Birthday wishes

Just wanted to mention that it's Sera Fletcher's birthday.

Happy Birthday!

She's a fellow Leo and Rabbit.

"There's a little bit of Sera in all of us."

How about you?  Are you a Leo too?

Get your copy of the ebook version at Smashwords. 


Theresa

Things that spring up at Easter

You wouldn't know it in the Ottawa Valley but Spring is here.  

The snowbanks are melting into dirt piles, there's dog pooh everywhere and the rivers are rising.  Yuk!

I haven't witnessed crocus sprouts pushing up yet but am hopeful to soon enjoy the annual Tulip Festival.  

Some folks are adorning their homes and work areas with colourful symbols of renewal and rebirth.  

 
Yes, some of us writers still have day jobs in order to support luxuries like rent, food and utilities. 

Friends and relatives are decluttering their attics, basements and garages, planning up-coming events like yard sales.   Who knows what gems or skeletons they will discover in the process?

One of the resident youth recently helped me dig out a piece of concept art that was nicely tucked away in our deep, dark storage area.  It was a Yin Yang egg I painted during the 1999 Year of the Rabbit.

I wanted to inspect this piece of art I attempted while trying to restore harmony during an unbalanced time in our lives, while treading the murky waters of my own well-being.  

If you dig deep enough, you will reconcile with your shame and forgive yourself for not acting soon enough to rescue your family.  You can spend years writing down to the bones to regain your mental health, work up the courage to symbolically destroy the demons from your past.  

The above news story was published in The Seguin Sounder, a fictitious newspaper that evolved out of the novel.  

Spoiler alert:  The antagonist meets with a violent ending at the hands of the innocent - and with a little help from nature.

Read excerpts from The Year of The Rabbit, a Novel About Fate, Family and Forgiveness. 

Join others who enjoyed this unpolished gem of Canadian fiction.  Download the first few chapters of the eBook for free from Smashwords.  If you like what you have read, you can then purchase the entire book for 99 cents or more (you set the price). 

Visit the novel's web site.  Just watch where you are digging though. 

Thanks for dropping by.  

Happy Easter! 
 

T

Something for everyone during Read an Ebook Week March 2 to 8

As a Smashwords author, it is my pleasure to promote Read an Ebook Week 2014.

 
Visit Smashwords.com during March 2 to 8, 2014 for a list of independent authors' books on discount or for free!  So much variety that can be packed into your eReader.

Since The Year of the Rabbit is already listed at 99 cents, it will be available as free this week.  If you don't already have a Smashwords account, you can easily join for free. 

 
Do you like trains?  There's plenty of trains in this novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  

Do you like books that explore human interest, loneliness, belief systems and dabble just a little into romance? 

You will like The Year of the Rabbit. These previous readers did.  
 
Thanks for dropping by.  I hope to hear from you soon.

T

Feeding the artist child

It's just past Christmas and old man winter has us in his icy grip again.

Although yesterday was a dull, cold and slushy-bus Saturday in Ottawa, it didn't bring down my inner child nor the artist in the family.  

The illustrator recently celebrated a milestone age. She was happy, nay excited for me to take her on a birthday shopping trip to one of our favourite art supply stores, to pick out sketch books, pencils and other tools. 

It made me happy to see her so happy while browsing the aisles of creative potential.  It brought back memories of my young adult days, my creative escapes - and my own Mother's appreciation of my art. 


The illustrator holds two English Lit. degrees and has reverted back to her first love of drawing while waiting for the perfect career to drop onto her lap. 

She has created an online comic series that chronicles the travels of a human girl and her alien companion as they visit every habitable planet in the galaxy. She is expressing her creativity, her need for exploration and escape.  Didn't we all have a need for escape once or twice in our lives?

A few days ago, she finally produced three more Chinese Zodiac illustrations for the next edition of the novel.  These will cover her share of the rent for December.

The Year of the Snake will soon meander away.

- and the Year of the Horse will soon gallop in.

Some day, I think she could illustrate a beautiful children's book.  As a toddler, she was an inspiration for some of my drawings and whimsical sketches while I still had the time.

Realistically, I would like to see her and the other promising young people living with me succeed in education, career options - and eventually move out.  

So, while she's looking for gainful employment and arting around, perhaps you would like to purchase a framed print of one of her creations?  Help her save up for her own apartment and not be held ransom by a mother who forces her to produce drawings in lieu of rent.  

Do you want to know more about The Year of the Rabbit?  

• Drop by the novel's domain;
• Read some excerpts;
• Download a few free chapters from Smashwords;
• Read comments from others;
• Like the novel on Facebook;
• Stick around for a few years as we work on the second edition.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Last day for a freebee epub or mobi copy of the novel

It's the last day of September.

It's also the last day for a free Epub copy of The Year of the Rabbit.  While we're at it, you can also obtain a free copy for your Kindle.

• Epub (Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others) [Link]
• Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps) [Link]

A young priest goes through the motions of following the teachings of the church in a small Muskoka town during the 1970s. He finds his true calling through unexpected encounters with his precocious love child.

A little girl tries to make sense of her lonely world and sees the Year of the Rabbit as one of hope due to the birth of her illegitimate nephew.

• Enjoy comments from readers.  Please write in with your own.  
• Download 20% of the eBook for free at Smashwords. 
• You set the price if you choose to purchase it. 
• Bookmark the novel's domain at  www.yearoftherabbit.ca.

Thanks for dropping by! 

T

Abuse of Power and Trust

I am troubled by more worldwide reports of abuse cases involving priests. 

Does it make you wonder though if their sickness was already present and they chose this vocation or profession because of opportunities to abuse while in a position of power?  Do not forget that we have seen reports of abuse by teachers and other professions. 

Yes, the novel leans towards the suggestion that priests should be allowed to marry.  Who knows if that would have prevented the actions by some sick individuals. Would they have eventually abused their own children? 

The Year of the Rabbit is loosely based on my experiences growing up in the Catholic Church in a small town and questioning the rules at many turns (but apparently not as spicey and humorous as those by Jenny McCarthy).  It is not intended to insult or show disrespect but demonstrate a growing need for change as was seen in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  

Yes, I am a Lapsed Catholic.  

Yes, I believe in a woman's right to make choices for her body, her reproductive system.  
 

I knew some interesting priests in my early years.  One who performed the wedding ceremony for one of my family members eventually left the church and got married.  

 

I wanted people to see Father Gio as a lovable, trustworthy character - a human male.  He regrets not acting sooner to prevent abuse in the small town where he served and questions his future in the Church. 

 

Let us not judge Gio for his moment of weakness, a brief encounter with a married woman in 1962.  If he didn't have that night of passion, we would not have gotten to know Sera, to watch her grow and cope through difficult times.  Was it fate or just coincidence?

 

 

Excerpts featuring Father Giovanni Vinoletti:

1. Gio Meets Sera  (An excerpt from Chapter 1 where Father Giovanni Vinoletti meets Sera Fletcher, his newly discovered, biological daughter)
2. Parish Picnic  (A priest's joy and shame. A child's innocent view on life after death)
3. The Red Hare  (Traditions, community and home)
4. Zodiacs and the Bible (A continuation of Gio and Sera's debate at the Red Hare) 
5. Sudden Loss (Halloween night - Sera loses her friend and Gio regrets not acting sooner)   
6. A child is born  (Birth, joy, teen pregnancy)
7. Wine (The results of patience and loving care) 

 

You will grow to love Gio.  I have.   

• Enjoy comments from readers
• Download 20% of the eBook for free at Smashwords. 
• You set the price if you choose to purchase it.

 

Thanks for dropping by and reading this far.  Comments are welcome!

 

T

 

Happy Anniversary

This is a celebration of sorts.

It has been a year since the e-book version of the novel was released.  It has yet to achieve national recognition or international acclaim.  Since Flo is so darned shy and couldn't afford an agent or publicist, it has been more of a small town, home team effort.  We still have hopes for this bittersweet, quirky tale.

Thank you to the people who paid the full price of $3.99 for the e-book download from Smashwords.  Thank you to the people who took advantage of the coupon offers for free copies.  You all went through the pain of creating an account with Smashwords.  The way I see it, you also opened up your e-shelves to a world of promising indie authors. Thank you for making the effort.

As of September 8, 2012 Flo has decided to allow potential readers to set the purchase price, starting at the Smashwords recommended minimum of 99 cents.  Thank you to Smashwords for enabling a world of indies and satisfying my tree hugging sentimentality. 

Still not sure?

• Enjoy comments from readers
• Read some short excerpts online

Thanks for dropping by.  Do come back to read about le petit project for the next two years.  


T

Année du Lapin Un roman

Mon Dieu!  As if I don't have enough projects on the go...

During 2013 and 2014, Flo would like to translate The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness to French.  A grand idea?  Crazy or what? I am going to need the help of kind, skilled people (for free).

Je voudrais traduire le roman en Français.  Ce sera un projet durant 2013 & 2014. Grande Idée?  C'est fou, non?  J'auras besoin des gens gentils avec des compétences (gratuit). 

Apologies for the weak translation.  I am learning. Excusez-moi pour la traduction mauvais. J'apprends.

This project is intended to improve my skills in speaking and writing in French.  It will connect me with nice, talented people.  It will keep my mind busy and hopefully improve my grey matter well into old age. 

Follow this web page for updates. Suivez-vous cette page pour lire quoi de neuf. 

Thank you.  Merci.

- - - - 

The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness  is indeed a story about fate, family and forgiveness.  It is about friendship, loneliness and hope. It is about teenagers, pregnancy and adoption.  Visit this page for a list of themes within the story.  Follow Flo for Twitter updates. 

July Summer/Winter Sale at Smashwords

Smashwords is the publisher of the ebook version of the novel.  Many of their authors are participating in a July Summer/Winter Promotion.  

Do drop by to save 75% off the purchase price of "The Year of the Rabbit".  Drop by this page to get a FREE copy by July 1st. 

Do you like stories where the good and innocent overcome evil?  Do you like a little mystery?  How about a bit of romance mixed in?  

Get to know Father Gio Vinoletti, his daughter Sera Fletcher and her sexy Aunt Georgette. Learn how characters experience fate, family and forgiveness.  

There are many themes and symbols in this bittersweet story.  Some were intentional; some emerged from the author's subconscious as the novel progressed: 

• Apples
• The Church 
• Confession 
• Domestic Abuse 
• Family 
• Fate 
• Forgiveness 
• the Knife 
• Libraries 
• Nature 
• Seeds 
• Sexuality 
• Teen pregnancy 
• Trains 
• Trees 
• The cherry tree 
• Wine

Read a few excerpts.  See what others have offered after reading the book.  Follow Flo on Twitter.  

Thanks for dropping by.  Remember to +1, Like, Share or submit relevant comments. 

T

Refreshing reading from Georgian Bay

Come meet Gio, Sera and Aunt Georgette in The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about fate, family and forgiveness.  

Save a tree and read the Ebook. Save your money and get it for free - until July 1st. 

Write to Flo if you liked the book and follow her on Twitter.  Drop by the Facebook page and give a little love - or Like.  Thanks!


Free ebook copy:

Your coupon code: CG92S

Start here and follow the instructions:
The Year of the Rabbit
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160

Hop in before July 1, 2012.

Enjoy!

News overload and media cuts

This blog entry touches on the theme of "confession" in the novel.  It also provides a good opportunity to comment on the recent Sunday edition newspaper cuts at PostMedia. 

PostMedia cutting jobs, Sunday editions
Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal papers affected
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/28/postmedia-job-cuts.html

The novel's author has not read a Sunday paper in years.  That's right.  There has hardly been a print edition newspaper in this household for ages.  She obtains most of her news online from credible sources or from that old thing called "radio".  At times when the news is overwhelming, she shuts everything off and cocoons to read or write. 

Summer 1975 (correction) 1974. Gio has arrived after a couple of parishioners depart from visiting Father John O'Reilly at the hospital.  Father John is recovering from a stroke. 

- - -

The elder priest slumped in his chair, in a seemingly act of relief.

"Are you tired, John?" asked Gio quietly, leaning toward his mentor. 

"Oh... sort of," he responded, "Those two sure can talk."

"So can you, Father O'Reilly, " quipped Gio with a wink and smile.

"I suppose so..." He gazed around the room, out the window then smiled wistfully at Gio, "So, how are you holding out?  Have you heard from Toronto yet if you can get some help?"

"I'm doing well, Father.  Well and busy.  No, the Arch Diocese hasn't found anyone yet.  But hopefully, you will be back on your feet soon?"

"I sure hope so.  I just get tired easily and..." lowering his voice and leaning forward, "a little confused at times."

"That's just part of the recovery, as the doctors told us,” assured Gio.

Father O'Reilly smiled weakly and gazed out the window longingly, "I miss my work, Gio.  I miss saying mass, giving communion and being with the congregation."

Gio lowered his gaze to his hands, folded on the table.  "I understand, John."

They were approached by a candy-striper pushing the coffee and snack cart. 

"Hello, Fathers,” she greeted them with a perky tone, "Would you like some coffee, cookies or something to read?"

Gio recognized her as Janice Foley, the young girl with whom he had seen Daniel at the picnic a few years ago.  How she had grown.

"Oh, hello, Janice," said Gio, "Nothing for me thanks.  Father O'Reilly, would you like something from the cart?"

The old priest seemed awakened from a daydream.

"Huh?"

Janice leaned over to him with a cheery smile and spoke a little louder, "Would you like something from the cart, Father?"

"Jeez Louise! I'm not deaf, dear girl!"

"Sorry, Father, " her face flushed, this time speaking normally, "Would you like something from the cart?"

"Oh. Any newspapers?  Any recent newspapers?"

Janice bent to retrieve one from the lower shelves, "How about yesterday's Toronto Star?"

"That will have to do, I guess." his hand shook as he reached for it, "Thank you very much, my dear.  How much do I owe you?"

Janice darted her eyes to Gio who was smiling at the exchange between old and young.  She smiled, "There's no charge, Father."  Before she turned to wheel her cart to the next table, she chirped, "Have a nice afternoon, gentlemen."

"Nice girl," said Father O'Reilly as he slipped on his reading glasses and opened the paper.

"That was Janice Foley, John,” said Gio, "She goes to Saint Pete's.  You saw her through first communion to confirmation."

"Oh."  He looked over to the girl across the room, "Sure grown up now, eh?"

“They sure do.”

Gio sat quietly, nodding as the old priest leafed through the newspaper, making one-sentenced comments about the news, voicing his opinion from time to time and muttering away. 

“John,” Gio spoke to get the elder priest’s attention, “Father O’Reilly,” Gio said louder then leaning in with a whisper, “I would like to make a confession.”

- - -  
If you found this to be an intriguing blog post, taste a few other excerpts.  Explore a few clippings from the Seguin Sounder a fictitious newspaper that evolved after the novel was published.  We don't have a weekly crossword to offer yet could entice you with a word search puzzle.

Come support efforts to reduce paper waste, to save a tree or two by purchasing an Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit.  Even better?  Get a free copy by May 31st.
Thanks for dropping by.

T

They seemed like a happy family...

Domestic Violence is an undercurrent in The Year of the Rabbit.  

Although Sera Fletcher, her mother or other family members were not victims of abuse, they experienced a ripple effect when the abuse next door presented a crossroad.  Sera's friend Victoria and her mother were spirited away to a safe location by the people who suspected a problem but did little to address the situation prior.  

Of all the people, young Sera is the most affected and sinks into a depression from missing her best friend.  At least near the end of the novel, readers encounter the theme of forgiveness and promise of a reunion. 

Perhaps it is a coincidence but I have noticed the subject of Domestic Violence showing up more often in the news lately.  Have you noticed it too?

99,000 Canadians reported family violence in 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/23/ottawa-family-violence-canada-statscan-report.html

What keeps me hopeful is the fact that people are talking about it, raising awareness and even making efforts to educate others through art.  

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is bringing " Ghosts of Violence " to Halifax
http://www.cbc.ca/arts902/add-category/2012/05/02/the-atlantic-ballet-theatre-of-canada-is-bringing-ghosts-of-violence-to-halifax/

Topic of domestic violence makes for a powerful, poignant ballet
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/topic-of-domestic-violence-makes-for-a-powerful-poignant-ballet/article2443716/

As a survivor of domestic violence, I do as much as my anxieties will allow in raising awareness and educating.  I don't think I could bring myself to watch a ballet, play or movie on the subject though.  When I have tried, the imagery and sounds brought back bad memories. 

I invite you to read a bittersweet tale of Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You can download a free copy of the Ebook before May 31st.  

Thanks for scrolling this far.  Feel free to submit relevant comments below and give feedback after reading The Year of the Rabbit.  

T

Happy Beltane, Nature Lovers

Darn it all! Can't find my Maypole. 

Happy Beltane all you nature lovers!  Enjoy an excerpt from the novel about young love (err.. lust) and a recycled blog post. 

You will enjoy The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.

Learn about the novel's author, Florence T. Lyon.  Follow her on Twitter as she explores and flounders with modern technology. 

Follow the wall posts on Facebook and contribute to the discussions.  Like it!  Share it with your friends but NOT your dear, sweet Mother.  This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

Get  20% of the Ebook for free.  No trees were harmed during the creation of this edition.  

Buy the Ebook from Smashwords, an awesome publishing platform for indie authors.  

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Free ebook copy

Your coupon code for a free copy of the novel: MQ29Z

Start here and follow the instructions:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160

Hop in before April 30, 2012.

We want to hear from you after you have read the novel!

Traditions: Family Movie Night

One of the traditions I share with my children is Family Movie night.  Usually on Saturday evenings we'll pop up some popcorn, pour some Canada Dry Ginger Ale (or OJ for the health-conscious) and watch a movie.  Some times not everyone can join in but at least one or two will nestle on the big comfy couch while watching and tapping at their electronic appendages.

Gone are the days of trekking up to the "video store" to rent a VHS video or DVD.  We can select from hundreds of titles from our cable company.  One complaint is that we're still waiting for The Descendants to be available! (Sigh... George Clooney.  Sigh...)

Anyway, follow the white rabbit to this deep blonde thoughts blog entry titled "Young Adult Fiction and Romantic Delusions" where I recall a movie we recently watched and the lessons learned from observing the train wreck of a protagoniste. She happens to be a writer - correction: an Author. 

My blonde line of thought connects the theme of delusions, of recapturing romance or past feelings with a scene in The Year of the Rabbit.

T

PayPal As Moral Police or Commerce Bully?

This is bordering on censorship and is unfair.  Should PayPal and other online payment services decide what adults choose to purchase?

“Adult content has long been a big draw, and one of the most profitable, in the world of digital media, but a recent move by PayPal is a sign of how one part of that business may be facing some problems up ahead.

Smashwords, an e-book distributor that competes with Amazon, has sent out a letter to the authors, publishers and literary agents that it works with to tell them that PayPal is requiring Smashwords to remove all erotica content on its platform that contains references to bestiality, rape and incest – otherwise it will stop doing business with Smashwords altogether.”

Read the full article at TechCrunch:  http://techcrunch.com/2012/02/26/paypal-erotica-smashwords-censorshi/

Smashwords is the publisher for the ebook version of my novel, The Year of the Rabbit.  They have filters on their site for listing content that may be deemed “adult”, etc.  People can use judgement in making their own decisions to browse or purchase items.

As mentioned in a previous post, my novel is not considered erotica yet contains a “brief” teenage sex scene and reference to incest.   It does not promote nor condone.  It strives to educate. 

Please support Smashwords and other ebook publishers.  

T

Read an Ebook Week March 4-10

Flo is participating in "Read an Ebook Week March 4-10"

Since Smashwords is the publisher for the ebook version of the novel, you can get The Year of the Rabbit for $1.00 (US)

Visit Smashwords.com between March 4th and 10th.  Jump directly to the novel's page. Follow the instructions to get 75% off during the site-wide promotion.

Remember:  You can always download 20% of the Novel for free.

Don't get distracted by the funny cat video. Okay, go ahead. We all know the world could use MORE funny cat videos... 

Now for something serious and disturbing.  PayPal is requiring Smashwords to remove all erotica content on its platform that contains references to bestiality, rape and incest – otherwise it will stop doing business with Smashwords altogether.  This is considered censorship and unfair.  Read the TechCrunch article.  

The Year of the Rabbit is not considered erotica yet contains a "brief" teenage sex scene and reference to incest.   It does not promote nor condone.  It strives to educate. 

I would be interested to hear your comments - either here or on the Facebook fan page.  

Thanks for dropping by. 

T

Bullies and Trolls

Those who have read the novel The Year of the Rabbit will be familiar with antagonist Daryl MacDonald.

Some have even mentioned through conversation that they knew someone like him in their own home town.  He could have been a wife beater, an angry drunk and abuser as well as a bully who controlled others because of his family's position in the town.  Other adults were either afraid or indifferent so did not confront him.  Finally, his reign is taken down by a twelve year-old girl - with a little help from nature.

The author has endured and confronted bullies at different points in her life.  She has met talented writers who have published books on the topic of bullying, offering advice to kids, school children and to office workers.  It may be encounters with these childhood bullies and anonymous cowards that have inspired her to create the doomed Daryl MacDonald and spout deep blonde thoughts on the subject. 

Those who haven't read the novel yet, can sample some short excerpts.  If you're still curious, you can download 20% of the Ebook for free from Smashwords.  No trees were harmed ;o)

Thanks for visiting and reading this far.  Please offer your feedback and words of wisdom.  Sorry, anonymous comments are disabled.  

T

Flo wants you to snuggle up

February is a cruel month.  

Florence T Lyon feels for the people who are snowbound due to the recent winter storms in Ontario.   

Enjoy a free copy of The Year of the Rabbit (ebook) until the end of this cruel, cold month.  Put on a pot of tea or pour a glass of wine and... snuggle up with Sera, Gio and Aunt Georgette.

Promotional price: FREE

Coupon Code: QV74K

Expires: February 29, 2012

1. Select and copy this coupon code: QV74K
2. Visit the Novel's page at Smashwords.
3. Scroll down to select the format you want.  Click the Buy link. If you don't already have a Smashwords account, you may have to create one.  (sorry)  
4. Follow instructions and paste in the coupon code from above. 
5. Download.  
6. Enjoy!

If you liked the book, please provide a few sentences for the reader feedback page.  

Thanks!

T

Romance lives on after February 14th

Sorry you missed the Valentine's Day offer

You can still download 20% of the Novel for FREE. Visit this page at Smashwords.

Don't get distracted by the funny cat video. Okay, go ahead. We all know the world could use MORE funny cat videos... 

If you're still on the fence, you might enjoy an excerpt describing the blossoming romance between Gio (former priest) and Aunt Georgette (retired exotic dancer). Share in a glass of wine and a warm embrace :o) 

Do drop by again or follow Flo on Twitter.

If you read the book and liked it, do share on the Facebook Fan page and send Flo an email containing a few sentences.  She would love to post it on the reader feedback page.  

Hop on over to www.yearoftherabbit.ca.  Dig a little deeper for some interesting tidbits.