Blast from the Past: Is There Such A Thing As Too Old To Enjoy Fantasy Stories?

Hello everyone! So great to see you here...what an amazing week we had last week, huh?

There was tons of FREE stuff to get your hands on, and cool photos, links, and more...it really was a good week here at the blog. 

If you haven't gotten your copy yet, 

the paperback and ebooks are available on

Amazon, and are also featured in the Kindle Lending Library! 

Due to the enormous success we have had with Maycly - I need to get busy on the next 5 novels...you read right...5 more novels! For this reason, every Monday we're going to head to the archives and the postings will be some of the coolest and most helpful blog posts I made throughout 2011 and early 2012. This will allow me the much time needed to let my creativity run wild and write, and write, and write. ;-)

Not to worry, I'm not abandoning my fans - I'll still be at your fingertips through comments here on the blog, email, Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, and other social media. 

So, without any further ado - welcome to the past!

Original Post Date:

3 / 7 / 11

Glad to see you here!

Welcome back to those of you who joined us last week - and welcome to those of you who are new this week. Just to let you know, new posts will be happening on Mondays...or if you want to look at it this way...actually very late on Sunday nights at 12:01 midnight.

WEEK 2 VIDEO

WEEK 2 TOPIC POST:
Seven years ago, all I wanted to do wanted to was write an epic fantasy novel. As the years went by and I became more educated in the field of novel writing, I found I was being asked over and over again - who's your target audience? Who will read your book?


One of my toughest tasks has been trying to zero-in on a target audience for my epic fantasy novel, "Maycly." I thought perhaps it was going to be for kids, then I moved on to thinking, nah -  it's for middle grades. Then the next thing you know I was trying to make it a YA (young adult) novel, and finally I tried to make it more adult sounding. After thoroughly confusing myself, I decided to just write the novel in my "style," and stick with my original idea...target readers who love epic fantasy - no matter how young or old.


I believe that I have written "Maycly" in such a way it can be enjoyed by a wide range of age groups who like epic fantasy. There are characters of all ages ranging from infants to 317 years old! It may easily be read aloud to children who enjoy a fairytale story at bedtime. Middle grades will find it a good moral story while at the same time challenging them to improve their reading skills. It will also hold the attention of young adults with several conflicts to overcome and hints of romance between a couple in their 20's. And last but not least...adults who are "young at heart" will enjoy "escaping" to the far off world of "Maycly" after a hard day's work.

Week 2: Scenic nature photo and 

original thought from me, Janet

~Don't get too comfortable and complacent where you are. 

You never know when one of those "gust of winds"

 in life may blow you off your roost!~

LINK OF THE WEEK:

In the novel Maycly," I refer to certain characters as being part Yooper. Do you know what a Yooper is and where they're from? Check out this week's link to find out.

What's A Yooper?

WEEK 2 SUMMARY:

That's it for Week 2. So, let me know - Is there such a thing as too old to enjoy a good old fashioned fantasy story of good vs. evil? Type the word "SNAP" if you're 50 or over and still love epic fantasy novels. Or type the words "2 SNAPS UP" if you're under 50 and love epic fantasy novels. And if you prefer not to "SNAP" at all - that's fine too. Please feel free to elaborate on your answers. Remember, here at JLB Creatives, we keep it "kid safe." No profanity, nudity, pornography, etc.

HOW TO LEAVE A COMMENT:

Last week I got some great comments and feedback! A few of you asked how to post a comment. Here's how: 

1. Scroll down to the bottom of this post and you'll see a number next to the word comments: i.e. 4 comments  Simply click on the word comments and a comment box will appear below the last comment made for the week. 

2. Others of you on mobile service who couldn't post, I'm checking in to the settings to see if there's anything I can do to "make that happen." 

3. Also, some of you were able to post - but not leave your name. I believe to leave your name, rather than being "anonymous" - you need to become a Follower of the blog. At any rate, you can still leave comments - it will just have to be as anonymous as best I can tell if you don't wish to become a Follower (which is just fine too -  there's no pressure). 

4. And finally - if you can't figure it out and would still like to comment that's cool too - here's what you may do - simply email me the comment you'd like to post, giving me permission in your email to copy and paste it for you here on the blog. Send your emails to: JLBCreatives@gmail.com

Hope this helps! :) And thanks for sticking with me as we work through the "blog bugs" together. 

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Don't forget, if you're liking this blog invite your friends and family to join in on the fun! I would like to encourage you to become a "Follower" so you'll know first hand when my posts and other comments hit the blog. You can become a follower by clicking the link at the top of the page titled "Follow." 

Thanks again for visiting JLB Creatives blog... 

See ya next time! 

~Janet~ 

Lucky Week!

Hello fans and followers. Here's hoping you had a really great weekend.

Welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog - I am your host, Janet Beasley.

On this blog you'll find an array of cool stuff that has to do with 

writing, authors, and photography.

Each week we do our best to have a video, weekly topic, weekly link, and a weekly photo. New posts hit on Mondays! 

There are times when we offer contests for book giveaways, interview authors within a wide 

selection of genres, and our top feature Author Splash where you get the chance to

meet authors on a more personal level. Rather than just seeing their book covers and

talking about their books, we take you on a journey of their lives: foods they love, 

hobbies they have, travels they've made, and more!

We just recently added a new page to the 

JLB Creatives Blog:

Multi-Tech Productions, Inc.

My husband Don and myself are the founders and owners of this audio visual business. MTP, established in 1998, offers consulting, design, training, and troubleshooting for churches, restaurants, schools, theaters, and other commercial establishments.

We  work with audio, lighting, projection, multi-media, and special effects just to name a few.

Together, we have 60+ years in the industry, and strive to bring you the best audio visual experience that suits your needs.

JLB Creatives is a subsidiary of Multi-Tech Productions, Inc. and serves as the ebook and  video creation division.

We'd like to personally invite you to find out more by visiting the page itself. 

(click the link above)

OK - so, why did we title this week 

the Lucky Week anyway?

Because you're all in luck!

The first bit of luck goes to Heidi

Congrats to Heidi who was the lucky winner in the St. Patty's Day Giveaway! She won an autographed copy of Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly Parts 1,2, and 3!

Way to go Heidi!


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Weekly Video: 
"You're in Luck"

Topic Post: That's right...FREE!

First up, we are offering our non-fiction book:

Production P.A.R.T.Y. - Coordinating a Theatrical Production for FREE on Amazon through Monday, March 19, 2012! 

Below is a quote from a post we received regarding this ebook:

"I just read it cover to cover and can tell you that while it's a short book, it's small like a filet mignon! Very meaty and filling." This little book brings you some of our best tips on saving time and money...and is being offered just in time to help you through those rapidly approaching Easter productions!

FREE ~ 3 DAYS ONLY!

And waiting on deck...Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly Part 1 the ebook will be made available for FREE for three days this week to all on AMAZON from Tuesday March 20, 2012 through March 22, 2012. 

So be sure and download your copy during those dates for this amazing offer! Please give the "LIKE" button a click on the Maycly Part 1 page on Amazon - thanks! 

Also, be sure and share the news with your friends and family about these great deals! 

Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly - Parts 2 and 3 ebooks are sold separately ~ also available from the same link(s) ~ and through the Kindle Lending Library 

Be sure and fill up you Kindles and ereaders with these awesome offers - ready for the beach and spring break! The story of Maycly is the perfect escape for readers of all ages! Young and old have been giving it rave reviews. If you love epic fantasy, good old fashioned good vs. evil, but are looking for a unique twist, creative characters, fantastic flora, and brand new creatures never before seen - Maycly is for you!

Download Maycly Part 1 for FREE 

and/or purchase Parts 2 and 3 here

(FREE offer good March 20 - 22, 2012)

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PIC OF THE WEEK

by Janet Beasley

Sing Like No One is Listening!

This photo was taken on the Silver River in Florida. I snapped this shot while kayaking the beautiful spring fed river. This particular bird is known as a double crested cormorant.

More great pics by Janet that are free to download and use 

on business cards, blogs, websites, and more are available on her Flickr site at:

JANET'S SCENIC NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

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LINK OF THE WEEK:

Florida from a Kayak

This amazing place offers some of the coolest kayak tours

around Florida you can take. There are also kayak lessons,

instruction, and all from professionals who

have received their training from the 

American Canoe Association. 

Be sure to check out their fabulous

bioluminescent  tour to see the light-up algae!

I by know means get any kick backs, click through monies, or 

other such compensations. I strictly look for cool stuff

and share the links with you to enjoy.

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WEEKLY SUMMARY:

This was quite the lucky week for anyone who stopped by!

We caught a glimpse of the Beasley's long time running company, Multi-Tech Productions, Inc. And to discover more, be sure and visit the company's page right here on the JLB Creatives Blog.

We've discovered the double crested cormorant, taken kayak tours, and have the opportunity for FREE stuff! (Who doesn't love free?)

The cormorant is a unique water bird. I just love their expressions, the way they swim, and the beauty they bring when they fly through the air. I can't lie, it's really fun living in Florida and having access to so many wonderful things of nature year round in the mild temperatures this great land has to offer.

Always pay close attention when kayaking. It's an awesome outdoor sport, and can be as calm or radical as you want it to be depending on the course you choose to travel. Never kayak alone, wear your life vest, and kids - kayak with adults...it's just so much safer and better that way!

Again, the dates for the FREE ebook downloads are as follows: 

Production P.A.R.T.Y. - Coordinating a Theatrical Production is available for FREE March 19, 2012 only!  

Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly - Part 1 is available for FREE March 20 - 22, 2012. (Parts 2 and 3 sold separately, or available through the Kindle Lending Library)

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Until next week

Stay casual. . .live life to the fullest. . .and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host:

Epic Fantasy Author and Scenic Nature Photographer

Janet Beasley

Inspiring Things

NEWS FLASH!
Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly Part 1
has just released as an ebook!
Maycly Part 1 is available on Amazon, and is also in the Kindle Lending Library for Prime members.

Click the link below to check out the ebook:
MAYCLY Part 1


Part 2, and Part 3 are coming soon!

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Hello fans! So great to see you here. And a very special welcome to those of you joining us for the first time. We hope you'll make JLB Creatives Blog a regular stop during your week. 99% of our posts are made on Monday, with a few exceptions for when those rare moments occur that there's something extra special we want to share with you. Most weeks consist of a video, a topic post, a pic of the week, and a link of the week.

Several times throughout the year we like to post an Author Splash.

These are fun posts that introduce you to authors from around the world.

You get to know the author on a more personal level, and not just by their books.

So go ahead and become a follower if you're not already, and you'll stay in-the-know

along with your friends and family.

The best thing you can do, is spread the news about the JLB Creatives Blog by:

Tweeting

Sharing on FB and other social sites

and Pinning us to your Pintrest Board

You may keep in contact with JLB Creatives and author Janet Beasley all around the web.

Twitter: Handle - @JLBCreatives / Profile - https://twitter.com/#!/JLBCreatives

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JLBCreatives

URL: http://www.HiddenEarthSeries.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/janetbeasley 

YouTube: http://youtu.be/6zyMZfbezLI

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/jlbcreatives/

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OK - time to treat you to this week's video:

Inspiring Things

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TOPIC POST: Inspiring Things

     When I write, I imagine the many places I've been. I think about what meant the most to me, what stood out at a particular location, and even the sounds that I heard while I was there.

     My husband and I do a lot of traveling around the US. We love to hike, and kayak the slow flowing rivers and streams. I shoot a lot of photographs of nature as we glide down the silken liquid paths, or traipse through the forests, but I'm also listening to the sounds around me. Birds, insects, the wind having its way with the leaves. . .these are all things I take into account.

     There's a couple of things you can do to enhance your outdoor experience, and find much more than you ever dreamed of when it comes to sights and sounds to inspire you. One of the first things I like to do is stop, yup, bring the kayak to a dead stop to sit and listen. I've taught myself to listen beyond the "surface" sounds, and listen deeper into nature. By doing this my ears have been blessed with sounds I didn't even knew existed in nature. 

     You can do the same with looking. A dear friend's father once taught me, as a kid, look into the forest but look for what doesn't belong. I had to think about that for a while, but as I got older I began to understand exactly what he meant. 

     Mother Nature is the master at camouflage. Take a look at the photos of a great blue heron I recently snapped while on a kayak trip. As I was looking for things that didn't belong, a slight movement caught my eye. It was this particular heron blending in with the cypress trees behind. 

Living in Florida we have plenty of opportunities to capture the ever elusive alligator on camera, on nearly every kayak trip we take. Their best camouflage is the "floating log" deception. I keep an eye out for these prehistoric beasts, but even then we accidentally kayaked over one as he lay just beneath the dark colored water. It was quite a scare as his tail flipped up, hit the front of the kayak as he took a dive, and soaked me. My husband was startled to say the least. Another time we watched as one swam. . .or shall we say slithered. . .through the water coming from the side of us. When he got to within about 15 feet of the front of the kayak he slowly sank into the merky water of the lake. As you can't stop suddenly in a kayak, we pulled up our paddles and glided over his "path" peacefully and quietly. If you take a look at the next two photos you'll see the "floating log" effect in one, and a moss covered turtle's shell on the log in the background, and gator snoozing in the lily pads.

It's moments like these I'm thankful for my zoom lens.

     We are by no means encouraging you to kayak with alligators unless you are an experienced kayaker and nature professional. You should never feed the wildlife when you are in nature, and never try to catch, pet, or chase wildlife. They are called "wild"life for a reason. . .because they live in, and have wild tenancies. 

     We do encourage you to take pride in the outdoors, educate yourself, then teach others. Nature is an amazing thing, and it is what inspires me the most to write my stories.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Taken by Janet Beasley

Days End is the Lovely Sign from Mother Nature that Morning Shall Return

Find more of Janet's nature photos at:

Flickr.com: Photostream of Janet Beasley

All of her photos are FREE to download and use on

blogs, business cards, church bulletins, in the classroom,

and much more!

It's her way of giving back to her fans.

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LINK OF THE WEEK:

I've recently been introduced to Pintrest. . .and love it! 

I've found so many cool photos, posters, fashion, food, 

nature, weirdness, funny, creative, stuff it's amazing!

It's free to join - then start creating your Pin Boards.

You'll see what I mean if you visit the site.

For me, it's like scrap-booking bulletin boards online! 

I by no means endorse this site, receive any monetary funds 

for promotion, or any of that junk. I just think it's a cool site 

and wanted to share it with you as the LINK OF THE WEEK. 

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WEEKLY SUMMARY:
     I've had fun putting this week's post together. I hope you have had as much, if not more, fun checking it out! 

     We were introduced to JLB Creatives and myself, Janet Beasley, and discovered all kinds of places to find us on the web. Remember to be kind and share us with your friends and family so they can join in the fun. 

     We learned what inspires me the most when it comes to my writing, and I'd love to hear from you regarding your inspirations for your works of art, be it writing, photography, painting, musician, what ever...just let us know by leaving a comment below. 

     Our photo delivered an amazing sunset from the Gulf of Mexico, and our link of the week took us to Pintrest - the latest craze in social media.

     I certainly hope you'll take the time to check out Maycly on Amazon - paperback collector's edition. Ebooks should be releasing sometime this week if all goes as planned. Part 1 will be featured in Kindle Prime as well as available for purchase/download. Parts 2 and 3 will be available for purchase/download.All parts listed at the great rate of only $4.99 each! Ebooks will contain full color illustrations!

     So, until we meet again, you know the routine. . .stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me. ;-)

Your Blog Host

Janet Beasley

Author of the

Hidden Earth Series

Volume 1 Maycly Parts 1, 2, and 3

(Volumes 2-6 are in the works!)

And the Winner Is...

Hello faithful fans and followers!
Pre-orders for Maycly went great...and sales after the release are booming for this amazing paperback collector's edition!


As you know, we took the names from the posts and comments left on February 26th, 2012 from here on the blog, and on the JLB Creatives Facebook Fan Page, and put them in a hat. We then drew out the lucky winner of the autographed collector's edition of Maycly...and the winner is...
Sheila!


Congrats Sheila - your autographed copy will be on its way very soon. We hope you enjoy your novel!


For those who may have missed the news of last week, we're re-posting the grand news!
~     ~     ~
Maycly...
It's finally HERE!!!!
It released February 26, 2012

(the contest mentioned in this video is now closed 
and the winner has been selected)


~   ~   ~


 After 8 long years of dedication, perseverance, blood, sweat, and tears...Janet and Dar are proud to announce that their novel,  HIDDEN EARTH Volume 1 Maycly, has been officially released!

And to top it off, it released on Janet's Birthday!

Maycly (the paperback) is now available from the Hidden Earth Series Website. You may choose between ordering from
CreateSpace or Amazon.

The collector's edition paperback includes:

744 pages - 70+ black and white illustrations - 10 maps - three teaser recipes - game rules to a popular game played on Maycly - family trees - and more!

~   ~   ~   

Something fun that happened during the release celebration...

     Janet had several friends and family stopping in and out during the release and birthday celebration. One of those special peeps, who happened to be her sister-in-law went out Sunday, Feb. 26 to get the paper from the end of the driveway.

     When she returned to the house and pulled out the paper, the headline that greeted her eyes was too funny! So out came the camera, and you will see the headlines for yourself in the photo below:

No, it wasn't for me, but it just so happened that the Daytona 500 and NBA All Star game were going on the same day as my birthday and novel release, which in turn made for a good laugh!

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Ebooks Parts 1 - 2 - and 3: Coming Soon to Amazon!

It won't be long and the ebooks will be available! We're putting the finishing touches on the map's revision to meet the required size, and be legible. All three ebooks will contain an eastern region map and a western region map. Once the map has been revised and approved, the three ebooks (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) will all be available through Amazon.


The ebooks will contain full color illustrations (all except the map which will appear in black and white due to size restraints). Each ebook will contain its corresponding "extras" such as family trees, Terrain Master badges and group descriptions, rules to a popular game played on Maycly, etc. along with one teaser recipe each.


Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for the release of the ebooks. 

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Thank You!

Where do I begin to thank the numerous people who have made Maycly possible? From family to friends, from social networking to those who have taken the time to stop by my exhibit booths and introduce themselves as future writers, from my fellow authors to my amazing fans who follow this blog - the JLB Creatives Facebook page - Twitter - and so many others, I don't think I have enough room on this post to list them all. Just know that without these amazing folks Maycly would never have been published.

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Visit these links for cool information

regarding Maycly:

How Maycly Came to Be

Watch "Meet the Author" Video

Janet's Spielberg Approach

Discover Janet's Promotional Strategy

via the site: SheWrites

The Sister Team

Unleash the Magic of this Brilliant Sibling Team

and Get to Know the Illustrator

(two separate videos - same page) 

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Maycly: Synopsis:

Maycly is a world everyone longs to experience, but for Iona, left alone to fend for herself, Maycly has become a fading dream. After years of endless searching for her missing family, she had all but given up hope. But the Grand Wizard, SUL, had a plan.

An epic tale of Good versus Evil, Maycly is filled with adventure, trials, love, and epic battles, along with fantastic flora, creative creatures, and characters that come to life. Will Iona discover her true destiny? Will she ever find her missing family? Is Maycly bound to an existence of Evil for eternity? What will happen to Earth? Only the tales of HIDDN EARTH hold the answers.

Your epic journey begins with Volume 1, Maycly.

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Get Your Maycly Paraphernalia!

T-shirts, Mugs, Drink Ware, Jewelry, 
and more, all featuring your favorite

Maycly characters, animals, plants, and more!
Select main characters have their own shoppes!
There is an Enchanted Shoppe, the Shoppe of Evil, and a Terrain Masters Shoppe filled with badges and T-shirts for every level of this popular
youth organization on Maycly!

To start shopping visit:

Shoppes of Hidden Earth

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Thanks so much for stopping by. Please be sure to tell all of your friends and family about this amazing new epic fantasy series!


Enjoy! Have a great time checking out all of the excitement!


You'll find JLB Creatives on the Hidden Earth Series Website, Twitter, and Facebook. 

See you next week!

Your Blog Host and Epic Fantasy Author

Janet Beasley

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