Brenda M Spalding

Establishing an Author's Platform This course provides a comprehensive guide to establishing an author's platform. - Learn the importance of an author's platform and strategies for building a platform for traditional and independent publishing. - Utilizing social media, podcasting, engaging with the local community, targeting the right audience, and more. - By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and tools to develop a personalized author's platform.

Inspired by actual events in Lee County Florida.A Tale of Greed, Murder, and Kidnapping Florida's wildlife is under threat. Fish and Wildlife Officer Seth Grayson discovers an old poacher, Hap Dunbar, involved in trafficking Florida's freshwater turtles. His grandsons are collecting turtles for their grandpa, unaware it's illegal.The traffickers threaten Dunbar's family, forcing him to cooperate and collect more turtles. Dunbar refuses, is beaten, and eventually murdered, and his grandsons are kidnapped and forced to collect turtles for the traffickers. Officer Grayson and his partner, on and off the job, Officer Liz Corday, race against time to bring the boys home and stop the shipment of turtles from leaving Florida. But the job is not done when one of the traffickers is still on the loose.A vicious Asian organization is at the heart of the operation where turtles are worth killing for.

Saving wildlife is an everyday, ever-changing challenge. Early summer is nesting time for the alligators in Florida's Manasota State Park. Head Ranger Seth Grayson takes a group of visitors on a two-mile hike to Gator Hollow, a gathering place for hundreds of gators. Once there, the group makes a horrible discovery. A young man's partial remains from an alligator attack are found along with several nests empty. It's evident. Poachers have invaded the park. Grayson, a Seminole Indian, values his heritage but chooses to live in the white man's world. Alligators and all wildlife have special significance for him. He knows he will need help to catch whoever sent this young victim to his death. Officer Liz Corday of Florida's Conservation Commission arrives to help catch and prosecute the poachers. A devoted officer, her trust issues with men pose a possible relationship barrier between her and Seth. Tracking down the head of the huge interstate poaching operation, Seth and Liz risk all, even their lives, to bring these criminals to justice. Seth goes undercover at the Myakka alligator Farm, hoping to learn more about the operation and find evidence Liz can use to bring charges against the poachers. Meanwhile, Liz is harassed and threatened. A large rattlesnake is found in her vehicle, and a dead raccoon is left dripping blood on the hood a night later. Things get complicated, as they find there is more on their mind than catching the poachers but don't know how far to go with their feelings.

Hayden is given a caterpillar in school. His project is to take care of it and watch what happens. Grandma helps Hayden find out what his caterpillar likes to eat and the plan a flower garden to help other butterflies. a great first read in learning how caterpillars change into butterflies with websites for more opportunities to learn about these creatures.

Megan senses trouble coming and is twisting her Claddagh ring on her finger again. Two new guests arrive to upset her neighbor by opening a shop next to his gallery. Things are not as they seem and it will take help from an unexpected source to help her and find out who is passing counterfeit money is Salem.

A youg boy sails to the land of Nod and meets a giant who has stolen a cow and some bees from a dwarf. A spoiled princess gives the boy an idea to help the dwarf and the giant work together to get some honey for the Princess. With the sharing and understanding the three become friends. They all learn that size and differences don't matter in the land of Nod.

A mystery with a paranormal twist. Visions of the past led to the discovery of a lost family treasure. Megan's gift is getting stronger and she is hearing voices warning her of dangers to come. A valuable painting is stolen from the Longstreet Gallery. She has unexpected guests at the Green Lady Inn, could one of them be a thief and a murderer?contains an excerpt from Honey Tree Farm - For the Love of the Beekeeper's Daughter

As Megan delves into her newfound powers and investigates the strange occurrences in her inherited house, she becomes increasingly convinced that there is more to the situation than just ghosts in the attic. The unexplained phenomena intensify, leaving Megan and her friends with a sense of unease and urgency.Driven by her visions and the clues left behind by her ancestors, Megan starts to unravel the mystery surrounding the lost family treasure. The clues lead them on a journey through Salem, Massachusetts, a city rich in history and known for its association with witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials.As they explore Salem, Megan and her friends discover the deep-rooted secrets that the city holds. They learn about the dark events of the past, the presence of witchcraft, and the legends of hidden treasures. The historical context provides them with valuable insights as they piece together the puzzle left behind by their ancestors.However, Megan and her friends are not alone in their quest. Unbeknownst to them, a secretive and sinister figure is also after the same treasure. This unknown antagonist will stop at nothing to obtain the riches, and their actions become increasingly dangerous as the stakes rise.As Megan and her friends race against time, they must use their combined strengths, Megan's newfound powers, and their knowledge of Salem's history to uncover the truth. They encounter unexpected allies along the way, individuals who possess their own unique abilities and knowledge of the supernatural.Together, Megan and her newfound friends navigate the treacherous path laid before them, piecing together the visions, clues, and historical facts to uncover the location of the lost family treasure. Along the way, they must confront their own fears, overcome personal obstacles, and make sacrifices to protect not only the treasure but also the secrets and powers that it holds.In the heart of Salem, the final confrontation takes place. Megan and her friends face the mysterious antagonist, who reveals their true motives and the extent to which they are willing to go to claim the treasure. In a climactic battle between light and dark, Megan embraces her powers fully, discovering the true extent of her abilities, and ultimately emerging triumphant.The mystery resolved, Megan and her friends unearth the lost family treasure, its value extending far beyond material wealth. They come to understand the importance of their heritage, the power of their abilities, and the strength found in their friendships. The journey through Salem and its history has transformed them, leaving them forever changed and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Hayden wants to grow a vegetable garden but things don't go quite as he planned. With the help of his family and the local farm stand it all turns out and he learns a valuable lesson in commerce. This is a great book to read before a trip to the Farmer's market. You can have a discussion with your young reader on where the vegetables come from, who grows them and how they get to the market. Have your child pick out something to try they have not had before. You will be surprised at the results.