Day: April 26, 2012

WoT’s Up, Tor?

My favorite fantasy publishing imprint, Tor, caused a stir earlier this week by announcing the demise of DRM in early July 2012 in their entire list of ebooks (printed under Tor, Forge, Orb, Starscape, and Tor Teen imprints).    I’m only slightly disappointed that I have to wait until July.  I’m torn, though.  I had planned to purchase, next week in fact, the second book in the Wheel of Time series, The Great Hunt, from Barnes & Noble for my Nook Color, to facilitate my role as a discussion leader at the GoodReads Fantasy Book Club Series group.   We are wrapping up our discussion of the first book, The Eye of the World, these last few days of April.   I have until Monday to make up my mind.  Do I re-purchase the DRM’ed ebook through B&N for my Nook (for convenience sake)? Or do I crack open the hardcover languishing on my shelf (and deal with the weight and lighting issues)?

Prior to the ebook emancipation proclamation, Tor released the color sketch created by Darrell K. Sweet, who passed away before completing the cover art for the final Wheel of Time novel, A Memory of Light, due out early in 2013.

Click on this color sketch to see a tribute to Wheel of Time cover artist Darrell K. Sweet at Tor's website.

But the real icing on the WoT cake came today, when Tor made an excerpt of the Prologue from A Memory of Light available:  Click here to read it.

Walking to Mend Broken Hearts

You can Become a Lifesaver Today!

I am participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, and have set a personal goal to raise funds that are needed for critical cardiovascular disease research and education.  I joined a team sponsored by my employer and will walk with them on Saturday, May 19, 2012, starting at nine o’clock in the morning.  I just wish Apollo could join my walk in memory of Roxy.  Instead, I’ll be walking in memory of my grandmother, Doris (Hodge) Andrea, who passed away (congestive heart failure) two years ago this June, on her birthday.   She would have turned ninety this year.

With the click of a mouse you can make a secure, tax-deductible online donation. You will not only be supporting me, you will be funding the fight against the No. 1 killer of Americans. Click here to be taken to my personal donation page.

Did you know that heart disease claims the lives of more people than the next 3 leading causes of death combined? Here is how your online donation will help:

  • $25 gives 50 people educational materials that teach them how to personally reduce their risk of heart diseases and stroke
  • $50 delivers the message of healthy nutrition to elementary school students through lesson plans and activity guides
  • $100 allows one hospital to teach its patients, caregivers, and health professionals about the risks of stroke – the nation’s No. 4 killer

Chances are you or someone you know has a connection to heart disease or stroke – forward this blog post to your friends and family.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support American Heart Association-KS Greater Kansas City