Down Under Author of the Day: Toni Griffin

Down Under Author of the Day

Meet Toni Griffin!

Tony Griffin is the author of The Holland Brothers series, The Atherton Pack series, and many others listed below..

To get to know Australian author Toni Griffin a little better, she agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Toni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia’s capital cities. Born and raised in the state she’s a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated english with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.   Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.

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Contacts/Follow at :

Website : http://www.tonigriffin.net
Blog http://www.tonigriffin.net/blog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/toni.griffin.author
Goodreads Author Page

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All Published and available at Mischief Corner Books, eXtasy Press:

The Holland Brothers (available at MCB):

Unexpected Mate
Determined Mate
Protective Mate
Forbidden Mate
A Very Holland Christmas

The Atherton Pack (available at MCB):

Liam
Ben
Corey (Coming Soon)

Thompson Agency:

Dealing with the Dead
Dealing with the Past

Tassie Wolves:

Hidden Wolf

Hot Encounters:
Frankie’s Vamp
Bryce’s Cop (Coming Soon)

MCB (Mischief Corner Books) Anthologies:
A Bear in the Woods – A Cabin for Two Anthology
Once A Cowboy – Hot Off the Range Anthology
Archie’s Accidental Kidnapping – Horns and Halos Collection
Finding Connor – Not in the Stars Anthology
Wreath of Fire – Chestnuts Roasting Anthology

Single Titles:
My Christmas Present

Genre(s): Supernatural Romance, humour, LGBTQ fiction, M/M Romance, gay shifters, werewolves

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Toni Griffin) is an eBook copy of any of Toni Griffin’s books, including recent releases. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “Word” in bold green. Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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When did you start writing?

I believe it was 2010.

Were you a reader as a child?

I hated reading as a kid. I did everything possible to get out of having to read books in school, even if they were listed as required reading for the class.

What books as a child has the most impact on you?

Did that impression carry over into adulthood when you started writing? I started reading probably 10 years ago. I know it’s probably silly but Harry Potter started my Love of reading, barely a day has gone by since I picked up the first book that I haven’t read something.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Any number of things. It could be a photo, something someone said to me, even an even that I witnessed can start the plot bunnies hopping.

Favorite genres to write in and why?

Would have to be MM paranormal, because I love making up my own rules to a universe. I like playing god. LOL

Title or characters or plot? Which comes first?

It’s not usually the title. LOL. That usually happens about half way through, if not after I’ve finished writing and I bed friends for help. It’s usually Characters or plot. Unexpected Mate, my first ever book was Characters.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written?

I have so many of them. I love Jake Richmond from Forbidden Mate, even though I wanted to strangle him at times. I also love Lucas Ford from Bryce’s Cop, although I wanted to strangle him at times as well… Hmmm… I’m sensing a pattern here.

Favorite book/story you have read as an adult:

In the MM Genre would have to be the A Matter of Time series by Mary Calmes. I just adore Sam and Jory.
Otherwise Kylie Chan, an Aussie Author has 8 books in a 9 book series out so far, starting with the Dark Heavens trilogy. These books are awesome and delve into Chinese culture and mythology.

Do you have a certain regimen that you follow as a writer?

What inspired you to write your first book? I was leaving work one day, in the car and on the way to pick up my daughter from afterschool care when Brian Townsend and Marcus Holland started yammering away in my head. I went home that night, picked up my laptop and started writing their story.

Do you have a specific writing style?

What’s the hardest part of writing your books?

Definitely the synopsis and blurbs. LOL Hate those damn things.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your first book?

I did do it all over again and changed heaps. LOL. After my publisher went under and I received the rights back to all my stories I went back to my first series, The Holland Brothers and decided I wanted to expand on the books. Unexpected mate had 17k added to it. Determined Mate, 19k, Protective Mate 25k and Forbidden Mate roughly 50k.

What book are you reading now?

Fire & Water by Andrew Grey

What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on edits for Corey, book 3 in my Atherton Pack series. I am also working on Steps to You. A contemporary about facing your fears. The MC meet while climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

What’s next up for you?

I have Frankie’s Vamp Releasing January 4th and Bryce’s Cop re releasing on February 8th

Down Under Day 19: Author Tony Griffin, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day!

Welcome, Toni Griffin!

It’s Day 19 of our Down Under Author Showcase and our featured writer today is Toni Griffin! Toni lives in Darwin and write a number of supernatural romance series, including shifters! Toni is also involved in a new publishing company along with Angel Martinez, Freddie McKay and Silvia Violet in Mischief Corner Books which put out one of my favorite holiday anthologies in 2014, Chestnuts Roasting, including a story from Toni Griffin!

Visit Toni Griffin’s page which follows shortly, learn about Toni, her books and writing and don’t forget to enter her giveaway contest and find the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word of the Day.

Australia Fact of the Day!

Today’s Down Under Australia fact will be about Darwin, Toni’s home town!

Darwin is the capital of Northern Territory is a multicultural city famous for its huge thunderstorms, beautiful sunsets, colourful Mindil Beach Markets and excellent barramundi fishing. Places to see include the Northern Territory Parliament House, Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, Darwin Entertainment Centre and Botanic Gardens. Outside are Charles Darwin National Park, Crocodylus Park, Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs Nature Park.

Who was Darwin named after? Charles Darwin, the man came up with the concept of natural selection and evolution.

Find out more about Darwin here!

New Zealand Fact of the Day!

Since I chose a city for Australia, let’s take a closer look at New Zealand’s Christchurch.

Christchurch is New Zealand‘s second-largest city (question: can you name the first?) and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch, New Zealand is interwoven by two rivers linking parks, gardens and avenues. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop. The award-winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand,

In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake. Much of the central city with its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. This event was a major element in a book from one of our Down Under Authors. Do you know which one? It’s still in the process of rebuilding, but the heart and soul of New Zealand remains the great people who live there.

On Tour with K. C. Wells and The Bond of Three (book tour and contest)

Book Name: A Bond of Three
Release Date: January 19, 2015
Goodreads Link
Author Name: K.C. Wells

Author Bio:

Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C.Wells always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way.

K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, where the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings – writing about men in love was even hotter…

K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career.

The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.

There is a Book Tour Interview with a question a stop. Here is our’s:

19 – Ability you wished you possessed? Oh wow… telepathy

20 – Skill you wish you had? The ability to make stretch 24 hours….

Where to find K.C. Wells:

K.C. can be reached via email (k.c.wells@btinternet.com), on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld), on Twitter (@IslandTalesPres or through comments at the K.C.Wells website (www.kcwellsworld.com ) K.C. loves to hear from readers.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Photography by R.J. Sebastian, designed by Alexander Tsopanakis, with exclusive cockboys.com models: Levi Karter, Duncan Black & Tayte Hanson

Sales LInks: Dreamspinner Press E-Book Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Blurb:

In the kingdom of Teruna, the red-cloaked Seruani teach the Terunans the art of love. Taken from their homes at seventeen to be trained, they are shunned as outcasts by society and considered the lowest of the low. So when Prince Tanish falls in love with the Seruan Feyar, the man who took his virginity and the only one to share his bed, he is not about to declare that love. No one can ever know, because the consequences would be too painful to consider for both of them.

When the king of Vancor visits Teruna, he promises that his son, Prince Sorran, will marry Prince Tanish to solidify the alliance between the two kingdoms, with the proviso that the virginal Sorran is instructed in the art of pleasing his husband-to-be. When Tanish’s father chooses Feyar to be this instructor, the lovers decide Prince Sorran must be taught that this is to be a marriage in name only….

A resentful prince, unwilling to share his lover.

A resentful Seruan, unwilling to share his prince.

And the shy prince whose very nature sparks changes in the lives of all those around them.

Teruna is about to change forever.

Categories: Alternate Universe, Fantasy, M/M Romance, Menage/Poly

Excerpt:

“We are alone,” Sorran said after a few minutes. “Tell me of the cashor. You have intrigued me.”

Tanish thought for a moment how best to begin. “It is worn by the Seruani.” Sorran’s furrowed brow told him what he needed to know. He sighed. “The Seruani are those men and women who provide a special service. They instruct us in the pleasures of the flesh. A husband whose wife no longer wishes to share her bed with him, those who have lost their partners, youths who seek their first experience to be with someone knowledgeable—all these people can pay for their services.”

Sorran’s forehead smoothed out. “Ah, I understand. We have such people in Vencor.” That frown was back suddenly. “But I am still confused. Why would someone not pay us heed if we wear the cashor?”

Tanish stared at him. “Because Seruani are considered the lowest of the low. When a youth is taken to be trained as a Seruan, he or she loses all contact with his or her family. If a Seruan was to be seen in the street by a family member, they would not be acknowledged. In truth, they would be shunned.”

Sorran pulled at Forena’s reins, bringing the stallion to a dead stop.

Tanish halted Nerita and twisted in his saddle to regard Sorran. “What is the matter?”

Sorran shook his head, his expression pained. “In Vancor, such people are revered. They are viewed as mystical.”

Tanish was astonished. “But why?” He could not believe such a difference in attitude could exist.

Sorran tilted his head. “My teachers tell me that when two people make love, their joy can be such that they almost touch the heavens. Surely one who can help you reach such levels is a person to be cherished, valued, revered.”

His description brought tears to Tanish’s eyes. To think that but for an accident of geography, Feyar could have been born into a land where his gifts would have had worth, where he would have been treasured. Tanish bowed his head, eyes closed, overwhelmed with emotion.

A soft hand came to rest on his arm. “What ails you, Tanish?” Sorran’s voice was low and lilting, his concern audible.

Tanish opened his eyes and gave Sorran a feeble smile. “For many years I have wept at the thought of those chosen to be Seruani, shunned by their families and society. I have wished for change.”

Sorran smiled, his dark eyes flashing. “But you are to be king one day, just as I will be. A king wields so much power.” He leaned closer, his gaze fixed on Tanish. “If a king does not like a law, he has the power to change it.”

Tanish shook his head. “To do so would be to insult those who drew up the laws in the first place.”

Sorran quirked his eyebrows. “Who created those laws? And when?”

“I do not know. It has always been so.” Tanish had reflected upon that many times.

Sorran frowned. “That does not mean it must remain so. And laws can be changed a little at a time. Take small steps, but always be sure of your goal.” He patted Tanish’s arm. “Win the people’s hearts first, and then lead them where you will go. If you act justly, your motives clear, they will follow you.”

Sorran’s earnest expression seemed older than his years. Tanish gazed at the prince in wonder. Sorran’s words resonated deep within him, sparking a flame of hope—and something else. For the first time in a long while, Tanish felt at peace with his destiny.

Pages or Words: 264 pages

Tour Dates: January 19th, 2015

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Molly Lolly, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, Amanda C. Stone, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Love Bytes, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Kristy’s Brain Food, Sinfully Sexy, My Fiction Nook, Elin Gregory, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, The Novel Approach, MM Good Book Reviews, Andrew Q. Gordon, Velvet Panic, 3 Chicks After Dark, Christy Loves 2 Read, Nephylim, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Kimi-Chan, Foxylutely Book Reviews

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $15 Gift Card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh, the Fun Down Under, A Special Riptide Tour and the Week Ahead!

Down Under Author Showcase Update

Oh, the fun we are having with our Down Under Author Showcase. I’ve learned so much about Australia and New Zealand just putting together the facts of the day for both countries. And that has me itching to go and check it all out for myself. Glowworm caves? Who knew?

Plus, as I am devouring John Wiltshire’s series, More Heat Then The Sun, and loving it. Have you grabbed those up yet? I am overwhelmed with all the new authors and books that I myself have added to my TBR pile and auto buy list! It’s been great and it continues this week, our last full week of the month.

So far, here’s our author roll call to date:

1/1 Christian Baines
1/2/2015 Nicki J. Markus 1/10/2015 N. R. Walker
1/3/2014 Anne Barwell 1/12/2015 John Terry Moore
1/5/2015 N.J. Nielson 1/13/2015 Beany Sparks
1/6/2015 L.J. LaBarthe 1/14/2015 A.B. Gayle
1/7/2015 Michelle Rae   1/15/2015 Lisa Henry
1/8/2015 Renae Kaye   1/16/2015 Meredith Shayne
1/9/2015 John Wiltshire   1/17/2015 Pelaam

If you have missed a day, go back and see what you have missed. Check out their bios and their books and enter their giveaways. And don’t forget to search out the Scavenger Hunt Word of the Day as well as my Australia and New Zealand fun facts!

The Burnt Toast B&B Book Tour and Charity Donations!

Now onto The Burnt Toast B&B Tour,(of which we are a participant) from authors Heidi Belleau, Rachel Haimowitz and Riptide Publishing. The Burnt Toast B&B story (which Barb read, reviewed and loved) included a trans character, Ginsburg. Well, hear it from Heidi and Rachel:

Ginsberg’s background of financial hardship and lack of family support is all too common among many people who, like him, are trans and trying to live happy, fulfilling lives as their true selves. As such, we the authors, our publisher Riptide, and our generous blog tour hosts will be using the next few days to highlight the personal fundraisers of real trans people in need. We hope that if you’ve got a little extra money this month, you’ll consider donating, and if money’s tight, maybe you can help by spreading the word, too.

For our part, Rachel, Heidi, and Riptide will be giving donors a $5 Riptide credit code for every $10 in donations you make (up to $50 in codes per person, up to $5,000 in codes overall)–just email your donation receipt(s) to info@riptidepublishing.com with the subject line “Burnt Toast Tour Donation,” and Riptide will send out all $5 codes a week after the tour ends. (It’s totally cool, by the way, to spread your donations across multiple fundraisers if you’d like; we’ll add up all your receipts sent in a single email and base your credit vouchers on the grand total.)

We’re also hosting a special contest for people who donate: every dollar in donations to any of these fundraisers will earn you an entry into a drawing for a full paperback set of Riptide’s current Bluewater Bay lineup, OR two signed paperback copies of The Burnt Toast B&B. We’ll draw one week after the blog tour ends. Every dollar helps, and every dollar counts!

And there’s more, plus additional ways you can help:

Lastly, we’ll randomly select three commenters from all the tour stops and donate $50 apiece in each winner’s name to the trans charity or fundraiser of their choice. (Please be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if you win!)
Today’s featured fundraiser is for Reid, a young Canadian trans man struggling to make ends meet because of employment discrimination. You can find it at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/transman-needs-a-little-help.

For the entire post and wonderful way Heidi Belleau, Rachel Haimowitz and Riptide Publishing are using this heartwarming story to help others, visit our page here and/or follow the entire tour which can be found here!

Transgender rights is an important issue everywhere and transgender people need our support in every way possible. If you know of other organizations or venues that support transgender rights, email them to us and we will put them on our LGBTQ list.

Now Here is Our Schedule at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words this Week!

Monday, January 19:

Down Under Day 19: Welcome, Toni Griffin, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Toni Griffin
A MelanieM Review: Chestnuts Roasting Anthology (repost)
KC Wells “Bond of Three” Book Tour and Contest
A MelanieM Review: Bayou Des Infants by Lynn Lorenz

Tuesday, January 20:

Down Under Day 20: Welcome, L.J. Harris, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author: L.J. Harris
A Sammy Review: Unfortunate Son by Shae Connor
A Stella Review: A Bond of Three by KC Wells
Draven St. James Wolf’s Sacrifice Tour and Contest

Wednesday, January 21:

Down Under Day 21: Welcome, Isabelle Rowan, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author: Isabelle Rowan
A Melanie Review: The Red Heart by Isabelle Rowan
A Melanie Review: A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan
A Mika Review: Love Lies Bleeding by Remmy Duchene
A Sammy Review: Dirty Dining by E.M. Lynley

Thursday,, January 22:

Down Under Day 22, Welcome, Maggie Nash, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Maggie Nash
A Mika Review: We Found Love by Kade Boehme & Allison Cassatta
Tame a Wild Human by Kari Gregg book tour and contest
Amanda C. Stone ‘Adventures of Cole and Perry’ Virtual Tour and Contest
A MelanieM Review: Eoin’s Destiny by RJ Scott

Friday, January 23:

Down Under Day 23, Welcome, Penny Brandon, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Penny Brandon
Meredith Russell’s Jack Frost Book Tour and Contest
Iyanna Jenna’s ‘Just A Little Unwell’ Book Tour and Contest
A BJ Review: Natural Instincts by M Raiya
A MelanieM Review: A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger

Saturday, January 24:

Down Under Day 24: Welcome Lily Velden, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Lily Velden, Wayward Ink Press
Mika Review: The Harvest: Journey’s End by M. A. Church

Down Under Showcase Author of the Day: Pelaam

Meet Pelaam!

Pelaam is a prolific author with over 30 titles, including a new holiday release from MLR Press “The Magic of Christmas.”

To get to know New Zealand author Pelaam a little better, she agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a best-selling, multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation.

Pelaam’s book “Breath of the Feathered Serpent” is a finalist for the 2014 Rainbow Awards in Gay futuristic/sci-fi and has been given an Honourable Mention. “Bedazzled” and “Firebird” were a combined finalist for the Rainbow Awards in Gay futuristic/sci-fi 2013.

Can be reached through Lazy Beagle Entertainment
Goodreads Author Page (list of books)

Among Pelaam’s many stories and titles are the following:

Breath of the Feathered Serpent
Haunted by the Past
Captive
On Dragon’s Wings
Addiction (Dark Hollows Press)
Familiar or Not (MLR)
The Magic of Christmas (MLR)
Horse of Bells
Dragon’s Lair

Genre(s):

Sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Pelaam) is an eBook copy of “The Magic of Christmas”. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

The Magic of Christmas: Blurb:

On a friends’ getaway in a winter wonderland, Jared and Casey discover real Christmas magic.

Jared joins his four best friends on an early Christmas holiday in a beautiful winter wonderland. He’s been in love with the talented and extroverted Casey for years, but lacked the courage to say anything.

Casey loves Jared, but despite his gregarious exterior, inside lurks someone shy and insecure and so he’s never spoken up.

Both men are about to experience real Christmas magic.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt word/phrase highlighted in green. Collect all the words/phrases from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Q Where do you draw inspiration from?

I can get inspired from a single image, a word or phrase, or a scenario. I like fantasy, myth, and legend and draw a lot of inspiration from there when searching for something to stimulate my Muse.

Q. Favorite genres to write in and why?

Sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy. These have always been my greatest loves. They give my imagination the greatest level of freedom when writing.

Q. Title or characters or plot? Which comes first?

I generally have an idea for a plot, then come the characters, and usually the title is last of all. However, there is one where the title came as part of the plot. That’s “Breath of the Feathered Serpent.”

Q. Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m very much a “pantser”. I can’t write starting at the beginning and working my way through to the end and I don’t storyboard. I write the scenes as they come into my mind. That sometimes means I have the end written before the beginning, and subplots can be completed before I have the main plot worked out. But it works for me and I go with the flow.

Q How do you think books written from authors in Australia or New Zealand differ in style, language, and culture?

We have our own way of looking at things, and our own way of saying things. I quite often find I have to rewrite something I know would be understood by a New Zealand or Australian reader, but I’m told wouldn’t be understood by an American reader.

Q. If you were a tour guide, what would you like a visitor to see and what impression would you want them to take away with them when they leave?

I’d like them to see the magnificent scenery, some of the beautiful beaches, and the vibrant cities. I’d like them to leave with the knowledge that there’s something for everyone when they visit New Zealand.
Q What are your current projects?

I worked my way through NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) again this year and reached my 50k target. Now I need to fill in some of the scenes and polish the draft before seeing if “Furture Imperfect” will also be published. My last NaNo effort was “Breath of the Feathered Serpent” which not only got published, but was a finalist in the 2014 Rainbow Awards for sci-fi/futuristic.
Q. Favorite quote (doesn’t matter the source)?

“We have a responsibility to stand watch over one another, we are watchers, all of us, watchers, guarding against the darkness. You’ve taught me that we’re all needed, even those who sometimes think we’re worthless, plain, and dull.”

(Dean Koontz, “Watchers”)

Down Under Day 17: Featured Author Pelaam, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day and Contest Info

Welcome, Pelaam!

It’s Day 17 of our Down Under Author Showcase, and our featured writer today is Pelaam. Pelaam is an author of paranormal, magical and supernatural tales of love and romance. Check out all their stories, books and bio on Pelaam’s Down Under Author page that follows shortly.

Pelaam marks the midway point in our Down Under Author Showcase. Have you missed a day? Go back and double check that you have made the acquaintance of each and every one of these marvelous authors! And don’t forget to enter Bottom Drawer Publications contest on our Down Under Author Showcase page on the menu!

Now onto our Down Under Facts of the Day! As our author is from New Zealand, that country goes first today!

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

1. The longest place name in the world is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, a hill in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. That’s Cape Kidnappers to the right in Hawkes Bay.

and

2. New Zealand has more Scottish pipe bands per capita than any other country in the world.

Australia Fact of the Day!

1. The first photos from the 1969 moon landing were beamed to the rest of the world from Honeysuckle Tracking Station, near Canberra. This story was told in the wonderful Australian movie, The Dish. Catch it on demand or DVD.

2. There were over one million feral camels in outback Australia, until the government launched the $19m Feral Camel Management Program, which aims to keep the pest problem under control.
Saudi Arabia imports camels from Australia.

Australian feral camels, are feral populations of two species of camel; *Guess what day it is…it’s Hump Day”) mostly dromedaries(Camelus dromedarius) but also some bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus). Imported into Australia from Arabia, India and Afghanistan^[1] during the 19th century for transport and construction during the colonisation of the central and western parts of Australia, many were released into the wild after motorised transport replaced the camels’ role in the early 20th, forming a fast-growing feral population.

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: The Burnt Toast B & B by Heidi Belleau & Rachel Haimowitz

Rating: 5 stars out of 5:

I know I keep saying this but it bears repeating—I LOVE this series! This story, in which injured stuntman Ginsburg Sloan seeks shelter at the B&B run by Derrick Richards, a laid-off logger who is trying to make a go of the business he inherited from his parents, is right at the top of the list of outstanding books in this series.

Ginsberg is temporarily out of work after he broke his arm on the set of Wolf’s Landing, the TV show being shot in Bluewater Bay, Washington. In an effort to save money, he heads for the B&B with the worst reputation and therefore cheapest rates, and there he encounters not only Derrick but a smoke-filled kitchen with a fire blazing both in the oven and on the stovetop. Thankfully, Ginsberg knows his way around a fire extinguisher, even with one arm, and after putting out the fire, he takes the time to assess his soon-to-be landlord.

Derrick has been out of work as a logger and was trying his hand at running the B&B he inherited when his parents were killed in an accident several years ago. He’s come to the conclusion that his clumsy efforts in the kitchen, his inability to do the necessary home repairs, and his lack of funds to do anything else equals “get out of business”. But before he can do that, he’s now going to have to find a way to get this guy to vacate the premises. So Derrick sets out to make him leave but it backfires when Ginsberg jumps in to help out. He manages to help so much that Derrick finds himself getting back into the business and enjoying it, despite his inherent objections to doing feminine work such as cooking and cleaning.

As they work together, both he and Ginsberg find themselves attracted to one another. But Ginsberg is feisty and opposed to any outdated notions Derrick expresses about roles for women and men and he won’t tolerate Derrick’s comments on what makes a man masculine. Ginsberg is transgender but, as he explains to Derrick, that has no impact on his opposition to Derrick’s comments and actions. Derrick’s ideas are just plain stupid and outdated, and Ginsberg sets out to help Derrick leave the macho bull behind while making a go of the business. Derrick finds himself enjoying the work and spending all his free time fighting his desire for Ginsberg. He wants him desperately and starts to daydream about every facet of this man—his body, his personality, his kindness, his energy, and his courage. But at the same time, Derrick is still hiding behind his gruff persona and still negative about whether or not his business can succeed in the long run, and he’s firmly convinced that Ginsberg will be leaving by the time his cast comes off and he goes back to work.

He’s so convinced of this, in fact, that he torpedoes their relationship just as it’s starting. They’d spend an amazing night together after which Ginsberg had to get up and get out the door to work and while he was away, Derrick convinced himself that this just couldn’t last. So when Ginsberg came home and presented Derrick with a special gift, it backfired and Derrick blew up, shaming Ginsberg and forcing him away.

This is just a simplified explanation for a complex plot that has more facets than a brilliant-cut diamond. Secondary characters were outstanding, especially Derrick’s ex-boyfriend Jim, and the revisit with Carter and Levi was much appreciated. The way this story evolved, the growth and learning experiences for the MCs, the heartbreak and despair they suffered, and the maturity and change in Derrick’s outlook as the story evolved all combined to make this story amazing and memorable.

I highly recommend this series to all lovers of M/M romance. I am amazed that every author in the series, though very different, has brought us characters which make me smile and leave me with a warm and fuzzy place in my heart each and every time. Don’t hesitate to invest your time in this one.

Cover art by LC Chase depicts both the gorgeous Ginsberg, complete with the typical Hollywood sunglasses, and the rugged Derrick, arms crossed in one of his perpetual scowls, standing in front of the B&B.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy it here

Book Details:

book, 225 pages
Expected publication: January 12th 2015 by Riptide Publishing
ISBN139781626492165
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/burnt-toast-bb
seriesBluewater Bay #5

Bluewater Bay Series by book and author:

Starstruck (Bluewater Bay #1) by L.A. Witt
There’s Something About Ari (Bluewater Bay #2) by L.B. Gregg
Hell on Wheels (Bluewater Bay #3) by Z.A. Maxfield
Lone Wolf (Bluewater Bay #4) by Aleksandr Voinov
The Burnt Toast B&B (Bluewater Bay #5) by Heidi Belleau & Lisa Haimowitz
Lights, Camera, Cupid! (A Bluewater Bay Valentine’s Day Anthology) -coming Feb. 9th

A MelanieM Review: Whitewater by Meredith Shayne

Rating 4 stars out of 5

Baker Luke Henderson loves his job, and owning a bakery at Coogee Beach makes it even better. His Black Dog bakery is becoming known for its delicious concoctions and Luke dreams of spreading out to other restaurants and stores. Each morning before Luke opens up his bakery, he heads to the beach for his favorite pastime, watching surfers, a particular surfer. Little does he know that the surfer has been looking back.

Cameron Brown, surfer, chef, and café owner of a popular beach front cafe, spies Luke leaning against the wall, watching him surf but nothing more. A chance meeting occurs when Luke pops into Cameron’s restaurant to sample their food and deserts, hoping to get the owner to take his bakery goods on consignment. Cameron is intrigued by Luke, and his scrumptious deserts, and soon a deal is struck.

Working together brings Cam and Luke closer but there remains several obstacles to romance. The main one being Cameron’s idea of the perfect man, physical perfection being a key. That’s something that Luke can never attain. Can Cameron put aside his “ideal man” in order to find love with the real one in front of him?

Whitewater (part of the Under the Southern Cross Anthology but can be purchased separately) is a perfect example why I love Meredith Shayne so much. The characters of Luke Henderson and Cameron Brown are so marvelously textured, so nuanced that it puts them far outside the norm of the typical romantic leading characters. Luke Henderson has cerebral palsy. It gives him a decided limp but the real driving force in Luke is his passion for baking, the other is just a small part of who he is. I love the matter of fact treatment given to his disability and his outlook. Luke is a beautifully well rounded character, full of hopes and dreams and wonderful concoctions that makes him so easy to connect with, especially when he’s covered in flour, immersed in his recipes.

Cameron, the surf god who also happens to be a chef and restaurant owner, long ago lost the passion that Luke thrives on. Cameron’s search for perfection happens not in the kitchen but in gay bars and hookups nightly. Those men he finds are easy to discard, but Luke? Imperfect Luke becomes the itch Cameron can’t scratch and Cameron is intelligent enough to look inside for the answers.

What did I wish for? A longer story. Luke and Cameron cry out for a full length novel. I wanted a little more of the life they were building at the end. But that would be the icing on the cake for this reader, others readers will love it as it is.

As in her other stories, Shayne brings the local settings and locations vividly into focus. The Black Dog Bakery and Cameron’s restaurant reside on or near Coogee Beach in New South Wales, Australia near Sydney. Shayne captures all the flavor and atmosphere of this beachside suburb of the little town known as “Sydney’s Seaside Village”. I got a real feel for the people and shops that fill the streets and line the shore, the nightlife and the family packed pools. The full picture is so enticing, that like all the other places Meredith Shayne writes so lovingly about, I’m ready to pack up and go see it for myself.

Not familiar with author Meredith Shayne? Whitewater is a wonderful introduction. Read it, love it, and then go looking for all the other stories that we have tucked close to our hearts, including Cutting Out. I absolutely recommend Whitewater and its author, Meredith Shayne! Happy Reading.

Cover artist: Anne Cain. I like the cover but don’t love it. It’s just too generic considering what she had to work with.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 117 pages
Published March 13th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 12th 2013)
ISBN 162380468X (ISBN13: 9781623804688)
edition languageEnglish
Anthology/series: Under the Southern Cross

Down Under Showcase Author: Meredith Shayne

Meet Meredith Shayne!

Meredith Shayne is the author of recent releases such as Cutting Out, Metal Heart, Equilibrium, and Whitewater.

To get to know Meredith Shayne a little better, the author agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍

A scientist in a past life, these days Meredith Shayne mainly uses her scientific training to poke holes in television pseudoscience. Originally from Australia, she moved to New Zealand to start a new life a few years ago and hasn’t regretted it for one minute, even if she frequently wishes that the New Zealand weather was a little better; if she’s forced, she’ll admit that the refreshing lack of animals that can kill you in New Zealand makes up for a little rain. Meredith travels a lot, so much so that she has developed a shameful love of airplane food and knows her passport number by heart. When she is at home, she enjoys baking, horrible music from the 1980s, reality television, and gloating any time Australia thrashes the living daylights out of New Zealand on the sporting field.

Contacts/Follow Meredith Shayne at :

Website: http://meredithshayne.com/
Blog: http://meredithshayne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredith.shayne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithshayne
Tumblr: http://meredithshayne.tumblr.com/

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Your Books
Novels/Novellas:

Cutting Out, published by Bottom Drawer Publications.

Blurb and Details: A twenty-year veteran of the shearing shed, Aussie Shane Cooper loves his job, and the home he’s made for himself in New Zealand. If he’s a little lonely, he’s got good mates to keep his spirits up. When a hot, cocky young shearer named Lachlan Moore catches his eye at a competition, he’s content to look but not touch, knowing the young man is out of his league.

Lachie wouldn’t mind a piece of Shane, but the gorgeous gun shearer from Australia is soon forgotten when the Christchurch earthquake hits, and tragedy strikes Lachie’s family. Lachie deals with it the best he can, cutting himself off from all he knows. A year later and he’s back in the shearing shed, out of practice and lacking confidence. That Shane’s there to watch him flounder doesn’t help his nerves.

As Lachlan struggles to re-acclimatise, Shane can’t resist giving him a hand to get back on his feet. As they move from friends to something more, Shane finds himself wanting to know everything he can about Lachie. But Lachie’s got secrets he desperately wants to keep, and when things come to a head, those secrets might just mean the end of them before they’ve truly begun.
ebook, 200 pages
Published October 11th 2014 by Bottom Drawer Publications
ISBN139780994157232

Whitewater, part of Under the Southern Cross Anthology published by Dreamspinner Press ( A Scavenger Hunt Prize)

Blurb and Book Details: Baker Luke Henderson loves his job, and owning a bakery at Coogee Beach makes it even better. When he opens the shop before dawn, he hears the waves. When he walks along the beach after sunrise, he admires the surfers—one in particular: Cameron Brown. A chef and café owner, Cameron secretly watches Luke right back. When Luke proposes a business deal, Cameron seizes the chance to get close. But Cameron’s ideal man is physically perfect, and Luke’s awkward limp could be the flaw that fractures their romance.

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology. (less)
ebook, 117 pages
Published March 13th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 12th 2013)
ISBN 162380468X (ISBN13: 9781623804688)
edition languageEnglish
seriesUnder the Southern Cross

Metal Heart, published by Dreamspinner Press:

Blurb and Book Details: Scott King swore off rock stardom after his band, King Phoenix, crashed and burned. Now in his forties, Scott lives a quiet life as a music producer and session guitarist. But in a box hidden in his wardrobe lie the relics of the past he left behind—a past filled with drugs, booze, and broken hearts. For sixteen years, Scott has had no contact with his former bandmates, so when he’s asked to play at a benefit gig for King Phoenix’s old sound man, his world turns upside down. A King Phoenix reunion means a run-in with Scott’s ex, Ash Walker—and sixteen years ago, believing Ash wanted to leave the band, Scott OD’d and almost died.

Since then, Scott has ruthlessly suppressed his feelings. As a result, he’s completely unprepared for the impact of seeing Ash again, or for dealing with his emotions about the band’s demise. He definitely didn’t expect Ash to want to start up where they left off. Now Scott has to decide between his safe existence and the twenty-year-old love song that could cost him his sobriety—and his heart.
ebook, 264 pages
Published January 28th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 27th 2013)
original titleMetal Heart
ISBN 1623803233 (ISBN13: 9781623803230)
edition languageEnglish

Equilibrium, published by Dreamspinner Press

Blurb and Book Details: Welcome to Burreela, New South Wales. Population: more animals than humans. Although most (human) occupants are trying to get out of Burreela, the tiny town is the perfect place for veterinarian Michael Stone to break out of the bad habits that almost cost him the most meaningful part of his life: his profession.

Michael is struggling to regain his balance after hard personal losses and two years of promiscuity and drug abuse. He’s not prepared to meet Ryan Mitchell, a nice guy who won’t take no for an answer, whose patient pursuit leaves Michael less and less inclined to keep refusing. But Michael’s bad habits aren’t that far behind him. Can Michael hold himself together enough to be the man Ryan needs, or will he lose his equilibrium while trying to be man enough to hold on to the one he loves?
eBook,Paperback, 1st Edition, 212 pages
Published June 24th 2011 by Dreamspinner Press (first published June 23rd 2011)
original titleEquilibrium
ISBN 1615819509 (ISBN13: 9781615819508)
edition languageEnglish
seriesEquilibrium #1

Shorts:

Truce (free at All Romance (ARe)
Reasonable Force published by JMS Books
Tinsel and Dust (Equilibrium sequel), published at Dreamspinner Press
Eyes Wide Shut (Flying Doctors #1), Torquere

Genre(s): Contemporary, paranormal

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Meredith Shayne) is an eBook copy of one book from Meredith Shayne’s backlist. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
<script src=”//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/l

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

Q. When did you start writing?

I started to write fanfiction in 2005, but the first original fiction I wrote was 2009. That was the short story Reasonable Force, for the Torquere Press Care and Feeding of Demons anthology.

Q. Were you a reader as a child?

Definitely! I always had my nose in a book back then. The Narnia books were big favourites, as were a series of books about a herd of brumbies (wild horses) in the Australian Snowy Mountains by an Australian author, Elyn Mitchell. The first was called The Silver Brumby; the Goodreads link to the series is here. Those books were amazing, I loved them to absolute bits.

I also read a lot of Stephen King. It’s possible those weren’t the most age-appropriate books I could have been reading. But I couldn’t get enough of them.

Q. What books as a child had the most impact on you?

I read Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot when I was in primary school, I think I was about nine or ten (see above re: lack of age appropriateness of my reading material). It scared the absolute crap out of me, and because of that it really stuck with me. To this day I believe that vampires should be how they were in that book. None of that sparkly, going out in the daylight crap!

Also, the Diary of Anne Frank had a big impact on little me. So much so that one of the first things I did when I went to Amsterdam was to visit the house where her and her family were in hiding. That was quite an experience, seeing the tiny space where all those people lived for so long. In the diary Anne talks about gluing pictures of movie stars onto the wall next to her bed, and those pictures are still there. Amazing.

Q. Do you have a favorite character that you have written?

I like all my characters, for different reasons, but I have a soft spot for Scott King, from Metal Heart. And Ryan Mitchell from Equilibrium. I know, I just cheated and named two!

Q. How do you think books written from authors in Australia or New Zealand differ in style, language, and culture?

I think they differ from books set elsewhere because of the culture of both countries, actually. On the whole, Australians and Kiwis are laid back, casual people who enjoy a laugh. Teasing the people you’re fond of is a way of life, and we dish it out as much as we take it. I’m not sure you could survive very long in either country if you couldn’t take a joke at your own expense. We swear a lot, and drink a lot; in both countries, politicians can be seen doing both on national TV, and no one bats an eyelid. In a book written by an Australian/New Zealander about Australians/New Zealanders, all those things spring from the page.

Q. My first impression of AUS/NZ was from stories and novels like Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds or Nevil Shute’s A Town Like Alice as well as from movies like The Man from Snowy River, The Dish, Rabbit Proof Fence, Strictly Ballroom, and yes, Crocodile Dundee! There are so many out there. What is your favorite AUS/NZ stories and favorite Australian/New Zealand movies?

The book I’m going to recommend is not fiction; it’s Bryce Courtenay’s April Fool’s Day. Bryce Courtenay’s son, Damon, was a haemophiliac who contracted HIV from infected blood products during his treatment. He eventually died of AIDS, and this is his father’s tribute to him. It’s funny, and it’s sad, and overall it’s just one of those books that’s really worth reading.

In terms of movies, the following are delightful:

Better Than Sex: David Wenham meets a girl and goes home to her house for a one-night stand that ends up being not so one-night. David Wenham spends a lot of time naked or nearly naked, so it’s totally worth it just for that!

Cosi: A group of inpatients at a mental facility put on the Mozart opera Cosi Fan Tutti. Toni Collette is in this one. Just as oddball as it sounds.

The Price of Milk: One of Karl Urban’s early films, it’s fluff about a dairy farmer asking his girlfriend to marry him and the hijinks that ensue because of it. It’s not much more complicated than that, so it really is fluff. It’s cute fluff though.

Whale Rider: an absolutely beautiful New Zealand film where a 13-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes stars as a Maori girl who wants to be the chief of her tribe struggling against the disapproval of her grandfather, who thinks only males should be chief.

Q. What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a few things: the story of a music photographer meeting up with his best friend from high school after almost 10 years apart, and the story of a washed-up musician in his forties and the friend who’s stuck by him through thick and thin. With luck those will see the light of day sometime during 2015.

Down Under Day 16: Meet Meredith Shayne, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day and Contest Info!

Welcome, Meredith Shayne!

Author Meredith Shayne is our Down Under Author of the Day. Originally from Australia, Meredith now resides in New Zealand, so she’s Down Under times two! For more about Meredith Shayne, her bio, her books, her interview, and, of course, her giveaway, visit her page coming up shortly.

Now for our Down Under Facts of the Day!

New Zealand Fact of the Day:

Unlike Australia, there are no dangerous plants or animals of any kind in New Zealand (excluding sharks that is)! The more common ones can create discomfort rather than pain or illness. If you’re tramping or hiking in New Zealand take a few simple precautions and any problems will be minor. How minor? Well, according to the official New Zealand animal page, the New Zealand Kea is mentioned. Why? Check out the Kea!

This is the New Zealand parrot, found in southern alpine regions of the South Island. This bird is not so much dangerous as a nuisance. It is quite cheeky and will attack your personal belongings if you leave them unattended. However, the biggest damage they cause is to cars. They have a particular taste for the rubber on windscreens, mirrors and car doors and can be quite destructive. They are not a threat to humans, however.

For more information about New Zealand’s wildlife, visit here!

Australia Fact of the Day!

AUSTRALIA IS INFAMOUS FOR its dangerous animals, unlike New Zealand. With more deadly snakes than any other country worldwide ( 8 of the 10 most deadly snakes are found here), it isn’t surprising. Think about the scenes in some of the stories from our Australian authors, Can you remember where and in which story some of these animals are mentioned? I can.

Though sharks, spiders, and snakes get the majority of bad press, it is actually an awesome array of predators and venomous critters that have earned Australia its fearsome reputation.

Top 30 dangerous animals in Australia (This list was developed by the Australian Museum in Sydney. Museum staff rated animals out of 10 based on the threat they pose, combined with the likelihood of encountering one.) For more information and pictures, visit Australia Geographic!

Danger rating: 10/10

1. Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)

Danger rating: 9/10

2. Honey bee (Apis mellifera)
3. Irukandji (Carukia barnesi)

Danger rating: 8/10

4. Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
5. Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
6. Saltwater or estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
7. Sydney funnel web spider (Atrax robustus)

Danger rating: 7/10

8. Blue-ringed octopus (Genus Hapalochlaena)
9. Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
10.Common death adder (Acanthopis antarticus)
11. Cone shells (Conus sp.)
12. Dugite or spotted brown snake (Pseudonaja affinis)
13. Mulga snake (Pseudechis australis)
14. Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
15. Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
16. Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
17. Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) (low, yes, low on the list)
18. Yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus)

Danger rating: 6/10

19. Bluebottle (Physalia physalis)
20. Common lionfish (Pterois volitans)
21. Collett’s snake (Pseudechis colletti)
22. Highland copperhead (Austrelaps ramsayi) not the same as ours!
23. Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
24. Redback spider (Lactodectus hasselti)
25. Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa)
26. Smooth toadfish (Tetractenos glaber)
27. Blue-bellied black snake (Pseudechis guttatus)

Danger rating: 5/10

28. Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus)
29. Bull ant (Myrmercia pilosula)
30. Giant centipede (Ethmostigmus rubripes)

I’m having fun delivering these facts to you all, learning tons as I go. How about you? What has been the most interesting, unexpected fact from New Zealand and Australia to date?

While exploring our Down Under Authors and their books this month, don’t forget to visit the Down Under Author Showcase Page on the menu for Bottom Drawer Publications contest and link!

Now on to Meredith Shayne! Have you read Cutting Out yet?

Meet Toni Griffin!

Contests and Giveaways:

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Welcome, Toni Griffin!

Australia Fact of the Day!

New Zealand Fact of the Day!

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Excerpt:

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Down Under Author Showcase Update

The Burnt Toast B&B Book Tour and Charity Donations!

Now Here is Our Schedule at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words this Week!

Monday, January 19:

Tuesday, January 20:

Wednesday, January 21:

Thursday,, January 22:

Friday, January 23:

Saturday, January 24:

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Meet Pelaam!

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Welcome, Pelaam!

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

Australia Fact of the Day!

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Meet Meredith Shayne!

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Welcome, Meredith Shayne!

New Zealand Fact of the Day:

Australia Fact of the Day!

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