Who's Your Hero?

Monday, September 30, 2013



Six months ago, I released the novel Christine's Odyssey, a coming-of-age story. Today, I'm happy to announce that the second book in that series will be released next month. In both stories, there is one character who turns things around for Christine and her brother, making a huge difference in their lives.  

Based on that aspect of the novels, I thought Heroes' Day—a national holiday in Jamaica—would be a good time for a release. I'll be going a day later though, with the official release. 

In keeping with the hero theme, I'll be hosting a blogfest - Who's Your Hero? which will run from October 22 - 24. Did you know Jamaica has seven National Heroes? Yeah, we do. Hence the theme of my badge, which you're free to copy.  

It's easy to participate. Write a maximum of 300 words in which you talk about someone who's encouraged or inspired you in some way. It may be a spouse, writing buddy, teacher, one of your kids or none of the above. You get the gist.

If you can't participate in the blogfest, I'll also be organizing a word art write up that can be shared via twitter. Leading up to the release of Saving Sam, I've discounted Christine's Odyssey to $0.99, so get your copy if you haven't read it as yet. 

Feel free to tweet this post (see the icons at the end of the post? Hint. Hint) as the more inspiring hero stories we have, the merrier. I should add that I'll be doing a random drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card as well as e-copies of both books on October 25. The giveaway is strictly for those participating in the Blogfest. The Rafflecopter will be running from here on in.

Many thanks for participating and thanks ever so much to those of you who helped me decide on the cover for Saving Sam. I look forward to finding out Who's Your Hero. Don't forget to sign up on the Linky list before you go.

 Book Blurb - Saving Sam


A young boy's future hangs in the balance when those sworn to protect him become abusers.

A tragic domestic dispute between his parents lands eleven-year-old Samuel Simms and his siblings in the Downswell Place of Safety. The challenges come hard and fast, but the one thing Sam doesn't count on is being left behind in the children’s home. Angry and disillusioned, he gives up hope of adoption.

A ray of light comes in the form of a foster family, but everything is not what it seems in the Miller household. After a harrowing five-month stint, Sam runs away. A victim of abuse, he's determined not to repeat his mistake and opts to remain a ward of the Jamaican government until he’s eighteen. The burden of secrecy is more than he can bear and Sam's hair-trigger temper makes him disruptive.

Under pressure from his aunt, Sam caves in and shares a tale of horror surrounding his foster parents. With his ordeal exposed, Sam must make life-changing choices. He can continue to be brainwashed by his abuser or face his nemesis in a court of law and stop a habitual predator from harming other children.

Saving Sam is a moving coming-of-age story that explores relationships, the abuse of trust and the ease with which evil can hide under the guise of Christianity and philanthropy.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Last, but by no means least, this Wednesday is the Insecure Writer's Support Group posting. Look out for something really special!

30 comments:

  1. I will tweet this post and as soon as I get the time, sometime this week, I hope, I will buy Christine. For now, I'll be on the road as I try to end something I had started a long time ago.

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  2. Sounds cool! All signed up for the blogfest.

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  3. Thanks, Peaches. I hope you get through everything you have planned for this week.

    Thanks for signing up, Alex.

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  4. Giving this a tweet right now. Great concept.

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  5. Not sure yet if I'll participate in the blogfest, but I tweeted :)

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  6. So many wonderful happenings going on. Your Hero's blogfest sounds like it would be interesting. Going to see if I can participate because I have a hero in mind, actually.

    Glad you've got this second novel ready to go. The blurb is so heart breaking though. I already want to hug way Sam's pain.

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  7. Very cool blogfest idea, Joy! And congrats on your newest novel!!

    Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  8. Okay, I'm off to tweet. I'm going to save the 22nd for you because the 23-24 are already filled :) You are one busy lady!

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  9. What a great idea to release on Heroes' Day! I tweeted too.

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  10. What a great idea for a fest! And congrats on the Saving Sam release!

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  11. Love the idea for this blogfest! Sounds like a great time, and lots of good stories :)

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  12. Thanks so much for your help, guys. Much appreciated!

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  13. Excellent timing with your book release!

    I will think about your blogfest. As a general rule, I just don't "do" them... However, I do like your theme!

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  14. Congratulations on the upcoming release of the sequel, JL!
    Have I told you I love Jamaica. I went many years ago, and would love to go again. I also think it's great that your country has a National Heroes' Day.
    I'm thinking about the blogfest too, just a bit commitment phobic right now.
    Thanks, JL.
    xoRobyn

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  15. Added on FB and can't wait for the release.

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  16. I just tweeted about your blog fest. I hope many sign up and good luck with the upcoming release.

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  17. I'm signed up! Good luck with the launch!

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  18. Hi J L,
    I just posted my installment, Thanks again for this wonderful initiative. Keep up the good work. Best Regards.
    phil
    Here is the link.http://pvariel.blogspot.in/2013/10/whos-your-hero-blogfest.html?m=1
    Best

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  19. Congrats to Wendy on winning. Great book review for J LCampbell sounds like a real gritty novel.

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  20. Hi JL
    What a pleasant surprise to be here again after 7 years!
    Yes the Facebook reminded me about this wonderful post and I am back her. :-)
    Indeed it is s great share that I could participate even with my 2 cents notes.
    I just updated that write-up in my main website, wherein this post is mentioned. For your quick reference here below I am giving the link of that updated post. https://bit.ly/3B790cl
    Best Regards
    Phil from pvariel dot com Secunderabad India.

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