Thursday, October 27, 2011

The origins of a book addict & contest

Hello my name is Kerry and I am addicted to books!


ad·dic·tion/əˈdikSHən/
Noun: The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

Well, that says it all doesn't it?


What are the origins of my addiction? That's hard to pinpoint exactly but, here goes. I have always been surrounded by books and the women in my life have always been readers. Both of my grandmothers were readers. One was an extreme reader, like myself, she had hundreds of books throughout her house. The other was a first grade teacher and spent a lot of time at our local library. My mother couldn't/can't go anywhere without some type of reading material in hand.


My addiction began really early on, about age 3 or so. The grandmother, who was the teacher, taught me to read about this time. I took to it like a duck to water as they say, and haven't stopped since. I still have the first book I ever learned to read by myself...."Dick & Jane"


I am dedicating this first post to my grandmother, the teacher, and the wonderful world of books she introduced me to. More about this later.


I started this blog to share my thoughts, opinions, and just plain love of books. I want to feature authors and their books that I am excited about. I am new to this so please be patient and allow for my learning curve.


To start off this first post on the right foot, I want to feature a wonderful author and help my local elementary school win a grant to transform their library, as a tribute to my grandmother, the person who inspired me to read. How do I accomplish this? With your help, of course.


First, the featured author: Donna Grant. (from her website)


Donna Grant is the award winning author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance – Scottish Medieval, historical, dark fantasy, time travel, erotic, and paranormal.

Donna was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica and Mexico. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna's Cajun side of the family taught her the "spicy" side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin' and bareback riding.
Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.
Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as The Druids Glen, The Shields, The Royal Chronicles, the Sisters of Magic, and the Dark Sword series.
Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, three cats, and one long haired Chihuahua. She's blessed with a proud, supportive husband who's learned to cook far more than frozen chicken nuggets.


I am offering a chance to win an autographed copy of Donna Grant's book Untamed Highlander.
Enter to win below.

          
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The Dark Sword series reins in the magic, passion, and fury of Scotland’s legendary warriors—for whom love is always worth fighting for...
DEVIL IN THE FLESH
Druid-born and magic-blessed, Isla is one of the deadliest she-devils ever to serve the forces of darkness. As an immortal Highland warrior, it’s up to Hayden Campbell to destroy her and her kind. But for Hayden, Isla is more than a sworn enemy. She is temptation...
ANGEL IN HIS ARMS
Taking Isla captive, Hayden hopes to avenge his kinsmen who died by Druid magic. But when he looks into Isla’s eyes, he sees the secrets of her past. When he touches her skin, he feels the passion in her soul. And soon Hayden comes to realize that this beautiful, beguiling woman is not his enemy at all—she is his destiny. And, even as the forces of darkness conspire against them, their love will conquer all...

Now the Roosevelt elementary school and the grant to help update their library.


Teachers and parents give students the building blocks they need to learn and grow, but sometimes they can use a little outside help. As school budgets nationwide continue to shrink, The Clorox Company’s Power A Bright Future grant program steps in to help fund new or ongoing programs that allow children to play, create and explore. The Roosevelt elementary school has been nominated for a chance to win this $50,000 grant. With the grant money, the Roosevelt would like to transform their school library into a 21st century learning commons. Read more about it here. 

What better way to celebrate the love of reading and books!!