The Trick or Treat Blog Adventure Is Here!

IT'S HERE!

Welcome Video by your host:
epic fantasy author Janet Beasley

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Here are the simple rules:


Listed below are several blogs by authors 
covering a wide range of genres.


Bookmark JLB Creatives Blog so you can
return to grab new blogs to Trick or Treat to.


Trick or Treat to as many of the 
blogs as you'd like between Oct. 28-31, 2011.


The authors/bloggers have devised contests for you to enter to win their special prizes.

Simply follow the rules:
1) Become a follower of the author's blog.
 2) Each blog host has devised their 
own unique contest,
3) Follow their rules and you'll be entered!


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Author's and their blogs are listed in no certain order.
Please excuse the wacky spacing and random 
"highlighting" effect - technology...gotta love it!

Listings include the following:

1) Author Name

2) Blog Name

3) Blog Address

4) Contest Instructions

5) Prize(s) Offered

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1) Karen S. Elliott (Contest on 10/31 only)

2) Karen S. Elliott's blog

3) http://www.karenselliott.wordpress.com

4) Leave a comment on Karen's blog on 10/31 and be automatically entered to win a free 3,000 word proofread, edit, and critique.

5) One free 3,000 word proofread, edit, and critique.

1)Tammie Clarke Gibbs

2)Daydreaming with Author Tammie Clarke Gibbs

3) http://authortammieclarkegibbs.blogspot.com/

 4) 5)Follow Tammie's Blog and Leave a comment  letting her know you're following 10/31/11  and be automatically entered to win one of 5 Free ISLAND OF SECRET ebooks.  Everyone who comments and signs up for her Newsletter on her website http://www.tammieclarkegibbs.com will receive a free surprise gift.

1) Lorane Leavy (Contest may only be available 10/31)

2) Last Seen Wearing Thin

3) http://loraneleavy.blogspot.com/

4) Follow Lorane's blog and leave a comment 10/31/11

5) One free color collage, 5x7, of L's fav Trick-or-Treaters

1) Kimberly LaRocca

2) Kimberly’s Page

3) http://klarocca2010.wordpress.com/

4) Follow the blog and leave a comment on any poem on 10/31/11 along with the words “trick or treat”

 5) Five lucky winners will receive a signed copy of the book.

1) Betty Dravis (Contest may only be 10/31)

2) Dames of Dialogue

3) http://tinyurl.com/3njrc9u

4) Leave a comment at bottom of blog to enter the Trick or Treat drawing - no profanity, vulgarity, etc. Posts containing such will be automatically deleted

5) 5 lucky commentors will win a free e-book copy of "1106 Grand Boulevard" (for which I will need your e-mail address)

1) Pandora Poikilos

2) Peace from Pieces 

3) http://peacefrompieces.blogspot.com/

4) Follow the blog via Google Follow Connect, email me with the subject "Pandora's Trick or Treat" 

5) 1 lucky follower will win a $5 Amazon giftcard. 

1) Daniel L Carter

2) The G-6 Chronicles Facebook Fanpage

3) http://www.facebook.com/TheG6Chronicles

4) Like The G-6 Chronicles on Facebook

5) The G-6 Chronicles will be giving away a first edition autographed copy of The Unwanted book 1 of The Unwanted Trilogy. Simply like our page for a chance to win for the month of October. One random fan will be chosen on Halloween Monday October 31st. 

1) Carolyn Arnold (Contest may only be 10?31)

2) Carolyn Arnold Author

3) http://sassy3421.blogspot.com/

4) A chance to win an ARC copy of ELEVEN (Kindle version) set to release 11.11.11.  TWO COPIES up for grabs!  

5) To qualify, entrants must follow my blog, watch the trailer and answer the trivia question about it correctly in their comment.

6) Extra chances to win if specificed tweets are shared.

7) Every comment and link to my blog (on Twitter) will be assigned a number. A random number generator will determine the winners.

1) Dixie Goode 

2) Duffy Barkley's "Mom"

3) http://duffybarkley.blogspot.com/

4) Instructions - I will place the names of commenters, who leave a mention of the trick or treat blog adventure, in a hat and one lucky winner will be announced on the blog.

5) I'm offering - One Paperback set of My Two Novels - but they have to be willing to email me their mailing address, which I will only use to send them the books

1) Deb Hockenberry

2) The Bumpy Road To Children's Publishing

3) http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com

4) Instructions - I will place the names of commenters in a hat and one lucky winner will be announced on the blog to email me their story,

5) I'm offering - One critique to a childeren's story.

1) Lorhainne Eckhart

2) Illusions

3) http://lorhainneeckhart.blogspot.com/

4) Leave a comment and follow the blog.

5) One lucky commentor to receive 2 eBooks of Lorhainne Eckhart's last two releases, The Choice, and The Captain's Lady

1) C.V. Smith

2) Nettie Parker's Backyard

3) www.nettieparkersbackyard.com

4) email me (nettie.halley@gmail.com) as to why you want to read my book. 

 Best answer wins!

5) A free copy of my ebook

 1) Joseph Rinaldo

 2) Read Rinaldo

 3) http://wwwjosephmrinaldocom.blogspot.com/

 4) Read the post entitled "What Do Books Mean To You?", leave a comment on the post, and invite one friend to do so as well

 5) One free copy of my ebook "Hazardous Choices" to each of the first five commenters

1) Maranda Russell

2) Maranda Russell Author

3) http://marandarussell.com/my-books/

4) Visitors just need to leave a comment on the "My Books" page (the link above goes directly to this page).  Would love to hear your thoughts about my book covers/concepts!

5) One winner will be chosen to receive a signed copy of my paperback picture book, "Ode to Icky"!  Will need each person who comments to give their email address so I can contact them if they win. 

1) John Zunski

2) Musings of a Mountain Dweller

3) http://johnzunski.wordpress.com/

4) Visitors have to correctly 'pronounce' Maistoinna Standing Bear's first name...  It will be a multiple choice question.

5) winners receive a free e-copy of Shangri-La Trailer Park.

1) Stephanie Keyes
2) Everyday Fiction In Progress
3) http://stephaniekeyes.blogspot.com/
4) Instructions on what your Trick or Treaters need to do to be entered in a contest or receive your "treat" that you will be responsible for. The first five trick or treaters to visit the site and comment on at least two posts.
5) What you're offering: i.e. a book giveaway, a free bookmark to all who leave a comment, whatever the ONE thing is you want to offer. Winners will receive an ebook copy of The Star Child.

1) Judy Ann Davis

2) A Writer's Revelations

3) http:/www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com

4) Follow the blog and leave a comment on the bottom with contact info. and words, "Trick or Treat." 

5) One randomly chosen winner will receive a first edition, signed copy of Red Fox Woman

1) Erik Gustafson (Contest may only be on 10?31)

2) Apparitions of Terror

3) http://eriktiger.wordpress.com/

4) Do a trick (comment) describing the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to you.

5) Get a treat: the three creepiest true stories will win a free ebook copy of "Fall Leaves and the Black Dragon

1) Linn B. Halton - Founder of Love A Happy Ending

2) Love A Happy Ending 

3) http://www.loveahappyending.com

4) Visit the site - everyone's a winner!

5) Prize - discover the treasures of 30 elite authors: Some participating right here on this event 

1)William G. Bentrim (Contest may only be on 10/31)

2)Azure Dwarf’s Horde of SciFi & Fantasy 

3) http://azuredwarf.blogspot.com/

4)Click on link to post, fill out name, email address and physical address.  Leave out physical if so inclined.  

5) One copy of Lory Kaufman's YA novel, The Lens and the Looker.

1) Vickie Adair

2) Storyteller's Blog

3) http://www.vickieadair.com/

4) Leave a comment on the blog to enter the Trick or Treat drawing. 

5) 2 lucky commenters will win a free of "Sonnet of a Housewife" signed by the author.

1) Amrita Publishing
2) NiamhClune
3) http://on.fb.me/qs221A
4) Pick your favourite short Halloween story from among those submitted.
5) Participants will be contacted via facebook and asked to supply their e-mail address to receive a free download sent by email from CD Touching Angels.

1) Collette Scott

2) Collette Scott - Author

3) http://collettescott.blogspot.com

4) To enter to win a "treat" readers need to leave a comment with their email address and follow my blog.

5) Five lucky commenters will receive a free ebook of Hannah's Blessing from Smashwords or via email.

1) Niamh Clune

2) NiamhCluneWrites
3). http://niamhclunewrites.blogspot.com/ Niamh Clune
4) Add a short story about an inspirational woman you know. 
5) Best one, which shall be judged on AC, wins a FREE download of Orange Petals in a Storm

1) Jan & Don Beasley 

2) Live Events and Productions

3) http://www.LiveEventsAndProductions.blogspot.com

4) Leave a comment to enter the Trick or Treat drawing - no profanity, vulgarity, etc. Posts containing such will be automatically deleted

5) 1 lucky comment will win a free ebook copy of "Production P.A.R.T.Y. - Coordinating a Full Scale Production"

1)  Candice W. Coghill (a.k.a. The Kindly Hermudgeon)

2)  Thus Spake the Hermudgeon

3)  http://cwc6161.wordpress.com/  Thus Spake the Hermudgeon  

4)  My rules: Visit the site and leave a comment on the post "A Halloween Visit." Include the word "batty" in your comment.

5)  Prize: Visitors' names will be put into a box and one name drawn.  Winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

END OF LIST:
Be sure to come back all weekend long

so you can visit as many blogs as you'd like!


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That wraps it up for this week - it's about the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure!


The best treat you can give back to these authors if you don't 
happen to be a winner of their books, is buy one. ;-)


Thanks so much for playing along.
We hope you enjoyed the event.
Please feel free to leave comments here at JLB Creatives
regarding the fun you had on your Blog Adventure.


The next post will be Tuesday Nov. 1
An Author Splash of Linda Hawley!


Hope to see you then!!! 

Ebooks - What? Where? How?

Welcome back everyone - and a big special hello to those you who are new here! We certainly hope you find the JLB Creatives Blog to be a regular stop on the web for you and your family to keep up with my creativity of novel writing, scenic nature photography, and hopefully be entertained while possibly even learning a thing or two.


SOMETHING FUN!
Head over to the HIDDEN EARTH 
page of the blog and vote for your 
favorite book cover. There are 6 to choose from.
No guarantees that the winner will be used, 
but it does give me good stuff to present to 
the publisher - who ever they may be. 




FYI:
Always be sure to check out the right side 
of the blog for current coolness!
It's filled with ever-changing
Contests, Giveaways, News, and more!


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Other News!
Get Ready for the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure
starting on Oct. 28th!

You'll start here at JLB Creatives on Oct. 28th
then choose one or all of the blogs listed
who are offering "treats" to those who take the time
to Trick or Treat to their blogs!


Free books, giveaways, contests and more!


Weekly posts will resume Tuesday Nov. 1st


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This week it's all about Ebooks - check out the video and the Topic Post to gain a better insight on the subject.

WEEKLY VIDEO

EBOOKS: WHAT? WHERE? HOW?

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WEEKLY TOPIC POST: 

     When it comes to buying ebooks there are a lot of choices - which is a good thing! 

     Keep in mind that ereaders and electronic tablets (such as an IPad) are two different things. There are ways to read ebooks on pretty much any digital device - as long as you can connect to the internet to download them. Once books are downloaded onto your device of choice - be it an ereader, tablet, cell phone, or even your PC or laptop - you can read them without being connected to the internet.

     When it comes to reading ebooks on your PC's or Laptops you'll first need to download and install the needed software from like say Kindle or Nook. But once you've done that - you'll be able to download books just like those who are carrying more portable type devices.  

     Let's take a look at two of the top ereaders: Kindle and Nook. Kindles are ereaders that allow you to download entire novels in minutes (if not seconds) from Amazon. The Nook ereader allows you the same privilege through Barnes & Noble. Another brand by the name of Pandigital - which is what I am using at the moment - serves as a low end type tablet with a kickin' ereader tied in with Barnes & Noble, so I frequent Nook quite often.


     You'll want to keep your eye out as Kindle among others are beginning to bring out better ereaders and tablets at the speed of...well...technology!  

     Where can you buy ebooks? Just about anywhere online - from sites dedicated to books such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble to author webpages, blogs, and more! Another popular site is Smashwords. Keep in mind that just because a book is available on Kindle doesn't necessarily mean it's available on Nook. A newer site that brings you great details for several genres of books containing videos, links taking you directly to where you can find these authors ebooks, and more can be found at Orangeberry Books Collective. (One of our newest sponsors!)

     Ebook costs range from FREE on up! There are several that start out at 99 cents and are a very popular choice for readers to give a new author a try without a lot of investment. The problem this leads to for some of us is that epic books, such as mine, are governed by some of the ebook sites and as the self-publishing author you are not allowed to sell it for less than $2.99.  It's tough because you'd like for people to try your book - but as the author you are up against those who are uploading books regularly for FREE or 99 cents. 

     So the next time you are shopping ebooks and see one for 99 cents, yet the title of the $2.99 or $4.99 ebooks peak your interest just as much but are written by someone you consider to be a new author - think twice about what you might be getting for that extra money. ;-)

     How do you self-publish an ebook? Each site has their guidelines, so be sure and follow them for successful uploads. I'm not going to go into detail on this as we'd be here all day. HINT: Don't be afraid to do some research on your own and/or ask questions of those who have already published ebooks successfully. 

To check out some of my fellow authors 
and their wonderful ebooks from right here on the
JLB Creatives Blog, please visit the:

BOOKS-A-PALOOZA

page by clicking the above link 
or by clicking the tab at the top on the blog.

Please Tweet, share on FB, etc. the Books-A-Palooza! page...

...these cool authors thank you for your support!
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And to help celebrate the TOPIC POST:
Janet and her husband also write non-fiction self-help books together regarding church-community-and other 
live events and productions.


JUST RELEASED!

Now available on Kindle of .99 cents!


Janet is using the name of Jan Beasley for her
author name in this series to help in keeping
her epic fantasies separate from her non-fiction. 

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Pic n' Thought

by

Janet Beasley

Find a pleasant setting and frolic until 

your heart's content!

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NOVEL UPDATES: 

     My dear faithful fans - you're hanging in there with us in style! Still waiting to hear from the publisher. We've only got 4-6 weeks left to wait before we can contact the current publisher to inquire about the progress of "Maycly" (Volume 1 in my 6 novel "Hidden Earth" series.)


     In the mean time, why not help get your friends and family interested in the "Hidden Earth" series? It's fast, easy, and fun! All you need to do is share the JLB Creatives Blog, JLB Creatives Facebook Page, or send them on over to become a follower of JLB Creatives on Twitter. Be sure and ask them to "Join the Blog," "Like" the Facebook Page, and/or "Follow" JLB Creatives on Twitter @JLBCreatives and they will be in-the-know just like you. 


     Because of your dedication and shared enthusiasm the author name of Janet Beasley, and JLB Creatives is getting out there. You totally rock!

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LINK OF THE WEEK: 

     One of my favorite birds is the swallowtail kite. A magnificent specimen to watch as it "sails" through the air with grace and dignity. Check out some of the coolest facts about the swallowtail kite from this week's link:

SWALLOW-TAILED KITES...AWESOME!

I by no means endorse this site, necessarily agree with their viewpoints, get money

for clicks or visits...it's just strictly one of my favorite birds, and I wanted to

share about them with you, my wonderful followers! 

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SUMMARY:

     How cool was this post? We learned a little bit about ebooks and how to download them for reading on several devices, checked out swallow-tailed kites, and frolicked in a field of flowers. Certainly there was something for you to get a smile from...right? 

     Hey, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been actively supporting us and spreading the news regarding my novels and photographs. It's people like you with shared enthusiasm that keep my creativity peeking from week to week!

REMINDER!

Get Ready for the 

Trick or Treat Blog Adventure

starting on Oct. 28th!

You'll start here at JLB Creatives on Oct. 28th

then choose one or all of the blogs listed

who are offering "treats" to those who take the time

to Trick or Treat to their blogs!

Free books, giveaways, contests and more!

Weekly posts will resume Tuesday Nov. 1st

Have a great day...until next time,

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

~Janet~

A Worthy Historical Cause

Welcome one and all! We're so glad you've decided to join us here on the JLB Creatives Blog. I'd like to send a huge thanks to all of our new followers who have joined forces with us in the past couple of weeks. Together, we're making a name for JLB Creatives and me, Janet Beasley, the epic fantasy author. I couldn't do it without you!

Author Showcase Report: 

As many of you know, I appeared Saturday at the Local Author's Showcase at the Leesburg Florida Library. I was honored to be included with such amazing talent when it comes to authors. We enjoyed meeting so many new fans, helping those interested with their writing skills, and handing out a the decorative canisters filled with "Gramma Hildie's Doggie Delights" - made from our family's secret recipe which has a good chance of being printed in my upcoming epic fantasy "Hidden Earth - Volume 1 Maycly." Thanks to those of you who showed an interest and took the time to stop by and say hello.


SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT'S COMING UP: 
Get ready to go Trick or Treating  Oct. 28th - 31st. Start right here from the JLB Creatives Blog! There'll be a list of participating authors who will be offering "treats" to those who visit their blogs during those days. If you find a blog with the logo below posted on it, you'll know early if they're going to be a participant. 

Logo created by:

Tammie Gibbs


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WEEKLY TOPIC POST:

This week we are featuring a wonderful cause right here on the JLB Creatives Blog. My weekly video will return next week as Jeremiah Wright has been kind enough present us with a guest post where he shares his passion for his historical cause. So without further ado - I introduce to you Jeremiah Wright.

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Saving the Baltimore Poe House:

When I saw the news about the Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum and learned that its continued operation was in jeopardy because of a lack of available funding from the city of Baltimore, I was taken aback by the comment string below the article.  There were about sixty comments, and every one of them lamented the loss of support.  Many of them expressed anger about the “lack of importance given the arts by the government.”  I think just about every negative emotion was represented.  The one thing lacking in any of the responses was an actual proactive response.  Oh sure, there were plenty of “we have to do something” and “we should help.”  Does it make me a cynical jerk that I think most of the people there never got around to helping…or doing anything?

I looked at the news and thought that there was an opportunity there for something special.  Realistically, a literary critic could make a good case that there’s almost no genre of fiction Poe didn’t influence.  Detective fiction?  He started it.  Horror?  Do I need to say anything?  Seafaring tales?  Most critics credit MS Found in a Bottle as the forerunner.  (Tell that to the screaming kids watching Johnny Depp fight squid people in the next Pirates movie.)  He’s credited with the first analysis of short story theory and practice.  His poetry set the standard for romantic as well as dark, lyrical, and image-driven modern writing.  His influence can be found in adventure, intrigue, and other genres as well.

My big Eureka! moment came when I realized that those who have benefited from Poe’s literary heritage would probably be happy to help.  Literary Landmark Press was born.  We announced an anthology, The Spirit of Poe, all the proceeds of which would benefit the museum.  We received almost a hundred submissions on the first day.  I was particularly excited that almost every submission came with the request that the honorarium involved be waived in favor of the Poe House.  I’m the kind of guy who believes writers should be paid, and it was fabulous to see the sacrifice.
We got our first pre-order the first week.  Our goal is (gulp) to sell ten thousand books.  That will cover the entire budgeted amount Baltimore no longer provides.  Please visit literarylandmarkpress.blogspot.com and help out.  You can preorder an anthology or two, donate money, or send us something you’d like us to consider for the anthology.  Our heritage is important, and if you’re thinking “we have to do something” or “we should help” you now have a way to do that.

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In honor of Jeremiah's worthy cause to preserve a part of history us authors find to be of such great value, I'm making his link the link of the week and encourage you to check it out.
Please do not feel obligated in any way shape or form.
Also, if you feel passionate about this cause, please share the
JLB Creatives Blog with them so they too can become 
familiar with preserving history.


Help Save the Baltimore Poe House
This link will take you to the blog where you may read
more about the project and the history.


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Pic n' Thought
by Janet:

It's comforting to know we're truly never alone.


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SUMMARY:

     This week was a little different, but I felt Jeremiah had a passion that was not selfish, but rather for all of the authors out there. Thanks so much for stopping by, and be sure to invite your friends and family to become a part of the JLB Creatives Blog.

     Next week we will be featuring another Author Splash with the featured author being Linda Hawley. So start Tweetin' the news! 

Until next week...

Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me ;-)

~Janet~