Regency era trivia and timelines

Source: napoleon-fashion.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

1811

• Luddite riots occur in England against mechanizing the textile industry.
• Stamford Raffles administers Batavia and Java until 1816.
• The Mamelukes are massacred in Cairo by Mohammed Ali.
• Paraguay and Venezuela become independent.
• The French are driven out of Portugal.
• George III (now blind and becoming mad after losing his favorite daughter, Amelia) is declared insane by the Regency Act passed by Parliament on February 5 and his son, the Prince of Wales (age 49) is authorized and takes over the rule of England as regent.
• Anne Grant, 56, writes Superstitions of the Highlander in Edinburgh and gains the support of Walter Scott.
• Jane Austen's book, Sense and Sensibility, A Novel by a Lady is published anonymously in London. She is 36 year old spinster who will later be known as one of the world's great novelists.
• Napoleon decrees that French foundling hospitals will be given turntable devices (tours) so that parents can leave unwanted infants without being recognized. Before this, millions of babies had been drowned, smothered or abandoned, which Napoleon felt left the French army short of potential recruits. His effort works, eventually resulting in over 127,000 babies being left through such methods.

Friday's Featured Title: The Gift by Christine Young

Read an Excerpt:

The Gift

Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 1

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

"Get in the house, now!"

"Mama?"

Elice Weld shielded her eyes and watched the ground fog rising in the distance. She didn't know what was coming her way, but she could guess. The rumors that a Union cavalry unit was in the vicinity had spread like a wildfire on a Kansas prairie.

Rain had fallen all morning. Now the clouds had separated, and the sun heated the earth, causing the evaporation of the water-soaked ground. The cavalry rode through the mist like dark, avenging wraiths bent on the destruction of all mankind. She could see seven men silhouetted on the horizon.

"Izzy, go." Elice didn't want to frighten her daughter but the urgency of the moment could not be denied.

"But mama?"

"Go to the cellar. Now."

"It's dark."

Izzy's voice echoed in Elice's head, filling her with a wild panic she didn't know how to stop. Every time soldiers approached she was terrified. The last four years had been the longest years of her life. "Do as I say, quickly." Elice hugged her daughter, turning her at the same moment and with a gentle shove sent her through the open door of her house.

"Izzy."

Elice knew the panic in her voice would mobilize her young daughter. She despised the fear and the terror. She loathed the war. She looked up. The fog was dissipating, and she could see the dark blue of the Union coats. She didn't have anything left for the soldiers to take. Good God, they'd taken everything already--everything save her daughter and her hope for the future.

She inhaled a quick breath then stood on the steps, hands folded together in front of her, watching the dark wraiths inch closer. She knew from experience she couldn't fight these men. She would do as they said and when they left, she would put the pieces of her life back together.

Until the next time…

"Mama," Elice jumped when her daughter tugged on her skirt before looking at her with sorrow-filled eyes. "Are the soldiers going to take my doll?"

"No," Elice ruffled her little girl's hair. "Go back inside. Go to the cellar and don't come out until I tell you it's safe."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine." But Elice knew she might be lying to her child. She wasn't always fine when the soldiers invaded their home. "Now go and don't make me say it again. Stay there until I come for you."

Izzy nodded before she turned and walked through the parlor to the stairs leading to the cellar.

Please Welcome Annie Nicholas author of Omegas In Love

Please welcome Annie Nicholas she is an honored guest here today. Annie will be talking about her book Omegas in love and it sounds fascinating.

 Annie will be giving away an ebook choice from her backlist at each of her stops. One random commenter from the entire tour will receive an autographed copy of each of the first three Vanguards books and a $10 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. In addition, the host with the most comments (excluding Annie's and the host's) will receive a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card.

Blurb

Some things are best to forget. But what if the past won't be forgotten?

Born in China of a pure shifter bloodline, Katrina was raised with only one purpose--to breed. Abused by her alpha, she runs away to America as soon as she can. With a new pack and her true mate, she thinks the nightmare is behind her, but when she is abducted on the streets of Chinatown, Katrina must face her past and fight for her freedom.

It took Tyler a year to earn Katrina's love, another to build her confidence and pride, and only a moment to lose her. Broken-hearted, Tyler won't give up his search for Katrina. But he never trained as a warrior like the other shifters. What chance does a real estate agent have in the fight for his mate?

WARNING: Explicit shifter sex, heartbroken torment, and an unstoppable shifter in love.

Meet the author: Check out her bio:

Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont, where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

Of Course We All Want to Know More About Annie: Curiouser and Curiouser...

Interview: Hope Annie talks a lot about her book. It sounds really great.

1.What or who inspired you to start writing?

A few years ago, it seems like ages now, I was sick and house bound for six months. After reading and rereading everything I own I decided to try and write my own story to save my sanity. That’s how my first novel Bait started.

2.How did you come up with ideas for your books? 


Usually, it starts with a character then I start asking questions about how that person would react to certain conflicts. I let these ideas stew in my head until a story forms, most of the time this process takes a few months. While I’m writing one book, I’m thinking about the next story. I have had a couple of dreams that turned into books. The Alpha was a dream. (2^nd book of the Vanguards) and a new series I’m shopping around to publishers came from a dream.

3.Can you tell us a little about your Vanguard series?

The Vanguards started with a small pack of geeky werewolves who hired a Nosferatu vampire warrior to teach them how to fight. The series follows each member of that original pack and how they used those teachings to grow. Sometimes a woman just needs to root for the underdog.

4.What expertise did you bring to your writing?

I have a great imagination and I’m an avid reader of multiple genres so I can sometimes bring an unusual story trope to the romance world.  

5.What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I love to garden. I could happily spend my day in the dirt and my yard is running out of space.

6.As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? Are there any more books planned for this series?

There are two more books planned after Omegas in Love: The Sigma (Sam’s story), releasing in August 2012, and The Prima (Sugar and Daedalus’ story, again). I have plans to continue this series but you’ll have to stay tuned.

I have three new series in development: A succubus, a dragon, and shifter one. LOL I’ve been busy.

7.If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?

Oh my, that’s a loaded question. No one has met my succubus, Pia, yet except my beta readers and editor. I’d totally be her in a hot second.  I mean, hot guys, great family, and an incubus lover. Who wouldn’t want to be her?

8.  What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Finish the book, no matter how bad you write it, finish it, the magic happens after when you edit.

9.   Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I outline the each book in general. The main conflicts and how to transition them, but I don’t detail the chapters until I’m ready to write it.

10.    Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books?

My love of plants peeks into my stories. Sometimes it’s in my descriptions or one my characters shares this passion. Sugar, the Vanguard’s token human, is an avid gardener and it appears within the series often.

11.        Can you tell us a little about the black moment in your book?

The hero and heroine are already in a relationship at the beginning of this book. Over this series, you see a little of how their relationship develops so this book express how strong they have become. The black moment is when they both realize they lost each other forever. I can’t reveal more than that without spoilers :)

Excerpt

An antique red archway covered the entrance to the tourist trap to keep evil spirits away and good luck in. Sticking his hand in his jacket pocket, he rubbed the small, velvet jewelry box he’d placed there earlier today. He could use all the luck he could get—just because Katrina was his mate, didn’t mean she’d agree to get married.

Raised in an all-wolf-shifter community in rural Mongolia, she didn’t think like American shifters. Like him. He took a deep, shaky breath. Marriage was a foreign ritual to her.

He’d chosen this location not just for his superstitions, but for its significance. Katrina worked in the area, a place where the old Asian world met the new, as an interpreter for some of the local companies.

She waited under the arch, facing him, her delicate eyebrows furrowed. An Asian man he didn’t recognize spoke with her.

Facing the stranger’s back, Tyler could only see his short black hair and long fall trench coat.

A sharp stab of jealousy drove him to quicken his pace. He couldn’t help it. As a shifter, possession was nine-tenths of the law, and Katrina belonged to him.

Passing half a dozen souvenir shops offering cheap trinkets, Tyler trotted along Wentworth Avenue. Katrina’s raised voice reached his ears, but he couldn’t understand Mandarin. He growled low in his chest. His mate didn’t yell often.

Three other men broke from the crowd and surrounded the arguing couple.

Tyler’s heart rate took off like a locomotive on a downhill slide. He smelled shifters. Non-Vasi shifters on their territory. Surrounding his mate.

Thank you so much,

Christine

Links to Annie

Website: www.annienicholas.com

Blog: www.annienicholas.blogspot.com

Group Blog: www.paranormalromantics.blogspot.com

Twitter: @annienicholas

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annie-Nicholas/162716537103705

Check out Annie links, don't forget to leave a comment and 

oh... don't forget to buy her book. 

Faerie Trivia

I guess I'm into trivia but it is more about the research. I've started working on my May Day novella for the Angels anthology. So the more I learn about the fae folk the more I will know for the novella.

Source: sodahead.com via Chris on Pinterest

Here is to the fae folk!

The wild Irish peasantry believe that dust is raised on roads by fairies on a journey, and raise their hats to it, saying, “God speed you, gentlemen.” The Arabs think the whirlwind and waterspout are caused by evil jinns.

Since fairy time does not correspond to human time, humans who spend the night with fairies often return to see their great-grandchildren who are unknown to them.


A human caught in the fairy ring has to dance for a year and a day but to him it only seem likes minutes.


 Smaller fairies are more beautiful and virtuous.


Taller fairies are more dishonest and steal butter, milk, cows, goats and babies which they leave ugly changelings in their place.


Whenever you enter a fairy dwelling you should always remember to stick a piece of steel, such as a knife, a needle, or a fish-hook, in the door; for then the elves will not be able to shut the door till you come out again.

Fantastic Featured Title of the Week: The Wager

The Wager is the second book in my regency series. Allura being the first. And I am hoping to publish the third book in this series A Marriage of Inconvenience in December.

Read An Excerpt

The Wager

Christine Young

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 4

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Coast of England 1816

"It's a bloody cursed day." Damian Andrews swept the child into his arms and waded through the pounding surf to the beach. He braced himself against the out-going current then sloshed through the crashing waves. Salt spray clung to the wind, stinging his nostrils.

Damian turned. Beneath his ribs, his heart pounded the cadence hard and fast. He swore again as he watched the captain shout orders to his crew. The French brandy that was supposed to have arrived this night would have to wait.

Standing in the longboat, the captain of the ship that brought the brandy as well as the political refugees from the Germanies held a torch aloft--the only light in the vast darkness. "Hurry, laddie. We have human cargo tonight and the tide is changing."

A little girl whimpered.

Damian pulled her into his arms, bent on protecting her at all cost.

"It's all right. You will all be together soon." The smuggling of French brandy was a cover for the cause that meant so much to him. Religious and political refugees--at times it seemed they came in droves. All were seeking a better life. A life of freedom. "Your mother is coming as well as your baby brother. You will all be safe."

Damian looked to the captain. "The father?" he queried.

"He didn't come with his family. He said he had one more thing to do. You must hurry."

The child leaned into Damian, her little face nuzzling his shoulder, her silent sobs gut-wrenching. He pulled her closer, cursing at the elements as well as mankind and wishing he could find a way to shield the tiny child from all harm. He knew the feat to be impossible. The little girl touched a place in his heart and for a moment filled that broken space with light. Yes, the mother would be with her children, but why had the father stayed where his life was in peril? He had learned long ago one could come to regret rash actions. And he'd also learned one could lose all chance at love in one instant.

Lord, but he'd lost his concentration and in losing that, he could well lose his edge.

No secrets-- no lies. The thought haunted him.

His life was a lie, but he would change nothing until his penance was paid. A constant drizzle soaked him to the skin. The wind sent goose bumps rising on his arms. He reached shore and handed the girl over to Aric Lakeland, a trusted friend and accomplice in this night's work, then turned and walked back to the longboat. Her baby brother as well as her mother waited.

He had never meant to get involved. It was the greatest of ironies that he was here now. He'd been a man who loved his family and his home.

He'd been content but that seemed years ago--a life time.

It felt like centuries.

The captain spoke, his voice hushed. "Hurry, now, Master Damian.

It's the watch. They are due to ride by here any time now. The patrols have doubled these last few weeks. I fear it's not as safe as it used to be." The captain handed over the baby wrapped in blankets. Damian stared at the child. The babe couldn't be a year old. The child didn't make a sound, not even a whimper.

This was injustice, a travesty. He looked at the mother. "Can you make it on your own?" He prayed the fragile lady standing before him had more courage than she appeared to have. She nodded and with the captain's help, she stepped into the ocean, struggling for balance. Yet her shoulders were squared and her spine stiff.

As soon as the captain placed the babe in Damian's arms and the three of them were headed for land, he gave orders. Two sailors rowed out to sea, moving toward the black ship that rose and fell on the distant waves.

On a cliff above, the dark silhouette of a third man, Ryder McClaren, could be seen for a brief moment. He waved his arms then disappeared into the shadows once more.

"Hurry," Damian bade the mother, his hand resting on the small of her back, urging her forward.

Please Welcome Kacey Hammell author of Illusions

Author of Illusions Kacey Hammell has written an erotic contemporary suspense. I'm sure she would love to have everyone who is browsing also leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered to win...

Kacey will be giving away a goodie package sent via snail mail (consisting of magnets, pen, notepads), plus THREE (3) ebooks of their choice from Decadent Publishing to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and a $20 Amazon gift certificate to the host with the most comments (excluding Kacey's or the host's).

Bio

Canadian-born author, Kacey Hammell is a self-proclaimed book-a-holic, who began reading romances at a young age and became easily addicted.  As a Mom of three, Kacey has made certain that each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right.

A decade ago, while working for multiple review sites, Kacey quickly discovered that she was developing the writing bug. Thanks to the encouragement of her own beloved hero husband, she decided to try her hand at writing. 

With a love of contemporary settings, modern day romances and the happily ever after, as well as the excitement of suspense, Kacey creates stories in genres she’s familiar with and that she loves most. She also loves vampires who nibble the necks of the heroines, ghosts who can't leave a loved one, shape-shifters who are sexier than hell and the thought of her very own werewolf or were-cat to tame makes her tremble!
Readers can contact Kacey at kaceyhammell@gmail.com

Links

Readers can learn more about Kacey’s books and contact her via …

Website/Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

Email

Learn more about Kacey

Interview

1. What or who inspired you to start writing? 

My husband encouraged and inspired me. Almost a decade ago, I worked online for multiple review sites. Reading nearly seven books a day, was something I looked forward to and loved sharing my passion for books, stories and authors with other readers.  As my number of reviews increased and I got to know the authors that I reviewed via email thank yous and written notes, I started to get requests to critique stories before they were published, offer reader feedback before the releases went worldwide and found an enjoyment in that. Soon I began editing (though I do miss my own errors surprisingly—and thank heavens for CPs and my own editors), which soon led to my husband’s relentlessness.  With his encouragement and gentle pushes, I began to think of the “What Ifs”.  Should I, could I?  What if he’s right and I can do it?

Then, the dream for Illusions, Brady and Isabella – the characters in my very first book – came to me in a dream that I could see them clearly, knew their names and began to hear their voices.  The next day I sat down to start their journey and finished it within four months.  To say I was surprised, shocked and overwhelmed is an understatement.  I was like, now what?   I submitted it nearly six years ago to a now-closed publisher, they loved it and signed me right away.

2. How did you come up with ideas for your books? 

Most of my stories come from a dream, or from characters’ voices in my head. They pop up at any given moment – driving my kids wherever, coming home from grocery shopping. I had the idea for the paranormal/ménage series I’m starting, while sitting in a restaurant. The three leading men (one from each story) suddenly started talking, as if they were sitting beside/across from me. 

Of course I didn’t talk back—couldn’t have people thinking I was crazy and talking to myself—only listened. *g*

The dream for Brady & Isabella in Illusions was simply them being ‘there’. I could see them clearly, they introduced themselves, and they talked about this and that. Who they were, their professions, that they were friends turned lovers but had to keep it a secret…didn’t take much to sit and start writing them the next morning. 

3. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? 

I grew up, and have since moved back, to the family farm. There was a lot of hard work over the years while my brothers and I were growing up. But there’s nothing like coming home again, sharing the process of farming with my children, raising and breeding cattle, living off the land (garden), and having a lot of places to explore with the kids. Farming isn’t always easy but it’s satisfying.

4. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? 

Continue to listen to the voices in my head. Write because I love it and love sharing the stories with readers. Simply continue to write.

5. If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why? 

Hmm, probably Connor from Illusions. He’s Isabella’s partner, and a tortured hero – can’t tell you why til his story – and I think it’s going to be the most emotional story I’ll have written this year (or at least start this year).

6. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? 

Once Illusions was complete, I knew instantly that I had to submit it. Isabella would forever hold it against me if I didn’t, and I felt I had written a compelling romantic suspense that many readers would enjoy.

Though I did hesitate a little, I decided to submit it within the week of completing it. If I didn’t, I would never know “what could have been”, so I told myself that was it and got everything together and submitted it. It was published about three months later (in its original version).

7. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing) 

To write because you love it and that it’s not a hobby. It is a full time job, which is sometimes hard to juggle with small kids, and should be taken seriously as one. And writing because you love it – if you don’t – then what is the point?

8. Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder your writing? 

I don’t belong to a group, no, but I do have a couple CP (Critique Partners) who give my stories a good whacking if need be. I think CPs are one of the most valuable tools any author could have. I firmly believe that not all authors can see their own mistakes. Sometimes it takes an extra set of eyes, experienced ones to really find ways to help the author develop his/her craft and point out their strengths and weaknesses. An author can’t grow or evolve if s/he thinks they are perfect and never makes an error. CPs, as well as critique groups, are invaluable.

9. Do you outline your books or just start writing? 

I don’t outline, I’m a panster for the most part. With some stories it’s just sitting and writing, finishing it within a couple weeks. Other stories take longer depending on how many twists and turns there will be, the world build, the character depths. I have outlined a more complicated series, the ménage/paranormal trilogy that I’ve started. There are many complicated layers and factors to this series, so I’ve had to sit and make notes, who is who and what happens in each book.

10. Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book? 

I’m working on the sequel to Illusions, in order to submit it to publisher. Also, the sequel to Sinful is ¾ finished and will be self-pubbed. I have other stories finished and with CP or subbed w/ publishers. Nothing definite yet.

The sequel to Illusions, Awakenings, features Isabella’s cousin, Alicia. In Illusions, Alicia faced tragedy and danger and in book 2, Awakenings, we find her trying to get back to who she was. She feels she’s lost herself after the ordeal she went through and needs the time and space to reconnect with her life again. Plus, there’s this one-night stand she had with Cole, who is now her new boss…nothing like a hunky guy to reappear and throw a woman even more “off her game” *g*

11. What is your favorite reality show? 

I’m a reality show junkie, well, for some shows. I don’t do the Jersey Shore or Real Housewives shows. I do enjoy the competitive ones like Survivor, Amazing Race, Fear Factor, The Voice, Idol, but probably my absolute fave (and not a competitive one) is American Pickers.  I love the history that Mike and Frank share with viewers as they find those “golden” picks. To see the treasures that have piled up over the years, and to see how they used to look, is quite interesting and I wish I could go picking! LOL Plus Mike and Frank make me laugh, and they’re adorable!

12. Who is your favorite actor and actress?

Again, plenty to choose from. I adore Matthew McConaughey. I think he’s a diamond in the rough, and totally underestimated in the movie business. Wish he’d do more movies though. Ryan Reynolds is probably tied with Matthew for the first place. I love others like Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman too.

Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep, hands down are two of today’s best actresses and I try not to miss anything they are in. Iconic and classy women.

13. Can you tell us a little about the black moment in your book?

The dark moment in Illusions was difficult to write. My hands shook while writing it! When I was finished with it, and read it over, I was shocked that I’d written it. I even shed a tear or two – or a dozen.  I don’t want to give too much away but in the darkest hours of the book, family and friends comes together, reality sets in for Isabella about those around her, Brady makes an ultimate sacrifice, and a cop who believed she could handle anything finds herself rethinking everything she thought about herself and her job.

14. Anything else you might want to add?

Thank you, Christine, for having me on your blog. And thanks to all readers who continually support me and my writing. I love to hear from all of you, so email me any time.

Readers are welcome contact me at kaceyhammell@gmail.com

And follow me at …

Website/Blog

Facebook 

Twitter 

Amazon 

Goodreads

Excerpt

Illusions

Excerpt, Kacey Hammell, © 2012

Knowing she would soon run out of time before his arrival, and getting more aroused by the second, Isabella hurriedly reached for her bath sponge. Soaping it up, she cleansed her body with an eagerness she was growing accustomed to feeling whenever she had plans to see him.

Sponging all suds from her clean body, Isabella pulled the plug in the drain, and stood in the tub, reaching for a thick, blue towel from the shelf. 

She rubbed vigorously at her body, drying it, and reached for the strawberry body lotion that went with her bubble bath. She poured a generous amount into her palm, rubbing her hands together to coat them in the sweet smell. Then she smoothed it over her arms, her breasts, stomach, and legs. The scent of strawberries made her smile.

Humming Destiny’s Child’s ancient hit Soldier to herself, Isabella wondered how many more minutes she’d have to wait before her soldier made an appearance.

She recapped the body lotion and tucked the towel loosely around her once again. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the sound of the front door closing. 

She hazarded a glance in the mirror. With the mussed, damp tendrils of hair around her shoulders, the towel haphazardly wrapped around her, she looked like a woman eager for a man’s—her man’s—touch.

The sound of a boot hitting the floor with a thud caused her to smile, and she moved to the doorway of the bathroom.

Hearing another boot drop and the sound of heavy breathing, Isabella peered into the hallway. When he finally came into view, she was already breathless, even though she had been expecting him.

Dressed in his usual black denim, form-fitting jeans, and dark hair damp as if he too had taken a few moments to clean up, he was a sight to behold.

Isabella’s heart thudded rapidly and her legs threatened to give out. She noticed his leather jacket, undone, over a naked torso. Obviously his zealousness to be with her had him forgetting a few things.

There they were. The abs, the washboard stomach had her literally teetering on the edge of orgasm already—and he hadn’t even touched her.

Finally lifting her gaze to his face, his smoldering silver-gray eyes captured hers. She had to lean against the doorjamb for support.

He always made her speechless. His beauty, his charm oozed from him with no effort at all. How she had gone so long, so many years as friends with him and never really noticed him in such a way before? Some detective she was, not seeing what was directly in front of her.

As he moved toward her, his pace slowed, as if he knew the effect he was having on her and wanted her to crave him more desperately than ever. His face broke into a sinful grin, telling her he knew exactly what he was playing at.

Never one to let anyone, least of all this man, have the upper hand, Isabella let go of the towel she was still holding around her. It slithered downed her body, pooling at her feet. Noting his small stumble mid-stride, she relished the power she had over him.

Naked and confident, she smiled at the man she needed to feel against her. Desperate to have his hands on her, she called to him.

“Brady….”

Please leave a comment. And don't forget to check out her book. 

War Between The States Trivia

The Gift is my novella from The Valentine Anthology. My research brought me a lot of information including things like "seeing the elephant" "when pigs fly" and other euphemisms of the time.

More interesting War Between the States trivia:

It seems that in the past one can find a woman portraying a man and the ruse many times was not discovered until the person died.

Albert D.J. Cashier, a 19 year old Irish immigrant, enlisted in the 95th Illinois Infantry on August 3, 1862. He participated in some 40 battles in three years, and was discharged on August 17, 1865 when the regiment was mustered out. He worked throughout his life as a laborer and eventually qualified for a pension. In the early 1900s, Albert went to live in the Soldiers’ Home in Quincy, Illinois, where in 1913, a doctor discovered that Albert was actually a woman, real name Jennie Hodgers. Hodgers died in an insane asylum in 1914.

Source: Uploaded by user via Chris on Pinterest

And most of us memorized this speech in school.

Today, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is remembered as one of the greated political speeches of all time, but Lincoln himself was unhappy with it. His words: “I failed, I failed, and that is about all that can be said about it.”

Source: americancivilwar.com via Kristen on Pinterest

President Lincoln at Gettysburg

Lincoln is often credited with ending slavery, but this actually was not the case. The executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation called for the end of slavery in the “the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States.” This order specifically lists only states that had joined the Confederacy but exempted slaves held in states that had remained in the Union. It also exempted slaves that had been held in areas of the south that were under northern control, including the city of New Orleans. Lincoln believed that he had no constitutional authority to abolish slavery except in areas were it was considered a military necessity.

On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant. Popularly considered the end of the Civil War, the last troops didn’t actually surrender until April 26, 1865, when Joe Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman.

Source: whatscookingamerica.net via Kathy on Pinterest

Excerpt: The Gift

The Gift
Christine Young
Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level: 1

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com


"Get in the house, now!"

"Mama?"

Elice Weld shielded her eyes and watched the ground fog rising in the distance. She didn't know what was coming her way, but she could guess. The rumors that a Union cavalry unit was in the vicinity had spread like a wildfire on a Kansas prairie.

Rain had fallen all morning. Now the clouds had separated, and the sun heated the earth, causing the evaporation of the water-soaked ground. The cavalry rode through the mist like dark, avenging wraiths bent on the destruction of all mankind. She could see seven men silhouetted on the horizon.

"Izzy, go." Elice didn't want to frighten her daughter but the urgency of the moment could not be denied.

"But mama?"

"Go to the cellar. Now."

"It's dark."

Izzy's voice echoed in Elice's head, filling her with a wild panic she didn't know how to stop. Every time soldiers approached she was terrified. The last four years had been the longest years of her life. "Do as I say, quickly." Elice hugged her daughter, turning her at the same moment and with a gentle shove sent her through the open door of her house.

"Izzy."

Elice knew the panic in her voice would mobilize her young daughter. She despised the fear and the terror. She loathed the war. She looked up. The fog was dissipating, and she could see the dark blue of the Union coats. She didn't have anything left for the soldiers to take. Good God, they'd taken everything already--everything save her daughter and her hope for the future.

She inhaled a quick breath then stood on the steps, hands folded together in front of her, watching the dark wraiths inch closer. She knew from experience she couldn't fight these men. She would do as they said and when they left, she would put the pieces of her life back together.

Until the next time…

"Mama," Elice jumped when her daughter tugged on her skirt before looking at her with sorrow-filled eyes. "Are the soldiers going to take my doll?"

"No," Elice ruffled her little girl's hair. "Go back inside. Go to the cellar and don't come out until I tell you it's safe."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine." But Elice knew she might be lying to her child. She wasn't always fine when the soldiers invaded their home. "Now go and don't make me say it again. Stay there until I come for you."

Izzy nodded before she turned and walked through the parlor to the stairs leading to the cellar.

What If Wednesday: You Won the Lottery?

Source: famousdiamonds.tripod.com via Charmaine on Pinterest

This is a picture of the Agra pink diamond, 32.34 carats, worth about $7 million dollars.

If you won a lottery, what would you do with the money? Would you spend it on something frivolous? Give some away to charity? Invest? Lend it to people who were suddenly and inexplicably your friends?

I think I would do a little of all but lend it to "friends".  I know I would fix up my house. It is, after all, 24 years old and almost everything in it is tired. I would probably buy another prius a newer model of course. After that I think I would invest just about everything. Oh, I forgot about charities. There are so many charities that need money, but I do believe I would find one that benefited teenagers or younger children.

What would you do with lottery winnings?

Source: realestate.com.au via Nadine on Pinterest

I forgot about travel. How on earth could I forget one of my passions?

Source: wins.failblog.org via Cassandra on Pinterest

Please Welcome Jann M. Contento and Jeffrey Ross

Jann and Jeffrey have written an intriguing book about community colleges. They are just finishing a virtual book tour and I am honored to host A Phillip Dolly Affair here today.

Learn More About the Men Behind This Book

College Leadership Crisis: The Philip Dolly Affair

By Jann M. Contento and Jeffrey Ross

Biographies

Jann M. Contento has a broad range of experiences in higher education including student affairs administration, athletics, and institutional research. He is currently working in a community college setting and has co-authored several articles on leadership and college culture. 

Jeffrey Ross, who resides in Arizona with his wife and son, is a writer, rockabilly musician, and former full-time community college teacher. He has had four "Views" pieces published on InsidehigherEd.com since 2007, has authored and co-authored several op-ed articles on community college identity, purpose, and culture, and has recently had several parody poems published on the Cronk News higher education satire website.

Interview

By Jeffrey Ross concerning College Leadership Crisis: The Philip Dolly Affair

1. What or who inspired you to start writing? I’ve read quite a bit of great literature (and not so great literature) in my life. I’ve always wanted to have a voice, to have a sense of separation, to be considered even as a minor literary figure.

2. How much fact vs. fiction is there in this book? Oh, it is fiction based on daily life at community colleges—or any place of work influenced by corporate management pressure. Our characters, events, and themes are just composite motifs—no character or event is based on a single person or college campus activity. Consider great films like Office Space or Christmas Vacation—certainly we all know people like the Red Stapler Guy or the cousins who show up in an RV and just hang out…. Jann (my coauthor) and believe much of our work lives is not about work. It’s about playing games, or acting in a play, or becoming a recognizable character….

3. How did you come up with your idea for Philip Dolly? College presidents, like school superintendents, seem to come and go. We have been immersed in community college life—and I have loved working at the community college—but leadership seems to be an ongoing issue. Google in Leadership Crisis and you’ll see what I mean.  I had a short story, a bit of satire, published on Insidehighered.com back in 2008 called “Call Me Phil”—about our  [2011] novel’s hero—the response was so positive I knew that someday I would have to tell “the rest of the story.” Plus, all of the recent American social issues and events, like the redistribution of wealth debate, the posture and activities of our government, and the Occupy Wall Street movement, gave us much food for thought.  And--everywhere we look ideas, menus, family expectations, infomercials—everything is packaged and commoditized like so much hamburger at the grocery store. 

4. What expertise did you bring to your writing? I have taught academic writing (English comp courses) for several decades—and I have had a few poems and op ed pieces published here and there. But I am really quite a novice when it comes to the art of writing fiction.

5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? I’m not much of a reformer or a radical. I try to be common sense oriented. The daily buzz of American life fatigues me, sometimes.

I feel strongly that everyone is entitled to an honest living—and real dialogue, real conversations --without personal agendas-- are essential to progress.

6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? Hopefully a sequel to Phil Dolly and a few more poems. I also have quite a few song ideas left in my head.

7. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why? My favorite character is counselor Barry Woodwurd. He just goes to work, does his job, and goes home to a supportive family without a lot of fanfare, self promotion, or puffery.

8. Can you give us a sneak peak into this book? Essentially, we discuss the rise and fall of a community college president. We use hyperbole to create outlandishly self-centered characters—and bring up all kinds of issues most readers (who have taught school, gone to school, or been around school at any level—which is everyone!) will recognize. We provide over the top explanations for overtly ambitious and inappropriate career behaviors, have fun with acronyms, meeting speak, religious images, and history. Money, food, horse racing, vampire novels, leadership “puffery,“ and failed romances dot our fictive landscape. We are irreverent, but usually accurate. We hope our readers find it funny but painfully possible.

9. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?  I belong to a small group of published and unpublished novelists. Their input is invaluable. Jann and I also belong to a group called the Men of Diverse Intellects Club in the East Valley [metro Phoenix], which meets periodically for discussions about politics, philosophy, and nachos. We make reference to such a group in the novel.

10. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?  My coauthor and I were pretty keen on finding a publisher soon after beginning the novel. We have always considered our selves rather “fearless”—but we have been humbled by the journey to publication success. My dad thought Rogue would be a great place to publish because of their extensive web presence and good vibes.

11. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing) )  I think the best advice I received is to keep trying, to not get discouraged—and to listen to the good advice from those who have had success writing. We would also say we are glad we decided to not self-publish—we have learned a great deal from the Rogue Phoenix Press team about fiction writing, editing, and marketing.

12. Do you outline your books or just start writing? I have always taught the importance of process—writing drafts, reviewing, reflecting, and revising. I suppose I more or less follow Peter Elbow’s [Writing with Power] advice—just start writing and it “will happen.” Eventually. But writing acceptable prose is an ongoing struggle for me. No piece of writing is ever finished. I really enjoy working with essays and poetry since they are “easier” to edit and revise.

13. How do you maintain your creativity? I enjoy a certain amount of primitivism in my life. I would rather create than watch.  For example, I would rather write my own half-baked songs than get “amped” up over a rock concert or buying mp3 files. I have resisted corporate citizenry—and this has undoubtedly cost me in this material world—but I cherish keeping my head filled with my own weltanschauung, my own world view.

14. Who is your favorite character in the book. Can you tell us why?  I like Jack Frost. He has had a tough go of it—the poor guy tries hard but seems to always end up with the wrong gal. I want desperately for him to find a love interest that is secure, salubrious, and constant. Now, at the end of the novel…

15. Are your plotting bunnies angels or demons?  Ducks. Or Angels. Ultimately, mankind is good. Individuals do good work, but the Demons of system often corrupt our best intentions.  Dorothy makes it back from Oz, doesn’t’ she? And who doesn’t love John Wayne? Plus, the rainbow has a beard.

16. Anything else you might want to add?  Writing this novel with coauthor Jann has been fun. I hope our readers find the book many layered, truthful, and entertaining. And please eschew defensiveness.   We are just spoofing a system.  Don’t you think we ALL take ourselves too seriously?

Excerpt

College Leadership Crisis: The Philip Dolly Affair

Jann M. Contento and Jeffrey Ross

Excerpt Heat Level: 1

Book Heat Level: 1

Buy at: www.roguephoenixpress.com

Call Me Phil

I'm Phil Dolly, EdD, recently resigned, or deposed, community college president.

Yesterday I was the CEO at North East Central Community College here in Folsom County, West Dakota. Today, I'm contemplating my own crisis in leadership. Following a faculty vote of no confidence and caving in to growing board pressure, I packed it in this morning. No one was surprised, really, including me. But more about that later...

This evening I am sitting here at the bar nursing a weak gin and tonic, assessing the landscape of my shattered career. This place is nothing fancy, that's for sure. I don't know when it saw fresh air last. Located in Payson, West Dakota, this bar and grill has been owned by the same guy, I.M. Tyred, for nearly a decade. I'm a little bit out of my element--but I'm comforted by the visual relics of my own blue collar past--seed company calendars, jars of pickled pig's feet, softball trophies, and the effervescent aroma of bacon, beer, and cheese. Many of the locals know me and enjoy seeing me stop in for an occasional drink. I probably get in here once a month. Maybe more.

I'm not sure what happened. Enrollments didn't increase, but they didn't decline much, either. We opened up more centers. I had bandwidth upgraded. I was in Rotary Club. I brought in some of my former graduate school colleagues from University of Toledo at Arlington to help invigorate the executive staff and to help bring this district into the 21st century in terms of management. I wanted diversity on the management team. 

Hmm, I made all of the directors deans and all of the deans became associate VPs. Only one of the new VPs had emotional problems, but no damage was done. He checked into rehab. Our quality initiatives must have moved the college forward. We redid offices, put in new floors and windows, and really spruced the place up too. We won several national awards.

I remember there was some grousing when I had the president's salary increased to 475K, but the board agreed we needed to be competitive in future presidential searches.

I guess the future arrived more quickly than I anticipated.

The hazy blue smoke in this bar settles at about stool seat level. I wish I.M. Tyred would do something. Why doesn't he install some fans or air purifiers or something? I should say something before I have another asthma attack. The country music just drones on and on. All those sad songs about lying, drinking, and needing to be somewhere else are driving me crazy. How do these people stand it? 

The lights around the mirrors seem so harsh. I barely recognize my own face in the mirror--the burdens of leadership, I guess. All those retreats, keynote speeches, conferences, dinners, trips to Europe--just so much, so much over the years.

The governing board said I spent too much time out of state. They said I belonged to too many national organizations and attended too many conferences. They just don't understand the difficult and complicated nature of being a community college president. Networking means survival and prosperity for the institution and for me. They don't understand the community is much bigger now. We can serve China! GIs! Nebraska! Technology has empowered us to do so much more than teach welding, massage therapy, and fertilizer applications.

We ought to do more than just serve the needs of our county taxpayers! We can have the reputation of being a global higher education leader! Oh, I guess it's no longer we.