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2017 Big River Steampunk Festival

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Original Article posted on 08/24/2017

The 2017 Big River Steampunk Festival on Sept. 1 through 4 in downtown Hannibal will have a myriad of entertainers and events, featuring some at new indoor locations.

Lisa and Ken Marks, founders of the Hannibal History Museum, sponsor of this unique annual festival, are pleased to have some events scheduled indoors this year, where they will not be affected by unpredictable weather.

One is Planters Barn Theater where performances and seminars will continue each day, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. At 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, it will host The Big River Murder Mystery.

At noon Sept. 2 the Bluff City Theater will have a performance by Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory. This theater also will offer a film series and more events. And the Star Theater will host an event.

The Mark Twain Museum will give children learning opportunities, and the Hannibal History Museum will have panel discussions, including “Turning Obsessions into Careers” at 4 p.m. Sept. 3.

Outdoor events will again introduce the public to the local lifestyle of the Industrial Revolution, including demonstrations, seminars and contests.

Costume contests are planned each day on Sept. 2, 3 and 4, and another popular contest for the public features facial hair.

Events begin at Main Street Stage

The Main Street Stage in the 200 block of North Main and its adjacent ticket and information booth will be the central location for free entertainment, beginning with the opening ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 2, after a 10 a.m. parade arrives there.

Each day through Sept. 4 contests for adults and children are scheduled, including parasol dueling and nerf dueling. Teapot racing also is planned. Java Jive will offer open gaming.

An 1860s baseball game will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at Clemens Field.

Evening events are scheduled at Finn’s Food and Spirits as well as the former Catholic Church at 515 Lyon St., and the Mark Twain Riverboat.

At noon Monday, Sept. 4, a self-guided tour of Hannibal’s historic homes will give Steampunk people another glimpse of the past.

The schedule of events and locations is available at BigRiverSteampunkFestival.com and also in the festival booklet, which is on the website.

I have always loved books but discovered romance books later in life while home with a sick child thanks to my best friend, Brenda. It didn't take long to meet up with Karen and learn that we shared a lot more than a love of books. We are sisters in spirt who want to help people spread the word about books. KarenneLyn is the web designer of Coffee Time Romance and several other sites. This wonderful exploration of her creative side has become a fun thing to learn and opened the door to meeting some wonderful people.

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SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL Sign up for our Email Newsletter SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL JINX MORGAN AND JUDY PERRY ISBN:0-446-69692-7 May 10, 2006 Time Warner Books 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Hardback $13.95 U.S./$18.95 Canada 256 Pages Home & Family/Cookbooks & Cookery Rating: 5 Cups Tired of sitting around waiting for that certain someone to appear at your doorstep or for that one meal to lace comfort all the way to the soul? Look no further, whether dining by candlelight or outside under a lovely oak tree on a picnic, these recipes capture any heart while making memories to last a lifetime. The recipes inside Saucepans and The Single Girl sound so scrumptious they had my taste buds swimming for the flavor of one succulent bite. Ideas so amazing and loaded with entertaining useful tips for any woman beginning an independent life, it had me mesmerized. A man could use some of these great dishes too. This updated edition with new observations, charming illustrations and a look back at how things were forty years ago is refreshing, humorous, engaging and a remembrance into times past. Financial issues never change and this sweet book shows how to stretch in so many ways on any budget. The recipes show how to toss together something quickly, to help locate that one person to spend life with and share tons of happiness together always, not to mention a reflection back into time with precious memories that touch the heart and soul. Saucepans and The Single Girl is one gift that should go to anyone just starting out or starting over. Jinx Morgan and Judy Perry dem...

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Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

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Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

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Archipelago Books - New Website News

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c

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Archipelago Books - New Website News

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c

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Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

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Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

2 0

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

2 0

Open

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

2 0

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

4 1

Open

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

4 1

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.” Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.” My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall. I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine. On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside. A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web. I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

2 0

Open

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.” Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.” My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall. I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine. On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside. A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web. I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

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Halloween Pet Costume Event

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Halloween Pet Costume Event ...

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