Author Meet & Greet
All are welcome here.
Connect with authors through their social media links (if they choose to share them), learn about their writing process, and purchase their works.
The 4 most current interviews are posted here. Older ones may be found under the Archive: Author Meet & Greet on the main page of this blog by the author’s last name.
**Jack Ketchum’s Interview from December 2017 is PINNED at the bottom of this page**
So, without further ado, let’s get to know
Meet & Greet Author: #294
Kendra Slone
Your Name: Kendra Slone
Genre(s) of your work: YA Fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (2020)
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2024)
Bio:
Kendra Slone loves to live in fantasy worlds in her free time. From reading and writing books to playing video games or watching movies, she is always searching for the next best thing to grab her attention. She loves to cross stitch, bake tasty desserts, and is a newbie at painting miniatures and building legos.
She is the author of The Hailwic Chronicles, a YA fantasy series that she started writing when she was young. An avid reader in the same genre she writes in, Kendra has always wanted to publish a book of her own. She made that dream possible by self-publishing her first book, The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter, in October of 2020.
Kendra lives in a quiet, small town in Illinois with her husband, two cats, and two dogs. She also spends as much time as she can with her mother and nephew. Want to know about her future projects and life updates? Follow her on social media for more!
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Growing up reading was my way of getting away from the real world. Books about dragon
riders, magical worlds, and thrilling adventures were always my go to. I loved them so much that I have had a version of Hailwic and all of its characters in my mind since I was at least twelve. I loved stories about good vs. evil, mythical creatures and figuring out why each character was the way they were. I write fantasy because I love to allow my imagination to go wild like I did when I was kid. Iโd also love to expand my writing when Iโm finished with The Hailwic Chronicles. Perhaps a standalone thriller or horror story?
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Iโve been writing stories since I was a kid, though I canโt say they were always good. I remember having a notebook with a Pikachu on the front of it and writing short stories about Pokemon in it. I wrote and rewrote stories about a boy and a dragon in Jr. High. Itโs something that Iโve always loved to do when I had the time, but I didnโt get serious about it until 2019. I decided that year that I would finish writing a novel and pursue self-publishing. It was this path with writing that made me realize that I can set a goal and follow through with it until the end. It made me realize what I was capable of and that I could follow my dream of writing books like I always wanted to do. It gave me a purpose.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Christopher Paolini wrote the Inheritance series. It became my favorite book of all time. Eragon introduced me to a world of dragons and magic like I had never read before. I was excited to read each book the moment I got my hands on them.
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series. Iโm not much of a fan of her these days, but I wonโt deny that her books filled many years of my life with magic. Not only did I love Hogwarts, but so did my friends, my cousins, and the people around me. It was something that brought many of us together in discussion and excitement. I mean who didnโt secretly hope that thereโd be an owl pecking at your window with your Hogwarts letter in its beak?
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think audiobooks are an awesome new way of enjoying the books we love. I myself would love to have audiobooks done for my own work, but it’s not in my budget at the moment. I think there are many people out there who would love to read more, but just donโt have the time to sit down and do it. Audiobooks provide a way to allow them to enjoy a good story again while driving to work or doing the dishes.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I think connecting with other local authors has been a good way to learn about other book events. Putting myself out there has been the best tool so far. Sharing posts on social media helps at times too. But no matter what, it is difficult. Iโm not sure if Iโve found the best way yet, but Iโm working on it.
Do you believe writing should be censored โ that some topics should remain taboo?
No, I donโt think so. We learn by opening our minds to other experiences, worlds, cultures, and languages. To restrict these topics, no matter how extreme some might think they are, is to keep us in a bubble. I think it’s dangerous to believe that one’s way of thinking is the only way. And if the topic is dangerous, I think itโs important to learn why it is.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I hadnโt thought about it before, but I think it is a good idea depending on the material youโre writing. There are some things that certain people may not want to read because it could bring up a bad experience they have been through. Trigger warnings should definitely be used for anything graphic.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I sell much better at events than on social media. The only time I have done extremely well on social media is around the time of release dates. As I said in a previous answer, marketing is hard.
Where can people find you and your work?
You can find my books on Amazon!
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (1)
https://a.co/d/bW47ze6
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2)
https://a.co/d/6inHi8O
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok: @authorkendraslone
My website is: http://www.authorkendraslone.com
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Jennifer Shaw
Your Name: Jennifer Shaw
Pseudonym (if you use one): J. M. Shaw
Genre(s) of your work: Fantasy Adventure
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Callum Walker Series:
- The Ascension โ 2021 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition)
- The Convergence โ 2022 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
- The Fractured Veil โ 2023 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
- Forsaken Souls – 2025

Sue
Thank you for the opportunity to tell your readers about my work.
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Sue, Thank you so much for taking the time to interview, Terry John Malik about his forthcoming novel, THE BRICKLAYER OF ALBANY PARK.
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Hi Donna;
My pleasure. As an independent author myself, I know that marketing is key and getting the word out by any means is crucial.
Thanks!
Sue
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Thanks very much Sue for the opportunity to talk about my current book and upcoming book. Its an honor.
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Hi Sue. Thank you for including me in this roundup of four writers. I read all the interviews with pleasure. The CWA includes so many interesting members. I enjoyed meeting my fellow interviewees via your blog.
Susan Bass Marcus
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It’s nice to see Teri here — always good to know a little more about her. I had to laugh about her friends being more careful about what they say. ๐ It’s funny how many people worry they’ll be “in the book” when they learn you write. Hugs!
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McKenna is a great author and I am excited to see more of her work!
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Hi Sue:
Thank you for this opportunity.
Pauline G. Dembicki
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Of course! Thank YOU for doing it! ๐
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Excellent interview, Pauline. You write timely books. Wishing you continued success and inspiration!
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Thanks, Sue, for giving me the opportunity to join these other fine Writers on your blog.
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You are more than welcome, John. Thank YOU for being a part of it.
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Thank-you to Sue Rovens for creating this great forum for fledgling authors like myself.
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Thank YOU, Ralph, for doing it! I hope it brings many eyeballs to your work ๐
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I definitely have some new books to order (Zombie turkeys – still chuckling). I just finished my fifth book and I’m taking a year off to just read and read and read. Thanks for the great interviews.
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Thanks, LB! That’s the point of the interviews – to give everyone a chance to find out about each other. Thanks for reading and feel free to spread the word! ๐
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Great interview! Hope you are doing well after one heck of a tough summer!
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Thanks for hosting me today. If I can ever repay the favor, just let me know.
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Yes, indeed! But, AFTER Nano! ๐ Thanks, again!
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Nice to read your Meet and Greet post, Craig. Bruises huh? LOL
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Thanks for featuring me today, Sue!
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Great to have you as part of the Meet and Greet! Thanks for doing it! ๐
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Great interview, Joan.
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Thanks, Craig!
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A wonderful showcase of brilliant writers. Thank you!
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Thanks so much for checking out the blog! Welcome! ๐
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Thanks so much for including me in your Meet and Greet! I appreciate all you do to assist fellow writers, especially debut authors like me!
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Of course!!! So happy to have you join the blog!
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Interesting interviews. Nice to see Mary Davidsaver here.
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Thanks! Everyone is welcome on the blog! ๐
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Nice to hear that Anne is into animal rescue. I’ve been a volunteer for the Fayette Humane Society for over a decade, helping care for and rehome cats and dogs.
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Cool! Thanks so much for doing that! We got both Noodle and Monkey from our local Humane Society when they were about 6 months old. ๐
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Loved this dual meet and greet and learning more about why both these authors write and share their passions the way they do!
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Thanks so much for the visit, Jaya. I love learning about other authors and always walk away with something new to think about. Happy Writing!
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Great Meet and Greet. The questions are fresh, not often asked, with great answers. I focused on Diana’s but you seem to have a good selection of authors. Diana–Love your list of favorite authors–100 Years of Solitude (so appealing). The trigger warning for a rape. Yep. Audio books–I’m definitely considering that also. Excellent interview.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui. I found it impossible to list my favorites, so just pulled books off the top of my head. Lol. And awesome that you’re considering audiobooks! I do no marketing and still get sales. It’s a great market and you can do them for free if you do royalty share. Have fun with it!
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So glad you stopped by! And thank you! I do try to get some different types of questions in. After a while, it gets boring for both author and reader to regurgitate/read the same material. Have a most groovy day! ๐ Stop by again (or follow along!)
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It’s great to meet and greet the talented authors here. It’s lovely to read about them, Sue! I know you’ve interviewed a book narrator and probably his way of reading your book wasn’t exactly what you wanted. I’m glad your iPhone has a voice feature reading the books. I couldn’t get mine to work. I may eventually get an iPhone just for that purpose!
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Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment, Miriam. You’re so kind and such a wonderful support. I’m glad you enjoyed the interviews! Happy Writing, my friend. ๐
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It’s always fascinating to hear about your bats, ๐ฆ owls, ๐ฆand spiders, Diana. I only have spiders, love to watch them spinning the webs. ๐ท๏ธ
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The bats have been my biggest headache. We’re delighted to have them, but wish they’d stay outside! ๐
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Thanks so much for visiting the blog! Hope to see you again!
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You’re welcome, Sue. I’ll be back to visit!
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Wonderful!! ๐
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๐๐
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Some wonderful interviews here. I am also a fan of Diana’s but enjoyed all the answers.
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Thanks for the visit, Darlene. Much appreciated. And I’m glad you enjoyed the interviews!
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Thanks so much ๐ I can’t believe it myself – great folks giving their time for the interviews. I really appreciate every one. Thank you for stopping by!!
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I would love to be interviewed if you are still looking for authors to feature.
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Absolutely!! Send me a quick email at srovens@yahoo.com so I can keep track of things. Thank you!! ๐
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Love the interview with D. Wallace Peach!
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Thanks for stopping by (and joining the blog!) ๐
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Thanks for stopping by, Sheri! I’m so honored. And I’m glad you enjoyed the Q&A. Sue has been a wonderful host. Have a great weekend, my friend.
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Fantastic meet and greet! Diana is one of my favorite bloggers, but it’s always great to meet new people.
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Thanks, Jill! I appreciate you coming by to check out Diana’s Meet & Greet! ๐
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Thanks for stopping by, Jill. So kind of you. I’m delighted to be here, answering some great questions from Sue. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing. ๐ Hugs.
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Thank you for using your site to introduce us to wonderful authors. Diana I’ve known for years, but it’s always good to learn more about a great author.
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Hi again, GP. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I had a lot of fun with this and have enjoyed hanging out at Sue’s place. She’s a lovely hostess! Have a wonderful weekend. ๐
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And you as well!
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Of course!! It’s my pleasure. ๐
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Love the remark on D. Wallace Peach’s interview about Bookbub, if you’re brave enough to try it. ๐ I will keep that in mind!
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Bookbub is so intimidating, Betsy. The cost is ridiculous, but worth it and it’s the only promotion place I’ve tried that actually covered the cost with sales. You are brave, girl! Keep it in mind, and when you’re motivated, give it a try. Thanks for stopping by Sue’s to read the interview. Happy Weekend!
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Super set of interviews, Sue! I came via Diana’s blog and it was awesome to find out a little bit more about her and her writing. The same with the other authors who are new to me. I have a common love of so many of the same books! Now I’ve found you I’ll be back for more ๐
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Thanks again for stopping by at Sue’s, Chris. She had some great questions and a couple that I’ve never answered before. I had a great time. Happy Sunday and Happy Writing!
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Welcome and thank you, Chris! So glad to have to visit (and join in on the fun). ๐ I appreciate the kind words – and, yes, Diana’s interview was wonderful!
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This was fun, Sue. Thanks for sharing my interview.:-)
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The pleasure is all mine! Glad to do it!! ๐ (and thank you)
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How fun to see Priscilla here and learn a little about her. I have her latest book on my kindle ready to go. And I couldn’t agree more with the benefit of blogging and building relationships. I wouldn’t read a book by a rude blogger either, but if they’re friendly and engaging, I’m happy to! Great interview. ๐
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Thanks for reading!! Yes, I agree about being turned off by rude bloggers. I haven’t encountered any so far, but I imagine they are out there.
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I haven’t either, Sue. Indifferent maybe, but never rude, which is a testment to the kindness of our WordPress community. I love it.
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This was a fun interview, Diana. It’s good to “see” you here!
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I enjoyed getting to know Sharon a little better, Sue. Wonderful answers to your questions. ๐
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Thanks so much for reading, Diane! Yes, loved the interview as well! ๐
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Enjoyed reading the interviews with Diana and Darlene. I like to learn more about other authors.
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Great to be here with you and Diana and all these wonderful, talented authors, Sharon.
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Happy to be part of the Meet and Greet along with all of these other fabulous writers.
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Thanks for sharing all these wonderful and very impressive interviews. I headed over from Darlene Foster’s blog, and wow i also found the interview with Sharon Marchisello. They are writing wonderful books, and the Amanda series is for me one of the best i ever had found for children. Thanks also for introducing to new authors and their work. It will be a pleasure to also have a look on their work. Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you so much for the words, Michael. I appreciate you reading the blog. Are you following? You’ll get new messages in your mailbox if you do. Yes, I welcome ALL authors to partake if they wish to do so. If YOU are an author, I’d certainly invite you as well! Just shoot me an email (srovens@yahoo.com). ๐
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Thanks for the great postings, Sue! I had to look up, if i am following your blog, and yes, i had to klick the button first. -) Thanks for the reminder, because WP most times in the past had locked me out of followed blogs. Maybe a kind of fitness training. Lol Best wishes, Michael
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LOL. I totally get it! No worries! I’m the least tech-inclined person in the world, so I’m always wondering if people are even seeing my answers. lol.
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Thanks, Michael for your kind words about my books. Some amazing authors are featured here.
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I love reading about these authors from the authors’ “mouths” (or more likely, their pen) themselves. I feel such a kinship with each one. Darlene is one of my favorite bloggers and an incredible writer of “tween” books. And now I have new authors and books to explore thanks to this blog. Well done!
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Thanks so much for the kind words. Please enjoy the blog!!๐
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Thanks, Pam. This is a great site. You may wish to be featured as well.
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Yes!! Just send me an email (so I can keep track). ALL are welcome and shared here.
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I was thinking just that!
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These Q&As offer fabulous insights into these talented authors. Thank you, Sue, for sharing, and congrats to these authors!
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Thanks, Jan. Great questions.
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Thank YOU, Jan! Please feel free to follow the blog (if you aren’t already). My blog is open to all – every genre and professional level are welcome here.
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It’s so cool that Miranda Oh used writing as a way to help heal from life’s difficulties. Good interview!
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I like David’s philosophy on censorship. I hadn’t thought of it before, but censorship does force an author to get more creative! Good interview!
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I agree, Priscilla. I’m against any kind of censorship, BUT, having said that, an author has to “own it”. Thanks for reading!! ๐
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I just read Diana Stevan’s interview. Very interesting! I wish her the best of luck on her continued writing journey!
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Thanks so much for reading and coming by!! ๐ Have the grooviest of Wednesdays ๐
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