Last fall I had the privilege of taking a Spell to Write and Read Basic Seminar, essentially a boot camp/training seminar for moms and teachers choosing to teach their kids to read and write via this method, developed by Wanda Sanseri from the Romalda Spalding method. The trainer, Sarah Moser, was absolutely fantastic, going above and beyond expectations. She walked us through the SWR “big picture”, but she also gave us a passion to teach our kids about the English language, and to preserve it, not just teach kids to spell well.

A Crusader for the English Language

DAWNSINGER GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Through October 20, 2012, I am conducting a free book giveaway contest to promote Janalyn Voigt’s excellent new book, DawnSinger. She is providing a copy of this fabulous new epic medieval fantasy adventure story to one lucky winner.  All you have to do is follow the instructions below by clicking on the ‘rafflecopter’ link.

Please leave a U.S. physical mailing address in your entries, as books cannot be sent to post office boxes. Winner may choose either hard copy, ebook, or PDF format of DawnSinger!

READ THE PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS OF DAWNSINGER:

The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soarsthrough the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn herof danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive butdisturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens. But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeravenand of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision hemakes. On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns,waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure thecampaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a dividedland. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

WATCH THESE VIDEO TRAILERS FOR DAWNSINGER:

http://youtu.be/RVg0NYqOhkE

ENTERING IS EASY!

The more of the options you choose to participate in, the more entry points you earn. The winner will be chosen randomly by computer and will be notified on this blog.

ENTER HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t put this off! Enter now to win your copy of DawnSinger. Contest ends Saturday, October 20, 2012.

NEW! Book Giveaway Contest

HOW TO WIN A FREE COPY OF HIDDEN IN DREAMS:

Only one copy of the book for one winner. The winning contestant will receive a print copy of the book direct from the publisher, Howard Books. Winning book will be sent some time after contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You get entry points for each of the following:

[You may complete only one or all of the options below.]

CONTEST ENTRY OPTIONS:

1. 2 POINTS for answering the contest question on Rafflecopter. (See link below.)

2. 1 POINT for following Davis Bunn on Twitter.

3. 1 POINT for following Davis Bunn on Facebook.

4. 1 POINT for choosing your favorite blog post on this blog and leaving a comment about it on the Contact form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENTRIES:

All entrants must provide a United States address that is NOT a PO Box. Only one copy of the book for one winner.

Book Reviews for Bibliophiles,

HIGH STAKES AND NIGHTMARES: HIDDEN IN DREAMS BY DAVIS BUNN

by Sarah Gunning Moser

It is not often that I find a story “haunting” me, but both of Mr. Bunn’s books in this series do. With disturbing current economic forecasts as a backdrop, Hidden in Dreams is both astonishing and chilling, fiction thought it may be.

I admit I am a “sold out” fan of Bunn’s work. His ability to weave current events into a powerful story is notable, his pacing and characterization compelling. This book is no exception.

PICKS UP AFTER THE BOOK OF DREAMS

Hidden in Dreams picks up where The Book of Dreams left off. Bunn reintroduces us to some familiar characters, including protagonist Dr. Elena Burroughs, an internationally known expert on dream interpretation. As with many other people, she has frightening dreams about a coming worldwide economic collapse. As the story progresses, Elena finds these dreams are a plague of recurring nightmares.

EVIDENCE MOUNTS WHERE TERROR BEGINS

Elena has her own personal terrors: a dear friend recently died, she is not sure which key person in her life is trustworthy, and her love life is in limbo. These events intertwine with the growing body of people having the exact same dream as Elena’s, and the evidence mounts that there is a specific and frightening message inherent in these dreams. Elena at first thinks she has it decoded, but through a series of circumstances the reader must discover, she begins doubting even her own thoughts. Elena has been down similar roads before and has survived them, but this is different. Even in the opening chapter, Bunn hooks us in with this stunning image of the protagonist:

“The previous year had basically been a disaster. Elena considered herself an optimist by nature, tempered by a hefty dose of realism. But she had no trouble with the truth, even when it bent and twisted her most recent memories into a torrent as steady as the rainfall beyond the classroom window.” [page 2]

A DEFTLY WOVEN STORY

Bunn leads us a merry chase through an international setting, rife with scientists, university professors, pharmaceutical researchers, Elena’s friends…and treachery. The author’s knack for keeping his readers guessing does not let up in this book and is one of the aspects of his writing I enjoy the most. At times he deftly creates intimacy with his characters, alternately describing the person and allowing us to understand them.

CLARITY

When Elena has dinner with the president of the college where she teaches, we experience a moment of clarity for her:

“What [Elena] heard was a current that ran far deeper than the spoken words. Here were people she could trust, she decided. Either she opened up, or she didn’t. They would not pry. But as she listened to the talk and the quiet laughter, there in the ruddy glow of flickering candles, she saw the faces of friends she had yet to truly know.” [page 92]

THE STAKES INCREASE

Tension mounts and the stakes increase. Elena and her compatriots must decide what to do about the growing phenomenon of frightening, debilitating dreams being reported from around the world. But on whom can she depend? One wrong step will sink her and possibly others. Bunn hauls us through this riveting story to uncover what Elena does. Hidden in Dreams is an exciting read, unusual in its structure and premise. Don’t miss this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

See rules below.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS:

“The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens. But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.”

HOW TO WIN A FREE COPY OF DAWNSINGER:

The winning contestant will receive a book in their choice of format: hard copy, eBook, or PDF. You get one entry point for each of the following: [You may complete only one or all of the options below.]

1. Sign up for my blog, which can be delivered either via RSS Feed or via email. Look for the signup section of the blog itself, on the right hand side of the blog post lists.

2. Leave a comment on this blog using the provided electronic form at the end of each post for an extra entry point.

3. Post on your Facebook account about DawnSinger and this web site’s giveaway contest for an extra entry point.

4. Tweet about DawnSinger and this web site’s giveaway contest for an extra entry point.

5. Leave a comment about the book on the author’s web site, listed below, for an extra entry point.

6. Follow Janalyn Voigt on LinkedIn. (See Rafflecopter instructions below.)

• The winner will be chosen randomly by September 22 and will be notified by September 23.
• The winner will be announced on this blog.
• You must leave us your email address and snail mail address (US Mail physical addresses only, please) for the book to get to you properly if you win.

Here is the link to author Janalyn Voigt’s site: Janalyn Voigt:

http://janalynvoigt.com and my Creative Worlds blog:http://janalynvoigt.com/blog

This contest is run on the honor system. This is a terrific book, so get your entries in right away!

TO ENTER, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND JUST GET STARTED!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DawnSinger centers on Shae and Kai, protagonists sent on a perilous journey to serve their kingdom and fulfill destiny. Fraught with political danger and intrigue, riveting battles, and a quest not unlike that for the Holy Grail, DawnSinger describes a world that doesn’t exist…except in our minds. Shae and Kai battle evil but also confront their personal foibles and demons.

As an English teacher and student of medieval history, discovering Janalyn Voigt’s writing was a delight. With a bold, clear style she utilizes the exquisite vocabulary of classic literature and Middle English that enhances rather than detracts from the story. DawnSinger is rich with description, pulling the reader into the action in a way rarely found in modern writing.

TALES OF FAERAVEN, PART ONE:

DawnSinger is the first installment of Ms. Voigt’s trilogy, Tales of Faeraven. It is food for the mind, and rich, satisfying fare at that. Voigt drew me into her world, enabling identification with the characters and fascination with the setting and action. This is masterful writing that enriches the soul and heart, lyric and understated.

Like Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, the heroic themes throughout DawnSinger exemplify the literary term romance with strong characters keen on their mystical quest.

From Chapter Two, “Whellein Hold”

“…Shae lifted the latch. The door gave with a creak, and she entered the Allerstaed, the place of prayer.
A musty scent, the smell of dust and disuse, emanated from wood and stone. Faint light followed her from the open doorway and a few indifferent sunbeams penetrated the grime coating three high windows above the altar. Her steps whispered across the graystone floors, and she sank to her knees onto the stone step below the altar.”

As she develops our understanding of Kai and Shae, the author weaves in modern “romantic” elements. Are they brother and sister, or something more? How can they find out? Who tells them truth and who deceives them?

From Chapter Twenty Two, “Road to Pilaer”

“A pall hung over this place, as if the mists shrouded a corpse, not a town. Sorrow lay so heavy over all that it would not have surprised her if the walls ran with tears and the stones themselves wept.”

AKIN TO TOLKIEN AND LEWIS

Those who liken Voigt’s writing to that of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are correct. Generally, I do not read fantasy literature, because until now I have not encountered writing of the Tolkien/Lewis caliber. DawnSinger fills that void. I recommend this book without reservation. Voigt may make a fantasy lit aficionado out of me yet!

NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by author Janalyn Voigt. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions’ 16 CFR, Part 255.

Keep checking back with this blog for the second book in Tales of Faeraven, Wayfarer.

Any teaching parent knows that homeschooling is
a calling and a sacrifice, something done from the heart.
There are inevitable ups and downs
from combining parenting and teaching.
Sometimes, others misunderstand.

Parenting and homeschooling require a heart focused on God and locked onto the children being taught. It must be willing to quiet itself during the painful vicissitudes of life. The heart of the teaching parent needs to be flexible, resilient, and itself teachable.

When my husband and I homeschooled, we worked to focus on God’s Word even as we learned it, sometimes merely groping our way along. We learned to manage everything life threw at us.

Much was hoped for, much happened we wished had not, yet much joy resulted. God’s blessings came in spite of us!

The indomitable Helen Keller was a woman with trials few ever know: blind, deaf, and “dumb” from childhood, her spirit came to learn only under the instruction of her tutor, Annie Sullivan. Annie had a teacher’s heart that unlocked Helen’s greatness.  It is the heart which finds a way to say that which is difficult to express with words alone.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world

cannot be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the heart.”

— Helen Keller

Eventually you will reach the end of your homeschooling and look back to evaluate. Tears may flow and regrets may arise. The agonies of “you should have done this, said that” will not help. Instead, package those years gently and lay them at the foot of the Cross, then accept what is. The job will be finished.

But for now, plan your homeschool year, ponder Keller’s statement, and slow down. Children are only young for a short time. Do not worry about what other people say their children are doing, work where the Lord directs you and your family. Keep working, but center your heartbeats on the Lord and remain reflective, teachable, and soft. Rest in Him…and teach.

Have a great year!

• books for all ages
• SWR materials
• children’s education games
• general homeschooling tools
• home organization tools
• beginning readers and workbooks
• read aloud children’s books
• recommended K-6 children’s book list
• American history products (limited)
• prayer materials and books
• Greek and Latin roots materials
• SWR DVDs and CDs

Price List Revised 07-27-12

NOTE: This file will open in Excel and the list takes only the first four pages of the Excel Worksheet.

Goodreads.com is also offering a book giveaway for Christian author, Janalyn Voigt’s new book.  Enter to win an autographed copy of DawnSinger, book one of the new epic fantasy series, Tales of Faeraven!

Summary:

A headstrong young princess and the guardian sworn to protect her fly on winged horses to the Gate of Life above the Well of Light in a desperate bid to release the DawnKing, and the salvation he offers, into a divided land. Will they each learn in time that sometimes victory comes only through surrender?

Back Cover Copy:

The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.

But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.

On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

You may enter a drawing to receive a copy of DawnSinger by scrolling down and clicking on the link below.  Follow Inkslingers’ directions on how to enter.

If you leave a comment on the web site the link takes you to, you will be entered in the drawing, which ends July 28. (Read on. You might be able to learn a lot about Leeds Castle while you enter the drawing!)

NOTE FROM AUTHOR JANALYN VOIGT: “One of the castles I used as a model for Torindan in DawnSinger, book one of my epic fantasy series, Tales of Faeraven is Leeds Castle. You can read more about this castle and comment to enter the drawing on Inkslingers:”

http://shannonvannatter.com/janalyn-voigt-romantic-destination-leeds-castle-part-1-of-1-2/comment-page-1/#comment-9032

Medieval Epic High Fantasy author, Janalyn Voigt shares her romantic destination, plus a chance to win a PDFdownload or mobi file copy of her book, DawnSinger. Comment on this post to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: July 28th, 11:59 pm, central time.

Janalyn Voigt – Romantic Destination – Leeds Castle – Part 1 of 1 | Shannon Taylor Vannatter »