AMAZON BOOK LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Bizzy-John-M-Tabor/dp/0578568535/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=letters+to+bizzy&qid=1632585146&sr=8-1​

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Letters to Bizzy finds a man, John Tibbits, past his prime staring down the barrel of old age, having to come to grips with his mother’s death and regrettable fact his dysfunctional youth has burdened him with a lifetime of unwelcome baggage. As he sorts through his mother’s personal effects he discovers boxes of unopened letters written some 50 years earlier from a man, Robert Guthrie, to his daughter, Bizzy. They tell the story of a life lived on a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, Bogue Banks. There is nothing sensational in the telling, average by most accounts. However, through the eyes of Robert Guthrie we come to see beauty in the tragic, humor in the absurd, and sensitivity from the susceptible. It is in fact an apologetic to the ordinary lives we live. Those of John Tibbits and Robert Guthrie are inexplicably intertwined; and, it is only until the end, do we learn how. For both it is a journey through their own private battles.

BLOGGERS/REVIEWERS: Email Kristi at dreamingbigpublications.com to request your free PDF review copy today! We also have an author interview available upon request.  

​Where to find free stock imagery?
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
If you’re in a creative industry, you’ve probably come across the term, “stock imagery.” Stock imagery consists of photography, vectors, and illustrations. You can use stock images for commercial or personal purposes. There’s royalty and royalty-free licenses; depending on the license you get it’s free for commercial use or you must pay a fee and credit the artist to utilize the imagery. Either way, it’s important to read the licensing, so you understand the restrictions in the way you can use the images. People use stock imagery for social media, presentations, branding material, and more. Stock imagery is beneficial because it saves time and money.
 
If you search “stock imagery,” on Google, you’re going to be presented with Shutterstock, VectorStock, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime, or iStockPhoto. These are excellent websites for finding high-quality stock imagery, however they’re a bit pricey. So if you’re on a budget it’s best to stick to free stock imagery. But free stock imagery can be challenging because it can be difficult to find the right photo for your project.
 
I completely understand the struggle to find free high quality stock images. When you’re in design school, you’re expected to produce exceptional projects. Therefore, to achieve this, you must use premium imagery; but premium imagery is costly (so is design school.) Plus, searching for free stock images that will meet your project’s needs is extremely time consuming. So, instead of you spending hours and hours searching for free high-quality stock imagery, here’s a list of websites.
 
Unsplash. Unsplash believes that stock imagery has a bad reputation, so they offer thousands of free high-quality stock imagery. 
 
Pexels. Pexels offers free stock photos and videos that can be downloaded for personal and commercial use.
 
Pixabay. Pixabay offers copyright free photos, vector graphics, illustrations, videos, and music. There are over two million high-quality options for people to choose from.
 
StockSnap. StockSnap is another website that provides high-resolution imagery that can be used for personal and commercial use. Hundreds of high-quality images are uploaded each week, so you don’t have to worry about outdated material.
 
Freepik. FreePik offers thousands of photos, vectors, PSD files, and icons for free. If you want to access more content, you can pay a fee and upgrade to premium. However, this website is better suited for personal projects because it’s very limited for commercial use. It’s vital that you check the licensing before using it to avoid getting in trouble.
 
Adobe Stock Free Collection. In October 2020, Adobe added free 70,000 stock photos, illustrations, templates, and videos to their platform. The free material meets the same licensing standards as the paid ones; therefore, it can be used for commercial purposes.
 
Stock imagery can be a lot of fun to use because it can enhance your projects. While free stock imagery can a challenge to find, it’s worth it to have it in your projects. So, try using a few of these websites to help save on time when you’re searching the perfect stock imagery to use. What type of projects would you like to create with stock imagery?
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich

Available in HARCOVER and PAPERBACK!

Purchase Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GZPYN51/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=personal+grimoire+journal+for+the+dark+arts&qid=1632602653&sr=8-4

ABOUT THE BOOK: 
​The hardcover edition of this personal grimoire is the perfect gift for the dark witch in your life. This would make a great present that they will cherish. This is also available in a paperback version for the more budget conscious. This notebook can be used in a couple of ways. It has lined pages like a notebook, and would make a great journal. Some witches, especially those new to the craft, find it helpful to journal their thoughts and intentions and the outcomes of their spell work. This book is great for journaling those things. It is also great to use as a Grimoire. A Grimoire is a book that a witch records their spells, rituals, and recipes in. Every witch should be keeping a Grimoire. Whether you are sharing your knowledge with your coven, or planning to pass it down to your offspring one day, or just wanting to write down your spells and potions so that you can easily refer back to them when you want to use them again, this book is designed for that purpose! If the cover design on this one doesn't appeal to you, we have several other designs because we know there are different types of witches, and we wanted to make grimoires that hopefully appeal to whatever type of witch you are.

​YouTube Exercise Channels for Beginners
By Becca Masch
 
It’s been a long year of staying inside and not interacting with others. A side effect of the pandemic has unfortunately been the awakening of some bad habits, leading to things like gaining weight.  But weight gain isn’t the only issue that has arisen during quarantine. Depression and anxiety rates have skyrocketed as people struggle to enjoy their lives. There are many solutions to those problems, but one of the most accessible and cheapest is exercise.
Maybe just the thought of exercise turns your stomach, you’re scared of the gym, or you’re just too busy, and that’s why you haven’t started working out until now. The last thing you want to do, upon finally making the decision to start, is to overwhelm yourself with difficulty and lose your motivation. Here are some YouTube channels to ease you into the exercise world so that you can get those endorphins pumping and feel a sense of accomplishment.
 

1. POPSUGAR FITNESS: If you have no idea where to start your YouTube workout journey, I’d point you in the direction of a channel like POPSUGAR Fitness. You can find anything from kickboxing to Pilates on this channel, which grants you the chance to explore and find out what fits you best. There are always multiple instructors showing you exactly what to do, which will make the thirty minutes feel like a structured class. I’d suggest checking out their dance workout collection if you want something fun and different. From hip-hop to Bollywood dance, everything is beginner-friendly, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
2. Pamela Reif: Look no further than her home page to find a “Beginner Friendly” playlist with over 30 videos with which to workout. If you aren’t a fan of workout instructors’ motivating speeches, you might enjoy this channel. The structure of many of Pamela’s videos is simply a song playing in the background with no talking, so you are free to follow along just by watching. She also has a playlist specifically for men, so if you’re looking for something created for your body type, this might be the channel for you. She will make you work, but her workouts are not ridiculously challenging for beginners.
3. Madfit: Madfit will leave you pretty sore the next morning, but the hard work quickly pays off. This is another channel that nixes the ongoing encouragement of the instructor, so if that’s not your cup of tea, maybe Madfit is right for you. She has a playlist specifically designed for beginners, which focuses both on full body and on specific areas of the body. If you’re more of an adventurer and want to try other videos on her channels, you can explore using weights or even bringing a friend into your session with “partner workouts.” A playlist that I have personally enjoyed is the “apartment friendly workouts,” which presupposes that you don’t have all the space in the world. Overall, a solid channel to start your workout journey.
4. emi wong: If you are looking for someone to instill motivation in you, this might be the channel for you. A lot of her followers talk about how her workouts keep them feeling strong and enthusiastic. One thing I really enjoy on her channel is her exploration of dance with songs you’ve enjoyed for years and songs that are totally new. If you’re a KPOP fan, here’s a way for you to enjoy some of your favorite songs while still getting in a nice workout. Emi wong is not only a workout channel but also a lifestyle channel. She has videos posted about everything from her wedding to street food in Singapore. If you want to be able to get to know your workout instructor, consider checking out Emi.
5. Body Project: If you need that positive energy of fitness instructors to keep you going, then you need to explore the Body Project channel. You’ll also have, in the background, a view of a gym, so you can feel like you’re there without going through the hassle of driving or paying. Body Project focuses majorly on holistically becoming and staying healthy, so a lot of the more specific body area workouts that are common on workout channels are not available here. Instead, this channel will work every part of you to get you to a stronger, fitter you. This channel often includes multiple people in its videos, and something I enjoy is that a lot of the time, you can tell that those people are on their way to becoming healthier themselves. If you enjoy the channel enough and want to explore more workouts by this team, check out their website for more free resources.
6. Yoga with Adriene: If you’re looking for a low impact exercise to ease your way into the workout world, maybe you’re leaning toward yoga. Yoga with Adriene is included here because Adriene does a great job of balancing restorative, energizing yoga with her fun personality. How often do you get to laugh in the middle of a yoga class? Adriene makes it possible, which is one reason that she may have you coming back for more. As a beginner on the exercise track, YouTube can be overwhelming with the amount of content available. Here is channel that will help you reconnect to the world around you and to yourself while building up your body.

 
Whatever the reason you’ve decided to start exercising, the fact that you’ve made the plunge means that you’ve overcome one of the hardest parts. So, take a minute to bask in that achievement and then get ready to begin on a positive note. Good luck on the days ahead and remember to enjoy yourself!
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich

PURCHASE LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GZDPKP4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=spell+book+grimoire+journal+kristi+morgan&qid=1632603238&sr=8-3

ABOUT THE BOOK: 
​There is a hardcover and a paperback version available. This is a blank lined notebook that you can use as a journal to record your spiritual journey as a witch. You can also use it to create your personal grimoire. Record all your spells, potions, elixirs, recipes, etc. Give this book to a witch in your life. It makes a perfect gift.

​An Introduction to Manga
By Sierra Tufts-Sicard
 
I am an English major who has finally reached her senior year in college. Do you know what English majors do for class? We read, then we read some more. A lot of English majors go into the major because they love reading; I was one of those people. By the time their sophomore year comes around, a lot of those people do not want to even think about books outside of class. I am also one of those people. 
 
However, reading is so much more than analyzing a novel for a paper that will be graded harshly. Reading is an escape into a world different from our reality, so it is a shame when reading feels like a chore. It did not seem to matter what I did; I could not get myself back into a groove of reading. I tried rereading my favorite series, setting small goals, and asking my friends for recommendations. I was about to give up on reading completely when I discovered manga. 
 
For anyone who does not know, manga are comics or graphic novels that originate from Japan. I first encountered manga a few months after I discovered anime, which makes sense because anime often uses manga for source material. I would watch an anime series that only had one season and desperately want to know what happened to the characters. However, I was wary of manga at first. There was a time when I thought novels were superior because they do not have pictures, but when I read my first manga series, I realized how wrong I was. It became clear to me that plot development, character development, and setting are just as important in manga as they are in novels. The only difference is that the setting and action are shown through beautifully drawn images. Now that I have something to read that is, visually, drastically different from novels, I have been able to get into regular novels again since I can shift between the mediums. 
 
Now, let’s discuss some basics everyone should know before diving into manga:

• Reading Style. Most people are used to reading from left to right depending on where they live. However, manga is read from right to left. Therefore, when you pick up a volume of manga, what we consider the back cover is actually the front cover. Thankfully, a lot of publishers put a warning on the last page in case someone tries to start reading from left to right. This order applies to the order in which you read through the different panels on a page as well. To currently read a page, you must read the panels from right to left and top to bottom; when you finish one level of panels, you move down to the next level and read those from right to left as well. Once you get used to this style, reading manga is relaxing and enjoyable. Just be prepared for a time of transition when you pick up a book that goes from left to right again!
• Translation Notes. When I started my first volume of manga, I found myself having to stop to look up certain phrases or slang that are used in Japan. It wasn’t until I finished that first volume that I learned most volumes of manga contain “Translation Notes” at the end of the book with corresponding page numbers. Some of the volumes even explain concepts that are common in Japan but not in other countries. This made it a lot easier to read without taking prolonged search breaks. 
• Where to Buy. When I first started reading and collecting manga, I wasn’t sure where to purchase them outside of using Amazon. Through some research, however, I found a few places that sell manga. The two websites I use the most are BAM!: Books-A-Million and RightStufAnime. I have also been able to find some manga at Barnes and Noble and local libraries. BAM! has some physical locations, but not quite as many as Barnes and Noble. Finally, if you also like to watch anime, Crunchyroll could be an option since some digital manga is included in their subscription price. Of course, you could always borrow manga from a friend if you have one that reads them too!

 
All in all, switching up mediums is a good way to try new things and break out of a reading slump if you’re in one. At the very least, manga introduces you to new stories and some beautiful art!
 
Edited by Jackie Morgan

Purchase link:

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Halloween-Coloring-Book-Kids/dp/B09GTJX9LH/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=easy+halloween+coloring+book+kristi+morgan&qid=1632601911&sr=8-3​

​Easy, simple designs for toddlers through around age 9. 

​ABOUT THE BOOK: The Holy Fathers thought they could keep it silent. They forgot the sacred vows that priest makes. They turned a blind eye to the horror. They insisted righteous men would prevail but there are none righteous. Killers roam the streets of Melbourne unmolested because their victims were kept silent. And there was something else, something more horrific than the rape and murder of the innocent and it could never be uncovered. That’s why they sent for him. The Church needed of a special type of priest to chase the demons from the temple. He’d make sure no one ever found out. He’d make sure Judas kept his mouth shut.

AMAZON LINK: 
https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Judas-PJ-Mackin/dp/B099C47MS3/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+betrayal+of+judas+PJ+mackin&qid=1632584764&sr=8-1


REVIEWERS, BLOGGERS, VLOGGERS:  Email Kristi at dreamingbigpublications.com to request your free PDF review copy today! As always, we also have an author interview available upon request. We can also send you the cover art or the banner you see here in this email so that you can use them in your blog post.  We definitely appreciate all that you do to help get word out about our books. If you will also leave an Amazon review that would be awesome! Thank you!

High- & Low-Fantasy: What Do They Mean?
By Sierra Tufts-Sicard
 
As a reader, my favorite genre by far is fantasy. In the beginning, I didn’t care about the different categories of fantasy; I just wanted to read a book with magic. Now, I am a fantasy writer, and I’ve found that the two main categories of fantasy dictate the broad guidelines of the stories I write. First, let’s begin with a basic definition of fantasy. The most important thing to remember is that fantasy is a genre filled with magical and supernatural components that do not exist in this world. This is what separates it from science-fiction, as science-fiction could theoretically, although it’s unlikely, happen in our world since the components of this genre are based on actual science. 
 
Now, onto the reason we’re here. You may have heard the phrases “high-fantasy” and “low-fantasy” in literary conversations before, but if you’re anything like I was, you might not know much about the differences between them. Still, you may gravitate to one or the other without even realizing it. Just answer this, would you rather read a novel about an entirely new world of fairies, or a novel about the existence of fairies in our world? 
 
High-fantasy, also called epic fantasy, refers to stories that are based in a fictional world separate from our own. This type of fantasy takes writers a lot of time and effort because they are creating entirely new worlds just from their imagination. I’m talking religion, economy, magic, politics, language, and so much more (Lord of the Rings is a great example of this!). No two fantasy authors will ever create the same world; that’s what makes worldbuilding so fun. However, from an author’s perspective—specifically, mine—worldbuilding can also be terrifying. I’ve spent years building the world of my work-in-progress high-fantasy novel, and I still find holes that need to be filled in. From a reader’s perspective, though, a thoughtfully crafted world can be just as interesting and alluring as a novel’s plot.
 
On the other hand, low-fantasy is the subcategory of fantasy novels that are based in our world. These stories will frequently share similar characters, creatures, and magic (things like fairies, vampires, and witches to name a few), but the general idea is that these things have always existed in our world with or without humans having knowledge of their existence. Despite the fact that an entirely new world is not being created, authors of low-fantasy still have to do quite a bit of worldbuilding. How do these magical creatures interact with humans? Do they interact with humans at all? If humans don’t know about them, how do they stay hidden? These are just some of the many questions these authors have to answer. 
 
As a reader and writer of both categories of fantasy, I see the merits of both. They each have their own set of challenges for the authors writing them, but this also means that they can easily have a corresponding level of intrigue for readers. Ultimately, the success of a story always comes down to how the author approaches and attempts to master their genre of choice. 
 
Edited by Jackie Morgan

​Photoshop Tutorial Resources
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
Adobe Photoshop is a photo and design software where you can create, composite, or edit beautiful graphics, paintings, and images on your laptop, desktop, or iPad. Whether you’re a novice trying to learn about Photoshop’s tools or an expert looking to brush up on your skills, there are thousands of Photoshop tutorials out there for you to watch and listen to! However, there’s a lot of diversity; some tutorials only have background music, some require payment, some are over an hour long, some have clickbait titles, and some are using outdated software that don’t apply today. After a while, this can become daunting as it feels like you can never find the right tutorial. So, for today’s blog post, I’m going to provide a list of my favorite Photoshop tutorial resources.
 
PHLEARN. Aaron, the creator of PHLEARN has over 15+ years of Photoshop experience and 10+ years of teaching it. Here are the pros of PHLEARN:
 

• First, there’s free Photoshop tutorials available on their YouTube channel, so they’re easily accessible.

 

• Second, you’ll never feel constrained on time because the tutorials are available in different time increments from 1-20,and sometimes over 30, minutes.

 

• Third, I think Aaron has an enjoyable voice because his tone is informative and encouraging. If you don’t have a budget and are looking to master Photoshop, then I would highly recommend going to phlearn.com. If you pay the $99.99 annual subscription fee, users can access 200+ PRO tutorials, 500+ presets and actions, and new content every week.

 
Blue Lightning TV Photoshop. Marty Geller is the founder of Blue Lightning TV on YouTube. He’s very experienced as he’s designed for NBC, ABC, and VH-1. He’s also won Emmy Awards for his work. Marty has been creating Photoshop tutorials since 2011. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about which software version you have; more than likely it’ll be on his channel. Here are some of the reasons why I enjoy Blue Lightning TV:
 

• First, his YouTube content is free! If you pay for the channel’s memberships, you’ll receive access to loyalty badges and VIP early access to new videos.

 

• Second, I love of the diversity and simplicity of his tutorials. He covers a range of topics such as portrait effects, typography effects, patterns, and more!

 

• When I began learning how to master Photoshop, Blue Lightning TV was my go-to because the tutorials are simple and easy to learn from. Plus, Marty explains the tools utilized in MAC and PC terms, so viewers don’t have to worry about what kind of computer they’re on.

 
Lastly, like Aaron from PHLEARN, Marty also has an extremely relaxing voice which enhances the tutorial experience.
 
 
Adobe Photoshop Reference Guide.  
If you’re not into watching or listening to tutorials, maybe this PDF guide will help you out. It was created by Adobe, so it’s a trustable document. This PDF is extremely helpful if you’re trying to learn about Photoshop’s tools and on different devices too. For example, chapter three is titled, “Photoshop on the iPad.”  This chapter discusses how to work with layers, touch shortcuts and gestures, crop and rotate your composites, and more! The PDF document features pictures as well. If you want to print out this document, be sure to keep in mind that it’s over 1000 pages long. So, maybe print out specific chapters. You could also go to your local print shop, have it professionally printed, and have it bound together to ensure it’s readable and the pages are tightly secured.     
 
TikTok.
This is a quick and simple solution if you’re looking to experiment with Photoshop’s tools. If you type “photoshop tutorials” or “photoshop hacks” into the app’s search bar, then you’ll access hundreds of Photoshop tutorials. All you have to do is click the video & enjoy watching. However, there are a couple of cons to utilizing Tiktok:
 

• First, it’s not the most reliable source and can often have clickbait material.

 

• Second, you cannot rewind parts of the clip; you can only pause it or wait for it to restart. The clips are very short, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

 
Edited by Sierra Tufts-Sicard