Author Thursday: Sadie Grubor

Today we have author Sadie Grubor thanks again to The Cover Contessa along with Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads, are excited to welcome author Sadie Grubor for an interview.

Here are Sadie's books:

And here's a little about Sadie!

Sadie Grubor has always had an active imagination and creative streak. Having written stories and journal upon journal of soul exposure throughout her years, it still comes as a surprise when people actual want to read and enjoy her work.
A self-proclaimed, foul-mouthed, book nerd, who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Horror to Erotica, she embraces her Computer Geekdom through the Internet. You can find her on FaceBook, Twitter - @SadieGrubor, and her website - http://www.sadiegrubor.webs.com
Sadie Grubor is the adult-alter author of Young Adult Writer, Saewod Tice.

So Let's hear what Sadie had to say in answer to our questions:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I didn't really realize I wanted to be a writer. I can honestly say it just happened. I've always enjoyed writing. Growing up I kept journals documenting my thoughts and feelings, small stories, poems, and doodles. It sort of morphed into writing stories for kids, for my kids. Then I started to want more from stories I read, or got ideas, and began to write.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the time I have on my hands and inspiration. I've written a book in a week and I have others that I've been working on for a couple years.

What do you think makes a great story?
This is something that differs for just about everyone – according to their taste. But I truly believe that, no matter the genre, you have to write something that makes you feel. Whether it's desire, romance, sadness, horror, if you feel it when you write it, then it will come across to the reader in your work.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Since I'm the mother of two, full time day job working, wife to one handsome geek, my schedule is erratic and crazy. I try to sit down and allot time for writing, but this doesn't usually work out.

How do you balance family and writing?
As for how to balance, I'm not so sure I have balancing down yet. The writing time does suffer and often lose. Family comes first. My kids and husband mean the world to me. My writing is typically done late in the evening/night.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The internet is my largest tool. Google provides me such an extensive pool of information to research.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people would actually enjoy reading them. Like really, really like my books and be interested enough to want to read more of them. I'm still surprised when someone reaches out to tell me how much they enjoyed the book and want more. It's extremely flattering and fulfilling.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
Written and published works would be four. Under author name Saewod Tice, I released a Young Adult post apocalyptic book titled Amongst the Ruins. This was my first published work. Second, came Live-In Position by VS Tice. This is a romantic chick-lit style book that was published before my Sadie Grubor personal was fully developed. Then came the self published books, Falling Stars & Stellar Evolution under Sadie Grubor. I have multiple completed books which are with BETA readers, proofers, and/or editors. On top of those, I have a few unfinished manuscripts that I'm still working through the development.

Are your characters based on anyone you know?
I do draw inspiration from people around me. Though, I've never truly had one character replicate someone I know.

Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
Wherever I can focus and listen to my music. Music is a big inspirational piece for me.

How hard is it to get published?
Being published is not a simple task in any regard. I got extremely lucky with my first book and was picked up really quickly; however, I've got a large file full of rejection letters from publishers. It takes time, dedication, a thick skin, and a willingness to take advice and feedback. Even self publishing is a challenging task. You have only yourself to rely on and only you to take the heat for negative responses.

What do your family and friends think about your books?
I'm thankful to have amazing friends and family. They are one hundred percent supportive of everything I do. They also harass me frequently for the next book and such.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I'm an avid horror flick watching woman. And I have a penchant for horrible B films. Heck even C & D films. LOL Netflix, Hulu and I seem to have a special understanding. Reading, of course, is a huge part of my life. Romance, Science fiction, Horror, Erotica, I'll pretty much give anything a shot as long as the writing is good.

Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft?
If so, what are they? You will be constantly learning. Grow a thick skin, and stay open to the criticism and critique. Learn from your mistakes. These are the biggest things I've learned.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Wonder Woman. Then it was the Phoenix from Xmen. Yeah, so I had a bit of a nerdy comic book childhood.

What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
Asking me to list my favorite books is like asking me to pick my favorite kid. (LOL) Short List of Authors (this too is painful): Stephen King (twisted scares are amazing) Lisa Kleypas (she gives good regency) RL Mathewson (take care of yourself girl!) Alice Clayton (her humor is the best) Richard Laymon (gory horror and taboo horror at its finest) Kristen Ashley (for so many wonderful reasons) Truly there are so many that I could go on and on and on – and ON.

For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published? DO listen to critiques. DON’T let criticism get to you. I've seen many authors fall into the trap of reacting to bad reviews or comments. This will get you put on a do not read list so fast, regardless if the bad reviewer or criticizer was originally in the wrong. The trick is to either ignore the criticism all together by not reading them. Or, if you're skin is thick enough and you can restrain from lashing out, read and see if you can learn anything from them. Or at least get a good laugh from them. DO stand by your work. DON'T let a publisher or editor change the core of your story. This actually almost happened to me with Falling Stars. The publisher that originally had this manuscript wanted me to change Christopher to make him more likable. They also wanted me to cut the story so that Chris and Mia were together faster. We went back and forth with FS and it was pushed back a couple times. I was lucky enough to have the story released back to me, so I could publish it myself.

What are you working on now?
I'm working on the next Falling Stars novel: Hidden in the Stars. This tale will follow Jackson after Stellar Evolution. I won't say too much, just in case you haven't read the follow-up novella. This is in the writing phase, though I will say that I've been distracted with ideas for the possibility of another story to follow Jacksons. There are also two more manuscripts with editors, proofers and BETA readers. My editor has my marriage of convenience book in her hands – the Modern Arrangement series. She has book one out of the three. Then I have another book with a BETA and proof reader. I'm planning on a busy 2013.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Sadie! It was great to have you here!

You can find Sadie's other works HERE:

Thanks again to the Cover Contessa for the awesome interview!

Warm Bodies

R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant house guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

Release date: December 25, 2012

BUY THE BOOK    BN | Indie Bound | Amazon

› Visit Amazon's Isaac Marion Page

Biography

I've written a few books, but most of them are terrible. Warm Bodies is the only one so far that's worth your time. I'm about to turn 30. I'm 6'3. White. Left handed. Mildly bearded. I write strange stories about strange events, often from the perspectives of strange things. I apologize in advance for any injury or inconvenience.

Find the Author
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

  My Review: 4 Stars
This book was so good and I cant wait for the movie!  So here is a nice giveaway that i'm doing for this book!  So click here and enter! So as for a review. The book was great, small, and funny.  The only thing that I had a real issue with the following.  First was the use of the F word every 5 seconds and the Second was the Zombie sex.  YES Zombie Sex. I really didn't need that!  Other than that the book was great!

MOVIE REVIEW:    I am a big believer in reading the book before the movie. And this one didn't disappoint.  With a different ending and well NO ZOMBIE SEX!! And the F-word only used once instead of well more than I care for.  This movie was AWESOME!!   It really did go with the humor vs. the seriousness of the issue.  The only thing I didn't like was that the ending felt rushed.  They might have wanted to just make it a 2 hour movie and slowed down the ending a little.   As for the actors I really hope to see the girl that played Julie (sorry I dont now your name) I hope to see her in the next I am number 4 movies (if they ever make them) And I cant wait to see what R has in store for us when he plays Jack the Giant Slayer! 

 Read An Excerpt

The copy of this book was purchased by me. I purchased two copies lol

Promo Wednesday: Targets of Deception

With Jeffrey S. Stephens' new book Targets of Revenge coming out in a few short weeks. I thought it would be nice to get some promos out for it!  So please enjoy this short promo of Targets of Deception!

My Review: 4 Stars

So here is a review and a promo for Targets of Deception!  This book deff. will grab you!  It really is a hard to put down book!  I am so glad that they sent me both of these before they sent me the third one.  I would have been dying to find out what was in the first two books!  So if you are into this kind of book than deff pick it up!

Book Description

Release Date: September 25, 2012 | Series: Jordan Sandor

AGENTS CAN RETIRE. TERROR NEVER DOES.Old instincts die hard. Although CIA agent Jordan Sandor has left active duty and become a journalist, when the crack of automatic weaponry shatters the peace on a rural New York back road, his quick reactions save his close friend and a severely wounded police officer. But why did two strangers react to a routine traffic stop with deadly violence before speeding away? And what was their motive for torturing and then murdering the man Jordan was going to meet—a retired merc with a story to tell? Like it or not, Sandor has been called back into the service of his country.

From New York to Florida, Paris, and the Italian Riviera, the lethal trail reveals a complex plan linked to Al Qaeda—a wave of attacks putting millions at risk with poison nerve gas. And when Jordan discovers a rogue agent behind the plot, he realizes he is on his own. . . .Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY:
"An Iranian assassin arrives in Washington, D.C., with a secret and appears ready to defect to the CIA. Top agent Jordan Sandor has dealt with this assassin before and barely survived. When they meet, Sandor doesn't believe a word he says. Still, Sandor's superiors order him to follow the lead. The information points to North Korea, where terrorists are plotting a major attack on the U.S. (A deal seems to have been struck in which Middle Eastern terrorists will take the blame for the attack.) Sandor and his men arrive in North Korea for a preemptive strike, but it all goes bad, leaving some of his team members dead. Can the survivors both foil the attack and escape North Korea? This plot-driven, action-heavy thriller will appeal to fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor..”
--Booklist Online

"The CIA agent with a reputation as a loose cannon relentlessly pursues a nebulous group of terrorists planning a major attack on the U.S. While it first appears the plotters are Iranians, Sandor's investigation points to North Korea and Venezuela also being involved. A mission into North Korea results in the capture of a high-level government official as well as the death of one of Sandor's team. When the terrorists initially attack in the French West Indies--a commercial jet is blown up and a secret communications post is destroyed--Sandor suspects these outrages are meant to distract from the main attack. He keeps following the trail, annoying his government bosses with his sometimes extreme methods, until he ends up off the coast of Baytown, Tex., where everyone except Sandor thinks the strike is going down. The explosive finale will leave readers more than satisfied."
--Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR TARGETS OF DECEPTION:

“Jeffrey Stephens has arrived with a ripping, good yarn of intrigue that will keep you turning the pages all the way to its explosive ending.” -- #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Vince Flynn, PROTECT AND DEFEND

“Jeff Stephens is a writer to watch. His first book is a very solid, fast paced thriller that carries the reader on a globe-trotting adventure into the world of counter-terrorism. We will want more of CIA agent Jordan Sandor.” -- Robert K. Tanenbaum • Bestselling author MALICE, COUNTERPLAY, FURY

"Jeffrey Stephens takes the reader on a fast-paced tale of international intrigue and suspense in this, his first novel. With a terrific lead character in Jordon Sandor, and many plot twists, I look forward to watching Stephens develop as a top-notch author."
-- Steve Alten, NY Times best-selling author of Meg and The Shell Game:

“MOVE OVER JASON BOURNE, I WANT JORDAN SANDOR! I not only enjoyed the book, but also liked the character of Jordan Sandor . . . there is humor and a very human kindness, too”
-- romantictimes.com

About the Author

Jeffrey S. Stephens is a native New Yorker who now lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with his wife Nancy, where they raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor. Stephens is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers Targets of Deception and Targets of Opportunity.

› Visit Amazon's Jeffrey S. Stephens Page

Biography

A native New Yorker, Jeffrey Stephens now lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with his wife Nancy, where they raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor. Stephens is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, TARGETS OF DECEPTION and TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY.

Next Wednesday come back for Targets of Opportunity 

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Go To Jail For Saving A Life!

Indiana Police Officer, Wife, Could Face Jail Time for Saving a Deer: ABC News’ Gio Benitez, Mosheh Gains and Emily Stanitz report: Should an Indiana couple go to jail for saving Bambi? That’s the question surrounding the case of Jeff and Jennifer Counceller, who rescued an injured fawn and nursed it back to health at their Connersville,...

ABC News’ Gio Benitez, Mosheh Gains and Emily Stanitz report:

Should an Indiana couple go to jail for saving Bambi?

That’s the question surrounding the case of Jeff and Jennifer Counceller, who rescued an injured fawn and nursed it back to health at their Connersville, Ind., home. The couple now faces the possibility of jail time and fines after state officials charged them with a misdemeanor for harboring the animal.

Jeff Counceller, a police officer in Connersville, and his wife were charged with unlawful possession of a deer, a misdemeanor that punished to its fullest extent could put the Councellers in jail for up to 60 days and cost them up to $2,000 in fines.

The couple rescued the deer more than two years ago after finding it on their neighbor’s porch. The Councellers said the deer had sustained injuries, and they wanted to nurse it back to health.

“I could feel all of the open wounds all along her back side and she wouldn’t stand up,” Jennifer Counceller told ABC News.

They brought the deer home and named her Little Orphan Dani.

The Councellers said an Indiana Conservation Officer stopped by their home and discovered the deer this past summer. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources wanted to euthanize Dani, saying she might be dangerous and a threat to people.

“I was devastated. I spent a year and several months nursing her into adulthood, getting to the point where she was able to go out on her own,” Counceller said.

On the day Dani was to be put down, the Councellers said she inexplicably escaped from their backyard. Even though Dani disappeared back into the wild, the Councellers’ legal problems didn’t go with the fawn.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said it couldn’t comment on pending litigation but that it did discourage people from taking in injured wildlife. This case could go to court next month, and if charges aren’t dropped, it will be left for a jury to decide whether the Councellers broke the law.

“No matter what the law is, we did what was right for the animal,” Counceller said.

Meanwhile, the story has caused uproar on the Internet. AFacebook support page has more than 6,400 “Likes” in support of the couple. An online petition to drop the charges already has more than 3,800 signatures.

Rick on Change.org wrote, “An act of humanity should not be rewarded with a sentence.”

Michelle on Facebook wrote, “They are being punished for having compassion and showing kindness.”

The Councellers’ case could go to court next month.

NOTE:  Wow I know that if I saw the little deer I would have taken her home and helped her.  I dont think my landlord would have liked it.  But I am not about to have an animal die because people are stupid.  So now we get punished for saving a life!!

HOP: Young Adult 15 Winners!!!!!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL HOP LINK LIST

I just got done reading this book. So my review should be up around the 31st.  This movie comes out Feb 1st and I so cant wait to see it.  It looks so funny!  It was deff 5 Stars!  So I thought that I would giveaway 1 print copy with non signed poster, and 2 tickets to see the movie. Well now I have something else to add!  YAY!  I have 3 signed small movie posters as well as 10 non signed movie posters.  So for this giveaway we will have not 1 not 2 not 3 but 15 WINNERS!!!!

Book Description

Release date: December 25, 2012

R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.And then he meets a girl.
First as his captive, then his reluctant house guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

› Visit Amazon's Isaac Marion Page

Biography

I've written a few books, but most of them are terrible. Warm Bodies is the only one so far that's worth your time. I'm about to turn 30. I'm 6'3. White. Left handed. Mildly bearded. I write strange stories about strange events, often from the perspectives of strange things. I apologize in advance for any injury or inconvenience.

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Through the Ever Night

It's been months since Aria learned of her mother's death.

Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.

Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It's a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it's a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at fi rst. Then it slips away. The Tides don't take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe 

is swirling out of Perry's control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night? In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a captivating adventure—and a love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Release Date: January 8, 2013

BUY THE BOOK

BAM | BN | Amazon | Indiebound

› Visit Amazon's Veronica Rossi Page

Biography

VERONICA ROSSI was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up, she lived in several countries and cities around the world, finally settling in Northern California with her husband and two sons. She completed undergraduate studies at UCLA and then went on to study fine art at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. UNDER THE NEVER SKY is her first novel.

Foreign rights have sold in over twenty-five territories to date and film rights have been optioned by Warner Bros.

Find the Author
Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook



 Crossroad's Review: 4 Stars

Finished this one as well as book one in a day. (No wonder I have a headache) well this one is ending up as a 3 star for me. Although I did like it. I didn't like that it was basically two stories instead of one. We follow both aria and perry while they are each doing their thing. And they are only together for a short time. Now the ending to this one was very good. Which while writing this I'm upping my rating to 4 stars instead. I can't wait for the next book to come out to conclude this trilogy. And I hope to hear more on Cinder's past (hint hint: I hope to see a 2.1 in the works lol)  

Contessa's Review:  5 Stars

Wow, I don't even know what to say. To say I was anticipating this book would be an understatement. I truly loved Under the Never Sky. I relished it and couldn't get enough of the characters, the world building, the emotions it brought out in me. And now, to have read the second book in this series, I can honestly say that it was even better than the first. How did Rossi do that? How did she take me from loving her characters to REALLY loving her characters? From being held in suspense with her cliffhanger ending, to not wanting this second installment to end? I'll tell you how: with great story telling and magnificent writing, that's how!

Blurb from Goodreads:
It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.
Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?
In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable

I'd like to take a moment to comment on this totally and completely Amazing cover. I have to say that the original cover of Under the Never Sky did not capture me, despite the fact that the story did. And when Rossi released the new cover, I almost cried. It was so perfect. Fit the story of Aria just so well. And then when I saw this amazing cover, I couldn't contain myself. The colors, the guy on the front, everything about it, just captures and enthralls me. It calls to me, making me want to open and relish what is inside.

And could Rossi have made her characters better. I didn't think I could like Aria more. She's strong and efficient, affectionate and knowledgeable. But most of all, she knows what to do and when to do it and she's not afraid to do what she needs to do. And she will fight to get it. In Under the Never Sky, she was closed and disorienting, she was weak and fragile. In this book, she is open and understandable; she stands as a fighter and is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn't do stupid things, although some might say she does. She does what she feels is right, what needs to be done to keep those she loves safe.
And Perry, oh Perry, he's just totally "swoonable." More so now with how he will readily show that he has a great love for Aria. That she needs to be part of his life because he is rendered to her and will never be able to let go. And his growth in this book is amazing. He goes from a simple hunter, to the Blood Lord, someone who is in charge. And this responsibility is a hard load for him to handle, something that sits like a huge weight upon his shoulders. He doesn't take comfortably to it at first, he slowly grows into it earning the respect of the tribe as he makes mistakes and learns from them, but also makes decisions that he knows are right.
But, my favorite character, by far, is Roar. I just cannot get enough of him. He is arrogant and completely cocky. He loyal and totally loving. He is hysterically funny and knows just the right thing to say in every situation. But, most of all, he's completely loveable and easily understandable. He is open, there is nothing cryptic about him. Nothing mysterious that leaves you wondering why he is the way he is. Roar is very much an open book that tugs at your heart strings and really sticks it right to your emotions. To say that I did not feel his emotions in this book would be a lie because, despite the book really being from Aria and Perry's POVs, you can totally see and feel every part that Roar is in. Every scene that he enters is crisp and clean, raw and intense. I love him so much.
And we get a short glimpse into the woman that is Liv. Too short, in my opinion, and I wonder if there will be more of her in the future. I certainly hope we get some kind of HEA for Roar because he so deserves it.

The story line is loaded with action and adventure. I wasn't sure that Rossi would surpass what she was able to do in the first book, how can you top the sensations you felt as Aria and Perry got to know one another? But she really was able to do it, and with ease, it seems. Rossi balanced the happy so well with the heartbreak, you didn't want to stop reading, even though you knew it might break you in two. But most of all this story loaded with emotion and raw intensity. I love Rossi's use of words and how she totally draws you into her story through the aether and the tension it brings to the tribes and dwellers. I also love the survival instinct she instills in her characters throughout the book. And how this overflows to all the characters who know that in order to survive they must look out for one thing, themselves. Yet, her "leaders" are determined to live and fight along side their keep and do what is best for them. 

I think one of my favorite parts of the story line is how well Rossi is able to help you picture the differences in the worlds of the dwellers and outsiders. It's amazing that she can take you from this savage, unpredictable landscape to the enclosed, sterile realms of the pods. Simply amazing.

If you thought you loved Under the Never Sky, thought there was now way Rossi could top herself, you will find that you were dead wrong when you read this story. Already I am wondering what will happen next. Already I am thinking I want the next book and the wait will be more than I can bear. So, do I recommend this book, um, from my 5 star rating I am sure that you will say yes! Go, run, prance, dance to the store or online and get this book NOW. Because, if you were a fan of the first book, I promise this second installment does not fall flat or to the wayside in any way, shape or form!

5 stars from me.

"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

700 Followers and Counting!!

700 Followers has been reached OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG that pic up there with the passing out lady. Ya thats me!  

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Barnes and Noble to Close 200-Plus Stores in Next Decade

B&N to Close 200-Plus Stores in Next Decade

Over the next decade, Barnes and Noble will likely close a third of its 689 general retail stores, or about 20 a year, Mitchell Klipper, CEO of B&N's retail group, told the Wall Street Journal. Slimmed down to 450 to 500 stores, the retail stores represent "a good business model," he said, emphasizing that today only about 20 B&N trade stores--3% of the total--lose money. B&N also operates some 674 college stores, which are run separately from the general retail stores.

As recently as 2009, when the economy tanked, B&N was opening 30 or more stores a year. Since then it has had a net loss of 35 stores, and in this fiscal year it opened only two stores. Discussing the change from the era of frenzied book superstore expansion, Klipper said, "You have to adjust your overhead, and get smart with smart systems. Is it what it used to be when you were opening 80 stores a year and dropping stores everywhere? Probably not. It's different. But every business evolves."

The interview might be intended calm concerns about B&N's retail business, following a disappointing holiday season, when B&N retail sales fell 10.9%, sales of non-Nook products in stores fell 3.1%, and Nook sales overall fell 12.6%. Some people inside and outside the business have begun drawing comparisons with former B&N rival Borders Group, which closed in 2011, after a succession of problems, including strong competition from online book retailers and from e-books.

Klipper maintained that because many consumers read both e-books and printed books, "we're going to be around for a long time. Digital is a convenient format. It could be expanding the market in fiction. I think the combined book market is growing."

B&N will have many opportunities in the near future to close stores in an orderly way: over the next three years, 442 of its store leases--almost two-thirds of the total--are up for renewal. In negotiations with landlords, the company has an advantage because many malls like having bookstores, which draw traffic. As Klipper put it: "You go to Barnes & Noble to forget about your everyday issues, to stay a while and relax. When you go to Bed Bath & Beyond, you don't sit down on the floor and curl up with your blender and your kid."

This really sucks.  We had a Barns and Noble here in Lakeland a few years ago. They closed the store and now all we have is a Books a Million.  I mean at least we have something.  But if you want another book store you have to go to either Brandon or Orlando. Which not everyone can do.  They even closed the Waldenbooks that was in the mall.  Now I guess that that one closing had to do with Barns and Noble buying out Borders.  Which I didn't even know was happening at the time.  Well from this book reader I think this just stinks.  It is going to get to the point where to get a book you will have to buy it online than wait for a week or two to even get it.  

Moon Mondays: What Is A Witch?

Freedom of Religion includes ours!

We do not judge, do not sacrifice living things or worship the devil.  We in fact do not recognize the existence of a devil.  Our Religion is based on nature, and that everyone is responsible for their own actions.

Peace, love, and tolerance for everyone should be encouraged everywhere!

Blessed Be!

What Is A Witch?

A witch is the name adopted by men and women who practice magick within a broadly agreed belief system or code of ethics.  This code of ethics permits the manipulation, concentration, focus and release of magickal power, to bring about or accelerate change or to maintain stability and protect the wellbeing of the planet and all its creatures.

            Most witches are Wiccan, one of the most popular forms of witchcraft worldwide today, though not all Wiccans are witches.  The word witch is derived from the Anglo-Saxon wicce (masculine) and wicca (feminine) and Old Norse vitki and vitka.

            Not all people who work with magick, the practice of witchcraft, call themselves witches.  For many, the very act of practicing good magick does imply an acceptance of the witchcraft beliefs and faith.  Indeed, casting spells and carrying out rituals in spell books, is limiting both magickally and spiritually.  But just as people who haven’t been to church since childhood say prayers in times of crisis, so Spellcasting obligations of magick, rather than serve merely as a psychic shopping list.

What do witches believe?

As in any faith, there are many variations in emphasis, but the majority of witches acknowledge a higher creative force in the person of the Goddess. 

            I am convinced we are all spiritual beings in a physical body.  This spiritual form made of light, a perfected version of the physical body at its peak, can be seen clairvoyantly as the rainbow aura or energy field extending beyond the physical body.  It enters the infant some time before birth (or some say at conception) and has been reported by numerous observers as leaving the body after death as spheres of light or as a being made of light.

            This spiritual entity or energy contains a divine spark, part of what in witchcraft is called the Goddess.  Indeed in the Charge of the Goddess, attributed to Doreen Valiente, the goddess speaking through her High Priestess says:

From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return. Before my face, beloved of gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.

            Some picture the Goddess as a force or energy, who is manifest in terms within human understanding, as the Great Goddess who appears in the mythology of many lands. For example, the Hindu Mahdevi, creator of universe, oversees the main cosmic functions, creation, preservation and destruction.  The three Supreme Gods of modern Hinduism, Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer, assume these functions, it is said, by her will.

            From the all-encompassing undifferentiated Goddess force that contains both male and female energies emanates all creation.  In mythology, from Australian Aboriginal to the Ancient Babylonian and Classical Greek and Roman, the goddess is seen giving birth to creation and sometimes dying during the process, so that all that is created is made from her body.  In this form, the Cosmic goddess is also equated with Mother Earth herself from whom life came and to which it returns for she embraces birth, death, and rebirth: sound ecology as well as spirituality.

            Some of these Goddess figures gave birth to the male who was to become her consort.  Gaia is the most famous of the creating Earth Mothers who has given her name to modern green spirituality. She was called variously the deep breasted one, she from whom everything comes, and the first and the last, since she was the daughter of Chaos or swirling darkness. Gaia, it is told, created every living thing, plants, animals, hills, mountains, waters. She did this by embracing the other primordial being that was part of her, Uranus (Ur means to envelop). Gaia then separated herself from Uranus by birthing him and mated with him as Goddess to God.  Myth tells he was not the best of fathers or husbands and was eventually castrated by his son Saturn, an equally bad father figure.

            The God and Goddess are now separated and she is given a persona, sometimes as Moon Goddess, Earth Goddess and even Sun Goddess in lands as widespread as Scandinavia, the Celtic world and Japan.  The male acts as the balancing animus or yang force and in early myths take on aspects of the hunter, the God of vegetation and the protector/avenger. As Neolithic farming developed, he assumed the role of barley and grain sacrifice God.

            In this differentiated or more personalized form, the goddess gradually became the Sumerian fertility goddess Innana, the Ancient Egyptian Isis, the Greco-roman Diana and all the other maiden, mother, and crone forms of myth that we will explore.  However, the Goddess still retains her greater role, as well as the anima or yin aspects that form the alter ego of the God; for example, Isis to Osiris the Ancient Egyptian resurrection and vegetation god. Therefore in many forms of witchcraft, the Goddess remains supreme in ritual and more powerful than the God power that emanates from her.

            I believe that through magick in its widest senses, as a spiritual pathway, we can increase the size and power of our divine spark within us all whether we practice alone as a solitary witch or in a group, and maximize the effect of our spiritual body. In this way we can occasionally and perhaps after many years link in with the supreme Goddess form, as we call the power of a named Moon goddess within us at full moon.

Witchcraft and Evil

                Good and evil both exist, as do night and day, darkness and light, creation and destruction.  We might almost always aim to do good; but the existence of malice, deliberate harm and physical, emotional and psychic attacks from external sources, as well as our own natural negative feelings at times, are issues that every witch has to deal with.  We need to protect ourselves and our loved ones against global and more personally aimed injustices and evil in a way that does not compromise our own integrity but nevertheless is effective.  Equally, magick, like any other power, is neutral and can be used for good or evil or the grey areas in between. 

            Evil is not something that can be totally eradicated and we all contain negative as well as positive aspects as part of our personality. Though we strive to develop the good parts of our character aspects of ourselves, even the mildest mannered person can get angry over injustice: Jesus was furious with the temple moneylenders, according to the Gospels. Despair, resentment and jealousy are normal reactions if we or our loved ones are being abused disregarded or mistreated; they are part of our survival mechanisms.

            Destruction is the other side of creation and part of the cycle of existence. As witches we need to wrestle with the mainstream moral dilemmas of the world around and decide if and how we need effectively to respond practically as well as magickally.  For instance, we need to do some hard thinking about the terrible havoc BP created in 2010 with the oil spill and wars in the name of saving nations like Iraq from tyranny that can bring their own evils. 

            If you are angry, resentful or strongly dislike someone who has done you or a loved one harm precisely because you can use magick, this is a time to hold back. Just as after a blazing argument you should not jump in a fast car and roar off down a motorway, so it is not a safe time to cast spells, precisely because with all that negative emotional power you are generating you might do psychological harm, not least to yourself that you will regret in a calmer moment.  So talk to a good friend or coven member, dig in the garden or scrub the inside of the cooker until you feel calmer. Cry, yell and yell some more, then when you are calm think about an appropriate practical and magickal response. Wise men and women aren’t wise 24/7, but wisdom can bring restraint from unwise action.

           

Witchcraft and the Devil

The worst accusation against witchcraft is that witches worship the Devil in the person of the Horned God.  Though such accusations should have been left behind in the dreadful three centuries of witch persecutions, this dangerous nonsense still occasionally rears its ugly head in sensationalist, unsubstantiated media reports of infant sacrifices and upside-down crosses.

            The word devil comes from the ancient Greek word Diablos, which means accuser. Some have traced the origins of the Judeo-Christian Devil to the Persian Fire religion Zoroastrianism, central to which was the constant war between the spirits of good and evil, Ahuramazda and Angramainyu. Others associate his creation to the demonization of earlier gods when the great monotheistic religion Judaism was created.

            This is in contrast to the Oriental and some pre-Christian Western philosophies that see evil as the other polarity of good.  Gods of evil, such as Loki in the Viking tradition, were a necessary facet of creation and destruction, both of which are necessary for evolution. 

            The Devil evolved as a Christian concept that became crystallized by the Romanized early Church Fathers, including Jerome. They were familiar with the pre-Christian Graeco-Roman goat-footed God Pan, who symbolized wildness, and the Celtic antlered Cernunnos, Lord of Animals and the Hunt.  

            The organized military prowess of the Greeks and Romans and growth of the city states altered the emphasis of the god to a supreme Sky god who was a good soldier and statesman, with the hunter relegated in importance. The Judeo-Christian god was likewise a warrior king and judge with hosts of warrior angels.

            It was argued that if God was good, he could not have created evil. Conversely, if he was absolute, no one else could have created it and therefore demons must be angels who became too proud, refused to praise God or insisted on keeping their free will, rather than surrendering it to God.  Lucifer, once supreme Angel of Light and Lord of the Seraphim, the highest rank of angels, became fallen leader of the rebel angels.  His image subsequently blended over the centuries with the downgraded and demonized horned and hoofed gods such as Pan and Cernunnos.

            The Horned deity is a symbol of male power and sexual potency but without the aggressiveness of the warrior image. The God was probably the earliest tribal sacrifice icon of the hunter-gatherer peoples, at the time the deer were rutting.  Freud’s Id or instinctive powers are inherent in the Horned God and, like other pre-Christian deities of challenge, wildness and courage will defend the herd even at the loss of his own life. Therefore this aspect of the God of witches is a very positive dynamic and essential one.

Witchcraft in Modern-day life

Though in many lands witchcraft is now accepted more openly, there are still places where clairvoyance and magick are forbidden or certainly disapproved of, especially if a practitioner has children. In Jersey, parts of America and even that most liberal of countries, Sweden, there have been mothers whose Wiccan beliefs have caused serious problems with educational and social services. All the parents I know who practice magick have environmentally conscious, incredibly gentle and kind children who have been brought up to respect every living creature.

            You may find that some employers, acquaintances and neighbors have problems with the idea of witches, mainly because of the numerous misconceptions of sensational films and lack of knowledge.

            The problem with secrecy and taboos about magick is that it encourages less responsible, power-hungry people to set up more dangerous practices in the name of witchcraft. Young people may buy unsuitable books on mediaeval demonology on the internet, fascinated because of cult television series and frightening films on the occult. This fuels popular prejudice, as well as sending letters to authors and web host websites. That they are concerned parents and teenagers who have become terrified after corresponding with less reputable so-called witches and mediums who tell them they are cursed and ask for money to remove the curse.

            All we can do personally is try to encourage awareness of responsible practices of magick. Invite friends and neighbors to share seasonal celebrations and take every opportunity to introduce alternative ideas and to dispel offbeat rumors with gentle humor. Write to the local paper giving the sensible viewpoint when silly stories emerge. Start websites or contribute to forums online. Talk on local radio or to organizations and groups in your locality about the pre-Christian origins of festivals such as Christmas and Easter, and raise awareness of the need to conserve ancient sites.

            In conservative or traditionally religious areas this can be an uphill struggle, so don’t put yourself in the firing line if it will make things hard for you, if you will lose your job or if it will make it difficult for your children to be accepted in the local community. Bit by bit, explain plain and simple and by your own life show how wise and responsible witchcraft is. Find gatherings and groups and covens where you can share ideas and organize events and make friends with like-minded people. Use the internet and go online if you work alone.

            Things are getting better and witches such as Kate West, the Witchcraft Organization, and Children of Artemis do a great deal of positive media liaison work to dispel rumors that we drink murdered baby’s blood and sacrifice animals. Magazines and newspapers are also increasingly printing serious responsible articles about witchcraft, and pagan festivals attract many interested newcomers who are keen to learn more.

            Each one of us, solitary or as part of a coven, is a teacher of tomorrow’s witches and can one day make magick, if not mainstream, at least an acknowledged form of spirituality.

Witchcraft and Christianity

A number of practitioners have problems reconciling witchcraft with Christianity or other orthodox religions. There is no doubt that conventional religion does frown on witchcraft, in spite of increasing acceptance of the Goddess in Christianity and Shekinah in Judaism. Of course, we know that Christian festivals were grafted on to pre-Christian celebrations and that Jesus was not born on 25 December. We also are aware that almost every healing ancient well, dedicated once to the Mother Goddess under her many names, to the ancient Irish Mother Anu or Brighid the Celtic triple goddess, was Christianized and rededicated. The Mother Goddess wells became Lady Wells for the Virgin Mary, Anu wells became St. Anne, the grandmother of Christ, and Brighid wasters became Bride Wells, sacred to St. Brigit or St. Bride. They usually also acquired a brand-new Christian miracle to explain the apparently sudden appearance of water that had in fact been used for rituals and healing for hundreds or even thousands of years.

            In many ways, witchcraft is more morally accountable than Christianity because you can’t just confess and be absolved, but must carry and where possible put right your bad deeds and words in this lifetime (and some believe in subsequent lifetimes).

            

(some information is from Cassandra Eason's book A Year and a Day in Magick Which can be found here)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007

There is a shortage of witches' and coven teachers to address the needs and increasing demands of apprentices. A year and a day is the time required to graduate in the First Degree of initiation. This step-by-step course can be started at any time of the year for seasonal purposes. Covens will buy the book as a tutorial and individuals will buy it to train themselves up to coven status. There is little more to say about the almost immediate success of Cassandra's sales. They are strong because demand for tuition in the magick arts is growing. And because she is both knowledgeable and so accessible that word of mouth keeps pulling in new readers. This new title is sure to raise new witches to the First Degree in covens where there is a desperate shortage of teachers of witchcraft. Yet another reason to believe that this new book will do well. Each module in the book has a learning and practical element and includes an optional further research element to point readers towards development. It is a tour de force of Cassandra Eason.