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Romance Authors Support Literacy
Today is the final day of the 2017 Romance Writers of America (RWA) National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The closing event is the Readers for Life Literacy Autographing. This free book signing, which is open to the public and draws huge numbers of readers, features hundreds of romance writers. The Literacy Autographing is an opportunity for readers to meet their favorite authors and discover new ones.
Proceeds from book sales at this fundraiser benefit literacy programs and organizations. Since 1990, RWA has donated $1 million.
The Literacy Autographing is open from 3-5 p.m. today at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort , Pacific Hall.
Even if you cannot attend the RWA Readers for Life Literacy Autographing, there are many ways you can support literacy programs. Here are a few ideas:
Donate used books to libraries, schools, women’s shelters and refugee organizations.
Volunteer with your local literacy organization, school or community center to read aloud to children, provide one-on-one mentoring, etc.
Create a book-rich and reading-friendly environment in your home.
Donate to literacy organizations.
Win an audiobook for your next road trip
A friend of mine was moving from Virginia to Florida – a 13-hour trip in the minivan with two toddlers, a cat and a dog. She had originally planned to make the trip in two days, but ended up driving straight through. Why? Because she couldn’t turn off the Harry Potter audiobook she was listening to.
Audiobooks are a great way to make the most of long hours in the car. You can listen on your own device or plug into the car’s sound system so everyone can enjoy the story. Add audiobooks to your next road trip with these easy tips:
- Download the Audible or iTunes app to your cell phone or tablet before your trip and make sure it’s active.
- Test drive your audiobook app and device in the car. Make sure you have necessary cords and connectors.
- Select a few titles before you head out. Download them so you don’t need Wi-Fi to stream them.
- Listen to the audio sample before selecting a new audiobook. Make sure you’ll enjoy the narrator’s performance to avoid being disappointed.
- Take a group vote to decide on audiobooks everyone in the family will enjoy.
- Choose books that are funny, entertaining and engaging.
- Ask friends to recommend that favorite audiobook narrators and audiobooks.
For a chance to win one of my audiobooks, comment with your favorite audiobook or narrator.
Reading for Stress Management
April is Stress Awareness Month. You probably already know if you are stressed out, but do you know how stress affects physical and mental health? Here are some interesting facts from the 2015 Stress in America survey conducted by the American Psychological Association:
The top three sources of stress for adults, in order, are money, work and family responsibilities.
More than one-third of adults reported an increase in stress and 78% of adults report experiencing at least one symptom of stress.
Symptoms of stress include: feeling nervous/anxious, feeling depressed/sad, constant worrying, irritability/anger, poor eating habits, changes in sleeping patterns, upset stomach, dry mouth, headaches, muscle tension, chest pains, fatigue, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, jitters, increased frequency of colds.
Left unmanaged, stress can result in chronic, long-term health problems. Experts recommend a variety of strategies for managing stress, including exercise, deep breathing, medication, eating well, engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends/family, getting enough sleep and balancing life.
Reading is another effective strategy for managing stress. University of Sussex researchers reported six minutes of reading to be more effective than listening to music or going for a walk, reducing stress by as much as 68%.
The next time you are feeling stressed, reach for a book.
What are your other favorite stress management strategies?
Five Fascinating Facts about Regency-era Weddings
One of the reasons many readers enjoy historical fiction is that it provides a glimpse into the lives, relationships and traditions of different countries and eras. Weddings and marriage are, by far, one of the most fascinating topics to research.
Here are five interesting facts I discovered about weddings and matrimony during the Regency era while writing my upcoming release, A Wedding Code (The Code Breakers series book 5, releasing April 25, 2017).
For many centuries, marriage was not based on love, but as a strategic alliance between families for monetary, social or political gain. Marriages were often arranged when the bride and groom were still children.
Although the popularity of love matches began gaining popularity in 18th and 19th century England, demonstrating passion for one’s spouse was considered déclassé.
Almack’s, a London social club, became one of the most prominent “marriage marts” of Regency England. Debutantes, who once sought to be presented at the King’s court, vied for vouchers from Almack’s patronesses so they could be presented there instead.
Regency brides did not commission gowns exclusively for their wedding. Most gowns were re-worn. Although any color or pattern was acceptable, blue, white, silver and light-colored hues were most popular. Instead, many brides cherished their wedding shoes as treasured keepsakes.
Brides were given a wedding ring during the wedding ceremony, but men did not wear wedding rings.
What is your favorite contemporary or Regency-era wedding tradition?
Big Quiz Giveaway - Fun, Books & Prizes
Giveaways are great…until you discover you weren’t one of the lucky grand prize winners. LitRing is sponsoring a giveaway where everyone is a winner! Take the #LitQuiz to discover your next late night binge with a book tailored matched to your preferences.
Click HERE to get take the quiz. Be sure to browse the LitRing website where you can find lots of new releases, free reads and enter to win more than $1,500 in prizes.
Good luck and happy reading!