Spotlight On...Elaine Cantrell

Please help me in welcoming Elaine Cantrell to the keyboard today.  Welcome Elaine, tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Carolina, I hold a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University and am a member of Romance Writers of America, EPIC authors, and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. I’ve been married for thirty five years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons-a physicist and a fraud investigator. They’ve given us three wonderful grandchildren-one girl and two boys. We also have two mean cats and one sweet, brown dog. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, and discovering new restaurants, not to mention playing Spider Man with my grandson.


How did you start writing?

I've been writing since 2001 when my son asked me to proofread a book he'd written. I figured if he could, so could I. My first published novel, A New Leaf, was the winner of the 2003 Timeless Love contest. If I wasn't sold on writing before, that did it. I've been writing ever since and don't have any plans to stop. Frankly, I don't think I could even if I wanted to. Writing is a strange compulsion that drives me to spend long hours in front of a keyboard when I could be doing important things like napping or eating chocolate. My house isn't dusted as often, I rarely cook, and who cares if the laundry got done or not. Yeah, no doubt about it, I'm addicted.


How many books have you published?

I’ve had 6 altogether. They are:

1.A New Leaf-  http://www.oaktreebooks.com/

2.Grandfather’s Legacy: the publisher died so this one is available from me at  elainecsc@aol.com

3.Purple Heart:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

4.The Welcome Inn:  http://www.wings-press.com/

5.The Best Selling Toy Of The Season:  http://www.midnightshowcase.com/

6.Return Engagement: coming in July to  http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/


Where do you get your ideas?

Ideas come from almost anywhere. Sometimes I’ll read a book and wonder what would have happened if one of the characters had made a different choice. Sometimes I’ll hear a song that inspires me. Sometimes even real situations inspire me. I wrote one of my favorite books, the sequel to Return Engagement after I read a book about secret codes. A secret code is the key to that story.


What genre do you read? What are you reading now?

I read all genres, but I guess I read contemporary romance the most. Right now I’m reading Return to Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank.


What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?

The most challenging aspect is letting go of my characters when I finish a book. I usually fall in love with them and don’t want to let them go. The easiest part is the beginning. I get a good idea and I can’t type fast enough to get the words down.

Tell us about your newest release. Where can we find it?

My newest release comes out in July from Whiskey Creek Press. It’s called Return Engagement, and I just love it! As usual I fell in love with my hero who in this case is mouth-watering. He’s passionate, handsome, and just a little dangerous, but he has a romantic side and would die for the woman he loves. Here’s a blurb to tell you about the book.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

You can read an excerpt HERE.


What's next for you?

I’ve started work on a fantasy novel. It’s loads of fun to write whatever you can imagine unhindered by reality.


Where can we find you on the web?

My web site is  http://www.elainecantrell.com/

My blog is  http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/

My My Space page is at  http://www.myspace.com/elainecantrell

My Facebook page is  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000153041486

I’d love to be friends on My Space or Facebook or both.

Do you have anything you'd like to ask our readers?


I’d like to ask them to let me know how they liked Return Engagement. Also, if they’ll email or mail me a receipt I’ll send them a PDF copy of Grandfather’s Legacy. This is good for the first 50 readers or 48 hours whichever comes first

Thanks for visiting with me today, Elaine.

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Return Engagement by Elaine Cantrell

NOTE:  Due to computer failure, Elaine's interview, set to post today, is unavailable.  I have my tech guy working on the problem with my laptop.  Until then, I invite you to check out Elaine's new release, RETURN ENGAGEMENT, coming in July from Whiskey Creek Press.

Elizabeth Lane has heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.


Excerpt:


In this excerpt Richard and Elizabeth have reunited on the beach and spent the evening together after a ten year separation.



They rode the Ferris wheel and the tilt-a-whirl two times each. Then they went through the haunted mansion which gave Elizabeth a great chance to scream and cling to his side. She hid her face against his shoulder, savoring the male scent of him. When they left the haunted mansion, they found a place that sold cotton candy and funnel cakes. They bought a huge amount of both and devoured the sugary treats as if they’d never had anything so tasty. I shouldn’t flirt so brazenly with him, Elizabeth thought but who cares? Her obvious joy caused some bystanders to smile as they remembered their own courtships.

She paused when they passed a shooting arcade. “Richard, you’re FBI, so I guess you’re supposed to be a good shot. Win me a stuffed animal.”

Richard groaned. “Those guns are probably all sighted wrong so you can’t win. Couldn’t I just buy you one instead?”

“No, that won’t do at all. Never mind. It’s okay if you don’t think you can do it,” she replied with no hint of a smile whatsoever. Would he try to win a prize for her or not?

Richard stepped up to the counter and inspected the row of guns provided by the arcade. “Okay, I know a challenge when I hear it. I’ll win you an animal if I have to stay here all night.”

The attendant, a wizened gnome of a man with a sour expression on his face, wandered over to them. “Win a prize for the lady, mister? Dollar a shot.”

“Yeah, I’ll give it a try.”

He selected the gun he wanted and shot, but he missed. “Just as I expected, the sights are off, and it pulls to the left.” He adjusted for the bad sights, aimed, and squeezed the trigger. This time he hit the target dead center.

“Hooray,” cheered Elizabeth. “I want that big white cat over there. How many does he have to hit to get it?”

“Ten in a row,” the man sourly replied.

A few minutes later Richard and Elizabeth walked away carrying the big cat with them.

Elizabeth tucked her arm through his. “This is so exciting! Nobody ever won anything for me before. You are such a good shot. I bet you’re one of the FBI’s best marksmen.” Is he blushing? thought Elizabeth. I bet it’s been a long time since a woman made him blush.

She couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. She came to a halt and looked intently into his face. “Why, Richard, are you blushing?”

The color in Richard’s face deepened. “I don’t think so. It’s just the lights.”

“Oh, yes you are! You always used to blush when I teased you. Did I embarrass you?”

Richard ducked his head, a little gesture that probably sent her blood pressure sky high. “All right, my face does feel a little warm” he admitted, “but no, you didn’t embarrass me. It’s… well it’s kind of nice to have you flirt with me and brag on me. I’m surprised how bad I wanted to show off and win that damn cat for you.”

“You are so sweet,” she declared, giving him a warm smile.

“I don’t believe it! Is that what I get for winning the cat? Sweet? I don’t want to be sweet.” Ignoring the crowds of people all around them, he jerked her close which made her breath leave her in a little woof. “I want to be your lover. I want you to say I’m sexy and that you want me. I can’t believe you think I’m sweet.”

Elizabeth willingly threw both discretion and Alex to the wind. What did discretion or Alex matter at a time like this? “Oh, that’s what you want, is it? I’m glad you made your intentions clear, Mr. Lovinggood.” She took a small step toward him and obligingly tilted her face upward.



Make sure to visit Elaine's website for more information on her books:

http://www.elainecantrell.com/

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NOR Top Pick

I've been so busy lately that I'm still wading through all of my emails, trying to get caught up on good news and congrats to all of my friends and fellow authors.  So yesterday, when a little Google alert popped up in my inbox, I was thrilled to discover that Not Without Risk was given a 'Top Pick' review by Melinda at Night Owl Reviews.

Here's what she had to say:

"Sarah Grimm has done it again with a fabulous romantic suspense. Throughout each chapter the killer is one step ahead of Justin and this upsets him. He’s always worked hard and knowing someone is playing with him gets to him. I loved how determined he was and swore he would do anything to protect his woman. Right off the bat you can tell these two had chemistry yet Paige tried to deny it. The way the killer comes out in this story is one that will surprise you. The suspense and attraction was awesome and this is definitely an author that will blow your mind away."

Thank you, Melinda, you made my day!

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Spotlight On...Melanie Atkins

Today I'd like you to help me welcome fellow romantic suspense author and friend, Melanie Atkins, to my blog. Welcome Melanie, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a multi-published author of romantic suspense, I love crime dramas, and I love to read. Writing is more than an escape for me—it’s what I do. I grew up in the Deep South listening to my relatives spin tall tales, and some of it must have rubbed off.

Tell us about CHOSEN TARGET and where it’s available.

CHOSEN TARGET is the third book in my New Orleans Detective series, which is available from Desert Breeze Publishing. It follows CHERISHED WITNESS and PRIME SUSPECT.

In CHOSEN TARGET, Jadan Calloway’s latest night out on the town ends in the death of the man who charmed her off her feet. Now the people who killed Kent are after her, and the only man who can save her is Cole McAlister, the rugged, willful detective who believes she is behind his brother’s death. Together they become wrapped up in a web of terrorism and intrigue—and they fall in love.

How did you start writing?

I've written since I was a kid writing stories about my cats. Life got in the way after college, but later I took it up again. I finally got serious about publication in 2001.

How many books have you published? In what order should we read your books?

I can't really say, because a good many came out with a now-defunct publisher, their rights reverted back to me, and now I'm trying to get them back out there. I currently have three books out with Desert Breeze (with five more on the way), five out with Cobblestone Press, and one with The Wild Rose Press.

How does your family feel about your career?

They are very supportive.

What is the most interesting comment you’ve ever received on one of your books?

That SKELETON BAYOU, the book that's out in both e-book and print format from The Wild Rose Press, kept one of my old friends up until two a.m. one night—and then she couldn’t go to sleep because I'd scared her to death. WIN!

Who are your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?

Right now I'm reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but I usually read romantic suspense and thrillers. Some of my favorite authors are Lisa Gardner, Tami Hoag, Karen Rose, Tess Gerritsen, John Sandford, Linda Howard, and Greg Isles.

Do you ever become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go?

All the time. I get so far inside my characters' heads, I don't want the books to end.

How do you approach your writing, are you a plotter or a pantser?

Usually I'm a pantser, but on my current WIP, a gritty, complicated single title suspense, I'm having to plot using a spreadsheet. It's the only way I can keep up with everything.

What’s next for you?

Trying to sell my single titles. I'd loved to be published by NY, and that is my main goal right now.

Where can we find you on the web?

Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com/

Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com/

Shades of Suspense blog: http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com/

Murder, Mayhem & More blog: http://murdermayhemandmore.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins

Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins

Crimespace: http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/MelanieAtkins

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Atkins

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/melanieatkins

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Murder_Mayhem_and_More

Is there anything you’d like to ask your readers?

Yes: How did you hear about my books?

Thanks, Melanie, it's been great chatting with you.

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Spotlight On...Alison Chambers

Please help me in welcoming Alison Chambers to the Keyboard today.  Alison, tell us a little about yourself.

I have been in marketing and public relations most of my life and was part owner of an association management firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin handling national medical and trade associations. I majored in history and political science in college and both topics seem to find their way into my books. I love to travel, play piano and write, of course.

How did you start writing?

When I was fifteen, I read a lot of Nancy Drew books and got interested in mysteries where the girl is the heroine who follows the clues, is smarter than everyone else and saves the day. I started writing short Nancy Drew stories, then branched out and wrote my first novel at eighteen. I have written six more novels since and I’m working on my eighth.
Who are your favorite authors?

I am a fan of thrillers and romantic suspense. I enjoy Alistair MacLean, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown. In the romantic area, I enjoy Danielle Steele, Christina Dodd, and Janet Evanovich.
Why did you choose your genre?

Nothing could be better than marrying the elements of romance and suspense and it’s one of the hottest genres around.

What writers have influenced you the most?

Alistair MacLean and Clive Cussler for the suspense. Danielle Steele for the romance.

How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?

I always have a detailed outline and a detailed character sketch made before I start. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know where to go or I’d get derailed going off in too many wrong directions.

Describe your writing in three words.

Suspenseful. Intriguing. Romantic.

Your first book is releasing on May 7, The Secret Sentinel. Can you tell us a little about it?

Three lost keys to untold riches. A secret society’s deadly plot.

The Secret Sentinel is a story about museum curator, Savannah Rutledge, who gets into a lot of trouble stealing her father’s treasure map to lost Confederate gold. She meets a handsome, sexy stranger who wants the gold too, but she doesn’t trust him. Together, they follow a perplexing trail of cryptic clues in a cross-country chase to unlock the mystery. Will she ever find the treasure and love too? Watch for the ad and review in the June issue of Romantic Times!

Do you have any 'must haves' with you while you're writing?

A thesaurus, my notes and outline, and hopefully, a sharp brain that makes the words flow like velvet onto the page.

What's next for you?

I have finished my next book called Preying for Survival and am shopping it around. I’ve started the one after that called The Virgo Stone.

Where can we find you on the web?

http://www.alisonchambersromance.com/
Thanks for visiting with us today, Alison.
Thank you!

Readers, scroll down for a blurb and excerpt from Alison's book.

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The Secret Sentinel by Alison Chambers

The Secret Sentinel
by Alison Chambers
Available Now at The Wild Rose Press

blurb:

Three lost keys to untold riches. Three cryptic rhymes. A secret society's deadly plot. When museum curator Savannah Rutledge steals her father's treasure map to impress her boss, Winston Gale, and his handsome son Eric, she unleashes a Pandora's box of horror. Her father is killed and she is framed for murder. To atone for her father's death, she sets off on a cross-country chase for the treasure that ends with a dangerous showdown in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix. To get there she and a sexy stranger, Antonio Desada, follow a perplexing trail of clues that lead them to the keys that will unlock the mystery. Constantly moving, they must elude the police and the vicious Gales, hot on their trail once they realize they're missing a critical part of the map. Seductive and mysterious, Desada also provides the keys to a treasure of another kind. Will Savannah find the treasure—and love--before it's too late?

excerpt:

"Do not keep anything from me. Something tells me you are. Still protecting your father?"

"Right, and when did you get your psychology degree?" She got to her feet and stalked off, combing every room of the second floor, bravely opening closed doors, for the moment unafraid of what she would find.

Desada had touched a nerve, accusing her of holding back, and she didn't like it. Not because he said it, but because she believed it herself.

Had she buried something her father had told her in her subconscious? Was she intentionally sabotaging the effort out of cowardice or fear?

The rooms she searched were empty except for cobwebs, lizards, and a few pieces of crumbling furniture--rocking chairs, a threadbare sofa, a urine-stained mattress, discarded beer bottles.

She felt Desada's brooding presence looming behind her. "Don't go off like that again. Wait for me."

"A lot of help you'd be. Probably let me take the first bullet."

"You know that's not true."

"How do I know that? Your'e only using me to get what you want!"

He grabbed her arm. "Listen, if we're going to continue in this together, we need to set a few rules. Rule one, no emotions. Absolutely none. That's one thing we don't need. We need cold detachment. We need to survive, Savannah. Don't you understand what we're up against here? We've got death facing us around every corner. We can't afford to--"

"I don't need you dictating to me. That's one thing I don't need. Do you understand? That's not going to guarantee my allegiance to you. What we need is a little equality, a little fifty-fifty deal. Besides, you're the one who keeps trying to kiss me."

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BLOGMANIA WINNER

Whew, not that was harder than I expected it to be.  So many wonderful comments and followers to add to the hat!  So now, the moment you've all been patiently waiting for...

The winner of my Blogmania 2010 contest is:

Carol L.  a.k.a   LUCKY4750

Congratulations Carol!  Look for an email from me. 

Everyone else, thanks for entering!  And don't forget, Blogmania is twice a year.  More prizes are coming in September!

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Fun Stuff

Wow, was Blogmania fun or what?!  Just so everyone knows, the contest is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  I sure do have a TON of entries to work my way through, which is wonderful!

I have to work all day Saturday and Sunday, but I will be back on Monday, May 3rd to contact and announce the winner.  Make sure to stop in and check it out, you just might be the winner!

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BLOGMANIA 2010 ~ It's here!

This contest is now CLOSED

Would you like the chance to win hundred's of prizes?

Would you like to discover new and exciting blogs?

Then this is the event for you!

WELCOME to BLOGMANIA !

My Blog is 12 of 123


You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY (For One Day Only – April 30th) .

You literally have the chance to win hundred's of prizes.  We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers 1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.

I know you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures. CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

READY, SET, GO!  


MY GIVEAWAY and RULES:

Entering to win is easy!  All you have to do is leave me a comment and you're entered to win an autographed copy of my romantic suspense, Not Without Risk, as well as this one of a kind dichroic glass pendant. 

This stunning piece was designed and created by artist Cristine Grimm of SilverFire Studios. 
If you've never experienced dichroic glass, you're in for a treat! 

Dichroic simply means that the glass transmits one color of light while reflecting a second color.  This means that depending on what light you're in, or what color outfit you're wearing your pendant against, this piece will appear change colors. It's fantastic!  I know you'll love this pendant as much as I love do.

(please note, this piece appears chipped in this photo, but it is a trick of the light.)

Want more than one shot at winning?  'Follow' this blog for another entry.

I am willing to ship anywhere in the US, Canada, or International.  So jump on in and join the fun!

Your next BLOGMANIA blogs are:

Between The Pages

The Black Sheep Dances

Books, Books Everywhere

Truth Be Told

Publishing Without a Parachute

Travel the Ages

Luxury Reading

Simply Stacie

A Mom After God’s Own Heart

Jennifer Laurens

Just Another New Blog


Don't forget to make note of the blog number that you are visiting and check it off your list.  You don't want to MISS even one!  Have fun and good luck!

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Blogmania Prize

As promised, here is a look at the fabulous
dichroic glass pendant that I will be

giving away during Blogmania 2010.

NOTE:  The spot you see on the left is not
a chip, it just blended into the background.

Make sure to stop back on April 30, 2010

for your chance to win this along with a couple of other great prizes.

Entering to win will be easy, I swear!

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Sick...Yuck!

I haven't been feeling well lately (sinus drainage and bronchitis-like cough) but am finally getting back to normal. For those of you who have swung by while I've been on the couch, thanks for visiting!

I should be back later tonight with pictures of my BLOGMANIA prize.

Looking forward to BLOGMANIA 2010!

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Blogmania - Check List

Blogmania Early Bird Check List:

We want all of our visiting guests in our first Blogmania Event scheduled for April 30th to Get On Their Marks-Get Set…

It’s not time to go yet, but if you want to have the most fun and scoop up as much loot as possible, here are a few Early Bird Reminders to help you do just that.


1. Be at any of the blogs participating in the Blogmania Event as early as possible on April 30th. The easiest way to find a Blogmania Blog is to look for the Blogmania Badge.

2. This is an international event, so understand that there will be some differences in time zones. My advice is to start early and stay late to catch all the blogs.

3. Each blog will have their own giveaway requirements. Read them carefully, follow through, and then move on as quickly as possible. If you run across a blog that you really like and want to spend some time exploring, copy their URL and then visit them after Blogmania is over.

4. We will have a 100+ blogs for you to visit. Each one will post their number like this. ( This is blog 47 of 100) This is to help you keep track of which blogs you’ve visited, and which ones you still need to reach. I’d suggest that you prepare a blog sheet which is numbered from 1 – 120, then mark off each numbered blog as you visit them.

5. All blog links provided will also have a number like (Blog 89 of 100). Look for the blogs that you haven’t yet visited and follow those links until you’ve checked off all the blogs on your sheet.

6. We have all types of blogs participating in Blogmania, which means that the range of items in their giveaways are diverse. I have previewed many and they are awesome.

7. Why not contact a friend and partner up. Compare notes, share loot, or organize your own friendly neighborhood Blogmania Competition.

This is our first Blogmania Event, but it isn’t our last. Blogmania is a bi-yearly Giveaway Extravaganza. In fact, our next Blogmania Event will start September 15th, and do we have some cool stuff planned for you! So keep in touch with our Blogmania Blogs, because they will be giving sneak previews, secret codes, and who knows what else in the weeks and months ahead.

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Author Spotlight

Come and visit me today and tomorrow on the fabulous blog of author Cate Masters.  Cate is a fellow BLOGMANIA participant as well as a wonderful person who spotlights her fellow authors frequently.  Definately a blog you need to check out and keep coming back to.

I'm giving away a copy of NOT WITHOUT RISK to a random commentor, so be sure and swing by.

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Blogmania

Would you like the a chance to win hundreds of prizes?  Would you like to discover new, exciting blogs?

Then BLOGMANIA is the event for you! You will literally have the chance to win hundreds of prizes. We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing for just the right blogs. Every blog you visit will have more links for you to follow, all of them with a special BLOGMANIA giveaway and just waiting for you to drop by.

Each blog will have a number like this (12 of 72). These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Now, really, isn’t this the easiest thing ever! AND SO MUCH FUN…

You can begin at any of our participating blogs, just look for the BLOGMANIA badge.  If you don't have a favorite BLOGMANIA blog bookmarked, you're invited to start here.

Remember! The special BLOGMANIA prizes are only available for one day, April 30th. The number of prizes you could win is only limited by the number of blogs you visit.

Examples of the prizes available:

Pearl Necklace
Dichroic Glass Pendant
BOX of books
Amazon Gift Card
Chocolates
...and so much more.

Get Ready—Set —Oops, not so fast, you have to come back on April 30th, 2010 to win.  Mark your calendars!

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