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Hi!

Just a few technology related updates...

I currently maintain two official author blogs-- one on Blogger (https://hscontino.blogspot.com/) and one on WordPress (https://hscontino.wordpress.com/)-- so readers can choose their preferred platform. Although I initially created the blogs to promote my writing career (updates on my writing, books in progress, book festivals, and author talks), I also like to post about other topics that are important to me. The basic theme of my blogs are creativity and creative outlets. But, I also write about current events, fun things to do, and some of my other hobbies (including crafting, drawing, geocaching, and amateur astronomy).

I recently learned that Blogger is disabling their subscribe by email feature. Despite my best intentions, I'm not very good at keeping up with a regular blogging schedule. As a result, the email feature was helpful for letting people know when there was a new post available for them to read.

So, I've been exploring other options. I recently created a Mailchimp account: https://mailchi.mp/[xxxxxx]/please-subscribe-to-my-author-blog

If you'd like to continue to receive email notifications when I publish a new blog post, please subscribe through this email message. Or, you can subscribe to my WordPress blog. (As far as I know, they're planning on keeping that feature).

As always, thanks so much for supporting my writing or visiting my Etsy shop, Reprieve's Corner (www.etsy.com/shop/ReprievesCorner). I really appreciate your support! Without you, I wouldn't be able to pursue my passions-- which all involve some sort of creative outlet! :)

Have a great evening!

~ H. S. Contino, author-in-training

Welcome to the world, baby book!

Good afternoon!

 

A little while ago, the postman delivered the box that I had been waiting for... After two years of hard work, my novel "Alternatives" is finally here!

 

 

I have a box of signed copies ready to enter the world. If you're interested, they're available in both print and e-book (Kindle) editions. I've included the links at the bottom of this post.

 

 

 ***

Book Blurb:

Sci-fi meets romance in this quirky read!

Theoretically, there exists a parallel version of reality for every possible outcome of our life choices. What if you were given a glimpse into your alternative lives? What version of yourself would you see? How would it influence your future decisions?

Francis Marino's quiet life on the Oregon coast was interrupted when two military officers arrived on her doorstep with a bizarre story and urged her to come with them. Thus began an unexpected adventure that forced her to leave her comfort zone and confront many of her beliefs about the world we live in.

As the commander of a highly classified military facility, Colonel Dominic Davis was dedicated to his job. But, after being exposed to an alien device, he is given visions of two alternative realities. Dom realizes that he needs to make changes-- both personal and professional.

Life on Earth hangs in the balance...

 

***

 If you're interested in purchasing a signed copy, they're available through my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/ReprievesCorner/listing/1037439983/alternatives-by-h-s-contino-autographed?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1623890586887

If you'd prefer an e-book copy, they're available in a Kindle format through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TP1KTCQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

 

 

Thanks everyone! As always, I appreciate your support. Without readers, I'd have no one to share my books with!

~ H. S. Contino

 

Out & About: Circles in the Sand

 Good morning!

Welcome to the first entry in my new series, “Out & About.” Today we’ll be talking about “Circles in the Sand.” This is a local event that people can check out every summer– and it’s a lot of fun.

 

 

“Circles in the Sand” was created in 2011 by local artist, Denny Dyke. He draws elaborate labyrinths in the sand on the beach near Bandon, Oregon. The designs are both beautiful and interactive. The artist creates paths for people to walk through his designs. He also includes a place for people to sign their names in the sand. 

 

 

As Denny Dyke states on his webpage: “The intention of Circles in the Sand is to share love, joy and kindness.  Team Circles will be creating a sandy path surrounded by intricate designs and artwork for everyone to enjoy a walk on the sand path.” (Circles in the Sand)

 

Since the drawings are made in the sand, they’re temporary. Most drawings take around 2 hours to complete then visitors have 2-3 hours to visit and enjoy them before the tide comes in and washes it all away.

The drawings are completed on the beach below the Face Rock Viewpoint, so visitors can get an aerial view of the entire labyrinths before walking down the wooden steps to the beach to get an up-close view.

Each drawing has a central theme. For example, when my family visited recently, it was “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” Appropriately, there were suns, stars, and moons incorporated into the design.

 

Since it’s clear that a LOT of work goes into each drawing, I thought it would be good to credit the entire team behind the “Circles in the Sand” (from their webpage):

• Denny Dyke, Labyrinth artist and founder
• Christine Moehring, Sand artist
• Bethe Patrick, Sand artist
• James Ferreira, Labyrinth artist
• Jacquie Ferreira, Shell/Sand artist

 

 

After walking through the labyrinth, it’s fun to check out the local tide pools which are always overflowing with local marine life. On this particular trip, I was with my nieces and nephew. It was fun showing the different animals to them– especially the well disguised little crabs and pointing out the sea stars (starfish) that were in the middle of consuming shellfish.

 

I’m looking forward to sharing my future summer adventures (away from my computer and keyboard) with you! Until then, happy reading everyone!

~ H. S. Contino

 

New Blog Series: Out & About

Good morning!

Inspired by the gorgeous weather we’ve been having, I’ve decided to start a periodic blog series called “Out & About.” As the name implies, the posts will discuss my adventures away from my computer and keyboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Living on the Oregon coast, we are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. There are tons of outdoor activities to choose from– walking/hiking, camping, kayaking, beach combing, geocaching, swimming (just not in the ocean– brr!), … Just to name a few!

There are also quite a few annual local events and celebrations including North Bend’s July Jubilee (which celebrates the city’s birthday), Coquille’s Gay 90’s, Lakeside’s Crawdad Festival, and Coos Bay has several including the Fun Festival and Blackberry Arts Festival.

Coos County is also proud to be the home of Shore Acres State Park. The land was once owned by Louis Simpson, the father of North Bend. The mansion is long gone, but the gardens and caretaker cottage are still there. People come from all over every summer to view the gardens (my particular favorite is the wide variety of roses). And then, every winter, volunteers decorate the entire garden with lights. Some of them are even animated! Once again, lots of people travel to the coast to view the light display– which gets a little bit bigger every year (my favorite is a small display of forest animals including a porcupine– my spirit animal!).

 

 

And a list of things to do on the Oregon coast wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our excellent museums, visitor centers, historical markers, and memorials.

I love the Oregon coast. Can you tell?

I plan on writing an “Out & About” once a month or so. I’ll include photos and information on how to check out the places yourself (if you’re in the area).

So, stay tuned…

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

 

~ H. S. Contino

 

 

E-mail Newsletter Idea

 Good morning!

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful June day wherever you are in the world. Personally, I love summers on the Oregon coast. We usually have several months of mostly sunny weather, but it never gets too hot. The coastal "breeze" (an inside joke since it's usually more like gusts that can knock you on your butt is you're not paying attention) keeps us comfortable.

 

Just a short post today. I recently received a bit of writing advice, and I wanted to run it by my blog followers. So, here's your chance to share your opinion. :) I have a question for everyone:

 

Would you be interested in signing up for a periodic e-mail newsletter?  

 

If I decide to go forward with this idea then I'd probably write the e-mail newsletters 2-3 times per year with updates on my writing-- projects I'm working on, upcoming author talks and markets or festivals I'll be attending, etc. 

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this idea in the comments below or send me a private email.

Okay, feel free to return to enjoying this gorgeous summer day!

As always, thank you for reading!

 

~ H. S. Contino, author

"Alternatives" Pre-Orders!

The view from my computer desk.

Good morning! It’s shaping up to be a gorgeous day here on the Oregon coast.

Once again, I’ve been neglecting this blog, but I had a good excuse. I received the proof copy of my novel “Alternatives” in January and I’ve spent the months since then painstakingly working my way through edits and revisions. I’ve also been corresponding with my beta-readers to apply their recommended changes to the manuscript.

The good news is that I’m almost ready to release the final edition of the novel into the world. Phew! I’ve been working on this project consistently for nearly two years, so getting so close to the finish line feels like a huge accomplishment.

They always advise writers to “write the story that you want to read”— and that’s exactly what I did. As one of my beta readers told me, this “book is so you”! The novel is soft sci-fi (science fiction without a lot of hard science or “techno-babble”). There’s also a strong romantic story line. Being a “me” book there are quirky characters and lots of pets. I also intentionally incorporated several references to the Oregon coast, sci-fi TV shows and movies, and pop culture. And an acoustic guitar makes a cameo! It’s basically a mash-up of most of my favorite things

Brand new proof copy...

 

Just a few changes...

Proof copy several months and many edits later...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I’m getting close to the finish line, I’ve created a list of people that would like to pre-order a copy. This will also help me figure out how many copies to order from my publisher. Please message me if you’re interested in purchasing a copy. (Details: paperback, 400 pages; signed by the author; $15 per copy plus shipping).

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the support!

~ H. S. Contino

PS– Due to the pandemic, I’ll be mailing out the signed copies of my book. I’ll have them available for sale through my Etsy shop, Reprieve’s Corner. Eventually, I’ll be returning to selling books in person at local craft fairs, farmers markets, and book fairs. I’ll also be lining up some book talks– eventually. But, for now, the case numbers in this area are still to high for me to feel safe hosting an indoor event.

Inspirational Quotes

Hi!

Just a quick post today. I just read a quote on another blog that struck a chord with me, so I decided to share. It comes from the blog “The Alchemist’s Studio” (https://rakupottery.ca/2021/03/09/transitions-4/):

 

“Transitions are a part of life, allowing for perpetual renewal. When you experience the end of one chapter, allow yourself to feel the emotions of loss and rebirth.

A bud gives way to a new flower, which surrenders to the fruit, which gives rise to a seed, which yields a new sprout. Even as you ride the roller coaster, embrace the centered internal reference of the ever-present witness.”

-David Simon

 

I LOVE this! The past year and a half has been incredibly rough for so many of us. I think that it helps to keep things in perspective. This quote reminds us that life is a series of transitions or phases. As much as we’d like for things to always go smoothly, we’re bound to encounter rough patches.

Now that there are several coronavirus vaccinations available and countries are working hard to get them distributed to their citizens, we find ourselves in another transition period. We’re not out of the pandemic woods yet, but we’re inching our way closer to the day when our lives can start returning to “normal”.

So, hang in there everyone!

~ H. S. Contino

PS– Please, check out the original blog. The Alchemist’s Studio specializes in raku pottery. They often name their pieces off of characters from mythology and then share the stories (and photos of their pottery) on their blog. It’s fun reading about the antics of the ancient gods while viewing their latest creations. The blog can be found here: https://rakupottery.ca/.