Blue collar poet Daniel S. McTaggart brings the mountains to his readers as he reflects on his life, lived in the beauty of the simplicity that surrounds us all.

The American diner. It's a mythical place romanticized in art, literature, and film. We've all stopped at the side of the road for a quick burger or a cup of coffee. And a slice of pie or two to keep that meal in our stomach. Whenever we walk out those doors, a part of us stays seated. Indulging in the slow pace and easy conversation. Daniel S. McTaggart has eaten in many diners. He has also worked in one or two. And in many ways, he still does. This book is the culmination of his immersion in classic Americana. Some of the stories in this book are real. Some live in a dreamworld where cute waitresses are always happy to see you. So open these covers, if you will. Sit down and stay a while.

The highly anticipated, thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer, from National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy. Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old. She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise. She was wrong. In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep. Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice--save the woman he loves, or everyone else?--while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of. As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer./DIV

First published a decade ago, A Writer's Book of Days has become the ideal writing coach for thousands of writers. Newly revised, with new prompts, up-to-date Web resources, and more useful information than ever, this invaluable guide offers something for everyone looking to put pen to paper — a treasure trove of practical suggestions, expert advice, and powerful inspiration. Judy Reeves meets you wherever you may be on a given day with: • get-going prompts and exercises • insight into writing blocks • tips and techniques for finding time and creating space • ways to find images and inspiration • advice on working in writing groups • suggestions, quips, and trivia from accomplished practitioners Reeves's holistic approach addresses every aspect of what makes creativity possible (and joyful) — the physical, emotional, and spiritual. And like a smart, empathetic inner mentor, she will help you make every day a writing day.

American Royals meets The Winner’s Curse in the first book of a dazzling duology from New York Times bestselling author Brittany Cavallaro about revolution, love, and friendship in a reimagined American monarchy. The year is 1893, and war is brewing in the First American Kingdom. But Claire Emerson has a bigger problem. Claire’s father is a sought-after inventor, but he believes his genius is a gift granted to him by his daughter’s touch, so he keeps Claire under his control. As their province prepares for war, Claire plans to escape, even as her best friend, Beatrix, tries to convince her to stay and help with the growing resistance movement that wants to see a woman on the throne. When her father’s weapon fails to fire on the World’s Fair’s opening day, Claire is taken captive by Governor Remy Duchamp, St. Cloud’s young, untried ruler. Remy believes that Claire’s touch bestows graces he’s never had, and with political rivals planning his demise, Claire might be his only ally. The last thing that Claire has ever wanted is to be someone else’s muse, but she finally has a choice: Will she quietly remake her world from the shadows—or bring it down in flames?

Is there a reason for being? Why are we so often fearful? How can we know our Destiny? What is the cure for racism and hate? Is there such a thing as a "Happy Place" to be found in our lives? What is Life and am I giving it my best? When it is said that "I will give you beauty for your ashes," what does that mean exactly? And if I were a dog, what kind of dog would I be? These are questions that we all have and wonder about, yes? Ok, perhaps not that last one reflected here. But we humans do wonder, ponder and muse. It is in us to do so. And contained within these pages are some thoughts and ideas on these questions and more, along with perhaps even some answers to things that we think upon. Come walk with me a bit down this Road of Thought and let us see what lies along the way of Contemplation and Discovery. I will see you inside, my good friend!

Born into the flaming trenches of a true spiritual hell, Lacey Hart spends her impoverished childhood lost in the strange shadow world between heaven and the demonic underworld in her senses. She uses religion to mold herself into The Perfect Daughter so that she might evade her disturbed mother's malevolence. Lacey is a demure child whose primrose sweetness and white-laced stoicism hearken back to the puritanical era- times when bewitchment infiltrated even the purest breath of beauty. In school she is an idiot savant, and she believes herself to be haunted by the devil. But outside the physical, emotional, and sexual torture chamber of her home, Lacey rarely ruffles feathers. Then she turns eighteen. Her sexuality, which she has always felt had its roots in evil, blooms like an overripe fruit from the center of her soul. Around the same time, Lacey and her best friend Sabrina uncover the gift that has both defined and isolated them all their lives: intuition. Emerging from the coccoon of their silence into awareness, the two friends find themselves also immersed in the dark side of magic. It is on this spiritual cusp between heaven and hell that they experience the heights of ecstasy- but drift inevitably toward the dredges of humanity on the outskirts of life. Like twinned flames, Lacey and Sabrina embark upon the bohemian "magical mystery tour" of their twenties with the quixotic candor and unexpected bravery of the truly eccentric. Then grave illness strikes, unplanned pregnancy arises, and they learn the power of true love to bloom one's spirit into the oneness with all things that is true freedom. The story of two women who dare to submerge themselves completely into any given moment, Lily Whites of Steel is a fearless exploration of the thin line between freedom and destruction, dogma and authentic mysticism, and- perhaps most hauntingly of all- truth and madness.