Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter
Edition #18: April Newsletter
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The T.O.O.L. Newsletter!
Dear Readers,
Happy April!
Happy Resurrection Day!
It's time for palms and Easter eggs! I'm happy to connect with you again! I hope you're doing well and staying healthy. As always, thank you for your incredible support and for joining me on these reading adventures. Please share this newsletter with fellow readers to help spread the word!
I've been working hard on something secret that I'm not allowed to tell you all just yet, and advertising my new website! This edition of T.O.O.L.: The Newsletter is packed with updates! We'll dive into highlights from Times of Our Lives, some Behind the Curtain insights, a few prize-winning games, and more.
Please be advised: This newsletter contains spoilers for the Times of Our Lives series.
Keep reading for all the details and more!
Times of Our Lives
Highlights from T.O.O.L.
Discover highlights from Into the Void, Part Three of Times of Our Lives!
But beware, spoilers lurk within! If you're waiting to begin the series, come back to this section after you've finished.
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β« Prologue
After Bernadette explains the past, she gets swept away... Did she just die?
πͺ Chapter One
Vanessa is alive? Didn't she die?
π·Chapter Two
Violette reveals a secret, and no one can believe it!
π²Chapter Three
Jasmine confronts her past, and hears Calvin...
π³Chapter Four
Elias gets Kendrick burned, and then dates Violette?!
is coming soon!
CLICK HERE FOR a book!
Behind the Curtain
Vademecum: The Literary Safety Net of a Chronic Forgetful Architect
A peek behind the curtain of my writing process...
Every single time I have written and published a story, I ALWAYS write a summary in some part of my editing timeline.
Why? Honestly? It's my ultimate CHEAT SHEET. The fastest way to muddle my way through my ever-growing world. I have to admit, it has come in handy while writing a series; it's a lifesaver.
While I *DO* reread my stories more times than I can count, my cheat sheet always comes to the rescue when I can't remember where I need to go to remember at 2:00 AM.
Did Elias's brother survive his father's evil beating, or did Bernadette's ex-fiancΓ© really do that thing I thought he did...
Either way, I love my cheat sheet, and I'd be lost without my own spoilers.
Are you a 'cheat sheet' person in your daily life, or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants? Message me at hello@dinagalarzamapes.com to let me know!
STAY TUNED: Discover more in upcoming editions of Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter.
GUESS THE QUOTE!
Who said it?
Welcome to GUESS THE QUOTE!!!
The Rules:
- I will write a quote below...
- Click the answer below...
- Wait until the next edition of Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter for the answer...
The Quote:
Who said it?
Last Month's Answer
π₯ Drumroll because you're never going to figure it out! π₯.
Vanessa!
You wouldn't think Vanessa had a personable bone in her body, huh?!?
Read Journey to the Past today! Have fun and see you next month!
THE CALDERA RAFFLES!
A fun time!
Calling all bookworms! π’ Get ready for a Caldera Raffles Extravaganza! π
Join me, Dina Galarza Mapes, Author, on Facebook for your chance to snag a PAPERBACK copy of "The Lies Told in the Dark" OR "Journey to the Past" for just $5! That's a steal! π€
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Here's the deets:
SOME DETAILS HAVE CHANGED, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 2:15 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) sharp! Don't be late. β°
Place: My Facebook Page: Dina Galarza Mapes, Author
How to Play (The Final Draw):
Entry Deadline: Complete your entry form and purchase your tickets right up until the last minute! The final cutoff for entries is 2:00 PM EST on the day of the draw.
Tune In: Visit my page on April 18th at 2:15 PM EST to join the live event.
Winner Announcement: BAM! We'll announce the lucky winner live at 2:15 PM EST. Easy peasy! π
P.S. You can buy as many entries as you want! The more entries, the higher your chances of winning. π
β¨ So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for an afternoon of fun and fabulous bookish prizes! β¨
Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!
We always say that there is inspiration in everything! Through a conversation, a certain smell in the air, a small moment, anything! Here is a little inspiration to get you through the month.
My website
PRESS THE BUTTON!
April Jumble!
In our last edition, you unjumbled the lovely March jumble! You lucky ducks!
Enjoy this April Word Jumble!
Unjumble the words below to reveal our message!
π΄
π
π‘
π’
π΅
Lapir
folso
Yda
πHere are the answers to our March Jumble!
I
Am
Head
Clover
Heels
In
Love
With
You
Tune in next time for Word Jumble in the next edition of TOOL: The Newsletter.
SHOUT OUT!
This section is dedicated to congratulating and showcasing interesting individuals and groups who run their own businesses. I love showcasing small business owners! If you are interested in getting a shout-out, please email me anytime or CLICK HERE!
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Sweet and Sassy Sisters (SASS) Boutique in Bean Station, TN is a fabulous and stylish clothing store that you can find nestled in the Pinnacle Plaza. Shop dresses sizes small all the way to 3X. They aren't just sassy and chic, they're also GENUINELY sweet!
They're heroes!
My overly curious son needed help one afternoon, and this frantic and panicked mama ran into their store and HOLLERED for help. The sister in charge leaped right into action, without a second of hesitation, and saved his hand!
Show this business ALL the love for their heroism! Thank you, again, for helping me! I wish all the best in your business! πβ¨.
Keep up the fabulous work!
Love, Dina
P.S. I wouldn't have been able to start this newsletter journey without the help of Malerie Baker, Career Coach.
I would not have been able to edit Times of Our Lives: Journey to the Past without the help of Victoria Sheeley, Author.
PREVIOUS Newsletters!
is coming soon!
Farewell For Now!
Don't forget to get your copy of The Lies Told in the Dark and Journey to the Past.
Thank you for catching up with me through Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter. I love to share updates with you and hope they bring a smile to your face.
If you have any news to share or want to chat, please reach outβIβd love to hear from you! Stay well and take care, everyone. I canβt wait for the next edition of Times of Our Lives: The Newsletter!
With love,
Dina Galarza Mapes, Author
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