“Don’t Call Me Love” Released in paperback

“Don’t Call Me Love,” Was Published June 20, 2017

Love’s tale is third in the Backyard Horse Tales illustrated chapter books, and the first to be published by Half Appy Press. More Backyard Horse Tales in the pipeline.Author Jackie Anton’s pen relates the memoirs of an aged mare that begin while she is still a foal at her mother’s side. Worth repeating, BYHT 3’s interior illustrations and the beautifully rendered cover are the work of artist Sandy Shipley.

Don’t Call Me Love is available now at HAP’s Website http://www.halfappypress.net/

or at Jackie’s Square Market Place http://mkt.com/Jackie-anton/

Other retailers include Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, and at Valley Tack Shop Inc. located in Valley City Ohio.

Look for an expanded list of retailers and book stores at this blog soon.

Author Updates:

Adult author J. M. Anton informs HAP that her award winning novel “Wind River Refuge” was chosen as the read for a book club by the folks who run the Book Store in Medina, Ohio.

The Book Store is located just of the square: 109 W. Washington Street.

1. M. will be dropping by at the book clubs’ next gathering, Monday evening

June 26th to discuss the plot and characters, answer reader’s questions, and sign their copies.

Author Anton will also be on hand, July 13th of 2017, to sign copies of Cassandra: Night Shades along with those of Wind River Refuge. The signing is part of a Ladies Night event in Medina. She will be at the Book Store from 5 to 8p.m.

More updates to come.

Use the contact form at the Half Appy Press website to email authors or for inquiries about HAP.

Contact us at Half Appy Press for book club group orders or retail drop shipping.

Free shipping on paid orders of ten or more books.

Author Website: http://talesbyjackie.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/backyardhorse

Book Buy Links:
Publisher Website with bookstore: http://www.halfappypress.net/
Square Marketplace: http://mkt.com/jackie-anton
IAN Author Page: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/jackie-anton.html

Hot Cocoa and A Good Book…

 

            What better way to ward of the Artic Chill of the 2014 New Year?

             Today I received the promotional proof of the front and back covers for my soon to be released adult thriller “Wind River Refuge.” The unveiling of the covers for the paperback is at the end of this post.

            The bone chilling winter blast has provided me with an opportunity to catch up and expand my social media efforts. One new expansion is to my Author Den. www.authorsden.com/jackieanton   Visitors and fans can now read short stories and blogs that I post at the site. There is also a new signed copy book store where print editions can be purchased at a discounted price. U.S. residents will have their autographed copy shipped directly to their mailing address.

             Those not U.S. residents, or prefer e-books are able to request a dedicated, autographed cover of the book of their choice from Online Autographs: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/backyardhorse My family friendly award winning “Backyard Horse Tales” books are at both of the above sites, along with my adult novels.

             I took some time away from writing, editing, and revising a few days ago and completed the author interview on Smashwords. The link to the interview is included in the following list. Take a look while you read the synopsis of Wind River Refuge, or one of my other books. Add any questions you would like answered on my email. I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner.

Connect with Jackie Anton in 2014:

Smashwords Interview: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/jackieanton

Smashwords profile page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jackieanton

Email: talesbyjackie@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/backyardhorse

BYHT Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backyard-Horse-Tales/190283981002767

FB adult novel fan page: http://www.facebook.com/authorjmanton?ref=hl

Author Website: http://talesbyjackie.com

            Stay warm my friends enjoy your hot brew of choice and one of my books.

         As promised, the first look at my soon to be released paperback.

The Girl Who Remembered Horses

Put this wonderful futuristic tale on your Christmas shopping list for your favorite Young Adult or Horse Lover’s e-reader. Linda Benson will interview here after the new year. Don’t miss her intriguing story. Linda will also share some of her other books and short stories with us. For now, enjoy the excerpt. The Girl Who Remembered Horses is reviewed on A to Z Reviews. Click the link on this pages’s side bar. Linda’s e-books can be purchased from Smashwords.com, Amazon, and Barnesandnoble.com.

EXCERPT:

         Sahara held the book cautiously, unsure what to do next. The woman, Evan’s aunt, seemed to sense her discomfort.

          “Go and sit,” she croaked, motioning to the chair. “More comfortable.”

         As if holding valuable treasure, Sahara settled herself in the chair. The book was so old it was falling apart. As she opened the cover, the first page crumpled into a heap of small pieces. She glanced up in horror.

 “Careful,” Evan said.

         Sahara nodded, then willed herself to caution. She turned each page slowly, with great care. Many were filled with words. Sahara glanced at these but kept going. Soon she came to drawings and pictures. She saw a horse standing perfectly still, while a man adjusted equipment on its back. A large leather seat, with a blanket underneath, rested on the horse’s back, held down by straps under the creature’s belly. Several pages later, the pictures showed a man astride a horse, just like in her dreams. The horse and rider were making turns to the left, turns to the right, even backing up.

Could a horse be trained? Was it possible? But they were wild creatures – faster than the fleeing deer, impossible to catch, gone at the first sight of humans. Even in her dreams, they trembled at her touch.

Sahara looked towards the back of the book. A horse again, this time hooked to a large cart with straps and harness, similar to what she used on Banner and Blitz. Could horses be used to pull their recycled goods? Surely they could pull more weight than the dogs. Sahara had a hard time concentrating on just one picture. She wanted to study all of them, understand, learn. Had people from the past, before the Dark Days, before the famine and sickness, actually done these things with horses? Were her dreams real, not something she had invented in her head? Were they memories? And why would these dreams come to her, Sahara, a girl from the Trader’s Clan?

         Sahara was so absorbed in the pictures and images that she scarcely noticed Evan, who had crept closer to look over her shoulder. Now, sensing his presence, she stole a glance backward.

         He looked serious, puzzled. “You have dreamed these things?” he asked, pointing to the pages in the book.

          “No, not exactly. Not how to do these things. I only dreamed of being on a horse’s back. How it felt when it was running.” She closed her eyes, remembering. “The wind in my face, the feeling of floating, going so fast it felt like flying.”

         “Like a memory?”

         “How could it be a memory?” She shook her head in disbelief. “If it’s true that people did ride horses in the past, how could I have these memories?”

         The old woman, Evan’s aunt, had been silent throughout this whole conversation. Now she stood, her fragile body clinging to the warmth of the fire. “Perhaps the memory has been in you always. Perhaps you were born with it. Perhaps it shows up now for a reason.”

          “What reason?”

         Her answer, if any, was lost to the commotion below. Shouts and hurried commands echoed through the night. The sound of dogs pursuing a quarry raised an eerie prickle on the back of Sahara’s neck. Carefully setting the book down, she rushed to the door of the small dwelling, where Evan peered into the darkness.

          “What is it?”

          “It sounds like Dojo, and it looks like a group of hunters.”

         Sahara pushed past him, trying to see. She heard the frantic voices of dogs, and saw torch lights moving quickly down the valley.

          “They have gathered the chase hounds for a hunt,” said Evan. “He has been boasting all over camp about going after the horses.”

          “No!” cried Sahara, her heart racing. “We have to stop them.”

         Evan shook his head. “I tried to tell him . . .”

         But Sahara was not listening. Pictures from the book still swam in her head.

         Now she knew her dreams were not fantasies – things she had imagined. Humans had ridden horses. Humans had trained horses. There was a book to prove it. They must not hunt them. They must not kill them. She had to stop Dojo. Without thinking of a plan, she pried the creaky door all the way open and rushed down the steep hillside into the night.

 

 

 

An Interview with the Award Winning author of “Rim Fyre and the Stones of Time”

Mitzi Tait-Zeller and Red Rambo

Jackie: Welcome Mitzy tell our readers a little about yourself and how you became a writer?

Mitzy: I live a very interesting and colorful life. My husband and I have been married for nearly 12 years, we have one son, and I’m the step-mother of 3. Horses have been an integral part of my life from a young age. We currently breed, raise and train Canadian horses. I have always been an artistic and creative person and honed every bit of my creativity to horses. Writing is one part of my creative nature. For years I wrote poems or short stories to do with horses and tucked them away in a folder. I had a young family that required my undivided attention and writing was set on the back burner. When I wrote my first book Hoof Prints on My Heart, I was compelled by forces larger than myself to get my story on paper, and it has escalated from there.

Jackie: Would you share with our followers the inspiration(s) behind your latest book release?

Mitzy: I truly am inspired by my horses; the Canadian horse is a wonderful breed that is virtually little known even though it became Canada’s National Horse in 2002 and is part of our heritage. I have always had a vivid and wild imagination and wondered what it would be like to go back in time, so I created a story based on my knowledge, experience and fantasies to bring Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time to life. I am always asking myself, what if?

 Jackie: Do you prefer the fiction genre? Have you considered other genres?

Mitzy: My first book was a non-fiction and Rim-Fyreand the Stones of Time is a paranormal/fantasy fiction. I think I like this genre.

Jackie: What was the title of your first book?

Mitzy: My first published work is titled Hoof Prints on My Heart.

Jackie: Mitzy have you written anything under a pen name?

Mitzy: No, I use my own name; I’m proud of my name and the types of books I like to write.

Jackie: Name recognition is a huge part of successful marketing. It took a lot of soul searching to make a departure from Jackie Anton to only my first two initials be fore my last name for adult published works.

Have you won any recognition or awards that you would like to share?

Mitzy: In February of 2013 I was nominated by a group of my peers and received the Equine Welfare Award of Distinction for Communications from the Saskatchewan Horse Federation and Farm Animal Council of Canada for communicating Equine Welfare through my first book, TV interview and blogging on my webpage.

Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time is a finalist in the Fiction – animals category in the Reader’s Favorite book awards contest. Winners are announced September 1^st, 2013.

Jackie: Congratulations on winning the Fiction-Animal category  in the Readers Favorite Book Awards in September.

 Jackie: Mitzi are you using a publicist?  If your collaboration is positive, feel free to give them a little plug.

Mitzy: My publicist is Carol Upton from Dreams Aloud Animal Book Buzz. I’m so happy to work together with Carol in marketing Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time. http://www.dreamsaloud.ca

 Jackie: Are your books available in print, e-book, or both? Have you ever tried to convert a book to audio?

Mitzy: Both of my books are available in print and e-book. I am currently working on an audio version and French translation of Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time.

Jackie: Illustrations or photos for covers are so important to successful marketing. Do you use an illustrator or photographer for your book(s)? If so do you always use the same one, or do you shop around?

Mitzy: Thus far I have been using work from a friend who is also a horse enthusiast and artist, Sheila Stienley.

Jackie: How much of the marketing do you do for your book(s), and for yourself as a brand?

Mitzy: I do as much of my own marketing as I possibly can through social media and have been out to several book signings and trade shows.

Jackie: Do you spend a lot of time plotting your stories, or do you just run with it?

Mitzy: I think these stories were in me, so I just ran with it.

Jackie: Do you spend much time in research, or do you write from experience?

Mitzy I do write from experience, but there were several elements that I added to Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time that required research. I wanted my story to be accurate and believable. I spent some time on research, but I didn’t want it to take me too far away from my writing. Research is a great way to learn even more than you already knew.

Jackie: What Point of view do you feel most comfortable with, first person or third? Have you ever tried to use the second person in any of your works?

Mitzy: I’m still experimenting.

Jackie: What do you think the future holds for a writer?

Mitzy: That is a hard question. I think that the world is our oyster, and we get back what we make of it. We will probably see more recognition for indie writers and the continuation of the popularity of e-books. Writers will keep writing as long as they have stories that need to be told. We are only limited by our imagination. I personally, will continue to write the stories as long as they are there, even though the competition is tough. And I will continue to grow and make positive changes to get my books out to my readers.

Jackie: That was a great answer Mitzy.  Thank you for adding an excerpt for our readers.

 

Excerpt:

His large majestic head poked through the lodge flap casting light on the inhabitants within. Rim-Fyre softly nickered ‘her-her-her’.

Serena turned abruptly at the call and sternly waved her hand at him to get out. “Rim, no!”

Warm laughter erupted. Peenaquim waved her to go tend her horse as Serena turned to see his large toothless grin. There would be time to talk later. A nod of her head acknowledged her dismissal as she left them to see to her horse.

Rim backed out of the lodge to allow her passage. Purposely walking towards Rim’s head, Serena made him back several steps away from the entrance before she annoyingly whispered, “What do you think you’re doing?”, as she wrapped his head in a hug. The stallion just closed his eyes in acceptance of her presence.

Serena couldn’t allow her emotions to show how alone she felt here in this place so she held Rim’s head a little longer; hoping somehow he would know how much she was relying on him to get her through this.

 

About the Author:

Mitzy Tait-Zeller, recipient of the 2013 Equine Welfare Communications award from the Saskatchewan Horse Federation is a long time equine enthusiast. Mitzy devotes her time to family, horses and promoting equine welfare and the Canadian Horse through her passion for writing.

 

 Mitzy, thank you, for taking time from your writing to participate in this blog.

I wish you all the best with this wonderful book and future projects.

 Readers can catch my review of “Rim-Fyre and the Stones of Time’’ on A to Z Reviews October 23.  (click on the link on the sidebar of this page.) Check it out. Any horse lover would love to have a copy under the Christmas tree.

Be sure to leave a comment and an e-mail address to qualify for the random drawing of an e-book. This is an exclusive prize for my blog posts. The winner’s name will be drawn November 11, 2013

Increase you chances to win and leave a comment on both blogs.

Two Backyard Horse Tales headed to the BEA!

Last month several copies of “Backyard Horse Tales: Sox 2^nd Edition” were sent to the folks at Mom’s Choice Awards. Sox’s book will be part of the Book Expo of America MCA exhibit.

There his cute little face, and his story will be exposed to buyers, publishers, and librarians from the US and the world.

 This morning I found out that Frosty will be accompanying Sox to New York over Memorial weekend. “Backyard Horse Tales 2: Frosty and the Nightstalker” was one of four finalists in the E-Book: Fiction category selected by judges of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Frosty’s title will be included in the 2013 Book Catalog of winners and finalists distributed at the BEA.

Frosty and the Nightstalker wasn’t released in print until after the deadline for 2013 entries, so the tale went in as an e-book. The Paperback is entered in several competitions. Stay tuned to The Backyard Horse Tales Fan Page for updates.

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backyard-Horse-Tales/190283981002767

 Stop by their fan page and wish my boys good luck in the big city. Don’t forget to like them while you’re there. They have the first time jitters. In celebration of his catching up with Sox, I promised Frosty up to thirty free E-books for his fans who register their e-mail addresses by the end of May.

Register for your free e-book of Frosty and the Nightstalker at talesbyjackie@yahoo.com view his early reviews http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jackieanton

Just click on the title when you get there to read the reviews. Take a look at the download choices available for your e-reader or computer.

Check out who changes the blulb.

Tracked this gem down from a FB post from a friend and wanted to share it.

This was originally posted on the Bridlepah blog in 2006.

How many horses does it take to change a light bulb?

10 11 2006

Thoroughbred: Who ME?? Do WHAT? I’m scared of light bulbs! I’m outta here!

Arabian: I changed it an hour ago… C’mon you guys – catch up!

Quarter Horse: Put all the bulbs in a pen and tell me which one you want.

Standardbred: Oh for Pete’s Sake, give me the damn bulb and let’s be done with it.

Shetland: Give it to me. I’ll kill it and we won’t have to worry about it anymore.

Friesian: I would, but I can’t see where I’m going from behind all this mane.

Belgian: Put the Shetland on my back, maybe he can reach it then.

Warmblood: Is the 2nd Level Instruction Packet in English? Doesn’t anyone realize that I was sold for $75K as a yearling, but only because my hocks are bad, otherwise I would be worth $100K? I am NOT changing lightbulbs. Make the TB get back here and do it.

Morgan: Me! Me! Me! Pleeease let me! I wanna do it! I’m gonna do it! I know how, really I do! Just watch! I’ll rewire the barn after, too.

Appaloosa: Ya’ll are a bunch of losers. We don’t need to change the lightbulb, I ain’t scared of the dark. And someone make that damn Morgan stop jumping up and down before I double barrel him.

Haflinger: That thing I ate was a lightbulb?

Mustang: Lightbulb? Let’s go on a trail ride, instead. And camp. Out in the open like REAL horses.

Lipizzaner: Hah, amateurs. I will change the lightbulb. Not only that, but I will do it while standing on my hind legs and balancing it on my nose, after which I will perform seven flying lead changes in a row and a capriole. Can you do that? Huh? Huh? Didn’t think so.

Miniature: I bet you think I can’t do it just cause I’m small. You know what that is? It’s sizeism!

Akhal Teke: I will only change it if it’s my owner’s lightbulb and no one else has ever touched it.

Andalusian: I will delegate the changing of the lightbulb to my personal groom after he finishes shampooing my mane and cleaning my saddle, but only on the condition that it is changed for a soft blue or green bulb, which reflects better off my coat while I exhibit my astonishing gaits.

Cleveland Bay: I’m busy. Make the whipper-in and the hounds do it.

Saddlebred: My ears are up already, please please get the lightbulb away from me! I’m ready to show, really, I promise I’ll win!

Paint: Put all the lightbulbs in a pen, tell me which one you want, and my owner will bet you twenty bucks I can get it before the quarter horse.

POA: I’m not changing it. I’m the one who kicked the old one and broke it in the first place, remember? Now, excuse me, I have a grain room to break into.

Grade Horse: Guys? Um, guys? I hope you don’t mind, but I went ahead and changed it while you were all arguing.