Happy 150th Birthday, Canada! With Julie Rowe, VIABLE THREAT, and giveaway

Yesterday, Canada celebrated its 150th birthday!  My family enjoyed the "Canada" category on Friday's episode of Jeopardy! as Alex Trebek wore a specially created hockey jersey. 

I had the pleasure of serving with Canadian Forces when I was assigned to NATO in Germany.  I then volunteered with other Canadian spouses when my husband was assigned to NATO in the Netherlands.  And know I know numerous Canadian authors, including the fabulous Julie Rowe.  From her bio,

Full-time author, freelance writer and workshop facilitator,Julie Rowe’s debut novel, Icebound, was released by Carina Press on Nov 14, 2011. Ten novels and eight anthologies have followed. Julie’s articles and short stories have appeared in numerous magazines, such as Romantic Times Magazine, Today's Parent magazine and Canadian Living. Julie facilitates business writing and communication workshops at Keyano College in her home city, and has presented writing workshops at conferences in the United States and Canada. She’s also a strong supporter of life long learning and moderates a free announcement loop for the promotion of online classes, workshops and webinars. You can find her at

julieroweauthor.com

@julieroweauthor 

facebook.com/JulieRoweAuthor

I am giving away a copy of Julie's recent release, VIABLE THREAT:

Special Forces soldier and medic Walter River would give anything to snatch more than a few seconds of down time to see if he can rattle the no-nonsense and incredibly hot Dr. Lloyd he's protecting, but dodging explosions, snipers, and student radicals who've unleashed a lethal bio-engineered microorganism have made that almost impossible. Maybe he'll get a chance—if he can figure out how to keep them both alive.

CDC microbiologist Ava Lloyd races to find a cure for a bio-terrorism organism sweeping El Paso. The few stolen moments with her very hunky bodyguard River have been explosive, but no matter how alluring he is, she can't afford to get distracted. The clock is ticking, people are dying by the hundreds, and once this crisis is solved, they'll both be off on their next assignment, thousands of miles apart.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Canada - what do you about our Northern neighbor?  

I visited Canada in 1988 when I lived outside Boston with the Air Force - my friends chartered a bus for a ski trip to Mont Treblant in Quebec.  The bus was full of Canadian beer on the way home.

2. Comments are open through Sunday, July 10, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, July 11.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Julie Rowe, Chesterman Beach, and Beach Blanket Bingo

Surfers in Chesterman Beach, British Columbia

gotofino.com

Let's talk about beaches.  Canadian author Julie Rowe will be participating in Beach Blanket Bingo during the RT Booklovers' Convention (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Julie will be decorating her table in honor of Chesterman Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  From Tourism Tofino (link),

This 2.7 kilometre (1.7 mile) stretch of white sand paradise is the most popular beach destination for Tofino residents. Things to do on Chesterman Beach: 

Explore tidepools with the kids at North Chesterman Beach at low tide and you may see delightful seastars, anemones and umpteen marine lifeforms. 

 
Drop by the Carving Shed by the Wickaninnish Inn, also on North Chesterman, where friendly and especially talented wood carvers hone their art. 

Walk the tombolo (sandspit) to Frank Island, also to be done at low tide, for the views of the entire beach with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. 

 
Get comfy in the sand on South Chesterman Beach as you watch surf instructors teaching eager students the basics of riding their first wave. Better yet, register with a Tofino surf school for your first lesson or bring your gear for a surf on this magnificent beach. For more information on surfing Chesterman Beach, click here.

Full-time author, freelance writer and workshop facilitator,Julie Rowe’s debut novel, Icebound, was released by Carina Press on Nov 14, 2011. Ten novels and eight anthologies have followed. Her most recent titles are the MEN OF ACTION boxed set and VIRAL JUSTICE book #3 of the Biological Response Team series. Julie’s articles and short stories have appeared in numerous magazines, such as Romantic Times Magazine, Today's Parent magazine and Canadian Living. Julie facilitates business writing and communication workshops at Keyano College in her home city, and has presented writing workshops at conferences in the United States and Canada. She’s also a strong supporter of life long learning and moderates a free announcement loop for the promotion of online classes, workshops and webinars. You can find her at julieroweauthor.com, twitter.com/JulieRoweAuthor or facebook.com/JulieRoweAuthor.

During the RT Booklovers' Convention, Julie will be celebrating the release of her next book ... 

Thank you, Julie, for supporting our beach party ... and your support of military families, too!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, including a copy of Julie's LETHAL GAME, to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about British Columbia - what do you know about our Northwest Neighbor?  I know folks who take cruises to Alaska stop in BC and love it!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, January 22, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, January 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

RWA Recap - The Joy of Writing and Walking the Land

Last Thursday, RWA was in full swing. I moderated two workshops and I share them with you:

The Joy of Writing (WRITER’S LIFE)

Speakers: Anne Elizabeth, Cathy Maxwell, and Julie Rowe

Best-selling, award-winning, and perpetually positive authors share how they savor their passion for writing while navigating the pitfalls of the publishing industry.

I submitted the proposal for this panel based on Anne Elizabeth's mantra to always find joy. The authors shared the challenges in their lives, both personal and professional. They offered techniques to take care of themselves and inspire the creative process.

I commend Julie for sharing the semi-colon tattoo on her arm; it represents it isn't over, just at a pause.

Walking the Land: Building a World That Makes Readers Feel They’ve Visited Your Setting (CRAFT)

Speaker: Jodi Thomas

Discover how to create the essentials to make the world of your stories come alive. Help your readers "walk the land" with you so they feel as if they’ve visited your setting, not just read about it.

I volunteered to moderate this panel since I admire Jodi and her writing. She uses the western setting for her historical and contemporary books. Jodi "walked" through how she researches her setting by walking among rescued horses, listening to ranch hands, and lifting items abandoned along the wagon trail. She taught the audience (and myself) that emotion comes from the five senses.

Authors, find someone who bought the conference recordings and listen to these workshops!

Readers, where have you "walked" recently? I walked all over the USS Midway in San Diego and "heard" the stories from sailors.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, July 23, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Celebrate Canada Week - Aloha to Julie Rowe

The Canadian flag at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic 

Image by Jared Grove (link)

Julie Rowe and her fellow residents of Fort McMurray, are resilient. Julie, in particular, remains cheerful despite the fire. She is participating in one of the panels I coordinated for the RWA Annual Conference (link):

The Joy of Writing (WRITER’S LIFE)
Anne Elizabeth, Kim Lowe, Cathy Maxwell, and Julie Rowe

Best-selling, award-winning, and perpetually positive authors share how they savor their passion for writing while navigating the pitfalls of the publishing industry.


From her bio,

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at julieroweauthor.com.

Kim: What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell of your part of Canada?

Julie: I love the sight, sound and smells of the Rocky Mountains! There’s nothing like the clean, crisp scent of pine trees, the sound of birds and rushing water and the sight of the peaks covered in snow.

Kim: Can you share a unique Canadian saying or slang that resonates with you?

Julie: I’m sorry. I say it all the time and don’t even realize it. My kids tease me about being sorry for everything, including the weather, bad traffic, political unrest in foreign nations and the plight of Syrian refugees.

Kim: What would you recommend a reader to see, eat, or drink to enhance their travel experience to Canada?

Julie: If you could only do one thing, I would recommend flying into the Calgary airport, driving to Banff and having High Tea at the Banff Springs Hotel. 

Banff Springs Hotel, October 1929

Public Domain (link)

Juile's recent release is VIRAL JUSTICE ...

As a general's daughter, Alicia Stone has fought twice as hard for everything she's earned in the military. A Special Forces consultant with black belts in three martial arts, she's as strong as her surname implies. No one dares call her Alicia—no one but Colonel Robert Maxmillian, head of the Biological Response Team.

With Alicia at his side, Max must lead the team into northern Iraq to investigate a virus—or is it a weapon—killing the area's population. Charged with guarding his body, she can't help wanting his hands on her body. Max would be the perfect fling. But he demands more.

The heat builds between them, but danger quickly follows. As the two get closer to the source of the virus, they'll have to risk their future to outsmart a scientist with nothing to lose.
Book three of Biological Response Team

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. How do you take your tea - hot or cold? Milk or lemon? What flavor?  I prefer hot green tea!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 2, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Julie Rowe, MEN OF ACTION, and Quilts of Valor

I believe we should celebrate veterans all month long. Julie Rowe joins me today to continue the celebration with her special box set, MEN OF ACTION:

Secret Santa

A nurse grieving the death of her twin brother receives an unexpected gift at the staff Secret Santa party: the bullet that killed him and a message of hope and love.
Previously published in the Timeless Keepsakes anthology

A Pirate’s Vacation 

A doctor grieving the death of her husband, buys a B&B in the Virgin Islands in need of a lot of fixing. Her old flame arrives to help with repairs, but will she let him heal her shattered heart?
Previously published in the Timeless Escapes anthology

Medal of Honor 

When a Chicago surgeon is informed her homeless father has been murdered, she’s shocked to discover he won the Medal of Honor years ago in Vietnam. Now the killer has her in his sights, but the detective on the case has no intention of letting anyone hurt her. Ever.  Previously published in the Timeless Treasures anthology

Including all new material in each story!

All author proceeds from the sale of this boxed set will be donated to Quilts of Valour (link). Supporting Canadian Armed Forces members past and present with quilts of comfort in their time of need.

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor.

I am giving away 5 digital copies of MEN OF ACTION, one for each branch of service, to randomly selected commenters.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Canada - what do you know about our Northern neighbor and/or what do you love about them?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 21, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Julie Rowe and DEADLY STRAIN - Book 1 from the Biological Response Team

Julie Rowe is a dynamo - she is a long standing supporter of military families.  Julie is always smiling at conventions.   She generously shares her knowledge of Twitter.  Julie has authored a wide range of romance books.  From her bio,

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor.

Julie is celebrating the release of  DEADLY STRAIN - Book 1 from the Biological Response Team:

Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster.

Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of Anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.

Sharp is Grace’s most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can’t watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.

View of Band-e Amir in the Bamyan Province of Afghanistan
Referred to as Afghanistan's Grand Canyon
Public Domain (link)

DEADLY STRAIN is next in my reading queue and looking forward to it! I am giving away a digital copy of DEADLY STRAIN to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Canada - what do you know about about our Northern neighbor?  I know Canada has gorgeous landscapes!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 20, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Alberta, Canada
Public Domain (link)

May is National Military Appreciation Month - Aloha to Julie Rowe

Julie Rowe added international flare to the SOS America Military Tribute - she hosted the Canadian Table and read IN FLANDERS FIELD (we'll chat about the military tribute next week).  From Julie's bio,

Full-time author, freelance writer and workshop facilitator,Julie Rowe’s debut novel, Icebound, was released by Carina Press on Nov 14, 2011. North of Heartbreak followed on April 16, 2012 and Saving The Rifleman on October 8, 2012. Both North of Heartbreak and Saving The Rifleman finaled in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, with Saving The Rifleman winning the novella category. Enticing the Spymaster and Aiding the Enemy followed in 2013. Molly Gets Her Man was published by Entangled Ignite in January 2014. Hollywood Scandal released May 27, 2014 from the Entangled Indulgence imprint. Julie’s articles and short stories have appeared in numerous magazines, such as Romantic Times Magazine, Today's Parent magazine and Canadian Living. Julie facilitates business writing and communication workshops at Keyano College in her home city, and has presented writing workshops at conferences in the United States and Canada. She’s also a strong supporter of life long learning and moderates a free announcement loop for the promotion of online classes, workshops and webinars. 

Visit her at JulieRoweAuthor.com.

Julie is preparing for the release of DEADLY STRAIN, Book One of the Biological Response Team, available June 15:

Major Grace Samuels, a trauma surgeon deployed to Afghanistan, spends her life helping her fellow soldiers overcome disease and combat injuries. But her own wounds are harder to heal. Wracked with guilt over the death of a fellow soldier, she finds comfort in her only friend and appointed bodyguard, weapons sergeant Jacob “Sharp” Foster.

Sharp feels more for Grace than a soldier should, more than he wants to admit. When the team discovers a new, quick-to-kill strain of anthrax, he tries to focus on the mission to find its source. He knows he can help Grace defeat her demons, but first they must defeat the deadly outbreak.

Sharp is Grace’s most loyal ally, but in close quarters, he starts to feel like more. She can’t watch someone else she cares about die—but she might not have a choice. The closer they get to finding the source of the strain, the closer it gets to finding them.

A real medical team in Afghanistan ...

Mahalo, Julie for your support of the SOS America Military Tribute.  May is National Military Appreciation Month. For the month of May, I am giving away one grand prize of books and swag from the authors featured this month (link). Plus five more commenters - one for each branch of service - wins a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Canada - what do you know about it?  What do you love about it?  When we lived in the Netherlands, my oldest son attended the International School. He was taught by Canadian teachers for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.  Andrew learned about Canada's hero, Terry Fox.

2. Comments are open through Sunday, May 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winners on Monday, June 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Terry Fox, Canadian cancer research activist
Image released to Public Domain (link)

Aloha to TIMELESS ESCAPE - A Collection of Summer Stories with Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, and Julie Rowe

I posted my final blog about the RT Booklovers' Convention on my travel blog, The Last Beignet, at this link.  Beignets made my top 10 list as did meeting Ruth A. Casie and Julie Rowe - they energized the convention! Their joy continues with their new adventure with TIMELESS ESCAPES - A COLLECTION OF SUMMER STORIES: 

Escape to the Virgin Islands where the bonds of marriage are renewed, friends become lovers, and new love is given a chance to thrive.

Ruth A. Casie ~ Second Chance by the Sea

Married for ten years, a couple at odds find their marriage was never registered. Will an impending disaster be the final straw that breaks them up or will it rekindle their love and send them back to the altar for a second chance?

Lita Harris ~ Chasing Fireflies

Soured on love by a recent breakup, a travel agent with a fear of flying and open water takes a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. She meets a boat captain who challenges her fears. Will she survive her breakup and find happiness in the arms of another man?

Emma Kaye ~ In Her Dreams

When an author escapes to the Virgin Islands to work on her latest book, she’s swept back in time to Regency England and must decide whether the love she finds with an English lord is real or only in her dreams.

Nicole S. Patrick ~ Poseidon’s Strength

A beloved hero’s death leads his sister and his best friend, who have never seen eye-to-eye, to discover that helping family can be their happy medium, and possibly lead them to uncover a love that's meant to be.

Julie Rowe ~ A Pirate’s Vacation

A doctor grieving the death of her husband, buys a B&B in the Virgin Islands in need of a lot of fixing. Her old flame arrives to help with repairs, but will she let him heal her shattered heart?

TIMELESS ESCAPES is on sale through Monday for 99 cents on Amazon and B&N.   I am giving away a digital copy of TIMELESS ESCAPES to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway, 

1.  Name a tropical location for your timeless escape!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 7, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Also available from  Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, 

Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, and Julie Rowe

Aloha to Julie Rowe and HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL

Meeting Julie Rowe ranks in my top ten moments at RT14 in NOLA - she is an energizing author with a generous heart.   She joins me today to celebrate the release of HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL - isn't that cover sexy?

Kim:  We love international travel here at SOS Aloha. What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell of Alberta, Canada?

Julie:  The Rocky Mountains would be my favorite sight, smell and sound. Pine needle scented air, the slightest bite of snow to remind you that the snowline isn't that far away. So beautiful. There's a highway between Banff and Jasper, Alberta that goes down the back of the Rockies and is one of the most beautiful drive's in the world. If you ever have a chance, go for a drive there.

Kim:  How did you jump into a career as a full time author, freelance writer, and workshop facilitor?

Julie:   By accident. I wrote up a creative writing workshop for my local college and it went over well, so they asked me to teach a business writing workshop for them. That went well, so they added Report and Procedure writing workshops. Those went well, so they kept asking me to teach more/different classes until I told them I couldn't fit anything else into my schedule.

The magazine writing got started after a workshop on writing for magazines. I submitted a few article ideas and sold them, so I kept at that as well. Getting paid is a big motivator. :-)

Kim:  What did you learn from fans and industry members alike at the RT Booklovers' Convention?

Julie:  I learned that fans don't forget a good book, and neither do editors or agents. I learned that writers are often the most generous of people, helping out in ways that are often creative and fun. I learned that readers are constantly looking for great new authors to read. I learned that no one knows where the publishing business is going to go next, but everyone has an opinion. I learned that the world is a small place where people can connect with darn near anyone from anywhere over the miracle that is social media.

Julie presented a special coin to Kathryn Falk
at the SOS America Military Tribute

Kim:  Tell us about your books - what is your unique twist to romance?

Julie:  I write medical romance and adventure, but my unique twist is the theme of RECOVERY threaded throughout all my stories, long or short. I write about people who are generous, courageous and intelligent trying to deal with grief, loss and emotional (and sometimes physical) trauma. These are highly independent and educated people who suddenly find themselves unable to handle the trauma without help. How many of us wait too long to ask for help?

Kim:  What's next for Julie Rowe?

Julie:  I'm working on developing a military medical romance trilogy for one publisher and serializing another story as a self-published project for myself. :-)

Mahalo, Julie!  I am excite to read HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL - A Seacliffe Medical Novel:

Dr. Calla Roberts has seen too much death, destruction and betrayal to ever believe in fairy tales or men who are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Which is why LA Lawyer Alex Hardy irritates the crap out of her. He’s a lawyer who practices radical honesty in a city famous for make believe. When an actor who thinks he can buy or cheat his way out of anything attempts to discredit Calla, Alex (with a crooked nose for trouble) champions her desperate cause. She slowly begins to think that good guys do exist, until she discovers Alex has lied about who he is, and who he loves.

I am giving away a digital copy of HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway, 

1.  What Hollywood scandal caught your attention?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Julie and her books at julieroweauthor.com.

Also available this week from Julie ...

come back on Saturday for another giveaway!