Christmas 'Gifts'...

You know when you're a kid? And a cool Christmas seems to hinge on that one great gift that you've always wanted?

I begged, I PLEADED  for three years. There was nothing I wanted more than a Fisher-Price Castle. I whined and yowled. I was sick of getting homemade mittens and wind-up bath toys from 'Robinson's' for Christmas. The good stuff came from a favorite uncle, who often bought us dolls and craft kits. Knowing what I know now, I'm sure my parents couldn't afford it. Looking back, I still cringe and feel like a spoiled brat for being ungrateful for mitten and scarf sets.

When I finally got the much desired castle for Christmas, I promised myself I would never EVER let it go. Here it is...And it isn't leaving my home until someone peels it from my cold, dead digits. I got it when I was 8 years old...I'm almost 42 years old now.

I still have the people and furniture tucked away in a box

I had intended to write this blog about toys, and all the joy they bring. But sometimes 'joyful' isn't the word some people use to describe the holidays. I know people who aren't going to get much of anything this Christmas. Some are just trying to survive. No turkey, no chocolate, no toys. Sometimes no family.

Remember those less fortunate this season. There's Santa's Anonymous, Food Banks, and the Christmas Bureau. I've just learned about 'Tender Hearts' in Stony Plain, Alberta. Perhaps there are other legitimate organizations in your local area.  Please give if you are able. No one should suffer a crappy Christmas. No child should endure empty stomachs. Their parents should not feel shame. No one should be all alone.

Besides, it feels good to do it. Who knows? Maybe you will be able to help provide a decent dinner for a family. Maybe you'll reaffirm to a child that they were good and that Santa found them after all. Perhaps you'll bring happiness where there wasn't any. Believe me, it's the best Christmas rush you'll get this year.

An Early Contest

Cover by Terra Weston-Koster

I almost got caught with my pants down. You'll notice my last two posts were interviews? Jay Mims and Loush O'Raven were so awesome that I almost didn't have to do any work!

So this week I had nothing prepared, nothing interesting to say. I forgot I had to do anything. Whoops! But wait...

I checked my calendar and sure enough, I found an escape route.

CHRISTMAS CONTEST!!

I was planning one anyway. I got a few printed copies and a tiny bit of swag left. They'll make some pretty decent prizes.

Too early you say? I disagree. Is there someone on your list who might like a personally autographed copy of Aphrodite's War? If you win, there's still plenty of time for me to send it to you before the Christmas rush. (And I don't trust the Canadian Postal Service to bring it in time otherwise.) Or if you're keeping it for yourself, is there anything better than curling up with a good book in the stolen moments when family isn't making you crazy?

Here are the prizes:

Prize #1...Personally autographed copy of Aphrodite's War, a notebook featuring the cover for Aphrodite's War and a magnetic calendar.

Prize#2...Personally autographed copy of Aphrodite's war, an Aphrodite's War keychain, and magnetic calendar.

Prize #3...Personally autographed copy of Aphrodite's war and a magnetic calendar.

As always, promotion is the name of the game, and every post counts as an entry. I want to see Twitter and Facebook and Goodreads ALIVE with mentions of Aphrodite's War with my name tagged on. But there's new ways to enter.You can join my new Street Team "Milward's Minions". Or send your friends to my "Donna Milward, Author" page. Make sure your friends tell me who sent them ;)

I'll announce the winners on November 21st. Have fun with it, and I'll be looking for you all. <3 Thank you very much.