Happy Conundrum Day!

Song Stuck on the Brain: Who Are You by The Who

Today is "Make Up Your Own Holiday" day. How much fun is that? I love crazy days that give us an excuse to celebrate and have fun. I brainstormed some ideas with my sister/bestie Angel and we decided we liked.

National Conundrum Day!

It's a special day for those that love puzzles, quizzes, brain teasers, mysteries, suspense and all things that make your brain go, "Hmmm!"

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

conundrum

[kuh-nuhn-druh m]

noun

1.

a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.

2.

anything that puzzles.

Word Origin and History for conundrumExpand

n.

1590s, Oxford University slang for "pedant," also "whim," etc., later (1790)"riddle, puzzle." Also spelled quonundrum. The sort of ponderous pseudo-Latin word that was once the height of humor in learned circles.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

SO many fun things to choose from....Riddles

1. RIDDLE ME THIS:

    Take one out and scratch my head,

    I am now black but once was red.

    What am I ?

2. RIDDLE ME THIS:

     Four men were in a boat on the lake. The boat turns over, and all four men sink to the            bottom of the lake, yet not a single man got wet! Why?

(see below for answers) for more Riddle fun click HERE. 

Word Puzzles and Searches...

Find all the words in the list and then find the hidden message hidden in the letters between the discovered words. 

M E L I F E I S A C O N U B N D D R U M Q L X E S R B J F N

Y Q R J E H F N P U N I D E L Y N A H N I L M P I X B L M G

S V Q U B W B S R U G L O F T L V U T L Z X X I Q I A R Z A

T J G M C F V Z D R J R J U K F N A O E V V S L E B T Q A U

I F K G P S J J N R V Z S D G U N I C F R B J B B Q S Y Z B

F Z U T F O B F M J E E H D B Z T C L T N S N E J U N K A W

Y H K O H I O O H L T S T L O I Q L N Q O O R H D L F C R L

T F K A A U S J J U D C E E P B P G W C E G C W L H Y O Q H

M T U Q G D Y S Q P A L Z D W S B O Y R A Q M C N M W K M J

K P V O J O Q I U B D C S S I W I J Y S H K F D P Y H C I I

Y F H S E M R M M B X B C H D X I S T S S N P B A P J T Z U

T V H O T J M T A I O C Q P N Z W K Q H L U N P T N U S Q C

S L G B H H F U M X Z A U L J C Y F S H Y T U I I Y E I U N

E T S Q J S K A Z S R G C D J G K O M W D F O I V S Z L Q B

S E Z V I X L T X K P E R G H G T G B Z I V M Y U I F H J A

K H A H D R L Q I S M G D P T Y D I S C S E D T Y S K Q I A

P L T O P G B Y B E L F U L N I J M H N C M H N B G W N C G

W U Q S Y R A L K J V V Y U I Q G I F C O X P X S G F C R B

O H Z F G T X H K I E S S Y A W E K V Q M V I Q T V K P I S

X Q R Z S F L H J S P B I X V B E Q O N B I Y K Z H E L D Q

Z J P T L N R O G W X L L F K P B B L U O O I K V U Q N D R

C N U R U E B Z Q K Z W F G Z T F G E A B M Y S T E R Y L I

U M K W D D A E Y A Z Y C M B M E C P S U E K G O U J Y E T

P J L N X R Q Z S D Y L M I W I Z R N M L I J O Z G R S T T

F I S T T I E D E H A M A Z E L B U Y L A I L S Z I Q Q B A

F L J B O D D L H K I H R P U U T Z Z L T N Z R Q G V D M L

O K P N B W R G L D R A W A Y R C A W I E B T K S U V O Q M

X Z L C E E H Q R Q D L I N H A Y E B Q N K T S X N V E M B

M Y M I B A A R J M Y N P X K Y Y C F O G X Y K Y H O H G X

K E S N A D S C Q F R W V U B P A Z Y L A P S T X Y V B Y F

AMAZE

BEFUDDLE

BEWILDER

CONFOUND

DISCOMBOBULATE

FLABBERGAST

MYSTERY

MYSTIFY

OBSCURE

PUZZLE

RIDDLE

STUMP

__ __ __ __   __ __   __   __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __



Solve a Jigsaw Puzzle... 

This is the cover of my upcoming mystery/suspense novel, Justice Burning, it's 117 pieces...

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1f58c81315e2

Mazes and other image puzzlers...

When your ready to settle into something a little different, it's time to hit the books...Mystery and Suspense!

I love this genre and the list of great authors is long, but I'm going to toss out some favorites. Of course there are the classics, like Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene (yes, I still enjoy the teen sleuth). But if you want a modern twist, check out:

The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson (or anything by Dee, she's amazing)
The Newpoint 911 series and more by Terri Blackstock
The Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey
Hidden Faces series and Kanner Lake series by Brandilyn Collins
Marc Royce and Priceless Collection series by Davis Bunn
FBI:Houston and Call of Duty series by DiAnn Mills
.
.
.
Oh and the list could just keep going, but I'd love to hear who your favorite Mystery/Suspense authors are, so be sure to comment and let me know. 

Of course there's also my upcoming mystery/suspense Justice Burning that is releasing in just a few months. I'm hoping you all find that a great addition to your list as well. :)

SO, have a blast today, be sure you make everyone's life around you a HUGE conundrum, then let me know how you celebrated!


RIDDLE ANSWER 1:

A Match.

RIDDLE ANSWER 2:

Because they were all married and not single.

Word Puzzle: "Life is a conundrum"

CFBA: Dauntless by Dina Sleiman

Song Stuck on the Brain:  Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Dauntless Bethany House Publishers (March 3, 2015)
by
Dina L. Sleiman

MY TAKE: 

Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite tales. The savvy hero of the forest has had his legend told in a hundred different ways and in multiple settings and centuries. I've enjoyed them all. So when I saw Dauntless listed, my first thought was a female Robin Hood? How cool is that? Yes, please!

Once I began reading, I had to appreciate the author's way of addressing that exact perception. Lady Merry Ellison has heard of the outlaw Robin Hood, but doesn't know if he's real or simply a legend since there are so many stories, but he does inspire her. When she and a few of the children in her village survive the brutal attack on their home, it's Lady Merry and her smarts that keeps them alive. She trains the children to fight and steal to survive - all as quiet as ghosts. Things are going well until she's forced to face her past.

I loved Lady Merry's adventure. In many ways she made me think more of Maid Marian and Robin Hood rolled into one. She's strong, cunning and full of compassion and heart. Her acrobatic, catlike skills are so much fun. I can't imagine anyone not wishing just a little that they could do what Lady Merry does.

The romance, tension, atmosphere, and action all make this a great read. I can't wait to see what's next in the Valiant Hearts series.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Where Legend and History Collide,
One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent

Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dauntless, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

Since selling my first book, I have also become an acquisitions editor for the company. I am a member of the Inkwell Inspirations blog, HEWN Marketing, ACFW, and a contributor to Christian Review of Books. I hold publishing credits in poetry and songwriting, and I was the writer and featured teacher in a nationally distributed instructional dance video for children. I have written several songs about the plight of the Islamic people, which have been produced in association with the Christian Broadcast Network. In addition, I have taught college and high school classes in writing and literature, as well as homeschool classes in the fine arts, and now enjoy teaching at writers conferences throughout the nation.

My NEW release coming soon - Justice Burning

I have exciting news! My third novel has been contracted, YAY! 

Summer Solstice Publishing will be releasing Christian Romantic Suspense novel Justice Burning. 

Widowed Fire Investigator, Aidan McLeod determined never to fall in love again, but when he meets Morgan Daryl, a counselor and graphologist, he may have to change his mind – and soon, because Justice, Missouri is being terrorized by an arsonist and it’s up to Aidan to stop him before someone ends up dead.

Justice Burning will be available from Amazon and other big retailers and it will be available in both e-book and paperback.

Release date coming soon, so watch for more updates. :)

Tell A Fairy Tale Day!!

Song Stuck on the Brain: The Lady of Shalott by Loreena McKennitt


Today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day! What fun, right? I love fairy tales. I think the earliest book I remember reading - or having read to me - was Cinderella. My favorite book as a child was a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. I remember reading it over and over.

And don't even get me started on the Disney movies. Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favorites, Belle and I have a LOT in common. I seriously envy her library! :) Ending up with a super hot prince in the end isn't shabby either of course.

It seems pretty obvious to me that with that type of history it's not surprise that storytelling became my future. Whether it's classic or modern romance, I think think there is always an undertone of fairy tale to be found. But sometimes it's fun to write and read an actual fairy tale, don't you think?


I did. And my once upon a fanciful day of creating a fairy tale, eventually became a part of my modern day romance Dysfunction Junction. In the book it's written by main character Kianna Ravencamp. You've met Curly-Locks in previous posts for National Princess Week. Here's your chance to get a sneak peak at her story. Enjoy!


Cherry-Locks and the Three Men
(A sneak-peek from Dysfunction Junction by April Erwin)

Once upon a time and not long ago, there lived a beautiful (albeit large) young

woman with long flowing locks the color of black cherries. Cherry-locks, as her

friends called her, was friendly and intelligent with a winning smile and a

charming sense of humor. She had many friends, both guys and girls. But what she

did not have was a boyfriend.

One morning Cherry-locks awoke with a yawn and smacked her alarm clock.

As she rolled over to gain another nine minutes of sleep she noticed something

wasn’t quite right. She sat up and looked out her bedroom window. To her

surprise, it was not her quiet neighborhood street she saw, but a quaint little store.

She threw her covers back and stumbled to the window. All her neighbors’ homes

were gone and in their place, a misty haze rolled along the dewy grass. The store

looked like a tiny candy shop.

“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Cherry-locks. “What in the world is this?” She

quickly donned her clothes and went down for a look. Upon exiting her small

house, Cherry-locks met a sweet little woman in a pink pants suit with poufy

blonde hair. She could have been about seventy, but her flawless make-up made it

hard to tell.

“There you are, honey.” The woman linked arms with Cherry-locks and pulled

her out onto the sidewalk. “I was beginning to think you’d never get up.”

Confused and still a bit sleepy-eyed, Cherry-locks looked at her quizzically.

“Who the heck are you?”

“Why, honey, don’t you recognize a Fairy-Matchmaker when you see one?”

The older woman said with surprise. “I heard you wish for the man of your dreams

on the turkey bone at Thanksgiving. So here I am to help you find him.”

“Thanksgiving?” Cherry-locks’ eyebrows shot to the edge of her cherry

colored hairline. “That was eight months ago. In fact, it was eight months and six

years ago. I’ve wished for the same thing every year.”

“Well, honey, you’ve got to give us time. There’s not many of us Fairy-

Matchmakers left and we have a lot of wishes to fulfill.” She propelled Cherrylocks

toward the store.

“It used to be we only had to answer the flower wishes. But now, with the job

market the way it is and downsizing and all, we’ve also been given the star wishes,

fountain wishes, turkey-bone wishes…” She shook her head dismally. “The list

goes on and on, so we’ve gotten a little behind in the wish fulfillment arena, but

today your name came up, so here I am.”

The Fairy Matchmaker paused in front of the little shop and turned to face

Cherry-locks. “Now I don’t have much time, so I’ll explain quickly what’s on the

agenda. The store in front of you is the Wish Fulfillment Center for Lonely Hearts.

Inside you can choose between three selected bachelors. I’ve personally screened

them to fit your general tastes. The one who’s just right is yours to keep. So, if

you’ll just come along with me, I’ll introduce you.” With that said, she once more

propelled Cherry-locks toward the front door.

continued in Dysfunction Junction by April Erwin

For more fun:

Which Fairy Tale Best Describes Your Life? quiz!

My quiz answer was Puss In Boots:

You are smart and capable of taking great care of yourself. No matter where you find yourself in life, you always have a plan, and just like a cat, can always land on your feet. a word of advice though - try helping others without getting them thrown into a lake. Naked.

If you enjoyed Loreena McKennitt, here's another one of my favorites.

Lost and Scared by K.C. Sprayberry

Today, I'm welcoming Friend and Fantastic writer, K.C. Sprayberry to ProjectingA. 

Check out her brand new Release!!

When their younger twin siblings were murdered by their cold-blooded father, Shane and Keri’s own twin connection deepened. Their father shamed Shane and Keri into silence, and then went on to bring four more children into a house shuddering under the weight of his unpredictable temper.

Ten years later, what should have been a regular visitation turns into a horrific nightmare. Trapped in the Superstition Mountains with an addicted and dangerous father, Keri’s faith and determination wavers, but she knows she must save her brothers and sisters and return all of them to the home they love.

She now faces one insurmountable obstacle. He can’t afford to let her go.

Lost and Scared

Excerpt 1 ~ Shane

The window in my bedroom that I share with my two younger brothers overlooks Main Street. I angle my head, so I can attempt to see where my twin is.

“See Keri?” Axe, my best bud, asks.

“Nope. But I do see a bunch of cars leaving.” I face him and grin. “That means she’s on her way back.”

“Great. We can leave now.”

“Looks that way.”

He and I race down the stairs. The normal noise of a large family during winter holiday break greets me, along with what can only be described as evil snickering. We come around the corner, shoving and pushing to see which one of us gets to the bottom first, with me gaining an inch on my bud.

“Yes!” I pump a fist and hop down the last three steps, the satisfaction of proving once and for all that I’m the best pass receiver on our team.

“I am so going to beat you one of these days,” he says.

We knuckle bump and clown around.

“Ready when you are, honey,” a strange female voice says.

“Huh?” I turn around.

A woman who looks like a million miles of bad road stands beside the open front door. Before I can ask who she is and what she’s doing in our house, a series of loud bangs precedes the sound of a cat yowling. That noise sends fear shivers through every inch of my body, and I don’t scare all that easily.

“What the heck?” Axe pushes me aside. “What’s going on, Shane?”

“Don’t know.” I point at the woman. “Who are you?”

“Jake’s honey-poo,” she purrs.

That response is wrong on so many levels, beginning with Jake is my dad’s name. The last time I checked he was still married to my mom.

“Who are you two handsome hunks?”

Gross. Sick. Yuck! She sounds just like Scooter when he catches a mouse.

Just as I’m about to tell this loser from the wrong side of the tracks to get lost, Scooter races out of the kitchen. A mix of who knows what, he has gorgeous gray and white striped fur and I can only describe him as fat and slow.

Slow comes nowhere close to describing that streak racing for safety. Scooter howls out his fear. His fur stands on end and his tail is so fluffy that it looks ten times its normal size.

Book Trailer

Excerpt 2 ~ Keri

Carly and I sneak up the walkway to the backdoor of the house where I live with my parents and five siblings. We’ve done nothing wrong. There is no reason for us to be sneaking into my house, except one… him.

“Are you sure about this?” she whispers.

“Yeah.” I cast a guilty glance at the driveway.

Shane’s truck isn’t here. He must still be hanging with his best bud, Axe. Heat rushes up my face whenever I think about that hunk. Axe not Shane. Big Bro is anything but a hunk. Well, he is kind of cute, and a lot of girls like him, but a hunk? Give me a break. None of the girls hot for him know that he stinks up a bathroom or dumps his clothes all over the place for me to pick up.

I’ll forgive Carly for thinking like that. She’s good for Shane, if he’d just get over the “everybody will hate us for dating” thing. Big deal if she’s African American and we’re white. Nobody cares about that anymore.

“Your dad will pop a cork if he catches me in the house,” Carly says. “You know he hates… you know.”

We never talk about that. So what if my dad is the biggest bigot in the world? The rest of my family is totally cool with me having Carly around. They like her. She’s funny, and an awesome bestie.

We both stop in front of the back door. I reach out a hand, but don’t turn the knob when I hear shouting.

“Oh, shit.” I glance at Carly.

“What now?” she whispers.

Memories flood through me of a night I try so very hard to forget. Once upon a time, there was another set of twins in our house. Then they were gone. The reason they’re not with us anymore is too hard to think about. I don’t even talk about that night, but that’s because Shane and I made a sacred vow. We will always keep that secret. Telling now will cause so many problems for us.

I have to tell someone, but that means I’ll go to jail. Won’t I? Isn’t that where liars go when they hide a crime?

The anniversary of that particular act still haunts me, even though it was way back in August. December has usually been good, even if we’re sad because of whatever he is doing. To have such an innocent act end in the violence as that one did should never happen to anyone, especially a kid. To have the person responsible still walking around as if he did nothing wrong infuriates me, until I think about how I never told.

Shane didn’t either. We should have told. It didn’t matter if we were only seven. It doesn’t matter now that we’re almost seventeen. We should have told.

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Southern California’s Los Angeles basin, K.C. Sprayberry spent years traveling the United States and Europe while in the Air Force before settling in Northwest Georgia. A new empty nester with her husband of more than twenty years, she spends her days figuring out new ways to torment her characters and coming up with innovative tales from the South and beyond.

She’s a multi-genre author who comes up with ideas from the strangest sources. Some of her short stories have appeared in anthologies, others in magazines. Three of her books (Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama’s Advice) are Amazon best sellers. Her other books are: Take Chances, Where U @, The Wrong One, Pony Dreams, Evil Eyes, Inits, Canoples Investigations Tackles Space Pirates, The Call Chronicles 1: The Griswold Gang, The Curse of Grungy Gulley, Paradox Lost: Their Path, and Starlight. Additionally, she has shorts available on Amazon: Grace, Secret From the Flames, Family Curse … Times Two, Right Wrong Nothing In Between, and The Ghost Catcher.

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