The journey was never over (aka the reminder I needed when I hit delete)

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I so needed to be reminded of that right now. Not that I had to do anything as drastic as starting over, but I did decide to cut scenes from The Haven 2 and rework several others. Usually I’m pretty confidant about that decision, at least when I’m this far into a novel and I know the changes will make the story stronger, but it’s still disconcerting to hit that delete key.

Look at this photo for a minute, parenting is fun tweets, and more Links I Love

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Source: BoredPanda.com

Here are some of the latest Links I Love:

Too Funny

Just Beautiful

Love this!

  • The Hot Dog Princess – this was making the social media rounds last month. If you missed it, you have got to check out the hot dog princess. As someone on Twitter said, “In a world full of princesses, dare to be a hot dog.” I love it!
  • Look at this photo for a minute – it’s not just the photo that I love, it’s the writer’s words, including: “To look at this photo and not grasp its significance is to not only succumb to shallow, jaded and isolated thinking, but also to take for granted a level of freedom that is absurdly great in comparison to the utter bleakness in other corners of the world right now.” … “You have the freedom to not only feel love here, but to demonstrate it, celebrate it, sing it and shine it. Don’t squander it.”
  • Prisoners rescue deaf dogs evacuating California fire: ‘We sprung into action’ – There’s always far too much horribleness that comes from these wildfires. It’s beautiful to read how people come together to help, even those most people might not expect to be a part of the solution.

For the Love of Books

  • The Great Library Rescue of Timbuktu – a different type of hero, saving 377,000 books and documents from destruction. I can’t even imagine.
  • Syria’s secret library – this just proves how important books are to people for information, comfort, and connection. And I thought I loved reading to escape a bad day.

It’s Nowhere Near Over

  • 35 million in 35 years – Such a sad anniversary. It’s easy in today’s world to think this isn’t as big of an issue as it used to be, but the numbers don’t lie.
  • An unlikely tool to help women – I have no words for what these women go through. I hope this option helps make a huge difference.

And on a lighter note, have a smile: Adorable Animals

Some Love Stories Can Change the World

“From acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols, “Loving” celebrates the real-life courage and commitment of an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown. Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry.” – Focus Features

I cannot wait to see this movie. A real-life love story that serves as a reminder that love is an unstoppable force. It’s stronger than hatred and discrimination. It’s stronger than unjust laws and bigotry and intolerance.

Thank you to all the brave people like the Lovings who fought injustice and won.

If you cannot see the embedded video above, you can watch it on YouTube.

 

Setting Inspiration: From City Streets to Living Rooms

A few more of my recent setting finds. Not sure when or for what project I’ll use them, but they sure are great shots.

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

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Photo License: CC0 Public Domain

 

Monthly Reader Giveaway: All Romance eBooks Gift Card

ReaderGiveaway

For this month’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a $15 e-gift card to All Romance eBooks.

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Here are the details on how to enter for your chance to win:

To enter the drawing for this month’s Reader Giveaway, just leave a comment below this blog post stating that you’d like to enter, and you’ll be added to the drawing. Be sure to include your valid email address in the email field (your address is for my use only to contact the winner and will not published to the blog). If for any reason you have a problem leaving a comment, let me know.

Rules and Terms: The giveaway runs until the end of the day tomorrow. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 27th. One random winner will be selected and then contacted directly about his/her prize. Chances of winning depends on the total number of entries. No purchase necessary. The giveaway is open internationally as All Romance eBooks does work with customers from outside the United States.

Thanks for entering and good luck! Be sure to check back next month for another reader giveaway.