5 Books That Left A Mark...

As writers, we hope that our books will make someone's top 5 or top 10 list of books that made a lasting impression. As readers, though, we have our own list. I'll be posting each week, my top 5 books that left a lasting impression on me.

I might cheat a bit... lots of the books that inspired me were in a series.

So on that note, we're going to start with #5 right off the bat!

Book Title: Pet Sematary

Author: Stephen King

Why this left a lasting impression on me:

Stephen King, without a doubt, was one of my go-to authors when it came to horror way back when. Up until I read Pet Sematary, I had read "Christine" and "Carrie". Sure, those were great creepfests, but they didn't impact me like Pet Sematary did.

I could NOT sleep!!! It scared the ever loving beejeezus out of me. Seriously. I was nineteen when I read the book. When I was through, not only was I thoroughly freaked out, but I was inspired. I wanted to write a horror story!

I did attempt to write one, but gave up. I thought, I'll never be as spooky as Stephen King. However, I think that is about to change! I've lately been dipping my toe... ok, my whole right leg, into the horror pool.

So thank you, Mr. King, for giving me inspiration, nightmares and a genuine love for horror!

Leave me a comment and tell me one of the books that left a lasting impression.

Friday Favorites, Fantasy Art & A Funny...

It is once again Friday, which means the following Monday, not only will I be 4 weeks post-op, but I will have my review of Elf Killers up along with my Giveaway of the book!

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment. Multiple comments will not mean multiple entries. Sorry.

At any rate, on to what this post is really for!

Favorite authors/books:
When I was younger, Stephen King was my absolute favorite author because he could scare the crap out of me. Today, his books are okay, but the ones that were out back when I was a teenager like Christine, It, Pet Semetary... those were the bomb diggity. Pet Semetary scared me to pieces. I have issues with death (my own) and I'm not really a big zombie fan, but man.... this book kept me awake at night. My all time favorite though, was the book(s) he wrote with Peter Straub (another one I adored!). Talisman and later, Black House. Well written creep shows! I love me a good scare.
On that note, though, what I don't love to see in horror is an over abundance of unnecessary foul language just thrown in for filler. Yeah, you're scared out of your mind and you might curse, but not every other word needs to be Feck. You get the idea. Or even sex. Where does sex come into play in a horror? Well, I'm going to be the next to die, let's screw like bunnies! ... Not.
Okay, I'm done with that rant.

Favorite movies:
By far, today, it has to be How To Train Your Dragon. I loved that movie. Had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Gerard Butler was the voice of Hiccup's dad. *Coughs* Not a thing!
I loved the dragon! I'm a sucker for Elves and Dragons, people. Let's get this out in the open right now. If I could be an Elf, I would be. If I could own a Dragon... damn skippin' I would! But the dragon reminded me so much of our cat Oona, it cracked me up. Oona certainly is not the smartest cat in the litter, but she's very entertaining.

Favorite music:
Hoobastank! No, that isn't a bad word for those of you who have never heard of them. The Reason is one of my absolute favorite songs in the world. See, I don't just have a list of the top ten songs I love. I have a top 100.
I also have to add to this today and include Warrant as a tribute to the death of lead front man, Jani Lane. Sad. Very sad. He was only 7 years older than me. But I had the opportunity to see Warrant in concert with Poison. Good combination. Good concert. RIP, Jani.

Fantasy art:



And the funny:

Hehe! Okay everyone. Have a great weekend and don't forget! Look for my review of Elf Killers and the Giveaway on Monday.