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Tag Archives: book covers
Books, Poetry, Promotion
#MarchOfTheWriters
March 3, 2022 Karina Kantas 1 Comment
Show and tell your books.
Agh… my favourite pastime. Where to begin. At the start, where else!
The first book I had published was In Times of Violence YA edition (currently working on the adult edition)
1) In Times of Violence started as an 18 A4 page typed
(yes, I said typed) story.
2) S.E.Hinton and her book, The Outsiders, was the reason I wrote ITOV.
3) A woman was reading the book by a pool and was so caught in the story, she didn't see or hear her boyfriend calling to her as he got cramp, and was going under. Oops.
Then came Huntress Dark MC romance 18+ due to explicit scenes and graphic violence.
I had no plans to write a sequel to ITOV, but the fans demanded it, and you have to give them what they want.
Readers have said Huntress is like reading a script from, the SOA TV series, created and written by Kurt Sutter. Who has a warped mind and awesome acting abilities. (My book was out way before their MS hit the table.)
After two male-oriented MC novels, I wanted the women to have their turn. Book three is a vigilante thriller MC novel called Lawless Justice.
I got the idea for this bad ass biker MC, from the film Death Proof, staring Kurt Russel and written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.
There is a message in the front of the book, to the awesome actor, film critiqe and oscar winning director, Quentin Tarantino.
Lawless Justice is the book that the fans want to see turned into a movie! Guess who I would have as my director? ….. Yep, you got it. Quentin Taratnino. ( Are you seeing a pattern here?)
The last book in the series is Road Rage it's a stand-alone read. 18+ because of the graphic violent scenes and the explicit sexual scenes.
One of the smaller characters in Lawless Justice is the main character in Road Rage. I needed to tell her story.
Road Rage is the second most popular book in my collection.
It was the film Biker Boyz, that inspire me to write the storyline about another MC. The clean-cut public superbike racing team, Rage.
Moving on- this was my first (and won't be the last) Dark Mafia Romance, Broken Chains. I enjoyed writing this book so much, and I had loads of fun with it. 18+ due to explicit content and graphic violence.
Broken Chains became my number one bestseller.
Broken Chains won the Top Pick Award from Author Shout and was nominated in the top indie books of 2021 by Joe Compton, owner of the indie media platform, Go Indie Now.
Broken Chains book trailer which I created, won an award at an International Film Festival for Best Female Director for thriller short.
Moving on to my collections. Heads & Tales is a collection of flash fiction in a mixture of fiction genres.
Head and Tales was inspired by the song titles of Iron Maiden's album Best of the Beast.
2) At least 18 of these 28 flash fiction stories, were previously published in magazines and newspapers.
3) I won a t-shirt from a magazine for my horror story Crossed for being so bad and cliche, then the following month the same short story won first prize in an international horror short story contest. ( oh, yeah, I made sure the magazine knew about that win.)
Undressed, is my second collection, It has poetry, prose, short fiction and writing prompts.
I held a cover contest. This cover was painted ( I have the original), it was everything I was looking for.
Amazon ( groan) continues to keep putting Undressed in the erotica categories when there is no mention of sex in the book.
I had many of the poems in the book, originally published in magazines and ezines.
On to my YA fantasy romance, duology, Illusional Reality. Book one.
The first book Illusional Reality was inspired by The Fellowship of the Ring from LOTR.
Illusional Reality has the most reviews, out of all my books and has won three awards so far.
Although, fantasy, there is no stereotype characters. There are no elves, dwarfs, wizards, goblins, trolls, etc and yet Illusional Reality is full of new characters and lots of magic.
There is an audiobook out for Book 1 of Illsuonal Reality.
Book two of the duology, The Quest
The duology is a duology in itself. The main character has two sides to her in each book.
The second book is inspired by The Two Towers, LOTR
No, there's no third book like there was in LOTR
A publisher contacted me and asked if I would like to sign up with them.
The Illusional Reality has a colouring book out as well.
Stone Cold is a YA supernatural thriller.
Stone Cold is the most biographical book out of all my stories.
I did more research for this book than any of my other books.
The book is based in Scotland even though my experiences happen in Wales.
There is an audiobook for Stone Cold
The book trailer for Stone Cold has won 3 International Film Festivals awards. ( you can check the trailers up on the main menu bar)
Toxic is a sci-fi dystopian erotica (yes I like making up my own genres.)
Toxic is a collaboration with another author, Karen J Mossman. We got together on camera and spent 2 hours plotting, scheming and coming up with a fascinating dystopian world.
2) There are two versions of the same book, one naughty (mine) and one nice (Karen's)
3) Toxic will soon be removed and republished with a new cover and a publisher. They have taken on all the books and are keeping the naughty and nice theme.
4) Toxic is a trilogy. The first draft of book 2 is ready and we'll be working on book 3 later this year.
A Flash of Horror – A collection of flash fiction from the horror genre. (in case that wasn't obvious)
A Flash of Horror is flash fiction taken from Heads & Tales, Undressed and a couple of original flash, that I wrote for the collection.
The paperback version of the book is pocket sized. Yes, you can actualy keep it in your handbag, or pocket.
The other two fiction books are In Times of Violence, adult edition (to go with the original OUTLAW series.)
And the box set of Illusional Reality.
And that's not all. I've been working on a small project with my youngest daughter. Take a look.
Notebooks, journals, colouring book
All books are available on Amazon published under the imprint, JadeMarcus
Links to all my books will be on the right-hand side of the page. Thanks for your support and feel free to share.
#MarchOfTheWriters#MOTW#MOTW2022award-winningbookbook coversChristmascolouringbookdark mafia romancedark MC romancediarydystopianeroticafantasyflashfcitiongiftsHalloweenHorrorjournalsnotebooksnovelspocketbookpresentspublishedQuentin Tarrantinoscience fictionScotlandYA
Cover reveal for the historical romance Destiny series.
February 5, 2020 Karina Kantas Leave a comment
Is proud to reveal the NEW book covers for the epic Destiny saga. Designed by Scott Carpenter.
https://books2read.com/u/4jDyM2
DESTINY'S PLAN
An empty seat and a love that can withstand the trials of fate…
When Raquelita Muro takes the empty seat on the bus to avoid sitting beside her mother, she doesn't expect to find the love of her life. But as the hours pass by on the journey from Texas to Florida, Raquelita knows that Matthew Buchanan is the one for her.
But fate, the US Military, and an interfering mother stand between the young lovers and their destiny.
Exchanging letters in secret is their only hope as Matthew ships off to Vietnam and Raquelita and her family make a new life for themselves in Florida. And when tragedy strikes they will each be brought to the edge of what they can survive.
The course of true love never did run smooth, but will Matthew and Raquelita find each other again when half a world and an ocean of pain stands between them?
Destiny's Plan is a romance novel by Victoria Saccenti and the first book in the Destiny's Series. Set during the Vietnam war, the plot recounts the first meeting of Raquelita Muro and Matthew Buchanan just as he is about be recruited and sent off to Vietnam. These innocent and idealistic young lovers encounter a world that seems to no longer believe in love, and their relationship is tested by war, distance, hardship, and family interference. Through it all, however, they try to remain strong, and it's up to them to see whether they can handle what fate throws at them, or whether it will tear them apart for good.
An innocent tale of love at first sight takes a serious twist as war looms. Victoria Saccenti has created a charming and naïve heroine in Lita, who learns the harsh lessons of the real world and grows up through the readers' eyes. The Hispanic culture is vividly presented with lively characters that make up Lita's family, and though Destiny's Plan is quite a long book, it is easy to read and keep turning pages. Matthew's hardship and shocking consequences of his time in Vietnam presented a really interesting and unexpected twist to the story, and I can safely say that the plot line is not what you would usually expect from a historical romance. The political backdrop of 1960s America takes a back seat to the secrets in the Muro family, the two atmospheres combining in a very satisfying and engrossing way.
https://books2read.com/u/38rEaV
DESTINY'S CHOICE
He's older, his PTSD wounds run deep, and doesn't believe in second chances. She does…
As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.
Vietnam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and nearly impossible to heal. His war buddy's sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but their age difference makes her forbidden fruit.
After four years in a Spanish prep school, Marité's come home ready to fight for the man she's never been able to forget. But when Michael returns out of the past, he threatens everything Marité and Brian have started to build.
Editorial Review:
Destiny's Choice is Book 2 in the Destiny's Series by Victoria Saccenti, a riveting tale of a love that is as powerful as it is dangerous. Marité Muro might have been infatuated with Brian MacKay when she was very young, but after four years of prep school in Spain, she comes back to Florida different, feeling mature and sure of what she wants, and if there is anything in the world she'd die for, it's to be enfolded in the arms of Brian MacKay. Things could have been easy if MacKay hadn't served with her brother in Viet Nam. Brian Mackay might be a war hero, but now he has to face a new kind of war; he has to wrestle with the powerful emotions the young Marité Muro stirs in his heart. He knows he shouldn't want her, but all his defenses are being weakened. How long will he keep up the fight before he finally crumbles under her charm?
You'll love Destiny's Choice if you're into romance and if you love the kind of setting that mimics the world of Eden, with a serpent tugging at the hem of your clothes and a forbidden fruit that is infinitely inviting. Victoria Saccenti creates beautiful characters and tactfully draws readers into their minds through her powerful and vivid descriptions. Marité Muro is one of those characters readers want to follow in their growth process. She is stubborn and reckless, the kind of character who'll do anything to get what she wants, but she's come a long way. The psychological conflict is well-developed in the story, and while it helps the plot to move fast, it also allows readers to connect easily with the characters. It's a very entertaining and engaging read, a hard-to-put-down kind of book for romance lovers.
https://books2read.com/u/b5r527
DESTINY'S WAY
One disastrous night rips the lovers apart. All is lost, until Fate intervenes.
Brian's love for Marité burns with the heat of an eternal flame. However, when Michael makes a play for her, Brian's PTSD-fueled demons convince him Marité's better off with someone younger, less damaged—anyone—but him.
Anger tears at Marité's heart. Anger at Brian for giving up so easily. At Michael for trying to reignite an old infatuation. Mostly, anger at herself for her part in the debacle and for not having the strength to fight for the only man she'll ever love.
But Destiny is not quite finished with the lovers…
Destiny's Way is the third book in Destiny's Series by Victoria Saccenti, an absorbing contemporary romance that will provoke the most compelling and powerful emotions in readers. When Brian McKay inadvertently catches Michael, his cousin, trying to kiss the love of his life, his jealousy boils over. In a quick moment of insanity, he boards a plane and flies to Round Rock. Marité Muro, the woman he'd loved passionately, would be better off without him, so he thinks. Meanwhile, Marité is left devastated as she moves to her home in Abuela. She hates Brian for leaving. She blames herself for not taking control and acting maturely, and Michael for not being able to set the limits. Read on to discover the delightful twist in the story and the surprising and powerful workings of love.
Destiny's Way is a story that brilliantly highlights the power of love, a story with a strong conflict centered on characters that are beautifully explored. I enjoyed the way the protagonist, Brian, is imagined. A character with a serious personality flaw — his anger is aggressive and he seems to be haunted by his past. But the transformation that takes place within him is what stunned me. I enjoy books in which characters grow and positively evolve, and this is one such book. The other elements of the storytelling craft are beautifully accomplished — the vivid settings, the fast-paced, gripping plot, the strong conflict, and the awesome writing. I loved the prose and excellent paragraph breaks which create strong, dramatic ripples. Victoria Saccenti has the gift to make each character's emotions come alive and this aspect of her writing will allow her readers to easily connect with the characters. This was an enjoyable read.
Award-winning, multi-genre author Victoria Saccenti picked up pencil and paper the moment her childhood book heroes started conversing with her. Sounds a little crazy, but there's no rhyme or reason for inspiration.
She writes romantic women's fiction, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance. Her stories explore the twists and turns of human interaction, the many facets of love, and all possible happy endings.
After thirty years of traveling the world, she's settled in Central Florida. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
Facebook – VictoriaSaccentiAuthor
Twitter – @VictoriaSAuthor
Instagram -Victoria Saccenti
www.victoriasaccentiwrites.com
www.amazon.com/Victoria-Saccenti
Tour hosted by Author Assist
authorAuthor Assistbook coverscover revealDestiny seriesDestiny's ChoiceDestiny's PlanDestiny's Wayhistorical romancenew book coversVictoria SaccentiWriting


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Q: Python: Assign an object's variable from a function (OpenERP) I'm working on a OpenERP environment, but maybe my issue can be answered from a pure python perspective. What I'm trying to do is define a class whose "_columns" variable can be set from a function that returns the respective dictionary. So basically:
class repos_report(osv.osv):
    _name = "repos.report"
    _description = "Reposition"
    _auto = False

    def _get_dyna_cols(self):
        ret = {}
        cr = self.cr
        cr.execute('Select ... From ...')
        pass           #<- Fill dictionary
        return ret

    _columns = _get_dyna_cols()

    def init(self, cr):
        pass    #Other stuff here too, but I need to set my _columns before as per openerp

repos_report()

I have tried many ways, but these code reflects my basic need. When I execute my module for installation I get the following error.
TypeError: _get_dyna_cols() takes exactly 1 argument (0 given)

When defining the the _get_dyna_cols function I'm required to have self as first parameter (even before executing). Also, I need a reference to openerp's 'cr' cursor in order to query data to fill my _columns dictionary. So, how can I call this function so that it can be assigned to _columns? What parameter could I pass to this function?
From an OpenERP perspective, I guess I made my need quite clear. So any other approach suggested is also welcome.

A: From an OpenERP perspective, the right solution depends on what you're actually trying to do, and that's not quite clear from your description.
Usually the _columns definition of a model must be static, since it will be introspected by the ORM and (among other things) will result in the creation of corresponding database columns. You could set the _columns in the __init__ method (not init1) of your model, but that would not make much sense because the result must not change over time, (and it will only get called once when the model registry is initialized anyway).
Now there are a few exceptions to the "static columns" rules:
Function Fields
When you simply want to dynamically handle read/write operations on a virtual column, you can simply use a column of the fields.function type. It needs to emulate one of the other field types, but can do anything it wants with the data dynamically. Typical examples will store the data in other (real) columns after some pre-processing. There are hundreds of example in the official OpenERP modules.
Dynamic columns set
When you are developing a wizard model (a subclass of TransientModel, formerly osv_memory), you don't usually care about the database storage, and simply want to obtain some input from the user and take corresponding actions.
It is not uncommon in that case to need a completely dynamic set of columns, where the number and types of the columns may change every time the model is used. This can be achieved by overriding a few key API methods to simulate dynamic columns`:

*

*fields_view_get is the API method that is called by the clients to obtain the definition of a view (form/tree/...) for the model.

*fields_get is included in the result of fields_view_get but may be called separately, and returns a dict with the columns definition of the model.

*search, read, write and create are called by the client in order to access and update record data, and should gracefully accept or return values for the columns that were defined in the result of fields_get
By overriding properly these methods, you can completely implement dynamic columns, but you will need to preserve the API behavior, and handle the persistence of the data (if any) yourself, in real static columns or in other models.
There are a few examples of such dynamic columns sets in the official addons, for example in the survey module that needs to simulate survey forms based on the definition of the survey campaign.
1 The init() method is only called when the model's module is installed or updated, in order to setup/update the database backend for this model. It relies on the _columns to do this.

A: When you write _columns = _get_dyna_cols() in the class body, that function call is made right there, in the class body, as Python is still parsing the class itself. At that point, your _get_dyn_cols method is just a function object in the local (class body) namespace - and it is called.
The error message you get is due to the missing self parameter, which is inserted only when you access your function as a method - but this error message is not what is wrong here: what is wrong is that you are making an imediate function call and expecting an special behavior, like late execution.
The way in Python to achieve what you want - i.e. to have the method called authomatically when the attribute colluns is accessed is to use the "property" built-in.
In this case, do just this: _columns = property(_get_dyna_cols) -
This will create a class attribute named "columns" which through a mechanism called "descriptor protocol" will call the desired method whenever the attribute is accessed from an instance.
To leran more about the property builtin, check the docs: http://docs.python.org/library/functions.html#property

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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#Futureproofing: How ExxonMobil Is Helping Tackle America's STEM Workforce Challenges
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Staff Brand Contributor
Grads of Life BRANDVOICE
Storytelling and expertise from marketers
"Futureproofing" features U.S. businesses, big and small, investing in the workforce of tomorrow. Check out more at Forwardontalent.org.
Like many countries around the world, the United States faces a shortage of highly-skilled science and technology workers. In the past decade, employment growth in STEM occupations has markedly outpaced growth in non-STEM occupations, and while there will be an estimated 3.4 million STEM jobs available between 2015 to 2025, only about 1.4 million workers will be qualified to fill them, according to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.
ExxonMobil is taking this challenge head-on – but it's not doing so alone.
Through strategic partnerships with the National Math and Science Initiative's (NMSI) College Readiness Program and (by extension) the University of Texas, the energy company has set its sights on expanding our nation's pipeline of talented STEM (science, technology, education and math) workers – workers who can help carry ExxonMobil and many other innovative American businesses into the decades ahead. Specifically, ExxonMobil's sponsorship of NMSI focuses on equipping teachers and students with high-impact STEM coursework and lessons.
We spoke with Kerri Briggs—Education Policy Officer, Corporate Citizenship at ExxonMobil—about the company's commitment to closing the STEM skills gap and its approach to preparing today's students for the technology-focused jobs of tomorrow. Along the way, she offered up some important tips for how other companies can approach similar challenges. Her advice:
Set a realistic goal first.
Improving math and science education and increasing the STEM pipeline is a big task and it's hard to know where to begin. NMSI began with a relatively targeted goal of improving student achievement on Advanced Placement exams and has scaled its success to reach more students, expanding its mission to train more STEM teachers and to increase student access to high-quality, rigorous coursework.
Pick the right partners.
Partnering with the UTeach Institute at the University of Texas, NMSI encourages undergraduate math and science majors to become STEM teachers. The UTeach program has expanded to multiple universities and is projected to produce more than 8,400 graduates by 2023, thus building the pipeline of high-quality STEM teachers.
Trust your gut.
It was clear to us that NMSI's approach to bolstering students' STEM skills worked and would continue to work. In a decade, NMSI's College Readiness Program has benefited approximately 50,000 teachers and 1.5 million students, and improved STEM achievement in more than 1,000 schools. After just one year, partner schools see students' qualifying AP scores increase by an average of 67 percent—an increase of more than 10 times the national average.
Understand your target audience.
NMSI's model has always been rooted in state and local partnerships. Today, state-funded replications of NMSI's College Readiness Program continue to flourish in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, and Kentucky. Doing this work requires collaboration and a commitment to building a community's capacity. With each new partnership, each new state and local program we learn and refine what that community needs to thrive.
Originally published on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce publication Free Enterprise.
Every day, American businesses are solving some of the world's greatest challenges, and in the process, they're creating opportunity, strengthening their communities, an...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We hear a lot about 'being in the moment' and enjoying the NOW, but what does this actually mean? It seems as though there is a difference between understanding any given concept at the mind level versus truly putting it into practice at the level of being. So I thought why not simplify it all and run through some tips on how to achieve this?
When it comes to "being in the moment." Often times, when we claim or attempt to be in the moment, we can more so be focused on one thing mentally which we mistake for being truly HERE. Being in the moment allows you to be aware of everything that is happening around you. You are not dreading a future time or regretting the past, you are not lost in your mind or judging anything or anyone, you are simply aware. Unfortunately, this often comes with the connotation of being very spiritual and in essence lost in space. This cannot be further from the truth and I would like to clear this up right now.
The moment is where we are most natural. By this I mean, it is where we are void of destructive thoughts, judgments and instead open to all that is going on including allowing ourselves to utilize the full potential of the mind. The moment can be an extremely powerful state of being as there you can find bliss, but is it also a place we can be in our every day lives while we are in school, at work or with friends? Yes.
Being in the moment does not mean you are only meditating.
Being in the moment does not mean you cannot reflect on past dates and future plans. In each moment we are creating, we can create based on adjustments of our past or from plans and goals for our future, we must do it from the moment either way. Avoid making an enemy out of the perceived past and future.
Being in the moment does not mean you are mentally focused on just one thing. You are not lost in space.
Being in the moment does not mean you are incapable of completing tasks and doing them very well. In fact, you are much more productive, creative and capable while you are in the moment.
Living in the moment does not mean not thinking about your actions or choices. Too often we mistake living in the moment as simply choosing to do everything recklessly without thinking about the consequences or how these actions might affect others.
To provide an incredibly simple image of the moment, imagine a space with no noise, I don't mean environmental noise, but noise that comes from the incessant voice we hear in our minds that has made you a slave to its thoughts.
Here are some simple techniques to find the moment more easily in life and make it something you can keep doing easily. Understand that it does take work at first as we have become so used to thinking we are our thoughts. It wil take time to not allow our minds to continue using us all the time.
Breathe! Taking a moment to just breathe and pay attention to the breath can often bring you out of the mind and back into your self. This is a great first step as it gets you realizing what it feels like to just be still, quiet and aware. It can be in this space that you recognize the peace that is always available to you. You can do this at any time whether you are at work, in school, driving or at home.
Notice your thoughts. Realize that I did not say focus on your thoughts, but instead to just notice them. You can be in a park, at a mall, driving, at work etc. Do you notice that sometimes our minds are constantly going with thoughts? Thoughts about clothes, judgements, time, people and more? Notice these thoughts, observe them. When you do you will realize that they are not you as you are the one observing them. In that very moment of realizing this truth you will gain an incredible sense of power. Why? Because you have taken some of it back from your mind and ego. This will help to quiet the mind the more you practice.
Complete daily tasks without worry. I know, we all have various things to do in a day and some of them require planning, thinking and choices. Yes, it is always great to weigh those choices, but it does not mean we have to be out of the moment to make them. Have you ever noticed that every now and then you do something and it seems to get done very well, without effort and it's enjoyable regardless of what it was? It is likely because you were in the moment while doing this. You didn't think about it, judge it or dread it, you were simply experiencing the task for what it was. To do this more often, first bring yourself to the moment by using the above methods. Next, do whatever task you might be doing without judging it and without worrying about how every detail will come out. Don't think about how long it will take to get done and what you need to do next. Do the task for what it is. Off the top, we might think we will spend all day doing the task as a result, but this is the ego again pulling you out of the moment. Remember that when you are not being used by the ego and constantly distracted by its thoughts, you can become a lot more productive in an effortless way.
Accept the moment. Sometimes we are going to feel the range of emotions we can experience. This is a colorful and exciting part of being human, but it can become an issue when we let those emotions drive us. Being too excited for an upcoming event can keep us looking forward to the future and missing out on everything happening right now. Conversely, feeling sadness and allowing it to truly become us over time keeps us stuck in it as we forget that the emotion is not truly us. In either case, use the above tips to find your way back to the moment. Don't judge what is happening and instead feel the truth in the fact that you are here, now. While it is perfectly fine to feel the emotions, they are not you and letting them drive you will only create suffering. Accept what is happening in each moment and let it be what it is. Take steps to change things of course, but when it is out of your control, accept it.
Take a load off. In th end, sometimes we can gain a lot by simply finding the time to just chill. Sit, don't worry about doing anything -things you have to do in the future or how much time you have. Instead, just find the moment and be there. Observe, look at your surroundings, listen to it, feel the peace you have there. This can be a great space to go to when you had a rough or tiring day. Instead of turning to other methods like alcohol, TV, or psychoactive's, try finding peace and solitude where it always exists. Inside of you!
One last thing, we all have different ideas of what it means or feels like to be in the moment, don't get caught up on one idea of it, be open and try out various things to find the quite, peaceful state.