Favorite Day of the Week

We celebrated a big anniversary and it made me reminisce about our lives, about how far we've come. Hubs and I grew up in different states, but in similar fashion ... we often spoke of our favorite things like ... our favorite day of the week. 

This is what writers do - we search our pasts for intersections and meaning. You do that, too? Of course, it's my belief we are all writers at heart. Writers and readers. 

In my current work in progress, I mine past relationships, as always, and try to craft them into something new and what else ... readable. Haha. I didn't say my standards were high, just readable. That's it. Now, I'm back to work on it, that WIP. Another fictionalized story full of me and other stuff so not me. Maybe you will like it ... maybe not. One thing is certain, it's not ready for prime time yet, as the old saying goes, but here's a little bit of my mind talking to itself in the meantime. 

(Comment if you want to share your thoughts. I love hearing from you.) ❤️☕️📚

What’s your favorite day of the week? 

Mine has always been Saturday.
Sleep in
no school
cereal and cold milk
TV on low - Tom & Jerry
or Wile E. Coyote and The Roadrunner - 
The Monkees!
American Bandstand at noon ❤️
Life was good.
No, it was great.

That was me
that was my living room -
do kids even watch TV anymore?
I don't think so 😢

Why does that make me sad?
Because now they doomscroll
and binge series based on violent games -

not a cartoon roadrunner or coyote but men and women

killing each other over and over again.

And that language and the sex - why? Just ... why?

The envelope is torn - not pushed - torn
wide open and shredded, the pieces burned to a crisp -

Innocence left in ashes.

I find I'm suddenly all for censorship - 

no one needs to see what I accidentally glimpse

on so many types of screens now

After all on my Saturday, after Bandstand,

my chariot awaited 

outside in the driveway

a sparkly green bike with white banana seat and 

freedom built on a fast frame of steel, slim spokes,

and rubber

I owned the neighborhood

in fact, the entire town - 

small town life was good.

No, it was great.

That was me

do kids have it that good

anymore? Is this what technology is all about?

I don't think so -

it makes me sad. 😢

All posts © Ann Swann

PS did you know the Coyote's middle name is Ethelbert?

Yeah, but I Didn't

Yeah, but I Didn't 

Benji Stevens is 14 years old when her world falls apart. Betrayed, bullied, and battered emotionally, physically, and spiritually, her life spirals out of control. She is certain there is nowhere to turn and nothing to live for. Yet in the midst of the darkness there appears an array of hope in the form of her crazy uncle, her single mom, and a host of other characters she never dreamed would be there to help. When she is forced to join the Yeah, but I Didn't therapy group, Benji is finally able to confront her inner demons and embrace her own self-worth.

Trigger warnings for sexual assault, bullying, suicide, and attempted suicide.

Warnings also to grab more tissues for happy tears and sighs of relief.

 https://www.amazon.com/Yeah-but-Didnt-Ann-Swann/dp/1948679825

A TRACE OF ROMANCE - Read on to Win Books!

5 Stars

Reviewed by Courtnee for Readers' Favorite

Ann Swann's characters are deep and many-sided. Once Trace enters the flower shop, reading the book is like listening in on a conversation between old flames. Though they've had other relationships, information about each other has reached them, and it's clear that Laynie's and Trace's thoughts aren't far from one another. Even though there's a significant attachment, it's hard to tell at first if the two will end up together. Swann tackles some difficult subjects in her story and her characters have overcome hardships and suffered tragedies. The book is short enough to read during a quiet afternoon, but the well-paced chapters can also be savored over a few days. A Trace of Romance is a good selection for readers who enjoy women's fiction and sweet, second-chance romances. 

Click the link to enter to win FREE BOOKS!

READERS' FAVORITES https://readersfavorite.com/rfreviews/search?search=Ann+Swann

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/4admw44a

  5.0 out of 5 stars

 Real people in a beautifully written and heartfelt love story

Ann Swann is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve enjoyed her work across multiple genres for years. Her latest release, A Trace of Romance, is a truly sweet and extremely touching romance.

I’m not a fan of romance novels with bare-chested men on the covers, but I am very much a fan of romance stories with well-developed characters who are relatable … flaws and all. Real people.

I won’t recap the general plot in any detail as one can easily read the blurb. Rather, I’d just like to expound a bit on why I loved this beautifully written novella. So many of us can relate to past loves that for one reason or another, didn’t fully form into lifetime relationships … or continue to form at all. Life happens for all of us, and things can swiftly change. Especially when tragedy is involved. We move on, but often, we don’t forget. This is what happened with Laynie and Trace, both from the town of Beach Way, Oregon, who always thought they’d be together.

What I loved about this story is that when Trace returns to Beach Way, and Laynie and he see one another again, their chemistry is strong. The past, which determined their present, still plays a role in their story.

Author Swann doesn’t give us romance in a corny or clichéd sense, but she handles this reunion and this mutual love beautifully, realistically, and in a way that I found immensely satisfying and lovely to read.

A Trace of Romance is a truly sweet and extremely touching romance. Immensely satisfying and lovely to read. A beautifully written, heartfelt love story with relatable, well-developed characters … flaws and all. 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Jan - 5 Stars

Laynie and Trace connected as kids in grade school and their feelings grew into more than friendship in high school. Tragedy strikes, causing Trace and his family to move away. Afterward, so much happens in Laynie's world when he's no longer around and it's the same for Trace. Their story will grab your heart, especially when years later Trace returns. All kinds of emotions surface for them both and so does an answer to the tragedy. The author put them through a lot -- love, loss, forgiveness, mystery, dealing with the past, dealing with the future, and hope. I rooted for them to get a second chance. There's a part of the story that brought me to tears. I truly enjoyed getting to know Laynie and Trace.

SEEKERS is Here!

Hello friends! Goodness, it's been awhile since I've updated this account. It's not because I'm lazy - well, not much - I've just been busy. SEEKERS came out, (and now the audio is almost ready). Don't you adore the cover? That's a perfect Turq and Snake. I'm working on the third book, REMAINDERS. That's what's keeping me so busy. Well, that and the major move hubs and I made ... clear across the state of Texas. 

Whoo. I'm about to recover, I think. 

In addition to REMAINDERS, I've also got RETURN TO STUTTER CREEK in the works. That is a tentative title, I have another in mind, but we'll see how it plays out. For now, enjoy your weekend and as always, happy reading.

And don't forget to look me up on FB or Instagram, we'll chat. 😊📚😊

 

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AuthorAnnSwann website https://authorannswann.com

 

 

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iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/hlflu9k

 

Audible: https://tinyurl.com/yxp4pldx

Where Were You When You First Read Your Favorite Book?

 Here's a question: 

Do you remember where you were when you read certain books?

I ask because I saw this picture on Pinterest and it took me right back to my childhood and Amelia Earhart:

 

It was in the early 70s and I was in a new home in a new neighborhood, with a different elementary school, and spending my first night in my new attic bedroom. It looked very similar to this picture from Pinterest, except there was only one narrow bed and my flower-power bedspread and curtains were purple and pink with hints of turquoise and yellow. They were quite psychedelic, truth be told, made by my seamstress mom who could whip up anything on her Singer sewing machine. 

 

The tiny room was so cozy. So cool. I’ll never forget the feeling of sitting on the floor under my very own reading lamp, back against the bed, legs criss-crossed in the middle of the giant orange floor pillow I’d asked Santa to bring me from last year’s Wishbook. Yep, it was my world, all my own.

 

I read a lot of books in that attic bedroom over the years, but it’s that first book, a biography of Amelia Earhart, that sticks with me the most. Maybe it was being the only person on the second floor, able to gaze out my small window and see the entire sleeping neighborhood, that made me feel somehow connected to, AE, the legendary pilot. Maybe it was just the room and the book ... I'm not sure. 

There were many other books after that, Silver Chief, Dog of the North being one of my favorites, but it was downstairs in a different bedroom--okay, my sister's bedroom, long story--that I discovered my love of scary books. Come back next week and I'll tell you more about that.

And please, by all means, leave a comment and tell me about your book memories.

Till next time, stay cool and read everything you can while your eyes are young. 

Ann Swann

Afterthought: I've got some books to give away ... stay tuned.

 

TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden - Audio Book!

 

"A fast moving book, dark, and bloody."

Jack is in the school basement looking at a nerdy website on a laptop computer when the lights go out and the world as he knows it comes crashing down. When he makes his way upstairs after "the rip," monsters are everywhere. He seems to be the only survivor ... but will he survive the Takers?

Leave a comment if you would like a REVIEW copy of the audio book (a few US and UK copies available).

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BLMFV77D?asin=B0BLMFV77D

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLMDFQK7/

Apple iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/takers-apocalypse-in-eden-book-1-unabridged/id1653411414

Net Galley review of book

Horror meets mysticism

Takers, by Ann Swann, surprised me.

Our main character is a kid named Jack. He’s in his school’s basement, sent to get some supplies as he and his friends do a little decorating before a big event. When he comes out of the basement, everything has changed. Suddenly, Jack is on his own in a very dangerous world!

Now, if you read horror or apocalyptic fiction, you’ll start by feeling like you read this before.

But soon, you notice that our critters are doing some really odd things. You’ll notice that the level of violence (which is huge) is tempered by a an underlying mysticism. And you’ll soon notice that you have NOT read this one before.

This is a fast moving, bloody, and dark book – and it’s got some awesome musical references. Aside from the aforementioned underlying mysticism, there’s a religious aspect to it. It’s not a preachy book, but the religious aspect plays a very direct role in what happens here. Note further that, even though our main character is a kid not yet in high school, this is by no means a kid’s book or even YA. This is Horror/SF for adults.

The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I hate those, normally, but in this case I have some suspicions about a certain strange character and I really want to know if I’m right. I would happily read the next book in this series!

BOOK TWO, SEEKERS, will be here SOON!

COVER REVEAL AND GIVEAWAY!

Release day August 4, 2020

Stalked, assaulted, and left for dead, Marlena thinks her life is over. Then she meets Destiny and they decide to take matters into their own hands. For these two, justice has a new meaning. It's called revenge.

Sign up here or Click the link for the new website to sign up for minimalist newsletter ~ never spam ~ and you will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy! Current newsletter members are already in the drawing. Giveaway ends the day after release!

click here: https://www.authorannswann.com

COPPER LAKE on sale 99¢

 That's right, COPPER LAKE, the 3rd entry into the Stutter Creek companion series is on sale for only 99¢ for the month of BOOKTOBER! Grab your ebook now. And don't forget to leave the light on ...

Excerpt:
Kendra stepped onto the porch and pushed her way inside the empty house. The silence enveloped her as surely as if cotton wool had been stuffed into her ears. 

“What’s the matter with your face?” she grinned. “You look like you tangled with a wildcat.” She aimed at his groin and pulled the trigger. 

COPPER LAKE ~ REVIEW:

http://ow.ly/WLztZ 
 http://www.5princebooks.com/annswann.html

There were times I wanted to scream or run and hide somewhere as the book delivered graphic details of the found bodies. I felt like I was reading a Stephen King novel that makes you jump at every noise. The author has done an amazing job of writing a story that clearly will have you on the edge of your seat. I have not read a book this well defined in horror in quite some time. The serial killer is diabolical and quite possibly the scariest character I have ever read. "I reviewed this for Lone Star Book Blogs"

Also on Audible http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_search_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=ann+swann&x=0&y=0

AND THE WINNER IS ...

The winner of THE REMAINS IN THE POND is Kaitlyn Lin! 

So the book will be in the mail soon, Kaitlyn. I hope you enjoy it.

And for all of you who have read a good book recently (including any of mine), remember the meme ... reviews are always needed!

New Year, New Page - Book Giveaway

2018 - New Year, New Page . . . what will you write on yours?

Leave a comment telling me how you will write the next page of your life and you will be entered into a drawing for the Ann Swann paperback book of your choice.

(Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you when you win!)

Contest ends January 31st

http://tinyurl.com/Amazon-AnnSwann   

Winners Revealed

http://www.5princebooks.com/annswann.html

The winner of the random drawing for the paperback copy of The Remains in the Pond  (here on my blog) is Rochelle Jackson! Congrats, Rochelle, your book is in the mail.

The winner of the paperback copy of The Remains in the Pond (Goodreads giveaway) is Hope Burton! Congrats to Hope -  your book is also in the mail.

Many thanks to the 950 folks who entered the combined giveaways. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Excerpt from the novel:

A branch cracked, a shadow moved, and panic slid between my ribs like a blade.

       She stared into my headlights, one hand shielding her eyes like a sailor looking for land, and then, like a flash, she ran straight at me. Straight toward my little Honda with the window rolled down. Her hair flew out behind her and it was all so surreal that for a moment, I simply sat there, paralyzed. Then she raised her right hand above her head. In her grip, I caught a glimpse of silver.

ROMANTIC/SUSPENSE - THE REMAINS IN THE POND - WIN A SIGNED COPY

Random drawing for one signed copy of my new Romantic/Suspense 

THE REMAINS IN THE POND

Simply leave a comment with your email address

Winner will be drawn December 20th by Random.org

I didn’t see Matt anywhere. There weren’t any vehicles in the gravel lot. I parked but didn’t roll down the windows. Something felt wrong. The night began to feel as opaque as the murky water. If Matt wanted to see me, where was he?

            Backing up, I shined my headlights a different direction, then I made a small tight circle and lit up the entire parking area a little at a time. Low mesquites and spindly live oaks bordered one side of the lot. It was the sort of foliage that loved a little water now and then but thrived just as well without it. I saw neither Matt nor Rose.

            After a few minutes, I pulled out of the lot and circled the pond as far as I could go. The gravel road didn’t loop around the entire thing, only about three quarters of the way, and then you were forced to turn around in the only remaining wide spot unless you wanted to get out and have a picnic beneath the single stand of oaks tall enough to give good shade.

            Of course I didn’t need any shade now. And I really didn’t want to get out of the car. This seemed too weird. I put the car in reverse and executed a careful turnaround. When my headlights picked out the figure at the edge of the water, I inhaled sharply. It was not what I expected to find.

            I rolled down my window. “Rose?” I called. “Is that you?”

            A branch cracked, a shadow moved, and panic slid between my ribs like a blade.  The figure turned toward my headlights, definitely female. She wore her long hair lose and flowing. Under the moonlight, I couldn’t be certain if the woman’s hair was red or light brown.

            “What are you doing here?” No answer. “Where’s Matt?” I tried to keep my voice steady, to show her I wasn’t afraid. I put the car in PARK and opened my door tentatively, putting one foot on the ground.

            She stared into my headlights, one hand shielding her eyes like a sailor looking for land, and then, like a flash, she ran straight at me. Straight toward my little Honda with the window rolled down. Her hair flew out behind her and it was all so surreal that for a moment, I simply sat there, paralyzed. Then she raised her right hand above her head. In her grip, I caught a glimpse of silver.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Remains-Pond-Ann-Swann-ebook/dp/B076PH5V37

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-remains-in-the-pond-ann-swann/1127274532?ean=2940158711749

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-remains-in-the-pond

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/755044

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-remains-in-the-pond/id1299883662?mt=11

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ann_Swann_The_Remains_in_the_Pond?id=I_86DwAAQBAJ