Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Blasian! (Repost update)

One of my main characters in the Chausiku Series is Kang, a Blasian born in China.  He is a member of the Qiao clan from Shanghai so he has supernatural powers.  But he still struggles with his identity as a #Blasian in Chausiku: The Secret Gambit Book Two.

All teens and young adults have issues to face and overcome.  But there are some struggles that are unique to biracial individuals.  While writing Book 2, I was particularly interested in the story of #LouJing, a biracial Chinese talent show contestant from Shanghai.   Biracial in America isn't new (my grandmother was half white/half black and my grandfather was half black/half Native American) but I wasn't as aware of biracials in other countries.

What's your story?  Send me your comments and check out some of the other blogs below.

blasiannarrative.blogspot.com

african-chineseguy.blogspot.com

sweetricechronicles.wordpress.com

askablasian.tumblr.com

thenerdyblasian.tumblr.com/

#blasian, #scifi, #YA scifi, #teen scifi, #chausiku

Peru!

The homeland of the Amaru clan in the Chausiku series is Peru!  I chose Peru because it is the homeland of my good friend, Jacqueline Sifuendes.  She has fascinated me with stories of her life in Peru and she travels home frequently to visit her family.

So teens/YA, share your stories of what's it like living in Peru.  What are your favorite foods, books and movies? What are your thoughts on the new Juana Burga (top Peruvian model) collection.  For those of you living in America, get a taste of Peru by reading Peru This Week http://www.peruthisweek.com

#JuanaBurga
#Peru
http://www.peruthisweek.com/blogs-peruvian-top-model-designs-ethical-fashion-collection-105199

Writing YA

My blog pick of the day is Writing YA.
http://writingya.blogspot.com/

Goodkindles!

http://www.goodkindles.net/

#goodkindles
#YA
#Teen
#NA
#Chausikuseries
#sciencefiction

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Native American, First Nation...and Supernatural Powers.

In my old post, Superhero, Diversity and Thor, I talk about the lack of superhero diversity.  It's the main reason that I began writing my Chausiku Series.  So it's no surprise that the six clans with supernatural powers includes the Natosapi clan from North America.

As I researched the Blackfoot Confederacy or Niitsitapi (original people) naming the 3 First Nation band of government in Canada and the Native American tribe in Montana, I became very interested in its history, current state of affairs and the future of its children, teens and young adults.

I hope that I have represented the people of the Natosapi clan respectfully.  I would also love to hear comments from teens and young adults.  Comments from adults are welcome too!

Here are some interesting websites.
http://www.strongnations.com/
http://www.kidsbooks.ca/KidsbooksRecommends/FirstNationsBooks/Department.aspx?DeptID=3700
http://www.raincoast.com/kids-teen-blog/
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/off-the-literary-reservation/

#nativeamerican
#firstnation
#teens
#YA
#teenscifi
#yascifi
#scifi
#sciencefiction


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

#School Library Journal

Hot website of the day!

http://www.slj.com/

Page Turners Blog

Blog Highlight of the day!

http://www.pageturnersblog.com

#Australia

The Gale clan in my Chausiku Series is Australian.  So what books are on the #Aussie #Teen/YA lists?  Send me your comments.  

http://www.readings.com.au/news/tag/young-adult

#Zendaya!

Classy girl...classy response to racist comment.


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Calling My #Latina Sisters!

My blog is like my books and my life.  I'm dedicated to diversity, inclusion and love for all people.  We are as much alike as we are different.  Different cultures, countries, skin tones, hair and eyes.  Same emotions, desires, disappointments and need for love.

As fans of the Chausiku Series know, Book Three introduces the reader to the Amaru clan from South America.  Today's post is for Latinas.

One magazine/blog that really caught my attention is Latinitas, an online community by and for Latina teens.  Check them out @  http://mylatinitas.com.  My blog highlight for today is Viva Fashion/Carmen Ordonez.  http://www.vivafashionblog.com  Today's tip is useful to everyone...and every clan! :)

8 TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

February 23, 2015   


Creating a soothing bedroom atmosphere for a more peaceful night’s rest is SO important. Not to mention that not getting enough sleep has been linked with a laundry list of health problems. Ever since my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we take our sleep pretty seriously. As a new mom, it’s not always easy to get 8 hours of straight sleep (who am I kidding) but I try to make sure that as soon as I hit the bed, I fall asleep pretty quickly. As part of my collaboration with P&G’s Try it & Love it Sleep Soundly program, I’ve been trying out the Febreze Sleep Serenity Bedroom Mist collection to help me achieve a good night’s sleep. On a night I had difficulty falling asleep, I’ve also had the chance to take ZzzQuil to help me fall asleep easily and sleep soundly.

Here are 8 tips that might help you get a better night’s rest too!

1. Stay off tech. As tempting as it may be, try to stay off your smartphone and stop using your computer at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This will help your body know it’s time for bed. I also recently removed the TV from our bedroom (which we’ve always had for the past 7 years!) This helps us to not be tempted to watch TV and stay up even later. I can’t tell you how many times I’ll start watching shows like Top Chef and then I don’t want to go to sleep until I find out what happens haha.

2. Read a Book: Reading a book is also another great non-stimulant that can help you relax and ready for bed. Just don’t read in bed. It’s important to separate activities to signal to your body that bed is meant for sleeping.

3. Exercise: Try to squeeze in at least 20 minutes of exercise each day, but make sure to do it several hours before bedtime. If you don’t have time to head to a gym, don’t worry, I love finding a Yoga workout video on Youtube and exercise from my living room.



4. Add some Zen: Incorporate elements that inspire a tranquil environment like fragrance. I like to mist a soothing scent such as Moonlit Lavender or Warm Milk & Honey from the Febreze Sleep Serenity Bedroom Mist collection. It helps eliminate odors while creating a relaxing atmosphere. I feel like I’m at a spa!



5. Make a To-Do List: Many times I find it hard to fall asleep because I’m thinking about all the things I have to do the next day. To avoid this, I like to make a to-do list right before bed. This helps release my mind of upcoming tasks so I’m not dwelling trying to remember them all.




6. If You Still Can’t Fall Asleep: For those night when you’ve tried everything and still have difficulty falling asleep, try a non-habit-forming sleep aid such as ZzzQuil. It’s available in liquid and LiquiCaps, to help you fall asleep easily and wake refreshed.  I recently tried it and it worked like a charm.


7. Get Cozy: There’s nothing that puts me in the mood for sleep like a nice cozy bed. Make sure to turn down your thermostat to between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure you room is nice and dark. You can try finding some blackout shades or consider buying a sleep mask.


8. Avoid Caffeine: Try to avoid caffeine beginning in the late afternoon. This also includes tea, if it has caffeine. Instead, try to go for a decaf version or have it early in the morning.

Monday, February 23, 2015

#BLASIAN

Today this post is about #Blasians.  One of my main characters in the Chausiku Series is Kang, a #Blasian born in China.  He is a member of the Qiao clan from Shanghai so he has supernatural powers.  But he still struggles with his identity as a #Blasian in Chausiku: The Secret Gambit Book Two.

All teens and young adults have issues to face and overcome.  But there are some struggles that are unique to biracial individuals.  While writing Book 2, I was particularly interested in the story of #LouJing, a biracial Chinese talent show contestant from Shanghai.   Biracial in America isn't new (my grandmother was half white/half black and my grandfather was half black/half Native American) but I wasn't as aware of biracials in other countries.

What's your story?  Send me your comments and check out some of the other blogs below.

http://blasiannarrative.blogspot.com
http://african-chineseguy.blogspot.com
https://sweetricechronicles.wordpress.com
http://askablasian.tumblr.com

Chausiku: The Blood of the Clans
iBooks
bit.ly/1BvVC0H
Amazon
amzn.to/15qXEB6

Sunday, February 22, 2015

#Asia In The Heart

My Chausiku books are about six clans from across the world with supernatural powers.  My Asian clan is the Qiao clan.  To discover more books about and from Asians check out http://asiaintheheart.blogspot.com/

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Qiao clan!

#Asia
#chausikuseris

Chausiku: The Blood of the Clans Book Three
iBooks
bit.ly/1BvVC0H
Amazon
amzn.to/15qXEB6

Reading In Color

Reading In Color is another great website to find diversity books.  Check them out at http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/

#blackteensread2
#chausikuseries

Chausiku: The Blood of the Clans
iBooks-
http://bit.ly/1BvVC0H
Amazon
amzn.to/15qXEB6 

Friday, February 20, 2015

#iBooks

Chausiku: The Blood of the Clans Book Three

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/chausiku-blood-clans-book/id959095594

Monday, January 19, 2015

CHAUSIKU The Blood of the Clans Book Three

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars January 19, 2015
By VR
Verified Purchase
Great next edition - CAN"T wait for the next book!!
Comment | 

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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Free on Amazon

CHAUSIKU The Gathering Storm Book One is free on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/CHAUSIKU-Gathering-Storm-Book-Chausiku-ebook/dp/B00A47AD06
Get started on the Chausiku series for free then get CHAUSIKU The Secret Gambit Book Two and CHAUSIKU The Blood of the Clans Book Three

5 Star Review of Chausiku The Gathering Storm Book One!

First off, I love the name "Chausiku"! This was an amazing read and the plot kept me on my toes. I have already read the second book and I can't wait for the third book!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Chausiku Book 3 is published!

http://www.amazon.com/CHAUSIKU-Blood-Clans-Three-Chausiku-ebook/dp/B00S39GIFQ
Chausiku The Blood of the Clans Book Three is out!  Get it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/CHAUSIKU-Blood-Clans-Three-Chausiku-ebook/dp/B00S39GIFQ

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Blog Tag Tour!

Hi Everyone!  I'm so excited to be a part of this blog tour.  I want to give special recognition to Kish Knight who informed me of this tour.  She is one of the first writers that I have met since I started writing the Chausiku series and I value her friendship.  Her blog is: http://kishknight.blogspot.com/

I was tagged by Khadija Craddock.  She is an author, poet and artist.  Her first YA paranormal book is Awakened from the Wak series.  Her blog is: http://outsidetheoutside.blogspot.com.

So let's get started!

What am I working on?  Easy question!  I'm working on Chausiku: The Blood Of The Clans Book Three!  Look for it to be released very soon.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?  The world is too vast and old for me to believe that anything in the world is truly unique as a stand alone item but there can be unique variations.  I believe that what makes my work different from other teen and young adult science fiction/paranormal books is its diversity and its plot!  In my series, there are six clans in the world with supernatural powers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Australia.  The Sakombi clan, Qiao clan, Spencer clan, Natosapi clan, Amaru clan and Gale clan each have specific powers that only the members of their clan possess but Chausiku is different.  She doesn't know that she is a descendant of the Sakombi clan until her 16th birthday.  It is believed that she is the Prophecy and the most powerful of all clans...or is she?  Read the series and find out!

Why do I write what I do?  I've always been a supernatural addict and I have also had this story in my head for years.  So I decided to do something about it.

Who's got next?  Check out Sheryse Noelle DuBose.  She is a low country fiction writer and her blog is: http://authorsherysenoelledubose.wordpress.com.