Maggie Blackbird

Hot Race Car Drivers

Maggie Blackbird

October 24, 2018

The Commitment Collection by Karen Botha

Today, I have author Karen Botha guesting at my blog. She’s here to talk about The Commitment Collection, her latest book series featuring super-hawt race car drivers. And of course she’ll be talking about super-hawt race car drivers. What can I say? I love that she’s a super-fan of this sport in the same way that I’m a super-fan of golf. Okay, I’ll shut up and hand the mic over to Karen.

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Race car drivers have to work out. If they don’t then they can’t handle the gruelling couple of hours it takes to throw a car around a million bends at two hundred kilometers per hour. In the Commitment series, I talk a lot about how lean they are because not only are they walls of muscle, but they also have to watch their weight to be as light as possible so they add the minimal load possible to the car. Kimi Räikkönen was even told he had to cut his weight before the start of the 2018 Formula 1 world championship to assist the handling of the car.

Fantasy Friday

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October 19, 2018

Fore!

The Race to Dubai continues on the European Tour. A big congratulations to England’s Eddie Pepperell, winner of last week’s British Masters. This week, the tour heads for Sotogrande, Spain for the Andalucia Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation at the Real Club Valderrama.

The PGA Tour is still in Asia, this time teeing it up at the Nine Bridges Golf Club on Jeju Island in South Korea where the pros will battle it out for the CJ Cup. A big congratulations to last week’s winner at the CIMB Classic, Australia’s Marc Leishman.

Here are my picks for this week.

Romance Cover Models (Golfers)

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October 18, 2018

For Throwback Thursday, here is a post about golfers who’d make awesome romance heroes.

Maggie Blackbird

Book-Cover Who’s on the Cover?

I can’t think of one reader who doesn’t enjoy a nice cover on a romance novel. Covers are important to readers and writers. If you see an awful cover, it makes you go “hmmm.” See a good cover and you want to find out more. And what author doesn’t dream up the perfect model to sell her/his story?

Being such a golf fanatic, I thought I’d do something fun today by casting professional golfers as models for romance novels, starting from YA (Young Adult) to MA (Mature Adult) and all genres in-between. Okay, I covered some genres, because if I went with every single one out there, I’d spend my day trying to finish this post LOL. So my apologies in advance if I skipped your favourite.

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WIP Wednesday

Maggie Blackbird

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October 17, 2018

I’m in full-on edit mode for Redeemed. Yes, I’ve re-written those last five chapters I yapped about in my previous WIP Wednesday post. I am now on round three of edits. I expect completion at the end of October. Then it’s off for a critique. Once I receive the critique, it’s on to round four. And while being critted, I will begin fast-drafting the third book in the series, Sanctified, during NaNoWriMo.

For those new to my blog, I am starting to post excerpts for Book Two in the Matawapit Trilogy published by eXtasy Books. Each novel is a stand-alone or can be read as a series.

WIP Wednesday

The Matawapit Family Trilogy: In the wilds of Northwestern Ontario, the secular world challenges the adult children of a perfect Catholic family headed by a full-blooded, domineering church deacon, when a vengeful former lover, an ex-fiancé out on parole, and a seductive family enemy, all dedicated to their Ojibway culture, test the faiths of Emery, Bridget, and Jude.

Here is teaser #2 from Redeemed:

Fantasy Friday

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October 12, 2018

Fore!

And I’m back with another edition of Fantasy Friday. My apologies for not posting my picks last week, but I had a special guest blogger who shared how to market your brand new novel. If you wish to read the fabulous post by Digital Book Girl, go on ahead. It’s full of handy information.

Back to golf. Last week, the first tournament for the PGA Tour’s 2018/19 season commenced in Napa, California at the Silverado Resort & Spa. A big congratulations to Kevin Tway for his tournament win at the Safeway Open.

For the next two weeks, the PGA Tour is in Asia. The first stop is the CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Kiara, Malaysia. Yes, while we’ve kissed summer goodbye in the northern hemisphere, the pro golfers are enjoying the wonderful hot and sunny weather below the equator.

As for the European Tour, now that they’ve completed the Alfred Dunhill Links with winner Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark (one of my picks for last week’s fantasy game) claiming the trophy, the Tour will continue the Race to Dubai in Surrey, England at Walton Heath Golf Club’s Old Course for the British Masters.

They’re in the Band

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October 11, 2018

Today’s Throwback Thursday isn’t “I’m with the band,” it’s about “they’re in the band.” Check out some great rock autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs that I highly recommend.

Maggie Blackbird

I previously did a post about memoirs/autobiographies written by the ladies with the band. For this post, I’m going to recommend awesome books about the rockers in the band, whether memoirs, autobiographies, or biographies.

music I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

Read on to find out which books kept me up late at night.

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Author Alert: Addison Carmichael

Maggie Blackbird

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October 8, 2018

Heads Up!

Do you enjoy a serving of fantasy with your romance? Even some paranormal? Did you ever make a wish as a child for your imagery friend to come true? Then you’d better be careful what you wish for. Why? Because author Addison Carmichael brings it to life in her Guarded Trilogy.

Currently in the works is another project Addison is working on, and I’ll be reviewing this novel once it’s released. So stay tuned for my thoughts on this book.

In other news, Addison’s re-launching her web site. And from what I’m hearing, you can expect an exciting time at the re-launch party. I’ll have more information in the near future.

Here are the books in Addison’s Guarded Trilogy:

Choosing the right book promoter!

Maggie Blackbird

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October 5, 2018

Digital Book Girl

Being new to book marketing after the release of my first novel through eXtasy Books on July 6th, I asked the staff at Digital Book Girl to guest at my blog in order to help fellow authors choose the right book promotion service for their shiny new release they’ve slaved over. There are many promotional services available, so why not ask an expert what you need to consider when researching book promotion services?

Digital Book Girl & Staff not only offer great advice, but they’re here to answer any questions you have, so please, ask away in the comment section. Here is Digital Book Girl:

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First Nations Memoirs

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October 4, 2018

Today’s Throwback Thursday is memoirs by First Nations people.

Maggie Blackbird

I enjoy memoirs/autobiographies/biographies about the First People of Canada, so I thought I’d share a few that stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Canoe Everyone’s journey is a story.

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The Ryder Cup

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September 28, 2018

Fore!

There is no Fantasy Friday today because anyone who is anyone is at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France for the Ryder Cup. And what exactly is the Ryder Cup? An exhibition match that’s been going since 1927, originally played between the USA and Great Britain. In 1973, the Republic of Ireland joined Team Britain. And in 1979, Continental Europe was added. This is when the matches really began to heat up, because CE has some very talented players.

Fueled by rivalry between European and American fans–and even the European and American golfers, the best of the best from the USA and Europe engage in three days of in-your-face match-play (foursomes, four-ball, and singles) golf to claim the prestigious trophy every other year.

Get ready to hear the familiar chants of, “USA! USA!” and “Olé! Olé! Olé! Olé?! Olé! ” Watch for the craziest of crazy outfits worn by fans. Cover your ears because the roars are intense. I don’t know who’s more livelier: The American or European fans.

Being Canadian, I have no dog in this race. But I will admit I have a soft spot for Team Europe because who doesn’t love an underdog? And I have a great love for the European Tour.

But with Tiger on Team USA this year, I do want to see him help his boys retain the Ryder Cup. However, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is on Team Europe. Boohoo. Who to pick? My top two fave golfers slugging it out. I am torn! All in all it’ll be three awesome days of golf.

Here are the teams:

Favourite Romance Couples (books)

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September 27, 2018

Today’s Throwback Thursday: Favourite romance couples in novels.

Maggie Blackbird

romance couple Love is in the air!

I’m a romance junkie. I got into romance through Sooner or Later, a young adult tale about a savvy girl in elementary school who falls for a high school senior. Daring, huh? It sure was for the time period when the novel was released by Bruce and Carol Harte.

Thirteen and seventeen is a big gap. Of course Jessie Walters (the heroine) had to lie about her age to win a date with Michael (hero). Since these two are a given on my top couples list, I’ll move on to other pairings I still think of as ultra-perfect for each other long after I read their story.

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WIP Wednesday

Maggie Blackbird

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September 26, 2018

I thought I’d try something different today by posting an excerpt from the current WIP (Work in Progress) that I’m working on.

Redeemed is the second book in the Matawapit Family Trilogy: In the wilds of Northwestern Ontario, the secular world challenges the adult children of a perfect Catholic family headed by a full-blooded, domineering church deacon, when a vengeful former lover, an ex-fiancé out on parole, and a seductive family enemy, all dedicated to their Ojibway culture, test the faiths of Emery, Bridget, and Jude.

WIP Wednesday

I’m doing my second round of edits, and also re-writing the last five chapters. Have a sneak peek at Bridget’s story. Keep in mind this is only my second edit pass. I usually do up to five or six passes.

It’s book giveaway time!

Maggie Blackbird

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September 24, 2018

Today I’m blogging at TBQ’s Book Palace and she has me in the interview chair, so there will be no Monday post from me. Stop on by and comment so you can have a chance at winning an e-copy of my newest release Blessed–a M/M, Multi-cultural, contemporary romance starring the Ojibwa people of Northwestern Ontario.

You’re invited to the party!

Maggie Blackbird

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September 21, 2018

The Book Carousel’s Re-Launch Party is happening this weekend–starting today! Come on out and join in the fun. I’m hosting from 8:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, on Saturday, September 22nd. And I’ll be doing a giveaway!

Click to join me at the Book Carousel.

Fantasy Friday

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September 21, 2018

Fore!

The Fed-Ex Cup comes to an end at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia at the East Lake Golf Course. Thirty players who survived the last three cuts will slug it out for the prestigious Fed-Ex Cup Trophy and the Tour Championship Trophy.

Across the pond, the European Tour is heading for the Dom Pedro Victoria Course in Vilamoura, Algrave, Portugal. Stars in the field are two former Masters winners: Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett of England.

In other news, USA Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk made his final selection of his four wildcard picks. The golfer who is joining Team USA in France is Tony Finau.

Team USA’s line-up is officially: Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Webb Simpson, who came in on order of merit, and the captain’s picks: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Tony Finau.

Here are my fantasy picks for the Portugal Masters and Fed-Ex Cup Tour Championship:

She’s with the Band

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September 20, 2018

I decided to start Throwback Thursday–A reblogging of previous posts in the archive. This week’s TT is books about rock wives, girlfriends, and groupies. Enjoy

Maggie Blackbird

Music-Note It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll

Being a die-hard music fan, I enjoy memoirs and autobiographies by groupies and WAGS (wives and girlfriends)–the lovely ladies who inspired many of the songs we love. What about those who work in the music industry or became part of the band’s inner-circle? They’re included, too, because these gals kicked some serious ass.

Have a peek at some of the books I’ve read over the years in case you’re interested in purchasing what kept me awake while I should have been sleeping.

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The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women of Canada (Part II)

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September 19, 2018

I did a previous post about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women of Canada, recommending books I read, along with providing the web site link where further information can be obtained.

Since that post, I located more books on the MMIW that I haven’t had a chance to read, but plan on adding to my ever-growing TBR pile.

Footprints

Join in the celebration!

Maggie Blackbird

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September 17, 2018

As an author for eXtasy Books, I am a member of The Book Carousel, a Facebook Group playground where authors of eXtasy Books and Devine Destinies host parties, giveaways, and interact on a daily basis with readers of our books.

Book Carouel 2

We are gearing up for a grand re-opening and want to include everyone in on the fun. So be sure to JOIN the group, because from September 21st to the 23rd, we got plenty of fun and game for readers.

Fantasy Friday

Maggie Blackbird

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September 14, 2018

Fore!

The PGA Tour is taking a break from golf this week, so I have no fantasy picks for the Golf Channel and PGA.

But across the pond, the European Tour is in full swing (pun intended!) as the Race to Dubai continues to heat up. Everyone who is anyone is heading for Spjik, Netherlands to tee it up at The Dutch, a championship course designed by Scotland’s star golfer Colin Montgomerie.

France’s Romain Wattel will defend his title at The KLM Open. Unfortunately, the Netherlands’ star golfer Joost Luiten is sitting out his home tournament because he is recovering from much-needed wrist surgery. Joost, a six-time winner on the European Tour, will be very much missed. I know I’ll miss him. Joost is one of my favourite golfers!

Here are my fantasy picks:

European Tour – KLM Open

Andy Sullivan (England)
Søren Kjeldsen (Denmark)
Paul Dunne (Ireland)
Jorge Campillo (Spain)
Li Haotong (China)
Erik Van Rooyen (South Africa) *****

These five gentlemen have been high on the leaderboard as of late, so my fingers are crossed they’ll perform just as well at the KLM. As for Eric, he’s ready for a win, so he’s my captain. Let’s see if I can FINALLY rank a little bit higher on the fantasy points list this time.

The Fall TV Season

Maggie Blackbird

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September 12, 2018

What’cha Watching?

I’m a sucker for period dramas and mysteries. I should be because historical romance is my favourite genre to read. Since I’m on good ol’ satellite TV and not hip to Netflix LOL, I naturally gear up for the fall TV season. Mind you I don’t watch a lot of shows, but when I do find one I love, I become a rabid fan!

For this post, I am happy to say that CBC is airing the twelfth season of Murdoch Mysteries and the second season of Frankie Drake Mysteries, starting Monday night, September 24th.

I did a previous post about Frankie and the girls, so be sure to check it out. As for Murdoch, read my other post about Canadian TV shows, because Murdoch is included.

Murdoch commenced in Victorian era Toronto, but with the passing of Queen Victoria, the setting is now the Edwardian period. Frankie and her merry gals are solving mysteries during the roaring twenties.

Both shows not only tackle murder mysteries, but also social problems during their respective eras. There is also some nice romance going on for viewers who enjoy a serving of the stuff.

Murdoch Mysteries is based on author Maureen Jennings‘ novel series. She recently released Let Darkness Bury the Dead, the eighth novel in the series. The books have a darker feel to them than the more lighter TV series, and I highly recommend reading them. Maureen is a brilliant writer who brings the city of Toronto and the characters to life.

What about you? What shows are you looking forward to?