Jodi Stone's Blog - Posts Tagged "stacey-rourke"

I know, I know...I am a children's book author and illustrator so I'm sure there are people out there wondering why I don't only read children's books. (I've been asked this before...crazy, right?). So, don't be shocked when I tell you I read 50 Shades of Grey and LOVED IT! Yes, I like all types of books...from "Anne of Green Gables" to "50 Shades of Grey." I'm ecclectic, what can I say. Anyhow, the best thing about reading is when you pick up a book, open the first page and BAM you are sucked into this other world...a world where you can imagine everything from what the characters look like to what the surrounding visuals are. I love this because it takes my otherwise very occupied brain into this place of my own. Yes, the authors make up thier own work, but that's the amazing part...they created this world where we can escape our everyday craziness and fill our minds with love, action, humor...wherever said book has chosen to take us. I grew up in a house where my mom was an avid reader. She would escape to the bathroom for an hour sometimes, and my young mind would just think my mom had to use the bathroom a lot, only to find out it was her sane time...time just for her to escape into her book of choice. I didn't understand it then, and though she tried to teach me to love the written word then, I didn't appreciate it then as much as I do now. As I started to grow up, my grandmother introduced me to Harlequin Romance, and you know how steamy those can be...thank you, grandma! lol. I loved the books, and though my mom might not have agreed all the time with my reading choices, she allowed me to read most of them and expand my mind into each page of every adventure. As my education has furthered along, I have been opened up into a world different than one I might have chosen ten years ago. I have learned to love and appreciate Jane Austen, and Ernest Hemingway. I have also found a love for most British Literature, though time will now allow me to tackle some books I'd like to read. So, in the 37 years I have been in this life, I have grown a deep apprecation for a great book. That is what leads me to appreciate the author I'm going to tell you about. Stacey Rourke is not only a successful author, but she is also the head of Anchor Group Publishing. I picked up, "The Conduit" after hearing about the storyline, and was hooked from page one. This young girl takes a journey...an unexpected one, but a journey to find she has been given a gift. She might not see it as a gift at first, but comes to realize the importance of her gift over time. The book has action, drama, humor and romance...all the makings of a great book. I could visualize perfectly each and every character as I read. I didn't want to stop reading, and though I now appreciate even more my mom's excuses to go to the bathroom to read, I cannot go into the bathroom to escape into a book for longer than ten minutes without interupption. I loved this book from beginning to end, and as I usually do when done reading a great book, I felt sad when it was over...yet knowing there are two more books for now in the series...a bit of hope for time to allow me to start the next one brought a smile. In closing, I def. recommend this book, and hope that each one of you finds inspiration in some form from each and every book you read. Until later...happy writing (and reading!)

Hello dear friends and fellow authors! I have exciting news for you...today, one of my favorite authors is allowing the download of her book, "Embrace" for free!!!! No catch...all you have to do is click on the link below and download to your Kindle or computer for FREE! Stacey Rourke is the wonderfully talented author..all of her books so far have shown talent/humor/adventure/romance...what more could you ask for in one book????? And the great news is...that's right...today only this book is FREE! You'll love the depth in all of her characters...order today free...read...review...that simple!

http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-The-Gry...


Until next time...happy writing and reading!

I don't know about you, but I'm assuming that since you are members of Goodreads, that you probably love books as much as I do. I love when I find a great book, but even more when I find a book in a series, because then I know that not only have I become attached to the characters, but that I also can continue on with them in their journey through each book. You see, I cannot stand for a great book to end. I become involved with each character and my imagination runs wild picturing everything. So when I read a great book and it's over, and there's no continuation, I almost feel like I'm left hanging...wanting more. Well, I am happy to report that I have just read a wonderful book that is in a series and although I was sad when it ended, I calmed myself down knowing there will be another. I'm talking about "Embrace" within the Gryphon Series by Stacey Rourke. Mrs. Rourke provides us with wonderful detail within this book letting us become intimate with each character, although my favorite characters at the moment are Celeste-the young girl with wonderful wit; and the grandma is a hoot. Who doesn't want to read a book that provides humor/sarcasm/wit/suspense/thrill/romance...I could go on and on. So as I sit and recommend this book to everyone, I will anxiously await the third book in the series. But you should read the first two: The Conduit and Embrace. Fantastic.

I have been so fortunate after years of rejection letters and re-tries to find a place in the publishing world. The first to notice my work was Solstice Publishing, where I still have several book out. Yet every now and then something crosses our path that was even more meant to be than we might realize. I am speaking of my newest venture, and that is the path I am on with Anchor Group Publishing. Had it not been for my author/friend Wendy Nystrom, I would not have known to send in work to Anchor Group, but luckily she always has my back and suggested I send material to them. Even though I have been published now for two years with Solstice, it is still scary to put yourself out there, but I did once again and was more than thrilled when I received an acceptance to become published with Anchor Group. Little did I know, that the journey through Anchor Group would lead me to more happiness in the publishing world than I could have ever dreamed of...and that speaks volumes seeing how my first book with Anchor Group hasn't been released. That's right...this group that includes the lovely Wendy Nystrom is the most supportive, loving and genuine group of people I have ever known in my life. Stacey Rourke, the Publisher and Melissa Ringsted, the editor help to lead each author that enters Anchor Group on a path to success. Authors are booking signings, attending major book expos and finding such happiness...all because Stacey Rourke, who is an author herself of The Gryphon Series, had a dream to create a publishing company different from any other. Point being made, I don't know how I got so lucky to be on this journey. This group inspired me to take some of my illustrations and create greeting cards...they all are an amazing group of people and authors...talented to no end and hearts that I am sure contain gold. Like I said, I'm not sure how I came to deserve being a part of such an amazing group of people, but I hope I am with them forever, and I pray anyone out there working as an author/illustrator finds that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as I have found.

Take a look at my newest venture: my greeting card line below...and until next time...happy writing!





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