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Help Save Al – Please Send a Letter to Ellen!

Al pic 2

 

Imagine your own heart betraying you with every beat.
Imagine you’re 46 and counting what’s left of your life in months.
Imagine waiting for a life-saving heart transplant.
…And waiting.
Imagine you’re told you need $120,000 to be saved.
Imagine time running out with every heartbeat.

Altoine Scarborough doesn’t have to imagine it.

He’s living his own deathwatch.

What would you do if this were your brother, or father, or friend? How often would you share the story on Facebook or Twitter?

Well, Al’s friends are doing everything they can to help save his life. Not everyone has funds to donate, no matter how much they would like to. That’s okay! Please support Al by sharing his story.

Here’s what you can do to support the effort to save this good man.

 

LETTER TO ELLEN:

Ellen has a segment where you can nominate a Deserving Person in Need. We are asking as many people as possible to send the following letter to Ellen to nominate Al. We aren’t even asking for money. Just for a larger platform to get the word out about Al’s desperate situation in hopes that folks who do have the money to spare will see the situation and donate. We need Al to go viral!

Here’s what to do:

  1. Please go to this link. It’s the page where you can nominate someone. The link to nominate Al as a Deserving Person in Need is: http://www.ellentv.com/be-on-the-show/433/
  2. Fill in your own information about who you are, contact, etc.
  3. There is a box to upload or link a picture. Please use this URL in the box: https://maerwilson.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Al-pic-2.jpg. You may need to download the picture and then upload to her site.
  4. Please copy the letter below in its entirety:  

Altoine Scarborough is in desperate need of a heart transplant. At 46 years old, he’s a good man with a big heart emotionally, but one that is not functioning properly physically. Friends are trying to raise the astronomical insurance co-pay ($120,000) for the transplant and other medical procedures. A GOFUNDME project is in place and he has a WE HEART AL page on Facebook. We have an anthology of stories donated by twelve published authors. All proceeds from the anthology, THE DARK DOZEN: Stories for Scarborough, will be donated to Al’s fund.

Ellen has helped so many people, we are hoping she can help us get the word out about Al. We also hope folks will donate directly to Al’s GoFundMe project, buy the anthology THE DARK DOZEN (Buy a Book, Save a Life), or even just help spread the word to their friends. Any support to help save this man’s life will be deeply appreciated.

Al’s GOFUNDME Page – https://www.gofundme.com/l1911s
Al’s Facebook Page – WE HEART AL – https://www.facebook.com/We-Heart-Al-611995988938764/
Some backstory – “How My Chihuahua Almost Killed Al” –http://goo.gl/VgNDG7
Amazon – THE DARK DOZEN – http://goo.gl/H8lsPo

Then just click SEND!

 

GOFUNDME:

You can support Al directly by donating to his GOFUNDME page. Thanks so much to those who have been able to help in this way!

 

THE DARK DOZEN: STORIES FOR SCARBOROUGH:

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Twelve authors donated stories for a charity anthology to help raise funds for Al. Every penny of the royalties will be donated to Al’s GOFUNDME page. This Horror/ Sci Fi anthology includes best-selling and award-winning authors.

Join Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Steven Ramirez, Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G, Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, Allan B. Anderson and yours truly (Maer Wilson) for a trip into the Darkness.

Buy a Book, Save a Life

Get your copy today from Amazon!

Kindle

Paperback

 

FACEBOOK:

Please pass the word to your family, friends or anyone else who might help. You can share Al’s story through his page:

WE HEART AL

 

TWITTER:

 

If you have a Twitter account, just click the arrows at the bottom of each of the boxes below to Retweet:

or this one:

 

Please support Al by any or all of the methods listed above. Please help us save this man’s life. Thanks so much for your support!

 

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Buy a Book, Save a Life – The Dark Dozen

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Buy a Book, Save a Life

This is one of the coolest projects I’ve ever put together because it goes to benefit my friend Al Scarborough, who desperately needs a heart transplant. I talked about that a little bit in this post: How My Chihuahua Almost Killed Al. He needs to raise a lot of money for his co-pay – $120,000.

In trying to figure out ways to raise money for him, I had discarded an idea of putting out some of my stories in an anthology. I doubted it would sell. But then Danielle DeVor mentioned putting out a call to other authors to contribute. I did just that and was gratified that eleven other authors stepped up to donate their stories to Al’s cause. That was about ten days ago.

Today I’m so pleased to announce that the book is live at Amazon. The print version will be out soon, but be sure to pick up you ebook version at:

Amazon

touraoutthebooka

***SPECIAL NOTE: BUY A BOOK, SAVE A LIFE***

This fund-raising anthology of Horror and Sci-Fi short stories was created to benefit Altoine Scarborough, a man in desperate need of a heart transplant. The stories, cover art, formatting, editing and compilation were all donated. Every penny of the royalties we receive will go to Al’s GOFUNDME project. (MW)

Vampires to ghosts to monsters—and futures we won’t want to see come true—fill this collection of dark stories that are sure to give you chills. This stellar, fan-favorite group, which includes award-winning and best-selling authors, brings a unique voice to some familiar and not-so-familiar creatures. Join Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Maer Wilson, Steven Ramirez, Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G, Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, and Allan B. Anderson for a trip into the Darkness.

 

***THE STORIES***

BROWN THE RECLUSE by Steven Ramirez – Ted Brown is a man slipping away from reality. Long estranged from his family and living in Seattle, he works at a job he no longer values and lately appears to be losing his memory. But when he discovers a spider in his apartment, that’s when things get really interesting.

THE RAID by Maer Wilson – Gamers are often loyal to their teammates. When Aelan and her friends tackle an evil dragon, that loyalty goes far beyond what anyone expects.

THE BONES by Danielle DeVor – Sometimes, things leave a residue, like the smell left behind when toast is burned. When a medical student brings a skeleton home to study, her child’s life will never be the same.

THE WHISPERING by Karenne Griffin – The small village of Gorland is horrified as their children kill themselves in what appear to be suicide pacts. But there is much more going on and only one child has the key.

THE DIARY OF A MADMAN by Robert P. Wills – Just because others don’t see the ghosts, doesn’t mean they aren’t real.

THE CALL: AN ANGEL FALLS NOVELLA by Jody A. Kessler – Professional shaman and cranky, anti-social ghost hunter, Chris Abeyta, finds spirits and helps them cross over to the afterlife. In his latest case, he and Juliana Crowson find the ghost of a girl trapped by time and a heart-wrenching tale of a camping trip gone terribly wrong.

THE FOUNDLINGS: JENNY’S TALE by Louann Carroll – Technology meets morality when Jenny loses her only friend. Terrified and alone she must choose between reentering the world or living the rest of her life in the dark.

MUMANS by Ross G. Homer – He found love in the most unlikely place. But could he keep the love he found?

A TALE OF TWO QUEENS AND A FROZEN HEART by Allan B. Anderson – Reily, an experienced troubleshooter, is hired to find two teams who have gone missing in a frozen wasteland. But even his skills may not be enough to survive what he discovers.

THE VAMPIRE AND THE VALIANT WARRIOR by M. Joseph Murphy – A noble thief in search of ancient treasure stumbles upon the den of a sadistic vampire.

HELL IS NEVER FULL by C.N. Lesley – When the seed of hate is sown it puts forth shoots of malice that bear flowers of evil. Time has no meaning for revenge.

DREAMS OF NIGHTLIFE LAS VEGAS by Travis Luedke – An author has an unexpected encounter with one of his most dangerous – and sexy – creations.

For more information about Al’s situation or to donate directly to his GoFundMe project, please check out these links below:

Any support to help save Al’s life will be deeply appreciated.
Al’s GOFUNDME Page – https://www.gofundme.com/l1911s
Al’s Facebook Page – WE HEART AL – https://www.facebook.com/We-Heart-Al-611995988938764/
Amazon – THE DARK DOZEN – http://goo.gl/H8lsPo

 

 

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Unwrapping Treasure – Jody A. Kessler

 

Unwrapping Treasure
by Jody A. Kessler
Series: A Granite Lake Romance Novella
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 28, 2015

 

 

Paramedics Treasure and Bodie never imagined their Christmas Eve nightshift could turn into a dangerous and sexy holiday escapade that changes their lives forever.

Paramedics Treasure and Bodie arrive on scene at a routine emergency call and find an outrageous holiday party, a Christmas tree on fire, and an innocent life to save that nearly cost them their lives.

After escaping the chaos of work, they decide to spend their Christmas vacation together at a secluded lakeside cabin deep in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With the snow falling soft, a warm fire in the hearth, and fresh cookies baking in the oven, an innocent holiday getaway quickly turns into a night of spontaneous passion with no strings attached.

Will Treasure and Bodie’s hasty decision to spend the night tumbling between the sheets – and on the table, and the floor – prove disastrous or will their relationship develop into something neither of them saw coming?

 

 

 

 

Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, won the Readers’ Crown Award for Best Paranormal Romance and was a runner up for Best First Book. She also writes historical time travel fiction and contemporary romance.

When she isn’t navigating the terrain of her imagination and writing it down, she can be found exploring the wilderness of Colorado with her family, or in the kitchen baking cookies & brownies – and trying not to eat them all. She’s passionate about continuing to learn and reads anything and everything that catches her interest. Jody is a full time mom, a Reiki Master, and has taught Hatha yoga for over a decade.

Jody invites you to stop by her website and see what’s new at: www.JodyAKessler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How My Chihuahua Almost Killed Al

“How My Chihuahua Almost Killed Al”

To really appreciate this totally true story you need to know several things. Altoine Scarborough is a grown man. Tréa, my long-haired Chihuahua, is a tiny 4 pound dog.

They have never met.

So how could she manage to almost kill him? Well, let me tell you, but first I need to set the scene.

The Time – July, 2011

The Place – In Ventrilo (meaning online). People communicate via headsets using this program. Think of a super large party line. (Does anyone even know what that is?) Okay, think of a ton of people on the phone at the same time. Oh, one thing to keep in mind. A little button lights up to tell you who is speaking.

It was before Star Wars: The Old Republic game launched. I’d joined this large guild and because we (apparently) had nothing better to do with our time, we sat in Vent speculating endlessly about what the highly-anticipated game would be like, chatting and just mostly hanging out.

I’m not sure how we got onto the topic of dogs, or costumes, or dogs in costumes, but for some reason I posted a link of my Chihuahua, Tréa, in her little bee costume.

Here it is. She’s cute, isn’t she?

Treabee

 

A couple people said how darling she was. But then we heard this sound of loud laughter. In seconds, it quickly devolved into coughing for a bit. I glanced at the panel list to see who it was. It was this guy, Alvok.

I said something like, “Well, it’s not really that funny.”

But poor Al had advanced from coughing to full-on choking.

Voices expressed concern, trying to figure out what we could possibly do for someone miles and miles away, as he choked out “I’m all right.” He did get it under control, although I’m not sure he ever forgave me. And I felt a little guilty whenever he was in Vent and we were doing events and such together for quite some time…until I smashed it into the back part of my brain.

So why am I telling this little story now?

Because this time Al really is dying. He desperately needs a new heart. And his co-pay is super high.

A GoFundMe project was started 9 months ago. It was only for $10,000 back then. I felt sure he’d raise the money he needs. Only he hasn’t. Now he’s discovered that even if he gets that full amount, it won’t be enough. The insurance company wants a co-pay of ten percent of the $1.2 million bill. 10% is $120,000.00!

So, we need your help in two ways:

  1. Please donate. No amount is too small. Seriously.
  2. Share this post and Al’s GoFundMe link with your friends and family, Social Media and anyone and everyone you can think of to share it with.

Why pass it on? Because if we can watch kitten and puppy videos on Facebook and donate to causes to help save our four-legged friends, then we can surely find it in our hearts to save one man’s life.

I find it ironic that it is Al’s heart which is giving out. He has one of the biggest hearts I know. He’s giving and caring. It’s almost like he’s used his heart up with so much giving to others that it’s become damaged. Yeah, I know that’s not true, but it sure feels like it.

So, please help us save our friend, Altoine Scarborough. Any support will be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your consideration. Good people need to be preserved…and Al is one of the best.

Please click below to donate:

Altoine Scarborough’s GoFundMe Link

Alvok

Showing his awesome sense of humor, Al makes a bid for President

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Fantastic Fives – Celebrating 5th Year Blogaversary

Maer

 

Amber Sweeney at Me, My Shelf and I and Jaime Arnold at Two Chicks on Books put together this celebratory tour for those of us who hit that five year mark this November. I was lucky to be included in the tour and appreciate the chance to chat about the website and blog. So today the spotlight is turned back on me. Amber and Jaime gave me some questions to answer so here goes!

 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Maer AuthorHere’s my official Bio:

After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. Maer is a partner in Ellysian Press, a small publishing house. She also co-hosts the literary podcast MythBehaving. Maer lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her three dogs, a chihuahua and two poodles.

Her books include Apocalypta Z and Relics,Portals, and Magics in the Modern Magics series. There are four prequel novelettes in the series – “Ghost Memory,” “Unwanted Ghost,”  “Ghost Dancer” and “Wedding Ghost.” A recently released box set includes all the novelettes plus a new story, “Lost Ghost.” You can find all Maer’s books and novelettes at Amazon and other online retailers.

2. How did you get started blogging?

Five years ago I wrote a book. After doing research on being an author, I discovered I should have a website. But I didn’t want just a website. I hoped for interaction. So I started this blog and thought it would be fun to showcase other authors here. And it’s been awesome! I’ve had some terrific guests stop by over the years – for In the Spotlight interviews, book releases, cover reveals and book blasts. I’ve gotten to know some wonderful writers and I’ve learned a lot during that time.

3. How did you pick the name for your blog?

Well, it’s really rather plain – just my name – although the interview section does have In the Spotlight.

4. If you could go back in time and tell your newbie blogger self 1 thing what would it be?

I wasn’t sure what to do with my blog at first…so I didn’t do a lot. It was only when I was offered a contract on my first book that I got the idea of inviting my author friends to share behind-the scenes interviews.

5. What have you learned in your 5 years of blogging?

I have learned so much! I’ve gone through so many changes and so has the website! Most of all I try to keep the content fresh and interesting.

6. What was the first ARC or book you ever received from a publisher?

I don’t do reviews here on the site, except for books I choose to read, so I’ve never received an ARC for that purpose. I have received books from other authors to review at Amazon and Goodreads, but I don’t recall which was the very first one.

7. When you’re not reading or blogging, what can we find you doing?

I play MMOs (Massively Multi-player Online games). For the last 4 years I’ve played Star Wars: The Old Republic. I also love movies, and TV has some pretty good offerings that I’m quite frankly addicted to.

The Fives:

Five Favorite Books  

1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2. A Feast for Crows

3. Swan Song

4. Watchers

5. The Stand

Five Favorite Book Boyfriends

I don’t usually get into book boyfriends, but if I go back in time, I think I can find a few. 🙂

1. Rhett Butler – Gone with the Wind

2. Heathcliff – Wuthering Heights

3. Mr. Darcy – Pride and Prejudice

4. Aragorn – The Fellowship of the Ring

5. Legolas – The Fellowship of the Ring

Five Favorite Book Quotes

1. “A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

2. “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre 

3. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

4. “The world changes, we do not, therein lies the irony that kills us.” Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire

5. “Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.” Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind

Five Blogging Tips For New Bloggers

1. Have something to say and say it well.

2. Proofread your posts and correct spelling, grammar and any other errors.

3. Be honest.

4. Be kind.

5. Be creative.

Five Blogs You Want The World To Know About

1. Louann Carroll

2. Danielle DeVor

3. Lillie J. Roberts

4. Two Chicks On Books

5. Me, My Shelf and I

 

Please check out the rest of the awesome folks celebrating their own 5 year Blogaversary! Thanks so much to Amber Sweeney and Jaime Arnold for including me!
November 8 Books Etc.
November 9 Fiktshun
November 10 Two Chicks On Books
November 11 Me, My Shelf and I
November 12 Bewitched Bookworms
November 13 Novel Novice
November 15 Maer Wilson
November 17 YA Book Shelf
November 19 Bookish Lifestyle
November 21 Stories & Sweeties
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New Release – Premonition

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maersiteabouthebook

Premonition

Emily Von Peer hopes she never meets the man of her dreams.

For years, she’s been haunted by visions of an unknown lover. But after the death of her aunt and her return to her family’s estate, the dreams change. Every night she sees her imaginary lover die in her arms, until she comes face to face with him in broad daylight.

Nicholas Flynn is an Agent of Paladin, an enterprise dedicated to the study and eradication of demons. Seeking answers to a slew of magically related murders, including her aunt’s, Emily joins him in the investigation.

When their exchange with a demon goes awry, Emily sustains an injury that threatens to turn her into a monster – and thrusts her into the crosshairs of sorcerers, senators, and a seductive stranger who promises eternity.

You can buy Premonition at these retailers:

Amazon     |     Nook  

Premonition will soon be available in paperback at Amazon.

maersiteaboutheauthor

Agnes Jayne

Jayne picAgnes Jayne began her writing career as a reporter for her high school newspaper in a small town in Northern New York. These days, she splits her time between writing and teaching classes in composition and literature at a small college in Maryland. She lives high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, son, and a plethora of adopted pets. Agnes has had several short works of fiction and poetry published in regional magazines, and also lends a hand writing and copy editing documents for The AbleGamers Foundation.

You can find Agnes at these links:

WEBSITE     |     TWITTER      |     FACEBOOK

 

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A Shadow of Time

A Shadow of Time 400x600

 

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A Shadow of Time

When young widow Kellyn O’Brien discovers her toddler has inherited the Shadow Ley fortune and estate, she thinks all of her problems are solved.

Unseen, a mysterious guardian dwells deep beneath the house. As the run-down mansion repairs itself, Kellyn is plagued by nightmares – windows into other dimensions that are as confusing as they are frightening.

Not sure what is real or imagined, Kellyn turns to her new friends for help. When they realize that their dreams are connected, they are determined to find the truth behind the unbelievable coincidence.

But the presence at Shadow Ley has something more diabolical in mind. And the friends must unravel the secrets before the insane entity takes more lives, beginning with theirs.

You can buy A Shadow of Time at

Amazon

*Please note that Kindle Unlimited subscribers can download this awesome book for FREE.

maersiteaboutheauthor

Louann Carroll

Carroll Author picLouann Carroll is a Native Californian living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with her husband, Dennis.

Mother to three children, she is an avid rock, fossil, and gem hunter who enjoys sharing her finds with family and friends. She is a student of alternative religion, archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology.

After leaving her position as C.E.O. in the Bay Area, she has pursued her writing career with much success. Winner of the 2010 Crescent Moon Press award for best novel, she has gone on to write radio talk shows and articles on adoption.

She is the author of Gemini Rising, a sci-fi romance, A Shadow of Time, a paranormal romance, Journeys, The Adventure of Leaf, and numerous children’s stories.

You can reach Ms. Carroll at these Links:

WEBSITE     |     TWITTER     |     FACEBOOK

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