What Fantasy Warriors and Scary Creatures would you like to see in “At the Corner of Crossroads and Cosplay”?

Cosplay: the art or practice of wearing costumes to portray characters from fiction, especially manga, animation and science fiction movies or books.

Nerd: an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a non-social hobby or pursuit.

Hopefully that helps set the scene. Imagine a convention hall filled with socially awkward people dressed as their favorite movie or comic book character. You should have a pretty good idea of the uniqueness of it all.

Comicons can be found in most every state in the US and many major cities around the world. They are now the setting for major movie studios or video game designers to announce their newest projects. Hollywood movie stars are not the only celebrities to be found there either. Comic book artists and 1980’s B-level TV actors are the royalty of modern conventions. Comicons are wild, extravagant and attended en masse by nerds and the nerd chic.

WHAT IF some of the characters at these conventions were not playing make believe? What if they were real?

WHAT IF the highest fantasy warriors and scariest creatures could be real and waging a battle in plain view?

After all, bringing fantasy to life is essentially the definition of cosplay in the arena of a Comicon.

What Fantasy Warriors and Scary Creatures would you like to see in “At the Corner of Crossroads and Cosplay”?
We would love to know!!!!!!!

Leave a comment here under the blogpost, use the “Contact Form” on the sidebar or be brave and take part in the Survey at the top of the page in the Sidebar.

Thank you so very much.

George Taylor interviews Sue Badeau on this week's Podcast!

My wife and I met up with Sue Badeau outside Atlanta one Saturday afternoon. She graciously agreed to be interviewed about her work with adoptive and foster children and as a writer. We talked about her involvement in the Sweetland series from Helping Hands Press and I play some excerpts from the two books I have recorded for her. Summer in Sweetland: Never Too Old and Roots and Wings at Loonstone Lake: Call of the Loon. Thank you, “Dr.” Sue Badeau, for a wonderful Saturday afternoon and a fun interview.

To tune into the show just click on the link! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2015/05/29/george-taylorsue-badeau-and-curt-and-sandra-lovelace

From Free Agent to Franchise Player in the Field of Faith - Patti J. Smith

From Free Agent to Franchise Player in the Field of Faith

One thing a football fanatic does while waiting for the next season is to watch players move from team to team through trades.
Along with being a football fanatic, I am a writer with WMS (Whirling Mind Syndrome). Free Agent Frenzy got me thinking (uh-oh) about my faith journey in football terms.

For many years, I knew God existed, but didn't want to be part of His league; His regulations were too restrictive and I wanted to do it "my way". It wasn't until I entered the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous that I realized "my way" was slowly killing me ... emotionally, physically and spiritually. This revelation resulted in a status change. I joined His league as a free agent. Being in the league was a step in the right direction; however, it was not enough. I needed a coach with a clear and concise playbook and team to guide and encourage me. The League's Commissioner, in His infinite wisdom, knew the answer and sent a delegate from Team Catholic, who invited me to participate in their training camp.

Training camp was an opportunity to learn the team's methods and techniques before committing. The Assistant Coaches were patient and understanding, explaining the playbook one page at a time. I grew to understand and appreciate not only the Team, but the League as a whole. The Team’s approach to offense and defense made sense to me. What attracted me the most was learning fumbles are not game-enders, but opportunities for growth by accepting responsibility and making the necessary corrections in execution. All that is required is humbly asking the Commissioner, through the Coach, to absolve wayward plays and provide a means to reconcile with the Team and League ... deleting constant replays of guilt and shame.
By the end of camp, I no longer wanted to be a free-agent. I wanted to be a franchise player with a permanent contract with Team Catholic. I signed the dotted line on April 8, 2006 and never looked back.

Where can you connect with Patti?
Visit me at my blog: http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Visit my author's page: http://amazon.com/author/pattijsmith
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/gridirongranny
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/gridirongranny
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny

Teens critique Marcia Lee Laycock's "The Ambassadors" Series!

I've been in classrooms many times, asked to talk with students of various ages about being a writer. But this was a bit different. This time the students had been assigned to read and then write about my novel. I was nervous as I entered and stood before a bunch of staring eyes but then I started talking about the book, when and why I wrote it and what God had done in my life. The eyes softened and heads sometimes nodded. There was even a smile or two now and then. In the end a group gathered around me to chat some more.

It seemed they like the book. Here are a few of their comments from teens at CACHS:

"The Ambassadors had many positive elements. I valued the scripture that was included in this book. It was an excellent reminder of God’s presence in our lives. It is easy to overlook that God is always working behind the scenes on our behalf and this book displayed His work in a tangible way. I loved some of the little surprises in the plot. I think this book is an excellent read for Christian adolescents."

"As a devoted and voracious fantasy reader, I enjoyed this book. Marcia Lee Laycock is a very good writer and utilises excellent imagery – for example, early in the story she aptly paints an immense mountain scene that drew me in and took me there – to a place of awe and chilly thin air. I would recommend this book to young Christian readers because it provided an easily understandable explanation and demonstration of salvation and child-like faith."

"The Ambassadors is a decent book with twists and turns in the plot which all good books should have. The character development is really good. I lived how Eghan thinks within himself, often debating whether he things the faith of his friends is worth the risk. I was kept interested as the story constantly shifted from each character. The ending was fascinating as the characters’ lives all became intertwined with each other bringing the plot to an intense climax. The plot is captivating as it intensifies slowly throughout the whole book and peaks a the right time."


"Marcia Lee Laycock’s novel, The Ambassadors displayed many good uses of imagery. In the mountains, she describes the valley beneath the late summer sun and all of the flowers blooming with bright colours. In her way of writing the scenery is described so vividly that I could picture in my mind."

"Laycock used very good imagery and comparisons in her novel. For example, in the beginning of the novel she writes: “Consciousness seeped into Eghan like the mists that slipped seductively down from the mountains – slowly – so slowly his mind fought to clear the haze away.” This is a good book that I would recommend to a young Christian audience."


Drop by Marcia Lee Laycock's Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marcia-Lee-Laycock/e/B007ATSV1E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1432823925&sr=8-4

Joseph Max Lewis - Collie Rescue - and some Do's and Don'ts regarding flea control!

For over 15 years I’ve been involved in Collie Rescue including adopting the more difficult to place males that have gone stray. For those not familiar with the breed, Male Standard Rough Hair Collies (like Lassie) go about 80 to 85 lbs and are covered with a thick, beautiful double lair coat which attracts fleas and ticks like a magnet.

Here are some dos and don’ts regarding flea control. AS ALWAYS, CONSULT A VET!!!

DO’S: Talk to your vet first. In the end it’s your decision and though new agey type vets will try to sell you product, you must still get their input first. Personally, I use and have always used an old fashioned flea collar. Make double sure you get and defer to Vet advice if you have a dog that’s already on meds, is weak, old, a puppy, pregnant, sick, nursing, or has a history of adverse reactions to meds. Buy your flea remedies from a vet or big box retailer. There’s some real junk out there, especially online. Knock off meds and remedies can hurt or kill your dog. Watch for signs of an adverse reaction, redness, skin irritation, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, trembling, depression, agitation or seizures. If that happens, yank the collar. If you’re using a topical, wash the dog with just a touch of soap, then rinse and rinse and rinse while you’re on the phone with the Vet. If you use oral flea prevention and get a bad reaction I have no idea what to do besides calling the Vet - it’s one of the reasons I don’t like intrusive stuff - what can you do?

DON’TS: Don’t use cat or other meds or remedies on dogs, it can hurt or kill them. Don't administer anything more than once and only within the instructions. Know how much your dog weighs and dose ONLY as recommended. Don’t guess or try to save money. Follow the instructions. Anything else is an over dose!

Joseph Max Lewis josephmaxlewis.com author of The Diaries of Pontius Pilate, Separation of Church and State and Baghdad Burning.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Max-Lewis/390366621022306

Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008ZHHUBW

Joseph Max Lewis served as a member of an Operational Detachment in the U.S. Army's Seventh Special Forces Group, the storied Green Berets. During his service Lewis received antiterrorist training and his detachment was tasked to "Special Projects." Afterward, he served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course. Lewis attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in International Politics and Law while being certified in Middle East Studies.

After living and studying abroad, first in the Middle East and then Southeast Asia, Lewis returned home to practice law. He’s a columnist in the New Bethlehem Leader-Vindicator and author of The Diaries of Pontius Pilate, Separation of Church and State and Baghdad Burning. He currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Grab the FREE audiobook sample of William Tasch's "Backslide" right NOW!

William Tasch's "Backslide" is being made into an audiobook! It will be available next week,June 4th,during our next Thirsty Thusrday Party.

Would you like to listen to the FREE sample? Just use the "Contact Form" on the sidebar and we will be happy to send it to you!

Here is what "Backslide" is all about and a little bit about William Tasch:

Paul Compton was a star quarterback on the football team in his high school. His family had money until his father lost everything. Paul is reduced from being the good looking kid who had the friends, money and girls to taking a job at a local burger joint. It’s there Paul is introduced to the charismatic Cole Jeffries who always has a smile on his face and is constantly talking about salvation. Paul soon comes to salvation along with his once very vain sister.
Several years later, Paul finds himself married with two kids and his longtime friend Cole is now married to his sister and is a televangelist. Paul finds himself weighted down by the stress of balancing work, marriage, kids, church, money and life in general. On a business trip he makes a mistake that spirals him out of control. He is overcome with regret and eventually finds himself out of a family, drinking heavily and sinking farther down than he’s ever been.

William Tasch (1962-present) was raised in a small town in Wisconsin and was the youngest of five children. After graduating high school and working for a while, he joined the army and his world travels began. He also married his wife Deena and raised a family of three kids while traveling around the world. He finally settled down in Southern California where he works in law enforcement and enjoys writing in his spare time. He enjoys writing Christian fiction with everything a good book should have, suspense, love, action, twists, humor and a positive message.

Drop by William Tasch's Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/William-Tasch/e/B007XTR0SG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1432821188&sr=8-1

What does Jen Cudmore's Western novel "Athena Creek" and Kelly Clarkson's "Before He Cheats" have in common?

“Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” William Congreve

I’ve always liked that song from Carrie Underwood “Before He Cheats.” I believe any woman (or man) can imagine what they would do to an unfaithful partner for revenge if there were no consequences.

Would we trash a vehicle, like in Carrie’s song? I think many of us would.

Slash the tires? Sure!

Scrape the side with a key? You bet!
Smash the headlights with a baseball bat? Bring it on!

I went through a phase where all I wanted to read was western and prairie stories. I think I read all of Lori Copland’s books in one year! Then one day as I was listening to Carrie’s song, I began to wonder what the same situation would look like back in the 1800’s.

Thus, the birth of a book. Which lead to a series of three stories set in the West right after the Great Migration over the Oregon Trail. I smushed fictitious Clayton County between Klickitat and Skamania counties in Washington state.

In Athena Creek, Lynette lives with her parents in a little community near the Columbia River. When her intended cheats on her, she comes to that cliché crisis of deciding her future. Unfortunately, her retaliation gets her into a bit of trouble. Find out what she does with chocolate cake, a Winchester Rifle, and a Mustang in The Lawmen of Clayton County: Athena Creek.

“Gunner was now preoccupied on the other side of the house. All thoughts of destroying his property vanished. She’d best get across the yard before he noticed her there.
“Then another idea formed I her mind, one that made her downright giddy.”
- Excerpt from The Lawmen of Clayton County: Athena Creek

Set in the rugged Oregon Territory of the 1850’s, the first of three fast-paced historical romances features a new marshal who remains determined to uphold the law—despite a feisty young woman who intrigues him. When Lynette Ellis’ hot temper lands her in jail on her first night in town, she attempts to repair her reputation in town, and with the marshal, Trace Ingram. The suspense builds as investigation of three mysterious deaths appears to point to Charles McCrae, the businessman who recruited Trace. Charles usually gets whatever he wants, except for beautiful saloon singer Niccola Canalis, who turned down both his marriage proposals. Niccola, desperate to escape her employer’s clutches, needs a man willing to stand up to Charles. As Trace digs deeper for the truth, he begins to realize just how powerful Charles really is. With the help of Niccola and her bodyguard, he believes he can bring Charles to justice, but then Lynette gets caught in the plot. Can Trace stop Charles before anyone else gets hurt?

Drop by Jen's Amazon Author Page to see all of her titles and much more: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Cudmore/e/B00D9EMQ7Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1432818859&sr=8-4

How would you like to be able to listen to over 20 audiobook samples by going to just one place?

How would you like to be able to listen to over 20 audiobook samples by going to just one place?

The audiobook genres cover everything from Fantasy and Sci-Fi to Devotionals and almost everything you can think of in between!

What do you have to do to get the link to go to this magical place?

Pretty simple: just fill out the “Contact Form” on the left sidebar of the HHP Blog and we will send you an invitation to enter.

The newest audiobook sample is Tony Hilling’s “The Voice of Aedistamen-The Child’s Arrival”.

IF YOU COULD ASK GOD ONE QUESTION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
WOULD IT BE ABOUT EVIL, OR SUFFERING?
IN THE “VOICE OF AEDISTAMEN” AN EPIC, BIBLICAL FANTASY BY TONY HILLING, THERE IS A CHOSEN PEOPLE WHO ENDURE MUCH EVIL AND SUFFERING. BUT THERE’S MUCH MORE.
THEIR GOD HAS A MIND TO SAVE THEM…

Coming Soon: Mark Venturini "Whispers From Forbidden Earth-Blood Tithe-V2-Nightmares in The Dark"

A boy and an elf have been chosen: one for the Blood Tithe, the other for the Binding Ceremony. Two children chosen on two worlds. For Jason Snider, the Tithe means nothing short of forfeiting his life for the faeries of the Winter Court. For the elf Strum, the Binding means joining his mind and soul to a mad, tormented mage.

So Jason and Strum are running for their lives, one on Earth, the other on Eversong. The chosen have become the hunted.

Now, even more than their own lives are at stake. Jason and Strum must both decide to confront their pursuers in order to save their fathers.

Hi, I'm Mark Venturini, author of fantastical story for both children and adults. Will you join me as we journey through the Place between Places, that magical place between here and there? Perhaps you've seen a few of my shorter stories or flash fiction pieces over the years. I live in Southwestern PA, where I am happiest taking long walks with my wife, Kathy, and our dog, Bella. I love kayaking and backpacking through the back-country with close friends . . . and of course reading fantasy.

Check out my blog, Journey Through the Place Between Places, where I chat about anything that strikes my fancy: http://markventurinijourney.blogspot.com/

And my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarkVenturiniAuthor?fref=ts

Helping Hands Press "Spring Super Sale"!!!!!

SPRING SUPER SALE!!!

RIGHT now until June 18th everything in the Helping Hands Press Store is 25% OFF!!!!!!

When you checkout, please put the code word SpringSuperSale into the coupon area to receive the discount.

Everything is on sale in the HHP Store-ALL audiobooks, ebooks, paperbacks and all pre-sale titles.

We will be adding in as many of our ebooks on a daily basis as we can, so please check back often.

Here is the direct link to the Helping Hands Press Store: http://shop.myhelpinghandspress.com/

Grayden St. Cyr is about to RIDE again in Murray Pura's "Silver City-V2-Honey, This Ain't My First Rodeo"

Grayden St. Cyr’s eyes went to steel.

“Most of the time I’m just dealing with broken and misguided and wrongheaded people with a chunk of bad boy in them,” he said. “But now and then I have to face real evil. When that happens there is only one thing to do if I want to save innocent lives.”

Six men glared at him.

“Step aside,” their black-leathered and black-bearded leader growled, towering over Grayden. “We’re not here for you today. Walk away, Marshal. Walk away and let us at ‘em.”

Grayden put his right hand on his holster. “Women and children. A crippled man. You think I’m going to walk away and let you slaughter them? That’s not how it goes down in New Mexico.”

“They crossed us.”

“I know about crosses. It’s because of a cross that I’m not going anywhere.”

“Are you crazy? There are six of us.”

“When it comes to evil there’s just one.”

“We’ll cut you to pieces!”

The six men moved like lightning and whipped out their MP5 machine pistols.

Grayden St. Cyr was just a shade faster than lightning. Not much. Just enough . . .

Please meet YA Fantasy and Children's Author Larry Peterson!

Larry Peterson Sr is an author and Catholic/Christian blogger and has written over 500 blogs. He was born and raised in the Bronx and moved to New Jersey when he got married. Eventually he and his family settled in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. He started writing newspaper commentary in the late 1980’s.

His books include the novel, The Priest and the Peaches” and the children’s book, “Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes”. He is in the final draft of his latest book, The Demons of Abadon, which is the sequel to The Priest and The Peaches.
Larry’s first wife died of cancer (Melanoma) in 2003. He married again in 2006. His new wife also had been widowed. Ironically, she came down with cancer (Lymphoma) in 2011. In the fall of 2014 she was also diagnosed as having early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Larry says, “We are both doing fine. Having Faith is a beautiful thing.”

Where can you connect with Larry on social media?
Website/Blog: http://www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Priest-Peaches-Larry-Peterson
Goodreads:www.goodreads/LarryPeterson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slipperywillie
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/larrytpbx