is even more good news as the book has made two of Amazon's bestseller lists. It is ranked #19 on Amazon's US Kindle > Children's ebooks > Action Adventure top 100 free bestseller list. It is also ranked #17 on Amazon's UK Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Children's Fiction > Literature > Action & Adventure top 100 free bestseller list.<br />
So what does this all mean? Well, I can say for sure that this free promotion is helping get my book some attention. That has to be a good thing. Now I hope this leads to some good reviews and then to some sales. I also hope the people who are downloading the book will want to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050YYMQO" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Rises</span></a>, book #2 in my Anabar series.<br />
For those of you who have downloaded Anabar's Run this week, thanks. This is really good news for me.<br />
P.S. Please check out and follow my <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog</span></a>. It is a fun site where I am continuing to tell Anabar's Story.<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
Will GrangerWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-38710622826992666282012-01-22T07:25:00.000-08:002012-01-22T07:25:51.346-08:00Anabar's Run Free on Amazon until Jan 26!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SURI5S" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> is now free on Amazon.com until Jan. 26! I just joined Amazon's KDP select program, and after Jan 26, the book will also be available through <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">through the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_358352482_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000739811&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=79079C31DE5B496D94B2&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1329387662&pf_rd_i=lending%20library" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Kindle Owners' Lending Library</span></a> for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/signup/books?redirectURL=L2dwL2ZlYXR1cmUuaHRtbA&redirectQueryParams=ZG9jSWQ9MTAwMDczOTgxMQ&ref=shortURL_kindleprime" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a> members. So far, 41 people have downloaded </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SURI5S" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> in the first 10 hours! Please get the book and add a review if you wish.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, please take a few minutes and check out my fun </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series blog</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I am going to continue to add new maps, photos, journal entries, songs, and other information in the coming months. Please follow the blog; I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">Will</span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-81405725926299596082012-01-13T13:42:00.000-08:002012-01-15T18:26:21.419-08:00Review and Interview for Anabar's Run on Bookworm Blather BlogBig thanks go to Michelle Isenhoff, a blogger, writer, and teacher who writes the excellent <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bookworm Blather Blog</span></a>. </span>Michelle recently wrote a great <a href="http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/anabars-run-by-will-granger-2010-book-review-bargain-ebooks/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">review</span></a> for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SURI5S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d1_g351_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=02Q80YSMK9AGF4RNVBS2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> and interviewed me for her <a href="http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">5-Q Interview</span></a> feature on her blog.<br />
<br />
I really appreciate her honest review of Anabar's Run. I agree with her assessment that the book is best suited for readers age 8-14, and I have starting to market the series to these younger readers I also appreciate Michelle's positive mention of my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">blog/website</span></a> </span>for my Anabar Series. I think it is a fun, unique site for my readers, and it is especially nice to have someone else like it.Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-28089391264924020402011-12-26T08:30:00.000-08:002012-01-14T11:07:31.883-08:00My presumptuous comparisons with Pottermore ( I think J.K. Rowling stole my idea)Let me start with several points. First, I am thrilled that J.K. Rowling is starting her new <a href="http://www.pottermore.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pottermore</span></a> site. I'm looking forward to using the site and wish I was part of the beta test. I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series, and I believe that reading the books helped my sons to become skilled readers and writers. Several months ago, I was very interested to learn about Pottermore because I am a fan, but also because I was already trying something similar with my own <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Series Blog</span></a> for my books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SURI5S" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar's Run</span></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050YYMQO" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anabar Rises</span></a>.<br />
I am really not trying to say I am as good as J.K. Rowling, but I did start my site/blog before I heard of Pottermore. I want my site to be a fun, interactive experience for my readers, and I think it is quite unique. The web offers us many exciting opportunities to add to the reading experience, and I plan to keep adding more material to the site.<br />
Please check out my <a href="http://anabarseries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">site</span></a>. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas.<br />
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Thanks, and Merry Christmas,<br />
<br />
WillWill Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446575409721699413.post-64338370887441548282011-12-15T03:32:00.000-08:002011-12-16T02:50:53.754-08:00My review of "The Bones of the Earth: Part 1, Initiation Rites" A definite must read.<div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Earth-Part-Initiation-ebook/dp/B006ARUEYE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1324032245&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XstpwUW9ZSY/TushMnfnv8I/AAAAAAAAALA/_jxWSSDAs2g/s1600/scott+cover.jpg" /></a></div><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></u></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><u></u></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i>I don't review many books, but this new series is really excellent, and I can't wait to read more from author Scott Bury.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Earth-Part-Initiation-ebook/dp/B006ARUEYE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1324032245&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Bones of the Earth, Part 1: Initiation Rites</span></a> is the first novel by author Scott Bury. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to much more from him. I liked this coming-of-age epic filled with believable characters and situations, tense action, and mystical, magical elements. This is the story of Javor, a young man unknowingly destined to defend the world against evil forces pouring out of the east.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The story begins with a fertility ritual led by Vorona, the village witch and performed by the adolescent members of the village. Bury deftly accomplishes several things in this scene. First, he introduces the characters as typical young people, a bit confused about life, but eager to become adults. It also shows Javor to be naive, which makes his later ascendance even more appealing, as the reader sees how much he grows during the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Unaware of his destiny as a conqueror of evil, Javor gets his first taste of combat when Elli is captured by Avars, a pack of savage horsemen. He rescues her, exhibiting a both natural talent for fighting and an unshakable courage in the face of extreme danger. Javor returns a hero, and his life changes when he meets Photius, who convinces Javor to join him on a quest to drive evil from the lands.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The rest of the story is filled with intense action as Javor and Photius encounter a variety of monsters and creatures; each time Javor learns a bit more of just how powerful and capable he is. Eventually, Photius admits that he is part of a secretive group of warriors and that he believes Javor to be destined to join the group and lead the defeat of evil forces coming out of the east.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Bury does a great job here, combining violent, exciting action, with Javor's reluctance to accept his new role. Javor is a realistic young man, pulled in different directions by confusion about what he ought to do with his life. Still, and perhaps despite Javor's reluctance, we see him growing in power and confidence, and he eventually starts to accept, and thrive in, his new role.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The violence, combined with several scenes in which Javor is intimate with female characters, makes this more suited for older teens. The novel also contains many characters, which help give it a foreign feel. This makes it initially difficult to keep track of them, but it becomes clear after a few chapters.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The real strength of <u>The Bones of the Earth</u> is that Bury has created a realistic character chosen by fate and destiny, who is able to fight magical, mystical forces with his very human strength, skill, and determination. I look forward to reading more of this series.</span>Will Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01691438210510467890noreply@blogger.com0