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Tag: books
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BOOKS & BREWS
It’s never too soon to start holiday shopping.
Come to Books & Brews at Union Craft Brewery and find your next read.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
35+ local authors
1700 W 41st Street, Suite #420
Baltimore, MD 21211
11 AM to 6 PM
Some of the other authors you’ll get to meet.
Hungry? Carroll & Sons Fine Foods ‘A Restaurant About Nothing’ is located inside UNION Hall and serves a rotating menu of snacks, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts.
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Come to the Baltimore Book Festival September 28-29, 2024
The Baltimore Book Festival is back and I will be there on Sunday, September 29th from 2:00-3:00 PM!
The entire festival is free, so come have fun!
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has a booth and a stage at the Peabody Heights Brewery on E 30th Street.
I’ll be at the SFWA booth so stop by and say hello.
While you’re there, you can get some great books.
SFWA Booth & Stage
Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E 30th St, Baltimore 21218
Saturday 9/28 Booth hours: 12-5
Sunday 9/29 Booth/Panels/Signings: 11-6
A schedule and map is on the Book Festival website.
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
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Book Review: THE DOWN DEEP
The Down Deep, Catherine Asaro’s latest novel, is an exciting story with a gripping twist that I didn’t expect and thoroughly enjoyed.
Colonel Lavinda Majda and retired Major Bhaajan, travel to the Undercity to try to build a relationship and trust between their two peoples. Overcoming more than hundreds of years of mistrust is no easy task, especially with vast cultural and language differences. Something as simple as a smile or name means different things to each of them. Even the number of syllables in a word can cause problems. One wrong step could put all their lives in danger.
To most residents of Cries the “savages” that live in the Undercity are inferior, less than human. Yet they need the unique abilities that the Undercity dwellers have. Lavanda is an exceptional woman, part of the privileged elite. She is fiercely loyal to her people, yet with a compassion and openness to learn about the Undercity and accept them as who they are.
Bhaaj was born in the undercity, where people struggle to survive. It is one of the poorest places on Raylicon and a sharp contrast to the wealthy city of Cries. In the Undercity, the strong survive and protect the ones they love, while the weak perish. Clean water and food are the most valuable items. But those who live there have a beautiful and rich culture that the people in Cries know nothing about.
The Down Deep has great tension and pacing with intriguing characters. They even surprise themselves at times. Asaro cleverly showcases the cultural differences between the Undercity and Cries through both Bhaaj’s and Lavinda’s eyes. Past events are woven into the narrative making it easy to follow without having read previous books in the universe. I look forward to reading more from this author.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.]
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Hey, Authors, Time to Share Your Books!
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
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My Balticon Schedule
Balticon is a four-day celebration of Science Fiction and Fantasy!
May 24-27, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
When I’m not volunteering or hanging out at the Maryland Writers’ Association table, here is where you can find me:
Saturday: 11:30 AM — Location: St. George
Author Reading: A.L. Kaplan and Ruthanna Emrys
Saturday: 1:00 PM — Location: Room 8029
The Power of Writing Retreats: John Appel, Adeena Mignogna, Martin Wilsey, Alex Jenning, A. L. Kaplan
Saturday: 4:00 PM — Location: Pride of Baltimore II
When Research Becomes a Rabbit Hole: Martin Wilsey, Sarah Pinsker, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan, Elektra Hammond
Sunday: 10:00 AM — Location: Mount Washington
Weavers, Coopers, Chandlers, and More!: Jennifer Della’Zanna, Ann Chatham, Rosemary Clair Smith, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan
Sunday: 2:30 PM — Location: Pride of Baltimore II
When to Tell Instead of Show: Alan Smale, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan, Zack Be, Sheila Williams
Sunday 4:00 PM — Location: 5th Floor Lobby
Autographs: A. L. Kaplan and D. H. Timpko
Monday 10:00 AM — Location: Gibson
How to Incorporate Critique: A. L. Kaplan, Ryan O’Nan, Scott Edelman, Jen Brinn, Wayland Smith
Monday: 11:30 AM — Location: Guilford
Just How Many People Live in Your Fantasy City, Anyway? Chris Oakley, Roberta Rogow, A. . Kaplan, Lee Hawkridge
Hope to see you there!
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
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Savage Geek Fest
Savage Geek Fest is a 2-day board game, STEM, and all things Geek convention hosted by Omnihedral and Historic Savage Mill. Featuring specialty classes and deals at Savage Mill vendors, independent RPGs, and so much more!
Savage Geek Fest
May 4, 2024 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
May 5, 2024 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763
Here are the panels I will be on.
Saturday:
11-12: Worldbuilding
3-4: SF/F Awards and their Drama
5-6: Guilty Pleasure Books
Sunday:
10-11: Coffee with Authors
12-12:30: Reading
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RavenCon Is This Weekend! Come See Me
SATURDAY
Fifteen Fingers and Two Tails: Creating Non-human Characters
Sat 10 am – Spotsylvania (Madison) – 90 minutes
You’ve created an amazing world for your story, but who or what is living in it? You need someone to carry the plot. This workshop will explore how to populate your setting with appropriate and believable characters. (Max of 20 participants.)
The Public Domain
Noon – Buckingham (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
Each year, some new beloved property enters the public domain, meaning anyone can do anything with it. But should they? The same company that turned Winnie-the-Pooh into the slasher film Blood & Honey is ready for when Bambi goes public domain. Steamboat Willy has a first-person shooter coming called “Mouse.” We’ll discuss the pros and cons of public domain properties and praise some truly great works that have come from creators being able to play freely with someone else’s creation.
Panelists: Sammie Cassell (M), James Fadeley, Dr. Kyle R. Garton, A.L. Kaplan
READING: A.L. KAPLAN & BISHOP O’CONNELL
4 pm – Fairfax Library (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
SUNDAY
NEW WHO? WHO KNEW?
10 am – King William (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
New Doctor, new companion, and a Disney-sized budget! What did our panelists think about the specials and what are our hopes for the new season? And you can expect there will be fan-theories galore concerning Mrs. Flood!
Panelists: Sean Gleeson, A.L. Kaplan (M), Dennis M. Myers, Angela Pritchett
SIGNING: A.L. KAPLAN
Noon – Vendors’ Room (Madison) – 50 minutes
April 26-28, 2024
Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton
1000 Virginia Center Parkway
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
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Con-Tinual: Action and Adventure!
It’s Action! It’s Adventure! Join Stuart Jaffe, A. L. Kaplan, Gini Koch, Ed McKeown, and host James P. Nettles loading their rucksacks for some of their favorite adventures on the page and screen, and how it’s made its way into their own work!
#ConTinual #fandom #action #adventure #movies #tv #film #books #novels
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
