Happy 4th of July at the July 3rd Blast!
Each year, Kiwanis of Woodlake puts on a huge festival, The July 3rd Blast, for the people of Woodlake. About ten thousand people attend the festivities. This year, I will have a booth and be selling books, including Story Chat Volumes I and II. More about that later.
My friend Connie, who was a language arts consultant for the County Office of Education where I worked, is reading Story Chat Volume 2 right now. She said, “It’s surprisingly good.”
Whaaaa? I was offended. “What do you mean, surprisingly?”
“The stories are really good. I normally like longer novels.”
True that. She usually reads ten-pound books with 700-1,000 pages about people in other galaxies or times. We used to have marathon reads and book chats. So, stories that are complete in 1,500 words or less are a huge switch in genre for her.
Have fun, Connie. 🙂
Dan’s Amazon Review
The busiest people take the time to write reviews. I am so appreciative and in awe of their commitment to our writing community. Last week, both Dan and Willow wrote reviews for my new book, Embracing the Power to Live. I am proud to share them with you today.
Here is Dan’s review on Amazon.
For those like me who can’t read the tiny print, here’s what he said.
This book is An Uplifting Experience
“Marsha Ingrao’s collection of poetry, verses and the aspects of her life from which she draws her understanding and inspiration is fascinating to read. I know Ingrao’s work, mainly through her blog and Story Chat series in which I came to view her as a guide. Reading this collection gave me insight into the person behind that guide. It’s a wonderful series of poems and the stories that exposed her to the people and situations through which she has traveled. The poems are a wonderful reflection on her experience and offer lessons for all those who read them. Through this enjoyable read, we are offered opportunities for our own reflection. I found reading this book to be an uplifting experience.” Dan Antion
Please visit his review and give it a thumbs up if you happen to be on the Amazon website. Even though I check the Amazon site regularly, please let me know if you write a review, so I can thank you publicly on my blog.<a
A Little About Dan Antion
Dan is an avid blogger who hosts several blogging challenges on his website, NoFacilities, and responds to several others. Here is my submission to CFFC challenge – different perspectives (a view from below). Here is the link if you want to add your perspective this week.
He has written a number of books that I’m addicted to reading. He writes mysteries, which is one of my favorite genres. Five books in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series: Knuckleheads, The Evil You Choose, When Evil Chooses You, Secrets Held Against Evil, and Dreamer’s Alliance. Then, with A Bridge to Nowhere, he started the Rascal Todd Series. His newest book, Poetic Justice, written with Willow, is the second book in that series. I’m about halfway through and I love it.
Willow’s Good Reads Review
For those with visual impairments, it is written below.
“I read this book in its pre-published stage and again after Marsha kindly sent me a copy. What struck me most was what Marsha herself says about this book “Embracing the Power to Live isn’t a step-by-step self-help book—do these ten things, and you’ll be an instant success.” No it is a poetic memoir full of hits and misses that you’ll enjoy if you listen with your head full of dreams.”Yes indeed it is that …a book for a sunny day or a rainy afternoon. It will raise your spirits and build your character. This is a slice of Marsha’s life and there is something there for all of us to learn from in it. I can highly recommend this book. It is a true life Gem!” Willow Willers
Dan hasn’t been busy just writing reviews. He’s created a new book with Willow Willers that is fabulous. Watch this trailer.
Willow Willers has Also Posted a Review
Thank you so much for your review on your blog, Willow. Thank you to all of you who visited her. Here is the link. I would so appreciate it if you head over to her blog and leave her a comment. I will see you over there as well. 🙂
Willow also posted a link to her first post, which was part of the blog tour. She was one of my Beta readers and made such a difference in how the book shaped up.
Still Reading Nonet for Tanka Tuesday
Willow has contributed to numerous poetry anthologies, including Poetry Treasures 3 by Robbie Cheadle and This Is Lockdown by M. J. Mallon. In addition to everything else, Willow is hosting Tanka Tuesday this week. She asks us to write nonets. I love nonets, so here’s mine.
Still
reading
Poetic
Justice written
by Willow and Dan
So much danger, with lots
of clues to help you solve the
mystery of Winston's death and
Trevor's deliberate accident.
Poetic Justice is a great book. Here’s the link. I’ll have a review ready for you next week. 🙂
I just linked my week to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share. Slip over there and have a sip of coffee and take a lovely walk through Manulife Gardens in downtown Toronto with her.
Preparing to Be a First-Time Book Vendor Tomorrow
Thank you, Colleen Chesebro and her Unicorn Cats, for suggesting that I start selling books myself at events. I start today at the July 3rd Blast in Woodlake, CA. I’ve been MIA on my blog quite a bit while I’ve been getting ready.
In addition to the four books I have, I printed up some of my best photos of Woodlake, most of which are historic now themselves.
I feel so excited. Wish me luck, everyone! It’s going to be over 100 today!
One preparation that took lots of time this week was revising an old post that I will use as a giveaway for people who sign up for my newsletter. This is a wonderful picture that a friend let me use of a Mineral King cabin. There has been a renewed interest in this in the past couple of years.
If you have time, check out my new author page.
Another First Visit with a Blogging Friend
Last week, Vince and I also had the privilege of meeting Story Chat author Gary Wilson and his lovely wife, Evelyn. We had dinner together, and he graciously autographed a few Story Chat books for us. Fortunately for him, my big orders hadn’t come in yet. But I sold two books to a friend because she loved his last Story Chat story, “The Shrew of Termagant Court!” Can you believe it? I forgot to take pictures! We hope they will come back through here on their way home.
Another Shameless Ad
Upcoming and Ongoing on Always Write
- July 1 Darlene Foster “Was That a Scream?” A short thriller!
- June 3 Tips Day – Best tips for writers from writers
- June 11 Over a Cuppa: Feeling Loved
- June 17 Gary Wilson “The Shrew of Termagant Court”
- June 24 SCD Poetry Day Smitha Vishwanath, Robbie Cheadle, Raj and me
- June 25 Over a Cuppa Book Review: Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle
Have a wonderful hump day and may the rest of your week be gorgeous! xxxx
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
53 responses to “Reviews from Dan Antion and Willow Willers and the July 3rd Blast Over a Cuppa”
Congratulations on your book and good luck your book sale!
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Thanks, Julie. It didn’t go quite as I had visualized it with people teaming around me buying books as fast as I could pull them out of the boxes. 🙂 xxx
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Dan’s and Willow’s reviews are fantastic, Marsha! I’m so happy and excited for you! I never sell many books at any book signing or book selling events. But as Diana said, it’s always fun to chat with people. I sure hope you can come at the end of August. Diana and I will meet this month, I think. She’ll email me. Terri is going to Yellowstone in September. I was there about 20 years ago when my dad, my brother and his wife came to see us. I wish I could join Terri but it’s unlikely at this point.
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I can’t this month. I’m getting started with all new doctors, and it seems like there’s a ton of them. I accidently scheduled a car appointment on top of a dexascan yesterday. So I have to go back on the 23. I’m so popular with the medical profession.
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No worries! I thought you said Terri and you are going to meet in August.
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Great chatting today. Diana is on board. We just need to pick a day. 🙂
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Hope the sales went well today Marsha!!! Great review from Dan on your book and your very kind shout out to him and to Willow on their new book!. Love your poem!!
🩷
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Thank you, Cindy. Sales were last week. I wrote a newsletter, but haven’t figured out how to get it out. Mailchimp isn’t syncing with Canva like it promised.
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Oh got it.. I so know all about that… yikes. You’ll get it! 🩷🤩
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We will see what happens. 🙂 xxx
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Hang in there… !!!! 🤞🏻
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Hi Marsha, I’m in awe of your writing and publishing accomplishments. I hope your first time experience as book vendor at events went well. Thank you for your weekend coffee share. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Thank you, my friend. 🙂 xxxx
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Thanks for the update and too bad you forgot to grab a photo with Gray and Evelyn – we had dinner with some new friends and forgot to get a photo – and it was fine, but sometimes those pictures become gems – oh and spekaing of “gems’ I like how Willow used that for your one way to describe your book.
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What a lovely summary of everything going on in your life, Marsha. The reviews from Dan and Willow are wonderful – what great gifts. I hope your book sale was a success, and that you stayed hydrated if not cool. I love face to face events with readers. Even if the sales aren’t great, just chatting about books and reading makes me happy. Happy July, my friend.
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Thank you, my lovely friend. I hope you will be around in August. Terri and I were talking about a date in later August sometime. I haven’t booked a flight yet.
I didn’t have too many sales (2) LOL, so it was a bust sales-wise, but it was eye-opening in many ways. I’ve always been on the other side of the event – part of the hosting team, so this was very different, and I met some of the vendors and learned what vendors do and what works and doesn’t work. 🙂 xxx
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August would be great! When your plans firm up, just let me know. I never sell a lot of books at events, but they are fun. Just don’t use chocolate to entice people to your table. 🙂 Unless you want fingerprints on your books! Lol
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hahaha – In 100 degree heat, that wasn’t an option! LOL Great. I’ll start looking at flights.
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Great coffee share, Marsha. I love that you met up with Gary from our blogging world. I miss Gary in our coffee group, but it is good to know that he is still writing.
Happy Sunday.
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I think he has been overwhelmed with family things getting his daughter settled across the continent. That’s a huge job! 🙂 I know he misses chatting with everyone on coffee share. 🙂 xxx
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What a fantastic roundup, Marsha. I loved reading about your booth at the July 3rd Blast—how exciting to be selling your books and photos in person! Dan and Willow’s thoughtful reviews are well-deserved. It’s lovely to see how much support you’re receiving from the writing and blogging community. ❤
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I know, I am so blessed by all our blogging friends. This is such a wonderful way to get acquainted. I am never lonely – ever. Virtual hugs are real!
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Bravo on the 5-star reviews!
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I know, yay! I’m super thrilled, believe me!
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So much down-home excitement in this post. This is what holidays should be. Thanks for sharing these.
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Thank you, Jacqui. It’s my pleasure.
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Wow, this is exciting, Marsha! So happy for you! I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Have the best time and enjoy meeting people and sell a lot of books!
❤️
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Thanks, my dear friend. 🙂 xxx
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Always!!!! 💕
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xxx
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Best of luck for tomorrow dear friend. Love your photos and amazing reviews. 👏🏼
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Thank you so much, Sadje. I looked forward to it for a long time, and so many people helped me along the way.
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You’re most welcome dear friend
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I hope you have a fantastic day selling your books at the festival. I loved doing that back home. Your post today is full of great information. I liked Dan’s review on Amazon and Willow’s on Goodreads. I bought their book plus the first one in the series. While I was reading the comments, I followed a few bloggers I’m not familiar with. I’ll head over to Story Chat for the latest edition since I must have missed it. Thanks, Marsha
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Kay, you are such a blessing! I love that you followed a few new bloggers. That’s what this is all about, isn’t it?
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I hope the day goes wonderfully for you, my friend. 🥰
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Thank you, so much, Janet. So many people have helped me along my way.
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It was my pleasure to review your book, Marsha I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thanks for mentioning Willow’s and my book today.
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You are more than welcome. I hope it breaks records. 🙂
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I hope you have a fun day with many sales and some great conversation. And say Hi to Connie for me too. 🙂 Love you both.
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I had brunch with Connie the other day. We had so much to talk about and catch up. She’s been eternally traveling recently, but has slowed down some of her travels for the rest of the year. She was going to Scotland, but now is going to wait a bit.
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Wow, you sure know how to build a lot of information into one blog post! Good luck with your book sale! I’ve never done anything like that but it seems like a great way to introduce yourself to a new audience.
How fun that you got to meet Gary! I love blogger meet-ups… next time take pictures!
Try to stay cool tomorrow!
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I know! What’s wrong with us? We got too busy catching up like old friends rather than people who just met for the first time.
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It’s so true- the busiest people are the ones who make time to write reviews and help others. Us idle Jacks just nod and smile. I wish you the very best of days tomorrow, Marsha. I can feel your excitement bubbling over from here xx
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You aren’t an Idle Jack, but I love that term! LOL Most of the time I am an Idle Jack! 🙂
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Hi Marsha where do I start …writing a review for you was a pleasure as was reading your book…it’s a lovely experience!
Your Nonet is so much fun and a delight to see thank you for joining in … I love hosting Tanka Tuesday once a month! It really is fun.
Dan is a great friend to us all and his review was excellent too.
Good luck tomorrow I hope you sell lots of books. 💜😁
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Thank you dear heart! I have a little break before I start. Just a few last minute things to print, and we are ready to go. Vince is helping me.
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I enjoyed your nonet, Marsha. I just finished Dan & Willow’s book last night. What a fabulous collaboration!! Have fun at your event tomorrow and sell lots of books! YOU can do this. I can imagine all the new friends you will have by the 4th! Sending you big hugs and lots of good luck for many sales. Your photos are stunning! 🤩
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Thank you so much, Colleen. You are such a great encouragement to me. See what you started? Vince is going to help me tomorrow. Yay!!!!
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I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the book, Colleen.
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Now that July 3rd is over, I have all day to read. I can’t wait to finish.
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Hi Marsha
Hope all goes well tomorrow!
Amazing reviews of your book 👏👏👏..
Reviews always give a great boost 🤗
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Thank you, Maggie. They are amazing reviews, and very humbling.
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